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Tech Optimizer

September 1, 2026

Connecting My LangGraph AI Agent to Postgres

A stateful LangGraph agent was developed to streamline a 15-minute booking process, featuring a user-friendly Streamlit UI and a backend powered by a Postgres database. The agent responds to customer queries, calculates service pricing, manages service acceptance, suggests time slots, and confirms appointment details. It operates in two modes: in-memory for rapid testing and Postgres for persistent storage. Testing can be done locally using Docker, which simulates a Postgres environment, or with a hosted Postgres instance. The project includes a docker-compose.yml file to initiate a PostgreSQL 16 container, allowing the application to connect to the database. Data persistence is ensured through Docker volumes, and the application can be run with specific commands after setting up the environment variables. The system has been tested successfully, demonstrating its ability to manage bookings and maintain data integrity across sessions. Future enhancements are planned to improve the booking workflow and integrate additional communication channels.

Tech Optimizer

September 1, 2026

Autoscaling Lakebase Postgres

Choosing a database instance size without prior knowledge of the workload can lead to inefficiencies and excessive compute usage. Lakebase Postgres addresses this with an autoscaling feature that eliminates manual sizing, utilizing in-place VM resizing and a monitoring algorithm for CPU, memory, and working set size. Lakebase Postgres separates compute and storage layers, allowing independent resizing of compute nodes without affecting the database. The autoscaling algorithm relies on three signals: CPU load (cpuGoalCU), memory use (memGoalCU), and compute-cache working set size (lfcGoalCU). The CPU load is monitored every five seconds, aiming to maintain it at or below 90% capacity. Memory usage is tracked at two frequencies: overall memory every five seconds and Postgres-specific memory every 100 milliseconds, with a goal to keep usage below 75% of allocated RAM. The compute cache evaluates active data access efficiency, adjusting size based on workload. The working set is estimated using a modified HyperLogLog algorithm that records timestamps for page accesses, allowing for distinct page estimates over various time frames. The algorithm projects future working-set growth to allocate sufficient cache while capping it at 75% of RAM. Resizing the compute involves four components: the autoscaler-agent, vm-monitor, Kubernetes scheduler, and NeonVM. Scaling up occurs when any of the three goals indicate a need for more resources, while scaling down includes verification to ensure sufficient memory remains for operations. Timely adjustments in both directions are prioritized to minimize costs.

AppWizard

September 1, 2026

A 38-year-old NES platformer is getting a Steam remake by its original husband-and-wife team, as the pair’s ‘final major game product’

The Battle of Olympus, originally launched on the NES in 1988, is set to be remade by its original creators, programmer Yukio Horimoto and artist Reiko Oshida, who were in a romantic relationship during the game's development. The remake will feature redrawn pixel art and refined gameplay for modern PC players, while maintaining the original's spirit. It is scheduled for early access on Steam in January 2027 and will be the Horimotos' final major game product. The game was inspired by Greek mythology and The Legend of Zelda 2.

AppWizard

September 1, 2026

Fable’s story will be ’15-20 hours’ long, according to its game director, although the game’s life systems are ‘limitless’

Fable will offer approximately 40 hours of gameplay, including 15 to 20 hours for the main storyline and an equal amount for side quests and exploration. The game features innovative life-systems that allow players to engage with NPCs, commit various acts, and purchase property, potentially leading to limitless gameplay possibilities. It will also introduce a sophisticated reputation system that is character-specific, allowing for nuanced in-game navigation, and wealth may enable players to bypass certain moral dilemmas.

AppWizard

September 1, 2026

Empulse and Splitgate: Arena Reloaded are officially over as 1047 Games says it’s probably done making arena shooters

1047 Games has announced it will cease development on the PvP arena shooter Empulse and its predecessor Splitgate: Arena Reloaded due to insufficient revenue to cover operational expenses. The studio will continue to exist but will shift its strategic focus to future projects. The original Splitgate: Arena Warfare launched in 2019 and gained significant popularity, but the follow-up titles did not achieve similar success, resulting in layoffs shortly after Empulse's launch. Despite discontinuing dedicated servers, the studio will support both Empulse and Splitgate: Arena Reloaded through peer-to-peer matchmaking, allowing players to host matches indefinitely. Empulse will receive a final new map and a price reduction. 1047 Games expressed gratitude to its team members and players for their contributions and support.

