balance Archives

Tech Optimizer

July 8, 2026

Critical PHP PDO Driver Bugs Expose Firebird SQL Injection and PostgreSQL DoS Risks

A recent examination of PHP's database driver layer revealed two significant vulnerabilities in PHP Data Objects (PDO) affecting the pdo_firebird and pdo_pgsql drivers. The first vulnerability, CVE-2026-25289, allows SQL injection attacks through NUL byte manipulation in quoted strings, compromising the safety of SQL statements. The second vulnerability, CVE-2026-25290, can cause application crashes due to null pointer dereferencing when invalid multibyte character sequences are processed. Both vulnerabilities stem from assumptions about C string handling and have been addressed in a security release. Researchers recommend treating binary input as untrustworthy and encapsulating financial workflows within atomic transactions.

AppWizard

July 8, 2026

I played 4 hours of The Blood of Dawnwalker and it borrows a heck of a lot from The Witcher 3, for good and bad

Polish studio Rebel Wolves is developing an open-world vampire RPG titled The Blood of Dawnwalker, which draws inspiration from The Witcher 3. The game features a three-hour prologue where players control Coen, a villager under the rule of Brencis, who imposes a bloodletting ritual on the citizens. The gameplay includes a time system that divides each day into eight segments, influencing quest completion and player choices. Coen interacts with various characters, including a local bully and a herbalist, while navigating moral dilemmas in a society dominated by vampiric rule. The combat mechanics allow for varied styles based on Coen's human and vampire abilities, though they may not appeal to all players. The game is noted for its visually stunning environment and rich narrative potential.

AppWizard

July 7, 2026

Why There’s A Briefcase Symbol On Your Android Phone’s Screen (And How To Turn It Off)

Android has introduced a feature called Work Profile that creates a dedicated workspace on devices, separating professional applications from personal ones. This allows users to maintain distinct versions of applications, such as having separate Gmail accounts for work and personal use. The data within the Work Profile is encrypted and accessible only to an organization's IT administrators, ensuring privacy for personal applications and data. Users can identify work apps by a briefcase icon in the status bar, which disappears when the app is closed. To temporarily pause the Work Profile, users can access the Quick Settings panel or navigate to the app drawer and select the Work tab. When paused, work apps will vanish from the app drawer, and notifications will cease. Users can reactivate the Work Profile through the same methods. Additionally, Android's Digital Wellbeing settings allow users to schedule the activation and deactivation of the Work Profile. To permanently disable the Work Profile, users must delete it from the device, which removes all associated work apps and data. This can only be done if the device was originally owned by the user or if ownership has been transferred. The steps include accessing the Settings app, selecting Passwords and accounts, navigating to the Work tab, and tapping on Remove work profile. A factory reset can also delete the Work Profile but will erase personal apps and data as well.

Tech Optimizer

July 6, 2026

Why most AI projects fail: It’s infrastructure and people

AI technology faces significant criticism for its low success rates in delivering business results, with studies indicating a 95% failure rate for enterprise AI solutions and only 9% of organizations in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa achieving measurable outcomes from AI initiatives. Four main shortcomings hinder the transition of AI prototypes to production: 1. Deployment Flexibility: Prototyping environments often lack the necessary flexibility for large-scale production deployment, particularly in regulated sectors. 2. Data Sovereignty: Production transitions can complicate data sovereignty at enterprise and regional levels. 3. Reliability: High availability is crucial for production environments, but vendor-managed platforms may not guarantee seamless upgrades or hardware swaps without downtime. 4. Disconnect in Tool Selection: Developers often choose tools for prototyping without considering production implications, leading to difficulties in scaling. The shortage of database administrators (DBAs) is exacerbated by the increasing use of AI tools, with 84% of developers utilizing them according to a 2025 survey. To address these challenges, Merrick suggests leveraging AI DBA agents to support human DBAs and improve database management efficiency. He emphasizes the need for both robust data infrastructure and enhanced operational support to improve the success rates of AI prototypes.

AppWizard

July 6, 2026

Brigador devs think it’s crucial that their abrasive, hardcore mech sims aren’t for everyone: ‘I think we make boy slop, but that’s okay’

Jack Monahan and Hugh Monahan, from Stellar Jockeys, discussed game design balance in their upcoming title, Brigador Killers. They emphasized the importance of approachability and depth, reflecting on their previous game, Brigador, which initially struggled in sales but gained a cult following. Jack mentioned the need for complexity while maintaining mainstream appeal for financial viability. He expressed concerns about creative compromises and the importance of authenticity in game design. Hugh highlighted the significance of challenge and complexity in creating memorable gaming experiences and communities, referencing the success of Dark Souls. Brigador is currently available for .50 during the Steam Summer sale, while Brigador Killers is in development with no set release date, but players can wishlist it and explore its demo on Steam. Brigador Killers will feature a mechanic allowing players to exit their vehicles, enhancing gameplay depth.

