project Archives

BetaBeacon

September 17, 2026

Diving and Sushi Bar in Your Pocket: Dave the Diver Released on iOS and Android

Dave the Diver, a popular game with a 96% positive review rating on Steam, has been released worldwide for mobile devices by Mintrocket studio. The game combines underwater exploration with sushi bar management, offering players a diverse gaming experience. The mobile version has revamped interface and optimized controls for touch screens, with in-game actions utilizing device capabilities. The game is available on both Android and iOS platforms globally, with a free initial part and full version priced at 699 rubles on the App Store and 899 rubles on Google Play.

Winsage

September 17, 2026

“Data centres have become integral to our lives” — Microsoft plans to push ahead with data center despite protests

Microsoft plans to submit proposals for a data center in Slough, England, potentially as early as autumn. This follows a consultation with local residents, during which Microsoft highlighted the importance of data centers in modern life. A petition opposing the construction has gained significant support, and hundreds of protesters gathered at the proposed site, expressing concerns about environmental impacts, including noise pollution. Microsoft has received approval for a similar project from Leeds City Council, but the decision for the Slough data center will be made by Chief Planning Officer Martin Elliot, who will consider community feedback.

BetaBeacon

September 17, 2026

Medieval “Tetris” Drop Duchy is being ported to Android and iOS – pre-registration is open

Drop Duchy is a mobile game that combines mechanics of "Tetris", city-building simulator, and card roguelike. The player transforms falling "Tetris" pieces into plots of a medieval duchy, places buildings and assembles an army. The game will be distributed under a "try before you buy" model, with the full version costing 475 rubles.

Tech Optimizer

September 16, 2026

AI helps scammers build convincing antivirus renewal pages

Antivirus renewal scams often begin with messages claiming automatic subscription renewals, leading victims to counterfeit pages designed to collect personal information. These scams impersonate well-known brands and do not indicate that the sender has accessed the recipient's device. Responding to such messages can provide scammers with valuable data, including names and phone numbers, which can be sold or used for further scams. A specific scam site impersonating Avast targeted users in Belgium, falsely claiming a subscription renewal for €129.99. The site appeared polished and requested basic contact information without asking for sensitive data. It contained notes suggesting AI involvement in its creation, indicating it was a half-finished project. To identify antivirus renewal scams, individuals should verify any claimed charges directly with their bank, check subscriptions through official channels, be cautious of cancellation forms requesting phone numbers, treat follow-up calls as potential threats, and avoid installing remote access software. If engagement with a scam occurs, disconnect from the internet, remove any installed software, and change passwords. Tools like Malwarebytes Browser Guard can help block malicious sites, and Scam Guard can analyze suspicious communications.

AppWizard

September 16, 2026

MindsEye developer Build a Rocket Boy may finally be closing

Build a Rocket Boy (BARB), the developer of MindsEye, is reportedly facing significant layoffs, potentially affecting all remaining employees. Since the game's release in 2025, which received poor reviews, the studio has struggled, claiming sabotage and experiencing strained relations with its publisher, IO Interactive. Multiple rounds of layoffs have occurred, and employees have raised concerns about mismanagement and unauthorized surveillance. Dan Hawkins, a talent acquisition partner at BARB, indicated on LinkedIn that his role is being made redundant, and other notable figures, including head of audio Stuart Ross, have also been laid off. BARB has not yet made a public statement about the situation.

Winsage

September 16, 2026

Microsoft Surface event announced for October 7 — here’s everything we know so far

Microsoft is hosting an event on October 7, 2026, in San Francisco at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET, featuring CEO Satya Nadella, Surface chief Pavan Davuluri, and NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang. Expected announcements include the Surface Laptop Ultra and the Surface RTX Spark Dev Box, with details on pricing and availability anticipated. Microsoft will also showcase enhancements to Windows 11, focusing on the Windows K2 initiative to improve user experience and address issues like bugs and UI inconsistencies. Additionally, Project Zenith, a new line of devices for developers, will be introduced to support local AI experiences.

