US Archives

AppWizard

July 28, 2026

HMD Asha 305: a sub-$75 Android phone with no Google apps

HMD is reintroducing the Asha brand with the launch of the Asha 305, priced at PHP 3,999 in the Philippines and around 2,390 baht in Thailand. The phone features a Unisoc SC9832E processor, options of 2–3GB of RAM, and 16–32GB of storage. It has a 5-inch display with a resolution of 854×480 pixels, a 5MP rear camera, a 2MP front camera, and a 2,500mAh battery with 5W charging. The Asha 305 operates on Android 14 Go without Google Mobile Services, offering around 100 pre-loaded apps. HMD has not announced availability or pricing for the US or UK markets.

AppWizard

July 28, 2026

Xbox console players now get select Ubisoft PC versions for free via Xbox PC — it’s not Xbox Play Anywhere, but hey it’s something

Ubisoft and Microsoft have announced an extended collaboration that will allow owners of select Ubisoft titles on Xbox Series X|S to gain complimentary access to their PC counterparts, excluding those who purchased games through the Xbox PC store. Ubisoft has added over 80 games to the Xbox PC store, many of which are part of the Ubisoft+ Classics lineup included with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. However, the Ubisoft Connect PC app has faced criticism for its reliability, and while some games feature progression syncing between PC and Xbox consoles, it often does not match the functionality of Xbox's Play Anywhere feature. Many gamers express frustration over Ubisoft's lack of integration of key Xbox features into their PC games.

AppWizard

July 27, 2026

Some Ubisoft games on Xbox Series X|S now come with PC versions for free

Microsoft and Ubisoft have announced an extension of their partnership, allowing players who own select Ubisoft titles on Xbox to access their PC versions at no additional cost, excluding those who purchased through the Xbox PC store. Ubisoft has added over 80 games to the Xbox PC store, many included in the Ubisoft+ Classics subscription with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, but none support the Xbox Play Anywhere feature. Customers purchasing digital versions of specific titles will receive both Xbox console and PC versions, with existing owners receiving the PC version by August 4. Players need to use the Ubisoft Connect PC app to access these titles, which has experienced technical difficulties. Some games are optimized for handheld devices, and certain titles offer progression syncing between PC and Xbox consoles via Ubisoft Connect.

Tech Optimizer

July 27, 2026

What to look for in antivirus software without the jargon

Shopping for antivirus software can be overwhelming due to technical jargon and extensive feature lists. Key considerations for effective antivirus software include: - Real-time protection: The software should continuously monitor activities and provide automatic protection against threats. - Malware and ransomware blocking: It should defend against various online threats, including malware, spyware, and ransomware. - Firewall protection: A firewall should monitor and block suspicious connections to enhance security. - Performance: The software should operate quietly in the background without interrupting daily tasks. - Frequent updates: Regular updates are essential to combat evolving online threats. - Scam protection: The software should flag suspicious links and messages to prevent cyberattacks before they reach the device. When choosing antivirus software, prioritize these features to ensure effective protection without complicating your life.

AppWizard

July 27, 2026

Steam indie hit Meccha Chameleon made more money than any other PC game last month apart from Fortnite, according to new data

Meccha Chameleon is the second-highest-grossing PC game in June 2026, selling 7 million copies in its first two weeks and reaching 15 million within a month, making it the fastest-selling game of the year. It generated significant revenue, being the second-biggest PC game in June by revenue, priced at .99. Fortnite reclaimed its top position in June after launching Chapter 7 Season 3, while Forza Horizon 6 dropped five spots. Clones of Meccha Chameleon on Roblox have surpassed the original in player count.

AppWizard

July 27, 2026

I couldn’t sign into the PlayStation App on Android, but I found an easy way to get around Sony’s finicky 2FA

Sony has faced criticism for discontinuing physical game discs and issues with the PlayStation app, particularly regarding two-factor authentication (2FA). Many users have reported difficulties logging into their accounts when they do not receive verification text messages. This problem has affected access to PS4s and PS5s. Users can recover their accounts by following these steps: open the PlayStation app, sign in with their email, select "Trouble Signing In?", choose "Recover Your Account", and reset their password. They can then set up a passkey, which disables 2FA, allowing them to log in without needing the verification code. Previously, users could use 2FA on consoles if they did not receive an SMS code, but this option is no longer available, making backup codes essential.

