scale Archives

BetaBeacon

October 20, 2026

Hoshikage is a one-fingered sword-battling action game that lets you feel like an anime heroine

- Hoshikage is a newly released sword battler game that allows players to feel like a wuxia, anime-style hero. - The game can be played using only a single finger to parry and deflect enemy attacks in specific sequences. - The game features a minimalist aesthetic and offers two separate modes: story and endless. - The game's 'one finger' gameplay reminds the player of older mobile games and hopes for its success to inspire more games like it.

Tech Optimizer

October 19, 2026

5 Best Antivirus with Anti-Phishing Protection in India

Phishing attacks can compromise personal and financial information through deceptive messages and links. The Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) reported 425,808 phishing attacks in June 2026, the highest monthly total since April 2023. SMS-based phishing, or smishing, increased by 40% from Q1 to Q2 2026. Antivirus software with anti-phishing features can block fraudulent websites and identify malicious links. 1. Quick Heal: Offers anti-phishing and online protection, with features like AntiFraud.AI and Scam Protection in Total Security. 2. Norton 360: Combines antivirus with web security and AI-driven scam detection, including a password manager and dark web monitoring. 3. Kaspersky Standard: Provides real-time antivirus, anti-phishing tools, and online payment security. 4. Bitdefender Total Security: Includes anti-phishing protection and real-time behavioral analysis for threat detection. 5. McAfee Total Protection: Features a Scam Detector and premium antivirus, along with web protection and identity monitoring. When choosing antivirus software, consider anti-phishing capabilities, online banking protection, and device compatibility.

AppWizard

October 18, 2026

Dark Souls 2 dataminer shows off massive prototype coliseum level from early development

Unused levels from Dark Souls II were discovered by dataminer Doneda, indicating a more ambitious vision for the game that was ultimately not realized. These levels were discarded early in development and suggest an interconnected area, with some elements possibly linked to the final game's Undead Crypt. The discovered locations include a grand coliseum zone, adventurous mines, a peculiar underground tower designed as arenas, and a crypt section contributing to the game's dark lore. Doneda has previously showcased other early iterations of Dark Souls II content. The development of Dark Souls II faced challenges, including a divisive new combat system and significant story rewrites, while Hidetaka Miyazaki was focused on Bloodborne. The final game also received backlash for downgraded lighting compared to early trailers, highlighting the tumultuous development process.

BetaBeacon

October 18, 2026

AYN Thor Setup Guide: 13 Steps, 90 Minutes [2026]

- AYN's Thor is a clamshell Android handheld with two AMOLED panels: a 6-inch top display and a 3.92-inch touchscreen on the bottom. - It comes in four configurations: Lite, Base, Pro, and Max, with varying specs including RAM, storage, and GPU. - Setup of the AYN Thor takes longer than expected as it does not come with bundled games, preinstalled emulators, or a third-party launcher. - The setup process includes steps such as unboxing and inspecting the model, charging fully before the first boot, updating firmware, configuring the dual-screen display, setting up the microSD card, installing RetroArch, Winlator, and Moonlight, mapping controls, calibrating sticks, setting up cloud and PC game streaming, optimizing battery and thermal behavior, organizing storage, launchers, and backups, and running a final full-system pass.

AppWizard

October 16, 2026

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 review-in-progress: A campaign you shouldn’t skip

The author attended a three-day review event in Los Angeles for Modern Warfare 4, spending nearly 24 hours on the campaign, multiplayer, and DMZ modes. They have been engaged with Call of Duty for over two decades, initially drawn in by the campaigns. The campaign of Modern Warfare 4 features relatable characters, primarily a group of young South Korean marines during a North Korean invasion, and aims to recapture the essence of earlier installments. Key missions include "Mayhem," "Losing Ground," and "Stranded," the latter showcasing a sandbox level with non-linear objectives. Concerns about integrating Warzone mechanics into single-player gameplay were alleviated by the assurance that the map was designed specifically for the campaign. The narrative includes Captain Price but feels disjointed, with his character fading from the story. Overall, Modern Warfare 4 is noted for its robust campaign, extravagant set pieces, and solid gunplay, marking a return to form for the series.

