platforms Archives

AppWizard

August 13, 2026

Gemini hits 1 billion monthly users, and Google just revealed what’s next

Gemini, Google's app, has surpassed 1 billion monthly active users, making it the fastest-growing product in the company's history. Google plans to enhance Gemini's functionality with new integrations, connecting it to popular applications like Ticketmaster, Otter.ai, Wix, OpenTable, Zocdoc, and Pandora. These integrations aim to streamline user experiences, allowing for seamless task management within a single conversation. Users will soon be able to manage meeting outcomes more directly with Granola and Otter.ai, edit websites through Wix, and plan social activities with services like Fever and GetYourGuide. Additionally, Gemini will assist in home management and entertainment through partnerships with iHeartRadio and Pandora, as well as services like Angi and Thumbtack. The rollout of these new services is expected in the coming weeks.

AppWizard

August 13, 2026

Game Pass titles will receive unofficial support on Linux

Enthusiasts are working on the Xodus project, an unofficial open-source initiative aimed at enabling Xbox PC games, including those from Game Pass, to run on Linux and Mac systems. The project is a reverse-engineering effort that allows users to log in, download packages, and obtain game licenses for Xbox titles. The team has experience from previous projects like the Heroic Games Launcher and aims to support a wide range of Xbox games formatted in GDK and MSIXVC. While Xodus can download and run these games, additional patches may be required for optimal performance.

AppWizard

August 13, 2026

Starship job simulation game Contact Protocol launches in spring 2027 for PS5, Xbox Series, Switch 2, and PC

Kinetic Publishing has partnered with Cold Zephyr Games to release the starship job simulation game Contact Protocol on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Switch 2, and PC via Steam, with a planned release in spring 2027. The game places players in the role of a security officer aboard the starship Pale Horse, requiring them to assess the intentions of approaching ships and make critical decisions that can have significant consequences. Key features include investigating incoming data, multitasking under pressure, and making choices that affect relationships and narratives. The game offers unique procedural encounters and a visually striking science-fiction world. A video and screenshots showcasing the game have been released.

AppWizard

August 13, 2026

Cozy wizard life simulation game Aether Wizard Life launches in fall 2028 for PS5, Xbox Series, Switch 2, and PC

Kinetic Publishing has partnered with Vonder Games to release the life simulation game, Aether Wizard Life, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Switch 2, and PC via Steam, scheduled for fall 2028. Players will take on the role of a young apprentice mage in the haunted town of Starfall, starting each day in a customizable walking castle. Gameplay includes growing magical crops, caring for exotic creatures, exploring dungeons, and engaging with townsfolk for side quests. The game features over 30 wizard skills, customization options for the player's wizard, and the ability to pursue romantic relationships with 20 dateable NPCs. Key elements include mastery of magic, exploration of the haunted town, castle personalization, and assisting townsfolk while uncovering the mystery of missing mages. A new video and screenshots have been released to showcase the game.

Winsage

August 13, 2026

Microsoft’s August update fixes a Windows flaw that’s already being attacked

The upcoming Patch Tuesday is scheduled for September 8th, 2026, during which Microsoft will address over 200 vulnerabilities across Windows platforms, including Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server. Windows 10 users in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program will receive updates until October 2027. Among the vulnerabilities, CVE-2026-68820 allows attackers to gain elevated privileges through the Windows auxiliary function driver for Winsock. Microsoft has identified 18 vulnerabilities as critical, including CVE-2026-62878, an RCE vulnerability in the Windows DNS server that can lead to a buffer overflow and code execution without user interaction. Another critical issue is CVE-2026-62893, a UAF vulnerability in the TFTP server of Windows Deployment Services, which allows code injection through UDP port 69. Additionally, CVE-2026-62815, an RCE vulnerability in Quick UDP Internet Connections (QUIC), permits code execution without user interaction, while CVE-2026-59124, although high risk, is not classified as critical due to the HPC Pack not being enabled by default.

AppWizard

August 12, 2026

Modded Minecraft ┊ Minecraft Cooking Arc Begins! #peostream

Companies are shifting their user engagement strategies to focus on seamless digital experiences, particularly by enhancing user sign-in processes. The integration of passive sign-in features is a key trend, allowing users to access services with minimal interruption. This approach leads to enhanced accessibility, higher retention rates, and increased user engagement. Businesses are prioritizing user-centric design to adapt to changing customer needs.

Winsage

August 12, 2026

Microsoft fixes 421 bugs and a Windows zero-day in August Patch Tuesday

Microsoft's August Patch Tuesday update addressed 421 vulnerabilities across various products, including multiple versions of Windows (11 25H2/24H2, 11 23H2, and 10). A critical zero-day flaw, the "Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability," allows attackers with lower-level access to gain system privileges without user interaction. Additionally, the update addresses two other zero-day flaws, including the "Windows User Profile Service Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability," which has not yet been exploited but was publicly disclosed. The update is mandatory and should automatically install on supported PCs, with users encouraged to verify its application. The update also includes minor improvements to Windows features, such as enhancements to File Explorer, Windows Hello, Voice Access, and touchpad controls.

AppWizard

August 12, 2026

Mesh, Automattic’s CRM for everyone, comes to Android

Mesh, a personal CRM acquired by Automattic, has launched on Android, allowing users to manage their networks with features like notes, reminders, and real-time synchronization. The app includes enhancements for Android, such as split-screen views, keyboard shortcuts for foldable devices, in-app search, and home screen widgets. Mesh is currently in early access with Nexus AI, which helps users navigate their networks. It prioritizes user privacy and operates on a subscription model, offering a free version for up to 1,000 contacts. Approximately 70% of users utilize Mesh for business purposes, and it is available for download on Google Play.

AppWizard

August 12, 2026

Automattic has introduced the Mesh app for Android

Automattic has launched the Android version of its app, Mesh, which helps users manage personal and professional contacts with privacy. Mesh allows users to visualize their network, add notes, and set reminders. The Android version utilizes features like split-screen mode, pop-up windows, and supports keyboard shortcuts on foldable devices. It includes in-app search, home screen widgets, and real-time synchronization. Mesh partially integrates with Automattic’s Beeper messenger for streamlined communication. Currently in early access, Nexus AI enhances user experience by enabling intuitive queries about contacts. Mesh prioritizes user privacy and operates on a subscription model, offering a free version with a limit of 1,000 contacts and paid tiers for unlimited contacts. Approximately 70% of users utilize Mesh for business purposes. The app, formerly known as Clay, is available on Google Play and compatible with various devices.

AppWizard

August 12, 2026

I checked GOG’s most popular games and found shocking gaps in updates, DLC, languages, soundtracks, and more — 1,140 games are affected with 1,531 issues

GOG has become a popular platform for PC gamers to purchase and manage game collections, emphasizing consumer rights and true game ownership. However, a user-maintained catalog titled "Games that treat GOG customers as 2nd Class," last updated on August 11, 2026, lists 1,140 games with a total of 1,531 reported issues, including missing updates (308), languages (100), free DLC (51), paid DLC (200), features (111), soundtracks (439), builds (278), and region locking (12). Developers and publishers are responsible for the content included in GOG submissions, with Devolver Digital and THQ Nordic GmbH noted for having 29 issues each. GOG's DRM-free requirement and smaller user base compared to Steam contribute to these challenges, leading to concerns about the value of purchasing games that may lack features available on other platforms.