moderation Archives

Winsage

February 22, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3291 (Dev and Beta Channels)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3291 (KB5052080) has been released for the Dev and Beta Channels, introducing enhancements for Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs. Key updates include an improved Windows Search feature that allows users to find cloud-stored files directly from the taskbar search box and a refined Recall (Preview) experience, which will delete previous snapshots but continue saving new ones if enabled in Settings. For Beta Channel users, the same updates are available as optional upgrades, with plans to make them recommended later this year. Insiders can switch from the Dev to the Beta Channel while both channels share identical build numbers, but this option will close once the Dev Channel progresses to higher build numbers. The improved Windows Search feature supports finding cloud-stored photos by describing them, available for users signed into OneDrive with a personal Microsoft account. Support for third-party cloud providers is expected soon. The update also includes fixes for live captions, File Explorer reliability, and issues with Remote Desktop. Known issues include inaccuracies in build version display after a PC reset and problems with Recall not saving snapshots automatically. An update to the Snipping Tool introduces a new trim feature for screen recordings, allowing users to adjust start and end times.

AppWizard

February 22, 2025

Ex-Amazon Gaming Exec Explains Why No One Has Beaten Steam

Valve's Steam has dominated the PC gaming market for nearly two decades, despite various attempts by companies like Amazon to challenge its supremacy. Ethan Evans, former VP of Prime Gaming at Amazon, shared insights on their unsuccessful efforts to disrupt Steam, which included acquiring Reflexive Entertainment, developing a PC game store leveraging Twitch, and launching the Luna game streaming service. Other major publishers such as EA, Ubisoft, and Bethesda also failed to establish competitive storefronts. The Epic Games Store, launched in 2017, has not positioned itself as a true rival to Steam. Evans noted that Amazon underestimated the reasons consumers use Steam, which combines a store, social network, library, and trophy case. Despite criticisms of Steam, its ecosystem and features have reinforced its dominance, while alternatives have struggled to gain traction.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

New Next-Gen GTA Online Update For PC Release Date Confirmed By Rockstar

Rockstar Games has announced that the next-gen update of GTA V and GTA Online for PC will be released on March 4th. This update will be free for existing owners of GTA V on PC and includes enhancements such as new vehicles, upgraded graphics, ray tracing capabilities, and faster loading times. Players will also be able to transfer their Story Mode and GTA Online progress. The update features new vehicles, including the Coil Cyclone II and Imponte Arbiter GT, and requires specific hardware for optimal performance. Ongoing support for the original version of GTA V and GTA Online will continue, allowing players with lower-spec systems to receive updates.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

Faster loading times and more are coming to GTA V on PC, as we slowly wait for news of GTA 6

Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive, highlighted the increasing importance of the PC gaming market as anticipation grows for Grand Theft Auto 6's release this autumn. A substantial update for Grand Theft Auto 5 will be available on March 4th, introducing new vehicles, performance upgrades, ambient animal encounters, GTA+ Membership for PC players, a Career Progress feature, and a revamped Landing Page. The update aims to enhance the player experience and includes improvements such as anti-cheat protections and voice chat moderation. Additionally, there are discussions about allowing players to modify the map in GTA 6 using mechanics similar to those in Roblox and Fortnite.

Tech Optimizer

February 19, 2025

Trojanized game PirateFi discovered on Steam

Free downloads from torrent trackers pose significant risks of malware, prompting security solutions to quarantine suspicious files. A recent incident involved the game PirateFi, which was removed from Steam after being flagged for harboring malware that stole browser cookies and compromised online accounts. The game attracted minimal attention, with around 1,500 downloads and reports of unauthorized transactions among players. Valve advised users to run security scans and suggested reformatting their operating systems, which confused many. The developers, Seaworth Interactive, raised suspicions due to their promotional tactics. Malware incidents on Steam are not new, with past cases like Dynostopia affecting players. Gamers are advised to avoid cheats, choose well-reviewed games, and install dedicated gaming antimalware for protection. Kaspersky Premium offers a gaming mode that minimizes interruptions during gameplay.

