third-party Archives

AppWizard

May 24, 2026

The Sims Game Removed From Stores Without Warning

Electronic Arts has removed the spin-off game The Sims Medieval from online stores, making it unavailable for purchase. The game, released in 2011, was delisted from Steam on March 10, 2026, and is marked as "Not Available" on the EA App. Players who previously purchased the game can still access it in their libraries, but new players must seek physical copies, which may be priced higher due to the game's age.

Winsage

May 24, 2026

Avast Free Antivirus for Windows: Features, Limits, and Use

Avast Free Antivirus for Windows is a free antivirus solution designed for home users to protect against malware and phishing. It is developed by Avast, now part of Gen Digital, and is available for download worldwide. The software provides real-time threat detection, continuous scanning, and features such as File Shield, Web Shield, and Email Shield. It allows users to perform smart scans and schedule comprehensive system scans. Avast Free Antivirus is particularly relevant for U.S. consumers who frequently engage in online activities, offering protection against cyber threats. It competes with other antivirus solutions like Microsoft, Bitdefender, Kaspersky, and AVG. The software includes real-time scanning for malware and ransomware, web and email shields, and optional features like network inspector and password tools. Users can upgrade to premium security suites if desired.

AppWizard

May 23, 2026

Gemini Live redesign now works with more ‘Connected Apps’ on Android

Gemini Live on Android has expanded its integration capabilities, allowing access to a wider range of first- and third-party "Connected Apps." The update introduces a new floating interface that integrates Gemini Live into the text chat experience. Previously, it connected only with Google services and select third-party alternatives. The first-party app list now includes services such as Home, Hotels, Flights, Workspace, Image generation, Shopping, Utilities, YouTube, YouTube Music, and Spotify. The Utilities section introduces timers and alarms, but the ability to send Messages via Gemini Live is still forthcoming.

AppWizard

May 23, 2026

I just downloaded the viral disco app icon pack on my Pixel — here’s how to get it

Race Johnson showcased app icons with a disco ball effect, termed “discomorphism,” which caught the attention of Android President Sameer Samat. He announced the availability of disco icons for Pixel phones, confirming they are real and ready for download. A recent poll showed mixed opinions on the disco icon pack, with 53% voting it "hot" and 47% "not." To download the disco icons, a Pixel device must be running Android 16 QPR3, which began rolling out in March and is compatible with Pixel models starting from the Pixel 6 series. Users can access the disco icon pack by navigating through their home screen settings. The results of the disco aesthetic may vary among app icons, and the uniform black background may not appeal to everyone.

AppWizard

May 23, 2026

This Android gaming app might kill handheld PCs

GameNative allows users to play PC games on Android devices without an internet connection, supporting Steam titles, Epic Games Store, Good Old Games (GOG), and standalone game files. It features a known configs capability that optimizes game settings for better performance. The app's creator, Utkarsh Dalal, aims for GameNative to replace handheld PCs within two years, despite challenges related to compatibility with ARM-based chips. The Snapdragon 8 Elite and 8 Elite Gen 5 processors promise significant enhancements, and the release of Turnip drivers in early 2026 has improved gaming experiences on these devices. GameNative is free and open-source, with a monetization strategy focused on partnerships with game stores. It has recently added support for the Pixel 10 family, which uses an Imagination PowerVR GPU. The app collects user feedback to refine game configurations and plans to improve compatibility and support for third-party launchers.

Winsage

May 22, 2026

Microsoft Dismantles Fox Tempest: Ransomware Groups Paid Up to $9,500 to Fake Windows Software Signatures

