waiting Archives

AppWizard

August 25, 2026

Paradox’s next grand strategy game is taking cues from Fallout and Mad Max

Paradox Development Studio is developing a new game titled Afterworld, set in a post-apocalyptic North America. Players will lead a tribe of survivors, choosing their tribe's origins and focusing on survival by gathering resources. The game allows players to rebuild civilization or create new societal structures, including religions and laws, while utilizing pre-collapse technology. A unique tech tree evolves through exploration, with procedural generation ensuring varied experiences in each playthrough. Dan Lind, the game director, emphasizes that Afterworld is Paradox's first non-historical setting in a decade, offering a fresh perspective for a grand strategy game. A preview of the game mechanics will be released in the coming weeks.

Winsage

August 24, 2026

You don’t want this Sleepwalker backdoor on your Windows machine

Malware researcher Dominik Reichel has discovered a sophisticated Windows backdoor named Sleepwalker, which remains dormant in memory until activated by a specially crafted network packet. Sleepwalker uses a 23-instruction command language to execute tasks, including running code in memory and exfiltrating data. It activates through a proprietary activation packet that does not contain readable commands. The malware targets a VMware VMCI and disguises itself as Microsoft's dpapi.dll, mimicking its functions while redirecting calls to a non-existent file. Once it confirms its host process as ERAAgent.exe, it enters a dormant state to evade detection. Sleepwalker monitors for a specific pattern known as a magic packet to decrypt and interpret commands. Commands sent to it are encrypted with AES-256-CCM and must be read in a specific order. The backdoor includes functionalities for sending and concealing data, receiving tasks, and executing programs. Reichel has developed a toolkit to decode Sleepwalker’s bytecode and a mitigation guide for affected users. However, there are significant gaps in knowledge regarding the initial access method, victim identification, and the malware's operator.

Winsage

August 24, 2026

Windows 95’s redesign is still the most profound 31 years later — I take a look at what survived more than three decades of hardware evolution

On August 24, 1995, Microsoft launched Windows 95, featuring a memorable appearance by Jay Leno and CEO Bill Gates. The launch included a promotional video set to "Start Me Up" by The Rolling Stones. Windows 95 introduced the Start button, marking a significant change in user experience compared to Windows 3.1, which used a full-screen Program Manager for application organization. The introduction of the Start button reshaped user interaction with computers and contributed to the legacy of Windows 95, which continues to influence users today, even with the release of Windows 11 in 2021.

Tech Optimizer

August 24, 2026

Fake Microsoft security scans trick victims into uninstalling their antivirus

A surge of fraudulent websites claiming to verify antivirus software functionality has emerged, using the name SysScan and misleadingly asserting that Windows no longer supports third-party antivirus solutions. These sites conduct fake security scans, gather personal information, and set up a refund scam. Eleven such websites were found hosted on a single server, executing similar deceptive tactics. They can access basic browser data but cannot conduct genuine security scans. Microsoft continues to support third-party antivirus software, and legitimate refund processes do not require uninstalling security tools. The scams instruct users to remove their antivirus software to facilitate further manipulation and to collect information about the antivirus in use. The customer information forms collect extensive personal data and are designed to send this information to a Telegram bot API. Victims are promised a refund call after submitting their information, which is part of the scam's manipulation. Signs of such scams include claims of deep problems with the computer, consistently negative diagnostic results, requests to uninstall antivirus software, and demands for banking information. If affected, victims should disconnect from the internet, remove remote-access tools, and contact their bank. The hosting IP address for these sites is 157.230.180.90, with multiple associated domains listed.

AppWizard

August 22, 2026

Android Auto YouTube Limitations: Is It Worth Using In The Car?

The experience of using YouTube on Android Auto is currently limited, primarily allowing audio playback while driving. Google announced plans for enhancements during the Android Show: I/O Edition event in May, which will enable HD video playback at 60 frames per second when the vehicle is stationary and transition to audio-only mode when in motion. The update will also feature a revamped interface and improved integration with brands like BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, and Hyundai. Users can access audio from YouTube videos while driving, but full video playback is available only for YouTube Premium subscribers. An update later this year will bring native YouTube support to Android Auto, allowing users to watch videos while parked. Unofficial methods like the Fermata Auto app or AA Browser can provide video playback while parked, but these are not officially supported solutions.

