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Tech Optimizer

August 18, 2026

Oh no, not another one! Databricks buys Electric

Databricks has acquired Electric, the developer of PGLite and the Electric Sync Engine, to enhance its Postgres capabilities for lakehouse and edge environments. PGLite offers lightweight Postgres instances for low-latency access, while the Electric Sync Engine enables real-time synchronization of distributed state to a central Lakebase. Electric was founded in September 2021 and has raised funding from various investors. Its flagship product, PGLite, has seen a rise in weekly downloads from 1 million to 13 million. Electric also offers open-source products including Electric Agents, Electric Streams, and Electric Sync. Databricks previously acquired Neon in May 2022 to support serverless Postgres solutions. The integration of Electric's technology aims to enhance collaboration and scalability for agentic applications.

Tech Optimizer

August 18, 2026

Migrate Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL across major versions with active Debezium CDC connectors using native logical replication

Organizations using Debezium Change Data Capture (CDC) connectors on Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible Edition face challenges during major database version upgrades. In-place upgrades require downtime, while blue/green deployments disrupt CDC event pipelines. A method using PostgreSQL's native logical replication allows migration between a source cluster (current version) and a target cluster (new major version) without a full connector re-snapshot. This approach minimizes risks of data loss and allows existing Debezium connectors to operate on the source during synchronization. The cutover process involves disabling the replication subscription, synchronizing sequences, creating a new Debezium replication slot on the target, and redirecting the connector, resulting in a brief pause for Kafka consumers. Prerequisites for this method include enabling logical replication on the source cluster, ensuring the target cluster is provisioned in the same VPC, and confirming that tables participating in CDC have primary keys. The process involves configuring parameter groups, creating publications, and establishing subscriptions for logical replication. During cutover, application writes are halted, and replication lag must be monitored to ensure it reaches zero before proceeding. After the cutover, ongoing monitoring of replication health and Kafka consumer offsets is necessary. Common failure scenarios include Aurora writer failover, Debezium connector stalls, large messages exceeding Kafka limits, DDL changes during synchronization, and long-running transactions blocking lag drain. Each scenario has specific symptoms, detection methods, and resolutions. Post-migration, organizations should establish monitoring for replication lag growth and Kafka consumer offset divergence. Automation can streamline the migration process for organizations managing multiple clusters, utilizing AWS Cloud Development Kit (CDK) constructs for cluster provisioning, schema replication, and cutover orchestration. After verifying stable operation on the target cluster, the old Debezium connector and source cluster can be decommissioned. Limitations include the absence of failover slots on Aurora PostgreSQL 17 and the need to handle TOAST columns appropriately.

AppWizard

August 18, 2026

Xbox lists its next 10 Game Pass titles, including Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy

Xbox is adding ten new titles to Game Pass in August, including "Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy," which launches on August 27 and serves as a prequel to the previous games in the series. The full list of new titles includes: - Egging On (August 18) - Vapor World: Over the Mind (August 19) - BlazBlue Entropy Effect X (August 19) - Relooted (August 19) - Starsand Island (August 20) - Aerial_Knight’s DropShot (August 25) - Blood Dungeon (August 25) - Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy (August 27) - Young Suns (August 31) - Shelldiver (September 1) Additionally, the following titles will leave Game Pass on August 31: - Another Crab’s Treasure - I Am Your Beast - Neon Abyss - One Lonely Outpost - The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt – Remastered Edition

Winsage

August 18, 2026

Microsoft reveals customizable context menu for Windows users – how to try it out

Microsoft is introducing a customizable right-click context menu in Windows 11 to enhance user experience and streamline interactions within File Explorer. Users will be able to add frequently used commands and remove less relevant ones to reduce clutter. This feature is available in the latest Windows 11 Insider build (26340.9212) but requires users to install a utility called Vivetool to enable it. The new menu allows users to modify commands such as Send to, Print, Create shortcut, Copy as path, and Rotate image, and offers options for displaying commands in different formats. Users can also manage app extensions and reposition commands within the menu. The customizable menu is not yet publicly available, but there are plans for its rollout by the end of the year, depending on user feedback.

