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Trojanized Android App Fuels New Wave of NFC Fraud
AppWizard
April 21, 2026

Trojanized Android App Fuels New Wave of NFC Fraud

A new variant of the NGate malware family has emerged, using a trojanized Android application to capture payment card data and personal identification numbers (PINs). This modified version of HandyPay, a legitimate NFC relay app, has been distributed since November 2025, primarily targeting users in Brazil. The malware intercepts NFC payment card data and allows fraudulent transactions. Two distinct malware samples have been observed, delivered through phishing infrastructure that impersonates a Brazilian lottery site and a Google Play listing for a card protection tool. The trojanized app captures NFC data, requests the victim's card PIN, and transmits this information to attacker-controlled infrastructure. It requires minimal permissions, leveraging its role as the default payment application to evade detection. Evidence suggests that generative AI tools may have been used in its development, indicated by emoji markers in debug logs. ESET has reported its findings to Google, and Google Play Protect can detect known versions of the malware. The developer of HandyPay is investigating the misuse of its application.
After 15 years and 323 hours, I've finally beaten Fallout: New Vegas, and this game doesn't need mods as much as you think it does
AppWizard
April 21, 2026

After 15 years and 323 hours, I’ve finally beaten Fallout: New Vegas, and this game doesn’t need mods as much as you think it does

The author has played Fallout: New Vegas for 323 hours over 15 years, appreciating its vast mechanical and story possibilities. The game allows players to choose various character types and alignments, transitioning from a semi-linear opening to an expansive open world. The modding community has created numerous enhancements, but the complexity of modding can detract from the core gameplay experience. The author prefers a simpler approach to modding, using only essential bug fixes and minor tweaks to enhance immersion. They found this back-to-basics method rewarding, especially in Hardcore mode, which requires managing survival needs. The author is considering using the JSawyer Mod, created by the game's lead developer, for their next playthrough, viewing it as a valuable extension of the game.
France to remove Windows from government computers in sovereignty push
Winsage
April 17, 2026

France to remove Windows from government computers in sovereignty push

France is transitioning from Windows to Linux for its government computers, announced on April 8 by the Interministerial Directorate for Digital Affairs, to reduce reliance on American technology firms. This change involves modifying the software on thousands of state computers, which is a significant task given that Windows is the most widely used operating system globally. Linux, an open-source system, allows for code modification and sharing. Experts highlight the benefits of open-source software, including transparency and collective ownership, which enhance data security and management. Other European countries, like Spain and Germany, have also adopted similar systems. The transition is expected to create jobs in the local economy as France will invest in hiring engineers instead of paying Microsoft licensing fees. However, the timeline for the rollout is uncertain, with no specifics on the number of computers involved or the duration of the project. Additionally, Microsoft has reportedly spent €7 million in 2025 on lobbying efforts related to digital regulations in the EU, which may complicate the transition.
As the new Galactic Civilization 4 DLC rolls out, you can the game at under $3 in the latest Humble Bundle
AppWizard
April 13, 2026

As the new Galactic Civilization 4 DLC rolls out, you can the game at under $3 in the latest Humble Bundle

The latest Humble Bundle features Galactic Civilizations 4, available for .57 / £2.33 for the base game and .32 for the complete bundle, the lowest price to date. The game is a classic 4X strategy title with innovative mechanics, including sectors connected by "space roads." It has received significant enhancements through DLCs, such as Megastructures and Tales of the Arnor, and a second expansion pass is in progress with content planned through 2027. The game received a review score of 8/10. The bundle also includes other titles like Terminator: Dark Fate - Defiance and Valkyria Chronicles 4, available until April 22.
This wildly ambitious modpack transforms the third-person, N64 exclusive Duke Nukem: Zero Hour into a 'jank '90s FPS' for your PC
AppWizard
April 12, 2026

This wildly ambitious modpack transforms the third-person, N64 exclusive Duke Nukem: Zero Hour into a ‘jank ’90s FPS’ for your PC

