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AppWizard

January 16, 2026

Amazon is shutting down New World next year

Amazon will cease operations of its multiplayer online game, New World, on January 31, 2027. The game has been removed from all platforms, but current owners can still access it until the shutdown date. Purchases made with in-game currency will not be refunded. Amazon plans to release New World: Aeternum for Xbox Series X and Series S, as well as PlayStation 5, in October 2024.

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

2023 PC Game Now 100% Free on Steam for 48 Hours

RewindApp's Initial Drift Online is available for free on Steam for approximately 48 hours until January 18. Players can claim the game during this period, and it will be theirs to keep after downloading. The game features street racing in Japan and has received 792 user reviews with an overall approval rating of 79%, though it currently sits at 58% during the promotional period. Some users have reported server issues due to an influx of new players, while others have had a smooth experience.

BetaBeacon

January 16, 2026

Cooperative Puzzle Pepelo 2: Around the World Now Available on iOS and Android

Tafusoft studio has launched Pepelo 2: Around the World, an adventure puzzle game available for iOS and Android users. The game offers the first ten levels for free, with the full version priced at 199 rubles. Players can solve logic puzzles in real-world locations like Quebec, New York, Thailand, India, and Australia. There are 50 unique levels with skins inspired by traditional costumes. The developers aim to surpass the success of the original Pepelo game released in 2021.

AppWizard

January 15, 2026

Promising Bully mod, which mirrored GTA Online multiplayer, gets axed just one month after launching

Bully, a cult classic from Rockstar Games, remains popular two decades after its release. A group of modders, led by YouTuber Swegta, attempted to create a multiplayer version called Bully Online, featuring various minigames. However, the project was shut down, with an announcement stating that the Bully Online project is shutting down forever, leading to the closure of its server and removal of all associated data. The reasons for the shutdown are unclear, but monetization efforts may have raised legal concerns. Despite this, Bully's legacy endures, and there is hope for a sequel, Bully 2, in the future.

Winsage

January 15, 2026

Speed Up Your Windows 11 Launch Time in a Snap. Here’s How to Do It

The delay in booting up a Windows 11 laptop can be caused by multiple applications that automatically launch at startup, which can hinder system performance. Common applications that may launch include antivirus programs, Microsoft OneDrive, Slack, gaming applications, backup tools, and webcam software. Users can manage these startup applications through three methods: Task Manager, Settings, or File Explorer. In Task Manager, users can view and disable startup applications by right-clicking on entries in the Startup apps menu. The impact of each application on startup time is categorized as high, medium, low, none, or not measured. In the Settings app, users can navigate to Apps and then Startup to toggle off applications they do not want to launch automatically. File Explorer can also be used to manage startup applications by accessing the shell:appsfolder and shell:startup or shell:common startup commands to view and modify the applications set to launch at sign-in. Users are advised to disable applications they rarely use while keeping essential security software enabled. Third-party startup managers like Autoruns and Startup Delayer can provide additional insights into startup applications. Similar management methods apply to previous Windows versions.

AppWizard

January 15, 2026

Meet ChatGPT Translate: OpenAI’s new tool rivals Google Translate

OpenAI has launched ChatGPT Translate, a new online translation tool that supports over 50 languages and offers real-time translations with automatic language detection. It allows users to customize the tone, fluency, and complexity of translations. The tool has a dedicated website and hints at future features like image and file translation, though these are not yet available. Currently, it lacks voice input and full website translation capabilities. There is no standalone app or integration with the existing ChatGPT application at this time.

Tech Optimizer

January 15, 2026

Fake Grok app built using generative AI discovered spreading malware on macOS devices

Recent concerns have been raised about the Grok AI chatbot, associated with Elon Musk, due to reports of explicit and degrading content. A new strain of malware targeting Apple computers, linked to vulnerabilities in the Mac App Store, has been identified as part of the SimpleStealth campaign. Users are advised to download applications only from the official app store or reputable companies, as Grok is not considered reputable. Many antivirus programs have difficulty detecting this malware variant, making robust Mac antivirus software a wise investment. Apple's built-in security software, XProtect, provides some protection, but users should remain vigilant and enhance their cyber hygiene.

AppWizard

January 14, 2026

Google Wallet on Android looks to be that one-stop shop for your purchase history

A recent Google Play Services update is set to enhance Google Wallet on Android by providing users with a comprehensive overview of their digital payments, including a detailed transaction history for purchases made across various devices. This update will allow users to view transactions linked to their digital cards without needing to toggle between apps or log into bank accounts. Previous enhancements to Google Wallet include Live Updates for travel, which provide real-time information for flights and trains, and location-based technology that displays relevant digital passes on users' lock screens as they approach specific venues. Additionally, Android 16's Live Updates feature has expanded to provide timely information about transport schedules on users' lock and home screens.

Tech Optimizer

January 13, 2026

Trusted Antivirus Protection for PCs

Your PC requires robust antivirus protection due to its diverse usage, and Windows 11 offers built-in protections that operate seamlessly. Antivirus software, such as Microsoft Defender in Windows 11, protects against threats like viruses, malware, phishing websites, and suspicious email attachments. However, it cannot fully defend against social engineering scams, new ransomware, zero-day vulnerabilities, or risky online behaviors. Microsoft Defender provides automatic threat scanning, works with the Windows firewall, utilizes cloud intelligence, alerts users to unsafe content, and offers ransomware protection. To enhance security, users should keep software updated, use strong passwords, secure their Wi-Fi, enable firewalls, and back up files regularly.

AppWizard

January 12, 2026

GTA 6’s ten-year development cycle would be a “very bad bet” for anyone but Rockstar, says former Bethesda dev

Concerns are rising about the release of GTA 6, with speculation that it may not launch until 2027 due to delays, ongoing leaks, and legal challenges faced by Rockstar. Former Bethesda lead artist Nate Purkeypile warns that the project's scale could be risky for any studio other than Rockstar, which has a track record of successfully managing large-scale games. The anticipated budget for GTA 6 is rumored to be around a billion dollars, with a development cycle exceeding a decade. Purkeypile emphasizes the importance of experience in handling ambitious projects, citing the troubled launch of Cyberpunk 2077 as a cautionary example. He suggests that Rockstar's experience allows them to take their time, but warns that many studios fail when attempting similar large projects without the necessary background. Purkeypile also expressed a desire for a potential GTA 7 set in Texas, incorporating immersive sim elements, but noted that the current development pace might delay its arrival until the 2040s.