releases Archives

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

Minecraft 26.2 Pre-Release 5

26.2 Pre-Release 5 introduces adjustments to Hardcore mode settings and various bug fixes, with an official launch scheduled for June 16. Changes include: - Automatic adjustment of the Graphics API setting if a crash occurs during startup. - Correction of the sound effect for hitting the sulfur cube in the bouncy archetype. - World hosts can change the game mode using F3 + F4 or commands, updating the default game mode for the world. - Removal of the "Game Mode" and "Allow Commands" buttons in Hardcore mode worlds. Startup and Fallback Behavior for Graphics API: - If a crash occurs at startup with "Prefer Vulkan" selected, it reverts to "Default." - The game collects system information regarding Vulkan even when set to "Default." - If a crash occurs with "Default," it switches to "Prefer OpenGL." - "Prefer OpenGL" prevents interaction with Vulkan to avoid crashes. Fixed bugs: - Sounds for the bouncy sulfur cube play at appropriate volume levels. - Flower patches now generate instead of single flowers. - Spear with Lunge no longer launches players downwards on a geyser. - Players cannot change their game mode from the World Options menu in hardcore worlds. - Friends Screen key binding allows typing instead of closing the screen. - Custom dialog buttons no longer disrupt the game menu. - Adjusting command settings updates the "Game Rules" button state correctly. - Changing game modes with commands reflects accurately in the World Options screen. - The "Statistics" button has been realigned in the game menu. - Correction of a string error in the friends error message. - Game mode is no longer incorrectly set to Survival mode upon re-entering the save. - Hardcore death cannot be circumvented by rejoining the world. Pre-Releases are available for Minecraft: Java Edition, and users are advised to back up their data before testing.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

This week in PC games: some enormous space sims and strategy games, plus a cheery prop hunt where you paint your own camouflage

The Summer Game Fest featured a new installment of Duskers and glimpses of a Fumito Ueda game. The following PC games were released or are in early access: - Atre: Dominance Wars - A turn-based fantasy kingdom builder available in early access, featuring four factions and a campaign. - Rakeo - A puzzle-platformer where players collect cookies in a 2D environment. - NBA The Run - A 3v3 street basketball game with vibrant visuals and humorous camera work. - Meccha Chameleon - A multiplayer hide-and-seek game focused on camouflage. - SAND: Raiders of Sophie - A PvPvE looting game involving warmechs. - 33 Immortals - A cooperative roguelike from the developers of Spiritfarer. - SpaceCraft - An early access game about exploring and transforming planets into a trading empire. - Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions - An early access spin-off of Astroneer for teams of cosmonauts. - Don't Let It Starve - A game about crafting bento boxes for a creature. The Treehouse will focus on interviews and impressions from the Summer Game Fest, with no further announcements allowed.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

Android Sideloading in 2026: Which Apps Are Worth Installing Outside the Play Store

VidMate apk is a widely used application that operates outside the Play Store and continues to do so into 2026. Sideloading is the process of installing an Android app from a source other than the Google Play Store, using the APK file format. Android supports sideloading, allowing users to enable installations from unknown sources in their device settings. As of 2026, Google requires developers distributing apps outside the Play Store to register, verify their identity with a government-issued ID, and pay a one-time fee. This policy aims to enhance security without eliminating sideloading. Enforcement began in select countries in September 2026 and will continue globally through 2027. Concerns have been raised about the potential barriers this creates for independent developers. In 2026, apps from developers with official websites and established histories are considered safer, while those from anonymous sources carry increased risks. Notable categories of sideloaded apps include video downloaders like VidMate, open-source YouTube clients like NewPipe, ad-blocking browsers, and privacy-focused tools. To install sideloaded apps safely, users should enable the option to install from unknown sources in their device settings and download from official developer websites or trusted repositories like APKMirror, F-Droid, or GitHub. Users should avoid sites that do not identify the app's creator or host unverified uploads.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

There’s suddenly a terrifying number of games releasing this fall

The Steam platform continues to be active with daily game launches, but this year has seen a scarcity of big-budget releases due to delays from developers aiming to avoid competition with the anticipated release of GTA 6. This blockbuster is expected to significantly impact market sales. The gaming industry is preparing for a quieter second half of the year, with many developers considering their options. There is growing anticipation for titles set to release in 2026, as gamers express a desire for more substantial releases amidst these delays.

