networking Archives

Winsage

April 13, 2026

The French government eyes alternatives to Windows

DINUM has announced a strategic shift for European ministries to reduce reliance on external suppliers by creating a framework that requires each ministry to develop a tailored plan by fall. This plan will focus on several areas: - Sourcing workstations from reliable European suppliers. - Developing collaboration tools for communication among government entities. - Prioritizing antivirus software developed in Europe. - Investing in locally developed AI technologies. - Implementing databases that comply with European regulations. - Exploring virtualization technologies for operational efficiency. - Sourcing network equipment from European manufacturers. The initiative aims to enhance technological sovereignty and create a more self-sufficient digital landscape for government operations.

BetaBeacon

April 12, 2026

Google’s Tensor G5 is ‘good enough’ — but 2026 flagships are leaving the Pixel 10 behind

- Google Pixel's lackluster performance may deter some buyers - The Pixel 10 Pro XL can hit 120fps on medium and very high graphics settings in COD Mobile - The Pixel's raw performance is behind rivals like Xiaomi and Samsung - Google's Tensor chip may struggle to catch up to Qualcomm's Snapdragon in terms of gaming performance - The Pixel 10 series is improving in performance but may not be the best choice for gamers looking for the smoothest frame rates

Winsage

April 11, 2026

Microsoft terminated accounts tied to VeraCrypt, WireGuard, and Windscribe

Several prominent security and privacy developers, including those behind VeraCrypt, WireGuard, and Windscribe, had their Microsoft developer accounts terminated, preventing them from accessing essential publishing and verification tools. Microsoft acknowledged the terminations but did not provide a detailed explanation. The lead developer of VeraCrypt, Mounir Idrassi, expressed frustration over the inability to sign drivers and ship updates for WireGuard due to the account suspension. Windscribe reported similar issues and difficulties in reaching Microsoft support. The situation gained attention on social media, prompting Microsoft’s EVP for Windows and Devices, Pavan Davuluri, to assure that the company was working to resolve the issue and had reached out to VeraCrypt and WireGuard to reinstate their accounts. The terminations were attributed to a new mandatory account verification process that took effect on October 16, 2025, requiring partners to verify their identities with government-issued IDs. Microsoft acknowledged the need to improve communication regarding such changes.

AppWizard

April 11, 2026

iBUYPOWER RDY Y70 R17 review – a fantastic RTX 5080 gaming PC

The iBUYPOWER RDY Y70 R17 is a high-end gaming PC featuring an AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 GPU, 32GB DDR5 RAM, and a 1TB NVMe SSD. It is housed in a visually striking Hyte Y70 case that provides excellent cooling and ample upgrade potential. The system includes a 240mm AIO liquid cooler and is equipped with various front and rear ports for connectivity. It offers impressive gaming performance, achieving over 105fps in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p and maintaining playable frame rates at higher resolutions. The PC is priced at ,199.99 and comes with a three-year labor and two-year parts warranty. Minor shipping damage was noted, and initial CPU fan noise may require BIOS adjustments for quieter operation. The dimensions of the case are 470 x 320 x 470mm, and it weighs 13.2kg.

AppWizard

April 8, 2026

Apple pulls Jack Dorsey’s messaging app from the Chinese App Store

Apple has removed the messaging app Bitchat from the Chinese App Store at the request of the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), which cited regulatory concerns. Bitchat, originally launched as Bitchat Mesh and developed by Jack Dorsey, allows anonymous, peer-to-peer communication using Bluetooth-based mesh networking, without relying on internet-connected servers. The app gained popularity in regions with internet shutdowns and social media restrictions. The CAC has alleged that Bitchat violated regulations requiring security assessments for apps that can influence public opinion or mobilize users. Dorsey confirmed the removal on X but has not disclosed any plans for Bitchat's return to the App Store.

Winsage

April 8, 2026

Microsoft suspends VeraCrypt and WireGuard signing accounts, blocking Windows updates

Microsoft has suspended developer accounts necessary for signing Windows drivers for VeraCrypt and WireGuard, blocking updates for millions of users who rely on these software solutions for data encryption and secure networking. This suspension raises concerns about potential vulnerabilities for users and presents challenges for developers seeking alternative methods to maintain software functionality and security. The cybersecurity community has reacted with frustration, calling for clearer communication from Microsoft regarding the reasons for the suspensions and exploring workarounds to continue providing updates. The open-source community is also supporting affected developers in addressing these challenges.

