pricing Archives

AppWizard

July 10, 2026

Steam Summer Sale may be over, but this Fanatical bundle has 15 Steam Deck games worth $206 for $22

The Steam Summer Sale ends on July 9, and Fanatical has launched the Onyx Bundle, allowing gamers to customize their selection of titles. The pricing for the bundle is as follows: three to four games cost .65 each, five to six games cost .60 each, seven or more games cost [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: As the Steam Summer Sale draws to a close, with its final curtain falling on July 9, gamers are left to reflect on the discounts that have now reverted to their original prices. However, for those who may have missed the excitement, Fanatical has introduced a new opportunity that is sure to pique interest among Steam Deck owners and PC gamers alike. What does the bundle offer? How much does it cost? Enter the Onyx Bundle, a customizable offering that allows gamers to select their desired titles rather than purchasing a pre-defined package. This build-your-own theme empowers players to curate their gaming experience, enabling them to exclude any games they may have already played or simply aren’t interested in. The flexibility of this bundle means you can also share any extra codes with friends. The pricing structure of the Onyx Bundle is designed to reward bulk selections. For instance, choosing three to four games will set you back .65 each, while selecting five to six games lowers the price to .60 per title. The savings continue to grow, with seven or more games bringing the cost down to an impressive .45 each. Opting for the full 15 Steam Deck-compatible games will cost only .75, a staggering 89% discount from the original total of 5.84. Here’s a detailed look at the Steam Deck-friendly games included in Fanatical’s Onyx Bundle. Keep in mind that this offer is available for just six more days, so act quickly to take advantage of these savings: Game Steam Deck compatibility Original price Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate Verified .99 Last Time I Saw You Verified .99 Heroes Of Loot: Gauntlet Of Power Verified .99 Surmount: A Mountain Climbing Adventure Verified .99 Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open Playable .99 Hamster on Rails Playable .99 SHEEPO Verified .99 Escape From Lavender Island Playable .99 Garden Simulator Verified .99 Fight of Animals Unknown, but reportedly runs fine .99 Russian Subway Dogs Unknown, but reportedly runs fine after some tweaks .99 Omno Playable .99 Nasty Zombies Playable .99 Diorama Builder + Medieval Castle DLC Playable .98 VOSPETKA Simulator Playable .99 For newcomers to the Steam Deck ecosystem, games marked as Verified are guaranteed to perform seamlessly on the device, while those labeled as Playable may require minor adjustments for optimal play. Additionally, for those looking to expand their library further, Fanatical's Indiependence Day bundle features 15 Steam Deck-friendly games valued at 8, available for just .49." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].45 each, and the full 15 games cost [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: As the Steam Summer Sale draws to a close, with its final curtain falling on July 9, gamers are left to reflect on the discounts that have now reverted to their original prices. However, for those who may have missed the excitement, Fanatical has introduced a new opportunity that is sure to pique interest among Steam Deck owners and PC gamers alike. What does the bundle offer? How much does it cost? Enter the Onyx Bundle, a customizable offering that allows gamers to select their desired titles rather than purchasing a pre-defined package. This build-your-own theme empowers players to curate their gaming experience, enabling them to exclude any games they may have already played or simply aren’t interested in. The flexibility of this bundle means you can also share any extra codes with friends. The pricing structure of the Onyx Bundle is designed to reward bulk selections. For instance, choosing three to four games will set you back .65 each, while selecting five to six games lowers the price to .60 per title. The savings continue to grow, with seven or more games bringing the cost down to an impressive .45 each. Opting for the full 15 Steam Deck-compatible games will cost only .75, a staggering 89% discount from the original total of 5.84. Here’s a detailed look at the Steam Deck-friendly games included in Fanatical’s Onyx Bundle. Keep in mind that this offer is available for just six more days, so act quickly to take advantage of these savings: Game Steam Deck compatibility Original price Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate Verified .99 Last Time I Saw You Verified .99 Heroes Of Loot: Gauntlet Of Power Verified .99 Surmount: A Mountain Climbing Adventure Verified .99 Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open Playable .99 Hamster on Rails Playable .99 SHEEPO Verified .99 Escape From Lavender Island Playable .99 Garden Simulator Verified .99 Fight of Animals Unknown, but reportedly runs fine .99 Russian Subway Dogs Unknown, but reportedly runs fine after some tweaks .99 Omno Playable .99 Nasty Zombies Playable .99 Diorama Builder + Medieval Castle DLC Playable .98 VOSPETKA Simulator Playable .99 For newcomers to the Steam Deck ecosystem, games marked as Verified are guaranteed to perform seamlessly on the device, while those labeled as Playable may require minor adjustments for optimal play. Additionally, for those looking to expand their library further, Fanatical's Indiependence Day bundle features 15 Steam Deck-friendly games valued at 8, available for just .49." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].75 each, representing an 89% discount from the original total of 5.84. The bundle includes various Steam Deck-compatible games, with some marked as Verified and others as Playable. Additionally, Fanatical offers an Indiependence Day bundle featuring 15 Steam Deck-friendly games valued at , available for .49.

