Together After Dark is currently free on the Epic Games Store this week, offering a 4-player co-op psychological horror experience with modest system requirements. While its mixed Steam reception hints at some rough edges, the limited-time free status makes it worth claiming.
Microsoft's July 2026 security updates address over 1,000 vulnerabilities, including critical flaws in BitLocker and Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS) that are currently under active exploitation. Organizations are urged to prioritize patching these vulnerabilities, especially CVE-2026-50661, which allows bypassing BitLocker protections, and CVE-2026-56155, which affects AD FS and SharePoint Server. The updates include hotpatching for Windows Server on Azure, allowing security updates without downtime, and the release of multiple patches for Office 2016, which requires separate handling compared to newer versions. Administrators are advised to install the latest servicing stack update first and test patches in a staging environment before full deployment to ensure a smooth update process
Notepad++ version 8.9.7 has been recently released, highlighting its status as a premier free source code editor that supports a multitude of programming languages. Designed to address the limitations of the built-in Windows Notepad, Notepad++ is a powerful tool favored by programmers, system administrators, and everyday users seeking an efficient text editing experience.
The Open-Shell Menu 4.4.199 has been released as a pre-release build, introducing official code signing through SignPath.io, which addresses previous deployment issues for enterprises. This update includes fixes for ExplorerPatcher taskbar detection and a bug related to the "Open file location" context menu command. The community-maintained utility continues to support Windows 7 through 11, requiring an ARM64 version to avoid login failures. Users can download the pre-release directly from the official GitHub repository, where contributions from various developers have kept the project viable after its predecessor, Classic Shell, was discontinued in 2017
HWMonitor 1.65 has been released, providing users with a free and efficient hardware monitoring solution. This program, developed by CPUID—the creators of CPU-Z—offers real-time data on vital system metrics, including voltages, temperatures, and fan speeds. A portable version is also available through PortableApps, allowing for easy access on-the-go.
NextDiff 2.0 has been released as a free comparison tool for Windows, designed to help users easily identify differences between various file types, including text documents, source code files, and entire folders. The tool utilizes Apache Tika to support a wide range of formats such as .PDF, .DOCX, and .PPTX, in addition to basic text files, making it versatile for different needs.
Wayland 1.26.0 has been released, introducing the wl_pointer.warp event which allows compositors to programmatically reposition cursors without user input, improving cursor control for applications such as fullscreen games and accessibility software. This version also addresses longstanding race conditions in global object removal, implementing a synchronization request that enhances client-compositor communication during monitor changes. Additionally, the release includes improvements to socket file descriptor management and introduces microsecond-precision timestamps for WAYLAND_DEBUG logging, aiding developers in troubleshooting. Overall, while the changes primarily benefit developers building the Linux graphics stack, users can expect these updates to gradually enhance their desktop experience through upcoming compositor and toolkit releases
HopToDesk version 1.46.6 has been released, offering users a versatile multiplatform application for remote desktop sharing and access. This tool stands out in the crowded market of remote access applications due to several key features: it is completely free for both commercial and personal use, implements end-to-end encryption for all peer communications, and is open-source.
The latest version of VOVSOFT Domain Checker, version 10.5, has been released, offering an extensive analysis of domain availability across 79 popular domain extensions. This tool is particularly beneficial for individuals and businesses looking to launch new websites, as it not only checks domain availability but also supports batch processing for multiple entries, streamlining the domain selection process.
IntelliJ IDEA has solidified its position as the leading integrated development environment (IDE) for Java and Kotlin programming with the release of version 2026.2. This version introduces a unified installer that includes integrated Junie coding agents and optional local AI routing via LM Studio or Ollama, enhancing the coding experience for developers.
JetBrains has unveiled WebStorm 2026.2, a sophisticated integrated development environment (IDE) specifically designed for JavaScript and web development. Unlike generic editors, WebStorm is fine-tuned to enhance the workflow for developers immersed in JavaScript, TypeScript, and the Node.js ecosystem. It offers a seamless experience, aiding developers in working faster and smarter without the cumbersome need for numerous third-party plugins.
The latest version of Sidebery for Firefox, 5.6.0, has been released, further enhancing this versatile sidebar add-on designed for improved tab management and browsing organization. Sidebery offers a variety of customizable panels where users can manage their tabs, bookmarks, and browsing history all in one place. The tab list is displayed in a tree format, allowing for efficient navigation and organization.