AppWizard

September 1, 2026

Blizzard doing ‘a thorough scrub’ of illegitimate World of Warcraft Mythic-Plus dungeon rankings, with more changes to come

Blizzard Entertainment is reviewing World of Warcraft Mythic Plus Dungeon rankings due to concerns over players purchasing carries, following the introduction of rewards for the top 1% during the Midnight expansion. Game director Ion Hazzikostas confirmed that the team is thoroughly examining this issue and will provide updates soon. The competitive rankings have led to discussions about the rapid increase in cutoff scores and the prevalence of paid invitations for +21 level groups. Players have faced penalties for obtaining Mythic raiding mounts through real-money transactions, causing confusion over legitimate practices. The percentage-based ranking system has increased participation in Mythic Plus dungeons but resulted in lower retention rates compared to the previous season. Community feedback on the new rewards has been mixed, with some players feeling stressed by the uncertainty of the cutoff. Class balance has also become a concern, as successful teams tend to favor specific "meta" specs, potentially limiting accessibility for other players. Blizzard aims to keep dungeons accessible for all classes while considering specialization-specific cutoffs for future seasons.

AppWizard

September 1, 2026

After the debacle of Cyberpunk 2077, CD Projekt says The Witcher 4 is already running on PC and consoles, promises ‘it’s going to run’ on all target platforms

Cyberpunk 2077 was initially unsuccessful, plagued by bugs and glitches, particularly on PlayStation 4, leading to its removal from the PlayStation Store by Sony. After being reinstated six months later, it came with a warning about ongoing issues. CD Projekt Red's co-CEO Michał Nowakowski noted that the studio's ambition to develop the game primarily for PC contributed to its rocky launch, as they underestimated the challenges of scaling it for consoles. Learning from this experience, CD Projekt Red is adopting a more cautious approach for The Witcher 4, ensuring smooth performance across all platforms and addressing any issues before proceeding. The targeted release for The Witcher 4 is set for 2028, with a focus on quality and stability.

Winsage

September 1, 2026

Windows 11’s latest optional update finally fixes search clutter

Microsoft has released KB5120998, an optional update for Windows 11 that includes a repositionable taskbar and an improved Windows Search functionality. The update eliminates mixed results from Bing, Copilot, and MSN, prioritizes relevant results over ads, and enhances clarity in search results. It also improves the search tool's ability to handle typos and incomplete terms.

Winsage

September 1, 2026

How Enterprising Modders Installed Windows NT On Nintendo GameCubes

The resurgence of "analog" technology has led to increased interest in console modding among hobbyists. Modders have successfully integrated Windows NT 4.0 into the GameCube through the Entii for Workcubes project, which allows the operating system to run on systems from the GameCube to the Wii U. This initiative was highlighted by YouTube creator emu_kidid in February 2025, followed by contributions from Jiga Tech and Michael MJD in 2026, who demonstrated the hardware installation process. The modifications included removing the disc drive, installing a mod drive, and using an SD card disguised as a GameCube memory card. The GameCube's design facilitated these modifications, despite its lower power compared to contemporaries. Nintendo's strict anti-modding policies on newer consoles have driven modders to focus on older systems, highlighting ongoing discussions about technology ownership and game preservation.

Winsage

September 1, 2026

Microsoft extended Windows 10, but Nvidia just made the extension meaningless for gamers

Windows 10 will receive support until October 2027 under the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, with approximately 30% of PCs still operating on this system. Nvidia will stop releasing Game Ready Drivers for Windows 10 in October 2026, and from November 2026, users will not receive game-related fixes or optimizations. Security updates will remain available until at least October 2029, but the lack of patches for new bugs may affect gaming experiences. HP reports that around 30% of PCs are still running Windows 10, and the company expects these users to transition to Windows 11 or invest in new hardware. Microsoft acknowledges that the growth of Windows 11 has slowed and is focusing on enhancing its features.

