updates Archives

AppWizard

March 30, 2026

Get in: Android Auto EVs see AI battery predictions in Google Maps for stress-free plans

Google Maps is introducing a new feature for Android Auto that enhances the driving experience for electric vehicle (EV) users by providing battery predictions. This allows drivers to enter their vehicle's starting battery percentage and receive a list of charging stations along their route, along with energy consumption estimates. The feature will be available for over 350 EV models in the United States and integrates real-time traffic data and specific vehicle information for more accurate usage estimates. This initiative leverages artificial intelligence and aims to improve EV functionality within Google Maps, building on previous updates focused on locating charging stations.

AppWizard

March 30, 2026

We’re finally getting Gears of War E-Day gameplay as Xbox locks in major June 2026 showcase

The upcoming Gears of War E-Day Showcase will take place on June 7, 2026, at 10 AM PDT / 1 PM EDT / 6 PM GMT. It will include a dedicated direct presentation from The Coalition, unveiling new details, gameplay, and insights into the origins of the multiplayer series. Emergence Day, a pivotal event in the Gears of War universe, is expected to unfold primarily in the city of Kalona, where Marcus and Dom's families reside. E-Day marks the catastrophic emergence of the Locust horde, which decimated a significant portion of the human population. The showcase will also feature updates on other titles, including Fable and State of Decay 3, and may provide insights into the future direction of Microsoft's gaming division under new CEO Asha Sharma, who is considering making Game Pass more affordable.

AppWizard

March 30, 2026

Tiny Empires codes March 2026

Players in Tiny Empires can use special codes to unlock free items that help grow their city. The current codes include: - SECRETSHOPCODE: grants three Super Farms - 1MILVISITS: provides two Super Farms - UPDATE2: offers two Super Farms - Update1: rewards one Super Farm - Release: includes one Super Farm and 5,000 gold To redeem codes, players need to launch the game, click on the store icon, enter the code in the code box, and hit enter. Codes are provided by the developer, Factory Limited, and can typically be found on the developer's Discord server. Some codes may not work if they are expired or invalid, but the listed codes are currently functional.

Winsage

March 30, 2026

Microsoft VP Signals Windows 11 Forced Account Requirement Could Be Removed

Scott Hanselman, Vice President at Microsoft, discussed the mandatory Microsoft account requirement for setting up Windows 11, which applies to both Home and Pro editions. This requirement was introduced with the 22H2 update in 2023 and has faced criticism as it prevents the creation of local accounts without an internet connection. There are unofficial workarounds to bypass this requirement, but they are not officially supported by Microsoft. Internal debates at Microsoft exist regarding the necessity of this account requirement, with some advocating for its removal while others support its continuation. No definitive timeline or commitment for changes to the account requirement has been provided by Hanselman or Microsoft.

Winsage

March 30, 2026

Windows 11 File Explorer is finally getting faster in 2026, but it’s been slower than Windows 10 for years

Microsoft plans to enhance the File Explorer experience in Windows by 2026, with initial improvements available to Windows Insiders as early as April. Key updates will focus on a quicker launch experience, reduced flicker, smoother navigation, and improved performance for everyday file tasks. Enhancements will address latency issues in search, navigation, and context menus, aiming for faster and more reliable file copying and moving. The context menu will see lower latency when right-clicking, and system-level changes will aim to reduce interaction latency and improve the shared UI infrastructure. Third-party file managers currently demonstrate faster performance compared to the default File Explorer, highlighting the need for Microsoft to improve its application.

