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Overcoming barriers to database modernisation in the AI age
Tech Optimizer
April 11, 2026

Overcoming barriers to database modernisation in the AI age

Enterprises in Malaysia are transitioning from legacy systems to modern infrastructure to facilitate AI deployment. A roundtable discussion highlighted the challenges of AI integration, emphasizing the need to reduce costs associated with outdated systems. Organizations are adopting hybrid cloud approaches and utilizing various databases to manage extensive data across multiple applications. The push for AI is driven by management and customer expectations, but employee willingness to upskill remains a challenge. Not all challenges require AI solutions, and starting with smaller use cases can lead to successful scaling. The adoption of open-source database systems like Postgres is increasing, necessitating reliable support to address issues and ensure application availability. Data sovereignty is a concern for enterprises operating in mixed environments, and EDB Postgres AI offers a platform that combines security with cloud agility. Reducing infrastructure costs is essential for freeing up resources for new initiatives.
Database Branching in Postgres: Git-Style Workflows with Databricks Lakebase
Tech Optimizer
April 11, 2026

Database Branching in Postgres: Git-Style Workflows with Databricks Lakebase

Database branching is a modern approach that addresses the limitations of traditional database management in development workflows. Unlike conventional database copies, which require significant time and resources to duplicate data and schema, database branching allows for the creation of isolated environments that share the same underlying storage. This method utilizes a copy-on-write mechanism, enabling branches to be created in seconds regardless of database size, with storage costs tied only to the changes made. Key features of database branching include: - Branch creation time: Seconds, constant regardless of database size. - Storage cost: Proportional to changes only, not the total data size. - Isolation: Each branch has its own Postgres connection string and compute endpoint. - Automatic scaling: Idle branches can scale compute to zero, incurring costs only when active. The architecture supporting this approach separates compute from storage, allowing multiple branches to reference the same data without conflict. This design facilitates time travel capabilities, enabling branches to be created from any point in the past for instant recovery and inspection. Database branching unlocks new workflows, such as: - One branch per developer, providing isolated environments for each engineer. - One branch per pull request, automating branch creation and deletion tied to PRs. - One branch per test run, provisioning fresh databases for each CI pipeline execution. - Instant recovery from any point in time within a designated restore window. - Ephemeral environments for AI agents, allowing programmatic database provisioning. Databricks Lakebase offers this database branching capability, transforming the database from a bottleneck into a streamlined component of the development process.
Amazon's Luna cloud gaming service is ending support for game purchases and subscriptions from third-party stores, and users will lose streaming access to purchased third-party games in June
AppWizard
April 11, 2026

Amazon’s Luna cloud gaming service is ending support for game purchases and subscriptions from third-party stores, and users will lose streaming access to purchased third-party games in June

Amazon announced a reduction of 14,000 jobs in October 2025, with significant cuts to its gaming division as part of a strategic shift away from competing with platforms like Steam. The focus will now be on enhancing the Luna cloud gaming service, which will no longer support the purchase of games from third-party stores such as EA, Ubisoft, and GOG. Subscriptions for Ubisoft+ and Jackbox Games will be discontinued, although users who previously purchased games from these developers can stream them until June 10, 2026. The decision to eliminate third-party game access was based on feedback from players seeking easier access to games and more social experiences. This change raises concerns about Luna's appeal in comparison to competing services like Xbox Game Pass. Some suggest this may encourage users to transition to Luna Premium, which requires an additional monthly fee.
Lilbits: Lenovo teases a larger gaming tablet, OpenBSD ported to the Pomera DM250, Microsoft simplifies Windows Insider channels
Winsage
April 10, 2026

Lilbits: Lenovo teases a larger gaming tablet, OpenBSD ported to the Pomera DM250, Microsoft simplifies Windows Insider channels

Lenovo introduced its Legion brand for gaming tablets in 2022 and has consistently maintained an 8.8-inch screen size across its devices. The company is preparing to launch a new gaming tablet with a larger display and potentially dual rear cameras. So far, Lenovo has released five versions of the Legion Y700 gaming tablet exclusively in China, with only two models available in the United States, and a third model expected soon.
22 of Russia’s 30 most popular Android apps monitor whether users have VPN enabled, study finds
AppWizard
April 10, 2026

22 of Russia’s 30 most popular Android apps monitor whether users have VPN enabled, study finds

Recent research by RKS Global found that 22 out of the top 30 Android apps in Russia monitor users' VPN status. Banking apps like T-Bank, Sberbank, VTB, and Alfa-Bank are leading this trend, along with Yandex and VK applications such as Yandex Browser and VKontakte. Online marketplaces including Wildberries, Ozon, MegaMarket, and Samokat also track VPN usage. In total, 18 of the 30 apps transmit VPN status data to their servers, while 24 send lists of installed applications. Yandex Browser uniquely searches for the Tor browser, and Samokat and MegaMarket retrieve lists of installed VPN apps. The Russian Digital Development Ministry has mandated that major internet platforms restrict access for users with VPNs by April 15.
French government says au revoir Windows, bienvenue Linux
Winsage
April 10, 2026

French government says au revoir Windows, bienvenue Linux

France announced its intention to migrate its workstations from Microsoft Windows to the open-source Linux operating system as part of a broader initiative across Europe aimed at achieving digital sovereignty and reducing reliance on foreign technology. The French government also plans to replace its videoconferencing tools with the domestically developed Visio and migrate its health data to a new platform by the end of 2026. European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen, have emphasized the importance of maintaining digital sovereignty despite pressures from the Trump administration, which has criticized European regulations on American tech companies. Christian Kroll, CEO of Ecosia, and Giorgos Verdi, a policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, have highlighted the need for Europe to assert its independence and strengthen its innovation landscape to avoid external pressures.
Microsoft starts removing Copilot buttons from Windows 11 apps
Winsage
April 10, 2026

Microsoft starts removing Copilot buttons from Windows 11 apps

Microsoft is removing the Copilot buttons from its Windows 11 applications, including Notepad, Snipping Tool, Photos, and Widgets, in favor of a more streamlined interface. The Copilot button in Notepad has been replaced with a "writing tools" menu that retains AI features without the Copilot branding. The Snipping Tool also no longer features the Copilot button during area selection. This change aims to enhance functionality and simplicity in Windows 11 while keeping the underlying AI capabilities available to users. There is speculation about the potential removal of the Copilot button from laptop keyboards and further streamlining of other Windows 11 features.
Meta's new LLM, Muse Spark, wants to take its AI into a 'people first' era
AppWizard
April 10, 2026

Meta’s new LLM, Muse Spark, wants to take its AI into a ‘people first’ era

Meta AI has launched its new large language model, Muse Spark, designed to enhance user interaction with a "people first" approach. The model will roll out to U.S. users and includes Instant and Thinking modes, although users of Instagram, Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, and Meta's AI glasses will experience delays in access. Muse Spark focuses on personalization, assisting users with tasks like troubleshooting home appliances and engaging in minigames. Meta collaborated with over 1,000 physicians to improve the AI's health-related capabilities. The model emphasizes user interaction and multi-agent functionality, allowing it to perform complex tasks efficiently. Muse Spark aims to create a more personal and engaging user experience, distinguishing itself from previous AI iterations and positioning itself as a reliable assistant.
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