items Archives

AppWizard

September 28, 2026

Minecraft Live unveils new dimension, Dungeons II release date and a real-world theme park

Mojang Studios hosted its annual Minecraft Live event on September 26, announcing several significant updates and projects. The highlight was the introduction of The Sift, a new dimension set to launch next year for both Java and Bedrock editions, marking the first new dimension in over 14 years. Additionally, Minecraft Dungeons II is scheduled for release on September 29, featuring enhanced character customization and cooperative multiplayer options, allowing players to explore The Sift before its full integration into the main game. Mojang also provided an update on Minecraft World, a UK-based amusement park set to open in 2027 at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, which will include a coaster named Escape the Nether and a themed hotel. The studio announced a new initiative to foster creativity within the community, with ongoing improvements to tools for creators. Upcoming game updates include a new biome called Frozen Caves, the Wilderness Bound community challenge, and new Sound Effects Packs launching on the Minecraft Marketplace before the end of 2026. Minecraft is also set to launch on the Nintendo Switch 2 on October 27, and the Minecraft: Education Edition is celebrating its 10-year anniversary.

BetaBeacon

September 28, 2026

PKForge Is A New Android Pokémon Bank Built For Retro Handhelds & ROM Hacks

Main features of version 3.0 include managing Pokémon by editing various aspects, legalizing Pokémon offline, moving Pokémon between games, storing collections in a Bank, tracking the Pokédex, browsing and injecting events, editing the bag and trainer, using RNG tools, batch editing, breeding and hatching Pokémon, completing the Pokédex, playing with Pokémon in the Poképark, sharing teams, using game-specific editors, keeping saves safe, and supporting dual-screen devices. The software supports various generations of Pokémon games and emulators.

AppWizard

September 27, 2026

After 12 years, Dark Souls 2 is finally playable in co-op without interruptions

Yui, a modder, has released an alpha version of a mod called Dark Souls 2: Seamless Co-op, which allows players to team up with up to five others without interruptions from fog walls. The mod enables a full playthrough from the tutorial to the final boss in one co-op session, with synchronized progression and respawning at the last bonfire after dying. Unique items like "Pharros' Heliograph" and "Petrified Fingers" have been added to maintain some of the game's traditional challenge. Yui is actively supporting the mod and addressing performance issues, particularly for players using Intel processors.

Tech Optimizer

September 25, 2026

Norton 360 for Gamers vs Bitdefender vs Malwarebytes [2026]

Norton, Bitdefender, and Malwarebytes have adjusted their antivirus products to mitigate the negative effects on gaming performance. In June 2026, Norton 360 and Bitdefender Total Security both received a perfect AV-TEST score of 18 out of 18, while Malwarebytes achieved a 100% real-world protection rate in AV-Comparatives testing, though it had more false positives. Bitdefender Total Security is recommended for gamers due to its low frame-rate impact of 0-2%, while Norton 360 offers features for streamers and competitive players, and Malwarebytes serves as a lightweight secondary scanner. The value of gaming accounts has increased, making them targets for cybercriminals, with malware campaigns like Vidar 2.0 accounting for 41% of gaming-related malware detections. New malware families such as Katz and Bee specifically target Discord and gaming platforms. In terms of performance, Norton showed a 2-3% FPS decrease in Cyberpunk 2077, while Bitdefender's impact was only 0-2%, and Malwarebytes had less than 1% impact. Norton and Bitdefender are tied in detection capabilities, both scoring 18/18 in AV-TEST, while Malwarebytes had a 92.4% offline detection rate and 98.3% online. Norton includes a no-log VPN and gamer-tag monitoring, while Bitdefender offers identity protection without specific gamer-tag monitoring. Malwarebytes lacks a VPN and password manager. Pricing varies, with Norton starting at .99 for three devices, Bitdefender at .99 for one device, and Malwarebytes at .99 for one device. To switch antivirus solutions, users should back up their license keys, use removal tools, and ensure game-aware modes are active. Each product has unique strengths: Norton excels in gamer-tag monitoring, Bitdefender minimizes CPU usage, and Malwarebytes is lightweight but lacks additional features.

