move Archives

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

Google Enables Android Apps With AppFunctions For Gemini

Google has introduced AppFunctions, a framework for Android that allows applications to expose callable functions to AI assistants, currently in experimental preview. This framework enables apps to register capabilities with an OS-level registry, requiring specific permissions for callers, including agents and assistants, to maintain user privacy and security. As of May 2026, integration with Gemini is in a private preview for select testers. AppFunctions targets devices running Android 16 or higher and provides developers with tools like an agent skill and Jetpack tooling for creating Kotlin bindings. The framework aims to enhance Gemini's capabilities, allowing it to use multiple extensions and execute background agent skills, facilitating automation of tasks for users.

Tech Optimizer

June 8, 2026

Pentasystem partners with EDB to target sovereign AI with EDB PostgreSQL database

Pentasystem Technology has partnered with EDB to enhance enterprise-grade data management using the EDB PostgreSQL database. This partnership, announced on June 8, aims to provide cost-effective and stable database solutions amidst rising costs from existing database management systems. Pentasystem plans to explore projects related to cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data warehousing, focusing on creating a comprehensive integrated data platform. Jong-jun Jang, CEO of Pentasystem, noted the synergy between EDB's technology and Pentasystem's implementation expertise, aiming to deliver improved performance and cost savings to clients in various sectors.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

There’s suddenly a terrifying number of games releasing this fall

The Steam platform continues to be active with daily game launches, but this year has seen a scarcity of big-budget releases due to delays from developers aiming to avoid competition with the anticipated release of GTA 6. This blockbuster is expected to significantly impact market sales. The gaming industry is preparing for a quieter second half of the year, with many developers considering their options. There is growing anticipation for titles set to release in 2026, as gamers express a desire for more substantial releases amidst these delays.

AppWizard

June 7, 2026

Empulse’s frantic movement and giant mechs are giving me serious Xbox 360-era FPS nostalgia

Empulse is a first-person shooter game developed by 1047 Games, set to launch on Steam's Early Access on June 24. The game will be available for free during Steam Next Fest, starting June 15. The gameplay features wall-running and intense gunplay, aiming to evoke nostalgia for classic Xbox 360 shooters. The trailer includes a moment where a character uses a sledgehammer against a mech, highlighting the game's playful elements.

AppWizard

June 7, 2026

Gothic Remake’s lockpicking system has broken me and I can no longer experience joy

Fraser Brown, an online editor at PC Gamer, attempted to rob a merchant named Fisk in Gothic Remake. He faced challenges with a lockpicking minigame that involved aligning sliders, leading to broken lockpicks and frustration. 1. In his first attempt, Brown failed to pick the lock on a chest, resulting in the loss of his lockpick but he had saved his progress. 2. In the second attempt, the merchant woke up, causing his character to stand up and alert Fisk. 3. During the third attempt, Brown faced another confrontation with Fisk, leading to his defeat. 4. In the fourth attempt, he tried a more aggressive approach, resulting in a chaotic battle and another defeat. 5. The fifth attempt ended with a game crash, but Brown persisted and eventually opened a chest, finding only mundane items. 6. In a bonus round, he successfully opened a second chest containing a bow, but was caught by Fisk, leading to a chaotic battle where he used the bow against the merchant and his allies.

AppWizard

June 7, 2026

Mojang is Stacking Another Game in September 2026 With Minecraft Dungeons 2 Arriving on PC and Consoles

Minecraft Dungeons 2 is set to be released on September 29, 2026, two months after its announcement in March 2026. It will be available on all current-generation PC and console platforms, including the Nintendo Switch 2. The game will be priced at .99 USD, but will be accessible for Xbox Game Pass subscribers on day one. The game features an adventurous campaign where players must stop a new evil across two worlds, engaging in battles against various foes. The eShop page for the game was briefly available before being removed.

AppWizard

June 7, 2026

Apple removed the Russian messenger Max and deprived 20 million users of access

Russian officials and propaganda outlets have expressed discontent with Apple's decision to remove the state-sponsored messenger app, Max, from its App Store without prior notice. Apple cited compliance with sanctions legislation as the reason for its action, leading to backlash in Russia where the company is labeled as "enemies." The Max messenger, developed in Russia, is used for disseminating propaganda and maintaining control over internet access, and its removal has made it inaccessible to over 20 million users in Russia, reducing the effectiveness of state-sponsored propaganda. The Russian government is attempting to create a "digital iron curtain" for surveillance and internet restriction, while propaganda narratives portray the country as technologically advanced, despite reliance on foreign companies. Russia has become a global leader in the number of app removals from the App Store, and reports indicate that schools in occupied territories are being forced to use the Max messenger for communication.

Winsage

June 7, 2026

Microsoft is bringing 10 new features to Windows 11’s taskbar and Start menu

Microsoft is planning to introduce several new features and improvements to the Windows 11 taskbar and Start menu in response to user feedback. Users will soon have the ability to reposition the taskbar to the top, left, or right of the screen, with options for icon alignment. A new “Show smaller taskbar buttons” toggle will reduce the physical height of the taskbar, providing more screen space. These features are currently available in the Insider Experimental channel and are expected to roll out to all PCs soon. The Widgets board will also see changes, with the MSN feed being disabled by default and the “Open on hover” behavior eliminated. In the Start menu, users will gain section-level toggles to hide or show the Pinned, Recent, and All Apps sections. The Start menu can be resized to either Small or Large, and a new privacy mode will hide account names and profile pictures. The “Recommended” section will be renamed to “Recent,” and improvements will be made to file relevancy. Additionally, the Start menu will transition to a new modular engine, enhancing responsiveness and addressing previous criticisms regarding performance.

Winsage

June 6, 2026

Microsoft released new Defender update for Windows 11, 10, Server ISO installations

Microsoft is rolling out updates for Windows Defender to protect users from newly discovered malware threats. These updates occur frequently, with a significant refresh every three months for Windows installation images (WIM and VHD) and ISOs. The recent Windows 11 update includes the latest definitions and addresses vulnerabilities from outdated anti-malware definitions in installation images. The latest security definitions were delivered through security intelligence update version 1.445.323.0, applicable to various platforms, including Windows 11 and several Windows Server versions. The update enhances the anti-malware client, engine, and signature versions to platform version 4.18.26040.7, engine version 1.1.26040.8, and security intelligence version 1.447.236.0. The most recent intelligence update is version 1.451.297.0, which improves threat detection against various malware types.

AppWizard

June 6, 2026

Meta’s AI agent for WhatsApp Business is now available globally

Meta has launched the Meta Business Agent, a customer support AI bot, on WhatsApp, following nearly two years of testing in India and Mexico. The bot can respond to inquiries, recommend products, schedule appointments, qualify sales leads, and escalate queries to human representatives. It will also be available through Instagram DMs. Meta is testing a feature for the Business Agent that provides daily briefings on chats and insights. Future functionalities under exploration include market research, product showcases, calendar management, and integration with competitive insight tools. Meta is developing a platform for larger enterprises to create custom agents that connect with systems like Shopify and Zendesk. The Business Agent will be incorporated into WhatsApp Business Premium subscriptions, with charges based on usage.