Winsage

August 18, 2026

Microsoft disables Windows 11’s new “Ask Copilot” Taskbar feature to “incorporate feedback” as it pivots to unified Copilot app

Microsoft has updated the Windows 11 Taskbar, integrating Copilot into the search experience. The feature, initially called "Ask Copilot," allows users to interact with Copilot while accessing traditional app and file searches. It has been gradually rolled out in a preview format to select users, primarily in commercial settings using Microsoft 365 Copilot. A consumer version is also in development, but the Ask Copilot feature has been temporarily removed to update the experience based on user feedback. Users will revert to the traditional Windows Search experience automatically during this transition. The Windows Search functionality is being redesigned for improved accuracy and speed. The Ask Copilot search pane includes a chat box for interactions with Copilot and shortcut buttons for Copilot Vision, but the full rollout of Ask Copilot will require further refinement.

AppWizard

August 18, 2026

Pixel Screenshots finally gets the missing organization tools it should have launched with

Google has updated the Pixel Screenshots app to version 1.26.281.05, introducing new organizational features that allow users to filter screenshots by date range and source app. The update enables users to filter screenshots using quick presets or custom selections, sort by source app, and combine multiple filters in a single search. A tooltip highlights the new filtering options, and a filter icon is available for easy access. The ability to filter by source app enhances the app's usability, making it a more effective organizational tool.

AppWizard

August 18, 2026

Moozi and Dentsu Redder turn milk discovery into an immersive Minecraft experience

Moozi and Dentsu Redder Vietnam relaunched Moozi's children's milk range through Mooziland, Vietnam's first branded Minecraft universe. This initiative features seven interactive islands representing Moozi's milk flavors, inspired by Australian ecosystems. Over seven weeks, children participated in quests guided by Minecraft creator TOGA and gaming influencers, while a nationwide Moozi Fest allowed in-person engagement. The campaign ran from April to July 2026, achieving over 53 million impact views, 700,000 engagements, and a 30% growth in total channel value. The experience aimed to connect children and parents with the brand through exploration and discovery, emphasizing quality and trust.

AppWizard

August 18, 2026

Minecraft workshops build understanding of cityscapes before atomic bombings

A graduate student from the University of Tokyo, Misaki Katayama, has been leading two-day workshops since 2023 that allow fourth- to sixth-grade elementary school students to explore the historical landscapes of Hiroshima and Nagasaki before the atomic bombings of August 1945. Using Minecraft, students reconstruct the cities with the help of historical maps, photographs, and video footage, fostering engagement, creativity, and reflection on the impact of nuclear warfare.

AppWizard

August 18, 2026

A different kind of Minecraft: 90% positive action RPG is under $10 on Steam

Steam is an online distribution service developed by Valve Corporation that offers a vast library of games, including indie and blockbuster titles. It continuously updates its platform with new features to enhance user experience, such as tools for developers to reach broader audiences, algorithms for game discovery, community engagement features like forums and user reviews, and regular sales events. Steam supports cross-platform play, allowing collaboration among gamers on different devices. The platform is also focusing on virtual reality and cloud gaming to adapt to industry trends.

