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Bungie delays next Marathon update and ends 'strict seasonal schedule' as it goes all-in on Destiny-like features
AppWizard
September 15, 2026

Bungie delays next Marathon update and ends ‘strict seasonal schedule’ as it goes all-in on Destiny-like features

Bungie has announced a shift in its development strategy for the game Marathon, moving away from a rigid seasonal schedule to a more flexible timeline for updates. As a result, content originally planned for this month has been postponed until December, although a smaller update focusing on progression and the in-game economy will be released in October. The Nightfall refresh is set to launch on October 6, providing all players with a "fresh starting point." Bungie aims to address previous issues with the seasonal model that left some players behind. The decision to abandon the strict seasonal model comes amid a decline in Marathon's concurrent player numbers on Steam. Players are hopeful for a more comprehensive version of Marathon, including a single-player mode and enhanced social interactivity. Bungie's communications lead, Dylan Gafner, has promised increased communication with the community in the coming weeks and months.
This remarkable mod transforms the most frightening horror game of the decade into Mirror's Edge
AppWizard
September 13, 2026

This remarkable mod transforms the most frightening horror game of the decade into Mirror’s Edge

TiMan, a modder, has created a mod called Bunker's Edge for the game Amnesia: The Bunker, which transforms the original horror setting into a vibrant urban landscape reminiscent of EA's Mirror's Edge. The mod retains the horror elements, featuring the same menacing creature pursuing the protagonist, Henri. While it showcases innovative modding, Bunker's Edge lacks the polish of Mirror's Edge, with some parkour movements feeling clunky and players occasionally getting trapped in the game’s geometry. The mod also incorporates sci-fi elements similar to Soma, generating excitement and making it one of the most anticipated titles for 2027.
Connecticut attorney general calls Kik messenger app a ‘predator’s paradise’
AppWizard
September 8, 2026

Connecticut attorney general calls Kik messenger app a ‘predator’s paradise’

Connecticut's Attorney General, William Tong, is investigating MediaLab.AI Inc.'s messaging app, Kik, due to concerns about inadequate age assurance practices and content moderation. Child safety advocates have criticized Kik as a “predator’s paradise.” Tong described Kik as a platform with significant issues related to sexual abuse, exploitation, and bullying, lacking meaningful age verification and protections for users. The app has over one-third of American teens using it, down from 40 percent in 2016. MediaLab has only partially responded to inquiries about privacy and safety. Tong's office has issued a civil investigative demand for information on MediaLab’s data processing, content moderation, and age assurance practices to assess compliance with the Connecticut Data Privacy Act and the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act.
Google's Song Search may borrow inspiration from Pixel's Now Playing to get out of your way
AppWizard
September 8, 2026

Google’s Song Search may borrow inspiration from Pixel’s Now Playing to get out of your way

The Google app is introducing a background listening feature for its Song Search capability, allowing it to identify songs while users switch to other applications. In version 17.56.14, users can now multitask without keeping the app open, as the microphone will remain active for a limited time to identify songs. If a song is not identified within that time, users will receive a notification to restart the search. Upon successful identification, users will be redirected to an AI Mode result instead of the traditional search results page. Early testing shows the feature functions smoothly, though the rollout timeline is uncertain.
Bland or badass? The internet is split on GTA 6's Jason, and so is PC Gamer
AppWizard
August 29, 2026

Bland or badass? The internet is split on GTA 6’s Jason, and so is PC Gamer

The Extended Look at GTA 6 showcased a 26-minute trailer featuring a sprawling open world and new features, highlighting two playable characters: Jason and Lucia. Lucia received positive attention for her fierce persona, while Jason's reception has been mixed. Fans expressed dissatisfaction with Jason's voice acting, with comments suggesting it lacked emotion and depth. Some compared him to past Rockstar characters who were initially criticized but later became favorites, indicating potential for character development. The gaming community is actively discussing Jason, with a poll created for fans to share their opinions.
Windows Weekly 998: Laptop Fort
Winsage
August 27, 2026