Winsage

September 16, 2026

Microsoft Sets October 7 Event to Detail Local AI Push for Windows and Surface

Microsoft will unveil its vision for the future of personal computing at an event in San Francisco on October 7 at 10 a.m. Pacific time, focusing on the role of on-device artificial intelligence in Windows and Surface hardware. Key figures including CEO Satya Nadella and NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang will discuss innovations across Windows, NVIDIA RTX Spark, and the PC ecosystem. The RTX Spark platform, introduced earlier this year, features a system-on-a-chip with 128GB of memory, an NVIDIA GPU, and an Arm-based CPU for high-performance AI workloads. Microsoft has announced the Surface Laptop Ultra, built on the RTX Spark platform, but details on pricing and release dates are not yet available. The event will emphasize how local AI will shape the future of PCs, with a focus on hardware capable of running AI models directly on devices. Attendees can also expect enhancements to the Windows operating system, though a surprise announcement regarding Windows 12 is unlikely. The event will be streamed live, starting at 10 a.m. PT and 1 p.m. ET.

Winsage

September 16, 2026

More choice and possibility with Windows PCs at IFA

At IFA, the Windows ecosystem showcased new PCs from various partners, including Acer, ASUS, Dell, Lenovo, MSI, AMD, and NVIDIA, highlighting their ability to meet diverse user needs. Acer introduced the sustainable Vero 16 laptop, while ASUS presented the ProArt P16 and P14 for creators. Dell unveiled the portable 14S laptop, and Lenovo expanded its Yoga portfolio with the Yoga Pro 9n for demanding tasks. MSI launched the Venture 15 AI+ B3M, balancing productivity and gaming. AMD announced support for Microsoft’s Project Zenith with its Ryzen AI Halo systems, and NVIDIA introduced tools for local AI on Windows. The event emphasized the collaboration among partners to deliver innovative technologies.

Tech Optimizer

September 15, 2026

Best Free Antivirus: 11 Steps, 18/18 Score [2026]

Microsoft Defender scored 17.5 out of 18 in the June 2026 evaluations by AV-Test, while Avast Free Antivirus and AVG AntiVirus Free both achieved a perfect score of 18 out of 18. Avira Internet Security scored 16.5. The evaluations assessed 16 consumer antivirus products based on protection, performance, and usability. Microsoft Defender is built into Windows 11 and is free, while Avast and AVG are true free offerings. AV-Test uses a scoring system where each category is scored out of 6.0, leading to a maximum total of 18.0. Users should ensure they have the latest versions of antivirus products and only run one real-time antivirus engine at a time. Common pitfalls include running two real-time engines and downloading from unofficial sources. For low-risk users, Microsoft Defender is sufficient, while those seeking higher protection may consider Avast or AVG.

Tech Optimizer

September 15, 2026

AI Is Changing Antivirus From File Matching to Behaviour-Based Malware Detection

Artificial intelligence is transforming malware detection by moving away from traditional file signature reliance to analyzing program actions. Antivirus software previously used signatures to identify known threats, but the rapid emergence of over 450,000 new malware samples daily complicates this method. Attackers now employ techniques like repacking and encryption to evade detection, prompting the need for machine-learning and behavioral techniques for better protection. Modern detection systems assess multiple characteristics of executable files, including their behavior, to identify potential threats, even if they lack recognized signatures. Microsoft's Project Ire exemplifies advanced detection capabilities, functioning as an automated malware analyst that evaluates unknown binaries based on their behavior. Additionally, modern endpoint-security products leverage cloud systems to analyze data from multiple devices, enhancing threat detection through shared intelligence. However, AI detection can still produce false positives and is susceptible to manipulation by attackers. Therefore, effective security systems require a combination of traditional measures, behavioral monitoring, machine learning, and human analysis to navigate complex threats.