technical challenges Archives

AppWizard

June 4, 2025

Meta Pixel halts Android localhost tracking after disclosure

Security researchers have found that Meta and Yandex used native Android applications to access localhost ports, allowing them to link web browsing data with user identities and bypass privacy protections. Following these findings, Meta stopped its data transmission to localhost and removed much of the tracking code to comply with Google Play policies. A report from researchers at IMDEA Networks, Radboud University, and KU Leuven detailed how apps like Facebook and Instagram collected web cookie data via the loopback interface. This method allowed the companies to associate browsing sessions with user identities, undermining privacy measures. Meta's tracking process involved the Meta Pixel script, which transmitted cookies to native apps through various protocols. Meta began using this technique in September 2024 but ceased these practices by June 3rd, 2025. Yandex's localhost tracking dates back to 2017, and while they did not respond to inquiries, browser vendors have implemented mitigations against these practices. Proposed solutions include a new permission for local network access to prevent such tracking in the future.

AppWizard

May 30, 2025

Digital Domain vs. the Nether Horde: Behind the VFX of Minecraft

VFX Supervisor Piotr Karwas and Animation Supervisor Liz Bernard discussed the visual effects of Minecraft: The Movie, which includes 187 shots completed in 25 weeks. Karwas, with experience from films like World War Z, served as Cinematic Director, merging CG storytelling with Minecraft's aesthetic. Bernard, with a background from The Lion King, was the Previs Supervisor, focusing on visual planning and comedic tone. Digital Domain assisted with the final battle sequence, and Karwas learned about Minecraft lore from his children. The team worked to balance humor and visuals, ensuring consistency across departments. They faced technical challenges in creating custom VFX shots and animating characters like Piglins and Iron Golems, navigating the constraints of their blocky designs. Karwas is also exploring generative AI to enhance creativity in visual effects workflows.

AppWizard

May 21, 2025

A Super Mario 64 ROM Hacker Is Recreating Minecraft Inside The N64 Classic

A modder named Arthurtilly has created a voxel engine similar to Minecraft within the Super Mario 64 engine, which operates on an authentic Nintendo 64 console. This project showcases modern modding techniques applied to vintage hardware. Arthurtilly, known for previous ROM hacks, collaborated with rovertronic to develop the Mario Builder 64 tool. His latest hack features an infinite world, multiple block types, diverse biomes, initial fluid dynamics support, and enhanced graphics. Future plans for the engine include a dynamic day/night cycle, flowing lava and water, world saving and loading functionality, integration of trees and vegetation, and an inventory system.

AppWizard

May 14, 2025

Modders use reverse engineering to bring Mario Party 4 to PC, more GameCube games to follow

The gaming community has seen a rise in reverse-engineering source code from retro console games, particularly from the Nintendo 64 era and earlier, leading to native PC ports. The decompilation of Mario Party 4 is nearly complete, making it the first fully decompiled GameCube title, which will facilitate unofficial PC ports. A port of Mario Party 4 with online multiplayer is in development. Other GameCube titles like Super Smash Bros. Melee and Metroid Prime are also being targeted for decompilation. An unofficial PC port of the Xbox 360 game Sonic Unleashed has been completed. Previous titles such as Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time have received PC ports with enhanced features. Modders are experimenting with advanced technologies like ray tracing for classic games. A modding tool has improved the recompilation process, but technical challenges remain. Nintendo has not taken legal action against these decompilation efforts, and modders use clean room tactics to avoid legal issues, requiring ownership of the original game for PC ports.

AppWizard

May 12, 2025

Xbox Game Studios bundle launches at Humble, and includes eight PC games for £7.80

Humble has launched an Xbox-themed bundle featuring eight Xbox-published PC games available on Steam, priced at £7.80. The bundle has two tiers: a £3.90 option that includes three games (Broken Age, Sunset Overdrive, and Battletoads) and a £7.80 option that includes all eight games (Wasteland 3, Quantum Break, As Dusk Falls, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Age of Empires: Definitive Edition, Broken Age, Sunset Overdrive, and Battletoads). Proceeds from the bundle support charitable causes, raising over £43,000 for Gameheads, a charity focused on training low-income youth in game development. Notable titles include Sunset Overdrive, praised for its unique style, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, recognized for its emotional depth, and As Dusk Falls, which offers a fresh approach to interactive storytelling.

