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Counter-Strike 2 might be the biggest game on Steam, but Global Offensive is breaking player count records since it went standalone again
AppWizard
July 4, 2026

Counter-Strike 2 might be the biggest game on Steam, but Global Offensive is breaking player count records since it went standalone again

Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) has over a million concurrent players, making it Steam's premier application. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) reached an all-time peak of over 68,000 concurrent players three days ago, indicating a resurgence despite its age. CS:GO continues to attract a dedicated player base, outpacing titles like Baldur's Gate 3, Rainbow Six Siege, and Battlefield 6. The gaming ecosystem supports multiple iterations of Counter-Strike, with vibrant communities for the original game and its Source variant, alongside other tactical shooters like Valorant.
Ex-Microsoft engineer rebuilds Notepad in 2.5KB using nothing but stuff Windows already had
Winsage
July 4, 2026

Ex-Microsoft engineer rebuilds Notepad in 2.5KB using nothing but stuff Windows already had

Dave Plummer, a retired Microsoft engineer, has developed TinyRetroPad, a Notepad-like application that is only 2.5 kilobytes in size. TinyRetroPad includes features such as Open, Save, Find and Replace, printing, font selection, word wrap, and an unsaved changes prompt. It is built on existing Windows components, allowing it to function efficiently without extensive resources. TinyRetroPad is based on Dave’s Tiny Editor and utilizes RICHEDIT50W for text handling. The application's file size increased incrementally with each feature added, with the final size being 2,476 bytes. Crinkler, a compression linker, was used to optimize the executable. TinyRetroPad is still in development, facing issues like high memory consumption and compatibility problems. In contrast, Windows 11's Notepad has become larger and more complex, weighing approximately 352KB and incorporating features that some users find unnecessary. Windows 11 LTSC retains the classic Notepad without modern features, while TinyRetroPad aims to demonstrate the potential for simplicity in application design.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
July 4, 2026

Ex-Microsoft engineer rebuilds Notepad in 2.5KB using nothing but stuff Windows already had

Dave Plummer, a former Microsoft engineer, is recreating Notepad in 2.5 kilobytes with a project called TinyRetroPad, which includes features like Open, Save, Find and Replace, printing, font selection, word wrap, and unsaved changes prompt. TinyRetroPad leverages existing Windows infrastructure, utilizing built-in resources to function efficiently. It is based on Matt Power’s Dave’s Tiny Editor and operates as a wrapper around RICHEDIT50W. The size of TinyRetroPad increased with each feature added, reaching 2,476 bytes with printing. The project uses Crinkler, a compression linker, to optimize the executable. TinyRetroPad currently lacks a dedicated Releases page and may trigger false positives from antivirus software. Users have reported issues such as excessive memory usage and compatibility problems with older Windows versions. In contrast, the modern Notepad in Windows 11 has grown to approximately 352KB, with a total disk footprint nearing 5MB, leading to user backlash over its complexity. Windows 11 LTSC retains the classic Notepad, while TinyRetroPad aims to demonstrate the potential of leveraging existing OS capabilities rather than adding unnecessary features.
One of the best sci-fi strategy games of 2004 is free in GOG's Summer Sale
AppWizard
July 3, 2026

One of the best sci-fi strategy games of 2004 is free in GOG’s Summer Sale

Nexus: The Jupiter Incident is a tactical fleet simulator set in a sci-fi universe, released in April 2005 and received an 83% review score from PC Gamer. It is currently available for free on GOG until July 6 as part of the Summer Sale. The game's narrative takes place 60 years after the events surrounding Noah's Ark, focusing on Captain Marcus Cromwell amidst a conflict among megacorporations. The GOG Summer Sale runs until July 9, offering various games at discounted prices.
Bitdefender is now offering a 1-year subscription for $20
Tech Optimizer
July 3, 2026

Bitdefender is now offering a 1-year subscription for $20

A 1-year subscription to Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is available for .99, reduced from its regular price of .99. The software provides real-time protection against various threats, including viruses and ransomware, and includes features like a built-in VPN with 200 MB of encrypted traffic daily, a vulnerability scanner, and anti-tracking capabilities. It is designed for easy setup and light performance impact, with automatic updates and a user-friendly dashboard. This offer is available to new and existing users in the United States and Canada.
Best Antivirus for Windows XP: Options That Still Work
Tech Optimizer
July 3, 2026

Best Antivirus for Windows XP: Options That Still Work

Finding a reliable antivirus solution for Windows XP is challenging due to the lack of support since 2014. Major antivirus vendors have withdrawn compatibility, leaving limited options. Panda Security continues to support Windows XP with its Panda Dome antivirus, which offers real-time protection and a cloud-based engine. Antivirus software can block known malware, flag suspicious activity, and stop recognized threats, but it cannot patch the operating system itself. Users have fewer choices for protection as new vulnerabilities emerge. Several antivirus tools compatible with Windows XP include: - Panda Dome: Actively maintained, offers real-time protection, free and paid plans available. - Avast (v18.8): Limited support, last updates in October 2024, free legacy version only. - AVG (v9): Discontinued in 2019, operates offline, free legacy version only. - ClamWin: Open-source, actively maintained, no real-time protection, free. - 360 Total Security: Active legacy version, multi-engine approach, real-time protection, free and premium options. - Malwarebytes (legacy): Only older versions support XP, best as a supplement, free legacy version. - VirIT eXplorer Lite: Actively maintained, free lite version with real-time protection. Choosing the right antivirus requires consideration of internet connectivity, hardware age, update status, and whether to use free or paid options. For most users, Panda Dome is recommended for its active support and real-time protection. To enhance security on Windows XP, users should keep machines offline when possible, use ad blockers, be cautious with emails and links, avoid fake antivirus downloads, transfer files via USB from modern computers, and keep third-party software updated.
Meta's new app is basically social media for vibe coded games and experiences
BetaBeacon
July 3, 2026

Meta’s new app is basically social media for vibe coded games and experiences

Meta has launched a new app called Pocket in 2026, which allows users to vibe-code creations using AI without manual coding. The app features a social feed where users can explore, interact with, and remix gizmos created by others. Pocket offers a wide range of interactive possibilities, including game development, camera filters, and experiences similar to popular apps like Snapchat. This app is a result of Meta's acquisition of the vibe-coded game development platform Gizmo, showcasing their commitment to expanding offerings in the vibe-coding space.
Samsung Messages shuts down in favor of Google Messages on July 6 [U]
AppWizard
July 3, 2026

Samsung Messages shuts down in favor of Google Messages on July 6 [U]

Samsung has confirmed the closure of its Messages app, which will officially cease operations on July 6. This decision follows the transition to Google Messages as the default texting app on Galaxy devices, starting in 2022. Samsung stopped pre-installing its messaging app on Galaxy phones sold in the U.S. by 2024 and briefly revived it in 2025 before deciding to discontinue it. The closure will primarily affect Galaxy devices running Android 12 or newer, while older models will still have access to Samsung Messages. Users with Galaxy devices on Android 14 or later will be redirected to Google Messages automatically. A poll indicated that many users are hesitant to switch to Google Messages due to their preference for Samsung's app layout and customization options.
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