BetaBeacon
September 11, 2026
Google's Pixel 11 series smartphones face challenges in gaming performance, particularly when running demanding Android games. The devices struggled to maintain high frame rates in games like Call of Duty, Asphalt Legends, and Genshin Impact. Heat management became a concern, affecting stability and overall gaming experience. Comparisons with other flagship devices like the Xiaomi 17 Ultra and Galaxy S26 Ultra showed significant differences in gaming performance, with Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors outperforming Google's Tensor G6 chip. The Pixel 11 series performed well in everyday tasks and lighter games but fell short in handling demanding graphics workloads.
Winsage
September 11, 2026
Developer Mayuki Sawatari has created ReProgman, a modern homage to the Windows 3.1 Program Manager, which operates on both Windows 11 and macOS. The application mimics the early '90s interface, scanning the Start menu on Windows or the Applications folder on Mac to organize programs into groups without altering actual shortcuts. Users can drag and drop icons, utilize classic window arrangements, and experience a recreated exit dialog box. The project was initially developed in just an hour, with a detailed specification document available in its git repository. ReProgman is released under the MIT license and is available as a standalone binary, though Mac users need to adjust permissions to run it. Currently, it supports only Windows 11 on x64 and Arm architectures and macOS on Apple Silicon, excluding Windows 10 and Intel Macs.
Winsage
September 11, 2026
Microsoft released Experimental Windows 11 build version 26340.9354, which includes a mock-up of a new Resume hovercard featuring a redesigned mouse pointer. The new pointer has a broader shape, a softer curve on its lower-left side, and a more symmetrical appearance, differing from the traditional thin tail-like extension of Windows cursors. Although Microsoft has not confirmed any changes to the system cursor, the release notes mention a known issue with cursor customization but do not address any redesign. Reports from June indicated that Microsoft was testing a new cursor as part of its Windows 11 modernization initiative. The mock-up resembles a Fluent icon, with a cleaner and wider shape compared to the classic Windows arrow. Despite this, the current developer documentation still refers to the traditional pointer as the "arrow cursor." Windows 11 has modernized many UI elements, but the pointer has remained largely unchanged, with limited customization options. The combination of the recent mock-up and previous reports suggests a potential transformation in the cursor design may be forthcoming.
Winsage
September 11, 2026
Many organizations still use legacy Windows activation scripts based on slmgr.vbs, which are integrated into deployment workflows and IT management tools. Microsoft is phasing out VBScript, which these automations rely on, leading to potential activation failures in newer Windows versions. Microsoft recommends transitioning to the OSLicense PowerShell module to replace slmgr.vbs functions. Organizations should identify dependencies on VBScript components and test replacement scripts before production deployment. Compatibility of OSLicense with various Windows releases must be confirmed, and organizations may need to invest time in testing, documentation, retraining, and fallback planning during the migration process. Proactive migration planning can ease the transition compared to delaying until VBScript is fully removed.
AppWizard
September 11, 2026
Google has introduced a password manager switching feature for Android that allows users to transfer passwords and passkeys to a new application without downloading CSV files. This feature is available on devices running Android 8 or later and supports various password managers, including Bitwarden, 1Password, and Dashlane. Users can initiate the transfer by opening their new password manager app, which will automatically detect installed password managers on the device. The process allows users to review and approve the information being migrated with minimal effort, enhancing user experience and security by avoiding the risks associated with CSV file transfers.
AppWizard
September 11, 2026
On September 1, 2026, Google introduced the “Remembered Items” feature in its Android ecosystem, allowing the AI assistant, Gemini, to track important belongings. This feature is part of the Android “Find Hub” app, version 3.1.732-02, released on September 11, 2026. Users can save items by instructing Gemini with phrases like, “Remember that I put the house key in the mailbox,” and can enhance entries with photos and notes. Items can also be saved manually, but they are not shareable with others. The app may misinterpret playful language, so users are advised to use clear phrases for successful saving.
Tech Optimizer
September 11, 2026
Tom transitioned from image processing to database management, particularly contributing to the Postgres project. He was part of a group that created an open-source implementation of JPEG, leading to the development of libjpeg, where he served as the principal maintainer for about five years. NASA's Perseverance rover uses libjpeg, a fact discovered by Joe Conway through research. Tom noted that the widespread adoption of JPEG was due to its efficient compression and the availability of a free implementation, which aided its integration into early web browsers. His interest in Postgres was influenced by its liberal licensing model, similar to that of libjpeg. Tom's commitment to open-source projects stems from his passion for collaborative software development, which began during his graduate studies in the 1980s. His PhD focused on software architecture, shaping his approach to both image processing and database management.
