Soft & games news and updates for all platforms Page 332

05 Aug 2024

New Indie Games Released in Early August Offer Unique Experiences

In early August, five diverse indie games hit the market. Pickpanpuck Productions released Slot Waste, a unique exploration game. Hobo Cat Games launched Motordoom, a gritty roguelite shooter. Kitsune Games introduced Kitsune Tails, a platformer with 16-bit art. ThirdPixel Interactive unveiled Smack Studio, a platform fighter with user-generated content. Odd Games released Malware, a simulation game focused on malware installation.

05 Aug 2024

Google Enhances Android App Delivery with New Bundle Format

Google has made the Android App Bundle (AAB) format the default for new applications since 2021. This format optimizes app delivery by including only necessary components for specific devices. While Play Store users see minimal impact, sideloading apps now requires additional tools.

04 Aug 2024

Telegram Enhances In-App Browser with Web3 Support and New Features

Telegram has updated its in-app browser, adding a bottom bar for navigation and support for Web3, including decentralized websites on TON. Users can now view and bookmark instant articles. A new "Apps" tab helps find mini apps. Additional updates include a weather widget and video message enhancements.

04 Aug 2024

Nitrux Linux 3.6.0 Released with Enhanced Graphics and Power Management

Nitrux Linux 3.6.0, an open-source OS, offers a seamless transition for Windows users. It includes Linux kernel 6.9.12-1 Liquorix, TLP power management, Firefox 128.0.3, and updated Nvidia and AMD drivers. Enhanced with MESA 3D Graphics Library 24.1.3 and improved Calamares installer for Intel power state management.

04 Aug 2024

Addressing DPC Watchdog Violation Error: Steps for Business Continuity

Microsoft has identified the DPC Watchdog Violation error as a critical issue causing Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) on Windows systems. This error stems from factors like SSD incompatibility, corrupt drivers, and software conflicts. Users are advised to update drivers and perform system scans to mitigate the problem.

04 Aug 2024

CHKDSK Command: Essential Tool for Disk Error Repair in Windows Systems

Microsoft's CHKDSK command, available since Windows 2000, scans disks for errors and repairs bad sectors. The tool uses various parameters like /F for error repair and /R for locating bad sectors. To use, open Command Prompt as an admin, type "chkdsk C: /F," and restart if prompted.

04 Aug 2024

Five Spyware Apps Removed from Google Play Store After Two Years

Five apps containing hazardous spyware, known as "Mandrake," evaded detection on the Google Play Store for two years, amassing over 32,000 downloads. Originating mainly from the UK, the spyware collected sensitive data and installed malicious applications. The apps have now been removed.

04 Aug 2024

New Android Banking Trojan BlankBot Identified, Poses Significant Risks

A new Android banking trojan named BlankBot has been identified, posing risks by capturing SMS messages, banking credentials, and device lock patterns. First detected on July 24, it targets users in Turkey, evades antivirus software, and is distributed through utility apps. Users should download apps only from official stores.

04 Aug 2024

Top Mobile Games of 2024 Reviewed and Awarded by Pocket Gamer

In 2024, mobile game reviews continue to thrive, with hundreds of new titles evaluated annually by editors and reviewers from various sites. The best games are selected for their promise and awarded Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze by Pocket Gamer.

04 Aug 2024

Mandrake Bug Puts Android Users at Risk; Google Bans Five Apps

Android users face risks from the Mandrake bug, which enables cybercriminals to monitor activity and simulate screen taps. Google has banned five apps linked to this malware, affecting over 30,000 users globally. Users are advised to enable Google Play Protect for protection against known versions of the malware.

03 Aug 2024

Wizordum Early Access Game Shows Improvement, Still Faces Pacing Issues

Wizordum, in early access, offers a medieval fantasy boomer shooter experience. The first episode has pacing issues, but the second act, released in June, improved gameplay with nostalgic design and music. Despite some frustrations, player feedback has led to adjustments, showing promise for future updates.

03 Aug 2024

Modded Android Games Offer Customization but Pose Security Risks

Modded Android games are unofficial versions of published titles that can introduce new features or unlock content. While they offer enhanced control, downloading from third-party sources poses risks. Trusted repositories backed by developers, like those for Stardew Valley, are safer options for users.

