automate Archives

Winsage

June 12, 2026

Still on Windows 10? This $13 upgrade to Windows 11 Pro offers better security, AI features, and more

Upgrade to Microsoft Windows 11 Pro for .97 (MSRP 9) until June 14. Windows 11 Pro features a redesigned interface, improved multitasking capabilities, enterprise-grade security functionalities like BitLocker encryption and Windows Hello, and includes Windows Copilot AI for task automation and assistance.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

Google Enables Android Apps With AppFunctions For Gemini

Google has introduced AppFunctions, a framework for Android that allows applications to expose callable functions to AI assistants, currently in experimental preview. This framework enables apps to register capabilities with an OS-level registry, requiring specific permissions for callers, including agents and assistants, to maintain user privacy and security. As of May 2026, integration with Gemini is in a private preview for select testers. AppFunctions targets devices running Android 16 or higher and provides developers with tools like an agent skill and Jetpack tooling for creating Kotlin bindings. The framework aims to enhance Gemini's capabilities, allowing it to use multiple extensions and execute background agent skills, facilitating automation of tasks for users.

Winsage

June 6, 2026

Vibe coding is coming to Windows — how Microsoft Copilot turns anyone into a creator

The AI Age has introduced digital assistants capable of performing tasks such as translation, transcription, and software development efficiently. "Vibe coding" has emerged, allowing individuals to create applications easily. Microsoft is positioned to create a comprehensive "vibe coding ecosystem" with tools like Copilot for code generation, Windows for testing, Azure for deployment, and GitHub for distribution. This ecosystem aims to empower aspiring developers to create and share applications. However, challenges persist, including the need for bug fixes and security adherence. AI tools can significantly benefit educators, new parents, artists, and small businesses by enabling quick development of tailored applications and automating tasks.

Tech Optimizer

June 6, 2026

PostgreSQL vs SQL Server 2026: $0 vs $15K License

PostgreSQL has become the most utilized database for developers for two consecutive years as of 2026, while SQL Server has introduced native AI capabilities and vector search functionalities in its latest release. PostgreSQL is favored for new projects due to its permissive licensing, cross-platform operation, and extensive ecosystem of extensions, whereas SQL Server is preferred by organizations already using Microsoft products for its robust tooling and enterprise support. As of June 2026, SQL Server ranks third in the DB-Engines popularity ranking with a score of 698, while PostgreSQL ranks fourth with a score of 688. Developer adoption trends show that 49% of respondents in the Stack Overflow 2024 Developer Survey use PostgreSQL, compared to 27% for SQL Server. The latest stable version of PostgreSQL is 18.4, released on May 14, 2026, while SQL Server 2025 (version 17.x) became generally available on November 18, 2025. PostgreSQL is free under a permissive license, while SQL Server's Enterprise Edition can cost upwards of ,123 per two-core pack, with an eight-core minimum. PostgreSQL supports various operating systems, including Linux, Windows, macOS, and BSD, while SQL Server operates on Windows and Linux. PostgreSQL uses PL/pgSQL as its primary procedural language, allowing for multiple procedural languages, whereas SQL Server uses T-SQL. PostgreSQL's JSONB type offers rich indexing, while SQL Server added native JSON support in its 2025 release. Both databases are capable of handling high transaction volumes, but PostgreSQL excels in read-heavy scenarios due to its multi-version concurrency control, while SQL Server's columnstore indexes provide advantages for analytical workloads. PostgreSQL supports tables up to 32 TB, while SQL Server can handle a maximum database size of 524 PB. SQL Server's high availability technology includes Always On Availability Groups, while PostgreSQL offers built-in streaming and logical replication. The security features of both databases meet enterprise standards, with PostgreSQL providing a transparent patching process and SQL Server integrating with Microsoft tools. Real-world usage examples include Stack Overflow using SQL Server, while Instagram and Reddit utilize PostgreSQL. Developer sentiment increasingly favors PostgreSQL for new projects, emphasizing flexibility and open-source solutions. For new startups or greenfield projects, PostgreSQL is recommended due to its zero license cost and compatibility. Existing Microsoft enterprises are advised to stick with SQL Server for its integration benefits. Migration from SQL Server to PostgreSQL is becoming common, with a structured approach required for successful transitions.

BetaBeacon

June 4, 2026

Best new mobile games on iOS and Android – June 2026 round-up

Nintendo has released a brand new game exclusively on mobile called Pictonico, which uses the contents of the player's phone's photo album as the basis for its microgames.

Winsage

June 3, 2026

Microsoft plans Linux tools and an RTX Spark desktop for Windows developers

Microsoft's Build developer conference featured the introduction of Microsoft Scout, an AI tool designed to automate tasks by integrating with Microsoft 365 data. The conference also announced "Codename MDASH," a multi-model agentic scanning system for identifying and fixing software vulnerabilities. Additionally, the Surface RTX Spark Dev Box was unveiled, a compact developer PC with Nvidia's RTX Spark chip, up to 128GB of memory, preloaded with Windows 11 Pro, and tailored for developers. The Windows Dev Kit 2023 was also highlighted, powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3, facilitating the development of Arm-based Surface devices with improved code translation technology.

