capture Archives

Tech Optimizer

June 4, 2025

Migrate Google Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL to Amazon RDS and Amazon Aurora using pglogical

PostgreSQL is a popular open-source relational database used by enterprise developers and startups, enabling rapid prototyping and supporting mission-critical applications. Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL and Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible Edition facilitate easy setup, operation, and scaling of PostgreSQL deployments in the AWS Cloud, automating administrative tasks like software installation, storage management, and backups. The pglogical extension, compatible with PostgreSQL versions 9.4 and higher, allows for asynchronous replication and is supported on RDS for PostgreSQL and Aurora PostgreSQL from version 12. It uses a publisher/subscriber model for logical streaming replication. To migrate a PostgreSQL database from Google Cloud SQL to RDS for PostgreSQL or Aurora PostgreSQL, users must configure the primary database in Cloud SQL, create a PostgreSQL user with replication privileges, enable logical replication parameters, and create the pglogical extension. The RDS instance also requires a special user for replication, enabling logical replication parameters and creating the pglogical extension. Known limitations of pglogical include the inability to replicate primary key changes directly, the need to manually transfer extensions, and the lack of support for materialized views and large objects. Workarounds involve using surrogate keys for primary keys, manually creating extensions, and converting large objects to bytea columns or storing them in Amazon S3. DDL statements are not automatically replicated, but can be queued using the pglogical.replicate_ddl_command function.

AppWizard

June 4, 2025

DMA decision ignored “objective reality” of Facebook Messenger, Meta claims

The European Commission has classified Facebook Messenger as a core platform service under the EU's Digital Markets Act. Meta argues that this classification fails to recognize the app's integration within the broader Facebook ecosystem, asserting that understanding its functionality requires considering its relationship with the Facebook platform. Meta's response indicates the complexities in defining digital services as regulatory frameworks evolve.

AppWizard

June 4, 2025

You were right: Minecraft the Game changed because of the reaction to Minecraft the Movie

The recent release of A Minecraft Movie has become a financial success in 2025, prompting changes in the Minecraft game. At SXSW London, Harry Elonen, associate brand director for Minecraft, announced that elements from the movie have been integrated into the game as part of a transmedia strategy to enhance fan engagement. The frequency of game updates has increased from once a year to four times a year. A sequel to A Minecraft Movie is in preliminary development, suggesting more updates will follow. The film will be available for streaming on Max starting June 20.

AppWizard

June 3, 2025

Facebook, Yandex Apps Secretly Track Users Via Hidden Ports, Research Claims

Recent findings from IMDEA Networks Institute indicate that Facebook and Instagram apps have been tracking Android users' web browsing activities without consent, bypassing privacy controls and functioning even in incognito mode. This tracking affects millions of websites using Meta's tracking code. Yandex has employed similar tracking techniques since 2017, creating a cross-platform surveillance network. The tracking exploits Android’s permission system by establishing background services that listen on network ports, allowing the apps to capture browsing data and associate it with users' accounts. Meta's pixel is present on about 5.8 million websites, while Yandex Metrica is on around 3 million sites, potentially impacting billions of users. Approximately 78% of sites with Meta’s pixel and 84% of Yandex's sites attempted localhost communications without user consent. This tracking method operates at the operating system level, unaffected by cookie clearing, incognito modes, or privacy settings. Researchers have demonstrated that malicious apps could exploit this technique to gather users' browsing histories. Many website operators were unaware of these localhost communications, leading to confusion and complaints. In response, major browser vendors are implementing measures to block these tracking methods. Meta ceased this tracking on June 3rd, coinciding with the research's public release. The research highlights a significant security gap in mobile platforms regarding localhost communications, emphasizing the need for stricter policies and vetting processes.

AppWizard

June 3, 2025

‘A Minecraft Movie’ Threepeats Atop Weekly Fandango at Home Chart Through June 1

The Minecraft Movie is being developed to adapt the popular block-building game into a cinematic experience, aiming to appeal to both gamers and newcomers. The film will explore the game's lore and creativity while introducing new characters and plotlines, and it is being produced in collaboration with Mojang Studios to maintain the game's core principles. It is expected to feature stunning visuals that reflect the game's blocky aesthetic and target a wider audience, including families. The success of the film could influence future adaptations of video games into movies.

