issue Archives

AppWizard

May 7, 2026

May’s big Rust update adds new, rare workbench upgrades, if you can find them

The latest update for Rust, titled "Upgrade Hard, Raid Harder," introduces mortars to combat rooftop camping and features nine rare workbench upgrades that enhance gameplay. Players can apply these upgrades from the workbench inventory, and they are not mutually exclusive. Mortars function similarly to cannons and require players to gauge distance and angle without a visual guide, with two types of shells available. Tin can alarms have been improved to accommodate various warning signals, and the vending machine interface has been redesigned for easier use. Loot distribution in the Deep Sea area has been adjusted, and drag has increased for boats with flat bows. Third-person grenade-throwing animations have been refined, and the computer station now requires power. New achievements related to the Naval update and Deep Sea zone have been added, and a Discord shop has been launched, offering a 20% discount on DLC. Facepunch is upgrading to Unity 6, which will discontinue support for Windows 8 and require server hosts to upgrade to Windows Server 2019.

Winsage

May 7, 2026

My Windows 11 backup broke after KB5083769 — Microsoft says this simple fix might save your files

The Windows 11 security update KB5083769, released on April 14, 2026, introduces changes to the psmounterex.sys driver, causing compatibility issues with third-party backup solutions such as Macrium Reflect, Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud, UrBackup Server, and NinjaOne Backup. Microsoft states this is a necessary security adjustment, not a bug. The update also adds known vulnerable kernel drivers to a blocklist to enhance system security. Users can check if a driver is blocked by using the Event Viewer and looking for Event ID 3077 associated with a specific Policy ID.

AppWizard

May 7, 2026

Valorant’s Neon is going to Riot jail due to a bug, and she’s coming back next patch a changed agent

Riot Games is addressing issues with the character Neon in Valorant, particularly her Fast Lane ability, which has a game-breaking graphics exploit affecting PC players. Neon has been temporarily removed from play, and adjustments to her kit are planned for her reintroduction on May 8. The current meta favors aggressive Duelists, with Neon remaining popular despite not being the top choice in ranked matches. Her gameplay style combines aggression and strategy, but concerns about balance and her high slide accuracy have been raised. Potential adjustments may include increasing the time it takes for her to ready her weapon after using High Gear to encourage more strategic play.

AppWizard

May 6, 2026

Pyre Lookout is a Disco Elysium-esque tale of bureaucratic incompetence, red tape, and frogs

Players navigate the whimsical yet frustrating world of Pyre Lookout, a flash game developed by Outstar and titos2k, where they assume the role of Gerard Path, the Senior Signaling Specialist at the Pyre Lookout Unit. The game features quirky characters like Scott, the HR-driven manager; Jayda, the apathetic youth; and Phylis, a seasoned survivor of corporate turbulence. When Gerard detects a smoky scent, he alerts Scott, but the response is filled with corporate jargon, highlighting the absurdity of bureaucracy. Gerard's attempts to radio HQ reveal that their tower is on fire, yet he must fill out Form C before help can be dispatched. The gameplay includes mechanics similar to ZA/UM's RPGs, using dice rolls for interactions, and serves as a satirical commentary on bureaucracy. Developed in three days for Ludum Dare's game jam, Pyre Lookout offers humor and intrigue while critiquing modern work life. The game features whimsical elements, including bonding with a frog, and showcases the creative talent of Martyna 'Outstar' Zych, known for her work on titles like Vampire: The Masquerade.

AppWizard

May 6, 2026

Google Home’s latest update fixes the worst part of smart cameras

Google is set to unveil a comprehensive update to the Google Home app in Spring 2026, featuring a complete overhaul focused on speed, performance, and a more intuitive interface. The update includes faster performance, smoother scrolling, and a modernized camera experience. AI integration will allow cameras to collaborate for clearer narratives, with features for swiping between views, resizing the video player, and skipping clips using 10-second jump buttons. Gemini 3.1 will enhance the voice assistant, enabling users to execute complex, multi-step commands in a single request. The app will also feature a revamped event details page, improved frame rates, and reduced lag, with Google Home Premium users receiving Gemini-generated event summaries. The camera settings menu will be simplified, consolidating all "seen" and "heard" events onto a single page. Additional home automation features will allow users to manage kitchen appliances, control robot vacuums, check smart lock statuses, and monitor battery levels. The "Ask Home on Web" feature will enter Public Preview, enabling users to search camera history, check device statuses, and set up automations from their desktops.