Microsoft's Digital Crimes Unit has filed a lawsuit against Fox Tempest, a criminal enterprise selling fraudulently signed malware to ransomware groups, affecting hospitals, schools, and critical infrastructure in ten countries. The lawsuit was filed on May 19 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Fox Tempest created a portal at signspace[.]cloud, offering a user-friendly interface for uploading malicious files and generating over 580 fraudulent Microsoft accounts to bypass identity verification. The group provided pre-configured virtual machines for customers to upload malicious payloads in exchange for signed binaries. Fox Tempest's operations were linked to a ransomware attack chain involving a counterfeit Microsoft Teams installer that deployed the Rhysida ransomware. This ransomware strain has caused significant breaches, including an October 2023 attack on the British Library, which resulted in a data exfiltration of about 600GB and recovery costs of £6 to £7 million, and a September 2024 attack on Seattle-Tacoma International Airport with a ransom demand of .8 million. Microsoft's civil litigation approach allowed for a quicker legal process, leading to the seizure of the signspace[.]cloud domain and the suspension of around 1,000 Fox Tempest accounts. Despite these actions, Fox Tempest has begun shifting to alternative code-signing services, highlighting the evolving nature of cybercrime and the need for users to verify software through independent channels. The confirmed targets of Fox Tempest included organizations in the United States, France, India, China, Brazil, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain.

AppWizard

May 22, 2026

‘Off the wishlist it comes’: 007 First Light fans are requesting refunds after learning about Denuvo DRM addition ahead of launch

IO Interactive has decided to implement Denuvo Digital Rights Management (DRM) into the game 007 First Light just days before its launch, leading to significant discontent among potential players who have expressed their frustrations on Steam and initiated refund requests. Players criticize Denuvo for its impact on game performance and restrictions on PC users, with many stating they will not purchase the game at launch as a result. Denuvo has faced scrutiny for its effectiveness, as many games have been cracked despite its use. The likelihood of IO Interactive reversing its decision to include Denuvo seems low, reflecting a trend among game publishers prioritizing anti-piracy measures over consumer satisfaction.

Winsage

May 22, 2026

Microsoft says Windows 11’s explorer.exe has been unstable across taskbar, sign-in, and Task View, rolls out fix

Many users have experienced taskbar freezes and blank desktops upon startup in Windows 11. Microsoft has acknowledged these issues and released the Windows 11 KB5089549 (May 2026 Update) on May 12, which addresses these concerns. The update installs Build 26200.8457 and aims to enhance the reliability of explorer.exe, particularly during sign-in and interactions with taskbar menus and Task View. Users can now reposition the taskbar and adjust its size, with plans for a customizable Start menu. The update improves the performance of launching startup apps, aiming to prevent them from competing for system resources. Additionally, Microsoft is optimizing the system tray for quicker access and enhancing Windows Hello functionality.

Tech Optimizer

May 22, 2026

What the Tech: Phone antivirus apps |Helpful protection or a scam?

Most individuals do not require antivirus apps on their smartphones, as the primary threats have shifted from traditional viruses to scams and deceptive practices. iPhones utilize app isolation, making them less susceptible to conventional viruses but vulnerable to scams like phishing and fraudulent messages. Android phones allow sideloading, increasing the risk of malware from unofficial sources. The main threats include phishing texts, fake login pages, scam calls, reused passwords, and social engineering tactics. To enhance security, users should keep their phones updated, use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, avoid suspicious links, and refrain from installing apps from unknown sources. Antivirus apps may be helpful in specific situations, such as frequent link tapping or downloading files from unfamiliar websites, with reputable companies offering mobile security solutions focused on scam detection and account safety.

AppWizard

May 22, 2026

InPVP acquires Feather Client, rebrands as Dawn

InPVP has acquired Feather Client, a third-party Minecraft launcher, focusing on its in-game technology rather than the launcher itself. The acquisition was announced by InPVP owner Mohamed “PizzaMC” Weheba at the UGCon conference in Las Vegas. Feather Client’s parent company, Silentstack, will launch a new launcher called Dawn. Weheba clarified that the acquisition involves a sale of assets without taking on previous liabilities. The acquisition follows allegations of ad fraud against Feather Client. Weheba plans to reduce reliance on ad monetization and focus on direct-to-consumer revenue streams, including the sale of cosmetics and in-game items. He aims to enhance user experience with features like a profanity filter for voice chat and plans to collaborate with the competitive Minecraft organization MCPVP for tournaments. Aditude, Feather's former ad tech provider, has resumed its partnership with Dawn, expressing confidence in Weheba's leadership and the new direction of the project.