The surge in smartphone app releases is driven by the use of 'vibe coding' and AI technology, leading to a significant increase in the number of games hitting the market.
Cybercrime has shifted focus from targeting individual devices to stealing credentials and personal data for identity theft. In 2024, consumer losses due to fraud reached billion, a 25% increase from the previous year, with over a million identity theft reports filed. Stolen passwords and session cookies are central to most breaches, making credential theft the primary enabler of attacks. Password reuse is a significant vulnerability, with 65% of individuals reusing passwords, leading to increased risk of account takeovers through credential stuffing. Bitdefender offers features like Scam Protection Pro, which protects against fraud across email, chat, and SMS, and identity monitoring in Ultimate Security that alerts users to data leaks in real-time. In 2025, researchers identified approximately 2 billion unique leaked credentials, emphasizing the need for identity protection alongside traditional antivirus solutions.
Windows 11 has surpassed 70% market share among Steam users, reaching 70.44% with a 0.68% increase from the previous month. Windows 10's market share has declined by 0.43%. Linux's market share has decreased by 0.30% to 3.69%, down from 2.57% last year, while macOS has risen by 0.05% to 2.21% from 1.76% last year.
Google has announced the rollout of Android 17 QPR1 Beta 6 (vCP31.260618.005) to enrolled Pixel testers, specifically for Pixel 6 and newer devices. This beta focuses on addressing user-reported issues and follows the release of Beta 5. The update has achieved Platform Stability, indicating preparations for a broader stable launch for all Pixel devices. Previous betas have resolved critical bugs, but general availability of these solutions will take time. Google is accelerating its development process, following trends from previous releases.
The anticipated App Lock feature is absent in the latest Android 17 stable release, despite earlier Canary builds suggesting its inclusion. Recent findings in the Android 17 QPR1 Beta 6 indicate that Google is still developing the feature, which will allow users to lock multiple applications simultaneously through the Settings app, improving upon the previous method of securing apps one at a time. Additionally, Google is exploring a feature that restricts app access to biometric authentication only, disabling the traditional PIN-unlock option. Although App Lock is not present in the current beta, ongoing development suggests it may be introduced in the future.
In June 2026, Steam's Hardware Survey reported that Windows remains the dominant operating system. Linux's market share decreased by 0.30% to 3.69%, although it is an improvement from 2.57% the previous year. macOS increased by 0.05% to 2.21%, up from 1.76% a year ago. Windows 11 continues to attract users despite controversies surrounding Microsoft. Windows 10 is nearing the end of its life, prompting discussions about the future of operating systems.
In July, 30 new cozy games are set to launch, with a focus on feline-themed titles. Notable releases include "A Simpler World" (July 14), "High Times" (July 23), "Bookbinding" (July 24), "Moonlight Peaks" (July 7), and "Wabisabi SushiDerby" (July 15). These games feature various elements such as crafting, dating, and farming with supernatural themes.
Modder Alex Le Tux has released the first public build of Perfect Dark VR, a fan-made adaptation for Quest headsets and PC VR, following a preview video in February. The VR port is based on the Perfect Dark decompilation project started in 2022. The latest release allows players to explore iconic locations from Perfect Dark with features like head tracking and motion control aiming. A trailer showcasing these features has been shared by YouTube user Graslu00. The trend of creating VR ports for classic games has grown, with contributions from fans and indie developers, including Team Beef, which has ported classic PC titles to VR. Additionally, Virtual Boy Go is an open-source emulator that enables players to experience Nintendo's virtual reality games on Quest headsets without the original console.
David Gaider, a veteran of BioWare and creator of the Dragon Age universe, expressed concerns about generative AI in gaming, calling it a "virulent plague" that negatively impacts creativity and job opportunities. He criticized the current use of AI for producing subpar results and diminishing entry-level opportunities for writers. Gaider suggested that AI should be used as a supportive tool for mundane tasks, allowing human writers to focus on creative work, but noted that AI is currently taking on critical roles instead. He emphasized the importance of nurturing new talent and cautioned against eliminating tasks essential for training junior developers. Gaider also raised ethical concerns about AI's reliance on datasets that may lack consent from original creators, warning of potential legal issues. He expressed skepticism about AI's readiness for widespread application in the industry, advocating for caution until proper regulation and ethical data training are established.
Sony plans to discontinue the production of physical game discs for the PlayStation 5 by 2028, shifting towards a fully digital licensing model. Frank Cifaldi from the Video Game History Foundation has raised concerns about the preservation of video game history, stating that piracy may become the only means of safeguarding digital works. He criticized the Entertainment Software Association for resisting efforts to create a legal framework for preserving digital content. Cifaldi highlighted that museums and archives are preparing for this digital future, questioning the industry's expectations for cultural institutions as physical media is phased out. The transition to digital ownership has sparked discussions in the gaming community, particularly regarding the lack of backward compatibility in the PlayStation ecosystem and the challenges posed by the closure of digital stores for older consoles. The urgency for solutions to protect video game history is increasing as the industry moves towards a digital-only future.