AppWizard

May 6, 2026

Gmail app bug locks some Microsoft 365 and Exchange Online users out on Android, Outlook still works

Android users are experiencing authentication issues with the Gmail app when trying to access Microsoft 365 or Exchange Online accounts, preventing access to work emails on mobile devices. This issue affects users across various devices, including Pixel, Samsung, Sony, OnePlus, Xiaomi, and Motorola, with reports from over 500 end users across 50 companies. The error message displayed is: “Check your account info or switch to modern authentication below. If you need help, contact your IT admin.” Attempts to delete and re-add accounts often worsen the situation. The problem may be linked to Microsoft enforcing Exchange ActiveSync (EAS) protocols, specifically a change implemented on March 1, 2026, requiring EAS version 16.1, which Gmail cannot meet. Outlook remains unaffected due to its use of a different sync protocol. Users have attempted various temporary solutions, such as clearing app cache and wiping app data, but these have proven unreliable. The most stable workaround currently recommended is to switch to the Outlook app for Android. Neither Google nor Microsoft has publicly addressed the authentication issues.

Tech Optimizer

May 6, 2026

How Aurora Blue-Green Upgrades Cut Our Postgres Downtime by 50X

Paxos has implemented Blue-Green upgrades to improve database maintenance for asset trading, achieving a 50-fold reduction in downtime from 30-120 minutes to approximately one minute. This upgrade strategy allows for real-time synchronization between a blue cluster handling production traffic and a new green cluster with the updated version. Challenges included issues with CREATE ROLE statements disrupting upgrades due to temporary roles and the necessity to drop replication slots before PostgreSQL 17, which could lead to data loss. Additionally, upon the green cluster becoming primary, it acquires a new cluster ID, requiring updates for clients using RDS IAM authentication. The transition to PostgreSQL 17 is anticipated to resolve the need to drop logical replication slots, preserving Change Data Capture (CDC) continuity.

AppWizard

May 6, 2026

Minecraft Expands Experiences Ahead of Licensing Expo

Minecraft has over 200 global partners across various sectors, including apparel, food, collectibles, and creative play, as it approaches Licensing Expo 2026. Recent collaborations include an apparel line with Cool Shirtz, a partnership with Adidas, and a global fashion collection with OppoSuits. New product categories include Actimel products in Europe, Sticki Rolls, STEM-focused activity kits from Horizon Group USA, and a plush collaboration with Ty. The brand is expanding into location-based entertainment with the upcoming Minecraft Experience: Moonlight Trail and a themed land, Minecraft World, set to open at Chessington World of Adventures in 2027. A sequel to A Minecraft Movie is in development with Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures, along with a new animated series for Netflix. Minecraft will be present at Licensing Expo at booth No. J98-J103.

Winsage

May 6, 2026

Microsoft enables Hotpatching by default: Windows updates without restarts become a reality

Beginning in May 2026, Microsoft will introduce Hotpatching as a default feature for compatible systems, allowing security updates to be applied without requiring a restart. Hotpatching updates code directly in the memory of running processes, enabling selective updates without interrupting the entire system. It does not replace monthly security updates but alters their activation process on eligible systems, categorized as security updates within the monthly B releases. Eligible systems must be running Windows 11 version 24H2 or newer and possess suitable licenses such as Enterprise, Education, Microsoft 365, or Windows 365. Management of these updates will be facilitated through Windows Autopatch or Microsoft Intune. Microsoft will continue to utilize baseline updates that require a restart, which will alternate with Hotpatch months. Hotpatching aims to reduce the frequency of restarts tied to security updates, particularly benefiting environments where uptime is critical. However, planned restarts will still be necessary, and robust telemetry and maintenance practices will be needed to ensure smooth operation.

AppWizard

May 6, 2026

MOTORSLICE (PC) Review

MOTORSLICE is an action-adventure game developed by Regular Studio that combines hack-and-slash mechanics with parkour elements. The game features a ten-hour storyline where players control P, a Slicer, accompanied by a drone named Orbie. P's mission is to infiltrate "the Megastructure" and dismantle its machines. The game is noted for its intricately designed world, low-poly graphics, and unique parkour mechanics, including the Motorslice feature that allows P to traverse walls using a chainsaw. Players face various challenges and boss battles, though some encounters may feel limited. The game includes collectibles in the form of drones but lacks deeper lore integration. It has some bugs that can disrupt gameplay. Overall, MOTORSLICE is recommended for those who enjoy challenging parkour experiences.