AppWizard

February 18, 2025

Elon Musk’s X blocking links to Signal messaging app

Social media platform X has implemented restrictions on links to the Signal messaging application, resulting in error messages when users attempt to share signal.me links through public posts, direct messages, or profile pages. This blockage also affects existing signal.me links. Signal, known for its end-to-end encryption, is commonly used by journalists and whistleblowers. X has previously restricted links to Facebook, Instagram, Mastodon, and Substack, despite Signal not being a direct competitor. Users can still share Signal handles on X, and a workaround exists by copy-pasting the link into Signal to bypass the restrictions.

AppWizard

February 11, 2025

TikTok to give package kits on its website for US Android users to download app

TikTok has enabled Android users to download and connect to its platform directly from its website to bypass restrictions imposed by U.S. app stores since a law took effect on January 19, requiring its parent company, ByteDance, to divest ownership or face a ban due to national security concerns. The app has approximately 170 million users in the U.S. Former President Donald Trump has discussed the potential sale of TikTok and ordered the establishment of a sovereign wealth fund that could aid in its acquisition. U.S. officials are concerned about the misuse of American user data, but TikTok claims its data is securely stored in the U.S. and that content moderation decisions are made domestically. The law, which has bipartisan support and was signed by President Joe Biden, continues to be debated, particularly by free speech advocates.

AppWizard

February 11, 2025

Minecraft’s Top 5 Tips for Safer Gaming

Minecraft is promoting "Top 5 Tips for Safe Gaming" in recognition of Safer Internet Day on February 11, aimed at supporting families in Australia and New Zealand. Recent statistics show that 89% of individuals aged 8-17 in Australia engage in online gaming, with 40% having interacted with strangers and over half of teen gamers encountering harmful content. In New Zealand, 80% of children aged 8-17 are involved in online gaming, with half of teenagers reporting conflicts with friends due to gaming. The tips include: 1. Understand Online Interactions: Teach children not to share personal information, use reporting tools, and maintain open dialogue about interactions. 2. Set Up A Child Account: Use the Xbox Family Settings App for age-appropriate accounts and content settings. 3. Recognise In-Game Purchases: Differentiate between virtual currency and real money, set spending limits, and review purchase requests. 4. Balance Screen Time: Create a balanced schedule for gaming and other activities, set playtime limits, and encourage breaks. 5. Build a Safe Online World: Help set up private servers, use moderation tools, and organize supervised activities within the game.

AppWizard

February 8, 2025

If not via the App Store, here’s how to download TikTok on Android in the U.S.

TikTok has announced that Android users in the U.S. can download the app from its official website due to its absence from Google and Apple’s app stores, following a new U.S. law effective January 19 that requires ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a ban. Despite the law, TikTok remains unavailable on both platforms, and President Trump has signed an executive order delaying enforcement by 75 days while discussions for a potential acquisition continue. TikTok has approximately 170 million users in the U.S. and has denied allegations regarding the misuse of user data, stating that data is stored securely in the U.S. on Oracle-operated cloud servers. Concerns about ByteDance's ownership persist, and while there is bipartisan support for a ban, free speech advocates argue it undermines digital rights. The future of TikTok in the U.S. is uncertain, with no confirmation from ByteDance about a potential sale.

AppWizard

February 8, 2025

TikTok allows US Android users to download app via website

TikTok has enabled US Android users to download its app directly from its website to bypass restrictions from a law that threatens to ban the platform unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, divests ownership. Since the law's enactment on January 19, Apple and Google have not reinstated TikTok in their app stores due to national security concerns. The legislation requires ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a ban, halting new downloads from official app stores while current users can still access the app. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order delaying enforcement of this law by 75 days and is in discussions regarding a potential acquisition of TikTok. He has also proposed creating a sovereign wealth fund to facilitate the acquisition, though details are unclear. TikTok has 170 million users in the US and denies allegations of being a security threat, stating that user data is stored on Oracle-operated cloud servers and content moderation is done domestically. The ban has faced criticism from free speech advocates, and concerns persist about ByteDance's potential obligations to the Chinese government regarding user data. TikTok maintains it operates independently and has measures to protect user information. ByteDance has not disclosed plans for the sale of TikTok or legal challenges to the law.