AI agent Archives

Tech Optimizer

June 18, 2026

SQL Server may be too lucrative for Microsoft to ditch, but too legacy to love

Microsoft's Build event highlighted its new AI agent, Scout, while SQL Server received limited attention, raising concerns about its future following Rohan Kumar's departure. Arun Ulag now oversees SQL Server, but analysts note a shift in priorities with SQL Server seemingly less emphasized. The 2022 SQL Server release was viewed as more of a marketing effort than a response to customer needs. Despite the introduction of vector search in SQL Server 2025, competitors had already offered similar features. Microsoft is shifting towards open-source solutions and PostgreSQL, although it reassured users of its commitment to SQL Server. SQL Server, launched in 1989, remains popular, ranking behind Oracle and MySQL. The on-premises database market is lucrative, generating significant revenue, and SQL Server holds a substantial share. Microsoft is unlikely to abandon this profitable segment, aiming to transition users to Azure SQL and SQL database within Fabric. However, migration compatibility issues may arise. Microsoft is also investing in PostgreSQL offerings to compete in the cloud database market, which is evolving rapidly. AWS currently leads in cloud DBMS revenue, posing a challenge for Microsoft. Despite uncertainties, support for SQL Server 2025 is guaranteed until 2036.

Tech Optimizer

June 17, 2026

Databricks Puts AI Search Inside Postgres

Databricks has introduced Lakebase Search, a feature that integrates advanced search capabilities into its Lakebase Postgres database, currently in beta on AWS and Azure. This feature aims to enhance AI agent development by embedding native retrieval functions within the data backend. It addresses the challenge of "Vector Bloat Cost" by utilizing tiered storage for optimized data access and retrieval efficiency. Lakebase Search includes two new Postgres extensions, lakebase_vector and lakebase_text, which enable hybrid search capabilities that combine vector and full-text search functionalities. This integration streamlines the AI agent loop, improving agent-first ergonomics and allowing developers to create more efficient AI systems.

AppWizard

June 16, 2026

Malaysia’s AI agent-powered messaging app Respond.io raises $62.5M, eyes acquisitions

In 2017, Respond.io was founded to help businesses adapt to customer shifts towards messaging applications. It is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur and recently raised million in a Series B funding round, following a million Series A round in 2022. The company reported an annual recurring revenue (ARR) of million, a 169% year-over-year increase, with a 30% profit margin. Co-founders include Gerardo Salandra (CEO), Hassan Ahmed (CTO), and Yaroslav Kudritskiy (COO), who initially started the company in Hong Kong before relocating to Malaysia. Respond.io's platform caters to mid- to large-sized B2C enterprises, facilitating customer interactions across various messaging channels and utilizing AI for efficiency. The target market consists of "high-consideration" businesses, with an ideal customer profile of companies having 200 to 10,000 employees. Respond processes 2 billion messages quarterly and has a unique pricing model based on conversation volume rather than per user. The company emphasizes a data flywheel effect that enhances AI capabilities through increased message volume. Plans for growth include hiring, organic expansion, and strategic acquisitions, particularly in Europe and North America, which are projected to become larger revenue segments. Currently, revenue is distributed with 30% from APAC, 30% from Latin America, and 20% from the Middle East and Africa, with the remaining 20% from North America and Western Europe. Salandra expressed a cautious approach to growth and aspirations for a future public offering on Nasdaq.

Tech Optimizer

June 14, 2026

Neon vs Supabase 2026: $1B Deal, Scale-to-Zero

Neon and Supabase are two managed PostgreSQL platforms with distinct approaches. Neon adopts a serverless architecture that separates storage and compute, allowing databases to scale to zero when idle and enabling rapid database branching. Supabase, in contrast, provides a comprehensive backend-as-a-service that includes authentication, file storage, real-time subscriptions, and edge functions, all built around PostgreSQL. In 2025, Databricks acquired Neon for approximately billion, motivated by the observation that around 80% of databases created on Neon were generated by AI agents. Post-acquisition, users experienced reduced storage costs and improved pricing structures, although concerns arose regarding Neon's independence. Neon features instant database branching and a scale-to-zero capability, while Supabase offers a fully integrated backend with built-in authentication and storage. Neon operates on a usage-based pricing model, whereas Supabase has a flat-tier pricing structure. Both platforms support the pgvector extension for AI applications, but Supabase is fully open-source and allows for self-hosting, unlike Neon. The developer community recognizes Supabase for its ease of use and rapid application development capabilities, while Neon is praised for its innovative serverless features and cost efficiency. Migration between the two platforms is simplified due to their shared PostgreSQL foundation.

