third-party Archives

AppWizard

June 15, 2026

Minecraft 26.2 Chaos Cubed Drops Tomorrow: Hardcore Exploit Closed, Vulkan Renderer Ships

Minecraft Java Edition 26.2, titled Chaos Cubed, will be released on June 16, 2026, featuring a new underground biome called sulfur caves, a unique mob named sulfur cube, and an experimental Vulkan graphics renderer. The sulfur caves introduce pale-yellow sulfur blocks and deep-red cinnabar, along with geysers that erupt every 50 seconds and sulfur spikes that can inflict damage. The sulfur cube is a passive mob that absorbs blocks, altering its behavior, and can transform into a mobile explosive when it absorbs TNT. The Vulkan renderer allows players to switch between OpenGL and Vulkan for improved performance, utilizing multiple CPU cores. A friends list feature will be added, enabling players to send friend requests and check online statuses, but peer-to-peer world hosting will not be included. Hardcore mode will now enforce permadeath by disabling certain options in the Open to LAN menu. The update also includes six new music tracks and the /unpublish command.

AppWizard

June 15, 2026

Samsung MAX VPN goes offline today, leaving Android users searching for alternatives

Samsung MAX VPN has officially reached its end of life as of June 15, 2026, leaving over 50 million users without its privacy and data-saving features. The app, which was designed to mask IP addresses and compress mobile data, will no longer function as intended unless uninstalled. Users are encouraged to seek third-party VPN alternatives for online security, as the app will remain on devices but will not provide any services. The Google Play Store offers numerous highly rated third-party VPN applications, including free options, and users should review logging policies and server locations to maintain privacy.

AppWizard

June 15, 2026

YouTube turns into a messenger: the platform has returned the function of private messages

YouTube has reintroduced in-app private chats, allowing users to share videos, shorts, and live broadcasts without using third-party platforms. To start a chat, users must send an invitation through an external messenger, which is valid for seven days. Once accepted, users can chat one-on-one, but sharing is limited to publicly available content, and interactions are restricted to known contacts. The messaging feature is accessible via a dedicated button in the app, with notifications sent through push alerts. It is currently available only to adult users, with no support for group chats. YouTube previously discontinued its chat feature in 2019 due to low engagement but has decided to bring it back after positive testing results. The new messaging system is currently limited to users in the US, UK, Brazil, and Singapore, with no timeline for availability in Ukraine or other regions.

Winsage

June 14, 2026

What’s New With Windows 11 in 2026

Windows 11, introduced by Microsoft in 2021, has evolved into a simpler and more attractive platform while retaining familiarity. As of 2026, it continues to enhance features and address customer feedback. Microsoft now releases a new version of Windows 11 annually, with each version supported for two years for Home and Pro editions. Currently, versions 24H2 and 25H2 are supported and functionally identical, while the new 26H1 version is for laptops with Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 processors. The hardware requirements have become more lenient, and Microsoft has introduced a Copilot+ PC brand for high-end machines with advanced microprocessors. Updates have been revamped for a more predictable experience, and users can manage updates through new options. The user interface has been refined with a modern aesthetic, including Light and Dark modes, centered Taskbar icons, and an evolved Start menu. Windows 11 supports multitasking with familiar tools like Alt + Tab and enhanced Snap features. File Explorer has been updated with a modern interface and integration with OneDrive. The Microsoft Store has been redesigned for a broader selection of apps, and Microsoft Edge is bundled with Windows 11, although it has faced criticism for overriding user preferences. Windows 11 includes preloaded apps leveraging AI, such as Microsoft Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot, along with updated core applications. It supports gaming with a dedicated Xbox app and Game Pass subscriptions, and simplifies user account management with robust security features like Windows Hello. For power users, it offers a modern Terminal app and advanced configuration options in the Settings app.

AppWizard

June 14, 2026

FromSoftware boss Hidetaka Miyazaki references ‘yet to be announced’ games while commenting on controversy at parent company Kadokawa

Hidetaka Miyazaki, head of FromSoftware, indicated that several unannounced projects are in development. He expressed general satisfaction with the development environment provided by Kadokawa, FromSoftware's parent company, highlighting the studio's creative freedom. Meanwhile, Kadokawa is experiencing changes, as the hedge fund Oasis Management has acquired a majority stake and is advocating for significant changes, including the removal of the current CEO. Despite corporate turbulence, anticipation for FromSoftware's future projects remains high.

