North America Archives

AppWizard

February 28, 2026

Zootopia 2 becomes 2025 s highest grossing US release with 424m surpassing A Minecraft Movie

Zootopia 2 has become the highest-grossing domestic release of 2025, earning 4.2 million in the United States and Canada, surpassing A Minecraft Movie's 4.08 million. Internationally, it has grossed .425 billion, bringing its global total to .85 billion. The film debuted ahead of Thanksgiving, generating 8 million in North America and 9 million globally over the holiday period, marking the second-largest Thanksgiving launch and the biggest debut for an animated film. It became the fastest PG-rated film to reach the billion milestone worldwide in just 17 days and is now Hollywood’s highest-grossing animated film of all time. Zootopia 2 has also overtaken Avengers: Endgame as the biggest Motion Picture Association title in China and is the eighth-highest-grossing film in global box office history. The film is directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard and features characters Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. Disney's strong box office performance has been bolstered by additional billion-dollar releases, leading to the company's strongest annual sales since before the pandemic.

AppWizard

February 26, 2026

‘Zootopia 2’ Overtakes ‘Minecraft’ As 2025’s Top Domestic Release

Zootopia 2 has become the highest-grossing domestic release of 2025, earning over .2 million in North America and approximately .85 billion globally after 13 weeks in theaters. The film surpassed A Minecraft Movie and set records as the fastest animated PG release to reach billion in just 17 days. It is now the top-grossing Disney animated film, the highest-grossing animated film in Hollywood history, and the highest-grossing MPA release of all time in China. Zootopia 2 maintained a position in the domestic top ten for 13 consecutive weeks and has outpaced the worldwide earnings of the original Zootopia. It holds a 96% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and won the animated feature BAFTA.

AppWizard

February 26, 2026

Zootopia 2 Highest-Grossing Movie of 2025

Zootopia 2 has become the highest-grossing domestic release of 2025, earning 4.2 million, surpassing A Minecraft Movie, which has earned 4.08 million. Zootopia 2 also has the highest international box office earnings for 2025, totaling .425 billion globally and .85 billion worldwide. Disney has had three films cross the billion-dollar mark in 2025: Zootopia 2, the live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch, and Avatar: Fire and Ash, contributing over a billion to the studio's global box office revenue.

BetaBeacon

February 19, 2026

Kakao Games’ SMiniz Launches Feb. 25 on iOS and Android, Featuring NCT, RIIZE and aespa

Kakao Games is launching the mobile game SMiniz globally on Feb. 25 for iOS and Android devices. The match-3 puzzle game features chibi versions of artists from SM Entertainment, including NCT, RIIZE, and aespa.

AppWizard

February 14, 2026

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for February 16 to 20

In the upcoming week, several new games will be released for Xbox platforms: - Star Trek: Voyager – Across the Unknown Deluxe Edition: Developed by Daedalic Entertainment, priced at .99, releasing on February 18, optimized for Xbox Series X|S. - Styx: Blades of Greed – Quartz Edition: Developed by Nacon, priced at .99, releasing on February 19, optimized for Xbox Series X|S. - AerialKnight's DropShot: Developed by AerialKnight Games, releasing on February 17, optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Smart Delivery, Xbox Play Anywhere, and Handheld Optimized. - Hex Park: Developed by Webnetic s. r. o., priced at .99, releasing on February 17, optimized for Xbox Series X|S. - HeadHunters: Developed by Sumalab, priced at .99, releasing on February 18, optimized for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox Play Anywhere. - Backrooms Level X: Developed by Firenut Games, priced at .99 (discounted price: .99), releasing on February 19, optimized for Xbox Series X|S and Smart Delivery. - Death Match Love Comedy!: Developed by KEMCO in Japan & Asia, PQube in North America & Europe, priced at .99, releasing on February 19. - Harvest Cafe: Developed by World of Poly, releasing on February 19, Xbox Play Anywhere. - KLETKA: Developed by Sobaka Studio, priced at .99, releasing on February 19, optimized for Xbox Series X|S and Smart Delivery. - Outpath: Developed by Silver Lining Interactive, releasing on February 19, optimized for Xbox Series X|S and Smart Delivery. - Showgunners: Developed by Klabater, releasing on February 19, optimized for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox Play Anywhere. - Soulslinger: Envoy of Death: Developed by Headup, releasing on February 19, optimized for Xbox Series X|S. - Horror Tale 2: 4k Remaster: Developed by EpiXR Games, priced at .99, releasing on February 20, optimized for Xbox Series X|S. - Liquor Store Simulator: Developed by PlayWay S.A., priced at .69 (MSRP: .99), releasing on February 20, optimized for Xbox Series X|S and Smart Delivery.

