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MindsEye developers protest against a fan event their own studio is hosting
AppWizard
July 9, 2026

MindsEye developers protest against a fan event their own studio is hosting

MindsEye, an action game from Build a Rocket Boy, is set to have a playtest at the studio's Edinburgh headquarters, inviting community members and covering their travel costs. This comes after significant layoffs that affected over 400 employees, leading to protests organized by the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain, which criticizes the studio for spending on the playtest while having recently laid off staff. The union also alleges the studio has engaged in questionable practices, including employee surveillance. The playtest is seen as a strategy to regain favor with fans amid concerns about the studio's management and treatment of its workforce.
Windows 95 used a very basic "trick" to detect setup files
Winsage
July 8, 2026

Windows 95 used a very basic “trick” to detect setup files

Microsoft developed Windows 95 with innovative detection mechanisms to prevent external installers from downgrading essential system components. The team used a heuristics-based approach to identify installer files by analyzing their names for keywords like "setup," "installer," or "inst," and also considered variations in other languages. If these keywords were not present, the system would check the file path for "setup." File checks were delayed until the next start to catch improperly modified files, as some setup programs would exit Windows to run batch files. Additionally, live file checks were conducted for multimedia driver installations via INF files, which was a special exception.
First look: Google Translate is finally prepping the modern makeover it deserves
AppWizard
July 7, 2026

First look: Google Translate is finally prepping the modern makeover it deserves

Google is redesigning its Google Translate app for Android, introducing a new navigation bar at the bottom with four sections: Translate, Live, Camera, and Practice. The language selectors have been moved to the top for a cleaner layout, and the translation input box now includes quick action buttons. A hamburger menu has replaced the Saved shortcut, providing a new “Your activity” screen that consolidates translation history and saved translations. The text input screen has a modern aesthetic, with recent translations visible within the input card, and the results page features individual cards for source and translated text.
Status Update 2: Windows 11 Field Guide 2026 Edition
Winsage
July 7, 2026

Status Update 2: Windows 11 Field Guide 2026 Edition

The Windows 11 Field Guide has been significantly reduced from 103 MB and 990 pages to 73.9 MB and 839 pages, marking a notable achievement in its transformation. At its peak, the guide was over 300 MB and contained more than 1,150 pages. The reduction includes the removal of the Microsoft Edge section, which had about 100 pages of outdated content, replaced by a more concise chapter. The top-level table of contents has been restructured, and numerous chapters have been updated and consolidated, introducing new sections on Hardware, Security, Apps, Command Line Interfaces, Virtualization, XBOX and Videogames, and Help and Recovery. Additional work remains on consolidating chapters like Multitasking, Files, and Accounts. A monthly update schedule is planned to keep the guide current with new Microsoft features. Access to the guide is included for Thurrott Premium members, available in PDF and ePUB formats, with files currently hosted on Google Drive.
The best PC games of 2026 (that don't need a graphics card)
AppWizard
July 4, 2026

The best PC games of 2026 (that don’t need a graphics card)

Mina the Hollower is an indie game from the studio behind Shovel Knight, inspired by classic top-down Zelda adventures, featuring a mouse hero and RPG-like customization. Mewgenics, developed by Edmund McMillen, involves breeding cats and genetic manipulation in a tactical turn-based format. Typing Break combines typing skills with gameplay reminiscent of Space Invaders and Breakout. Dosa Divas features two sisters using a mech food truck to combat the fast-food industry, blending RPG mechanics with culinary creativity. Space Warlord Baby Trading Simulator offers a satirical take on trading mechanics from the perspective of an alien day trader. Cardburners is a fast-paced card game with multiple modes for solo or online multiplayer. Cassette Boy features puzzle mechanics with an environment that players can rotate. Beatdown City Survivors combines bullet heaven elements with direct combat mechanics. Forbidden Solitaire adds horror elements to the classic card game format with roguelike mechanics. Replaced features a noir-inspired cyberpunk narrative with 3D environments and pixel art. You Have Billions Invested in Generative AI is a free-to-play indie game that satirizes technology investment.
Intel's major driver update for Windows 11 delivers performance boost, ships with Microsoft's quality promise
Winsage
July 3, 2026