AppWizard

July 27, 2026

This week in PC games: a battle royale detective game, a broken Y2K metaverse, a laptop tycoon sim, and a new Company of Heroes RTS

- Endacopia: A point-and-click horror game inspired by 90s edutainment software. - Broken Reality 2000: A first-person puzzle-platforming adventure set in a Y2K-themed metaverse. - Plum Road Tea Dream: A semi-autobiographical journey of a queer POC developer through seven distinct graphical worlds. - Moon Crashers: A game where players gather resources to build an escape rocket after crash-landing on the moon. - Forsaken Realms: Vahrin's Call: A third-person fantasy adventure set in a beleaguered city. - Kinny and the Cosmic Cauldron: A roguelike deckbuilder where players create soups for eldritch clientele. - Dissolution of the Silent Union: A narrative with gloomy anime aesthetics and themes of decay. - Orbital Hell: A hallucinatory score-attacker game battling geometric boglins. - Désorienté: A narrative-driven experience set in a violent world with intestines as currency. - CipherMind: A battle royale detective game for eight players in a concrete labyrinth. - Lunarium: An action-RPG featuring a knight and a floating sorceress. - Company of Heroes 3: Final Stand: A strategic spin-off involving tactical gameplay against waves of enemies. - Joy Malignant: A dice-based RPG set in a city filled with despair. - Truck-kun is Supporting Me from Another World?!: A humorous isekai game featuring a truck driver. - Outfield: An exploration of agricultural growth and its implications. - Olga: A cozy adventure game without combat. - Legacy of Sail: A nostalgic real-time naval tactics game. - Culdcept The First: A modern adaptation of a board/card game fusion. - Mistfall Hunter: A PvPvE extraction RPG. - Turnip Mountain: A 2D climbing simulator in a whimsical world. - Signy & Mino: Against All Gods: A side-scrolling RPG featuring a girl and her dog. - Devil's Hand: A card game where players form poker hands on a grid. - Parkside: Decayed Soul Manipulation: A sim shooter set in a dystopian California. - Cloud Sculptor: A 3D puzzle-platformer where players create sculptures for ghosts.

AppWizard

July 27, 2026

Yet Another Zombie Defense HD, which is its real name, is free on Steam for a limited time

The zombie genre has gained popularity in gaming, with a notable title being Yet Another Zombie Defense HD, which is currently available for free until July 30. This twin-stick shooter features gameplay that involves shooting zombies at night and building defenses during the day. It offers local and online multiplayer options, various weapons and traps, and integrates with Steam Workshop for character customization. The game is a promotional gesture for the upcoming release of Yet Another Zombie Survivors, set to launch on August 20, which will include new enemies and maintain a similar aesthetic.

AppWizard

July 27, 2026

Wave of WhatsApp suspensions sweeps across Israel, raising concerns of blocked accounts

A recent surge in WhatsApp account suspensions in Israel has caused concern among users about the security of their accounts. The Israel Internet Association advised users to safeguard their important data. Yonatan Ben-Horin from the Safe Internet Hotline noted that the inquiries received during this period were different from typical complaints, with users reporting suspensions after sending innocent messages to businesses or contacts. The suspensions were linked to messages directed towards businesses and not to unfamiliar numbers. The Israel Internet Association has reached out to Meta to address the situation and is collecting reports from affected users. Ben-Horin emphasized the importance of maintaining independent backups of information, as many users rely on WhatsApp for communication and reminders.

AppWizard

July 26, 2026

13 years on, unfinishable survival game Project Zomboid is getting a major update with an expanded Kentucky map, animal husbandry, and revised crafting

Project Zomboid's Build 42 update is set to launch on July 29th, after two years of development. This update is described as one of the broadest in the game's history and includes new features such as animal husbandry, an overhaul of crafting and building systems, newly designed areas, enriched backstories, an enhanced lighting system, and a refined user interface. Existing saves from Build 41 will not be compatible with Build 42, and players wishing to continue in Build 41 must join the "legacy41" beta channel.