ROMs

Winsage
January 14, 2026
On Tuesday, Microsoft released its first security update for 2026, addressing 114 vulnerabilities, including eight classified as Critical and 106 as Important. The vulnerabilities include 58 related to privilege escalation, 22 concerning information disclosure, 21 linked to remote code execution, and five categorized as spoofing flaws. A notable vulnerability, CVE-2026-20805, involves information disclosure within the Desktop Window Manager (DWM) and has a CVSS score of 5.5. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has added this flaw to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, requiring federal agencies to implement fixes by February 3, 2026. Additionally, Microsoft announced the expiration of three Windows Secure Boot certificates issued in 2011, effective June 2026, urging customers to transition to newer certificates to avoid disruptions. The update also removed vulnerable Agere Soft Modem drivers due to a local privilege escalation flaw (CVE-2023-31096) and addressed another critical privilege escalation flaw in Windows Virtualization-Based Security (CVE-2026-20876) with a CVSS score of 6.7. Other vendors, including Adobe, Amazon Web Services, and Cisco, have also released security patches for various vulnerabilities.
AppWizard
December 27, 2025
Steam was launched in 2003 as a platform for updates to Valve's games and became a full-fledged storefront in 2005. Gabe Newell, co-founder of Valve, reached out to Adrian Chmielarz in the early days to feature the game Painkiller on Steam, but Chmielarz was hesitant as they did not hold the rights to the game. Painkiller's Black Edition was eventually released on Steam in 2007. The emergence of digital storefronts like Steam has transformed game development, allowing smaller developers greater access to audiences without the need for traditional publishers. Steam has revolutionized video game distribution, despite challenges like game discoverability, and has become essential to the PC gaming ecosystem.
BetaBeacon
October 28, 2025
Marcel's wife wanted to find him a dedicated gaming device with proper physical controls and higher-quality games to replace the ad-filled games he played on his Android phone. After considering the Switch and Steam Deck, she decided on an Android gaming handheld based on advice from a colleague. When she gave Marcel the Retroid Pocket Classic as a gift, he was surprised but delighted, as he had been curious about old Game Boy units. He was unfamiliar with the concept of emulation and Android gaming handhelds but was excited to figure it out.
Tech Optimizer
October 8, 2025
A sophisticated Android remote access trojan (RAT) has been discovered on GitHub, named "Android-RAT," created by the user Huckel789. This malware is fully undetectable (FUD) and can bypass modern security measures and antivirus systems. It operates through a web-based interface without requiring installation on a PC, making it accessible to users with varying technical skills. The RAT exploits GitHub's trusted platform status to evade security filters and includes features such as keylogging, credential hijacking, ransomware functionality, and social engineering tools. The malware employs advanced stealth techniques to avoid detection by antivirus solutions and VirusTotal scans, integrating anti-emulator and virtual machine detection mechanisms. It can persist through battery optimization modes and power management restrictions, particularly in Chinese ROMs like MIUI, while consuming minimal system resources. The RAT's communication infrastructure uses AES-128-CBC encryption for secure data transmissions, complicating network traffic analysis. Its "Freeze Mode" limits data transmission to 1-3MB over 24 hours, reducing the likelihood of detection. Additionally, the malware can inject its payload into legitimate applications via a dropper module, making initial infection vectors difficult to identify.
BetaBeacon
October 6, 2025
r/EmulationOnAndroid is a subreddit with over 100,000 members dedicated to discussing and sharing tips, tricks, and recommendations for running emulators on Android devices. The community provides guides on setting up and optimizing emulators for various gaming consoles, as well as troubleshooting common issues such as controller compatibility and performance optimization.
AppWizard
October 1, 2025
- Inbox by Google was a Gmail alternative known for its superior sorting features and visually appealing interface, discontinued in 2019. - Google Play Music was the default music player for Android devices in the early 2010s, replaced by YouTube Music. - Swype Keyboard revolutionized typing on mobile devices with its glide feature and held a Guinness World Record for the fastest typing, discontinued in 2018. - SuperSU was a tool for gaining root access on Android devices, popular among users of custom ROMs, now overshadowed by newer solutions like Magisk. - Titanium Backup allowed comprehensive backups of apps and data for custom ROM users, though it has not been updated in recent years. - MX Player was a user-friendly media player known for its intuitive interface and support for various file formats, which declined in popularity as streaming services grew. - ES File Explorer was a crucial file management tool for early Android users, removed from the Play Store due to security concerns. - Google Plus aimed to integrate social media with other Google services but struggled to compete with more visually driven platforms before its discontinuation.
AppWizard
September 18, 2025
The upcoming release of Pokopia is generating interest among gamers without a Nintendo console. Temtem, an indie game available in the Critter Chaos Bundle for .45 (£1.55 each), offers a Pokémon-like experience with 165 unique creatures, a vibrant visual style, and a complex battle system. Cassette Beasts introduces a nostalgic twist with a tape recorder mechanic and a fusion system for creating powerful creatures. The bundle includes eight games: Temtem, Fruitbus, Farewell North, Meg's Monster, Cassette Beasts, Moonstone Island, Copycat, and Coroman, and is available until October 8, 2025. All titles are verified for Valve's console.
BetaBeacon
August 28, 2025
The MagicX Zero 40 is a handheld device that runs on Android 10 and is designed for Nintendo DS emulation. It has a unique design that is comfortable to hold but may not be pocketable. The device comes pre-loaded with 1,400 DS games and 500 tate mode games on a 64GB microSD card. Despite some faults, the MagicX Zero 40 is considered the best Nintendo DS emulation device at its price point.
Search