AppWizard

August 18, 2026

PC Game Pass Has Some Seriously Good Turn-Based RPGs

The text discusses various turn-based RPGs and strategy games available on Xbox Game Pass, highlighting 17 standout titles. 1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - A turn-based RPG with innovative combat mechanics and a compelling narrative centered around the Paintress. 2. Heroes of Might and Magic II & III - Classic strategy games known for exploration, resource management, and tactical battles. 3. South Park: The Fractured But Whole - An RPG with grid-based combat and tactical elements, infused with the show's humor. 4. Wasteland 3 - A CRPG set in a post-apocalyptic world, featuring intricate storytelling and strategic turn-based combat. 5. BATTLETECH - A tactical mech combat game focused on managing a mercenary company and strategic planning. 6. Death Howl - Combines grid movement with deckbuilding mechanics in a dark narrative. 7. Echo Generation 2 - Introduces deckbuilding mechanics and multiple characters with a voxel art style. 8. For The King II - A blend of tabletop RPG elements and roguelite mechanics, designed for group play. 9. Gears Tactics - A tactical turn-based game that transitions from a third-person shooter, encouraging aggressive playstyles. 10. Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era - Revitalizes the classic formula with modern production values. 11. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Continues the turn-based combat from its predecessor with an expansive world. 12. Persona 5 Royal - A defining JRPG that balances everyday life with supernatural adventures and stylish turn-based combat. 13. The Bard’s Tale IV: Director’s Cut - A first-person dungeon crawler with exploration and puzzle-solving elements. 14. The Thaumaturge - Set in early 20th-century Warsaw, featuring political tension and supernatural intrigue in its narrative. 15. Wartales - Focuses on managing mercenaries in a medieval world, emphasizing survival and personal storytelling. 16. Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire - Offers a turn-based mode in a richly detailed world with complex narratives. 17. Phoenix Point - A tactical game that serves as a successor to XCOM, featuring a unique free-aim system and evolving enemy mechanics.

AppWizard

August 18, 2026

Game Pass needs to nail three things to stay alive

Microsoft raised the price of Game Pass Ultimate to .99 per month during the launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, but later reduced it to .99 per month after layoffs and leadership changes. New Call of Duty titles will now be available on the service a year after their initial release. Microsoft has invested nearly a decade and approximately 0 billion into Game Pass, which is central to its gaming strategy. An Xbox console ranges from 9 to 9, and many gamers already own devices like smartphones or laptops. Game Pass allows access to a vast library of games on various devices, including tablets and unconventional devices, as long as there is a stable internet connection.

AppWizard

August 18, 2026

Sword & Shield Simulator Now Available on PC

Sword & Shield Simulator is a PC game currently in Early Access, developed by Wildlands Interactive and co-published with Ultimate Games S.A. Players assume the role of a medieval blacksmith, forging weapons and armor while gathering resources from battlefields. The game features advanced blacksmithing mechanics, including modular sword and shield assembly, and incorporates resource gathering activities like tree felling, hunting, and mining. It includes mini-games such as lockpicking and crossbow shooting, and players can manage their smithy and engage in trading. The game world consists of three regions—Danburg, Bloodlands, and Grainmill—offering over 140 story missions and side quests. Future updates will add the Talstein region and new content. The game is expected to remain in Early Access for about six months, with plans to launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S in 2026/2027. Minimum system requirements for PC include Windows 10 64-bit, Intel Core i5-10400F or equivalent CPU, 8 GB RAM, NVIDIA GTX 1070 8GB or equivalent GPU, and 8 GB of available SSD space.

AppWizard

August 18, 2026

Star Wars: Galactic Racer’s multiplayer ‘tour’ mode is a chaotic arcade racer spliced with a MOBA, and that somehow works brilliantly

Star Wars: Galactic Racer is an upcoming racing game developed by Fuse Games, featuring a single-player campaign with roguelike elements and an online multiplayer mode structured like a MOBA. Players can race across six planets in 12-player races or eight-player podracing, selecting characters with unique loadouts. After each race, players can upgrade their vehicles and choose parts inspired by the single-player campaign. The game emphasizes player agency, with choices affecting gameplay outcomes, and balances accessibility with depth. Environmental hazards add chaos to the gameplay, although the lack of a catch-up mechanic can hinder those falling behind. The game is set to release on October 6.

AppWizard

August 18, 2026

Into the Dead: Our Darkest Days – Official PC and Console 1.0 Release Window Trailer

Into the Dead: Our Darkest Days is a side-scrolling zombie survival game set in the 1980s, with its 1.0 version scheduled for release in March 2027. It will be available on PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, as well as on consoles including PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. The game is currently available for wishlisting on Steam.

Winsage

August 18, 2026

Improving File Explorer & Context Menu: faster, simpler, and more customizable

File Explorer is a key component of Windows, and Microsoft is focused on improving its performance, reliability, and user experience. Enhancements include faster launch times, reduced freezes and delays, and improved navigation workflows. The Address Bar now supports more input types, and users can open folders in new tabs with middle-click. The context menu has been updated to be faster, simpler, and more customizable, allowing users to tailor it to their preferences. Users can manage built-in commands and app extensions, and there are options to restore layouts familiar from Windows 10. Microsoft is committed to ongoing improvements based on user feedback.

