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BetaBeacon

July 20, 2026

How Canadian Gaming Fans Use Android Apps During NHL & CFL

Android apps have become essential for sports fans as they provide real-time stats, instant score alerts, key match notifications, and personalized updates for favorite teams or players. These apps combine multiple features in one place, making it easier for fans to follow games, access player statistics, watch highlights, and stay connected with the sports world.

Winsage

July 20, 2026

Enable BitLocker on Windows 11: 11 Steps, 45 Min [2026]

A stolen laptop can lead to a significant data breach, particularly when taken from public places. Windows 11 has introduced BitLocker, a full-disk encryption feature that became mandatory for Australian businesses in 2026. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner reported 766 notifiable data breaches in the latter half of 2024, with unauthorized access to devices being a major cause. Full-disk encryption is crucial for compliance with the Essential Eight framework, which mandates data protection on portable devices. BitLocker ensures that data on an encrypted drive becomes unreadable if the drive is removed and connected to another computer. It aligns with the Essential Eight framework, requiring evidence of encryption rather than just claims of protection. There are three types of encryption on Windows 11: Device Encryption, BitLocker Drive Encryption, and File-Level Encryption. BitLocker is available only on Windows 11 Pro and higher editions. To use BitLocker, certain prerequisites must be met, including having Windows 11 Pro or higher, a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot enabled, and local administrator rights. The process to enable BitLocker involves confirming the edition, checking TPM status, enabling BitLocker through Windows Settings or PowerShell, and backing up the recovery key. Organizations can deploy BitLocker fleet-wide using Microsoft Intune, and additional security measures like TPM+PIN can be implemented for pre-boot authentication. Common pitfalls during BitLocker rollout include skipping recovery key backup and assuming that Home edition machines are covered. Troubleshooting common BitLocker issues involves identifying symptoms and applying appropriate fixes. Advanced tips for enhancing security include suspending BitLocker before maintenance and auditing compliance at the fleet level. BitLocker is integral to protecting data on portable devices, and compliance documentation is essential for proving that every device has an active recovery key.

Winsage

July 20, 2026

July 2026 Patch Tuesday: KB5101650 Windows 11 Update

On July 14, 2026, Microsoft released cumulative update KB5101650 for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, addressing OS Builds 26200.8875 and 26100.8875. This update includes essential security fixes, updates to Secure Boot certificates, and enhanced Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) defenses against phishing attacks. It consolidates July 2026's security content, addressing known vulnerabilities and introducing functional improvements. The update is critical for minimizing exposure to identified threats and is prioritized for systems managing remote access or nearing certificate expiration. The update enhances Remote Desktop security by supporting SHA-2 certificate thumbprints while retaining SHA-1 for legacy compatibility. It includes new Group Policy options to mitigate phishing risks associated with malicious .rdp files. The curl upgrade to version 8.21.0 incorporates security patches for command-line tools in Windows environments. Secure Boot certificates are automatically updated through Windows updates, ensuring boot security across various hardware. KB5101650 installs primarily through the Windows Update interface, requiring a restart to activate changes. Enterprise environments can use the Microsoft Update Catalog for manual distribution. A temporary restriction affects certain Dell devices with Intel Innovation Platform Framework drivers, which Microsoft plans to address in a future update. The cumulative update resolves a total of 622 Microsoft CVEs, including 416 affecting Windows components. Users are advised to verify and install the update promptly to secure the full suite of improvements.

Winsage

July 19, 2026

How to install apps on your Windows 11 PC with Windows Package Manager (winget)

Windows 11 users can download applications using the Windows Package Manager (winget) via the command line, bypassing traditional web browser navigation. Winget is integrated into Windows 11, modern Windows 10, and Windows Server 2025, simplifying application management. To use winget, users can open the Command Prompt, check for installation with "winget --version," search for applications with "winget search [app name]," and install them using "winget install [app name]." Users can also specify installation directories and utilize commands to list installed applications, show details about specific apps, and uninstall applications.

