rights Archives

AppWizard

June 25, 2025

Will Death Stranding 2 release on PC and Xbox?

Death Stranding 2 is a PlayStation exclusive with no current plans for a release on PC or Xbox. It is designed to utilize the advanced capabilities of the PS5 and PS5 Pro, making it incompatible with the PS4. Sony is the exclusive publisher for this title. There have been no official announcements regarding a PC release. Hideo Kojima's studio is also working on another project titled OD (Overdose) in collaboration with Xbox Games Studios, but it is still in early development.

AppWizard

June 24, 2025

Putin authorises creation of state messaging app to combat WhatsApp and Telegram

Russian President Vladimir Putin has endorsed the development of a state-sponsored messaging application aimed at integrating government services and reducing reliance on foreign platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. This initiative is part of Russia's broader tech policy focused on digital sovereignty, especially in response to geopolitical tensions since February 2022. Russian lawmakers believe the new app will offer superior features compared to existing platforms, but there are concerns about privacy and government oversight. Mikhail Klimarev, director of the Internet Protection Society, has expressed worries that the government may intentionally slow down WhatsApp and Telegram to encourage users to switch to the new app.

AppWizard

June 23, 2025

Iran encourages citizens to use a messaging app previously flagged as a state surveillance tool

Iranian authorities are promoting the domestic messaging app Bale for communication with family abroad amid a near-total internet blackout since June 18, 2025. Bale has 16.5 million monthly active users as of May 2023, with increased adoption following restrictions on Western apps after 2022 protests. A security audit by the Open Technology Fund revealed critical vulnerabilities in Bale and two other Iranian messaging apps, Eitaa and Rubika, including the lack of end-to-end encryption (E2EE) and potential state surveillance through a state-owned service called the Message Exchange Bus (MXB). Bale's encryption could compromise sensitive data and shares location data during authentication. Experts recommend more secure alternatives like Signal and advise against using Bale for sensitive communications. Since the blackout, internet connectivity remains poor, with the government urging citizens to delete WhatsApp and imposing restrictions that have increased VPN usage by over 700%.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Old apps and third-party providers blocked: Major Microsoft 365 security impact

Microsoft is implementing default blocks on legacy protocols and third-party applications for Microsoft 365 to enhance security. This includes deactivating the RPS protocol for SharePoint and OneDrive, as well as blocking the FPRPC protocol. Administrators will now need to give explicit approval for third-party applications to access files and pages, limiting user consent. These changes will begin in mid-July 2025 and are expected to be completed by August. Additionally, new security settings for Windows 365 will disable clipboard, storage, USB device, and printer linking by default on newly set up cloud PCs, with VBS, Credential Guard, and HVCI activated by default for those using a Windows 11 Gallery image. These updates for Windows 365 are planned for the latter half of 2025.

AppWizard

June 20, 2025

These 7 games need a remaster, and they need it now

Fallout: New Vegas, released in 2010 by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Bethesda Softworks, is a unique RPG praised for its player agency, writing, and world-building, making it a candidate for a remaster to fix technical bugs and improve visuals. Dragon Age: Origins, released in 2009 by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts, is regarded as the best in its series, but a remaster seems unlikely due to a lack of familiar staff. Black & White, a 2001 game by Lionhead Studios and published by Electronic Arts, is not available on major platforms, and a remaster could enhance its AI and gameplay. Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines, released in 2004 by Troika Games and published by Activision, is a classic RPG with bugs and unfinished elements that could benefit from a remaster to fix glitches and restore content. No One Lives Forever, a 2000 game by Monolith Productions and published by Fox Interactive, is unavailable due to rights disputes, but a remaster could modernize its visuals and controls. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2, released in 2004 by Obsidian Entertainment and published by LucasArts, is an unfinished narrative that could be improved with a remaster to restore missing content. Freedom Force, a 2002 game by Irrational Games and published by Electronic Arts, could benefit from a remaster to improve compatibility and support user-generated content.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Windows 10 is dying as scams skyrocket. We asked a security expert for advice

In this week's episode of The Full Nerd, hosts Adam Patrick Murray, Alaina Yee, Will Smith, and guest Mike Danseglio discuss the end of Windows 10 and its security implications, the rise of scams, and various online security concerns. They explore user transitions to Windows 11, Linux, and vulnerabilities in communication methods. A recent vulnerability allows hackers to steal encryption keys from AMD Ryzen CPUs, prompting firmware updates for users of the Ryzen 3000 series or newer. Asus Armoury Crate users are advised to update due to a critical flaw that could grant hackers administrative rights. Cloud gaming is gaining traction among gamers under 40, provided latency issues are resolved. DDR4 memory prices are rising, indicating a decline of AMD’s AM4 platform. Anker has recalled older power banks due to fire hazards, and Framework has launched a new 2-in-1 DIY laptop. AMD has shared promising benchmarks for its upcoming Ryzen Threadripper 9000 series.