Windows Weekly 998: Laptop Fort

Leo, Richard, and Paul discussed various updates from Microsoft and the tech world, including new Insider builds, OneDrive for Mac enhancements, advancements in AI, and Xbox gaming news. A significant upcoming update for Windows 11, referred to as version 26H2, is anticipated. OneDrive for Mac will receive a native sync engine, and Proton Mail will introduce automatic category filtering. Bill Gates warned about the dangers of artificial intelligence, while Adobe Firefly launched new capabilities for music and sound generation. The .NET Conf 2026 is scheduled for November, with .NET 11 expected to release. In gaming, Xbox is testing disc-to-digital entitlements, and the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X20 is available for 9. A limited edition Xbox Series X25 console is rumored for November, and the Xbox 25th Anniversary Collection is confirmed for November 13. IKEA has launched Xbox-inspired furniture, and Rockstar Games is preparing to reveal GTA VI. Nvidia has expanded GeForce Now to Firefox. Google will allow users to filter news in the Discover feed, but the advice is to seek diverse viewpoints. PowerToys 0.101 has been released, and Parallels Desktop 27 for Mac is now available. This week's RunAs Radio episode features a discussion on PowerShell 7's security features. SpiceBox Spiced Whisky is recommended as a seasonal drink.
This newly announced soulslike has a main character inspired by Dark Souls' most heartbreaking boss fight
AppWizard
August 23, 2026

This newly announced soulslike has a main character inspired by Dark Souls’ most heartbreaking boss fight

Parry Frames Studio has announced their new project, Stray Dog: Nobody Cares, inspired by the Dark Souls series. The game features a four-legged protagonist, a devoted hound on a quest to rescue its captured master in a dark fantasy realm. It will include a combat system with multiple styles for parrying, backstabbing, and executing deathblows, along with stealth elements. The game gained unexpected popularity on social media after early test footage was released. Parry Frames' previous title, Crimson Oath, was released earlier this year and received a 'very positive' rating on Steam. The development of Stray Dog's combat framework is complete, but the release timeline is uncertain.
Beyond These Stars Arrives Oct 15 on PC Game Pass With Full 1.0 Launch
AppWizard
August 21, 2026

Beyond These Stars Arrives Oct 15 on PC Game Pass With Full 1.0 Launch

Hooded Horse and Balancing Monkey Games will release Beyond These Stars on October 15, 2026. The game is a city-building and colony management title set on the back of a sentient Space Whale named Kewa. It will be available on Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store, and the Microsoft Store, with day-one access for PC Game Pass subscribers. Beyond These Stars serves as a sequel to Before We Leave and features players guiding a civilization called the Peeps while managing resources and Kewa's well-being. The game emphasizes ecological mutualism, where Kewa's happiness affects gameplay. Players will navigate a complex production system and can explore a procedurally generated Galaxy Map with various star systems. The game has received positive feedback from critics and will launch as a complete 1.0 title, bypassing Early Access. The minimum system requirements include a Windows 10 (64-bit) PC with an Intel Core i3-6300 or AMD FX-9370, 8 GB RAM, and an NVIDIA GTX 750 or AMD Radeon R9 380. A free demo is currently available on Steam.
New Android Malware Spotted Infecting Cars Via Software Updates
AppWizard
August 21, 2026

New Android Malware Spotted Infecting Cars Via Software Updates

A new strain of Android malware has emerged, targeting automotive head units responsible for infotainment, connectivity, and navigation in vehicles. Discovered by Kaspersky in June, this is the first documented instance of malware affecting car head units, specifically within the firmware updaters of Android-based software developed by DoFun, a Hong Kong company. The malware, disguised as an application called JarService, infiltrates devices without user awareness. It is delivered through a legitimate system application called TWCore, which collects analytics and updates software. The malware aims to convert the head unit into a botnet, equipped with commands to download and execute code and display advertisements, potentially for online ad fraud. Kaspersky notified DoFun, which addressed the vulnerabilities, and noted similarities between this malware and a previous threat called BadBox, which affected various Android devices.
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