metrics Archives

AppWizard

March 28, 2026

“We’ll keep making Warframe if there’s one player count,” Digital Extremes’ Megan Everett asserts. “I don’t care what SteamDB says”

The gaming industry has seen a shift in how success is measured, particularly focusing on initial player counts since the launch of games like Marathon and Highguard in 2026. Warframe, which launched in 2024 with a peak player count of 22,000, has grown to reach 175,546 players on PC after the release of The Old Peace in December 2025. Community director Megan Everett noted that the game has achieved new internal records despite not hitting its all-time high. Creative director Rebecca Ford humorously suggested a new release titled 'Player Count' to address the ongoing debate about player metrics. She highlighted the competitive landscape, noting that Warframe launched amidst 435 titles, compared to 20,014 games released in the same year today. Everett emphasized the importance of ongoing growth and player engagement over mere numbers, stating that a poor launch does not equate to a dead game. The success of The Old Peace was attributed to the introduction of content skips, which allowed players to bypass extensive story content. The team is committed to community engagement and innovation, with new characters and mechanics being introduced to keep the game fresh.

Tech Optimizer

March 27, 2026

Bogus Avast website fakes virus scan, installs Venom Stealer instead

A deceptive website impersonating Avast antivirus tricks users into downloading Venom Stealer malware, which steals passwords, session cookies, and cryptocurrency wallet information. The site conducts a fake virus scan, falsely reporting threats to encourage users to download a malicious file named Avastsystemcleaner.exe. This file mimics legitimate software and operates stealthily, targeting web browsers to harvest credentials and session cookies. It also captures screenshots and sends stolen data to the command-and-control domain app-metrics-cdn[.]com via unencrypted HTTP. The malware employs evasion techniques to avoid detection and is part of a long-standing cybercrime tactic that exploits user trust in security software. Indicators of compromise include the file hash SHA-256: ecbeaa13921dbad8028d29534c3878503f45a82a09cf27857fa4335bd1c9286d, the domain app-metrics-cdn[.]com, and the network indicator 104.21.14.89.

Winsage

March 24, 2026

Microsoft VP Wants to End Windows 11 Microsoft Account Mandate

Microsoft Vice President Scott Hanselman expressed a desire to eliminate the mandatory Microsoft account requirement for Windows 11 users during setup, acknowledging user frustration. A coalition of employees and senior engineers at Microsoft is advocating for this change to create a more user-friendly experience that does not require an internet connection or a Microsoft account. Despite growing support for the removal of the account requirement, internal resistance exists due to the interests of business units that benefit from mandatory sign-ins. The technical feasibility of removing the requirement is acknowledged, but organizational politics complicate the process. The Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) setup process has faced criticism for being promotional and coercive. Other improvements to Windows 11 are being implemented in response to user feedback, but they do not directly address the account requirement issue.

Winsage

March 24, 2026

Imagination Teases PowerVR GPU Running on Windows with DirectX 11 Support

Imagination Technologies has demonstrated the 3DMark Fire Strike benchmark running on its D-Series GPU using the DirectX 11 API. This achievement is significant as it aligns the company's GPU intellectual property with the Windows ecosystem, enhancing gaming experiences. The D-Series GPUs, based on the PowerVR architecture, are designed to handle demanding desktop workloads and gaming scenarios. The DXD is the first D-Series product to feature hardware-based DirectX 11 Feature Level 110 support, indicating the company's capability to manage demanding DirectX workloads. The DXD supports various APIs, including DirectX 11, DirectX 12, Vulkan 1.4, OpenGL 4.6, and OpenCL 3.0. Additionally, the E-Series GPU IP includes DirectX 12 Feature Level 110 support. Some Chinese GPU manufacturers have begun adapting Imagination's GPU IP, with the DXTP architecture being repurposed for workstation applications. At the ICCAD 2025 expo, Xiang Dixian showcased the Fuxi A0 graphics card, demonstrating Imagination's technology in practical applications. A video demonstration of the IMG D-Series GPU running 3DMark Fire Strike is available.

AppWizard

March 23, 2026

Mega Crit responds to the panic over Slay the Spire 2’s 1st balance pass, saying these changes are ‘the first of many’: ‘No change is necessarily permanent’

Slay the Spire 2 has experienced financial success and positive player feedback, but recent balance changes led to negative reviews on Steam. The controversy centered around the card Prepared, which was changed to Prepare in a beta patch, altering its cost and functionality. Mega Crit acknowledged community concerns and emphasized the importance of player feedback in their patching process. They stated that the beta branch is for testing experimental changes and that adjustments are based on player input, metrics, and design philosophies. The studio remains optimistic about future changes, indicating that nothing is permanent at this stage of development.

