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AppWizard
August 29, 2026

Rockstar considered having four protagonists in Grand Theft Auto 6, but the studio ‘worried about diluting the amount of player time’ with each character

Rockstar has reduced the number of playable characters in Grand Theft Auto 6 from three to two, prioritizing a more intimate narrative experience. The decision was influenced by concerns about diluting player connection with characters if more were introduced. The focus on two protagonists aims to foster a strong emotional bond and chemistry between them, enhancing player engagement. The game features a world three times larger than Red Dead Redemption 2 and a nuanced honor system, but the central partnership between the two characters is expected to define this installment.
Windows 11 just revived one of its most missed features
Winsage
August 29, 2026

Windows 11 just revived one of its most missed features

Microsoft has updated the taskbar, allowing users to customize it through Settings → Personalization → Taskbar → Taskbar behavior → Taskbar position. A new "Small" mode minimizes the taskbar's icons and height, suitable for smaller screens, but it can only be positioned at the top or bottom. The Start menu has been rebranded from "Recommended" to "Recently used," and users can hide their name and profile picture. There are toggles for managing the visibility of pinned apps, recommended content, and all apps. Future updates will include options for small and large layouts and an automatic resize feature. Windows Search has been improved for clarity, with future updates indicating the source of search results. Users can disable web or Store results in search settings, and Windows will automatically index frequently used folders for better search efficiency.
Windows 11 Now Supports Emoji 17.0
Winsage
August 29, 2026

Windows 11 Now Supports Emoji 17.0

Microsoft has begun rolling out Emoji 17.0 support for select users via a Windows 11 Release Preview update, which includes 163 new emojis—13 new concepts and 150 skin tone variations. This update is part of a servicing update leading to the upcoming Windows 11 version 26H2. The 2D Fluent emoji set has also been updated, but the 3D Fluent design is now the standard experience across Windows 11. Several emoji designs have been modified for consistency with other platforms, including changes to the Saluting Face, Face with Peeking Eye, and others. The update is available as a complimentary upgrade for select users in specific regions, with a wider rollout expected soon. Users on Windows Insider builds may have already accessed Emoji 17.0 support.
I played just one hour of Total War: Warhammer 40,000 and it was the highlight of my year
AppWizard
August 29, 2026

I played just one hour of Total War: Warhammer 40,000 and it was the highlight of my year

Creative Assembly revealed new details about Total War: Warhammer 40,000 during Gamescom. The game features a dynamic gameplay experience, where the battlefield evolves and players must adapt their strategies. Positioning is crucial, with options for flanking, distractions, and breaching defenses. The game retains core Total War mechanics while introducing new features and emphasizing ranged combat. Players can enjoy the chaos of battle, even without a background in the Warhammer universe. The preview session provided an engaging experience that left players excited about the game's future.
I finally found out what Windows does during "Getting things ready" — and I'm no longer annoyed
Winsage
August 29, 2026

I finally found out what Windows does during “Getting things ready” — and I’m no longer annoyed

Windows Patch Tuesdays often lead to uncertainty for users due to the "Getting things ready" screen, which lacks a percentage bar or estimated time of completion. During this time, Windows is performing complex tasks managed by the Update Orchestrator, which assesses applicable components of updates, prepares necessary files, and stages them for installation. The servicing stack, including Component-Based Servicing (CBS), ensures that only relevant parts of an update are applied at the component level. The update process involves checks, package handling, staging, installation, and finalization, influenced by each PC's unique configuration, installed components, optional features, and drivers. The variability in wait times is due to these factors, and while Microsoft does not provide precise completion times, clearer messaging about the current task could improve user experience. The lack of information can create confusion between necessary updates and a system that appears stuck.
Why does Windows constantly need to update?
Winsage
August 29, 2026

Why does Windows constantly need to update?