Tech Optimizer

October 16, 2026

Switch Antivirus Software: 13 Steps, Zero Gaps [2026]

ESET rebranded its home security lineup in 2026, introducing ESET HOME Security Essential and Premium, and updated its NOD32 engine to version 19.2 on August 27, 2026. IPVanish launched a next-generation antivirus product on October 7, 2026, built on the VIPRE engine and integrated into its VPN application. Many Australians are reconsidering their antivirus solutions due to discrepancies between their current software and available offerings, with 84 percent of users making no changes in the previous year. Financial factors influence decisions, with 54 percent of third-party antivirus users opting for paid versions. ESET's new features include a Website Security Inspector and a Microphone Monitor, while IPVanish's antivirus received an Advanced+ rating from AV-Comparatives. The comparison of antivirus options highlights that the best choice depends on individual needs, with ESET's Ultimate tier offering ransomware backup. A comprehensive 13-step process is outlined for safely transitioning between antivirus solutions, emphasizing the importance of proper uninstallation and installation procedures to avoid conflicts and maintain protection.

AppWizard

October 15, 2026

Game review: Hot Wheels Infinite Rush (PC)

Italian developer Milestone has released Hot Wheels Infinite Rush, which features an open-world environment for players to explore themed islands while racing iconic 1:64 scale diecast models. The game includes various racing dynamics with four vehicle classes—Speeders, Drifters, Versatiles, and Titans—and offers a progression system that unfolds naturally as players explore. On easier settings, the game is more forgiving, while higher difficulty levels provide a challenging experience. The visuals showcase over 150 meticulously detailed vehicles, and there are customization options like a track builder and livery editor, though some features are limited. Local multiplayer does not allow players to roam the islands together.

AppWizard

October 15, 2026

Zenzap raises $44M for its AI chat app that aims to replace WhatsApp in the workplace

Businesses are increasingly using consumer-facing chat applications for staff communication and document sharing. Zenzap is a new private messaging platform led by Guy Weiss, designed for organizational context and compliance, featuring AI capabilities. The startup has secured funding from investors such as Bessemer, Lightspeed, and individual backers, marking Weiss's first fundraising effort after previously bootstrapping an e-commerce platform. Zenzap, founded in 2022, aims to serve various industries, offering features such as group chats, task management, calendar integration, and AI-powered tools on both free and paid plans. It currently counts clients like FedEx, Taco Bell, and Starbucks, and has a team of 50 employees across multiple locations. Zenzap's versatility is emphasized, as it targets a broader audience beyond developers, focusing on the majority of employees using personal messaging applications.

AppWizard

October 11, 2026

Android’s New Sideloading Rules Add a 24-Hour Wait

As of September 30, Google has introduced a 24-hour waiting period for Android users in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand before they can install applications from unregistered developers. This initiative aims to enhance security against potential scams. Users can still access apps from recognized stores, including Google Play and various manufacturer-specific app markets. The rollout is currently limited to the specified countries and has not been implemented globally. The new verification process may affect users who prefer alternative app stores and those who do not use a Google account.

AppWizard

October 11, 2026

Technical difficulties will prevent Grand Theft Auto VI from running on PC using emulators.

The gaming community is discussing the potential emulation of Grand Theft Auto VI on PCs, with its release scheduled for November 19th. Users are considering emulators like KytyPS5, SharpEmu, and RPCSX, but experts warn against downloading unreliable software such as PCSX5. The main challenge for emulation is the console's multi-layered security system, requiring developers to find vulnerabilities in the console's kernel and hypervisor. Current emulators can only handle basic games, and significant code optimization may take months to years. Legal challenges from Rockstar Games and Sony complicate efforts to distribute unauthorized game dumps. A stable PC port is seen as a distant goal, with the best experience expected on official consoles at launch.