items Archives

AppWizard

July 4, 2026

Sand publisher celebrates 300,000 copies sold: ‘We getting a half hour of air conditioning tonight!’

Sand: Raiders of Sophie, a steampunk-mechs-in-the-desert game, sold 300,000 copies after its early access launch. An update released on July 2 caused connection issues, leading to a rollback of changes. The game ranks among the top 100 most played games. The second update on June 2 faced backlash due to connectivity problems but was quickly addressed. The update included fixes for server availability, enhanced BattlEye functionality, refined character movement, and various balance changes. Known issues include characters getting stuck on ladders and transparency issues in spectator mode.

AppWizard

July 3, 2026

This ChatGPT-powered utility is my favorite new AI joke-writing tool

MagickPen is an AI-powered writing assistant that simplifies content creation with various templates, including a settlement generator, joke creator, habit planner, Dockerfile creator, and email templates. Users can access 10 free credits daily without account creation, but additional features require an account and Advanced credits. MagickPen does not have a dedicated app but can be accessed on Android through Hermit. Neo Browser is an AI-driven Android browser by Norton that focuses on user security and offers a unique browsing experience with a central input field for prompts. It is currently available for free and will receive enhancements soon. Milanote is a versatile AI tool available for macOS and Windows, functioning as a pinboard for planning, creative projects, and project management. Users can easily add elements to a blank canvas after a brief onboarding process, with a free plan allowing for 100 items. Plantrip is a travel planning tool that generates itineraries based on user-inputted destinations, travel dates, and duration. It is effective for simple itineraries but may not accommodate complex travel plans.

AppWizard

July 2, 2026

Windrose might get wind

Windrose features forgiving mechanics where players retain weapons and gear, and can easily replace lost pirate ships. Hunger and thirst are not factors, and the NPC pirate crew is immortal. The game allows for seamless sailing without wind. The studio announced a major update during early access, introducing a new biome called the Ashlands, new islands with unique enemies and resources, new building pieces, decorative options, new pirate ship classes, and improved NPC ship behavior. The studio is considering adding wind mechanics but aims to maintain a fun and simple gameplay experience. Further details on the update's release will be shared with the community.

Winsage

July 2, 2026

3 Old Windows Laptops Still Worth Buying In 2026

In 2026, the laptop purchasing landscape is affected by a price crisis due to AI data center demands, leading to higher costs for RAM, storage, and processors. Buyers are advised to consider laptops manufactured between 2019 and 2024 for compatibility with Windows 11, which requires a minimum of 4GB of RAM, with 8GB being the practical baseline and 16GB recommended for everyday tasks. 1. The Acer Swift X (2022) features an RTX 3050 Ti mobile chip, a Ryzen 5825U processor, and 16GB of LPDDR4X RAM, priced under ,000, and has a 4.4/5 rating on Amazon. 2. The Dell Latitude 7330 (2022) has a 1080p display, an Intel i5-1245U processor, and 16GB of RAM, available for around 0 from third-party sellers, and offers a convertible design. 3. The Acemagic LX15Pro is priced under 0, powered by a 5700U processor, has 16GB of RAM and a 512GB storage drive, and holds a 4.8/5 rating on Best Buy. The laptops were selected based on affordability, compatibility with Windows 11, and availability across multiple retailers.

BetaBeacon

July 1, 2026

Grand Outlaws Launches Globally in Late Summer 2026 — Open Beta Already Live on Android

Hardbit announced that Grand Outlaws — RP Life Online will launch globally on Android and iOS in late summer 2026.

BetaBeacon

July 1, 2026

Tiny Bookshop Coming to iOS and Android on July 9th

- Manage a tiny bookshop by the sea in a cozy narrative management game - Decorate your shop with items collected and interact with customers - Recommend books to customers and befriend quirky characters in the town - Stock books of different genres to attract customers - Explore the town of Bookstonbury-by-the-Sea and discover its history and secrets

AppWizard

June 30, 2026

Minecraft Marketplace Summer Sale cuts prices on 300 in-game items

The Minecraft Marketplace Summer Sale offers discounts of up to 33% on over 300 select items, including add-ons, skins, texture packs, and adventures for Minecraft Bedrock Edition. The sale features items like the Biomes O’ Plenty add-on, which adds over 50 unique biomes, and the RealismCraft add-on, which enhances visuals with new mobs and weather effects. The Naturalist 26.1 add-on introduces realistic animals, while the Eternal End add-on reimagines the End Dimension with new biomes and items. The sale is live in the UK from June 30, 2023, at 6 PM BST until July 28, 2026, at 6 PM BST.

AppWizard

June 30, 2026

Summer Sale 2026

The Minecraft Summer Sale 2026 will start at 10 AM on June 30 and end at 10 AM on July 28. The sale will last for four weeks and feature discounts on popular Marketplace items such as RealismCraft, Huggy & Friends, and Biomes O’ Plenty. The first two weeks will offer additional personal items at discounted prices until July 14. From June 30 to July 14, there will be two Doorbuster deals each day with discounts up to 75% on various add-ons, texture packs, and mini-games, available for 24 hours each.

AppWizard

June 30, 2026

New Vegas director Josh Sawyer says games can and should pull on artistic inspirations from ‘anywhere and everywhere’: ‘Greek plays, they knocked it out of the park thousands of years ago—why not look at them?’

Josh Sawyer, Obsidian's design director, discussed the impact of artistic inspiration on game design, emphasizing how video games evoke emotions and provoke thought through player experiences. In the game Pentiment, the design team aimed for players to confront difficult choices with significant consequences, fostering deep engagement with the narrative. Sawyer noted that while inventory systems in Pillars of Eternity may disrupt immersion, they shift cognitive focus, allowing players to evaluate items. He draws inspiration from various sources, including classical theater, musicals, visual art, and moral dilemmas in Greek plays, highlighting the importance of symbolism and emotional connections in game design.

AppWizard

June 30, 2026

Game Pass Hits The Open Road With RV There Yet? On Xbox And PC

RV There Yet? is a game developed and published by Nuggets Entertainment, available on Xbox Series X|S and PC, and part of Game Pass for Ultimate, PC, and Premium subscribers. The game is priced at £6.69 for those who wish to purchase it outright. Players navigate through challenges in Mabutts Valley while managing the RV and its occupants, emphasizing teamwork and communication. The gameplay involves driving, resource management, and problem-solving in a cooperative setting. The game is now available for download and supports Xbox Play Anywhere.