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Spencer: Xbox isn't trying to move players away from owning games
AppWizard
February 19, 2025

Spencer: Xbox isn’t trying to move players away from owning games

Phil Spencer, head of Microsoft's gaming division, clarified that Microsoft is not trying to move players away from game ownership but aims to provide various options for gaming, including traditional ownership and subscription models like Xbox Game Pass. He reassured gamers about the future of hardware and the ability to continue playing their games, emphasizing the company's commitment to maintaining players' libraries through features like backward compatibility and Play Anywhere. Spencer stated that players can purchase any game available on Game Pass, reinforcing the flexibility in gaming experiences. He acknowledged the need for profitability while focusing on maximizing options for gamers. Additionally, he noted that embracing Windows and cloud technology has been crucial for Microsoft's growth, particularly in Asia, where cloud and PC gaming are expanding rapidly.
Microsoft makes massive MIDI improvements for musicians using Windows 11
Winsage
February 6, 2025

Microsoft makes massive MIDI improvements for musicians using Windows 11

Microsoft has introduced the Windows MIDI Services Public Preview with the rollout of Windows 11 build 27788, which includes full support for MIDI 2.0. This update features a new USB MIDI 2.0 Class Driver that is backward compatible with MIDI 1.0, and a Windows MIDI Services App SDK for managing MIDI settings. Key enhancements include: - Full support for the MIDI 2.0 Standard, enabling high-speed data transmission and improved message fidelity. - Faster transports for better timing and reduced jitter. - Multi-client endpoints allowing multiple applications to access each endpoint simultaneously. - Enhanced endpoint and port management for improved organization. - In-service scheduling for managing timestamped messages. - Built-in loopback and app-to-app MIDI for complex routing. - Automatic translation between MIDI 1.0 and MIDI 2.0. - Expanded device metadata for enhanced functionality. - Improved notifications for device management. - Backward compatibility with the WinMM MIDI 1.0 API. - An open-source initiative for the MIDI Service and associated tools.
Windows MIDI Services Public Preview: MIDI 2.0, Multi-Client Support, and More
Winsage
February 6, 2025

Windows MIDI Services Public Preview: MIDI 2.0, Multi-Client Support, and More

Microsoft has released a public preview of Windows MIDI Services in the latest build of Windows 11 for Windows Insiders on the Canary Channel. Key features include: - Full support for the MIDI 2.0 standard, including high-speed data transmission and higher-fidelity messages. - Faster transports for improved timing and reduced jitter. - Enhanced USB MIDI driver supporting both MIDI 1.0 and MIDI 2.0. - Multi-client support for simultaneous use of a single device by multiple applications. - In-service scheduling of timestamped messages for applications using the new Windows MIDI Services App SDK. - Built-in loopback and app-to-app MIDI support. - Automatic translation between MIDI 1.0 and MIDI 2.0. - Increased device metadata available to applications. - Improved notifications for device add/update/remove events. - Backward compatibility with the WinMM (MME) MIDI 1.0 API and future support for WinRT MIDI 1.0. - Open-source nature of the MIDI Service, with all components being MIT-licensed open-source projects.
Predicting the (actually very exciting) future of Xbox hardware
Winsage
December 21, 2024

Predicting the (actually very exciting) future of Xbox hardware

A game analyst predicts that the high-end console market may not support both PlayStation and Xbox, suggesting a possible exit for Xbox. However, the relevance of console exclusives is diminishing as PlayStation expands to platforms like Steam, and Valve allows manufacturers to create consoles based on its operating system. Xbox is likely to increase its device variety, with Microsoft appointing Roanne Sones to lead its hardware ecosystem. Under her leadership, Xbox is expanding beyond traditional consoles, showcasing devices like the ASUS ROG Ally handheld gaming PC and mobile controllers. The upcoming CES 2025 will feature discussions on enhancing Windows for gaming handhelds. Both Xbox and PlayStation rely on x86 AMD architecture, and the industry is exploring monetization strategies amid rising costs and stagnant user growth. Microsoft aims to align Xbox more closely with Windows for easier game deployment and potential integration of third-party stores. There is speculation about eliminating the paywall for premium multiplayer gaming in the next generation. Successful execution of this vision is uncertain, as Microsoft must navigate regional marketing and distribution complexities while ensuring a smooth gaming experience and backward compatibility.
Microsoft NTLM Zero-Day to Remain Unpatched Until April
Winsage
December 10, 2024

