Tencent Archives

Tech Optimizer

August 31, 2026

ValleyRAT Backdoor Hides in Signed Adware That Users Add to Antivirus Exclusions

Silver Fox is linked to the distribution of a backdoor malware called ValleyRAT, disguised as the legitimate QN Wallpaper adware application. Once installed, ValleyRAT provides complete control over the compromised machine. The malware uses DLL sideloading to operate under the guise of a legitimate process, bypassing security measures. It disables Windows Defender and adds itself to autorun entries, and can mark its process as critical, causing system crashes if terminated. Kaspersky has identified specific indicators of compromise (IoCs) including hashes, command-and-control servers, and associated domains. In 2026, Kaspersky recorded over 100,000 detections of ValleyRAT affecting more than 1,500 unique users, mainly in China and India.

AppWizard

August 30, 2026

DLSS 5: Modders Push Leaked Neural Rendering Into 10+ More PC Games

Modders have integrated Nvidia’s leaked DLSS 5 Neural Rendering library into over a dozen PC games, including Cyberpunk 2077 and GTA V, following its discovery in an early access build of NBA 2K27. The RenoDX Discord community reverse-engineered this feature and used tools like RenoDX and ReShade to apply the library to various games. Nvidia describes DLSS 5 as a significant architectural advancement in real-time neural rendering that enhances graphics with photorealistic lighting and materials. Modders have successfully applied the library to titles such as Control, Red Dead Redemption 2, and The Last of Us Part II Remastered. These modifications are unofficial and not sanctioned by Nvidia or the game publishers. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has defended the technology against criticism, emphasizing that it allows for artist oversight rather than being a generic AI filter. DLSS 5 is set to launch in fall 2026, with support confirmed from major industry players. All current comparisons and tests are based on the leaked build rather than official Nvidia code.

BetaBeacon

August 20, 2026

Gameloft and Tencent’s Mobile GTA Online Equivalent Released on iOS and Android

Publisher Level Infinite and Gameloft have launched Gangstar Mirage City, an open-world crime action game where players start as small-time criminals and work their way up to building their criminal empire. The game features player interaction, including teaming up for missions and engaging in PvP shootouts. Gangstar Mirage City was initially known as Codename Crime: Vice Open World and was rebranded after closed testing to become part of Gameloft's Gangstar series.

AppWizard

August 18, 2026

GameLoop Emulator Setup for PC Gaming: 15 Steps [2026]

Mobile gaming has shifted towards competitive play using keyboard and mouse with titles like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty: Mobile, and Free Fire. Tencent's GameLoop is a popular emulator for these games, offering seamless integration and features like pre-tuned graphics profiles and key-mapping templates. GameLoop is Windows-only and based on Android 7.1. Minimum system requirements include Windows 10 64-bit, a dual-core CPU, 4GB RAM, DirectX 11 support, and 10GB free storage. The installation process involves downloading from the official site, running the installer as an administrator, and completing first-time setup. Users can adjust graphics settings, configure key mapping, and enable FPS boost. GameLoop supports multi-instance functionality and has a built-in screen recording tool. Common issues include black screens and game crashes, which can often be resolved by updating drivers and checking settings. GameLoop is free to use, but users should verify game policies regarding emulator use for competitive play.

AppWizard

August 13, 2026

Mine Treasures, Capture Aliens, Profit in DIG Raiders: Anomaly Extraction on PC Sept. 11

DIG Raiders: Anomaly Extraction is set to launch on PC via Steam on September 11, 2026, priced at .99, with a 30% discount during the initial launch period. The game features co-op mining gameplay involving exploration and encounters with aliens, set against the backdrop of a crashed alien spacecraft beneath a city. Players will engage in comedic tasks across nine levels, including locations like a bank vault and a space station, while wearing one of seven animal costumes that provide various advantages. The game includes a PvE mode where players repair an alien monolith and a chaotic 4v4 multiplayer mode. Wealth gained can be reinvested in a marketplace, and players must manage their finances to survive. The game supports multiple languages, including English, French, German, and others.