Winsage

March 30, 2026

Part 2 – Babylon.js 9.0: Tooling updates and new geospatial features

Babylon.js 9.0 introduces several significant enhancements: - The Babylon.js Editor has improved rendering capabilities and functionality, providing an artist-friendly environment for building experiences on Windows, macOS, and Linux. - Inspector v2 is a complete overhaul of the debugging tool with a modern architecture, supporting custom extensions and a React-based UI. - The Lightweight Viewer has enhanced shadow rendering features and simplifies embedding 3D content on web pages. - The Playground has received upgrades including multi-file editing, ESM module imports, and local session history, along with automatic saving to local storage. - Large World Rendering and Floating Origin systems address precision loss in expansive scenes, ensuring smooth rendering and physics interactions. - The Geospatial Camera allows intuitive navigation of spherical planets with various interactive features and integrates with Large World Rendering. - Babylon.js now supports 3D Tiles for efficient visualization of large geospatial datasets, enhancing map data rendering capabilities. - A new Physically Based Atmosphere addon enhances realism in sky rendering using advanced scattering models. These updates aim to empower developers in creating stunning digital experiences.

Tech Optimizer

March 30, 2026

Fake Cloudflare CAPTCHA Pages Spread Infiniti Stealer On macOS

Security researchers have identified a new macOS information stealer called Infiniti Stealer, which extracts sensitive information from Mac users using a social engineering tactic known as ClickFix. This method involves a counterfeit Cloudflare human verification page that prompts users to enter a command in their Mac Terminal, allowing the malware to bypass security measures. The infection process consists of three stages: 1. A Bash dropper script downloads and decodes a hidden payload. 2. A Nuitka loader, designed for Apple Silicon Macs, complicates detection by compiling Python code into a native application. 3. The final payload, Infiniti Stealer, harvests personal data such as browser passwords, macOS Keychain entries, cryptocurrency wallets, and captures screenshots. Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) associated with Infiniti Stealer include: - MD5 Dropper: da73e42d1f9746065f061a6e85e28f0c - SHA256 Stage-3: 1e63be724bf651bb17bcf181d11bacfabef6a6360dcdfda945d6389e80f2b958 - C2 Domain: update-check[.]com - C2 URL: https://update-check[.]com/m/7d8df27d95d9 - Panel: Infiniti-stealer[.]com - Packer Magic: 4b 41 59 28 b5 2f fd (KAY + zstd) - Debug Log: /tmp/.bs_debug.log

AppWizard

March 30, 2026

Arc Raiders Steam player count for March down over 50% since launch

Arc Raiders emerged as a surprise hit in 2025, successfully elevating the extraction shooter genre to mainstream popularity with a vibrant community known as the Care Bears. The game peaked at nearly 500,000 concurrent players, driven by streamer coverage and word of mouth. However, the player base has gradually declined as many have explored the game's content. The Shrouded Sky update in February did not significantly boost player numbers, indicating a need for more substantial content. The upcoming Flashpoint update is anticipated to determine if it can draw players back and sustain interest in the game.

AppWizard

March 30, 2026

Borderlands 4 just got its first story DLC, and you can get the full experience at its lowest price yet

Borderlands 4, a looter shooter game, initially faced challenges in securing a strong reception due to awkward humor and technical issues. However, it has improved significantly with updates, making it a good time for new and returning players to engage with the game, especially with the release of a first story DLC and discounts. Players can choose from four or five Vault Hunters, each with unique skills, to confront the Timekeeper in a more serious narrative tone compared to previous titles. The game features diverse loot from enemies and rewarding boss fights. The new Story Pack 1 introduces a new Vault Hunter, C4SH, and new bosses in the Whispering Glacier. The base game and deluxe edition are currently discounted by 38% on Fanatical, priced at .39 / £37.19 and .99 / £40.29, respectively.

AppWizard

March 30, 2026

Solasta 2 has an impossible act to follow, but I’m hooked on its D&D roadtrip vibes

Solasta 2 is an Early Access sequel developed by Tactical Adventures, designed to be faithful to the tabletop D&D experience. The game emphasizes mechanics over narrative, featuring a hex-grid map and a party of four adopted siblings. Players engage in exploration and combat, with a variety of environmental factors influencing decisions. The combat system allows for both ranged and melee attacks, and events often require ability checks or dice rolls. Character creation is limited to four ancestries and six classes, with some animation issues present. The early hours of the game feel somewhat linear, with limited choices, but a roadmap for future updates is in place. Estimated playtime for Act One is 10-15 hours, though players may exceed this as they explore.