A dedicated team has created a modpack called Duke Nukem: Zero Hour Overclocked, which transforms the classic Nintendo 64 game Duke Nukem: Zero Hour from a third-person experience into a first-person shooter. The modpack includes various enhancements, such as adjustments to camera and aiming behavior, remapping of movement animations, an optional crouch toggle, and viewmodel recoil effects. The project has received positive attention from industry veterans, including Scott Miller, who praised the first-person conversion. The modpack is available for download, but players need to obtain a copy of the Duke Nukem: Zero Hour N64 ROM to use it.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
April 11, 2026

You can finally rescue Half-Life’s guards and scientists thanks to this mod inspired by Lemmings

Half-Life: Lemmings is a mod for Half-Life: Source that allows players to rescue up to 45 non-playable characters (NPCs), such as scientists and guards, within the Black Mesa facility. The mod features custom animations for rescuing NPCs, enhanced navigation capabilities for them, and upgrades for guards who can now use shotguns, MP5s, and grenades. The mod covers gameplay from the beginning of the Unforeseen Consequences chapter to the Apprehension chapter. It is available for download on ModDB, although Half-Life: Source is not listed on the Steam store but can still be purchased for £8.50.
Database Branching in Postgres: Git-Style Workflows with Databricks Lakebase
Tech Optimizer
April 11, 2026

Database Branching in Postgres: Git-Style Workflows with Databricks Lakebase

Database branching is a modern approach that addresses the limitations of traditional database management in development workflows. Unlike conventional database copies, which require significant time and resources to duplicate data and schema, database branching allows for the creation of isolated environments that share the same underlying storage. This method utilizes a copy-on-write mechanism, enabling branches to be created in seconds regardless of database size, with storage costs tied only to the changes made. Key features of database branching include: - Branch creation time: Seconds, constant regardless of database size. - Storage cost: Proportional to changes only, not the total data size. - Isolation: Each branch has its own Postgres connection string and compute endpoint. - Automatic scaling: Idle branches can scale compute to zero, incurring costs only when active. The architecture supporting this approach separates compute from storage, allowing multiple branches to reference the same data without conflict. This design facilitates time travel capabilities, enabling branches to be created from any point in the past for instant recovery and inspection. Database branching unlocks new workflows, such as: - One branch per developer, providing isolated environments for each engineer. - One branch per pull request, automating branch creation and deletion tied to PRs. - One branch per test run, provisioning fresh databases for each CI pipeline execution. - Instant recovery from any point in time within a designated restore window. - Ephemeral environments for AI agents, allowing programmatic database provisioning. Databricks Lakebase offers this database branching capability, transforming the database from a bottleneck into a streamlined component of the development process.
"This is exactly the kind of thing driving me away from Windows": even Edge users don't want this new feature
Winsage
April 10, 2026

“This is exactly the kind of thing driving me away from Windows”: even Edge users don’t want this new feature

Recent polling data shows that Microsoft Edge users dislike the browser's automatic launch upon logging into Windows 11. Microsoft is testing a feature that would have Edge open automatically at startup, which has sparked significant discussion and frustration among users. A banner notifying select users of this change has been observed, and the behavior has been confirmed in the latest Edge Beta build. User reactions on Reddit include strong negative sentiments, with some users threatening to abandon Windows 11 if this feature is enforced. Despite the backlash, Microsoft Edge is viewed as a competent browser, though its aggressive promotion tactics may alienate potential users.
"If it's this easy, why don't more Windows apps use a PC's NPU?" — Microsoft MVP demonstrates how he added meaningful AI to an app in just 10 minutes
Winsage
April 6, 2026

“If it’s this easy, why don’t more Windows apps use a PC’s NPU?” — Microsoft MVP demonstrates how he added meaningful AI to an app in just 10 minutes

AI PCs with Neural Processing Units (NPUs) are becoming common in technology, enabling innovative applications that utilize on-device AI. Microsoft's Windows AI APIs facilitate easy integration of AI into applications, requiring only a Copilot+ PC with a capable NPU. Lance McCarthy, a Microsoft MVP, highlights tools available for developers, including Phi Silica for local language modeling, AI Text Recognition for OCR, and AI Imaging tools for image processing. McCarthy's Xkcd Viewer app exemplifies these tools, featuring AI-powered image descriptions for visually impaired users, which enhance the experience beyond simple text readouts. The modification of the app took ten minutes and significantly improved user accessibility.
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