A group of developers called Massgrave has hacked Microsoft's activation tools for Windows and Office, uploading PowerShell scripts to GitHub that allow users to activate Windows and perpetual-license Office versions without paying licensing fees. Their tool, TSforge, supports activation for Windows versions 7, 8.x, 10, and 11, as well as Office versions from 2010 onward, excluding Microsoft 365 subscriptions. The scripts require minimal technical expertise and have been tested successfully on fresh installations of Windows 11 and updated Windows 10 machines. Massgrave acknowledges their actions as piracy and does not accept donations, emphasizing the ethical implications. The safety of the scripts is questioned, as there is a risk of malicious actors cloning their work. Microsoft is aware of the situation and plans to take action against unauthorized use of their software.
Amazon will close its Appstore for Android devices on August 20 of this year, and developers will no longer be able to submit new applications. The decision is part of a strategic shift to enhance user experience on Amazon's own devices. The Appstore will still be available on Amazon's Fire TV, Fire Tablet, and other built-in products. Developers can submit updates for existing applications until the service ends. Additionally, Amazon will discontinue its Amazon Coins program on the same date and will refund any remaining coins in user accounts.
Rockstar Games has announced that the next-gen update of GTA V and GTA Online for PC will be released on March 4th. This update will be free for existing owners of GTA V on PC and includes enhancements such as new vehicles, upgraded graphics, ray tracing capabilities, and faster loading times. Players will also be able to transfer their Story Mode and GTA Online progress. The update features new vehicles, including the Coil Cyclone II and Imponte Arbiter GT, and requires specific hardware for optimal performance. Ongoing support for the original version of GTA V and GTA Online will continue, allowing players with lower-spec systems to receive updates.
Rockstar Games will release a free update for GTA Online on PC on March 4th, aimed at aligning the PC experience with features available on PS5 and Xbox Series. The update will include new graphics options, innovative features like Hao's Special Works and ambient animals, and a refreshed Landing Page. Players will also be able to migrate their Story Mode and Online progress to the new version. Detailed system requirements will be shared shortly.
Amazon will close its Android app store on August 20, 2025. Developers can submit updates for existing apps until the closure but cannot introduce new applications. The app store will remain functional on Amazon's Fire tablets and Fire TV. In Japan, in-app purchases will be discontinued, and users are advised to seek alternative marketplaces. Amazon will also end its Amazon Coins program, refunding any unused Coins by the closure date, with the last purchase opportunity on February 20, 2025. Additionally, Amazon's app store support for Windows devices will cease on March 5, 2025.
The RiverDogs will begin their 2025 season on April 4th with a 66-game home slate, featuring various promotional events. Highlights include:
- Opening Weekend (April 4-6) with giveaways such as a magnet schedule, limited-edition replica jerseys, and a "comeback" yo-yo for children.
- Fight Night (April 19) with a Pillow Fight Night and a live boxing match.
- Golf Night (May 10) with golf-themed games and a giveaway.
- Minecraft Movie Night (May 11) with themed activities for Mother's Day.
- TP/Mischief Night (May 31) encouraging playful toilet papering.
- Charlie’s Not-So-Spooky Halloween (June 1) for kids' trick-or-treating.
- Dino Night (June 14) featuring life-sized dinosaurs.
- Carolina Day (June 28) with a drone light show.
- Star Wars Night (June 29) with themed activities.
- Margaritaville Night (July 12) honoring Jimmy Buffett.
- A Knight at The Joe (August 2) with medieval-themed activities.
Weekly promotions include:
- Dog Day Tuesday
- Wild Card Wednesday
- Thirsty Thursday
- Boeing Red Shirt Friday with post-game fireworks
- Saturday Show at The Joe
- MUSC Health Family Sunday with family-friendly activities.
Minecraft: The Manga, Vol. 1, published by VIZ Media, features a young adventurer named Nico who faces challenges in a world filled with zombies, including a unique speaking zombie. A free preview of the manga is available for fans.
Microsoft's latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build, 26120.3281 (KB5052086), introduces several privacy-focused changes. The Location History API has been removed, meaning Windows will no longer retain location data locally. Additionally, the update removes "account-based content" from File Explorer sections for users of Entra ID, aligning with GDPR regulations and affecting only customers in the European Union. Other features include improved OneDrive document resumption between devices and updates to the Recall feature, which will delete existing Recall snapshots.
On March 4, players of Grand Theft Auto 5 on PC will receive a complimentary update that includes enhancements previously available only on PS5 and Xbox Series. This update features ray tracing, support for AMD FSR1, FSR3, and NVIDIA DLSS 3, faster loading times, higher resolutions and framerates, DualSense controller support, and enhanced audio with Dolby Atmos. Additionally, PC players will gain access to new features in GTA Online, including new vehicles, a Career Progress feature, a revamped Landing Page, and the Ambient Animals side quest. For the first time, PC gamers can purchase GTA+, a premium membership service for GTA Online, which offers exclusive benefits. Take-Two Interactive confirmed that Grand Theft Auto 6 is scheduled for release in Fall 2025.