Tech Optimizer

September 1, 2026

Fake Microsoft Security Scan Tells You to Remove Antivirus—Then Scammers Ask for Remote Access

A new web-based scam is using counterfeit Microsoft-branded security scans to deceive users into uninstalling their antivirus software. The scam websites conduct fake inspections, reporting false security failures and claiming third-party antivirus products are unsupported by Windows. They gather browser information to create customized-looking scan reports and aim to mislead victims into a fraudulent refund process. Investigators have identified 11 related scam sites under the name SysScan, which present themselves as legitimate Microsoft security checks. The scam does not involve file downloads but relies on convincing websites, fabricated security scores, and personal information forms. The scan results are hard-coded, and the security score is limited to a range between 13 and 30 out of 100. The scams instruct users to uninstall antivirus software, which is misleading since Windows does not cease support for third-party antivirus solutions. The scam sites request extensive personal information, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and banking details, and redirect victims to a page claiming a refund manager will call shortly. This process allows scammers to gain remote access to victims' computers. Indicators of compromise include specific IP addresses and domains associated with the scam.

AppWizard

September 1, 2026

Android 17 QPR2 Beta 4 is shaping up to be Google’s best beta yet

Android 17 QPR2 has reached Platform Stability with the release of Beta 4, locking the application programming interfaces (APIs) and allowing developers to refine their apps. The update focuses on system polish and bug fixes rather than new features. Google has addressed issues affecting Pixel users, including overheating, unexpected reboots, gesture navigation glitches, battery charging limitations, Recents screen problems, Bluetooth audio inconsistencies, and screen-recording complications. Hardware support enhancements include fixes for USB-C XR mirroring, compatibility with 3D smart-glasses displays, and improvements to low-light Face Unlock functionality. The beta journey began on July 20, with Beta 1, followed by Beta 2 on August 3 and Beta 3 shortly after. Beta 4 includes critical bug fixes such as resolving thermal management issues, battery charging behavior, gesture navigation refinements, and fixes for the transparent status bar during full-screen video playback. Other improvements address app drawer search issues, Bluetooth audio routing, Recents screen freezing, and screen-recording audio bugs. Beta 4 reinstates screen mirroring for USB-C XR glasses and resolves issues with 3D mode for smart glasses. Feedback from early testers has been positive, with reports of reduced lag and improved performance. However, some users have noted oversized text and lower display resolution issues, which can be resolved by rebooting. A persistent Bluetooth routing issue for incoming calls has been reported across all QPR2 betas. The update is being rolled out to various Pixel phones and tablets, with a download size of approximately 671MB on the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Existing Pixel owners in the beta program will receive the update over the air, but exiting the program after installation may result in data loss.

AppWizard

September 1, 2026

One of Elden Ring’s top sleuths has already unmasked its new DLC characters

Zullie the Witch has released a video showcasing two new NPC invaders in the Tarnished Edition DLC of Elden Ring: Knight Leontiel and Noble Broken Mask. Knight Leontiel is a homage to Lucatiel of Mirrah from Dark Souls 2, featuring a high-definition remaster of her attire and a burn mark over her left eye. Zullie provides character creation slider information for both NPCs, enabling players to recreate them accurately. The Tarnished Edition is generating excitement in the gaming community, with an increase in player activity expected on the servers.

Winsage

September 1, 2026

Why You Might Need to Roll Back Windows’ Latest Update

Windows 11 version KB5120998 was released as an optional update, introducing new customization features such as the ability to move and resize the taskbar and improvements to Windows Search. However, the update has introduced several bugs, including issues with the mouse cursor, which may not appear or may be incorrectly sized, and problems with wallpaper settings reverting to black after restarts. Users have also reported blurry fonts on high-resolution displays. Microsoft is aware of these issues and is working on a solution. Users experiencing these bugs can roll back the update by navigating to Settings > Windows Update > Update History > Uninstall and selecting KB5120998, without losing essential security patches.

