spring Archives

AppWizard

June 30, 2026

New VR Games July 2026: Quest, PlayStation VR2, PC VR & More

As of July, several new VR games and downloadable content are set to be released across platforms like Meta Quest, Steam, and PlayStation VR2. Key upcoming releases include: - Enigmo - July 7 (PC VR) - Geronimo - July 10 (PC VR) - Fixer Undercover - July 16 (PC VR) - Roboquest VR - July 23 (Quest 3) - Puzzles of the World - July 23 (Quest 3) - Cybercore Protocol - July 26 (Quest) - Hyperstacks - July 30 (Steam) - Streets of Miami VR - July 30 (Steam) Additionally, the UploadVR Summer Showcase Humble Bundle is active until July 8, with discounts on various titles. The Steam Summer Sale and Meta Quest Summer Sale are also ongoing, with PlayStation VR2 expected to participate later in July.

AppWizard

June 26, 2026

Steam Summer Sale 2026 Is Live: 90% Deals on PC Games as Machine Lottery Closes

Valve's Steam Summer Sale 2026 began today at 1:00 PM ET and will run until July 9, 2026, featuring discounts on over 4,000 titles. The average discount is around 45%, with reductions of up to 90% on older catalog titles. New releases like Gothic 1 Remake, Resident Evil Requiem, and Crimson Desert are included in the sale. Discounts are locked for the entire duration of the sale, and there is a minimum 30-day cooldown between promotional events for specific games, except for the four major seasonal sales. The Steam Machine lottery closed today, with invitations for winners to purchase starting the week of June 29. Those who missed the deadline will be placed on a waitlist, with processing expected by the end of 2026.

AppWizard

June 10, 2026

We’re finally getting a Vanillaware game on PC – Muramasa: Revenant Blades, an expanded 4K edition of the gorgeous Japanese action RPG

Vanillaware is set to release an expanded 4K version of their 2009 hack-and-slash title, Muramasa: The Demon Blade, now titled Muramasa: Revenant Blades. This edition will include enhancements from the PS Vita port, Muramasa: Rebirth, and additional content from the Genroku Legends add-on, featuring a DLC where players take on the role of a farmer battling against his landlord. The game will offer a variety of fighting styles from its ensemble cast and is expected to include some racy content, such as hot spring bathing scenes and revealing outfits. The release is scheduled for next year.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

Survey shows most of you are still sideloading apps

Google implemented new restrictions on the installation of applications from sources outside the Play Store. A poll by Android Authority found that 43% of 3,661 respondents regularly sideload applications, while just over a third reported doing so a few times. About 20% claimed they had never installed apps from outside the Play Store.

AppWizard

June 6, 2026

Every Xbox and PC game announced during Summer Game Fest 2026

The seventh annual Summer Game Fest showcased upcoming titles for 2026 and beyond, featuring a two-hour presentation with trailers and gameplay reveals. Key announcements included: - Resident Evil: Veronica - A remake of Resident Evil: Code Veronica set to launch in 2027 on Xbox and PC. - Cuphead - Two new games: a sequel and an 8-bit arcade title called Mighty Cuphead Adventure. - Alien Isolation 2 - Teased with a trailer; release date not announced. - gen ATLAS - A mech-themed game from GenDesign. - Blood Message - A single-player action-adventure game expected on PC and consoles. - Stranger Than Heaven - Set for release on January 15, 2027, featuring Tupac as a character. - HAEX - An open-world survival shooter for 1-4 players. - Mortal Shell 2 - Open beta now available on Steam. - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin - A game set in a future New York City. - Gundam: Rogue Orbit - A new entry in the Gundam series. - Crossfire - A stealth-action single-player adventure. - Guild Wars 3 - Set to launch with a beta expected in 2027. - Star Wars: Galactic Racer - Releasing on October 6, 2026. - Virtua Fighter Crossroads - Announced for 2027. - RuneScape: Dragonwilds - Launching on Xbox on September 15, 2026. - 1666 Amsterdam - Entering Early Access in late 2026. - SAW: Genesis - A multiplayer horror game. - Star Wars: Zero Company - Releasing on August 27, 2026. - The Blood of Dawnwalker - Launching on September 3. - Among Us Story: On Guard - A story-driven spinoff available for wishlisting. - Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance - Expansion set for 2027. - Swords of Legends - An action RPG inspired by Soulsborne games. - Clutch - An open-world racer expected in Spring 2027. - Chronicles: Medieval - Entering Early Access later this year. - Palworld - Fully launching on July 10. - The Wolf Among Us 2 - Set for release in 2027, alongside a remaster of the original. - Stellar Blade: Blood Rain - Sequel to Stellar Blade. - Final Fantasy 7: Revelation - Launching in Spring 2027 on Xbox, PC, and PS5.

