jewelry Archives

AppWizard

July 31, 2026

Blizzard is keeping secrets about Diablo 4’s next season until BlizzCon, but you can still try some of it out next week

Blizzard will reveal detailed patch notes for Diablo 4's upcoming season 15 at BlizzCon in September, marking a departure from their usual practice of providing advance details. The season will introduce new seasonal items, returning favorites, and adjustments to the Mythic Unique item system. New features include "Challenge Dungeons," which are boss encounters with customizable difficulty in the open world, and "Overland Ambushes," where players must react quickly to being hunted by a demon. Players can expect new items called "Soul Splinters" that enhance jewelry with damage buffs, and revamped Unique items from previous games, such as Leoric's Crown. The season will also see the return of the "Rebirth" system from Diablo 3 and changes to the Mythic Uniques, including the introduction of weaker, Unique versions of Iconic Mythics. A public test realm (PTR) for these features will be available from August 4 to August 11.

Winsage

July 10, 2026

A hacker’s arrest just revealed how Microsoft can track your Windows device

A teenager named Peter Stokes is facing federal charges in Chicago for allegedly hacking a U.S. jewelry retailer while using a VPN to conceal his online activities. Microsoft provided the FBI with data linked to a tracking mechanism called the Global Device Identifier (GDID), which is a unique number assigned to every Windows installation that persists through updates. This identifier allowed authorities to connect Stokes' computer to specific websites, despite his VPN usage. Stokes was arrested in Helsinki in April 2026 while trying to board a flight to Japan, carrying two two-terabyte hard drives. The GDID enabled Microsoft to track Stokes' activities on third-party services, raising concerns about privacy and data tracking.

Winsage

July 10, 2026

You can’t fully disable Microsoft’s GDID Windows 11 tracker, but these settings limit what it captures

A 19-year-old named Peter Stokes was detained at Helsinki airport in April 2026 while traveling to Japan, carrying two 2TB hard drives. He was subject to an Interpol Red Notice and faced a federal complaint from U.S. prosecutors by July for his alleged involvement in the Scattered Spider hacking group, which breached a U.S. luxury jewelry retailer in May 2025, leading to a ransom demand. The Global Device Identifier (GDID), developed by Microsoft, is a persistent identifier that uniquely identifies a Windows installation on a device. It links online activities back to a single identity, which law enforcement can use to trace a device's owner. The GDID is generated when a user signs into Windows with a Microsoft Account and remains through updates but does not survive a clean reinstall. Stokes' use of the same Windows device allowed investigators to trace his activities through the GDID, which linked him to the hacking incident. Privacy advocates have raised concerns about the lack of consent for GDID assignment and the potential for surveillance.

Winsage

July 7, 2026

Microsoft Windows telemetry identified hacker despite VPN use

Microsoft's telemetry capabilities helped identify Peter Stokes, a 19-year-old suspected member of the Scattered Spider hacking group, despite his use of a VPN. The investigation revealed a significant cybersecurity breach in May 2025 at a luxury jewelry retailer, leading to the theft of approximately 77 GB of sensitive data and a ransom demand. Investigators linked Stokes to the breach through a Global Device Identifier (GDID) associated with a Windows device that created an ngrok account used in the attack. This device accessed various online platforms and shared IP addresses with Stokes' accounts on Apple, Snapchat, and Facebook, corroborated by travel records and social media posts. The evidence included server logs from Scattered Spider's infrastructure and records from ngrok and other providers.

AppWizard

May 19, 2026

I’m not sure who the PUBG x Payday collab is for, or why it exists

Developers of PUBG are introducing a map selection feature despite concerns that it could lead to longer wait times and more bot players. They believe this will enhance the game experience. PUBG has also collaborated with the game Payday, introducing a new game mode with monetary incentives for players. The gameplay in this mode has been described as unremarkable and feels more like a marketing strategy than a genuine enhancement. The developers expressed concerns about dividing the matchmaking pool and affecting overall quality in a letter regarding the new feature. The Payday heist mode incentivizes participation through in-game rewards but lacks the tension that has contributed to PUBG's longevity. Additionally, a 0,000 prize pool for streamers based on viewer numbers aims to draw attention to the new mode but feels inorganic. There seems to be a conflict within the development team between preserving player experience and diversifying the game, which could risk alienating the player base.