AppWizard

June 7, 2026

Every game, trailer, and announcement in the PC Gaming Show 2026

The PC Gaming Show 2026 featured over 60 games, including more than 20 world premieres. Notable titles include: - Wielders of the Essence: Available now on Steam. - Warhammer 40,000: Darktide - Skitarii Class: Debuts on June 23; wishlist available on Steam. - Spellsided: Demo available on Steam. - Serious Sam: Shatterverse: Playtest sign-up available on Steam. - Control Resonant: Releases on September 24; pre-orders available on Steam. - There Are No Ghosts at the Grand: Demo available; wishlist on Steam. - Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions: Early access launches on June 11; demo available on Steam. - Happy Bastards: Combat demo available on Steam. - AfterQuest: Wishlist available on Steam. - SlashZero: Wishlist and playtest sign-up available on Steam. - Void/Breaker: Significant update available on Steam. - Wind Runners: Demo available on Steam. - Planet Zoo 2: Pre-orders open on Steam. - Empulse: Early access launches on June 24; explore during Steam Next Fest on June 15. - Arkheron: Playtest sign-up available on the game's website. - ReVamp: Playtest sign-up available on Discord. - Wardogs: Wishlist and playtest sign-up available via trailer's QR code. - Shroom and Gloom: Demo available. - Rivage: Demo available. - Mr Magpie’s Harmless Card Game: Wishlist available on Steam. - Ascenders: Beyond the Peak: Demo available on Steam. - Outward 2: Beta currently accessible. - Exo Rally Championship: Available on Steam. - Beast of Reincarnation: Launches on August 3; pre-orders available on Steam. - Terrinoth: Heroes of Descent: Shadow dropped; available now. - To Kill a God: Demo available. - Armatus: Wishlist available. - Dave the Diver In the Jungle DLC: Wishlist available on Steam. - Total War: Warhammer 40,000: Beta opportunities forthcoming; wishlist on Steam. - About Fishing: Demo available on Steam. - Vampire the Masquerade: Eternal Whispers: Details not specified. - Valheim 1.0: Launches on September 9, 2026; new update features. - P.O.N: Wishlist available on Steam. - Locator: The Search for Abigail Lidari: Wishlist available on Steam. - Exodus: Wishlist available on Steam. - Remothered: Red Nun's Legacy: Wishlist available on Steam.

AppWizard

June 7, 2026

PC Gamers, come rate my videogame vinyl collection and decide whether it was worth the $$$

An enthusiast began collecting video game and anime soundtrack vinyl with a four-disc box set of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, which featured both music and stunning interior artwork. The collection expanded to include soundtracks from titles like Dark Souls 3, Bloodborne, Demon's Souls Remake, Total War: Three Kingdoms, The Banner Saga, Outer Wilds, Hollow Knight, Baldur's Gate 3, Dishonored, and Persona 5. The collector values the ritual of listening to vinyl, which offers a mindful experience compared to streaming music. They browse sites like Black Screen Records and iam8bit for new releases while being mindful of shipping costs. The collector transitioned from an Audio Technica turntable to a portable Sound Burger for added fun and functionality. Common mistakes include buying soundtracks for games played extensively, which can diminish enjoyment. Storage solutions vary, with some using stylish crates or portable cases. Limited pressings make many soundtracks coveted collector's items, and the collector regrets missing Supergiant's 10th anniversary collection. They hope for future releases, particularly for Silksong.

Tech Optimizer

June 7, 2026

Implementing real-time change data capture with Debezium for Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL and Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL

Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible Edition and Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL now support native streaming replication, allowing data changes to flow from source databases. Organizations often struggle to capture and propagate these changes in real time without affecting database performance. Traditional ETL pipelines can introduce significant delays, leading to outdated data and missed opportunities. Debezium is an open-source platform for change data capture (CDC) that monitors databases and streams changes to applications or data pipelines, enabling real-time data synchronization. The CDC solution combines PostgreSQL's logical replication with Debezium's change capture framework, focusing on Amazon Aurora for PostgreSQL. To implement this solution, logical replication must be enabled on Amazon Aurora through DB cluster parameter groups. Debezium connectors monitor the database's Write-Ahead Logging (WAL) via logical replication slots, converting transaction logs into structured event streams. Key components of the solution include: - Amazon Aurora for PostgreSQL as the source database with logical replication enabled. - A Debezium PostgreSQL connector running on MSK Connect for change capture. - Amazon MSK for message streaming. - An Amazon EC2 instance for testing and consuming change events. Steps to implement the solution include: 1. Creating an Amazon Aurora for PostgreSQL DB cluster and enabling logical replication. 2. Creating an Amazon MSK serverless cluster. 3. Setting up an Amazon EC2 instance to install Kafka and connect to the database. 4. Creating a custom plugin for Amazon MSK to replicate changes from RDS for PostgreSQL. 5. Uploading the custom plugin to an Amazon S3 bucket. 6. Storing credentials in AWS Secrets Manager and creating an IAM role for MSK Connect. 7. Testing the solution by verifying data replication and monitoring real-time changes. Monitoring can be done through CloudWatch Logs and the MSK Connect console, addressing common issues like replication slot lag and connector failures. To avoid charges, resources created during the implementation should be deleted in the correct order.

AppWizard

June 7, 2026

Nintendo eShop reveals Minecraft Dungeons 2 releases September for Switch consoles

Minecraft Dungeons 2 is set to be released on September 29 for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.

AppWizard

June 7, 2026

Final Fantasy Meets Minecraft In Massive New Open-World RPG

Steam serves as a vibrant hub for indie game developers, showcasing unique titles that often stand out against mainstream AAA releases. The cozy gaming genre, highlighted by games like Stardew Valley, has gained popularity, leading to dedicated conferences and livestreams. One of the latest indie games, Crystal Project 2, is an ambitious RPG that aims to redefine exploration with a seamless open world experience, combining elements of Minecraft and Final Fantasy. Developer Andrew Willman emphasizes the game's vision of allowing players to explore and personalize their environment. The indie scene on Steam continues to thrive, offering innovative titles that challenge traditional gaming conventions.

AppWizard

June 7, 2026

Bloober Team’s making a Star Trek horror game

Polish horror developer Bloober Team is developing a sci-fi psychological horror game titled Star Trek: Shadow Frontier, featuring Ro Laren, a Bajoran officer from Star Trek: The Next Generation, voiced by actress Michelle Forbes.