president Archives

AppWizard

April 21, 2026

Xbox Game Pass prices are going down, but future Call of Duty games won’t be added until ‘about a year’ after they launch

Microsoft has reduced the monthly subscription fees for Game Pass services: Game Pass Ultimate is now priced at .99, down from .99, and PC Game Pass has decreased from .49 to .99. This price cut does not revert Game Pass to its pre-October 2025 levels. The decision follows strong sales of Black Ops 6, which generated 0 million in revenue from Game Pass at launch, while 82% of the game's full-price sales were on PlayStation 5. Microsoft indicated that the changes respond to player feedback and reflect a strategic shift under the new head of Xbox, Asha Sharma.

BetaBeacon

April 17, 2026

Epic Games Store Mobile Free Game This Week: Broken Sword

The original Broken Sword game was launched in 1996 and the Reforged version in 2024 brought enhanced visuals and audio while keeping the core story intact. Players take on the role of American tourist George Stobbart in a murder mystery tied to the Knights Templar. Epic rotates its mobile free games every Thursday, with iOS availability restricted to the EU and Android users having a broader library selection. Endling: Extinction is Forever is available on the Android library. Epic's mobile push is gaining momentum with a growing selection of games.

AppWizard

April 17, 2026

European civil servants are being forced off WhatsApp

Apps like Signal and WhatsApp are recognized for their end-to-end encryption but are increasingly seen as inadequate for organizational communication due to their consumer-grade design. Benjamin Schilz, CEO of Wire, points out the risks of using such apps for professional purposes. Recent cybersecurity threats, including a Russian espionage campaign targeting these applications, highlight the importance of advanced features like access controls and metadata management, especially for large organizations. Belgium's De Waele advocates for controlled communication environments that include only government employees to mitigate risks. Transparency advocates have raised concerns about the privacy features of consumer apps obscuring important decision-making processes, as exemplified by a situation involving Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and a vaccine deal. The re-election of former U.S. President Donald Trump has prompted a shift in priorities towards secure communication channels within European governments.

AppWizard

April 17, 2026

Spectrum launches streaming TV app for Google TV, Android TV devices

Charter Communications has launched a streaming television application for Spectrum TV subscribers, allowing access to channels on Google TV and Android TV devices. The app is available for free download from the Google Play Store and Amazon App Store, enabling users to watch channels typically accessed through set-top boxes on smart TVs. Features include multiview capability for watching up to four channels simultaneously, cloud DVR for pausing, rewinding, and recording live TV, and a comprehensive on-demand catalog of TV shows and movies. The app is compatible with platforms like Apple TV, Roku, Xumo, Xbox, and various smart TVs, as well as smartphone and tablet applications for on-the-go viewing.

AppWizard

April 16, 2026

Binance Chat Enables Messaging and Crypto In One App

Binance has launched a new feature called Binance Chat within its app, which combines messaging, community interaction, and cryptocurrency transfers. Users can add contacts using unique chat IDs, engage in group discussions, and send crypto payments directly in conversations. The feature aims to streamline the user experience by consolidating communication and transactions into one platform. Users must accept contact requests to initiate conversations, enhancing security. Binance Chat is accessible immediately via the Binance app, although some features may be rolled out gradually and crypto transfer availability may vary by region.

Winsage

April 16, 2026

There’s No Saving Windows 11. It’s Time for Windows 12

Windows 11 has faced user frustration due to its cluttered interface and the addition of Copilot AI features, leading to questions about its viability. Recent updates allow users to skip installations during initial setup and offer enhanced taskbar customization. Microsoft is committed to improving Copilot integration, but performance issues and bugs persist. The Recall feature has raised privacy concerns, as it can expose sensitive information, with a researcher demonstrating a way to bypass security measures. The 25H2 update has been plagued by bugs, and users have noted dissatisfaction with ads promoting Microsoft services. The integration of AI has increased RAM usage, affecting system performance. Many users are calling for a focus on developing Windows 12 to restore confidence in Microsoft's operating systems.

Winsage

April 16, 2026

Windows 11’s Recall tool has been cracked open again, and Microsoft doesn’t see that as a problem

Alexander Hagenah has developed a tool called TotalRecall Reloaded that exploits a vulnerability in Microsoft's AI feature, Recall, which manages data. Recall was designed to store AI-generated insights but was found to potentially store sensitive information in plain text, prompting Microsoft to delay its rollout. The vulnerability lies in AIXHost.exe, which lacks essential security measures, allowing unauthorized processes to extract sensitive data, such as decrypted screenshots and metadata, after user authentication via Windows Hello. Microsoft has downplayed the risks, asserting that existing security controls mitigate unauthorized access. TotalRecall Reloaded is available on GitHub for further exploration.

Winsage

April 15, 2026

Scott Hanselman Brings a macOS Feature to Windows

Microsoft vice president Scott Hanselman has introduced a new feature for Windows 11 called PeekDesktop, which allows users to minimize all open windows by clicking on an empty space on their desktop. This feature provides a clear view of files and shortcuts and can be restored with a second click. PeekDesktop is compatible with both x64 and Arm64 systems and is available for download on Scott's Tiny Tool Town website.

Winsage

April 14, 2026

Microsoft rolls out fast-track to reinstate Windows hardware dev accounts

Microsoft has implemented a fast-track reinstatement process for developers whose Windows Hardware Developer accounts were suspended due to incomplete identity verification. This initiative follows complaints from developers, including those of WireGuard and VeraCrypt, about unexpected account terminations that hindered their ability to publish Windows drivers and updates. Microsoft clarified that the suspensions were communicated to partners since October 2025 and emphasized the importance of identity verification for signing and distributing kernel-level drivers. Developers can expedite their reinstatement by opening a support case with a business justification. Microsoft has also provided guidance for navigating the support workflow and an alternative contact for those facing difficulties.

AppWizard

April 11, 2026

Minecraft World to open at Chessington World of Adventures in 2027

Merlin Entertainments and Mojang Studios are developing Minecraft World, a theme park land inspired by the video game, set to open in 2027 at Chessington World of Adventures in Greater London. The project involves an investment of £50 million (€57 million) and will feature attractions based on Minecraft's biomes, mobs, and items, including a world-first coaster, interactive adventures, and themed retail and dining options. Angela Jobson from Merlin Entertainments highlighted the collaboration with Mojang Studios to create an authentic experience for Minecraft fans.