launch Archives

AppWizard

July 31, 2026

Russian Mobile Carriers Waive Data Fees for State-Backed Max Messenger

Major mobile carriers in Russia, including MTS, MegaFon, Beeline, and T2, have agreed to zero-rate data usage for the domestic Max messenger, effective August 1. This initiative aims to promote the state-approved platform and discourage the use of foreign messaging apps. Subscribers will have free access to voice calls, messaging, file transfers, and other services within the Max app. Since its launch in spring 2025, Max has been integrated into state digital services and mandated to be pre-installed on all smartphones sold in Russia, resulting in nearly 70 million daily active users. This announcement follows EU sanctions against VK, the app's developer, due to allegations of its connections with the Russian FSB and surveillance capabilities, leading to the removal of VK and Max from Apple and Google app stores.

Winsage

July 31, 2026

The man behind Windows’ Task Manager says Apple’s Activity Monitor “blows”, so he’s releasing his own

Dave Plummer is developing a macOS Task Manager app, planning to release it on the App Store with a free beta. He may also publish it as a git repository if he loses interest. Plummer is dissatisfied with the existing Activity Monitor and aims to create a more powerful tool. He has not provided a specific timeline for the app's release.

Winsage

July 31, 2026

Windows NT 4.0 brought the Win95 UI to servers 30 years ago today — milestone unifying modern Windows OS hi…

On July 31, 1996, Microsoft unveiled Windows NT 4.0 to its manufacturing partners. This release, codenamed Cairo, integrated the Windows 95 interface into a 32-bit enterprise OS and was the last version to support Alpha, MIPS, or PowerPC CPU architectures. The first public release of the NT line was Windows NT Server 3.1 in 1993, followed by versions 3.5 and 3.51 in 1994 and 1995, respectively. Windows NT 4.0 introduced features like My Computer and My Documents, as well as advanced components such as the cryptography API, DCOM, TAPI 2.0, and DirectX (v2). It had low minimum system requirements, recommending a CPU of 33 MHz or better, 32MB of RAM, SVGA graphics, and a 256 MB hard disk. NT 4.0 served as the foundation for Windows XP, which was released in 2001.

Winsage

July 31, 2026

Windows NT 4.0 brought the Win95 UI to servers 30 years ago today — milestone unifying modern Windows OS hit RTM in the Pentium era

On July 31, 1996, Microsoft released Windows NT 4.0, codenamed Cairo, which integrated the Windows 95 interface into a 32-bit enterprise operating system. It was the last version to support multiple CPU architectures, including Alpha, MIPS, and PowerPC. Windows NT 4.0 included features such as the Start Menu, Taskbar, Task Manager, and support for advanced functionalities like the cryptography API and DirectX (v2). The minimum hardware requirements were a CPU of 33 MHz or better, 32MB of RAM, SVGA graphics, and a 256 MB hard disk. Following its launch, Microsoft introduced versions for embedded systems and a Terminal Server edition. The release of Windows XP in 2001 marked a shift away from DOS-based consumer operating systems.

AppWizard

July 31, 2026

Minecraft Experience surpasses 1m visitors

The Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue launched its first outdoor nighttime experience, Moonlight Trail, in Argentina on May 15 at the Ciudad Universitaria Sports Grounds in Buenos Aires. Since its inception in 2024, the Minecraft Experience has attracted over 1 million visitors worldwide. The Moonlight Trail invites participants to explore eight interactive Minecraft-inspired biomes, face formidable mobs, and restore an ancient beacon. The experience was developed in collaboration with Mojang Studios and Supply & Demand, featuring new environmental effects and gameplay mechanics for a nighttime setting. Minecraft is the best-selling video game of all time, with over 400 million copies sold globally. Further details about the experience can be found at www.minecraftexperience.com and on social media.

AppWizard

July 31, 2026

Thimbleweed Park 2 is ‘not really a sequel, not really a prequel,’ but it is finally happening

Thimbleweed Park, released in 2017, is a point-and-click adventure game created by Ron Gilbert and Gary Winnick, receiving an 84% review score. A sequel, Thimbleweed Park 2, is in early development with a projected release in early 2028, featuring the original team and will be available on Windows, Mac, and Linux through Steam and GOG. Ron Gilbert previously expressed a declining interest in 2D adventure games but has since been inspired by recent successes in the genre. Gilbert's 2022 release, Return to Monkey Island, received a 92% review score. He plans to create a development blog for Thimbleweed Park 2, and fans can wishlist the game on Steam.

AppWizard

July 31, 2026

Bethesda Has a New Logo to Celebrate Its 40th Anniversary — and It Harkens Back to the Studio’s Old Terminator

Bethesda has introduced a new logo to celebrate its 40th anniversary, reflecting on its history and hinting at future projects. The studio has a legacy that includes significant titles such as The Elder Scrolls: Arena (1994) and The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall (1996), as well as several games in The Terminator franchise, including The Terminator: Future Shock (1995) and Skynet (1996). The Elder Scrolls 6 is projected for release in 2028, and Bethesda is also working on Fallout 5, remasters of Fallout 3 and New Vegas, an upcoming Fallout title from Obsidian, additional DLC for Starfield, and ongoing enhancements for Fallout 76. The new logo does not indicate a revival of The Terminator games.

AppWizard

July 31, 2026

Line Games to Globally Publish PC Game ‘A.S.S.’… Targeting Early Access This Year

Line Games has partnered with indie studio TWOMENGAMES to publish the upcoming PC game Amazing Slot Survivor (A.S.S.). This marks the debut title for TWOMENGAMES, co-founded by Hwang Gyu-min and Lee Geon-soo, both with over 20 years of gaming industry experience. Amazing Slot Survivor is a roguelike survival game where players battle waves of monsters called 'Spawners' while upgrading weapons. It features a unique growth path, weapon crafting, support antennas, and a 'strategic reversal system' that allows character enhancements and revivals. The game will be available on Steam, the Epic Games Store, and STOVE, with an Early Access release planned for this year.

BetaBeacon

July 31, 2026

Musou Classic in Your Pocket: Dynasty Warriors: Overlords Unexpectedly Released on iOS and Android

NEOCRAFT LIMITED surprised fans by releasing Dynasty Warriors: Overlords mobile game earlier than expected. The game, licensed by Koei Tecmo, was initially set to launch on July 1 but launched servers on July 30. It features classic musou gameplay, story campaigns, cooperative raids, and boss battles. Players can download the game for free on iOS and Android devices.

AppWizard

July 30, 2026

Gears of War: E-Day devs are embracing ‘old-school’ multiplayer in 2026: ‘No battle pass, no tour of duty, no gimmicks, no bullsh*t’

The multiplayer aspect of Gears of War: E-Day features two modes: Horde Siege (PvE) and Versus (PvP), with gameplay reminiscent of 2007. Players can earn nearly all items through gameplay, without the need for battle passes. The game will launch with 60 unlockable characters and will offer free maps, modes, and cosmetics over five seasons. Cosmetics will focus on authenticity and creativity, staying true to the Gears universe. Players can earn a free currency, Coins, through gameplay, with a weekly cap, while a premium currency, Iron, allows for bypassing the grind for cosmetics.