Winsage

September 23, 2026

I just spent a day with Stardock’s Snipboard, a promising replacement for the Windows 11 clipboard

Stardock has introduced Snipboard, a clipboard dock application for Windows 11 users that can be pinned to any edge of the screen. It allows users to search clipboard history, pin frequently accessed content, and copy and paste items across multiple PCs. Snipboard is currently part of the Object Desktop suite, which starts at .99 for an annual subscription, and will be available for separate purchase after its beta phase. Compared to Edge Drop, another clipboard management tool, Snipboard offers a more robust experience, although Edge Drop has superior drag-and-drop functionality.

AppWizard

September 22, 2026

Google Messages is preparing its biggest search overhaul yet

Google Messages is testing a redesign of its search functionality to improve user experience. The search bar will move to the bottom of the home screen, featuring a dynamic visual overview of shared content, including preview rows for images, videos, links, and places. Users will be able to search within specific conversations from the main search page without opening each chat. The search results will display all matching messages on a dedicated results page instead of grouping them by conversation. Links and places will have larger, visually appealing cards, although timestamps and sender names will not be visible. A new media viewer will allow users to swipe through images and videos, enhancing the overall experience.

Winsage

September 21, 2026

7 Windows features I disabled after realizing nobody needs to use them

Windows 11 allows users to optimize their experience by disabling or uninstalling various features. 1. OneDrive: Users can unlink or uninstall OneDrive through File Explorer or the Settings app. 2. Copilot: Copilot can be uninstalled via the Settings app, and its keyboard shortcut can be customized. 3. Widgets: The Widgets board can be disabled or removed through the Settings app under Personalization. 4. Start Menu: Users can streamline the Start Menu by turning off pinned apps, recent items, and account notifications in the Settings app. 5. Phone Link: This feature can be minimized or uninstalled using the Settings app or Windows PowerShell. 6. Xbox Features: Xbox and Xbox Live can be uninstalled through the Settings app, and Game Mode can be toggled off. The Xbox Game Bar can be removed via PowerShell. 7. Search Results: To improve search efficiency, users can disable Bing and web results using Windows PowerShell.

AppWizard

September 20, 2026

I urge you to check out this hidden object game where you play as the world’s most helpful sniper

Sniper Dan is a game developed by Denki that combines hidden-object puzzles with first-person shooting mechanics. Players identify problems and resolve them with shots, engaging in quirky tasks like clearing leaves or planting seeds. The game features amusing animations and rewards players with coins for upgrades and cosmetic items. It is currently priced at £8.79, available until October 1.

BetaBeacon

September 20, 2026

Wholesome shopkeeping game Trash Goblin out now on iOS and Android!

Spilt Milk Studios has launched a mobile port of their game Trash Goblin on iOS and Android platforms for .99, with a discount available for those who try the trial version first.

AppWizard

September 19, 2026

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess PC Update 2.0 Released

The Dusklight team has released Patch 2.0.0 for their unofficial PC port of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, introducing several new features: - A built-in mod browser for easy mod management. - Randomizer options for shuffling items and dungeon elements. - A cosmetics mod for customizing character appearances and HUD colors. - Expanded mod capabilities for creators, including new actors and game modes. - Support for Japanese GameCube discs and a wider range of Wii discs. - A new Save Manager for importing, exporting, and backing up saves. - Performance improvements for smoother gameplay and faster transitions. - Audio upgrades supporting surround sound and improved audio settings. Players can download the update from the official site, where a trailer is available. The gaming community has also produced various unofficial PC ports of classic titles, including Super Mario 64 and Donkey Kong Country. Recent additions to unofficial ports include games like Gears of War 2, Diddy Kong Racing, and more.