AppWizard

July 14, 2026

Ubisoft promises new Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Ghost Recon games are coming, but says this year will be ‘quieter’ than most

Ubisoft's recent financial report indicates that while new titles are planned, including Black Flag Resynced, the upcoming fiscal year will have a "lighter new release slate." CEO Yves Guillemot confirmed that new entries in the Assassin's Creed and Far Cry series are in development, but release timelines remain uncertain. The company has faced delays and cancellations, exemplified by Beyond Good and Evil 2. Ubisoft has experienced layoffs, studio closures, and restructuring efforts, which have not resolved ongoing issues. There is speculation about Tencent's interest in supporting Ubisoft's new structure, despite not pursuing a stake in 2025.

AppWizard

June 22, 2026

Eidos Montreal founder says modern execs are driven more by spreadsheets than passion for games

Stephane D'Astous, founder of Eidos Montreal, discussed the significant changes in the gaming industry over the past 15 years, noting that the major players have shifted, with Tencent becoming a dominant force. He highlighted the unexpected challenges faced by Electronic Arts, which he suggested was once at risk of being acquired. D'Astous expressed concern about the industry's current state, attributing some challenges to the financial influx during the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to questionable project funding. He emphasized the unrealistic expectations placed on executives, citing his own experience of being asked to create a high-quality game within limited resources and time. The current industry atmosphere is characterized by a focus on revenue generation, which he believes hinders risk-taking and passion-driven development.

AppWizard

May 17, 2026

Oppo open-sources Android AI agent X-OmniClaw that uses your camera, screen, and voice without leaving the phone

Oppo's Multi-X team has introduced X-OmniClaw, an open-source AI agent for Android that operates on the device without cloud processing. It uses the camera, screen, and voice functionalities to perform tasks across applications. Unlike cloud-based platforms, X-OmniClaw processes information locally, with the cloud serving as a supplementary resource. The architecture integrates three perception channels into a unified pipeline, allowing it to interpret scenes and user requests effectively. It transforms local data into semantic entries for long-term memory, processes gallery photos into descriptions, and filters out sensitive information. X-OmniClaw captures user behavior into reusable skills, enabling direct navigation to app pages through deeplinks. Demonstrations show its ability to retrieve product prices, assist with homework, and create highlight albums from photos. The project is built on the open-source HermesApp codebase and is accessible on GitHub. It draws inspiration from existing models, including Google's local model and ByteDance's UI-TARS, while enhancing functionality through on-device execution and structural XML data integration.

AppWizard

April 23, 2026

Binance’s Android app is quietly running TikTok and WeChat SDKs alongside 13 other trackers

Security researchers have found that the Binance Android app includes SDKs from ByteDance and Tencent, along with 13 additional third-party trackers. This raises privacy concerns for users, as the TikTok SDK collects device fingerprints, behavioral signals, and potentially clipboard data, while the WeChat SDK adds functionalities not necessary for a financial trading platform. The incorporation of these SDKs could expose sensitive financial information. Under EU GDPR and FTC regulations, undisclosed telemetry in financial apps may be considered deceptive trade practices, potentially leading to regulatory repercussions for Binance. Users are advised to revoke permissions from the app or switch to the browser-based platform. The situation could prompt regulatory scrutiny and audits of cryptocurrency asset management apps.

AppWizard

April 13, 2026

Russia sees WeChat, Douyin as models for its homegrown Max messenger

Russia is developing the Max messaging application, inspired by Tencent's WeChat and Douyin, to compete with Telegram. The Kremlin is promoting Max as an alternative to Telegram, which has faced user resistance due to perceived limitations in functionality. Kiriyenko, CEO of VK, highlighted that Max will adopt an open platform model similar to WeChat, integrating third-party chatbots, and noted that 500,000 companies have already registered on the platform. The Russian government aims to establish a robust "platform economy" to boost economic growth, leveraging partnerships and innovative services. Kiriyenko also expressed interest in utilizing Douyin's e-commerce strategies involving short video content.