AppWizard

March 17, 2026

Android 16 brings desktop windowing to Pixel and Samsung phones

Google has announced that connected display support for Android has reached general availability with the release of Android 16 QPR3. This feature allows compatible Android phones and foldable devices to initiate a new desktop session on an external display while maintaining the phone's independent state. Supported devices include the Pixel 8, 9, and 10 series, as well as various Samsung devices like the Galaxy S26, Fold7, Flip7, and Tab S11. The collaboration between Google and Samsung has been crucial in developing this feature. The Android 16 QPR3 release has refined windowing behaviors, taskbar interactions, and input compatibility for mouse and keyboard usage. It introduced two new width window size classes: Large (1200dp to 1600dp) and Extra-large (1600dp and above) to assist developers in creating adaptive layouts. Navigation 3 has also been released, providing a system for managing UI flow based on Scenes. Design principles for desktop contexts have been updated, emphasizing the importance of multitasking, efficient use of screen space, and accommodating various input types. The Android Design Gallery has been launched to showcase design examples across different categories and input types. The announcement has implications for mobile advertising and app measurement, as the distinction between mobile and desktop ad inventory becomes more complex. Developers are advised to ensure their apps can adapt to changes in display configurations to maintain ad performance and measurement accuracy. Key dates include the announcement of connected display general availability on March 3, 2026, and the launch of the Android Design Gallery on March 16, 2026.

AppWizard

March 17, 2026

Expert Names Top 7 Android Weather Apps for Every User

After extensive testing, seven Android weather applications were identified as reliable for diverse forecasting needs. The accuracy of multi-day forecasts has improved significantly, with five-day predictions now comparable to three-day forecasts from a decade ago. The apps selected offer a mix of scientific rigor and user-friendly design, featuring various forecast models, clear visualizations, and dependable alerts. 1. A graph-centric app provides detailed weather insights through meteograms that visualize hourly and daily data, enhancing pattern recognition. 2. Breezy Weather is an open-source app that balances clarity and depth, displaying current conditions with animations and organized hourly/daily cards. 3. Weather Master offers multiple forecast models, customization options, and plain-language insights about significant weather risks. 4. Weather & Radar focuses on real-time tracking and alerts, utilizing radar-centric design for dynamic weather conditions. 5. Zoom Earth provides global satellite views and fire data, visualizing storms and environmental conditions with clarity. 6. Tropical Hurricane Tracker compiles advisories and discussions on cyclones, offering detailed data and accessible explanations for users. 7. Avia decodes METARs and TAFs from airports worldwide, providing precise weather information crucial for pilots. A comprehensive weather toolkit combines model-driven forecasts, real-time updates, and specialized tools for tropical systems and aviation reports.

AppWizard

March 17, 2026

These are my 7 favorite Android weather apps that I think you’ll love too

Meteogram Weather Widget presents weather data through graphical meteograms, allowing users to visualize multiple conditions simultaneously and offers a range of data sources for accuracy. Breezy Weather features a user-friendly interface with animated backgrounds and customizable options, balancing simplicity and functionality. Weather Master combines aesthetic appeal with practical insights, offering customizability and detailed forecasts. Weather & Radar excels in real-time tracking with a graphical interface and radar view for current conditions. Zoom Earth focuses on true-to-life imagery for tracking weather phenomena and provides historical satellite imagery. Tropical Hurricane Tracker offers detailed storm information and simplifies complex terminology for users in tropical regions. Avia Weather specializes in METAR data for precise forecasts, particularly useful for travelers.

Tech Optimizer

March 16, 2026

What Is a Crypto Miner Virus?

A crypto miner virus, or cryptojacking malware, secretly uses a device’s CPU or GPU to mine cryptocurrency for an attacker, leading to increased electricity costs and potential hardware damage for the victim. It typically infects devices through phishing emails, pirated software, compromised websites, and malicious browser extensions. Monero is the preferred cryptocurrency for mining due to its efficiency on standard CPUs and privacy features. Signs of infection include overheating, high CPU usage, and increased electricity bills. Detection involves monitoring system performance and running antivirus scans. Prevention includes using antivirus software, keeping systems updated, and avoiding pirated software. Notable incidents include attacks on a European water utility and the Los Angeles Times website.

AppWizard

March 15, 2026

‘Even though I threw out my back from overworking, I’m feeling high in spirits’: Slay the Spire 2 sold 3 million copies in its first week

Slay the Spire 2 sold 3 million copies within a week of its launch and players completed 25 million runs, with the developer suggesting the actual number may be higher. The game topped the Steam sales charts and retains familiar gameplay elements. Future updates will include Steam Workshop support, a new scoring system, and a phobia accessibility mode. An expansion for the Slay the Spire board game, titled Downfall, is set to launch on March 24.