AppWizard

June 3, 2025

Dungeons & Dragons “single-player action-adventure” game announced for PC and consoles

Wizards of the Coast has partnered with Giant Skull to develop a new single-player action-adventure game set in the Dungeons & Dragons universe. The game is directed by Stig Asmussen and is being built using Unreal Engine 5 for PC and console platforms. No release date has been announced, and details about key art or gameplay mechanics are still pending. Additionally, Wizards of the Coast is collaborating with other studios on various projects, including a G.I. Joe game, another Dungeons & Dragons game themed around magic, a sci-fi RPG titled Exodus, and a suspense and horror game.

AppWizard

June 2, 2025

Minebrowse Propels Minecraft Servers to New Heights with Marketing and Advertising Services

Minebrowse is a platform designed to help Minecraft server owners effectively market their servers and connect with players. It offers tools for creating detailed server listings, including descriptions, banners, IP addresses, and player counts. The platform benefits from strong Search Engine Optimization (SEO), enhancing the visibility of listed servers in search results. Minebrowse provides both basic and premium listing options, allowing server owners to choose features that suit their needs and budgets. The user experience is optimized for both server owners and players, with a searchable interface that allows players to filter servers by various criteria. Additionally, Minebrowse encourages community engagement through server voting, which boosts server rankings and fosters player loyalty.

AppWizard

June 1, 2025

Elden Ring Nightreign artist wanted part of the game to feel ‘more cozy, more welcoming, more at home,’ so naturally she drew on Dark Souls for inspiration

Saori Mizuno, an Environmental Artist at FromSoftware, discussed the world design of Elden Ring Nightreign, highlighting the intention to create an environment that starts off familiar but gradually shifts into the unknown. The design team focused on themes of light and dark to enhance the atmosphere, with Limveld initially appearing beautiful but revealing a haunting quality. Mizuno drew inspiration from the Studio Ghibli film Spirited Away to evoke a sense of longing for home. The Round Table Hold is designed as a cozy and welcoming hub, reminiscent of the Firelink Shrine in Dark Souls. Despite the game's challenges, Mizuno's design encourages players to explore the beauty of Limveld.

Winsage

May 31, 2025

New Malware Compromise Microsoft Windows Without PE Header

A new strain of malware has been operating undetected on Windows systems for several weeks, utilizing advanced evasion techniques that corrupt its Portable Executable (PE) headers to avoid detection. Security researchers discovered this malware embedded in the memory of a compromised system during an investigation, using a 33GB memory dump that revealed its presence in a dllhost.exe process with process ID 8200. The malware, classified as a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) by Fortinet, employs batch scripts and PowerShell commands for its attack and has capabilities for screenshot capture, remote server functionality, and system service manipulation. Its command and control infrastructure uses encrypted communications, complicating detection efforts. The malware's distinctive feature is the deliberate corruption of DOS and PE headers, which hinders reverse engineering and complicates the reconstruction of the executable from memory dumps. Researchers had to manually locate the malware’s entry point and resolve complex import tables for it to function in a controlled environment.

AppWizard

May 31, 2025

‘A Minecraft Movie’ sucks, I love it

“A Minecraft Movie” is a 100-minute film that debuted on April 4, featuring a disjointed plot, lackluster script, and minimal character development. The film takes viewers into the “overworld” of Minecraft, where characters attempt to return to reality but face a rushed narrative that prioritizes action and comedy over coherent storytelling. Jack Black stars as Steve, with Jason Momoa as Garrett Garrison, showcasing strong chemistry. Supporting characters, including siblings Henry and Natalie, lack depth, and Jennifer Coolidge’s subplot feels inconsequential. Despite critical reception, the film has grossed over half a billion dollars, driven by the popularity of Minecraft and viral snippets of dialogue. Audience members engaged with the film during screenings, indicating a level of enjoyment despite its flaws.