AppWizard

July 5, 2026

Fill your Steam library without spending a single dime — scratch your shopping itch with the Steam Summer Sale Simulator

Mike Wang, a programmer and web developer, created the Steam Summer Sale simulator, a website that mimics the Steam interface, allowing users to create fictional accounts and add games to their cart with a virtual wallet balance of [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: In the realm of digital gaming, the allure of building an expansive Steam library is undeniable. With some enthusiasts amassing collections worth nearly 0,000, the thrill of acquiring games can be intoxicating. However, for the majority of gamers, such extravagant spending is simply not feasible. Enter Mike Wang, a programmer and web developer who has ingeniously crafted a solution: the Steam Summer Sale simulator. A Digital Playground This innovative website mimics the familiar interface of Steam, inviting users to create a fictional account with any name they choose. Upon entering this virtual marketplace, players are greeted with a 0 wallet balance, allowing them to indulge in the joy of adding games to their cart without the burden of real financial consequences. Should users exhaust their funds, the wallet replenishes automatically to 0, effectively granting them an endless budget to explore the vast library of games. The experience is further enhanced by the playful sounds accompanying each action, making the act of adding games to the cart feel rewarding and engaging. Users can repeatedly click the + Add Funds button, watching their virtual wealth swell into the millions, all while enjoying the delightful auditory feedback that accompanies their every purchase. Once satisfied with their selections, users can proceed to the cart and click Continue to payment, where the magic unfolds. Each game is seamlessly added to their library, accompanied by sound effects that evoke the excitement of a jackpot win. This whimsical approach to gaming not only satiates the desire to collect but also provides a lighthearted escape from reality. im addicted to buying digital games on steamand the summer sale is not helpingso i made a website that gives me the same dopamine of buying games without spending actual money pic.twitter.com/PHxT75VpusJuly 3, 2026 While the Steam Summer Sale simulator may initially appear to be a frivolous endeavor, its creator emphasizes the psychological benefits it offers. By simulating the experience of purchasing games without the financial implications, users can enjoy the dopamine rush associated with buying, all in a fun and entertaining format. The site even includes achievements, such as the challenging Exact Change achievement, which adds an extra layer of engagement and competition. In a world where digital experiences are increasingly valued, the Steam Summer Sale simulator stands out as a creative outlet for gamers seeking a taste of the thrill of acquisition, minus the financial commitment. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, the joy of gaming can be found in the simplest of pleasures." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] that replenishes automatically. The site provides auditory feedback for each action, enhancing the experience of adding games without real financial consequences. It includes achievements like the Exact Change achievement, offering psychological benefits by simulating the thrill of purchasing games without spending actual money.

Winsage

July 4, 2026

How to Enable Windows 11 CPU Boost

Modern processors can automatically adjust their clock speeds based on demand. Windows 11 includes a feature called CPU boost that allows users to manage CPU performance responsiveness, balancing power efficiency and performance. CPU boost modifies how often Windows prompts the CPU to enter boosted states without changing the maximum turbo speed or hardware limitations. Users can select aggressive settings for improved responsiveness or less aggressive modes for reduced heat and power consumption. To enable CPU boost, users can either modify the Registry Editor or use a command in the Command Prompt. Once enabled, users can configure their preferences in the Control Panel under Power Options. Available boost mode settings include Disabled, Enabled, Aggressive, Efficient Enabled, and Efficient Aggressive, with options varying by CPU model and Windows version. Monitoring performance and system metrics after selecting a mode is recommended.

Winsage

July 4, 2026

Ex-Microsoft engineer rebuilds Notepad in 2.5KB using nothing but stuff Windows already had

Dave Plummer, a retired Microsoft engineer, has developed TinyRetroPad, a Notepad-like application that is only 2.5 kilobytes in size. TinyRetroPad includes features such as Open, Save, Find and Replace, printing, font selection, word wrap, and an unsaved changes prompt. It is built on existing Windows components, allowing it to function efficiently without extensive resources. TinyRetroPad is based on Dave’s Tiny Editor and utilizes RICHEDIT50W for text handling. The application's file size increased incrementally with each feature added, with the final size being 2,476 bytes. Crinkler, a compression linker, was used to optimize the executable. TinyRetroPad is still in development, facing issues like high memory consumption and compatibility problems. In contrast, Windows 11's Notepad has become larger and more complex, weighing approximately 352KB and incorporating features that some users find unnecessary. Windows 11 LTSC retains the classic Notepad without modern features, while TinyRetroPad aims to demonstrate the potential for simplicity in application design.

AppWizard

July 4, 2026

Sand publisher celebrates 300,000 copies sold: ‘We getting a half hour of air conditioning tonight!’

Sand: Raiders of Sophie, a steampunk-mechs-in-the-desert game, sold 300,000 copies after its early access launch. An update released on July 2 caused connection issues, leading to a rollback of changes. The game ranks among the top 100 most played games. The second update on June 2 faced backlash due to connectivity problems but was quickly addressed. The update included fixes for server availability, enhanced BattlEye functionality, refined character movement, and various balance changes. Known issues include characters getting stuck on ladders and transparency issues in spectator mode.

AppWizard

July 3, 2026

One of the best sci-fi strategy games of 2004 is free in GOG’s Summer Sale

Nexus: The Jupiter Incident is a tactical fleet simulator set in a sci-fi universe, released in April 2005 and received an 83% review score from PC Gamer. It is currently available for free on GOG until July 6 as part of the Summer Sale. The game's narrative takes place 60 years after the events surrounding Noah's Ark, focusing on Captain Marcus Cromwell amidst a conflict among megacorporations. The GOG Summer Sale runs until July 9, offering various games at discounted prices.