NewApp Digest
search bot

shutting down

Ubisoft's NFT tactics game, a thing that still exists, is shutting down in October
AppWizard
July 31, 2026

Ubisoft’s NFT tactics game, a thing that still exists, is shutting down in October

Ubisoft has announced the shutdown of its NFT tactics game, Champions Tactics: Grimoria Chronicles, set for October. The game was launched in 2024 as one of two NFT games by Ubisoft, despite previous criticisms of "pay-to-earn" features. Champions Tactics faced challenges such as a significant drop in player engagement and trust, generating over 0,000 shortly after launch but quickly losing excitement. The game's Discord community is mixed, with players questioning its legitimacy.
BitTorrent исполнилось 25 лет. Как программа одного человека изменила интернет и поставила Голливуд в тупик
TrendTechie
July 24, 2026

BitTorrent исполнилось 25 лет. Как программа одного человека изменила интернет и поставила Голливуд в тупик

On July 2, 2001, Bram Cohen announced the operational status of his program, BitTorrent, on a mailing list for peer-to-peer network developers. BitTorrent revolutionized file sharing by segmenting files into smaller pieces, allowing users to download from multiple sources simultaneously and share already downloaded data, which improved download speeds as file popularity increased. Unlike earlier peer-to-peer networks, BitTorrent did not have a built-in catalog, relying on external websites for users to locate torrents. The first major torrent catalog, Suprnova, emerged in 2002, followed by The Pirate Bay in 2003, making the protocol widely accessible. By 2004, BitTorrent accounted for nearly a third of all internet traffic. In 2004, Cohen founded BitTorrent Inc., which acquired the client µTorrent in 2006. The company launched the BitTorrent Entertainment Network in 2007, but it closed in 2008 due to competition from free pirated content. BitTorrent Inc. later explored various technologies but struggled to establish a sustainable business model. The protocol evolved with decentralization features like the distributed hash table (DHT) and magnet links. In 2018, BitTorrent was acquired by the blockchain project TRON for an estimated 0 million. BitTorrent Inc. claims around 54 million active users per month, with additional users on independent clients. Despite a decline in torrent traffic from its peak, the network has been experiencing growth, attributed to rising streaming costs and fragmented content availability.
Dell PCs are shutting down after Windows 11's July update, Microsoft admits and blocks it
Winsage
July 15, 2026

Dell PCs are shutting down after Windows 11’s July update, Microsoft admits and blocks it

Microsoft has blocked the Windows 11 July 2026 update (KB5101650) on certain Dell PCs due to issues causing unexpected shutdowns, diminished performance, excessive heat, and battery drain. The problems are linked to the Intel Innovation Platform Framework Processor Participant driver, which affects power management. The complications stem from an optional June 2026 update (KB5095093) that introduced changes impacting the performance of some Dell PCs. Microsoft has not provided a list of affected models but is working with Dell to resolve the issue. The July update has been preemptively blocked from installation on incompatible devices, and a resolution is expected soon.
Microsoft pauses Windows 11's July update for some Dell devices because they're randomly shutting down
Winsage
July 15, 2026

Microsoft pauses Windows 11’s July update for some Dell devices because they’re randomly shutting down

Microsoft has halted the rollout of the Windows 11 July update for select Dell devices due to issues from the June preview update, which caused overheating and unexpected shutdowns. The June 23, 2026, preview update (KB5095093) led to problems such as unexpected shutdowns, decreased performance, increased heat generation, and accelerated battery drain for some Dell machines. The July update, which contains the same problematic code, is not optional, prompting Microsoft to pause its release for affected devices until a resolution is found. Users of impacted Dell models can continue with Windows Update without downloading the flawed update.
Microsoft now lets you pause Windows updates indefinitely and cuts restarts down to one a month
Winsage
June 27, 2026

Microsoft now lets you pause Windows updates indefinitely and cuts restarts down to one a month