Winsage

June 5, 2026

Microsoft wants AI to customize your Windows 11 entirely with one sentence, shows off a demo

At Build 2026, Microsoft announced plans to enhance Windows 11 personalization through AI agents, with API endpoints available for developers to create tailored experiences. Product Manager Samantha Song highlighted the need for a more user-friendly interface that reflects individual preferences, noting current customization options can be cumbersome. Microsoft introduced "WinUI skills," enabling developers to use AI agents like Copilot to create native applications that interact with Windows APIs. Users could instruct AI to modify themes, such as creating a cherry blossom theme, which would adjust wallpapers and accent colors automatically. AI skills could also apply accent colors to File Explorer and download themed wallpapers. The theme module can orchestrate multiple actions, allowing users to change their entire Windows theme with a single command. Microsoft is exploring a themes agent for generating new themes. While currently an open-source project, there is potential for these features to be integrated into Windows 11, enhancing user experience through personalized customization.

Tech Optimizer

June 4, 2026

How We Test Antivirus and Security Software

Most software applications clearly indicate their functionality, but the effectiveness of antivirus utilities is often less tangible. PCMag rigorously evaluates antivirus products through comprehensive tests that validate their claims, including real-world malware samples and various protective measures. Each antivirus tool is assessed based on its on-demand scanner and real-time monitor capabilities. PCMag compiles fresh malware samples annually, analyzing them to ensure they are suitable for testing. The testing process includes evaluating malware-blocking capabilities and web-level protection against known malware-hosting sites. Phishing site detection is also tested using recent URLs, and antispam testing has been simplified due to the effectiveness of email providers. Performance impact tests have been discontinued as modern security suites show improved efficiency. Firewall protection is evaluated through program control, exploit defenses, and overall resilience against malware. Parental control features are tested for effectiveness in content filtering and monitoring. Ransomware protection is assessed by releasing real-world samples in a controlled environment. PCMag monitors independent antivirus lab tests from various organizations, including AV-Test, AV-Comparatives, SE Labs, MRG-Effitas, and AVLab, to inform their reviews. An aggregate testing score is calculated to summarize lab results. Testing methodologies do not include VPN evaluations, which are covered separately.

AppWizard

June 2, 2026

Maverick Games announces open-world action driving game Clutch for PS5, Xbox Series, and PC

Maverick Games, led by Mike Brown, is developing an open-world action driving game titled Clutch, set to launch in spring 2027 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC. The game features a narrative involving sibling racing prodigies competing in the prestigious R1K series and the underground Midnight Collective. Players will navigate a dynamic environment with complex alliances, intense pursuits, and a variety of missions and races. Clutch includes a proprietary physics engine and an extensive vehicle personalization system. A first look at the game will be presented during the Summer Game Fest 2026 Live Kickoff on June 5.

AppWizard

May 24, 2026

Report: St. Petersburg State University orders staff and students to use Russia’s state-backed messaging app Max

St. Petersburg State University has mandated the use of the Max messenger for internal communications, as directed by vice rector Vladimir Starostenko. The human resources department is required to inform new employees about this policy. Sources indicate that the directive has been communicated to all departments, but staff members express discontent and reluctance to adopt the platform, with many not engaging in meaningful communication via Max. The Max messenger, developed by VK, was launched in spring 2025 and is being promoted by Russian authorities for various uses, while popular apps like WhatsApp and Telegram are blocked in Russia.

AppWizard

May 18, 2026

Minecraft Updates Used to Feel Magical, Now They Don’t Hit Like They Used To

In the early days of Minecraft, major updates significantly transformed gameplay, introducing new dimensions and mechanics, with players eagerly anticipating these annual changes. Iconic updates included Redstone mechanics, the Nether overhaul, and the Ender Dragon boss. Recently, Mojang shifted to smaller, more frequent updates, which introduced new mobs and blocks but felt less impactful, leaving players wanting more substantial changes. The transition began with the Garden Awakens update, which set a precedent for subsequent updates that lacked transformative qualities. For example, the Minecraft 1.21 Tricky Trials update introduced new challenges and a mob but did not alter core gameplay significantly. Recent updates have focused more on building enhancements rather than survival challenges, with examples like the Chaos Cubed and Tiny Takeover updates prioritizing cosmetic changes over meaningful survival features. The frequency of updates has diluted their impact, making players feel overwhelmed and disconnected. Many recent updates exist independently without building on previous content, leading to missed opportunities for integration and deeper gameplay experiences. The community desires updates that enhance the survival experience and create memorable moments.