AppWizard

February 14, 2026

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for February 16 to 20

Next week on Xbox, several games are set to release across various platforms, including Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. - Star Trek: Voyager – Across the Unknown Deluxe Edition Developer: Daedalic Entertainment Price: .99 (MSRP: .99) Release Date: February 18 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S - Styx: Blades of Greed – Quartz Edition Developer: Nacon Price: .99 Release Date: February 19 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S - Aerial_Knight's DropShot Developer: Aerial_Knight Games Release Date: February 17 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere / Handheld Optimized - Hex Park Developer: Webnetic s. r. o. Price: .99 Release Date: February 17 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S - HeadHunters Developer: Sumalab Price: .99 Release Date: February 18 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere - Backrooms Level X Developer: Firenut Games Price: .99 (MSRP: .99) Release Date: February 19 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery - Death Match Love Comedy! Developer: KEMCO in Japan & Asia, PQube in North America & Europe Price: .99 (MSRP: .99) Release Date: February 19 - Harvest Cafe Developer: World of Poly Release Date: February 19 Xbox Play Anywhere - KLETKA Developer: Sobaka Studio Price: .99 Release Date: February 19 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery - Outpath Developer: Silver Lining Interactive Release Date: February 19 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery - Showgunners Developer: Klabater Release Date: February 19 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere - Soulslinger: Envoy of Death Developer: Headup Release Date: February 19 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S - Horror Tale 2: 4k Remaster Developer: EpiXR Games Price: .99 Release Date: February 20 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S - Liquor Store Simulator Developer: PlayWay S.A. Price: .69 (MSRP: .99) Release Date: February 20 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

AppWizard

January 28, 2026

Could a video game help combat antisemitism on college campuses?

Julia Sebastien's forthcoming PC game, StrangeLand, explores the complexities of Jewish life at an Ivy League college, aiming to serve as both entertainment and an educational tool about antisemitism. The game targets current and former Jewish students in North America, helping them articulate their experiences. Sebastien, who has a background in Jewish education and media psychology, draws from her own experiences and those of other Jewish students. Gameplay involves navigating challenges such as balancing academic commitments with Jewish holidays and addressing antisemitism. The game intentionally avoids discussions of Zionism and Israel to focus on educating players about antisemitism. It features a retro aesthetic inspired by classic Game Boy graphics, designed to create a comfortable environment for players. Sebastien hopes the game will enhance understanding of the Jewish collegiate experience for both Jewish and non-Jewish audiences.

AppWizard

January 26, 2026

Did the Pixel Weather app let you down during the snowstorm? You’re not alone.

Users of the Pixel Weather app have reported significant inaccuracies during a recent major snowstorm in North America, which has led to widespread frustration within the Pixel community. The app, launched in 2024, consistently underestimated snowfall amounts, with users noting discrepancies between its forecasts and data from the National Weather Service (NWS). A poll revealed that 60% of users felt the app did not provide correct forecasts during the storm. Specific user experiences included predictions of 0.5 inches of snow when actual amounts were expected to be between 7-11 inches, and incorrect temperature readings, such as stating it was 46 degrees when it was actually 5 degrees. Users also criticized the app's use of the term "flurzy," which appears to be a fabricated word. Despite some users reporting that the app functioned correctly, the overall feedback has raised concerns about its reliability, particularly in severe weather conditions. Inquiries have been made to Google for clarification and potential improvements.

AppWizard

January 13, 2026

‘Minecraft’-Like RPG ‘Hytale’ Launches This Week — Here’s When You Can Play

Hytale, a survival crafting RPG developed by Hypixel Studios, is set to launch on January 13, 2026. The game will be available worldwide at the same time, with specific launch times for different regions: 7 am PST for the West Coast of North America, 10 am EST for the East Coast, 3 pm GMT for the U.K., 4 pm CET for Central Europe, midnight on January 14 for Japan, and 2 am AEDT on January 14 for Australia. Preloading is not available, but players are advised to download the launcher in advance due to expected high traffic. Purchasing Hytale during Early Access will unlock various in-game rewards, including cosmetic sets and capes, with no traditional preorder bonuses offered.

Tech Optimizer

January 9, 2026

MacPaw Moonlock

Moonlock is a new antivirus solution for Mac developed by MacPaw, utilizing technology from CleanMyMac. It features a basic VPN, security configuration scan, and an elegant user interface, but some functionalities may not perform as expected. The annual subscription for a single Mac is priced higher than competitors like CleanMyMac and G Data Antivirus. Moonlock requires macOS 13 (Ventura) or later for compatibility. Setting up the app involves creating an account and granting permissions, with a full scan recommended post-installation. In independent lab tests, Moonlock scored 5.5 out of 6 in protection and 6 in usability, but its performance rating was 4.5 points, lower than competitors. The Security Advisor feature provides advice on enhancing security, while the System Protection feature identifies areas for improvement. Moonlock includes a basic VPN with 61 server cities in 50 countries. Its Network Inspector focuses on blocking traffic from specified countries, but its effectiveness is questionable. Flexible scan scheduling is available, but it does not guarantee the removal of Windows malware. The app includes informational panels and animated videos, but it currently lacks effective phishing protection, failing to block known fraudulent websites.