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AppWizard
August 12, 2026
Amazon is ending its publishing agreements for the games Throne and Liberty and Lost Ark. NCSoft will take over publishing Throne and Liberty for Western markets by late 2026, while Smilegate will assume control of Lost Ark in early 2027. Some user data for Lost Ark, such as in-game mail and friends list memos, will not transfer to the new platform. Amazon is postponing its own MMO, New World, until 2025, and has experienced layoffs affecting the Lost Ark team. The company is shifting its focus to new projects, including Courtroom Chaos Starring Snoop Dogg.
Tech Optimizer
July 28, 2026
Malware can threaten Linux systems, which are often mistakenly believed to be immune to viruses. It can be introduced through email attachments, infected files, or compromised plugins, especially when Linux servers interact with Windows clients or handle internet uploads. ClamAV is an open-source antivirus engine maintained by Cisco Talos, designed for scanning mail traffic and file uploads. As of mid-2026, the stable release is ClamAV 1.5.x, with version 1.5.2 being the latest patch. To deploy ClamAV, users need root or sudo access on a compatible Linux machine, at least 2 vCPUs and 2GB of RAM, 5GB of free disk space, and outbound HTTPS access to ClamAV’s signature mirrors. The installation process involves several steps, including configuring freshclam for automatic updates, validating detection with the EICAR test file, and setting up cron jobs for regular scans. ClamAV can also be integrated with mail servers and a SIEM for enhanced security. Common pitfalls in deployment include skipping the initial freshclam run and using clamscan instead of clamdscan for repeated scans. ClamAV is free for commercial use and can also scan Windows systems, although it does not replace comprehensive endpoint protection solutions.
AppWizard
July 17, 2026
VK announced on July 16 that its Max messenger and VKontakte applications have been removed from the Google Play app store, along with the Odnoklassniki app. Users can still access these apps through alternative platforms like RuStore, Huawei AppGallery, Samsung Galaxy Store, and Xiaomi GetApps, and functionality will remain uninterrupted for those who have already installed them. VKontakte users are receiving notifications about a transition from the .com domain to .ru, assuring them of the platform's reliability. This change follows sanctions imposed by the European Union on July 13 against VK and its subsidiary, Kommunikatsionnaya Platforma. In late June, the Max messenger and VK social network app, along with Mail.ru’s email applications, were also removed from the App Store, with Odnoklassniki becoming unavailable at that time.
AppWizard
July 16, 2026
Max, a messaging application launched by VK in 2025 and endorsed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, was removed from Google’s Play marketplace on July 16, 2023. The app does not provide end-to-end encryption, raising concerns about government access to user communications. This removal is part of a trend affecting other VK-owned applications, coinciding with recent EU sanctions targeting VK Company and its subsidiary Communication Platform LLC, which oversees the Max app. The EU characterized Max as having extensive surveillance features used against critics of Russia's military actions in Ukraine. Apple also removed Max from its App Store in June without explanation. Max aims to be an all-encompassing platform for messaging, social media, digital identification, payments, banking, and government services, which critics say could enhance government monitoring of citizens. The Russian government has implemented strict measures against foreign social media platforms and previously enacted a ban on Telegram in 2026, which faced public backlash.
AppWizard
July 14, 2026
Cat Mail Co. is a management simulation game where players act as a postmaster on Cat Island, responsible for delivering mail to feline residents. Players must sort packages based on various criteria such as weight and type, while also deciphering vague requests from cats. The game involves collecting packages for delivery by a Captain who has a variable schedule, requiring players to manage stock and organize items strategically for transport. As players progress, they unlock new areas and face increasingly complex delivery logistics. The game also allows for multiplayer interactions, adding an element of chaos to the cozy gameplay experience.
Winsage
July 2, 2026
Microsoft has extended the Windows 10 Extended Security Update (ESU) program for consumers by an additional year, now set to end in October 2027. Significant changes are being made to the Windows Insider experience, including a new Windows Update feature and the introduction of five new builds. Microsoft has started offering 8 GB models of its Surface Pro and Laptop, while discontinuing its Surface Go products. HP has partnered with OpenAI, and Anthropic has launched Sonnet 5. Xbox Series X|S prices are set to increase on August 1, coinciding with the discontinuation of the 2 TB X model. Microsoft may lay off approximately 5,500 employees, about 2.5 percent of its workforce. The Minecraft Bedrock edition has introduced closed captions, and Sony plans to cease the sale of physical PS media by 2028.
Winsage
June 16, 2026
Microsoft's Outlook for Windows is facing criticism for its notification handling, particularly in the new Outlook version built on the WebView2 framework. Users experience a delay of approximately 10 seconds when clicking on email notifications, compared to the near-instantaneous access provided by Outlook Classic, which allows users to open new emails in about five seconds. The new Outlook consumes significantly more memory and CPU resources, using between 490 MB and 636 MB of RAM, while Outlook Classic operates within 117 MB to 148 MB. Despite updates aimed at improving the new Outlook, the core issue of notification handling remains unresolved. Microsoft is working on enhancements, but the performance limitations of the WebView2 architecture continue to affect user experience. Outlook Classic will continue to be supported until April 2029.
AppWizard
June 15, 2026
PC gamers can celebrate Pride Month with the Townsqueer Vol. 1 bundle, which includes 39 games and zines focused on LGBTQ+ themes. The bundle is priced at a significant discount compared to purchasing the games individually, and proceeds are shared among creators. Notable titles in the bundle include "Tell Me Why," featuring a trans protagonist, and various other games and zines that highlight diverse queer experiences. The bundle is available on itch.io, with options to purchase individual titles.
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