AppWizard

August 22, 2026

Star Wars Zero Company And Galactic Racer Clashed, Lucasfilm Could Have Prevented It

Two Star Wars titles, Star Wars Zero Company and Galactic Racer, are set to launch within months of each other, marking the first time in 15 years that games from different developers will share a release year. The simultaneous lifting of embargoes for both games occurred just an hour apart, creating a clash that disadvantaged the team behind Galactic Racer. The two titles are developed by independent studios Fuse Games/Secret Mode and Bit Reactor/EA, respectively, with Lucasfilm Games overseeing the process. The marketing strategies for the games have differed, with Zero Company announced at last year's Celebration and Galactic Racer unveiled in December. Star Wars Zero Company is set to launch on August 27th, while Galactic Racer will follow on October 6th. Pre-orders are available for both titles.

AppWizard

August 21, 2026

2 Steam top sellers, 2 simultaneous betas, 2 very different shooters: It’s Wardogs & Modern Warfare weekend

Two highly-anticipated military first-person shooter titles, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 and Wardogs, are offering beta access to pre-order customers. Call of Duty is currently leading sales on Steam, while Wardogs has over one million wishlists and is gaining popularity. Wardogs features a short time-to-kill mechanic, expansive maps, and aims to balance realism with accessibility. The game is designed to attract fans of mainstream shooters and battle royales. The pre-order price is set, and players are encouraged to request refunds if the beta does not meet expectations. Over 87,000 participants are currently facing server issues due to high interest.

AppWizard

August 21, 2026

Google’s Android Sideloading Rules Take Shape: Installation Won’t Be Blocked, but Apps from Unverified Developers Will Be Intercepted

Google has introduced a new app installation framework called "Advanced Flow," which allows sideloading of apps on Android devices but requires developers to complete real-name verification. Applications signed by unverified developers will be flagged during installation. Users can still sideload apps, but must enable "Developer Options" and acknowledge risks associated with unverified software. A 24-hour waiting period is imposed after enabling Developer Options, with options for permanent or temporary toggling. Google plans to enforce these developer verification requirements starting September 30 in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, with a global rollout expected by 2027. ADB installations are not subject to these restrictions.

AppWizard

August 21, 2026

These apps send texts at the rate of a pigeon

Roost Social and Carrier Pidge are mobile applications launched in April 2025 that allow users to send messages via carrier pigeons in a digital format. Roost features various birds and a turtle with different speeds, while Carrier Pidge focuses solely on pigeons. Roost was created by Logan Mendelsohn, who initially proposed the idea over a decade ago but revisited it in 2025, launching the app on April 30 after development. Noah Iarrobino spontaneously created Carrier Pidge within days, aided by AI tools. Both apps are free to download but include in-app purchases to cover operational costs. As of mid-August 2025, Roost has over 700,000 users, and Carrier Pidge has 76,000 users, reflecting a trend among younger demographics for simpler communication methods. Roost is available on both Apple and Google Play Stores, while Carrier Pidge is available only on the Apple App Store.

AppWizard

August 21, 2026

Update Now: Google Announces Android Auto Patch, Users Won’t Like It

Google has released a patch for Android Auto, advising users to consult their vehicle dealers for fixes. The connectivity issues began in mid-2025, affecting various models within the Volkswagen Group, including Skoda, Audi, and Volkswagen cars, where users experienced frequent disconnections and compromised functionalities. Despite community efforts to find workarounds, solutions were limited. Google identified the head unit as the root cause and confirmed that a resolution is available through car manufacturers. Users are encouraged to contact their local dealerships for information on the patch. Some users reported that Apple CarPlay works without issues, raising questions about the effectiveness of waiting for the Android Auto update.