Windows updates are released frequently to enhance performance, improve compatibility, fix bugs, and distribute critical security patches. Microsoft issues security updates every second Tuesday of the month, known as Patch Tuesday, which are cumulative, meaning the latest updates include all previous fixes. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issues warnings about vulnerabilities, and Microsoft maintains a security portal for documentation of these issues. Users on unsupported versions, like Windows 10 without Extended Security Updates (ESU), are at increased risk. In addition to security updates, Windows receives an annual feature update and occasional optional non-security updates that introduce new features and enhancements. An example is the Windows 11 February 2026 preview update, which added new features and improvements.
Site provides instructions to get up to $175 back for your pre-installed Windows 11 license — new portal provides legal forms, but warns buyers not to wipe storage first
Winsage
August 29, 2026

Site provides instructions to get up to $175 back for your pre-installed Windows 11 license — new portal provides legal forms, but warns buyers not to wipe storage first

A significant portion of new PCs is sold with Windows 11 pre-installed, causing frustration among Linux enthusiasts. The Refund4Freedom initiative, launched by the Italian Linux Society and the Free Software Foundation Europe, aims to provide consumers with the option to purchase laptops without being tied to a specific operating system and to avoid paying for unwanted software. The initiative has three main demands: 1. Freedom of Choice: Consumers should not be forced to use or pay for pre-installed software. 2. Transparent Pricing: Consumers should be able to purchase hardware without pre-installed software and see price differences. 3. Clear Refund Processes: Manufacturers must provide clear guidelines for requesting refunds for pre-installed software. The Refund4Freedom website details various brands' reimbursement practices, noting that Acer and Lenovo have established refund processes for Windows, while Asus has a less visible route primarily in Italy. Dell and HP currently do not offer reimbursement options. For those wishing to reject Windows, Refund4Freedom advises documenting contract clauses, contacting customer service, and using a pre-made form for refunds, which is tailored for Italy. The typical reimbursement amount for a Windows license is around €50, though it varies by region and manufacturer.
I test Windows laptops for a living, and these are the 7 features I can't pass up
Winsage
August 29, 2026

I test Windows laptops for a living, and these are the 7 features I can’t pass up

The author has spent five years testing laptops and has identified seven essential features for selecting a Windows laptop based on their experience and travel needs: 1. An OLED display for better contrast and deeper blacks. 2. A 14-inch chassis that is lightweight, ideal for travel. 3. At least 512GB of storage to accommodate large files. 4. At least one USB-A port for compatibility with older hardware. 5. All-day battery life, enhanced by Intel's "Lunar Lake" processors. 6. A backlit keyboard for usability in low-light environments. 7. No proprietary chargers, favoring USB-C for flexibility and convenience. The author notes that while many brands offer these features, pricing has been affected by the ongoing memory crisis, pushing preferred models into a higher price range.
Can All Android Phones Use Android Auto?
AppWizard
August 29, 2026

Can All Android Phones Use Android Auto?

Android Auto allows users to integrate their smartphones with their vehicle's dashboard, enabling functionalities like messaging, calling, music playback, and navigation. Most modern Android smartphones released in the last decade are compatible with Android Auto if they run Android 9 or later. Android 10 comes with the app pre-installed, while users of Android 9 can download it from the Google Play Store. Over 500 vehicle models support Android Auto, but compatibility can vary based on the vehicle's age and specifications. Wireless functionality is available for devices running Android 11 or later. Compatibility issues may arise with older phones, devices without Google services, or those using custom ROMs. Connection quality can also affect performance, with recommendations for using a data-transfer-capable cable shorter than six feet. Users may need to reset connections or disable VPNs to resolve issues. For those with compatibility problems, updating software or using a wireless adapter may be necessary.
Overcoming the Barriers of Commercial DBs with Open Source and AI… EDB Hosts 'PostgreSQL AI Summit'
Tech Optimizer
August 29, 2026

Overcoming the Barriers of Commercial DBs with Open Source and AI… EDB Hosts ‘PostgreSQL AI Summit’