Winsage

August 18, 2026

Microsoft is working on a major WinRE enhancement for IT admins in Windows 11

Microsoft has introduced updates in Windows 11 Insider Preview builds, including the removal of the Drag Tray experience and the discontinuation of the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) tool. The Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) has been upgraded to improve connectivity options, allowing users to automatically utilize eligible saved Wi-Fi profiles, including those with certificate-based authentication. Previously, WinRE's networking capabilities were limited, requiring manual connections for certain networks. This enhancement is currently being rolled out to Windows 11 Beta Insiders and is expected to be available to broader Windows 11 version 26H2 users later this year.

Winsage

August 18, 2026

CISA: Windows Task Host flaw now exploited by ransomware gangs

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) confirmed that ransomware gangs are exploiting a significant vulnerability in the Windows Task Host system, tracked as CVE-2025-60710. This high-severity flaw, affecting Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025, allows local attackers with basic user permissions to escalate their privileges to SYSTEM level. Microsoft patched this vulnerability in November 2025, but it poses a threat to unpatched devices. CISA added CVE-2025-60710 to its list of actively exploited vulnerabilities on April 13 and provided Federal Civilian Executive Branch agencies with a two-week window to secure their systems. CISA warns that such vulnerabilities are frequent attack vectors for malicious actors and urges organizations to apply mitigations or discontinue the use of affected products. Additionally, CISA noted that ransomware groups are also exploiting a Microsoft SharePoint remote code execution vulnerability (CVE-2026-45659), confirmed to be actively exploited in early July. Since November 2021, CISA has identified 383 actively exploited vulnerabilities across various Microsoft products, with 112 being used in ransomware attacks.

AppWizard

August 18, 2026

Is Lloyds Bank down? Customers complain about app issues

Users of Lloyds Bank's app and online banking services experienced significant difficulties starting around 11 AM, with reports indicating problems since 6:36 AM EDT. Complaints came from various locations across the UK, particularly in major cities like London, Birmingham, and Leeds. Approximately 70% of issues were related to the app, 13% involved login difficulties, and 10% pertained to online banking functionalities. Lloyds Bank acknowledged the technical difficulties and advised users to log in again or try later. Users of Halifax and Bank of Scotland also reported similar issues. Downdetector is a platform that monitors and reports service disruptions, and it confirmed that Lloyds Bank's app is now functioning as intended.

AppWizard

August 18, 2026

I found an Android magnifier app for my aging eyes that beats camera zoom

The Magnifier + Flashlight app has over 10 million downloads and a 4.9-star rating from nearly 250,000 reviews on the Google Play Store. It functions as a digital magnifying glass, allowing users to enlarge text and images. Key features include the ability to freeze images on the screen, a color inversion option for easier reading, and a flashlight feature for low-light conditions. The app has been tested in various settings, successfully helping users read small print on medicine bottles, nutrition labels, and signs. While it lacks a reference window found in the built-in Google Magnifier, it is free to use with ads, and a paid ad-free version is available for .99 per year.

AppWizard

August 18, 2026

Warren Spector retires from game development, at least he thinks so

Warren Spector has announced his intention to retire from the game development industry after nearly 44 years, citing personal reflections on age, health, and a declining enthusiasm for the current gaming landscape. He has contributed to iconic titles such as the Ultima series, Wing Commander, Deus Ex, and Thief. Spector expressed a desire to create three specific games before retiring, with one being ambitious, another modest, and the third uncertain. There is speculation that System Shock 3 may be one of these projects. Despite some recent titles not achieving expected success, Spector's career is marked by significant achievements. He emphasized the importance of continued innovation in gaming and encouraged new developers to bring fresh ideas. Spector plans to focus on writing, reading, and possibly consulting, and hinted at exploring his musical interests. He left open the possibility of returning to the industry in the future.