Epic Games Store and Steam are handing out three distinct free titles this week, ranging from the enhanced 90s JRPG Echo Generation and tightly wound psychological horror Luto to chaotic four-player platformer Catch Me!. Make sure to claim the Epic games before the July 23 deadline and lock in Steam’s party title before it drops on July 17 to keep them permanently.
Valve has released SteamOS 3.8.15 to the stable channel, which includes a crucial composition performance patch and an HDR fix for Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resync. Simultaneously, SteamOS 3.8.23 was launched in the beta channel, but it lacks the composition improvement found in the stable update, leading to a rare situation where stable surpasses beta in functionality. Users on the beta experiencing performance issues are advised to switch to the stable version to access the necessary fixes immediately. Additionally, while the beta includes a Proton fix for delayed start times, the composition degradation issue remains unresolved in the beta version, prompting Valve to recommend that beta testers wait for the next update
Trellix Stinger, previously known as McAfee Stinger, has released version 26.07.29.1, which is designed to detect and eliminate specific viruses from infected systems. While it is not a comprehensive antivirus solution, Trellix Stinger serves as a specialized tool that can be highly beneficial for technicians and IT professionals, making it a valuable addition to their toolkit, especially for use on portable drives. The software prioritizes efficiency by scanning for rootkits, active processes, loaded modules, and registry entries commonly associated with malware, thereby minimizing scan durations.
Snagit 2026.3.0.11648 has been released, enhancing its capabilities as a top-tier screen capture and recording software. Designed for users who need to create visual documentation, tutorials, and other communication materials, Snagit allows for high-quality image and video captures of your computer screen.
OpenAI has officially launched the Codex Micro, a $230 programmable macro pad co-designed with Work Louder to streamline multi-agent coding workflows. This limited-run developer-focused device marks the company's low-risk entry into branded hardware, moving past years of rumors about consumer smart speakers.
PostgreSQL 19 Beta 2 has been released for testing, featuring native SQL/PGQ graph queries, a unified REPACK command for zero-downtime table reorganization, and several important performance and security enhancements. The release is now in a feature-freeze state, focusing on stability ahead of its planned launch in 2026, with breaking changes in string handling and index operations requiring careful migration planning. Notable improvements include a shift in default TOAST compression to lz4, the disabling of JIT by default, and enhanced autovacuum capabilities, all aimed at optimizing performance. Users should be cautious when migrating to Beta 2 due to various default behavior changes, and it is recommended to avoid using beta versions in production environments while testing typical workloads
Rust 1.97.1 was released on July 16, 2026, just a week after the previous version 1.97.0, to fix a critical LLVM miscompilation issue that has been affecting code since version 1.87. The update includes an upstream LLVM patch and reverts a rustc change that contributed to the miscompilation, which could lead to incorrect binaries without crashing. The rapid release emphasizes the team's commitment to fixing correctness bugs, especially given that typical releases follow a six-week cadence. Users are advised to update immediately using rustup to ensure compatibility with the latest features and to verify that their debugging tools work with the new symbol format
PhraseExpress version 18.0.76 has been released, enhancing its functionality as a powerful tool for managing frequently used text phrases, snippets, and abbreviations. This software allows users to streamline their workflow by enabling quick text expansion; for instance, typing "sig" can instantly insert a user's signature into any document or application.
MusicBrainz Picard has released version 3.0.0 Beta 7 / 2.13.3, enhancing its status as a free and open-source music tagging utility. The software is designed to streamline audio library management and offers a robust set of features that cater to both novice users and seasoned music organization enthusiasts. One of its key strengths is its support for plugins and scripting, allowing for extensive customization that can tailor the user experience to individual needs.
Nuclear Music Player has released version 1.43.0, enhancing its functionality as a free and open-source music streaming app available on Windows and Linux. This app allows users to find, stream, and download their favorite music without the interruptions of ads or subscription fees, making it a refreshing alternative to mainstream services like Spotify and iTunes.
The Old Twitter Layout extension, version 1.9.7, has been released for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, providing users with a chance to revert to the classic Twitter design from 2015, often referred to as the BE (Before Elon) era. This extension allows users to bypass the new Twitter interface entirely by employing a distinct client that replaces the original layout.