Winsage

June 13, 2026

I tried Microsoft’s new AI-powered Terminal, and it is a surprisingly different experience

Windows 11 has introduced a new command-line tool called "Intelligent Terminal," which is a fork of the open-source Windows Terminal project and integrates an AI agent, specifically GitHub Copilot by default. Users must manually download and install the Intelligent Terminal, which retains the familiar Windows Terminal interface but adds a side panel for AI interaction. Upon first launch, users select an Agent Client Protocol (ACP) compatible agent, with options to enable features like automatic error detection and session management. The Intelligent Terminal offers two main experiences: agent chat and agent management. The agent chat pane allows users to inquire about errors and receive assistance, while the agent management pane tracks active and past agent sessions. Users can also utilize other agents like Claude Code, Google Gemini, and OpenAI Codex, provided they are installed locally. The Command Palette is enhanced with AI actions, allowing users to initiate tasks without interrupting their workflow. Users can customize terminal and agent settings, including pane position and error detection features. Adjustments require saving to apply changes.

AppWizard

June 11, 2026

Android Auto Got A Useful New Supported App For June 2026

Adobe has released an update (v26.5.0.45958) for Android Auto on June 5, which adds PDF support. This update includes a Read Aloud feature that allows users to listen to audio renditions of their PDFs. Not all PDFs are compatible with this feature, as only certain documents will trigger the Android Media player when selected. Users must ensure that Adobe Acrobat is updated on their Android smartphones to access this capability. Additionally, future enhancements for Android Auto are expected in 2026, including widgets, HD video playback while parked, and improved integration with Google's AI agent, Gemini.

Tech Optimizer

June 9, 2026

Tiger Data Launches Ghost, a Purpose-Built Database Service for the Agentic Era

Tiger Data has launched Ghost, a database service designed specifically for AI agents, addressing the limitations of traditional databases in supporting AI-driven workflows. Ghost allows for isolated environments where agents can experiment without affecting shared resources, offering unlimited Postgres databases with rapid forking capabilities. It features a cost-effective per-query pricing model and includes a free tier with 100 compute hours per month and 1TB of storage. Ghost is compatible with various MCP-enabled agent harnesses and is built on Postgres, providing a familiar operational model for teams. Comprehensive documentation and deployment resources are available at tigerdata.com.

Winsage

June 8, 2026

Hands on with Intelligent Terminal, an AI-powered Windows Terminal

Microsoft has introduced an open-source version of Windows Terminal called Intelligent Terminal, which integrates artificial intelligence into the terminal environment. It functions as a built-in assistant, helping users with error explanations, command drafting, and troubleshooting within the terminal interface. Key features include an AI agent that assists when commands fail and retains memory of active and past sessions for context continuity. Upon first use, users can select their preferred AI agent, including options like GitHub Copilot, Claude, Codex, and Gemini. Intelligent Terminal allows customization with toggles for Automatic Error Detection and Automatic Error Suggestion. The interface includes an AI pane, session management capabilities, and the ability to resume previous sessions. Intelligent Terminal is available for download from the Microsoft Store or GitHub, and it is offered as a separate application rather than being included with standard Windows installations.

AppWizard

June 6, 2026

Meta’s AI agent for WhatsApp Business is now available globally

Meta has launched the Meta Business Agent, a customer support AI bot, on WhatsApp, following nearly two years of testing in India and Mexico. The bot can respond to inquiries, recommend products, schedule appointments, qualify sales leads, and escalate queries to human representatives. It will also be available through Instagram DMs. Meta is testing a feature for the Business Agent that provides daily briefings on chats and insights. Future functionalities under exploration include market research, product showcases, calendar management, and integration with competitive insight tools. Meta is developing a platform for larger enterprises to create custom agents that connect with systems like Shopify and Zendesk. The Business Agent will be incorporated into WhatsApp Business Premium subscriptions, with charges based on usage.

Winsage

June 6, 2026

This is how RTX Spark and Windows will finally make AI agents practical for your PC

Nvidia is developing the RTX Spark, a powerful chip that integrates AI agents into consumer PCs, in collaboration with Microsoft. This chip features a CPU and an RTX 5070-class GPU, providing 1 petaflop of computing power and up to 128GB of unified memory, enabling sophisticated AI agents to operate directly on devices without the need for dedicated AI PCs or cloud services. Windows will introduce new security frameworks to facilitate the use of AI agents, addressing previous limitations that hindered their effectiveness on PCs. Users will be able to delegate complex tasks to AI agents, which can learn from interactions and adapt to individual workflows, enhancing the computing experience. However, challenges such as market demand, compatibility issues, and competition from other companies may impact the success of the RTX Spark.