platform Archives

AppWizard

July 16, 2026

Google Maps’ ‘Ask Maps’ feature could soon help you plan your trips

Google is enhancing the user experience of Google Maps by integrating the "Ask Maps" feature more seamlessly. This feature, launched in March, provides personalized recommendations and helps users discover new places. The latest version of Google Maps (v26.29.01.946673643) will include deeper integration of Ask Maps, with suggestions available on the home screen and specific place listings. Users will soon see Ask Maps suggestion chips on the directions screen, offering insights like “What’s the most scenic route?” and “What’s the best time to leave to avoid traffic?” A dedicated Ask Maps button will also be added at the end of the directions screen for real-time inquiries. These suggestions will only appear when travel modes are set to "Drive," "Bike," or "Walk," excluding public transit options. The feature is not yet active, but developments indicate Google's commitment to improving Google Maps functionality.

AppWizard

July 16, 2026

Big Changes Are Coming To Android’s Google Play Store This Month

In October 2024, a judge ordered Google to allow third-party app stores on the Android platform. Google has now decided to comply with this ruling, retracting its motion to amend the injunction. Changes are set to be implemented starting July 22, 2026, allowing third-party app stores to operate within the Play Store in the U.S. Developers' app listings will automatically be available to these stores unless they opt out. Third-party stores can offer apps from the Play Catalog if they pay an annual fee and meet certain criteria. However, questions remain regarding the integration of Play Protect security features and the assessment of third-party store security.

AppWizard

July 16, 2026

Google is opening the floodgates to third-party app stores on Android next week

Google will allow third-party app stores on its Android platform starting July 22, 2026, following a legal agreement with Epic Games. This decision comes after Google withdrew its motion to modify a court injunction requiring the inclusion of third-party stores. The new framework will enable third-party app stores to list apps and games available on the Play Store, with developers having the option to participate under the same conditions as those in the Play Store. Third-party stores will incur a ,000 annual access fee to list Play Store apps and must adhere to specific security and policy protocols.

AppWizard

July 15, 2026

GTA 6’s Lack of a PC Port Isn’t Out of Greed, According to a Former Rockstar Producer

Former Rockstar Games producer John Ricchio discussed the development timeline for PC versions of games in relation to console releases. He explained that starting with console development is advantageous due to their limited hardware capabilities, making it easier to create a game within specific constraints. Ricchio noted that while a PC build of Red Dead Redemption existed during its development, the decision to delay its release was influenced by prioritizing resources for Grand Theft Auto 5. He emphasized the need for a strong business rationale for porting games to different platforms, as the complexity of development often requires significant resource allocation. As Rockstar prepares for the launch of Grand Theft Auto 6 on November 19th for Xbox Series X|S and PS5, the focus is on delivering a polished product.

Tech Optimizer

July 15, 2026

Hundreds of GitHub repos found posing as real software to push malware

Cybersecurity firm ArcticWolf has identified 292 malicious GitHub repositories that impersonate legitimate software tools, part of a campaign to deliver a new variant of the BoryptGrab infostealer. This malware can extract sensitive information from 19 web browsers, 32 cryptocurrency wallets, messaging applications like Telegram and Discord, gaming platforms such as Steam, and Windows Credential Manager. It can also exfiltrate files from users' Desktop and Documents folders and capture screenshots. This variant bypasses Chrome’s App-Bound Encryption using direct code injection and does not include an anti-analysis layer or conceal itself, aiming to harvest data quickly without persistence. The malicious activity began in late June, with most repositories removed from GitHub, though several dozen remain active. GitHub's status as a key platform in the open-source community makes it a target for cybercriminals, emphasizing the need for developers to thoroughly vet code before integration.

AppWizard

July 15, 2026

Minecraft gamers to get $15,000 scholarship on one condition

The educational institute has identified that specific games can effectively impart essential skills such as systems mastery, survival optimization, and team collaboration. Students aiming for the Max Achievement Scholarship can achieve two tiers: Mastery, which offers a scholarship of ,500 per term, and Legendary, which provides ,000. The scholarship emphasizes that digital gaming environments cultivate competencies that drive innovation and leadership. The skills acquired through video gaming align with the university’s Polymathic Domains, including goal decomposition, systems thinking, and resource optimization. The institution offers programs like Game Design, Digital Art, and Software Development. Minecraft is used as an educational tool to enhance problem-solving abilities and logical reasoning. Dr. Eric Kildebeck at The University of Texas, Dallas, has utilized Minecraft to create a virtual hospital for pre-med students, allowing them to engage with realistic scenarios.

AppWizard

July 15, 2026

GOG is now my go-to storefront for buying PC games since Sony and Microsoft are seemingly against it

Major players in the gaming industry, such as Sony and Microsoft, have recently made controversial decisions, including Sony discontinuing physical game discs and removing 500 movies without refunds, and Microsoft laying off around 3,200 Xbox game developers while suspending user accounts without justification. In contrast, GOG.com has emerged as a proponent of digital preservation, offering DRM-free games that come with standalone offline installers, allowing users to own their games permanently and play them without an online store's permissions. GOG encourages users to save their games to discs for sharing and backup purposes.

AppWizard

July 15, 2026

GTA 6 isn’t on PC at launch because it’s ‘always better to start with the constraints’, suggests former Rockstar producer

Rockstar Games is launching Grand Theft Auto 6 without a simultaneous PC port, which has disappointed some PC players. Former Rockstar producer John Ricchio explained that the decision is based on resource allocation and the need for a compelling business case for PC ports. He noted that past hardware limitations favored console development, but the performance gap between consoles and PCs has narrowed recently. Despite the delayed PC version, 39% of players are willing to wait for it. The game, titled Phantom Vice Auto, is set to launch on November 19.

Tech Optimizer

July 15, 2026

State antivirus revived: “Multiscanner” returns after funding cut

The Russian portal "Multiscanner" has resumed its service for scanning files for malicious software without mandatory registration. It allows users to upload files up to 256 MB in over 30 formats, including DOC, DOCX, PDF, PPTX, EXE, and ZIP. The scanning history is saved in the browser but can be deleted for privacy. "Multiscanner" is compatible with popular web browsers like Google Chrome, Yandex Browser, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari, but is not available on mobile browsers. The portal was originally developed between 2023 and 2024 and is now managed by the National Technology Center for Digital Cryptography, operating in pilot mode.

AppWizard

July 15, 2026

This viral Steam PC horror game is coming exclusive to Xbox on consoles next week, with Game Pass and Play Anywhere

Shift At Midnight is an indie horror game that combines cooperative gameplay and player agency, allowing players to defend themselves through various means. Originally planned for a PC release on Steam, it will also be available on Xbox consoles, Xbox Game Pass, and Xbox Play Anywhere starting July 22, 2026. Developer Bun Muen announced this multi-platform launch on July 10, 2026. Early gameplay footage has attracted attention from popular streamers, leading to increased interest in the game. A multiplayer demo is available on Steam, showcasing engaging mechanics reminiscent of Papers, Please and Five Nights at Freddy's.