GDevelop is a powerful, free, and open-source game development platform that enables users to create 2D and basic 3D games without requiring any coding skills. It employs a visual, event-based system that is intuitive and user-friendly, making it accessible for beginners and hobbyists alike. The software is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, and can also be used directly in web browsers. While the core features are available for free, optional cloud functionalities are offered through subscription plans starting at $7.99 per month.
FilePilot is a new file management application designed to offer a refreshing alternative to the outdated Windows File Explorer. Currently available for free in its beta phase, it will retail for $40 once officially launched. This is an ideal time for users to experiment with its features and provide feedback to shape its development.
SteelSeries GG 115.0.0 has been released, enhancing the management of various SteelSeries peripherals including headsets, mice, keyboards, and controllers. This software allows users to create custom macros and key binds, providing a tailored gaming experience. The interface is user-friendly, requiring only a single installation that operates discreetly in the background without consuming significant system resources.
ImageConverter has launched its latest version, 1.6.1, designed to simplify the process of changing image formats with just a single click. The app is specifically tailored to be user-friendly, making it accessible to users of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals.
The latest version of Bookmarks Backuper for Chrome, 0.2.1.3, has been released, providing users with a reliable way to protect their bookmarks by backing them up directly to Google Drive. This feature ensures that users can always access their bookmarks, even in the event of data loss from local devices or system crashes.
Logi Options+ has recently released version 2.5.926888, marking a significant upgrade in how users can manage and customize their Logitech mice and keyboards. This next-generation application merges the best features of its predecessor, Logitech Options, with a newly designed user-friendly interface aimed at enhancing productivity during daily tasks.
Oracle Linux 10 Update 2 has been released, featuring post-quantum cryptography support in OpenSSH and libSSH, as well as the inclusion of Python 3.14 in its developer stack. This update, based on RHEL 10.2 sources, also introduces new hardware drivers for Intel accelerators, WiFi 7 enablement, and enhancements to kernel networking. In addition to these features, the release includes updates for storage and identity management, with new versions of MariaDB and PostgreSQL available in the base repository. Overall, while Oracle continues to prioritize integration and support over novel kernel work, the update promises a stable and secure environment for enterprise users
RadeonTuner 0.21.0.0 has recently been released, offering users a simplified and efficient alternative to the AMD Radeon Adrenalin Edition suite. This tool is designed to help users easily modify essential display settings, optimize GPU and fan performance, and manage gaming graphics options without the complexities typically found in the full Adrenalin package.
Blizzard Battle.Net version 2.52.4.17577 has been released, serving as the primary game downloader for a variety of Blizzard titles, including popular franchises such as World of Warcraft, Diablo III, StarCraft II, Hearthstone, Heroes of the Storm, Overwatch, and Destiny 2, along with several classic games. The platform replaced individual game downloaders with a unified client to streamline the gaming experience.
Recent reviews highlight impressive cooling performance and quiet operation from several CPU coolers, including the Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 Atmos II White and budget-friendly Arctic Freezer 36-S. The ASRock X870 CHALLENGER WiFi White motherboard showcases enthusiast features in a modern design, while Gigabyte's new 1000W ATX 3.1 power supply meets high efficiency and low noise standards for demanding systems. Storage solutions include the Team Group T-Force GA PRO Gen5 NVMe drive, which offers excellent performance for entry-level builds, and the ADATA URBAN TAPSAFE external SSD, known for its design and security features. Overall, these products cater to users seeking reliable and high-performing components for gaming and workstation setups
Visual Studio Code 1.129 introduces a significant overhaul of its AI architecture by shifting agent sessions to a dedicated background process, enhancing stability and preventing crashes from affecting the entire editor. The release features a redesigned Agents window with integrated output and diff views, along with the ability to execute terminal commands directly from the chat interface. Additionally, the update supports Bring Your Own Key (BYOK) models for Copilot, improving flexibility for organizations that prefer their own API keys. While the stable build is now available across all platforms, users may encounter configuration challenges as they navigate the new features and tools still in development