Microsoft NTLM Zero-Day to Remain Unpatched Until April

Microsoft has issued new guidance to help organizations defend against NTLM relay attacks following the discovery of a zero-day vulnerability affecting all versions of Windows Workstation and Server, from Windows 7 to Windows 11. This vulnerability allows attackers to capture NTLM credentials by tricking users into opening a malicious file. Microsoft has classified the vulnerability as having moderate severity and expects a fix to be rolled out in April. This is the second NTLM credential leak zero-day reported to Microsoft by ACROS Security since October. Microsoft has updated its guidance on enabling Extended Protection for Authentication (EPA) by default on LDAP, AD CS, and Exchange Server to mitigate NTLM-related vulnerabilities.
Microsoft Store expands to update all Win32 apps, but users remain skeptical
Winsage
December 7, 2024

Microsoft Store expands to update all Win32 apps, but users remain skeptical

Microsoft is working to enhance the Windows App Store by allowing third-party publishers to manage updates for their Win32 applications directly through the Store. The Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27758 introduces support for Win32 applications, enabling users to manage and update these programs without leaving the Store. Users can access updates via the "Downloads" page, but must manually initiate the update process. This centralized update feature is exclusive to applications downloaded from the Microsoft Store, while traditional Win32 software remains unaffected. The update capability provides developers with a new distribution method while retaining control over updates. Additionally, the build addresses various bugs in Windows components, although some compatibility issues with Windows 11 24H2 persist.
Red Dead Redemption PC port review – looks and runs better than ever
AppWizard
November 1, 2024

Red Dead Redemption PC port review – looks and runs better than ever

Red Dead Redemption has been released on PC, allowing players to experience John Marston's story five years after Red Dead Redemption 2. The PC port includes modern upscaling features like DLSS and FSR, but some technical aspects feel outdated compared to the PS4 version. Keyboard and mouse controls are well-implemented, and the graphics menu allows adjustments to shadows and detail levels for geometry, trees, and grass. The game runs smoothly on high-performance PCs, achieving over 100fps at 4K resolution with DLAA enabled, although certain settings can cause performance drops. The port is stable with no significant bugs, and over a hundred community mods have emerged to enhance the game. Red Dead Redemption is now available on PC, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One, and is playable on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S through backward compatibility.
Timescale Brings PostgreSQL into the GenAI Era with pgai Vectorizer
Tech Optimizer
October 29, 2024

Timescale Brings PostgreSQL into the GenAI Era with pgai Vectorizer

Timescale has enhanced its PostgreSQL database platform by introducing the pgai Vectorizer, an open-source tool that integrates advanced AI capabilities. This tool is part of a suite of PostgreSQL extensions aimed at reducing infrastructure costs by 75%. PostgreSQL is widely used by 49% of developers, and the pgai Vectorizer simplifies AI development workflows by allowing developers to create, store, and manage vector embeddings alongside relational data within a single system. Key features of the pgai Vectorizer include unified management of AI data, real-time synchronization of vector embeddings, seamless experimentation with embedding models, and version tracking for model compatibility. This integration positions PostgreSQL as a comprehensive platform for building AI applications, enabling faster development while reducing infrastructure concerns. Timescale continues to focus on enhancing PostgreSQL's capabilities for demanding workloads, supported by investors like Benchmark and NEA.
Making Adding AI Apps with Postgres Easier for Developers
Tech Optimizer
October 29, 2024

Making Adding AI Apps with Postgres Easier for Developers

Timescale has introduced the pgai Vectorizer, a tool that automates the embedding process within PostgreSQL, allowing developers to create, store, and manage vector embeddings alongside relational data without needing external tools. Built on the pgvector extension, it simplifies the integration of AI into applications for developers lacking AI expertise. The pgai Vectorizer automates embedding creation with a single SQL query, synchronizes data changes to vector embeddings in real-time, allows effortless switching between embedding models, and tracks model versions for backward compatibility. It replaces the need for building ETL pipelines, chunking and formatting data, scaling the embedding creation pipeline, and ensuring synchronization of embeddings and metadata. The pgai suite, launched last June, aims to empower PostgreSQL developers in AI engineering and has expanded to support various AI models. Additionally, the pgvectorscale enhances PostgreSQL's capabilities for large-scale AI use cases, offering performance comparable to dedicated vector databases while being cost-efficient. The pgai tools are open-source, reducing infrastructure costs and streamlining development processes. Recent benchmarks show that Timescale's pgvector outperforms standalone vector databases in performance and cost-effectiveness.
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