playing Archives

AppWizard

June 19, 2026

Minecraft Dungeons 2 may be a more ambitious ARPG, but Mojang says it’s “purposefully not calling it an open-world” game

Minecraft Dungeons 2 is set to release on September 29, 2026. The game will feature an interconnected world, moving away from the previous simple game loop. It will offer a curated experience with a larger landscape for exploration, including unique items and powerful Talismans. An updated user interface will include a mini-map and a world map to assist navigation. A 'Guiding Light' feature will help players find quest objectives. The game will be available on PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X.

AppWizard

June 18, 2026

Minecraft Is Becoming Entertainment’s Most Unexpected Storytelling Tool

In Minecraft, avatars lack facial expressions, prompting players to use imagination and body language for emotional interpretation. Players utilize vocal cues for storytelling, making viewers active participants who can influence gameplay. This interactive storytelling fosters social bonds between creators and audiences, allowing real-time audience engagement. Minecraft serves as a versatile platform for gaming, filmmaking, animation, and social networking, promoting independent media consumption. As Generation Z and Alpha engage with narratives across multiple platforms, Minecraft exemplifies this trend. Community innovators, including modders and animators, have inspired Mojang Studios to create narrative content like Minecraft Story Mode and Minecraft Dungeons, with a sequel set to release in September.

BetaBeacon

June 18, 2026

Fake virus alerts are invading mobile games

Cybercriminals sometimes manage to buy advertising space and use it to defraud gamers. The iCloud storage scam is a well-known scam that claims you need to expand your storage or all your files will be deleted. Scammers also use fake warnings to trick users into clicking links or downloading harmful software. Fleeceware apps lure users in with short free trials that quickly convert into hidden subscription fees. The best response to these messages is to ignore them and use an up-to-date anti-malware solution on your devices.

BetaBeacon

June 17, 2026

Android 17 brings a literal game changer to foldable phones – there’s just one major concern

Google is introducing a Foldable Gaming Mode in the upcoming Android 17 update. This feature allows users to use the lower half of a foldable phone's screen as a touch controller, providing a unique gaming experience similar to a clamshell handheld device.

AppWizard

June 17, 2026

Google officially launches Android 17

Google has rolled out Android 17 for Pixel phones, with plans for broader availability on other Android devices. Key features include Bubbles for multitasking, Screen Reactions for recording tutorials, and a Foldable Gaming Mode. Security enhancements include improved location-sharing, Live Threat Detection, and parental controls. The June Pixel Drop introduces AI-driven features like Gemini Omni for video editing and Lyria 3 for music generation. Minor upgrades include speech-to-voice translation and the "Take a Message" feature for voicemail transcriptions. Wear OS 7 enhances smartwatches with live updates, device control, and emergency sharing capabilities.

AppWizard

June 17, 2026

Less than a month before launch, survival RPG Outward 2 delayed into 2027

Nine Dots Studio announced that the release of the survival RPG, Outward 2, has been delayed from July 2026 to 2027. CEO Guillaume Boucher-Vidal expressed regret over the delay, emphasizing the importance of meeting player expectations and the role of feedback from the open beta, which began on June 7. Players reported encountering issues during the beta, and the studio is prioritizing quality over sticking to the original timeline. Boucher-Vidal acknowledged the challenges of ensuring stability for an early access title and apologized to players who planned their summer around the original release date.

AppWizard

June 16, 2026

India Blocks Telegram Messaging App Amid Exam Scandal

India has implemented a temporary ban on the Telegram messaging app until June 22 to combat cheating in medical entrance examinations, following reports of its use in fraudulent activities. This measure is part of the Ministry of Education's effort to maintain integrity and fairness in the examination process.

BetaBeacon

June 16, 2026

This free Android app brings all your emulated games under a single console-style roof

iiSU is a new app that revolutionizes the emulation experience on Android handhelds by combining all emulated games into a user-friendly interface. It offers customization options, native controller support, access to standard Android apps, and Discord integration. The app is available for download on GitHub.

Tech Optimizer

June 16, 2026

Subscription twist: Norton 360 Deluxe adds more than just antivirus

Norton 360 Deluxe is a mid-tier security subscription from Gen Digital that offers antivirus protection, a VPN, a password manager, dark web monitoring, and parental controls for up to five devices. It includes real-time threat protection, a firewall, ransomware shielding, and cloud backup of up to 50 GB for Windows users. The parental controls, known as Norton Family, allow monitoring of children's online activities. The Secure VPN encrypts internet traffic on public Wi-Fi and masks IP addresses. The package also features PC SafeCam for webcam security and a smart firewall. Norton 360 Deluxe is marketed with a promotional first-year rate, with higher renewal prices, and is available through digital subscriptions, app stores, and major retailers. The product is designed for households and individuals seeking comprehensive security solutions.

AppWizard

June 15, 2026

Minecraft Dungeons 2 is a breath of fresh air after the horrors of Diablo 4

The author, a long-time fan of action role-playing games (ARPGs), took a break from the genre after spending extensive time on Diablo 4 and Path of Exile 2. This hiatus was interrupted by the announcement of Minecraft Dungeons 2, which is designed to be an accessible introduction to dungeon crawling for newcomers while allowing experienced players to share their love for ARPGs. The game is set to launch on Xbox Series X, PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, with more information to be revealed during the GamesRadar+ Summer Preview. Minecraft Dungeons 2 aims to provide a more enjoyable journey in gaming, contrasting with the complexity of other titles in the genre.