AMD ROCm 7.14.0 has been released, featuring a modular architecture called TheRock that allows developers to install only the components needed for AI, data science, or HPC workloads. The update includes major framework upgrades like PyTorch 2.12, JAX 0.10, and vLLM 0.23, along with new batch memory management APIs and streaming performance monitors for enhanced profiling accuracy. Additionally, seven new Ryzen AI APUs have been added to expand client-side support, and cloud providers can now utilize multi-VF partitioning on MI355X and MI350X hardware for better resource management. However, users should take note that the new Streaming Performance Monitors are currently in beta and not recommended for production environments
Mesa has released version 26.2.0-rc1 and stable update 26.1.5 on July 15, 2026, introducing OpenCL 3.1 support and various Vulkan updates while addressing critical regressions in games and desktop applications. The new 26.2.0-rc1 release candidate includes enhancements like VK_EXT_descriptor_heap enabled by default for Intel and AMD Vulkan implementations, along with support for new Mali G1-series GPUs. In contrast, the 26.1.5 update focuses on resolving issues in popular titles such as Elden Ring and DOOM: The Dark Ages, as well as improving desktop stability. The development cycle is progressing quickly with upcoming releases scheduled, and users are encouraged to monitor the updates for optimal performance and compatibility
Liquorix Linux Kernel 7.1-3 has been released, marking the project's transition to the Linux 7.1 mainline and integrating the Project-C low-latency scheduler. This update includes significant upstream fixes and enhancements for memory management, particularly with transparent hugepages, offering better performance for databases and audio production workloads. The release reflects active development, with previous versions 7.1-1 and 7.1-2 introducing the new base and addressing numerous scheduler issues. Users are encouraged to consider the kernel's non-longterm status while enjoying the latest features and improvements, including a new per-mapping control for transparent hugepages tailored to specific application needs
KCleaner 3.8.8 has been released, offering users a robust tool designed to enhance system performance by terminating unnecessary background processes while keeping essential ones active. This optimization helps free up valuable system resources, leading to a smoother computing experience.
Image Sort is a free and open-source application designed to simplify the organization of your photos. With the ever-increasing number of photos we accumulate, finding an efficient sorting method has become essential. Image Sort aims to streamline this process, making it easier for users to manage their image collections effectively.
Zed Industries has released version 1.11.3 of its code editor, featuring dedicated Git views for staged and unstaged changes, significantly improving version control workflows. The update also expands AI capabilities by adding support for Claude Sonnet 5, Fable 5, and GPT-5.5 through AWS Bedrock, while enhancing the agent panel and terminal thread search. Over 60 bug fixes have been included to address stability issues across macOS, Windows, and Linux platforms, indicating a focus on solidifying the codebase for enterprise use. Zed's rapid development pace continues to close the gap with competitors, particularly in Git and AI integrations, making the editor more viable for complex workflows
BUtil has announced the release of version 2026.07.15, a robust tool designed for creating encrypted backups of essential documents and data on personal computers. Regular backups are vital for safeguarding important files against any unforeseen incidents, and BUtil simplifies the process, encouraging users to back up their data consistently. Unlike traditional Windows tools that can be cumbersome and time-consuming, BUtil allows for quick configuration, making the backup process efficient and user-friendly.
NetSpeedTray is a real-time network speed monitoring application that provides users with valuable insights into their internet performance. This tool is particularly useful for those who want to stay informed about their connection status and assess their network speeds effectively.
WordPress is an innovative web software platform that empowers users to create websites, blogs, or applications with ease. Developed by a dedicated community of volunteers, the core software is complemented by thousands of plugins and themes, allowing users to customize their online presence to fit their unique vision. With over 60 million users, WordPress has become a popular choice for those seeking to establish their digital home.
Nginx has released version 1.31.3, which includes three critical security patches addressing buffer overflows and memory leaks in specific modules, as well as ten new TCP socket buffer directives for backend tuning. This update also disables external XML entity loading by default and patches several vulnerabilities related to HTTP/3 and QUIC protocols. Developers using the mainline branch are urged to upgrade immediately, while those seeking long-term stability can wait for the upcoming stable release. Overall, this release emphasizes security and performance tuning, reflecting the increasing complexity of backend architectures
OpenCode is an open-source AI assistant designed for coding, debugging, and understanding code files right on your computer. Unlike many traditional AI tools, it operates without requiring accounts or cloud connections, making it a straightforward option for developers. By allowing users to interact with their projects in natural language, OpenCode acts as a command-line companion that understands various programming languages and can execute commands on behalf of the user.
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