Winsage

June 18, 2025

Windows 10 End Nears: Switch to Linux for Security

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, affecting an estimated 200 to 400 million devices that will no longer receive updates or patches, exposing them to security vulnerabilities. Transitioning to Windows 11 requires modern hardware specifications, which many older devices lack. Users must decide between investing in new hardware, opting for extended security updates, or switching to alternative operating systems like Linux. The Document Foundation advocates for Linux and LibreOffice as viable alternatives, emphasizing their ability to run on older hardware and providing robust security updates. Linux offers users greater control and transparency, addressing privacy concerns associated with proprietary systems. LibreOffice supports open document formats, ensuring long-term accessibility without vendor constraints. The end of Windows 10 support may prompt significant shifts in the tech industry, encouraging a move towards systems that prioritize sustainability and user rights.

Winsage

June 17, 2025

Windows 10 End Nears: Switch to Linux for Security

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, leaving an estimated 200 to 400 million devices vulnerable to security risks due to a lack of updates. Users must choose between upgrading to Windows 11, which has strict hardware requirements, paying for extended security updates, or switching to alternative operating systems like Linux. The Document Foundation advocates for Linux and LibreOffice as viable options, emphasizing their ability to run on older hardware and provide robust security updates without vendor lock-in. Privacy concerns regarding data collection by major tech companies are highlighted, with Linux offering users greater control and transparency. The transition away from Windows 10 is seen as an opportunity to promote user empowerment and sustainability in technology choices.

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

Amazon Kicks Off Its Early Prime Day 2025 Offers With Several Free Games for Prime Members

