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I rely on Google Maps every day, but these 4 missing features still hold it back
AppWizard
August 29, 2026

I rely on Google Maps every day, but these 4 missing features still hold it back

Google Maps has evolved into a vital resource for daily life, assisting with navigation, real-time traffic updates, and local business information. Users have requested several enhancements to improve their experience: 1. A more efficient offline map download process that allows users to download entire regions or countries easily. 2. An automatic route optimization feature for multi-stop trips to arrange destinations in the most efficient order. 3. Enhanced route customization options to prioritize main roads over narrow streets. 4. Improved functionality for creating cohesive travel itineraries based on saved locations, travel times, and traffic patterns. 5. A focus on practical improvements to streamline offline downloads, optimize routes, enhance navigation controls, and facilitate trip planning.
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.
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.
Next Week on XBOX: New Games for August 31 to September 4
AppWizard
August 29, 2026

Next Week on XBOX: New Games for August 31 to September 4

- The Blood of Dawnwalker: Developer: Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe S.A.S., Release Date: September 2, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere. - Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game: Developer: PM-Studios, Inc., Release Date: September 3, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere. - NBA 2K27: Developer: 2K, Release Date: September 3, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Onimusha: Way of the Sword: Developer: CAPCOM CO., LTD., Release Date: September 3, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere. - NHL® 27 Deluxe Edition: Developer: Electronic Arts, Release Date: September 4, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Halloween – Digital Deluxe Edition: Developer: IllFonic Publishing, Co-Publisher: Gun Media, Release Date: September 4, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Young Suns (Game Preview): Developer: KO_OP, Release Date: August 31, Price: .99, Platforms: Game Pass / Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery. - Shelldiver: Developer: Gagonfe, Release Date: September 1, Platforms: Game Pass / Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault (Game Preview): Developer: 11 bit studios, Release Date: September 2, Platforms: Game Pass / Handheld Optimized. - Angeline Era: Developer: Analgesic Productions, Release Date: September 2, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - BioEden: Developer: Focus Entertainment, Release Date: September 3, Price: .79, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Puzzledorf: Developer: Stuart's Pixel Games, Release Date: August 31, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Salvation: Echoes of War: Developer: Infinite Entropy, Release Date: August 31, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Sticker Picker (Xbox Series): Developer: Afil Games, Release Date: August 31, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Crimson Moon: Developer: ProbablyMonsters, Release Date: September 1, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Tintle's Great Colorful Adventure: Developer: Midnight Pounce Studios, Release Date: September 1, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Eden Coil: Developer: Brainium Games, Release Date: September 2, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Feed Your Cat: New Paths: Developer: Tribus Games Indie, Release Date: September 2, Platforms: XBOX Play Anywhere. - Marsupilami 2 – Salsa Palombia: Developer: Microids, Release Date: September 2, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere. - Pharmacy Store Simulator: Developer: Art Games Studio S.A., Release Date: September 2, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Radiation Caterpillar: Developer: Brainium Games, Release Date: September 2, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery. - Super Woden Rally Edge: Developer: Eastasiasoft Limited, Release Date: September 2, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere. - Asdivine Knot: Developer: KEMCO, Release Date: September 3, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere. - Brainrot Kart: Developer: Skibidi Studios, Release Date: September 3, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere. - Bus Simulator 27 – Year 1 Edition: Developer: astragon Entertainment, Release Date: September 3, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Dexter Stardust: Adventures in Outer Space: Developer: Flynn's Arcade, Release Date: September 3, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Dream Doctor: Developer: Bad Minions, Little Giant, Release Date: September 3, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Fight School Simulator: Developer: Ultimate Games S.A., Release Date: September 3, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Galactic Vault: Developer: Take IT Studio!, Release Date: September 3, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Hearthstorm: Developer: NOSTRA GAMES LTD, Release Date: September 3, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Komorebi: A Furry Visual Novel: Developer: Top Hat Studios, Inc., Release Date: September 3, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - SpeedRunners 2: King of Speed: Developer: tinyBuild, Release Date: September 3, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Shoe it All!: Developer: Bright Gambit, Release Date: September 3, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Dream Cage: Developer: JanduSoft, Release Date: September 4, Price: .49, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere. - Fear The Timeloop: Developer: PlayWay S.A., Release Date: September 4, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play. - Flute Of Gobelin: Developer: RainForest Game Studio, Release Date: September 4, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Fortress Merge: Developer: QubicGames S.A., Release Date: September 4, Platforms: XBOX Play Anywhere. - Hockey Beasts: Developer: Revulo Games LLC, Release Date: September 4, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - I Am Angel: Developer: PortingGuru, Release Date: September 4, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere. - Isle of Reveries: Developer: Electric Airship, Release Date: September 4, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Moonbringer: Developer: 2dragontails, Release Date: September 4, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere. - Order Automatica: Developer: better. publishing, Release Date: September 4, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery. - Railbreak DX: Developer: Dead Drop Studios LLC, Release Date: September 4, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere. - Tales of Formentera: Developer: Ratalaika Games S.L., Release Date: September 4, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere.
Minecraft Bedrock Hotfix Version 26.44/45 Now Out via Update 1.057
AppWizard
August 29, 2026