TrendTechie

July 18, 2026

Что такое троттлинг и как понять, что провайдер намеренно замедляет ваш трафик

Throttling is the intentional limitation of speed for specific types of traffic, services, protocols, devices, or users. It can occur due to various reasons, such as exceeding data caps, prioritization of certain services, load management during peak hours, or technical policies in networks. Users may experience speed drops that are selective to specific traffic types, indicating potential throttling, while universal slowdowns suggest network overload or outages. Speed tests measure connectivity to specific servers and may not reflect actual download speeds across different paths. Signs of potential throttling include isolated speed drops, consistent slowdowns at specific times, and discrepancies between speed tests and real-world performance. Initial checks should rule out home network issues, and practical diagnostics can help identify throttling by comparing speeds across different servers, types of downloads, and times of day. If throttling is confirmed and support does not resolve the issue, exploring alternative ISPs may be necessary.

AppWizard

July 18, 2026

Claim two more free PC games on the Epic Games Store before they’re gone

The Epic Games Store is offering two free games for the week: Echo Generation: Midnight Edition and Luto, available until July 23. Echo Generation: Midnight Edition is a turn-based adventure set in the 1990s, featuring a group of children exploring supernatural mysteries in the town of Maple. The Midnight Edition includes visual enhancements and quality-of-life improvements like a quest tracker and fast travel. Luto is a first-person psychological horror game that focuses on atmospheric storytelling and environmental puzzles, exploring themes of anxiety, grief, and depression. Both games can be claimed permanently once redeemed. The next free game after this promotion will be Foretales.

AppWizard

July 17, 2026

Fallout 5: Everything Todd Howard Has Said About Bethesda’s New Game

Bethesda Game Studios has confirmed that Fallout 5 has officially entered pre-production. Todd Howard, the director of Bethesda, hinted at the game's existence in 2021 and stated that Fallout 5 will be released after The Elder Scrolls 6. The Fallout show on Prime Video's crew is aware of Fallout 5's development, and Howard has ensured that the show's narrative will not interfere with the game's storyline. The game is expected to remain set in the United States, in line with the franchise's tradition. Howard has expressed a desire not to rush the development of Fallout 5, emphasizing the importance of creating a meaningful single-player experience. He reassured fans that Bethesda is actively developing new content, even as the timeline for Fallout 5 remains uncertain. The events of the Fallout show will influence the game's narrative. Fallout 5 is being developed on the Creation Engine 3, and it is too early to determine if it will be an Xbox exclusive.

AppWizard

July 17, 2026

Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is like playing classic ‘Vania on fast forward, with a whip to die for

Belmont's Curse is the latest installment in the Castlevania franchise, developed by Evil Empire, and features Rose Belmont, the daughter of Trevor Belmont, battling monsters in a dark Paris. The game is reminiscent of the Symphony of the Night era and includes familiar foes like Medusa and unique bosses such as Joan of Arc. It has been described as a commendable entry in the metroidvania genre, with engaging gameplay and potential for innovative weapons. The game marks the first new Castlevania title in over a decade.

AppWizard

July 17, 2026

PC RTS Game Game of Thrones: War for Westeros Slips to 2027 as PlaySide chases a Higher Quality Bar

PlaySide Studios has announced a delay in the release of Game of Thrones: War for Westeros, moving it from 2026 to early 2027 to maintain quality standards. Players will choose from four factions: House Stark, House Lannister, House Targaryen, or the Night King's Army. Each faction will feature iconic heroes with unique abilities that influence combat. The game will focus on enhanced physical feedback and unit behavior, allowing players to command squads that react dynamically to orders. Skirmishes will take place across various locations in Westeros, including a new map called Ashemark, designed for competitive 1v1 battles. Players can add the game to their wishlist on Steam.

AppWizard

July 17, 2026

Google’s ‘Your info’ is finally starting to roll out to the Contacts app

Google is rolling out a new feature called “Your info” in version 4.83.13.940538822 of its Contacts app, allowing users to easily input and share essential details like phone numbers and email addresses. This feature is located at the top of the screen for quick access. Additionally, Google is developing an AirDrop-like feature called Tap to Share, which is not yet available but aims to simplify information sharing.