A new Amazon Prime Day event will occur from July 8 to 11, expanding the shopping event to four days. To generate excitement, Amazon is offering Prime members six free PC games, including Tomb Raider I-III Remastered, Saints Row 2, Saints Row IV: Re-Elected, and Star Wars: Rebellion. Amazon owns the publishing rights for the next Tomb Raider game, and the Tomb Raider collection was released last year. Saints Row 2 and Saints Row IV: Re-Elected are well-received titles, while Star Wars: Rebellion has gained a "mostly positive" rating on Steam despite its initial mixed reviews. Non-Prime members can sign up for a 30-day free trial, with monthly subscriptions priced at .99 or an annual fee of 9. Young adults aged 18 to 24 can access a six-month free trial, after which they can continue at a reduced rate of .49 per month. Amazon Prime membership includes benefits such as free delivery, Prime Video streaming, exclusive deals, a monthly Twitch subscription, Amazon Music, unlimited storage with Amazon Photos, savings on fuel, free Grubhub+, and discounts on prescriptions. Current early Prime Day offers include three months of Audible for [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: A new Amazon Prime Day event is set to take place from July 8 to 11, marking a significant expansion of the annual shopping extravaganza into a four-day event. To build excitement ahead of this year’s Prime Day, Amazon is offering Prime members a complimentary selection of six PC games, available for immediate download. This enticing lineup includes titles such as Tomb Raider I-III Remastered, Saints Row 2, Saints Row IV: Re-Elected, and Star Wars: Rebellion, among others. Exclusive Offers for Prime Members The Tomb Raider I-III Remastered collection, which was released just last year, is particularly noteworthy given Amazon’s ownership of the publishing rights for the upcoming Tomb Raider installment. This collection not only highlights Amazon's commitment to enriching its gaming offerings but also provides members with an opportunity to enjoy three classic adventures in one package. Additionally, both Saints Row 2 and Saints Row IV: Re-Elected are celebrated entries in the franchise, further enhancing the appeal of this free selection. Star Wars: Rebellion, a real-time strategy game from 1998, adds a nostalgic touch to the mix. While it may not have garnered stellar reviews upon its initial release, it has since gained a “mostly positive” rating on Steam, indicating a resurgence in popularity among modern gamers. For those who are not yet Amazon Prime members, there are enticing options available. A standard membership can be obtained through a 30-day free trial, with monthly subscriptions priced at .99 or an annual fee of 9. Young adults aged 18 to 24 can take advantage of a unique six-month free trial, enjoying all the same benefits as standard members. Following the trial, this demographic can continue their membership at a reduced rate of .49 per month, making it an attractive option for younger consumers. In addition to free games, an Amazon Prime membership includes a plethora of benefits such as free delivery, access to Prime Video streaming, exclusive deals, a monthly Twitch subscription, Amazon Music, unlimited storage with Amazon Photos, savings on fuel, free Grubhub+, and discounts on prescriptions. Currently, Amazon is also offering early Prime Day savings, including three months of Audible for just [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: A new Amazon Prime Day event in July has been revealed, but the service is now offering a free selection of six PC games to celebrate early, all of which Amazon Prime members can claim right now, including Tomb Raider I-III Remastered, Saints Row 2, Saints Row IV Re-Elected, Star Wars: Rebellion, and more.Amazon Prime Free Trials & Memberships030-day free trial, 6-month trial for young adults (18-24)Kicking off from July 8 to 11, this marks the first four-day Prime Day, making it an even bigger deal, for, well, deals, than ever. The new variety of Prime Day deals and added savings won’t be available for another few weeks, but you can add the following games from the Amazon Prime Gaming page to your digital collection right now to keep forever: The Tomb Raider I-III Remastered collection comes as no surprise, since Amazon owns the publishing rights for the next Tomb Raider game. Still, it’s a collection of three games in one that only came out last year, so it’s a pretty good free game. However, so are others in the collection, like Saints Row 2 and Saints Row IV: Re-Elected — two of the best-received games in the franchise. Star Wars: Rebellion is a nice little bonus too, as it’s a fun little 1998 RTS game set in the franchise’s expanded universe. It wasn’t received amazingly upon release, but it seems to have found new life in the modern community, getting a “mostly positive” rating on its Steam page.If you’re not an Amazon Prime member, you can sign up right now for either a 30-day trial, pay $14.99 monthly or $139 annually. If you’re between 18 and 24, though, you can get a free six-month trial of Prime for Young Adults, with all of the exact same benefits as those received by your older fellow shoppers. Even after the free trial, it’s still an incredible deal, as Prime’s Young Adults tier will only charge you $7.49 a month afterwards, half the price of the standard tier.Along with free delivery, Prime Video streaming, various deals, and, of course, free games, your Prime membership also grants you a monthly Twitch subscription, Amazon Music, unlimited storage with Amazon Photos, savings on fuel, free Grubhub+, and money off on prescriptions. In terms of other deals on at the moment, Amazon has kicked off some other early Prime Day savings, including three months of Audible for $0.99, 32% off Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds for $169.00, 26% off a PS Portal for $148.01, and a Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy Play Booster Box for $196.65 with 5% taken off.Ben Williams – IGN freelance contributor with over 10 years of experience covering gaming, tech, film, TV, and anime. Follow him on Twitter/X @BenLevelTen." temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" ].99, a 32% discount on Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds for 9.00, and a 26% discount on a PS Portal for 8.01, among other enticing offers." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].99, a 32% discount on Apple AirPods Pro 2 for 9.00, and a 26% discount on a PS Portal for 8.01.

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

He was devastated when his favorite Facebook game shut down, but at 10 years old, what could he do? 8 years later, he’s got the rights, the original code, and is about to relaunch Dungeon Rampage on Steam

Angelos Mako began playing Dungeon Rampage at age seven with his brother. After a decade, he sought to revive the game as a Steam title with Gamebreaking Studios, led by CEO Taylor Hellam. Initial discussions faced skepticism regarding Mako's ownership of the IP. Mako later connected with the last engineer from the original development, who revealed the game's source code was on a laptop owned by his daughter. Gamebreaking Studios partnered with Mako to update the game, which faced technical challenges due to its original use of Flash, C++, and PHP. After months of work, the game successfully booted up during a video call, leading to an emotional moment for Mako. They launched a Kickstarter campaign that surpassed its ,000 goal, and the game has over 100,000 wishlists on Steam. The revived game will be a complete, one-time purchase instead of freemium.