AppWizard

July 10, 2026

Id Software founder John Carmack mourns layoffs: “Games need to succeed, not just be beloved”

Id Software is laying off 136 positions, more than half of its workforce, as part of broader layoffs affecting Microsoft and Xbox studios. Co-founder John Carmack expressed sadness over the layoffs, which coincide with the launch of new DLC for Doom: The Dark Ages. He noted that his previous optimism regarding Microsoft's management of the brand is diminishing and highlighted the increasing pressures in the gaming industry. Carmack suggested that Id Software may be viewed as a marginal business by Microsoft, with revenues from Minecraft supporting other studios. He discussed the fierce competition for consumer attention and questioned whether different pricing models or broader audience targeting could have helped Doom succeed. The latest DLC for Doom received praise but arrived too late to make a significant impact. Carmack remains hopeful for the studio's future and expressed doubt about reclaiming ownership of the Doom IP, while also supporting Team Beef's commercialization of legacy open-source games on VR.

Tech Optimizer

July 10, 2026

I tested Norton Antivirus on my PC – and it found a hidden Trojan in 15 minutes

Norton Antivirus is a well-regarded malware protection tool, consistently ranking among the top in the industry with a robust suite of security features. It has a user-friendly interface similar to Malwarebytes, but intrusive upselling tactics detract from usability. Norton offers comprehensive scanning tools, including Quick Scan, Full Scan, Smart Scan, Targeted Scan, and Startup Scan, which successfully detected a Trojan missed by other antivirus software. Its Scam Protection tools provide alerts for online scams and phishing attempts, and it includes unique features like Deepfake Protection and an AI assistant named Genie. According to MRG Effitas, Norton blocked 98% of malware samples with a 0.33% miss rate, achieving a Level 2 certification. Pricing includes several plans, with Norton 360 Deluxe offering the best value at an introductory price of .99 for the first year, rising to .99 annually. Despite its strengths, the intrusive upselling makes it less recommendable compared to Malwarebytes, although it has unique capabilities in threat detection and a comprehensive suite of security tools.

Tech Optimizer

July 10, 2026

Gen Digital stock holds steady as cybersecurity demand supports long term growth

Gen Digital is a publicly traded company focused on cybersecurity and digital privacy solutions, primarily targeting consumers and small businesses. The company generates revenue through recurring subscriptions for its security and identity protection services, which include antivirus software, VPN services, and identity monitoring. Gen Digital's business model relies on bundling multiple security features into comprehensive offerings, providing predictable revenue and stability in cash flows. The company emphasizes continuous updates to its services to protect against evolving cybersecurity threats. Its growth prospects are linked to trends in cybersecurity spending and the increasing adoption of subscription-based solutions. Gen Digital differentiates itself from competitors by focusing on individual devices and home networks rather than large enterprises. The company also benefits from distribution partnerships that help expand its customer base. Long-term demand for its products is driven by digitalization, cyber risks, and growing consumer awareness of privacy issues. Gen Digital's stock performance is influenced by both company-specific factors and broader market trends in technology and cybersecurity.

AppWizard

July 10, 2026

‘To Continue Being Produced Long Term, Games Need to Succeed, Not Just Be Beloved’ — John Carmack Responds to id Software Layoffs

John Carmack, co-founder of id Software, expressed sadness over the recent layoffs at the studio, which saw 96 employees at its Richardson location and 40 remote positions cut, representing a 50% workforce reduction. This restructuring is part of a broader initiative by new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, which has resulted in 1,600 staff layoffs earlier in the week, with another 1,600 expected throughout the financial year. Carmack suggested that id Software may have been viewed as a "marginal business" within Microsoft's portfolio and noted that its financial contributions to Microsoft appear minimal compared to the tech giant's overall revenue of 1.72 billion. He reflected on the competitive nature of the gaming industry and questioned whether different strategies could have improved id Software's financial performance. Despite the layoffs, he remains hopeful for the studio's future. Fellow co-founder John Romero also expressed support for the affected staff and emphasized the importance of preserving the legacy of iconic franchises like Doom, Quake, and Wolfenstein.