03 Aug 2024

Netflix Announces Squid Game Season 2 Premiere Date for December 2024

"Squid Game Season 2 is set to premiere on December 26, 2024, exclusively on Netflix. The new season will feature both returning characters and new additions, focusing on Seong Gi-hun's quest for justice as he re-enters the deadly game to dismantle the organization behind it."

03 Aug 2024

Stack Social Offers 89% Discount on Microsoft Office 2019 Lifetime License

Stack Social is selling a lifetime license for Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 at an 89% discount. The suite includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, and Access. Users need Windows 10/11 or macOS Monterey 12+. Note: Microsoft may terminate the license later.

03 Aug 2024

Elden Ring Balances Challenge and Artistry Despite Some Flaws

Elden Ring, a video game blending technical skill, artistic design, and engaging mechanics, appeals to solo and cooperative players. It teaches patience and determination but has flaws like repetitive bosses and a grind for content. Despite this, its emotional engagement and rich world are commendable.

03 Aug 2024

Humble Store Offers Extensive LEGO Game Bundle in Weekend PC Deals

Weekend PC Game Deals highlights various gaming offers online. Humble Store features the Worlds Collide Ultimate Assembly Bundle with numerous LEGO games. Epic Games Store offers free title Lumbearjack until August 8. Steam and GOG provide significant discounts on various genres.

03 Aug 2024

Minecraft Marketplace Launches Tetris DLC with Unique Gameplay Blend

Minecraft has launched a new DLC integrating Tetris, available on the Minecraft Marketplace. This DLC combines 2D block-stacking with 3D dungeon-crawling, featuring unique dungeons, enemies, and classic Tetris modes like Marathon and Sprint for diverse gameplay experiences.

03 Aug 2024

Minecraft and Lush Launch Minecraft-Inspired Cosmetic Products

Minecraft has partnered with cosmetics brand Lush to create a range of Minecraft-inspired products, including twelve real-world items and four special in-game bath bombs. This collaboration celebrates Minecraft's 15th anniversary and aims to enhance player experiences with exclusive in-game benefits.

03 Aug 2024

New DDoS Attacks Exploit Misconfigured Jupyter Notebooks Using Minecraft Tool

Cybersecurity researchers have identified a new wave of DDoS attacks targeting misconfigured Jupyter Notebooks, named Panamorfi. The attacks use a Java-based tool called mineping, initially for Minecraft servers, to execute TCP flood DDoS attacks. The campaign is linked to a threat actor named yawixooo.

03 Aug 2024

Emerging Alternatives Challenge WhatsApp's Dominance in 2024 Communication

WhatsApp remains a leading platform in digital communication, but several alternatives have emerged in 2024, each offering unique features. Competitors like Facebook Messenger, Viber, Skype, Telegram, Signal, Wire, and Hike are gaining traction with varied functionalities and enhanced privacy options.

01 Aug 2024

NCSoft Invests in Moon Rover Games to Boost Global Expansion

Korean gaming company NCSoft has invested $5 million in Swedish studio Moon Rover Games, founded in 2022 by former DICE veterans. Moon Rover is developing a co-op first-person shooter, Project Aldous. The partnership aims to enhance NCSoft's game portfolio and support global expansion.

01 Aug 2024

Reddit Blocks Bing from Data Access Amid Google and OpenAI Partnerships

Reddit has blocked Bing from accessing its data, not due to an exclusive arrangement with Google. Google’s partnership with Reddit, valued at millions, enhances search results using AI. Microsoft’s adherence to robots.txt restricts data scraping, impacting its search engine ambitions and investor confidence.

01 Aug 2024

Google Introduces App-Bound Encryption in Chrome to Boost Security

Google has introduced app-bound encryption in Chrome to enhance security against malware on Windows. This method uses the Data Protection API, integrating the app's identity into encrypted data. Initially securing cookies, it will extend to passwords and payment info.

01 Aug 2024

Fractal Design Launches Torrent Case for Optimal Air Cooling Solutions

Fractal Design's Torrent case, model FD-C-TOR1A-02, is a mid-tower PC case optimized for air cooling. It supports multiple motherboard sizes, offers extensive drive and expansion options, and includes five pre-installed fans. The case features USB 3.0, USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C ports, and audio jacks.

01 Aug 2024

Malicious App BingoMod Poses Threat to Android Users, Experts Warn

BingoMod, a malicious Android app posing as antivirus software, poses a significant threat by requesting special permissions to monitor user activity and steal sensitive information. It complicates detection by disabling other apps and can erase personal data. Users should download apps from reputable sources.