AppWizard

May 8, 2026

Path of Exile 2’s ‘biggest expansion ever’ reworks its entire post-campaign grind for new and returning players alike

Path of Exile 2 is undergoing a significant overhaul to enhance the endgame experience, which will be showcased in the upcoming expansion titled Return of the Ancients, launching on May 29. The expansion introduces the Genesis Tree for crafting unique jewelry, new challenges like the Delirium mirror, and massive fortifications with unique modifiers that reward players. Players can auto-complete sections by defeating a new pinnacle boss. The rework includes mini-goals to improve exploration across the Atlas. This expansion is the final major update before the game reaches version 1.0 later this year, with all character classes and remaining campaign acts included. A new league mechanic allows crafting of runes and gear modifications. The update represents the most substantial change since the game's early access launch.

AppWizard

December 8, 2025

Cool Shirtz had one goal and one goal only when it came to creating the Minecraft collaboration: To design clothes people can wear ‘not just to represent the game, but to become it’

The Very Cool x Minecraft collaboration saw its collection nearly sell out, with fewer than ten pieces remaining on the website. Scott Guthrie, founder and creative director of Cool Shirtz, expressed his admiration for Minecraft as a key motivation for the collaboration. Notable pieces include the Axolotl Ushanka and the Enderman hoodie, which holds special significance for Guthrie. The collection also features the Monsters Nearby knit and a Skeleton pendant. Due to the success of this collaboration, Guthrie indicated that there are plans for future projects, with a restock scheduled for early 2026 and additional items in development. The collaboration was noted for its natural integration of Minecraft’s colorful style with Cool Shirtz's design ethos.

AppWizard

December 2, 2025

Fortnite Chapter 7 launches with apparent “AI slop,” days after Epic CEO Tim Sweeney suggested Steam should bin AI disclosures

Fortnite Chapter 7 debuted with themes including references to The Simpsons, Quentin Tarantino, and Marty McFly. Concerns have arisen about the potential use of generative AI in the game's advertising content, although Epic Games has not confirmed this. CEO Tim Sweeney suggested that AI will play a significant role in future production, prompting debate in the gaming community. Players have noted peculiarities in the new chapter, such as an advertisement with an "AI smudge look" and inconsistencies in a creature's anatomy, which they believe indicate AI influence. A Marty McFly spray initially thought to be AI-generated was confirmed to be hand-drawn. The lack of clarity from Epic has led to backlash and discussions about supporting genuine artists. The conversation around generative AI in gaming has increased, with concerns that monetizing AI-generated content could lead to player dissatisfaction.

AppWizard

September 25, 2025

Minecraft Shares Latest Licensing Projects Ahead of Brand Licensing Europe

Minecraft is expanding its brand through various licensing ventures, including collaborations with Adidas for footwear and apparel, Swarovski for crystal figures, and KontrolFreek for gaming accessories. Recent product launches include hair and oral care products in Brazil, fruit snacks in Australia and New Zealand, dairy and plant-based puddings in Europe, Minecraft-themed ice cream bars from Wall’s, and formalwear from Opposuits. A new line of frozen pizzas in collaboration with Freiberger is set to launch in Europe this fall. Brand Licensing Europe will take place from October 7-9 at the Excel London exhibition center.

AppWizard

July 19, 2025

Swarovski has launched a collection of very exclusive Minecraft figurines

Swarovski has collaborated with Minecraft to launch a collection featuring four iconic figures: Alex, Steve, The Pig, and The Creeper, each with a crystal skin. The figures are available for pre-order at a price range of 0 to 0, allowing fans to purchase the entire set or individual characters.