Intel’s major driver update for Windows 11 delivers performance boost, ships with Microsoft’s quality promise

Microsoft's Driver Quality Initiative (DQI) aims to enhance driver stability and predictability for Windows 11, with Intel recently releasing Bluetooth and Wi-Fi driver updates (version 24.50.0) that align with this initiative. The DQI, discussed at the Windows Hardware Engineering Conference (WinHEC) in May 2026, involves collaboration with major tech companies like Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm to improve driver reliability. Microsoft has mandated OEMs to follow strict security policies and adopt Microsoft-authored class drivers to reduce kernel interference and enhance performance and security. The initiative includes quality benchmarks focused on stability, functionality, performance, and reduced power impact. Intel is the first to adopt these changes, with AMD also committing to high-quality driver collaboration.
'The problem with Windows machines is that they have Windows on them': Microsoft clearly faces an uphill struggle as it defends Windows 11 laptops, firing shots at MacBook Neo
Winsage
July 2, 2026

‘The problem with Windows machines is that they have Windows on them’: Microsoft clearly faces an uphill struggle as it defends Windows 11 laptops, firing shots at MacBook Neo

A viral video on X showcased the MacBook Neo's superiority over a generic Windows laptop, specifically an HP Victus gaming model, which raised questions about the fairness of the comparison. Microsoft responded by highlighting the Dell XPS 13's features and competitive pricing, especially as Apple increased the MacBook Neo's price. However, Microsoft is facing challenges with its Surface lineup, including price hikes and rumors of discontinuing more affordable models like the Surface Go 4 and Surface Laptop Go 3. Reports indicate that these devices are becoming harder to find, and the Surface Laptop Go 3 has been replaced by a more expensive model. Additionally, public sentiment on platforms like Reddit reflects skepticism towards Windows laptops, with concerns about Windows updates and overall reliability persisting despite improvements in Windows 11.
Google has a faster version of Nano Banana with three demo apps you can try right now
AppWizard
July 1, 2026

Google has a faster version of Nano Banana with three demo apps you can try right now