01 Aug 2024

ESET Finds Zero-Day Exploit "EvilVideo" Targeting Telegram on Android

Researchers at ESET discovered a zero-day exploit named "EvilVideo" targeting Telegram on Android. The exploit, found on an underground forum, allowed harmful payloads disguised as multimedia files. Telegram patched the vulnerability in versions 10.14.5 and above. Usage in the wild is unclear.

01 Aug 2024

Fat Bomb Studios Delists Quantum Lock After Source Code Loss

Fat Bomb Studios delisted their debut game Quantum Lock due to lost source code, preventing issue fixes. Released in 2015, the game's removal disappointed players. Developer Leaton stressed version control's importance and advised using Google Drive for backups. Light Bearers 2 is set for late 2024.

01 Aug 2024

Lauren Vi Pham Seeks $10,000 Prize from MrBeast for 2020 Contest Win

Lauren Vi Pham asserts that MrBeast, real name Jimmy Donaldson, owes her $10,000 for winning a 2020 collaborative video contest, "Minecraft's Got Talent." While one judge paid his share, MrBeast and another judge have not. Vi Pham has started an online petition to claim her prize money.

01 Aug 2024

Top Alternatives to the 16-inch MacBook Pro for High Performance Users

The 16-inch MacBook Pro, particularly in M3 Pro or M3 Max configurations, is noted for its high performance, exceptional battery life, and quiet operation. Competing alternatives include the Razer Blade 16, Dell XPS 16, Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i 16, and Asus ProArt Studiobook 16 OLED.

01 Aug 2024

Pocketpair's Buckley Criticizes "Dead Game" Label, Advocates for Indie Support

John "Bucky" Buckley, community manager for Pocketpair's Palworld, addressed the "dead games" concept in a YouTube interview. He argued that a game's success shouldn't be judged solely by player count and criticized the pressure on continuous engagement. Buckley advocates for supporting indie games.

How to Save Movies from YouTube with Movie Saver

Apps & Games news for all platforms Page 332

New Indie Games Released in Early August Offer Unique Experiences

Google Enhances Android App Delivery with New Bundle Format

Telegram Enhances In-App Browser with Web3 Support and New Features

Nitrux Linux 3.6.0 Released with Enhanced Graphics and Power Management

Addressing DPC Watchdog Violation Error: Steps for Business Continuity

CHKDSK Command: Essential Tool for Disk Error Repair in Windows Systems

Five Spyware Apps Removed from Google Play Store After Two Years

New Android Banking Trojan BlankBot Identified, Poses Significant Risks

Top Mobile Games of 2024 Reviewed and Awarded by Pocket Gamer

Mandrake Bug Puts Android Users at Risk; Google Bans Five Apps

Wizordum Early Access Game Shows Improvement, Still Faces Pacing Issues

Modded Android Games Offer Customization but Pose Security Risks

Netflix Announces Squid Game Season 2 Premiere Date for December 2024

Stack Social Offers 89% Discount on Microsoft Office 2019 Lifetime License

Elden Ring Balances Challenge and Artistry Despite Some Flaws

Humble Store Offers Extensive LEGO Game Bundle in Weekend PC Deals

Minecraft Marketplace Launches Tetris DLC with Unique Gameplay Blend

Minecraft and Lush Launch Minecraft-Inspired Cosmetic Products

New DDoS Attacks Exploit Misconfigured Jupyter Notebooks Using Minecraft Tool

Emerging Alternatives Challenge WhatsApp's Dominance in 2024 Communication

NCSoft Invests in Moon Rover Games to Boost Global Expansion

Reddit Blocks Bing from Data Access Amid Google and OpenAI Partnerships

Google Introduces App-Bound Encryption in Chrome to Boost Security

Fractal Design Launches Torrent Case for Optimal Air Cooling Solutions

Malicious App BingoMod Poses Threat to Android Users, Experts Warn

ESET Finds Zero-Day Exploit "EvilVideo" Targeting Telegram on Android

Fat Bomb Studios Delists Quantum Lock After Source Code Loss

Lauren Vi Pham Seeks $10,000 Prize from MrBeast for 2020 Contest Win

Top Alternatives to the 16-inch MacBook Pro for High Performance Users

Pocketpair's Buckley Criticizes "Dead Game" Label, Advocates for Indie Support

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