AppWizard

June 2, 2026

10 Tasker Hacks Every Android User Should Know

Tasker is an Android application available for .99 on the Google Play Store that enables extensive hacks, automations, and customizations for a personalized Android experience. - Users can change alarm sounds based on current weather conditions. - Tasker enhances reminders with features like customizable fonts, colors, sounds, vibrations, and specific recurrence options. - It can automate connecting to specific coffee shop wifi networks when in range. - Users can enable auto-rotate selectively for certain apps. - The ShakeWake project helps keep users awake during long sessions by sending alerts at intervals. - Tasker can restore ticker-style notifications for app alerts in the status bar. - It can disable touch inputs when the phone is in a pocket using the proximity sensor. - GPS can be activated only when specific apps, like Google Maps, are opened to conserve battery life. - Users can set a designated app to launch upon the first unlock of the day. - Tasker allows different apps to launch based on the fingerprint used to unlock the phone.

Winsage

June 2, 2026

“Agents are only as good as the context we give them”: Microsoft IQ connects AI agents to your workspace data and the web

AI Agents have been a major focus at this year's Build conference, with advancements allowing them to operate within secure sandboxes in Windows 11. Microsoft's launch of the Surface Laptop Ultra highlighted the importance of these agents. A new framework called Microsoft IQ was introduced, consisting of four components: Work IQ, Fabric IQ, Foundry IQ, and Web IQ, aimed at enhancing AI capabilities. Work IQ APIs will be generally available on June 16. Additionally, Microsoft introduced Scout, a personal work agent in preview for Frontier customers, which integrates with Teams and Outlook to manage tasks based on user preferences. These developments signify a shift in user interaction with PCs, as AI agents automate tasks and personalize workflows.

Winsage

May 31, 2026

Microsoft U-turns on ‘infuriating’ Copilot update

Microsoft introduced a floating button for its Copilot assistant in the bottom-right corner of Office applications to enhance accessibility. However, this change faced backlash from users, leading Microsoft to revert the button to its original location in the ribbon at the top of the screen. Users can now choose from three options regarding the Copilot button: keep the floating button, dock it to the side, or return it to the ribbon. Microsoft noted that only about 3.3% of Microsoft 365 users currently pay for Copilot and is recalibrating its approach to integrating AI across its platforms. The company remains committed to introducing AI agents to the Windows taskbar as an optional feature, which will answer questions, automate tasks, interact with files and applications, and act on behalf of the user.

Winsage

May 30, 2026

How to Free Up Disk Space on Windows 11

Your C: drive may be full, causing Windows to send reminders about low disk space or updates failing to install. Windows 11 includes built-in tools to help reclaim disk space. The guide outlines methods for recovering space, starting with the quickest techniques. 1. Cleanup Recommendations: Navigate to Start > Settings > System > Storage > Cleanup recommendations to review and remove temporary files, large or unused files, and apps. Deleting the previous Windows installation can recover several gigabytes but is irreversible. 2. Clear Temporary Files Manually: Go to Start > Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files to manually select and remove temporary files. 3. Empty the Recycle Bin: Right-click the Recycle Bin and select Empty Recycle Bin to reclaim space from deleted files. 4. Find and Move Large Personal Files: Use File Explorer to locate and move large files from Videos, Music, Pictures, or Downloads to an external drive. 5. Uninstall Unused Apps: Uninstall applications via Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps, the Start menu, or Control Panel. 6. Turn On Storage Sense: Activate Storage Sense in Start > Settings > System > Storage to automate cleanups. 7. Configure Storage Sense Schedule: Adjust the schedule for Storage Sense cleanups in Start > Settings > System > Storage > Storage Sense. 8. Use Classic Disk Cleanup: Access the classic Disk Cleanup tool by typing "disk cleanup" in the search box to remove system files and items overlooked by the Settings scan. 9. Free Up Local Space with OneDrive Files On-Demand: Enable Files On-Demand in OneDrive settings to keep files in the cloud and free up local space. 10. Redirect Where New Content Is Saved: Change the default save location for new files in Start > Settings > System > Storage > Advanced storage settings. 11. Use External Storage to Install a Stuck Update: Connect an external USB drive with at least 10 GB of free space to assist with installing updates. 12. Rule Out Malware: Run a Windows Security antivirus scan if disk space continues to disappear unexpectedly. Deleting files in File Explorer moves them to the Recycle Bin, and space is not reclaimed until it is emptied. Deleting the previous Windows installation is irreversible and can only be done within 10 days of an upgrade. The KB5074105 update changed the scan context for Temporary files, preventing certain admin-restricted items from being detected. Storage Sense operates only on the system drive and does not automatically delete files in Downloads or OneDrive unless configured.