Google has introduced the Nano Banana 2 Lite, a faster and more cost-efficient image generation model that can create images from text queries in four seconds. It generates five images in the time the previous model took to produce one and uses less bandwidth, costing [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: Google has unveiled a significant advancement in its image generation capabilities with the introduction of the Nano Banana 2 Lite. This new model is not only faster but also more cost-efficient than its predecessor, Nano Banana 2. Designed to address one of the primary concerns regarding image generators—long wait times—Nano Banana 2 Lite can transform text queries into images in an impressive four seconds. In a demonstration, Google showcased its ability to produce five images in the time it took the older model to generate just one. The efficiency of this model is further highlighted by its reduced bandwidth usage and a cost of only [cyberseo_openai model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Rewrite a news story for a business publication, in a calm style with creativity and flair based on text below, making sure it reads like human-written text in a natural way. The article shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. The article shall NOT start from a title. Response language English. Generate HTML-formatted content using tag for a sub-heading. You can use only , , , , and HTML tags if necessary. Text: Edgar Cervantes / Android AuthorityTL;DR Google has released a faster and more cost-efficient image model called Nano Banana 2 Lite. Gemini Omni Flash is rolling out to developers Google has also created three new demo apps that showcase how the two models can work together. One of the issues with image generators is how long it takes for the AI to generate an image. Google is shaving down that wait time with a quicker and leaner model than Nano Banana 2. Along with this new model, it is also expanding Gemini Omni Flash to more users. And to showcase what these two models can do together, the company has created a trio of demo apps.Jumping right in to today’s announcement, Google is releasing Nano Banana 2 Lite. According to the Mountain View-based firm, this is the fastest and most cost-efficient model in the Nano Banana family to date. It’s capable of taking text queries and turning them into images in four seconds. In the example Google provided, the AI was able to generate five images before the old model generated one.In terms of efficiency, it uses less bandwidth and costs $0.034 per 1K image. Nano Banana 2 Lite is available today in AI Mode in Search, the Gemini app, Google AI Studio, Gemini API, Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform, and more. The second part of the announcement deals with the expansion of Gemini Omni Flash. Google first introduced the model during I/O, replacing Veo as the default video generation tool in the Gemini app. Now, Omni Flash is rolling out to developers in Google AI Studio, the Gemini API, and Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform, in addition to the Gemini app and Google Flow.Anywhere appAs mentioned earlier, Google has launched three demo apps to showcase how the two models can work together. The first app is called Anywhere, and transports your image to dozens of iconic landmarks when you upload a photo. Gemini Omni flash then turns the photo and the location into an animated clip. Next up is Space Lift, which is an interior design app that lets you reimagine a room with a photo upload. The last app, Omni product studio, turns static images generated by Nano Banana 2 Lite into e-commerce videos generated by Gemini Omni Flash. Thank you for being part of our community. Read our Comment Policy before posting." temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" ].034 per 1,000 images. Users can access Nano Banana 2 Lite immediately through various platforms, including AI Mode in Search, the Gemini app, Google AI Studio, and the Gemini API. Expansion of Gemini Omni Flash In conjunction with the launch of Nano Banana 2 Lite, Google is also expanding the reach of Gemini Omni Flash. Initially introduced at the I/O event, this model has replaced Veo as the default video generation tool within the Gemini app. Now, it is being rolled out to developers using Google AI Studio, the Gemini API, and the Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform, in addition to its availability in the Gemini app and Google Flow. Innovative Demo Apps To illustrate the capabilities of these two models working in tandem, Google has developed three innovative demo applications. The first, Anywhere, allows users to upload a photo and transport it to various iconic landmarks, with Gemini Omni Flash creating an animated clip from the image and location. The second app, Space Lift, focuses on interior design, enabling users to reimagine a room by uploading a photo. Lastly, Omni Product Studio takes static images generated by Nano Banana 2 Lite and transforms them into dynamic e-commerce videos using Gemini Omni Flash." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].034 per 1,000 images. Nano Banana 2 Lite is available in various platforms, including AI Mode in Search, the Gemini app, Google AI Studio, and the Gemini API. Additionally, Google is expanding the Gemini Omni Flash model, which has replaced Veo as the default video generation tool in the Gemini app, and is now available to developers in Google AI Studio and other platforms. Google has also launched three demo apps: Anywhere, which animates uploaded photos at iconic landmarks; Space Lift, which allows users to redesign rooms with photo uploads; and Omni Product Studio, which converts static images into e-commerce videos.
Windows Defender 'BlueHammer' vulnerability now exploited as part of malware campaigns — CISA issues warning despite patch release on April 14
Winsage
June 30, 2026

Windows Defender ‘BlueHammer’ vulnerability now exploited as part of malware campaigns — CISA issues warning despite patch release on April 14

A race condition vulnerability in Windows Defender, known as BlueHammer, has been exploited by the hacker Nightmare Eclipse, allowing attackers to gain SYSTEM user access. Microsoft released a patch for this vulnerability on April 14, but the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has flagged it as actively exploited in ransomware campaigns. The average time to apply critical OS patches across Windows 10 and 11 is now 127 days, with enterprise environments averaging 76 days. Estimates suggest that 15% to 26% of Windows 10 machines remain unpatched, with a conservative estimate of 20% translating to one in five machines being vulnerable. Microsoft has extended security updates for Windows 10 until October 14, 2027, but public awareness of the updates remains low.
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