AppWizard

April 6, 2026

Your joys will always be someone else’s junk

Crimson Desert has sold over 4 million copies in two weeks and has a Very Positive rating on Steam, despite mixed player reactions. Mobile Suit Gundam Battle Operation 2, launched on Steam in 2023, is a free-to-play mecha shooter that has received negative reviews due to monetization and networking issues, yet the author enjoys it for its mechanical satisfaction and representation of Gundam's universe. The author has rekindled interest in Gundam and finds GBO 2's combat mechanics compelling, despite its shortcomings. Engaging with a game considered subpar has helped the author clarify personal gaming preferences and appreciate design elements that resonate with their interests.

AppWizard

April 6, 2026

China Blocked Jack Dorsey’s Decentralized Messenger bitchat

Chinese authorities have ordered the removal of Jack Dorsey’s decentralized messaging app, bitchat, from the local App Store due to concerns about its potential to disrupt information control during civil unrest. Apple complied by removing both the main and beta versions of the app. The app remains accessible outside of China. Dorsey stated that the removal reflects bitchat's influence on public discourse. The Chinese regulator cited violations of regulations that require online services capable of swaying public opinion to undergo security reviews before launch. Bitchat operates independently of traditional internet infrastructure using Bluetooth and mesh networking technology, making it resistant to censorship. It has gained attention in regions with internet restrictions and was introduced in July 2025. Bitchat has over 3 million downloads, with more than 92,000 in the past week and over 1 million installs on Google Play. Additionally, Block, the parent company, recently reduced its workforce by about 40%, equating to around 4,000 employees, due to AI implementation and process optimization.

Winsage

April 6, 2026

Windows asks a networking question on a Stratford billboard

A network notification reading "Do you want to allow your PC to be discoverable…?" appeared on a billboard outside London's Stratford station, drawing attention from passersby and tech enthusiasts. This incident was noted by a reader of The Register and highlights the unpredictable nature of technology. Stratford station, established in the early 19th century, features modern amenities and is near the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, a legacy of the 2012 Summer Olympics. The display serves as a reminder of the user interface changes introduced with Windows 8, which was released in 2012.

AppWizard

April 3, 2026

The new PC games of April 2026: Pragmata, the next Diablo 4 expansion, and Final Fantasy 14’s big month

In April 2026, the pace of new game releases has slowed compared to March. Notable releases include: - Samson (April 8) - An open-world crime game with a focused narrative. - Mouse: P.I. For Hire (April 16) - A quirky boomer shooter with a 1930s cartoon aesthetic. - Pragmata (April 16) - A Capcom title set in a dystopian future featuring an AI doomsday scenario. - Vampire Crawlers (April 21) - A card game similar to Slay the Spire 2. - Outbound (April 23) - A mobile base-building game focused on exploration and cooperative gameplay. Upcoming events include: - The Triple-I Initiative indie showcase on April 9. - The London Games Festival starting April 13. - The BAFTA Game Awards on April 17. - The Final Fantasy 14 Fan Festival on April 24. Steam sales in April are: - March 30 – April 6: House & Home Fest - April 9 – April 13: Hidden Object Fest - April 20 – April 27: Medieval Fest Early access and full releases include: - Temtem: Swarm (April 2) - Transitions to 1.0 with new features. - Road to Vostok (April 7) - A survival FPS entering early access. - Spark in the Dark (April 7) - A hardcore dungeon crawler in early access. - Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era (April 30) - Launching in early access. Major updates include: - Starfield (April 7) - Free Lanes update and new story DLC. - The Expanse: Osiris Reborn (April 22) - First closed beta test. - Final Fantasy 14 (April 28) - Patch 7.5 launching. - Marathon - Updates expected throughout the month. Additional game releases: - April 1: Breath of Fire 4 (Steam) - April 1: Resident Evil (1996) (Steam) - April 2: Darwin's Paradox (Steam) - April 15: Cleaning Up! (Steam) - April 28: He-Man: Dragon Pearl of Destruction (Steam)