AppWizard

July 9, 2026

TIDAL Raises Prices Again: What It Means for Music Streamers

TIDAL will implement a price increase for its U.S. subscribers starting August 3, 2026. The new pricing structure will be as follows: Individual plan at .99/month, Family plan at .99/month, and Student plan at .99/month. Existing subscribers will maintain their current rates until their first billing date after the price change. TIDAL's Individual plan remains competitive compared to Spotify Premium and Qobuz Studio, but is higher than Apple Music's .99/month for Individual and .99/month for Family plans. TIDAL cites the need to support artists and invest in new features as reasons for the price increase. The impact on Individual subscribers is expected to be minimal, while Family and Student subscribers may reconsider their options due to the higher costs.

Tech Optimizer

July 7, 2026

Avast Premium Security from Gen Digital – multi-device protection tuned for US households

Avast Premium Security is a multi-device security suite developed by Gen Digital, designed for U.S. households and small offices. It includes antivirus, ransomware protection, firewall, and web shield features. The product offers plans for one device, up to ten devices, or unlimited devices, with pricing around .99 per year for a single device and .99 for up to ten devices. It is compatible with Windows PCs, Macs, Android phones and tablets, and iOS devices. Key features include real-time malware scanning, advanced ransomware shields, phishing site detection, and a configurable firewall. The software operates quietly in the system tray and provides notifications when threats are detected. Avast Premium Security is positioned in a competitive market alongside brands like Norton, McAfee, Trend Micro, and Kaspersky, and is part of Gen Digital's strategy for recurring subscription revenue. The product is available for purchase online and targets U.S. households and small offices seeking comprehensive protection.

Tech Optimizer

July 7, 2026

The TechBeat: How Small Postgres Metadata Tables Quietly Throttle Your Largest Queries (7/6/2026)

- Websites detect VPN usage through factors like IP reputation, DNS leaks, WebRTC, and browser fingerprints, with strategies to mitigate tracking. - Slow Postgres dashboards may be caused by stale metadata statistics rather than the fact table, with solutions provided to rectify these issues. - Spec-driven development enhances the reliability of AI coding agents through structured specifications, workflows, reusable skills, and proof. - A comparison of usage-based billing platforms for 2026 includes Credyt, Metronome, Orb, Lago, Stripe Billing, and Chargebee. - Loop Engineering is a rising trend in AI workflows expected to dominate in 2026, though challenges may accompany it. - ONLYOFFICE released version 3.7 of DocSpace Developer, introducing AI file generation, new webhook events, expanded plugin tools, and enhanced form workflows. - ANY.RUN's data inspection tool offers SOC teams comprehensive browser visibility for quicker phishing investigations. - AI systems are reducing obvious hallucinations, but deeper structural failures remain a risk for professionals. - A vendor audit revealed supply chain vulnerabilities in AI, including unpinned models and the use of trust_remote_code=True. - Developers using OpenAI Codex should avoid overloading a single conversation with tasks to maintain performance, recommending the use of subagents. - Barriers to AI adoption are not purely technological, as shared by insights from discussions with 500 individuals. - Guidance on creating production AI agent loops emphasizes state management, tool governance, evidence verification, and domain-specific controls. - Dawnguard launched a security architecture automation platform with million in pre-seed funding to address AI code vulnerabilities. - The AI boom is driven by complex memory architecture rather than GPUs, influencing consumer electronics pricing strategies. - The origins of functional programming trace back to John McCarthy's practical needs for differentiating expressions. - A guide for AI startup founders addresses common pitfalls in understanding AI agents and the autonomy trap for developing reliable systems.

AppWizard

July 5, 2026

Weekend PC Game Deals: Final week of Steam and GOG Summer Sales

Epic Games is currently offering free titles, River City Girls 2 and I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream, until July 9. The Humble Store has launched a new bundle featuring games like SuperTaxCity and Treasure Tiger, with additional games available for a payment. The Summer Games Done Quick 2026 bundle includes titles such as Grandma, No and DUSK, with a complete package offering more games. The Steam Summer Sale is ongoing, featuring new big deals, while the GOG store is in its final week of a DRM-free summer sale. Availability and pricing may vary by region.

AppWizard

July 5, 2026

Fanatical’s latest Platinum Collection bundle is offering 19 Steam Deck-friendly games worth $356 for only $48

Fanatical's Platinum Collection bundle for July allows gamers to build their own selection of titles at varying prices based on the number of games chosen. The pricing tiers are as follows: three to four games at .33 each, five to six games at .00 each, and seven or more games at .85 each. The entire bundle, which includes 19 Steam Deck-compatible games, is priced at .45, offering significant savings from the original combined value of approximately 6. The bundle features various games with their Steam Deck compatibility status and original prices, including titles like "Star Overdrive" (Verified, .99) and "Worshippers of Cthulhu" (Playable, .99). Additionally, Steam's annual Summer Sale runs until July 9, featuring many Steam Deck-friendly titles under .