A company's approach to artificial intelligence (AI) begins with determining the optimal structure for data storage and management, often facing challenges such as high costs of commercial databases and reliance on specific enterprise technologies. To effectively utilize AI, companies need to establish new infrastructures, including vector search capabilities, Search Augmentation Generative (RAG) systems, and data lakehouses. EDB is notable for connecting companies and technology partners that have transitioned to open-source databases. On September 3, EDB will host the 'EDB Postgres AI Summit Seoul 2026' at the Sofitel Ambassador Seoul, starting at 10:00 AM. This event is the largest PostgreSQL conference in Korea, themed 'Change the Game,' focusing on the shift from commercial databases to open-source and AI-driven frameworks, featuring real-world case studies. Approximately 300 C-level executives and IT decision-makers from various sectors are expected to attend, with participation by invitation only. The summit will include 15 sessions with customer case studies and technical presentations. Notable discussions will include IBK Industrial Bank of Korea's migration of 15 core systems to PostgreSQL, a semiconductor company's diversification of MPP databases on a DBaaS platform, and Kyobo Book Centre's database modernization strategy. Shopcast will present its development of an 'Agentic Lakehouse' integrating AI technology with a data lakehouse framework. The keynote address will be given by Kim Deok-joong, discussing organizational management strategies for integrating AI agents. The technical sessions will cover the architecture of the 'EDB Postgres AI' platform, which supports AI vector search and RAG, with live demonstrations of the analytics engine ClickHouse and LakeHouse technology for analyzing petabyte-scale data. EDB's domestic distributors and international partners will participate as sponsors. The summit aims to showcase technologies and case studies from the domestic ecosystem, addressing PostgreSQL adoption, system migration, operations, data analysis, and AI implementation. EDB manages transaction, analytics, and AI workloads using Postgres in cloud environments, serving over 1,500 global customers. Herve Timsit, EDB's Chief Revenue Officer, emphasized the event's focus on sharing tangible results and addressing the challenges of commercial databases while investing in AI infrastructure.
Databricks Unveils Lakebase Postgres
Tech Optimizer
August 29, 2026

Databricks Unveils Lakebase Postgres

Lakebase Postgres features a two-layer architecture that separates operations for durability and scalability. The compute layer uses standard Postgres for SQL parsing, query planning, and execution, designed to be ephemeral for dynamic scaling. The storage layer ensures correctness, durability, and historical accuracy, consisting of three components: Safekeepers replicate Write-Ahead Logging (WAL) records using a quorum-based protocol; Pageserver transforms WAL records into page versions; and Object Storage retains materialized versions and historical states in an immutable format. This architecture enhances data durability and system scalability.
After GTA 6: Extended Look Showed Rockstar's Game Running at 30FPS, Tech Experts Say a 60FPS Console Version Is 'Extremely Unlikely' and 'Genuinely Challenging' Even on PC
AppWizard
August 29, 2026

After GTA 6: Extended Look Showed Rockstar’s Game Running at 30FPS, Tech Experts Say a 60FPS Console Version Is ‘Extremely Unlikely’ and ‘Genuinely Challenging’ Even on PC

Digital Foundry has analyzed the recent 27-minute reveal of Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto 6, which showcased gameplay at 30 frames per second (fps). The game is set to launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S this November, with a focus on maximizing visual detail at the fixed frame rate. Significant advancements in character rendering, including skin shading and hair simulation, have been noted. The internal rendering on the PS5 is speculated to operate at 1440p without dynamic resolution scaling, although this may result in some softness and aliasing. Digital Foundry expresses skepticism about the feasibility of a 60fps mode on current consoles, citing the game's design balance and the complex CPU demands of its detailed world. Future console iterations and a PC release may support higher resolutions and features like DLSS, but achieving 60fps could still be challenging. IGN has provided exclusive insights into various aspects of the game, including its romance system and expansive map.
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