US Archives

AppWizard

August 22, 2026

What is the ‘Android Pulse’ app that just appeared in Google Play Store updates?

Users may have noticed an app named “Android Pulse” in their Google Play updates, which appears as a blank square. This is a first-party Google application for "Defining anomalies for debugging," aimed at facilitating rule distribution for anomaly detection related to critical system resource consumption within the Android operating system and its applications. The app is integrated into Pixel devices as “Pulse” and has a heart rate-inspired green icon. “Android Pulse” has been available since March, with over 10 million downloads, and this is the first time it has appeared in the Play Store for manual installation.

AppWizard

August 22, 2026

The newly independent Psychonauts dev now earns all the revenue when you buy games it made under Xbox: ‘Buying any of our games helps support the studio’

Double Fine has regained full publishing rights to its titles developed under Microsoft after parting ways with Xbox earlier this year. CEO Tim Schafer confirmed that the studio has received back all intellectual property and publishing rights for their games. The studio has launched a Kickstarter campaign for its annual Amnesia Fortnight game jam, allowing backers to influence game development. Double Fine recently laid off 23 staff members to maintain a sustainable operational size. Schafer mentioned upcoming content for their multiplayer game, Kiln, which will include a major update and a price reduction, and recommended their adventure game, Keeper.

Winsage

August 22, 2026

Microsoft has a new way to twist your arm to use Edge, this time on mobile

The Edge Canary build for Android is testing new image themes that require users to set Edge as their default browser to access them. This requirement has sparked debate among users who prefer their current default browser. Microsoft's efforts to promote Edge have received mixed reactions, with some features being well-received while others, like those in Windows 11, have faced criticism for making it harder to switch away from Edge. A survey by the Browser Choice Alliance indicates that PC users find it complicated to transition away from Edge, but the situation differs on Android. Microsoft is working to balance user preferences with its strategic goals as it refines Edge's features.

Tech Optimizer

August 21, 2026

How to get a 24-month Surfshark subscription for $2.49 per month

Surfshark offers a suite of online security services, including antivirus software, personal data removal tools, and IP masking, to protect personal data. Currently, it has significant discounts on its plans, such as the Starter plan at an 85% discount, costing .49 per month for a 24-month subscription, plus three additional months free. The Starter plan includes a secure VPN, ad and cookie pop-up blockers, rotating IP, double encryption, app bypass options, and an alternative ID feature. The Surfshark One plan, also at .49 per month, adds antivirus protection, an email scam checker, a web content blocker, a private browsing feature, and data leak alerts. The Surfshark One Plus plan, available for .49 per month, includes all features from the Surfshark One plan and adds online data removal assistance and identity theft protection for US users. Surfshark operates under a no-logs policy and includes a kill switch for added security. The alternative ID feature generates fictitious personal information to reduce spam.

AppWizard

August 21, 2026

Minecraft Dungeons II gameplay takes us on a weird adventure

Minecraft Dungeons II has revealed a new gameplay trailer showcasing its features, including a new dimension called the Sift. This realm offers unique landscapes, enemies, and cooperative gameplay for up to four players, both online and locally. The game will expand on the original with new areas, enemies, missions, equipment, and character customization, while maintaining a loot-driven progression system. Minecraft Dungeons II is set to launch on September 29, 2026, for PC, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo platforms.