Tech Optimizer
September 11, 2026
Lakebase Postgres employs a disaggregated storage model that enhances data management through efficient caching, utilizing an object store like S3 for backups. The caching operates on two layers: within distributed storage for optimizing write and read performance, and on the Postgres compute side for ultra-fast access to frequently accessed pages. Traditional Postgres caching involves shared buffers and the OS page cache, which leads to double buffering and inefficiencies. Lakebase Postgres addresses these issues by implementing a local file cache (LFC) and larger shared buffers, allowing for more effective memory utilization without the drawbacks of the OS page cache. The shared buffers are set to a maximum of 1 GB, while the LFC can utilize up to 75% of DRAM. The introduction of huge pages reduces memory management overhead and improves performance, resulting in significant throughput increases and reduced latency in production environments. Recent enhancements have shown up to 2× throughput improvements and substantial reductions in CPU usage. The focus is now on extending these benefits to autoscaling Postgres computes, with plans to implement dynamic shared buffers and autoscaling huge pages.
AppWizard
September 11, 2026
Amazon Luna's September 2026 free games lineup includes 12 titles: War Hospital, Just Die Already, Drop Duchy, DOOM, DOOM II, Botany Manor, DOOM Eternal (available September 17), Rims Racing (available September 17), Wall World 2 (available September 17), Hue (available September 24), The Da Vinci Cryptex (available September 24), and High on Life (available September 24). Additionally, Star Wars Outlaws and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora are currently available for streaming. All downloaded games remain in the user's library indefinitely, even if the Amazon Prime subscription is canceled.
AppWizard
September 11, 2026
FromSoftware's Bloodborne has been enhanced by fans using the shadPS4 emulator, despite no official remake or PC version. A recent update for the unofficial "PC remaster" by modder fromsoftserve includes improvements such as dynamic shadows, improved shadow settings, parallax occlusion mapping, and new light sources. The update also features new materials for areas like Hunter's Dream and central Yharnam, with new shininess maps for better specular reflection. The "BB PC Remaster" modification is available for free on Nexus Mods, accompanied by a trailer for update 1.01.
AppWizard
September 11, 2026
Sony is moving towards a discless future, raising concerns about game distribution and pricing control. The upcoming release of Final Fantasy 7 Revelation will have a physical disc version but will require a digital download for certain components, causing mixed feelings among fans. Director Naoki Hamaguchi acknowledged the importance of physical media while explaining that the digital download was necessary to maintain the game's quality, as compromising on disc size would affect fidelity. This situation illustrates the tension between technological advancement and the desire for tangible ownership in gaming.
AppWizard
September 11, 2026
Wardogs is a Battlefield-inspired shooter that allows players to invest in enhancements such as customized loadouts and taxi services to improve their gameplay experience. The game features an engaging economy that rewards players for their contributions, with over 300,000 players participating in its early access phase. The economic system incentivizes players to embrace their roles in the game, enhancing overall engagement and experience. The developers, Bulkhead, are focused on refining and expanding the game during this early access period.
AppWizard
September 11, 2026
Dragon Age: Origins on PC faces technical issues such as game crashes, memory leaks, and corrupted save files, which hinder player experience. Although fan-made fixes exist, they can be difficult to install and are not always effective, especially with larger save files. There is a growing need for comprehensive updates to improve the game's functionality and appeal.
Winsage
September 11, 2026
Microsoft has introduced Cloud Rebuild, a new recovery feature for Windows 11 users, available in beta through the Windows 11 Insider Beta Preview Build 26220.9343. Cloud Rebuild simplifies the reinstallation process by downloading a fresh image of Windows and necessary drivers via Windows Update, independent of the current installation's health. Users can access it through the Windows Recovery Environment by selecting Troubleshoot > Recovery and uninstall > Cloud rebuild. The feature also includes enhanced networking support, allowing PCs to connect to the internet using saved Wi-Fi profiles during recovery. Once connected, Cloud Rebuild checks for the appropriate Windows build and prompts users to confirm details before proceeding with reinstallation.
AppWizard
September 11, 2026
On September 1, 2026, Google announced the integration of Google Keep into the Google Messages app as part of the upcoming “Android Drop” set to launch in early September 2026 for Android devices. A “Keep Note” option will be available in the “+” menu on the chat screen, requiring users to opt-in by selecting “Try it now.” This integration allows users to share and update lists and notes directly within chat conversations, enhancing collaboration among group members.
AppWizard
September 11, 2026
Users often experience sluggishness in their devices despite deleting apps and clearing photo galleries, leading to delays in capturing photos and slow app openings. Upgrading can be costly due to high RAM prices, but a simple adjustment in the settings, specifically disabling animations, can significantly enhance smartphone performance. This minor tweak can rejuvenate the device, making it feel smoother and more efficient.
BetaBeacon
September 11, 2026
- An unofficial Android port of Grand Theft Auto 5 is in development by M0jso of Paralympics Productions. - The port is being built to run GTA 5 natively on Arm, based on the same foundation as the Switch port. - Minimum requirements include a Snapdragon 865 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and 65 GB of storage. - The initial public build will only be compatible with Snapdragon chips.
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