AppWizard

April 22, 2025

CHARTS: RuneScape Dragonwilds debuts at No.2 on Steam

RuneScape: Dragonwilds became the second highest-grossing title on Steam after its launch on April 15th, achieving a peak of 52,641 concurrent users. Counter-Strike 2 remains the top-grossing game, while Schedule 1 dropped to third place. Last Epoch climbed to fifth place after launching its second season of content. REPO held sixth place, Marvel Rivals fell to seventh, and Baldur's Gate 3 rose to eighth. Tempest Rising debuted in tenth place despite technical issues at launch. The Steam Top Ten for the week ending April 22nd includes: 1. Counter-Strike 2, Valve 2. RuneScape: Dragonwilds, Jagex 3. Schedule 1, TVGS 4. Steam Deck, Valve 5. Last Epoch, Eleventh Hour 6. REPO 7. Marvel Rivals 8. Baldur's Gate 3, Larian 9. Tempest Rising

Winsage

April 5, 2025

Microsoft Says Throw Away Your Windows 10 Computers

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, meaning no more security updates or technical assistance will be provided. While Windows 10 will still function, users face increased security risks without updates. Alternatives for users with incompatible hardware include Linux distributions like Zorin OS and Linux Mint, which offer familiar interfaces for those transitioning from Windows. Users can choose to ignore the deadline, invest in new hardware, switch to Linux, pay for Extended Security Updates, or attempt to upgrade incompatible systems to Windows 11 through registry edits and enabling Secure Boot with TPM. The impending support cutoff raises concerns about e-waste and sustainability, prompting discussions on the need for manufacturers to focus on product longevity and repairability. Local Linux User Groups and online communities are available to assist users in this transition.

Winsage

March 26, 2025

Microsoft fixes printing issues caused by January Windows updates

Microsoft has resolved an issue affecting USB printers that began after Windows updates in January 2025, which caused printers to produce random text. This fix is included in the March 2025 non-security preview updates KB5053643 and KB5053657 for Windows 10 (version 22H2) and Windows 11 (versions 22H2 and 23H2). The resolution will also be part of the cumulative updates for April 2025 Patch Tuesday. The problem was particularly noticeable when printers were powered on or reconnected, leading to erroneous outputs related to the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP). Microsoft acknowledged that the issue arose after the January 2025 preview update (KB5050092). Additionally, Microsoft has addressed another issue affecting Remote Desktop and RDS connections and is collaborating with Veeam to investigate connection errors on Windows 11 24H2 systems.

AppWizard

March 8, 2025

Monster Hunter Wilds is slowly recovering from a rough PC launch, finally hitting 60% positive reviews on Steam – but some big issues remain

Monster Hunter Wilds has a 60% positive rating on Steam. Capcom is working on updates, including a significant patch next week to fix a critical progress blocker, crashes, and monster behavior issues. Players have reported poor performance, graphical bugs, and a confusing user interface. Multiplayer setup is difficult, and some players are disappointed with the PC port, citing frequent crashes. The game is available on GeForce Now and features character outfits that enhance gameplay. There are also various mods for customization.

AppWizard

March 3, 2025

I hate to say it, but it’s time for Google to merge Waze into Maps

The author grapples with the decision of whether to use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, noting that Google Maps is their default choice due to its user-friendly interface and extensive points of interest. However, they find that Waze often provides better real-time traffic updates and alerts about hazards. There is speculation about a potential merger between Waze and Google Maps, which could create a more effective navigation tool, but concerns exist about alienating Waze's user community. The author appreciates Waze's real-time capabilities and community contributions but finds its interface cluttered and distracting. They express a desire for Google to incorporate Waze's features into Google Maps while acknowledging that a merger may not happen immediately. Google has owned Waze for over a decade, and it continues to operate as a separate entity.