removal Archives

Winsage

April 11, 2026

Microsoft Overhauls Windows Insider Program To Fix Channel And Feature Rollout Confusion

Microsoft has revamped the Windows Insider Program by streamlining it from three channels to two: Experimental and Beta. Experimental replaces the Dev and Canary channels, allowing users to test new features immediately, while Beta provides a more stable preview of major updates. The program now offers previews across three branches: Windows 11 25H2 for x86 PCs, Windows 11 26H1 for ARM PCs, and a "Future Platforms" branch for upcoming Windows 11 26H2. Feature Flags have been introduced to customize notifications for new features, and the program has eliminated gradual rollouts, providing immediate access to new features for Experimental users. The process of unenrolling or switching between channels has been simplified with a new In-Place Upgrade (IPU) system, allowing users to transition between versions without losing applications, data, or settings.

AppWizard

April 11, 2026

Crimson Desert turns a beloved bug into a feature and makes its bonus protagonists actually worth using

Developer Pearl Abyss has released significant updates for Crimson Desert as part of their weekly patch cycle. The latest patch includes the introduction of the 'Focused Aerial Roll' skill for Kliff, allowing players to perform aerial maneuvers. Characters Damiane and Oongka have received upgrades with new skills like Axiom Force and Nature's Snare shield, and enhancements to their existing abilities. Five new camera settings have been added for customization, and improvements have been made to lock-on mechanics during boss encounters. The gameplay menu now features 'weapon display' toggles, adjustable font sizes, and increased fast-forward speeds for dialogue scenes. Fast travel has been revamped to allow teleportation while mounted or climbing, and clearer indicators for Abyss puzzles have been implemented. A camp upgrade has improved NPC placements and expanded farm areas, while basic banking services are now available even in a 'wanted' state. Additional UI enhancements and fixes have been made to streamline the gameplay experience. The patch 1.03.00 is now live on Steam and the Epic Games Store.

BetaBeacon

April 11, 2026

Amazon’s idea of improving Luna involves stripping back most of it

Amazon Luna is removing game purchases, third-party subscriptions, and game stores, simplifying its offerings starting on April 10. Subscriptions to Ubisoft Plus and Jackbox through Luna will be automatically canceled after one final renewal at the end of the current billing cycle.

Winsage

April 10, 2026

Microsoft starts removing Copilot buttons from Windows 11 apps

Microsoft is removing the Copilot buttons from its Windows 11 applications, including Notepad, Snipping Tool, Photos, and Widgets, in favor of a more streamlined interface. The Copilot button in Notepad has been replaced with a "writing tools" menu that retains AI features without the Copilot branding. The Snipping Tool also no longer features the Copilot button during area selection. This change aims to enhance functionality and simplicity in Windows 11 while keeping the underlying AI capabilities available to users. There is speculation about the potential removal of the Copilot button from laptop keyboards and further streamlining of other Windows 11 features.

BetaBeacon

April 10, 2026

Nine-year-old cult visual novel Doki Doki Literature Club has been abruptly pulled from Android for its ‘depiction of sensitive themes’

Google has removed Doki Doki Literature Club from its Google Play Store due to perceived violations of its Terms of Service.

Winsage

April 10, 2026

Microsoft begins removing Copilot from Windows 11, starting with Notepad, Snipping Tool

Microsoft has removed the Copilot branding from the Notepad app for Windows Insiders, replacing it with a "Writing tools" icon in the latest update (version 11.2512.28.0). Despite the removal of the logo, AI functionality remains intact, and users can disable the feature through the Settings menu under "Advanced Features." The Snipping Tool has also eliminated the Copilot button and currently shows no AI integration. Microsoft is scaling back unnecessary Copilot integration in various apps, including Notepad and Snipping Tool, while still maintaining underlying AI capabilities.

AppWizard

April 9, 2026

Jazzy stealth-action game Thick as Thieves hits PC on May 20

OtherSide Entertainment has announced that their game, Thick as Thieves, will be released on Steam on May 20. The game is set in a fictional Scottish city named Kilcairn and features two distinct thieves, two maps, sixteen contracts, six unique pieces of gear, and multiple difficulty settings. Originally introduced as a PvPvE experience at The Game Awards in December 2024, it has shifted to focus on solo and two-player cooperative gameplay, with the announcement made on Steam on April 2, 2026. The game was initially planned for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, but the current focus is on the Steam release.

AppWizard

April 9, 2026

Intent redirection vulnerability in third-party SDK exposed millions of Android wallets to potential risk

Version 5.2.1 of the EngageSDK was released to address security vulnerabilities related to third-party SDKs, particularly affecting digital asset management applications. Although no exploitation of this vulnerability has been reported, developers are urged to upgrade to the latest version. The Android operating system's security model provides some protections against these vulnerabilities, and the Android team has updated user protections during the transition to the secure version. The vulnerability, classified as severe, allows unauthorized access to protected components and sensitive data through intent redirection. Affected applications, particularly in the cryptocurrency and digital wallet sectors, account for over 30 million installations. The vulnerability was first identified in version 4.5.4 of the EngageLab SDK, reported in April 2025, and was addressed in version 5.2.1 released on November 3, 2025, which set the vulnerable activity to non-exported. Developers are advised to regularly review their Android manifests and upgrade to the latest SDK version to maintain application security.

Winsage

April 9, 2026

Microsoft Promises Long-Overdue Changes To Windows 11 That You’re Going To Love

Windows 11 has faced criticism from users due to controversial Copilot AI features and changes that have compromised functionality, including a redesigned Start menu, a fragmented settings application, and a slower file explorer. Microsoft is responding to user feedback, with Design Director Diego Baca acknowledging issues with the Start menu's performance and stating that "search performance + predictability" is a focus. Partner Director of Design March Rogers confirmed that they are working on migrating legacy Control Panel features to the modern Settings app while ensuring compatibility with various devices and drivers. Users have mixed reactions, particularly concerned about the potential removal of the Control Panel before the new settings are fully functional. Despite the discontent, Windows remains a reliable experience for many users compared to alternatives like Linux.

AppWizard

April 8, 2026

Apple pulls Jack Dorsey’s messaging app from the Chinese App Store

Apple has removed the messaging app Bitchat from the Chinese App Store at the request of the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), which cited regulatory concerns. Bitchat, originally launched as Bitchat Mesh and developed by Jack Dorsey, allows anonymous, peer-to-peer communication using Bluetooth-based mesh networking, without relying on internet-connected servers. The app gained popularity in regions with internet shutdowns and social media restrictions. The CAC has alleged that Bitchat violated regulations requiring security assessments for apps that can influence public opinion or mobilize users. Dorsey confirmed the removal on X but has not disclosed any plans for Bitchat's return to the App Store.