The Windows team at Microsoft has introduced a calendar-based option for pausing updates, allowing users to select a specific end date for their pause, extending up to 35 days. Users can set this by navigating to Settings > Windows Update and choosing their end date from a calendar. The calendar pause is not permanent; once the pause period ends, Windows will automatically check for and install updates. Users can manually reset the pause to extend it further by another 35 days. Additionally, Microsoft is consolidating driver, .NET, and firmware updates into a single monthly restart to enhance user experience. The "Update and shut down" feature has been improved, allowing users to shut down their PCs without installing pending updates. The calendar pause feature is available in the June optional update KB5095093, while the other changes are accessible to Windows Insiders in the Experimental and Beta channels.
Forza Horizon 6 PC players urged to check their Microsoft Gaming Services version, as Playground tackle disappearing saves
AppWizard
June 13, 2026

Forza Horizon 6 PC players urged to check their Microsoft Gaming Services version, as Playground tackle disappearing saves

Playground Games is addressing save data loss issues in Forza Horizon 6, particularly for PC users, by advising them to ensure that Microsoft Gaming Services is updated to version 37.114.10001.0 or higher. Players experiencing save loss should open a support ticket on the Forza Support website and refrain from playing or creating new saves until the issue is investigated. Players should also exit the game properly and allow time for cloud synchronization after exiting.
Game industry lobby group that argued against preservation efforts from libraries is now pushing back on Stop Killing Games, saying it could prevent 'new games, features, and technology'
AppWizard
May 12, 2026

Game industry lobby group that argued against preservation efforts from libraries is now pushing back on Stop Killing Games, saying it could prevent ‘new games, features, and technology’

Stop Killing Games has evolved from a grassroots initiative to a significant international player, with presentations at the European Parliament and collaborations with global NGOs expected by 2026. In April, the organization endorsed the Protect Our Games Act (AB 1921), which aims to require game developers to inform consumers of server shutdowns and provide options such as offline versions, patches, or refunds. Smaller game studios are adapting their titles to remain playable post-server closure, with examples including Lunarch Studios and 1047 Games. The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) opposes the bill, claiming it burdens developers, while Stop Killing Games clarifies that the legislation does not require perpetual server maintenance. Historically, the ESA has lobbied against measures to preserve game access, including opposing a DMCA exemption for libraries and museums. The ESA's concerns mirror those of Video Games Europe, warning that Stop Killing Games' demands could lead to unsafe content and financial burdens on developers.
Official JDownloader site served malware to Windows and Linux users between May 6 and May 7
Winsage
May 10, 2026

Official JDownloader site served malware to Windows and Linux users between May 6 and May 7

Between May 6 and May 7, 2026, the official JDownloader website was compromised in a supply chain attack, leading to the distribution of malicious installers for Windows and Linux users. Attackers altered download links, redirecting users to harmful files, specifically targeting the Windows “Alternative Installer” and the Linux shell installer. A Reddit user reported the issue after Microsoft Defender flagged the installers as malicious, noting unusual developer names instead of the expected publisher, AppWork GmbH. JDownloader developers confirmed the breach and temporarily took down the website for investigation, revealing that an unpatched vulnerability in the content management system allowed the attackers to modify download pages. The genuine installer packages were not altered, and the malicious links were removed. The website was restored on May 8–9, 2026, with verified clean installer links. Indicators of compromise included specific hashes and compromised URLs related to the attack.
Indie shooter devs pull a reverse-Concord: No one played their game, but they 'make it free to play and keep the servers online indefinitely' anyway
AppWizard
May 7, 2026

Indie shooter devs pull a reverse-Concord: No one played their game, but they ‘make it free to play and keep the servers online indefinitely’ anyway

Blindfire, a multiplayer first-person shooter, has officially launched after a year and a half in early access. The game features a unique mechanic that requires players to use their senses and technology to detect opponents. Developers Double Eleven have made the game free-to-play to ensure the servers remain operational for years, despite active development concluding about a year ago. The full release includes a final update with two new weapons, achievements, new skins, and full haptic support. An "Audio Aim Assist" feature has been added for blind and partially sighted players, providing audio cues for orientation and enemy detection. The developers expressed pride in their work, despite not achieving mainstream success, and the community hopes for self-hosting options in the future.
Search