assistant Archives

AppWizard

June 23, 2026

5 Things You Didn’t Know Your Samsung Phone Could Do

Older Samsung phones are receiving the One UI 8.5 update, which includes several features: - Users can separate app audio streams between devices, allowing navigation instructions to play through one device while music plays through another. - The side button on newer Galaxy devices can be customized for various functions, including opening different apps or tools. - Samsung offers a Secure Folder feature for storing sensitive apps and data privately. - The Dual Messenger feature allows users to clone messaging apps for managing multiple accounts simultaneously. - With One UI 5.1 and later, users can extract subjects from photos to create cutouts or stickers for use in other applications.

Tech Optimizer

June 22, 2026

The database that refused to die: How Postgres survived its own creators

Postgres, originally developed by Michael Stonebraker in the early 1980s, is an open-source database system that evolved from Ingres. It was designed to handle complex data types and introduced user-defined data types, operators, and functions, leading to the support for abstract data types (ADTs). The initial commercialization of Postgres occurred through a startup named Illustra, later acquired by Informix. In 1995, graduate students Andrew Yu and Jolly Chen revived Postgres, transitioning it from QUEL to SQL, resulting in Postgre95, which evolved into PostgreSQL. Today, Postgres is one of the most popular database systems globally, known for its extensibility and high code quality. However, it currently lacks features like file-level encryption (TDE), which are standard in commercial systems, relying instead on the operating system for encryption. Efforts to implement TDE have faced challenges due to the complexity of required code changes.

Tech Optimizer

June 22, 2026

pgAdmin 4 Released With Fixes for Seven Security Vulnerabilities and New Features

pgAdmin 4 version 9.16 has been released, featuring 64 bug fixes and addressing seven security vulnerabilities (CVE-2026-12044 to CVE-2026-12050). Key vulnerabilities include SQL injection flaws and cross-site scripting issues. CVE-2026-12044 involved SQL injection risks in dialog templates, while CVE-2026-12045 allowed attackers to bypass read-only transaction restrictions in the AI Assistant feature. Authentication issues were fixed in CVE-2026-12046, and client-side vulnerabilities were addressed in CVE-2026-12048 and CVE-2026-12047. Additional vulnerabilities included an open redirect in multi-factor authentication (CVE-2026-12049) and another SQL injection flaw in restore point functionality (CVE-2026-12050). Usability improvements include colorized panel headers, middle-click tab closing, and enhancements to OAuth2 login. The release supports new PostgreSQL storage parameters and includes dependency upgrades. Stricter access controls have been enforced, and pgAgent has been marked for removal. The update is available for download on multiple platforms.

AppWizard

June 19, 2026

Palworld studio says ‘gamers don’t want’ AI in their games: ‘It feels like everyone who is super gung-ho about it isn’t from the industry’

The gaming industry is experiencing an increase in AI-generated content, particularly on platforms like Steam. John Buckley from Pocketpair expressed concerns about the enthusiasm for AI, likening it to early cryptocurrency excitement, and highlighted the importance of human creativity in game development. He stated that Pocketpair will not publish games relying on generative AI. Additionally, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney raised concerns about undisclosed AI "placeholders" in major game releases, emphasizing the need for transparency in the industry.

AppWizard

June 19, 2026

4 security upgrades in Android 17 you didn’t know about, but will be glad to have

Google's Android 17 update is being deployed to Pixel devices, introducing new features such as multitasking bubbles, expanded dark theme controls, and a revamped screen recording interface. Key user preferences from a poll indicate that 32% favor multitasking app bubbles, while other features received varying levels of support. The update includes App Memory Limits to prevent excessive RAM usage by apps, enhancing performance. It also restricts apps from scanning local networks without explicit permission, improving user privacy. Additionally, Android 17 tightens restrictions on dynamic code loading to strengthen malware protection and implements Certificate Transparency protections by default for secure HTTPS connections. Overall, these changes aim to enhance performance, security, and user experience.

AppWizard

June 19, 2026

3 simple Android Auto Automations that helped me stop wasting time in my driveway

The user transitioned from CarPlay to Android Auto in their Ioniq 5 EV and has been exploring sideloading video and web browsing applications to enhance their long drive experience. They have faced issues with Google's Automations since the launch of Gemini, with many not functioning properly and difficulties in creating custom Automations. Despite these challenges, they found value in using Automations for tasks like closing their garage door upon entering the vehicle and modifying stock Automations to manage smart lights efficiently. They also highlighted the effectiveness of Google's stock Good Morning routine, which provides weather updates, jokes, calendar recaps, and news summaries upon command.

Winsage

June 18, 2026

This $13 Windows 11 Pro offer is too good to ignore

Microsoft is currently offering Windows 11 Pro for .97, down from its regular price of 9.99, representing a discount of 0.03. Windows 11 Pro includes features such as BitLocker encryption, Hyper-V virtualization, Windows Sandbox, TPM 2.0 support, Snap Layouts, improved search functionality, multi-monitor support, and Copilot, Microsoft's AI assistant.

Winsage

June 18, 2026

This $13 Windows 11 Pro offer is too good to ignore

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is currently available for .97, reduced from its regular price of 5.00, offering a savings of 5.03. Key features include BitLocker encryption, Hyper-V virtualization, Windows Sandbox, TPM 2.0 support, and advanced authentication protections. Productivity enhancements consist of Snap Layouts, improved desktop organization, voice typing enhancements, better search functionality, and seamless multi-monitor support. The integration of Microsoft’s AI assistant, Copilot, assists with content summarization, answering queries, generating writing prompts, and coding suggestions.

AppWizard

June 18, 2026

Android Auto Quietly Added Support For A Surprisingly Useful New App

Adobe Acrobat Reader has been added to Android Auto with the v26.5.0.45958 update. Subscribers have full access to the app's functionalities, while non-subscribers can use some free features and a 7-day free trial for paid functionalities. Free features include access to scanned PDFs in Liquid Mode, PDF annotation tools, and a PDF signer feature. Visual functions are disabled for safety, but a "Read Aloud" text-to-speech engine is available for free users. Paid subscribers can access high-quality audio options, an AI assistant for file management, and additional editing tools, although advanced features are not yet available on the dashboard.

Winsage

June 17, 2026

Windows 11 Pro and Microsoft Office: Yours for Life for $35

The annual fee for Microsoft 365 starts at .99, and Windows 10 has not received security updates since 2025. A current offer allows the purchase of Windows 11 Pro and a lifetime license for Microsoft Office for .97, down from 8.99, but this offer expires on June 28 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Windows 11 Pro includes features like remote desktop access, BitLocker encryption, and an AI assistant called Copilot. The Microsoft Office Professional 2021 package includes applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneNote, Publisher, and Access.