North America Archives

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.

AppWizard

December 27, 2025

5 Free Android Auto Apps You Should Always Have Installed

Gemini AI in Android Auto introduces new features to enhance the driving experience, dependent on the installed applications. Key recommended apps include: - AntennaPod: A podcast app that offers millions of podcasts, imports libraries from various sources, and features playback controls, queue management, and user privacy with an ad-free, open-source model. - Fuelio: An app for monitoring fuel consumption, mileage, and costs for various vehicle types, providing insights into fuel efficiency and vehicle-related expenses, with a straightforward interface for logging data. - PlugShare: An app for locating electric charging stations, featuring over 70,000 listings, trip planning capabilities, community-driven information, and filters for speed and plug types. - SpotHero: A digital marketplace for finding and reserving parking in major cities, allowing users to compare prices and amenities, view bookings, and receive navigation assistance. - TuneIn Radio: An entertainment app offering access to over 120,000 live radio stations, podcasts, and music stations, with a user-friendly interface and an option for an ad-free Premium subscription. The selected apps are free to use, address real-world challenges, and have received positive feedback, averaging ratings above 4.3 in the Google Play Store.

AppWizard

December 19, 2025

Lords of the Fallen 2 boss says Epic Games Store exclusivity doesn’t matter because the “majority of PC players who want a specific game will buy it” anyway

Lords of the Fallen 2 will launch exclusively on the Epic Games Store for PC. Marek Tyminski, CEO of CI Games, believes this decision will have minimal impact on the game's audience, as most eager PC gamers are likely to purchase it from Epic. Sales data from North America and Europe supports this assertion, while figures from Asia will be excluded for the first year post-launch. Epic made a "significant investment" in the project, which may have eased financial pressures on the development team. The game is scheduled for release in 2026, and its director has hinted at exciting developments in level design and captivating characters, with fans eager for gameplay enhancements.

AppWizard

December 17, 2025

THQ Nordic and Nine Rocks Games announce Next Hunting Adventure for PC

Publisher THQ Nordic and developer Nine Rocks Games are releasing an open-world hunting game titled Next Hunting Adventure, set in the wilderness of North America. The game will be available on PC via Steam, but a release date has not been announced. It features realistic wildlife encounters, partnerships with over ten real-world brands for hunting gear, and two environments for players to explore. Key features include a hunting dog that assists in tracking, an enhanced bullet camera for shot analysis, a central hub called the Hunting Lodge for planning and upgrades, and access to advanced equipment for an immersive experience.

AppWizard

December 9, 2025

Calamity Angels: Special Delivery Game’s PC Version Launches in 2026

Idea Factory International plans to release the role-playing game Calamity Angels: Special Delivery on PC via Steam in 2026. A closed beta test will run from December 22 to January 16, with applications now open. The official launch is set for February 17 in North America and Europe, with physical and digital versions available for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. A Plus Edition will include a 52-page hardcover artbook, a postcard set, a slipcase, a reversible cover sleeve, and a trading card. The game features voiceovers in English and Japanese and was developed by Kei Nanameda, influenced by interviews with Japan Post. It was originally launched in Japan on June 26 for the Switch, PS5, and PS4.

AppWizard

November 25, 2025

Quantic Dream’s upcoming MOBA is opening its doors for a closed beta weekend in just a couple of weeks, but only a few players will make the cut

Quantic Dream will release Spellcasters Chronicles, a MOBA featuring three-on-three battles against other teams and waves of enemies. A closed beta will run from December 4 at 3 PM UTC to December 8 at 9 AM UTC for players in Europe and North America. Participants can choose from six spellcasters: the Swamp Witch, Astral Monk, Iron Sorcerer, Fire Elementalist, Mystic Scribe, and Stone Shaman, each with unique abilities and an ultimate power to summon a titan. Not all applicants will gain access, but those who do not will be eligible for future testing phases. A second closed beta is planned for early next year with additional content. Players can follow updates on the game’s Steam page or official website.

Tech Optimizer

November 24, 2025

Computer Security for Consumer Market Size Reache at US$ 56.06 billion by 2031 | NortonLifeLock, Fortinet, McAfee, Avast

The global Computer Security for Consumer market is projected to grow from an estimated value of US$ 31.23 billion in 2024 to approximately US$ 56.06 billion by 2031, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9% from 2025 to 2031. Key drivers include the surge in cybersecurity threats and increased reliance on digital technologies. Major players like NortonLifeLock, Fortinet, McAfee, Avast, and Trend Micro hold over 25% of the market share, with North America contributing over 40% of consumer revenue. Antivirus software accounts for over 35% of consumer revenue, while there is a shift towards comprehensive security suites. Future trends indicate growth in AI-powered threat detection and demand for privacy-centric solutions. The market is segmented by type (Network Security, Identity Theft, Endpoint Security, Computer Virus, Others) and application (Traditional Terminal Device Security, IoT Security). The report includes a geographic assessment of regions such as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America.