move Archives

AppWizard

July 9, 2026

How to breed villagers in Minecraft explained

To breed villagers in Minecraft, construct a space with three beds, as each villager needs their own bed to breed. Ensure villagers have access to 12 food points by providing food items like bread, carrots, or potatoes, and engaging in trade can also encourage breeding. Monitor the number of beds available, as each villager requires one, and be patient, as breeding may take time and is not guaranteed.

AppWizard

July 9, 2026

MindsEye developers protest against a fan event their own studio is hosting

MindsEye, an action game from Build a Rocket Boy, is set to have a playtest at the studio's Edinburgh headquarters, inviting community members and covering their travel costs. This comes after significant layoffs that affected over 400 employees, leading to protests organized by the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain, which criticizes the studio for spending on the playtest while having recently laid off staff. The union also alleges the studio has engaged in questionable practices, including employee surveillance. The playtest is seen as a strategy to regain favor with fans amid concerns about the studio's management and treatment of its workforce.

AppWizard

July 8, 2026

Google Earth Pro is headed for the graveyard, and fans aren’t happy about it

Google Earth Pro will no longer be available as a desktop application starting June 25, 2027, as Google encourages users to transition to web and mobile versions. Users have expressed dissatisfaction with the web version's limitations compared to the desktop app, particularly regarding data display and vertex restrictions. The desktop app will continue to function for existing users post-deadline, but no updates will be provided. Windows users will retain access, while Mac users may encounter issues due to the discontinuation of support for Rosetta-emulated applications in macOS 28, affecting those with M-series chips.

BetaBeacon

July 8, 2026

The Tiny Android Tablet Built to Survive Long Gaming Sessions

The REDMAGIC Astra 2 features a 9.06-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2.4K, a refresh rate of 185Hz, and a peak brightness of up to 1,600 nits. The tablet is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and the REDMAGIC RedCore R4 gaming chip. The device also includes visible liquid cooling, Liquid Metal 3.0, and a large vapor chamber for heat management. The global model is listed with 75W charging, while the domestic model in China has 80W charging.

AppWizard

July 8, 2026

GTA Trilogy remaster boss understands fan anger but says ‘a lot of people were playing them and really enjoying them’

The release of Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition in 2021 was met with disappointment due to technical issues, including bugs and poorly upscaled textures. Grove Street Games, the developer, was absent from the game's splash screen after a patch in 2024, reflecting the criticism they faced. GSG CEO Thomas Williamson acknowledged the issues but noted that some players enjoyed the remaster. He expressed hope for further enhancements, including reinstating the original soundtracks, to improve the experience of iconic titles like GTA 3, Vice City, and San Andreas.

Tech Optimizer

July 7, 2026

Avast Premium Security from Gen Digital – multi-device protection tuned for US households

Avast Premium Security is a multi-device security suite developed by Gen Digital, designed for U.S. households and small offices. It includes antivirus, ransomware protection, firewall, and web shield features. The product offers plans for one device, up to ten devices, or unlimited devices, with pricing around .99 per year for a single device and .99 for up to ten devices. It is compatible with Windows PCs, Macs, Android phones and tablets, and iOS devices. Key features include real-time malware scanning, advanced ransomware shields, phishing site detection, and a configurable firewall. The software operates quietly in the system tray and provides notifications when threats are detected. Avast Premium Security is positioned in a competitive market alongside brands like Norton, McAfee, Trend Micro, and Kaspersky, and is part of Gen Digital's strategy for recurring subscription revenue. The product is available for purchase online and targets U.S. households and small offices seeking comprehensive protection.

AppWizard

July 7, 2026

Minecraft 26.3 Snapshot 3

In version 26.3, two new features have been introduced: the Cushion and the Straw Bed. The Cushion allows players to sit around a campfire and is available in 16 colors, crafted from three wool slabs of the same color. It can be placed on any flat surface, aligns horizontally to the grid, and overlaps with most objects. The Straw Bed enables players to sleep without setting a spawn point, can be used only once, and is destroyed after a single night's sleep. It is crafted from three hay bales, yielding four beds, and a new statistic tracks how many times players have slept in a Straw Bed. Additionally, the Data Pack version is now 110.0, and the Resource Pack version is 91.0. New commands for post effects have been added, and various gameplay mechanics have been updated, including changes to bed rules and loot tables. New block textures and sound events for the Straw Bed and Cushion have also been introduced, along with numerous bug fixes.

AppWizard

July 7, 2026

Hearthstone: Escape From Violet Hold Out Today – Discover the Game’s Enduring Life Lessons

Hearthstone is a free-to-play digital card game where players use custom-built decks to reduce their opponent's Hero health to zero. Players accumulate mana crystals to summon minions and cast spells, requiring strategic thinking and adaptability. The game teaches several lessons: 1. Players should not rage-quit when the situation seems dire, as comebacks are often possible with patience and reassessment. 2. While having a strategy is important, flexibility is crucial as unexpected events can change the game's dynamics. 3. Players should avoid panic-driven decisions when faced with formidable threats, as taking time to assess the situation leads to more effective solutions. The new expansion, Escape from Violet Hold, offers players a chance to practice these skills.

Winsage

July 7, 2026

Windows 11 rejuvenation list just got longer, with more legacy dialogs headed to WinUI 3

Marcus Ash, head of Design and Research for Windows and Devices at Microsoft, confirmed that the outdated "Switch to a local account" dialog in Windows 11, which references the obsolete Windows 8 "Search charm," is set for an update. This dialog instructs users to use the Search charm, a feature removed since Windows 8.1. Microsoft is actively working on refreshing various classic dialogs within the Windows 11 ecosystem as part of their "rejuvenation" process, which aims to modernize outdated user interface elements. The Run dialog is also being updated, with a hidden modern version prepared for rollout. Additionally, improvements have been made to file operation dialogs, and the File Explorer Properties dialog is next in line for modernization. Microsoft is also addressing other outdated UI elements, including the input method switcher on the login screen. The sound designer for Windows 11 has rejoined the team, suggesting potential updates to system sounds.

AppWizard

July 7, 2026

Chat Control 1.0: EU Council forces messenger scans via fast-track

Member states of the European Union are seeking to reinstate a previously expired regulation concerning the monitoring of encrypted communications, known as Chat Control 2.0, which mandates suspicionless scanning of encrypted messages. The Council of Ministers has proposed to reactivate a transitional regulation that allowed voluntary monitoring by technology companies, which lapsed on April 3. This move aims to close a legal gap and pressure Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to act quickly. The expiration of the previous regulation is viewed as untenable, as it is deemed crucial for identifying at-risk children and combating illegal content online. Critics argue that the approach undermines democratic oversight and lacks transparency. The draft regulation is set to be discussed as an urgent matter just before the summer recess, with potential voting occurring when many MEPs may be absent. The regulation requires that any processed content and traffic data be deleted within twelve months unless a specific suspicion is confirmed.