Winsage

June 14, 2026

Windows 11 KB5094126 crashes some PCs (HP?) with BSODs, breaks OneDrive in File Explorer, enterprise apps

Windows 11 KB5094126, released on June 9, 2026, is a significant update that introduces new features, including the Low Latency Profile, and addresses up to 200 security vulnerabilities. However, it has caused boot failures for some HP devices, particularly the HP EliteBook 840 G10, leading to BSODs or BitLocker Recovery prompts. The update may conflict with specific BIOS configurations or EFI/System partition settings, especially on devices with older EFI partitions. Users experiencing boot failures may need to disable Secure Boot as a temporary workaround. Additionally, the update has disrupted OneDrive integration in File Explorer, preventing access from the left pane and tray icon, although users can still access cloud folders directly. Similar issues have been reported with Dropbox and iCloud Drive. The update has also affected Microsoft Word integration in various business applications, leading to failures in document handling. Furthermore, changes to desktop.ini files have impacted custom folder icons, requiring users to unblock these files to restore functionality.

AppWizard

June 12, 2026

Meta outage affecting Facebook, Instagram and Messenger, according to user reports

Users across multiple countries experienced difficulties accessing Meta platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger on Friday morning. Reports indicated widespread disruptions characterized by login failures, unexpected logouts, error messages, and incomplete page loads. Issues were reported from the United States, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. The outage-tracking website IsDown noted a surge in user-reported issues by 9:42 a.m., classifying it as an outage, while Meta had not publicly acknowledged the extent of the disruption at that time. It is unclear if all of Meta's services, which also include WhatsApp and Threads, were affected by the outage.

AppWizard

June 12, 2026

Dutch non-profit set to take Valve to court for keeping game prices high

The Netherlands' Consumer Competition Claims Foundation (CCCF) has launched a campaign against Valve, the parent company of Steam, alleging unfair commercial practices related to Valve's 30% commission on game sales, which they claim inflates prices across all PC storefronts. The CCCF argues that this commission structure pressures publishers and developers to raise prices, affecting competitive pricing on other platforms like the Epic Games Store and Microsoft Store. They also allege that Valve prohibits publishers from offering lower prices on competing platforms and has engaged in "geo-blocking" to restrict the activation of Steam keys purchased in Eastern Europe for use in Western Europe. Valve president Gabe Newell denies these allegations, asserting that there is no policy preventing lower pricing on other platforms. The CCCF claims that Dutch gamers may have overpaid by more than 220 million euros due to these practices. Legal challenges against Valve are mounting, including a class-action lawsuit concerning loot boxes and an antitrust suit from Wolfire Games.

Winsage

June 12, 2026

Popular Windows 11 file manager Files gets improved tags, layouts, and new OneDrive icon

Files, a third-party file manager for Windows 11, has been updated to version 4.1.3, introducing several enhancements: - A "View size" button for each folder allows users to calculate folder sizes easily without changing settings. - File selection is retained when switching between different layouts. - Tag management has been streamlined, allowing users to remove tags via the context menu, toolbar, or Command Palette. - The OneDrive icon has been updated to reflect the current version from the OneDrive executable. - Bug fixes include resolving issues with tar archive extraction, crashes on the Signatures page, ensuring the Play action for single media files, correcting Smart Extract functions, addressing tag search issues, refreshing thumbnails, and displaying previously hidden BitLocker-locked drives. - A new Tree View sidebar feature is planned for future updates, enabling navigation of folders in an expandable hierarchy. Files can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store (paid version) or accessed through its official website (free version).

Tech Optimizer

June 11, 2026

Avast One: Security and privacy suite under the microscope

Avast One is the flagship consumer security suite from Avast (Gen Digital), combining antivirus, firewall, VPN, and privacy utilities into a single subscription for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It offers four primary areas: device security, online privacy, identity protection, and performance tools. Device security includes real-time antivirus, Web Shield, Mail Shield, and Ransomware Shield. The online privacy component features a full VPN service with bank-grade encryption and a no-logs policy. Identity protection includes data breach monitoring and, in some markets, credit monitoring. Performance tools assist with disk cleanup and system optimization. Avast One has three plan tiers: Avast One Essential (free), Avast One Individual (paid, supports multiple devices), and Avast One Family (paid, supports up to 30 devices). Pricing varies based on promotions, with Avast One Individual typically around per year and Avast One Family ranging from to 0 per year. The suite can be downloaded directly from Avast's website, with installers available for various platforms. Avast One includes automatic updates and is designed to operate lightly on modern hardware, with options to minimize system impact during scans. Customer support includes self-help documentation, community forums, and direct support for paying customers. Avast One aims to appeal to both non-technical users and power users, providing a user-friendly interface while allowing for advanced configurations. The product is positioned as a comprehensive solution for households looking to secure multiple devices with a single subscription.