investigation Archives

Winsage

July 20, 2025

Microsoft says it’s committed to Windows 11 performance upgrade, needs feedback

Microsoft is encouraging feedback from users in the Windows Insider Program regarding performance issues, particularly under the Desktop Environment > System Sluggishness category. Windows 11 requires more resources than Windows 10, impacting users with older hardware. Microsoft is collecting logs from Insider Program participants to address performance concerns, specifically when a PC shows sluggish behavior. These logs are stored in the %systemRoot% > Temp > DiagOutputDir > Whesvc folder and are sent to Microsoft only if users submit feedback through the Feedback Hub. The upcoming Windows 11 25H2 update is expected to focus on bug fixes to improve performance, including faster load times for File Explorer's home tab. Additionally, the update is experimenting with a feature that throttles CPU usage when the user is away from the PC, potentially reducing power consumption and extending battery life, though there are concerns about its impact on background tasks.

BetaBeacon

July 19, 2025

Top 5 iPhone and Android apps & games you need to try this week – Subnautica, Oceanhorn, and More!

Subnautica is a paid game that costs .99.

AppWizard

July 18, 2025

Persona 4 Revival game page opens for PC via Steam and PS5 via PlayStation Store

Atlus has launched dedicated game pages for Persona 4 Revival, now available on PC via Steam and PlayStation 5 through the PlayStation Store. The game was originally announced during the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 and is also listed on the Microsoft Store for PC and Xbox Series X|S. The PC version will feature Denuvo Anti-tamper DRM upon launch, though specific PC specifications are not disclosed. To celebrate the release, Atlus is hosting a Persona Franchise Sale on Steam until July 24, offering discounts on various games. Persona 4 Revival is set in the rural Japanese town of Inaba, where players investigate a series of murders while experiencing a journey of self-discovery and encounters with the occult. Key gameplay elements include attending classes, engaging in club activities, and battling "Shadows" in turn-based combat. The game features revamped graphics and allows players to form Social Links with town locals to enhance their journey.

AppWizard

July 17, 2025

Fitbit suffered a major app services outage, but stability is returning

Fitbit users reported significant issues with data synchronization and login capabilities starting around 7 AM EST. The company acknowledged a "major outage" affecting its mobile app and web API. By 10:48 AM EST, Fitbit announced that services had returned to normal after approximately three and a half hours of disruption. However, some users continued to experience intermittent issues even after the outage was resolved.

BetaBeacon

July 17, 2025

Forget copyright strikes, a retro gaming YouTuber faces jail time for reviewing gaming handhelds

Italian YouTuber Once Were Nerd is facing legal trouble in Italy for promoting pirated copyrighted materials, specifically related to ANBERNIC devices. Officials seized more than 30 gaming consoles from his collection and may shut down his channel before the case goes to trial. The charges are related to the reproduction of copyrighted material from Nintendo and Sony, and could result in a maximum punishment of €15,000 and three years of jail time. The case sets a dangerous precedent for other gaming-focused creators in countries with outdated copyright laws.

BetaBeacon

July 16, 2025

YouTuber faces jail time for showing off Android-based gaming handhelds

Italian YouTuber Once Were Nerd is facing legal issues for showcasing handheld gaming devices with pre-loaded copyrighted game ROMs, leading to potential criminal charges and the risk of his channel being shut down.

AppWizard

July 10, 2025

Call of Duty: WWII pulled from PC Game Pass after hackers hijack players’ PCs

Activision has removed Call of Duty: WWII from the Microsoft Store and PC Game Pass due to reports of player hacks linked to a critical security vulnerability that allowed hackers to gain remote access to players' computers. This issue arose shortly after the game's introduction to Microsoft’s Game Pass in late June 2025, with players experiencing computer freezes, unexpected command prompts, shutdowns, and direct messages from hackers. The vulnerability, known as Remote Code Execution (RCE), was present in the outdated version on the Microsoft Store, while the Steam version had been patched. Activision has not provided details on the removal or a timeline for the game's return, and players are advised against downloading it from any platform until security concerns are addressed.

Tech Optimizer

July 8, 2025

Nearly 2 million people hit by malicious Chrome installations that can track you — what to do now

Nearly a dozen malicious extensions in Google’s Chrome Web Store have collectively received 1.7 million downloads. These extensions can track browser activity, redirect users to harmful websites, and include various types such as VPNs and weather tools. Koi Security reported these extensions to Google, resulting in the removal of some, but others remain available. Users are advised to monitor their online activities and utilize antivirus software for protection.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Call of Duty takes PC game offline after multiple reports of RCE attacks on players

Call of Duty has temporarily taken its PC games offline due to reports of remote code execution (RCE) attacks that have compromised players' computers. The developers are investigating the issue. Players have shared videos of their systems being hacked during gameplay, with incidents including game freezes and unauthorized command executions. The vulnerability is linked to the shift from dedicated servers to peer-to-peer networking, which has made older games more susceptible to attacks. MalwareBytes has noted that this issue has become well-known in the community, leading many to avoid these titles. Previous vulnerabilities allowing RCE through the Steam platform were identified six years ago. The official Call of Duty X account has not provided updates on the investigation or the status of the games.

BetaBeacon

July 7, 2025

5 Best Android Games to Play in 2025

The text describes five Android games that offer versatile worlds, actions, adventures, and murder mysteries. Some of the games mentioned are Monster Train, Trinity Trigger, Chronomon, Jenny LeClue, and Pandoland.