Winsage

September 1, 2026

Windows 95’s taskbar didn’t come from Steve Jobs’ NeXT Dock, and a former Microsoft VP explains what did

The Windows 95 taskbar was not inspired by the NeXT Dock, as clarified by former Microsoft executives Joe Belfiore and Brad Silverberg. Instead, its design was influenced by a Microsoft project called Cairo, which aimed to provide users with easy access to information. The taskbar was created to address usability issues from Windows 3.1, specifically to help users keep track of minimized windows. In 2021, with the release of Windows 11, Microsoft introduced a centered taskbar and later allowed it to be repositioned to any edge of the screen, reflecting a commitment to user experience.

Winsage

September 1, 2026

How Enterprising Modders Installed Windows NT On Nintendo GameCubes

Console modding is experiencing a resurgence as enthusiasts enhance classic hardware, with a notable project involving the installation of Windows NT 4.0 on the GameCube. This initiative builds on previous work by Entii for Workcubes and has gained attention through videos by creators like Jiga Tech and Michael MJD. The process involves utilizing the shared PowerPC architecture of the GameCube and Wii, allowing modders to run the vintage operating system. Demonstrations of the modding process began in February 2025, showcasing the installation of a mod drive and software. Despite the challenges posed by modern gaming companies, such as Nintendo's strict anti-modding policies, these projects highlight the creativity of the modding community and the potential for innovative uses of older consoles.

Winsage

September 1, 2026

Windows bug incorrectly tells users that Microsoft Defender Antivirus is turned off

Microsoft Defender's reliability is under scrutiny due to a recent security alert that affects a wide range of Windows versions, including both Windows 11 26H1 and Windows Server 2012. Insurers will require more than verbal assurances about software performance in six months, necessitating the archiving of telemetry data, including sensor check-ins and Defender versions, by Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs). The alert's impact is significant, as a single flaw in Defender can affect various systems categorized into different patch rings, highlighting the need for vigilant monitoring and proactive management of security protocols.

Winsage

September 1, 2026

Microsoft Releases Two New 26H1 Builds to the Windows Insider Program

Participants in the Windows Insider Program can now install new builds in the Beta (26H1) and Experimental (26H1) channels, specifically Beta build 28020.2818 and Experimental build 28120.2824. Key updates include: - Personalization enhancements with DIB image support for desktop backgrounds and improvements to the Background settings page, including slideshow support across multiple displays. - Windows Recovery Environment (WRE) enhancements allowing automatic reuse of saved Wi-Fi profiles. - Temporary removal of the modernized Print Management experience for refinement, while traditional tools remain accessible. - File Explorer improvements that retain the state of sections on the Home page. - Magnifier user interface updates with improved icons and spacing. - Inclusion of Emoji 17.0. - Taskbar reliability improvements. - The Experimental build introduces first launch reliability for the new WinUI-based Run dialog.

Tech Optimizer

August 31, 2026

Fake Chrome update scam could infect your computer

A fake Chrome update scam has emerged, linked to a Chrome extension called Enable Right Click & Copy - Smart Unlock + OCR, which was initially legitimate but later compromised. The extension had around 70,000 users before being removed from the Chrome Web Store on August 14 due to its malicious nature. Users may encounter deceptive warnings while browsing benign sites, urging them to download files instead of using Chrome's built-in update mechanism. Google advises against engaging with suspicious pop-ups requesting software installations. The scam highlights that trusted extensions can become threats without warning, and users should regularly review their installed extensions and check for updates directly within Chrome. Similar fake update alerts have also been reported in other Chromium-based browsers. Users are encouraged to adopt safety measures, such as using strong antivirus software, reviewing browser extensions, and being cautious with downloaded files. If a suspicious file has been executed, users should treat their computer as potentially compromised and take appropriate security actions.

AppWizard

August 31, 2026

Google Messages Finally Lets You Customize Chats With Others – Here’s How To Do It

Google has updated its Google Messages platform to enhance user customization options, allowing users to personalize their chat experience by changing the background and color of messaging bubbles for individual RCS chats as of late August. These new chat theme options are only visible to the user who sets them and require RCS messaging to be enabled. Users can customize their chats by accessing the "Chat theme" option in the app, which offers various color choices and background categories such as Animals, Architecture, Landscapes, Sunsets, and Space, as well as the option to select a personal photo.