AppWizard

August 21, 2026

Here’s who is eligible for a portion of Google’s $700 million settlement

Google has agreed to a [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: PHOENIX (AZFamily) — In a significant development for the tech industry, Google has agreed to a 0 million settlement regarding its practices in the Android app store market. This resolution comes as a result of a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general, spearheaded by Arizona’s Attorney General Kris Mayes, who have raised concerns about the company's monopolistic control over app distribution and in-app payment systems. Settlement Details Attorney General Mayes articulated the core issue, stating, “Google used its monopoly power over the app market to drive up prices.” The settlement serves as a clear message against anticompetitive behavior, emphasizing the importance of a fair marketplace that fosters lower prices, enhanced quality of goods and services, and increased choices for consumers. Mayes affirmed her commitment to combating illegal and unfair business practices to safeguard the interests of Arizonans. Individuals who made purchases on Google Play between August 2016 and September 2023 will be eligible to receive a portion of the settlement. Most recipients can expect to receive their share without the need to submit a claim form, with payments being processed through platforms like PayPal or Venmo. Changes to Business Practices As part of the settlement agreement, Google is required to implement several changes to its business operations. Over the next five years, app developers will gain the freedom to: Offer alternative payment options to users. Inform users about cheaper prices available outside of Google’s billing platform. Feature their apps on competing app stores without fear of retaliation. Moreover, Android users will have the ability to install applications from sources beyond the Google Play Store for a minimum duration of seven years. Arizona's involvement in this legal action dates back to 2021, when the state joined a coalition of attorneys general in suing Google for its alleged illegal dominance in Android app distribution and for imposing transaction fees of up to 30% on consumers. For those seeking further information about the settlement, additional details can be found on the designated website. See a spelling or grammatical error in our story? Please click here to report it. Do you have a photo or video of a breaking news story? Send it to us here with a brief description. Copyright 2026 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] million settlement regarding its practices in the Android app store market due to concerns about its monopolistic control over app distribution and in-app payment systems. The settlement allows individuals who made purchases on Google Play between August 2016 and September 2023 to receive a portion of the settlement without needing to submit a claim form. As part of the settlement, Google must implement changes allowing app developers to offer alternative payment options, inform users about cheaper prices outside of Google’s billing platform, and feature their apps on competing app stores without retaliation. Additionally, Android users will be able to install applications from sources beyond the Google Play Store for at least seven years. Arizona's involvement in the legal action began in 2021 when it joined a coalition of attorneys general suing Google for its alleged illegal dominance and high transaction fees.

Winsage

August 20, 2026

Microsoft Surface and other Windows on Arm PCs can’t use Outlook or Teams right now

A recent update to Windows 11, specifically KB5121003 released during Patch Tuesday, has caused functionality issues with Microsoft Teams and Outlook for users on Windows on Arm PCs. Users have reported these problems on Microsoft Learn, leading to a community discussion about the challenges and potential solutions.

AppWizard

August 20, 2026

Aussie developer Monomyth Games announces Photo Roboto: A Timesnap Adventure for PC

Monomyth Games has announced its new title, Photo Roboto: A Timesnap Adventure, marking its first game since 2018's Need to Know. Players will take on the role of Peppino the Roboto, who operates a time-warp photography business on an Italian island. Key features include the Timewarp Camera for capturing images from different time periods, running a photography business, exploring the island of Pallacanezza, helping locals, experiencing a handcrafted narrative, trying new camera modes, and personalizing the shop and character. The game is set for release on PC via Steam in 2027.

Tech Optimizer

August 20, 2026

Surfshark Antivirus Review 2026: Test Results and Costs

Surfshark offers a cybersecurity package called Surfshark One, which includes antivirus capabilities and a VPN service. The overall rating for Surfshark is 4.1/5, with specific ratings of 3.7/5 for protection, 4.5/5 for performance, 3.3/5 for features, 5.0/5 for support, and 4.5/5 for value. The antivirus component has a 93.44% malware detection rate and a 95% phishing detection rate with no false alarms. Surfshark One costs .79 per month and includes features like real-time protection, scheduled scans, breach alerts, a private search engine, and webcam protection. The One+ tier adds Incogni data removal and identity theft insurance. Surfshark Antivirus is not available as a standalone product and lacks features such as a firewall, password manager, and parental controls. It is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Android. Surfshark provides a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.

Winsage

August 20, 2026

The man behind PowerToys is most excited about these features that ship next week

PowerToys will soon introduce several enhancements, including a compact option for the Command Palette and a ripple effect for the Mouse Highlighter. The Command Palette will improve user interaction by allowing faster access to applications and settings, while the Mouse Highlighter will provide a more subtle method for locating the cursor. Additionally, PowerToys will incorporate Phi Silica to enhance features like Click to Do and on-device rewriting in applications such as Word and Outlook. The update will also simplify access to preview updates and include a comprehensive change log detailing fixes and enhancements. Users can expect a smoother Shortcut Guide, improved performance, and a new utility in the upcoming release.