Minecraft Bedrock Hotfix Version 26.44/45 Now Out via Update 1.057

Mojang has released the Bedrock hotfix version 26.44/45, known as Minecraft update 1.057, for PS5 users on August 28. This minor update addresses various technical bugs, including: - Removed self-selection expansion for non-operator players using commands like /tell. - Vibrant Visuals are now enabled when loading worlds with Education features. - The Back button on Android now performs the correct in-game action. - Arrows shot by a slightly charged Bow no longer hit the shooting player. - Fixed an issue that could disconnect players while loading worlds with certain add-ons. - Shift-clicking items in Creative mode with Pocket UI now quick-moves them instead of deleting them. - Fixed a bug where certain dimension values in a JSON file were ignored.
Path of Exile 2's first event league goes 'oops, all bosses' and reworks its worst mode so sane people can finally enjoy it
AppWizard
August 29, 2026

Path of Exile 2’s first event league goes ‘oops, all bosses’ and reworks its worst mode so sane people can finally enjoy it

The Return of the Ancients update for Path of Exile 2 has generated excitement ahead of its full release later this year. Grinding Gear Games will launch a new mini-league called Forbidden Rites on September 4, which will introduce a streamlined experience with a twist to the campaign and a rework of the Trial of Chaos. The revamped Trial of Chaos will offer manageable challenges with enhanced loot quality and improved mechanics for unlocking ascendancy classes. New clips of the duelist class highlight the game's melee combat features.
New 95-Rated PC Game Beats Modern Warfare 4 and Mortal Shell II to #1 Best-Selling Steam Game
AppWizard
August 29, 2026

New 95-Rated PC Game Beats Modern Warfare 4 and Mortal Shell II to #1 Best-Selling Steam Game

A new game titled How to Fish, priced at .99, has become the best-selling game on Steam for the week of August 18 to August 25, surpassing titles like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, Mortal Shell II, and Star Wars: Zero Company. It has an "Overwhelmingly Positive" rating with a 95% approval from over 12,200 reviews. Developed by Dazed Games, How to Fish achieved this ranking within eight days of its release. Following it in the rankings are Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 at #2, Mortal Shell II at #3, Wardogs at #4, and Stalker 2 at #5. The previous week's best-selling game was Hell Let Loose: Vietnam, which has since dropped in sales. Several titles have fallen out of the top ten, including No Room in Hell 2 and Total War: Warhammer II. Star Wars: Zero Company is currently the #1 best-selling game, although its ranking may be affected by its shorter release window.
Windows 11 shut down controls for your PC may soon be available on your smartphone
Winsage
August 29, 2026

Windows 11 shut down controls for your PC may soon be available on your smartphone

The Link to Windows smartphone app may introduce remote shutdown capabilities for PCs, as indicated by recent data mining of its Android APK. A component called ‘RemoteControlManager’ has been found in the app's debug log, suggesting potential functions like restart, sleep, and shutdown options. The app is also expected to monitor system updates. However, warnings about potential data loss during shutdowns or restarts are present, and the current build lacks detailed notifications for affected applications. Users can choose to put their systems to sleep to avoid data loss, but this limits smartphone interaction until the PC is awakened. It is unclear when Microsoft will activate these features.
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