companies Archives

Tech Optimizer

June 30, 2025

‘PostgreSQL Eats the World, But CockroachDB Digests It’

The database market is shifting due to increasing demands for scalability, resilience, and AI integration. CockroachDB, led by CEO Spencer Kimball, focuses on distributed SQL databases built on PostgreSQL, emphasizing horizontal scaling capabilities. CockroachDB is designed for high operational data volumes, aiming to support hundreds of terabytes to petabytes. The company prioritizes operational databases over analytical ones, catering to both human and AI access for high concurrency and strong consistency. Kimball envisions AI enhancing observability and support, potentially reducing issue resolution times significantly. CockroachDB is also developing vector indexing for nearest-neighbor searches in high-dimensional spaces but does not aim to compete with general-purpose vector databases. Cost reduction is a priority, with potential improvements in utilization and cloud cost efficiencies projected to reduce costs by 10 to 16 times. CockroachDB's geographic scalability allows it to serve customers across multiple regions, ensuring compliance with data locality laws. The database is cloud-agnostic, supporting hybrid deployments, and is positioned as a solution for self-hosted enterprise customers. Kimball highlights the challenges of integrating AI into distributed systems and notes that cloud vendors view CockroachDB as both a competitor and a partner. CockroachDB maintains a PostgreSQL-like experience while adapting for distributed environments, particularly in ID generation. The company was founded in 2015 by former Google employees, inspired by Google’s Bigtable and Spanner databases, and aims to combine the benefits of SQL with the scalability of distributed systems.

Winsage

June 30, 2025

Windows 7 still supported by major anti-virus solution makers as ESU program persists

Businesses are increasingly leveraging their own research and testing to gain a competitive edge, fostering innovation and tailoring strategies to meet the needs of their target audiences. Organizations are finding that valuable insights often come from internal resources, allowing them to conduct experiments that reflect specific market conditions and consumer behaviors. A/B testing is being used to refine marketing strategies by comparing campaign versions to identify which resonates more with audiences, enhancing engagement and optimizing return on investment. Data analytics tools are essential for interpreting findings, enabling organizations to identify trends and patterns that inform product development and customer service enhancements. Tailoring offerings based on feedback can improve customer satisfaction, while understanding market demands leads to more relevant product features and higher conversion rates in marketing campaigns. Encouraging a culture of experimentation empowers employees to test new ideas, driving creativity and collaboration. Companies that prioritize internal research and testing can adapt swiftly to changing market dynamics, positioning themselves to thrive in a competitive landscape.

BetaBeacon

June 29, 2025

Why this Android + Apple Trackable Wallet Could Change Your EDC Game Forever

Seinxon has created the first wallet that is compatible with both Apple Find My and Google Find My Device simultaneously, catering to users with multiple devices or who switch platforms. The wallet integrates tracking systems natively, has a detachable magnetic cardholder that doubles as a phone stand, built-in NFC business card functionality, is IP68 certified for water resistance, and offers wireless charging with a custom 400mAh lithium polymer cell. The wallet is priced at , ships globally, and will be available starting July 2025.

AppWizard

June 29, 2025

Russia Launches State-Run Messaging App

Russia has introduced a state-backed messaging application, announced by President Vladimir Putin, aimed at providing a homegrown alternative to platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. The initiative addresses national security concerns and seeks to enhance control over the digital landscape. The app will facilitate messaging, bill payments, form completions, and access to official records, all on a single platform. It promises standard messaging features and enhanced security measures. However, there are concerns about privacy and potential government surveillance, which may affect user adoption. This initiative is part of Russia's broader strategy to foster a self-sufficient technology ecosystem.

Winsage

June 28, 2025

Windows 10 still powers millions of business PCs with support set to end in just four months

Millions of enterprise devices are still using Windows 10, with a report indicating that half of all business-managed Windows devices have not transitioned to Windows 11. In the healthcare sector, 19% of devices are too outdated to upgrade without replacement, and the finance sector also shows slow modernization. The Americas have only 43% of enterprise devices upgraded to Windows 11, while Europe has a 70% upgrade rate. Larger organizations managing over 10,000 devices have completed only 42% of their migrations due to complex environments and aging infrastructure. Microsoft is offering paid support through its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, and third-party provider 0patch plans to deliver security fixes for at least five years after Microsoft's support ends.

Tech Optimizer

June 28, 2025

Norton AntiVirus Plus for Mac

Windows is the primary target for malware attacks, leading to a focus on antivirus applications for the platform, while macOS users have fewer options. Norton AntiVirus Plus for Mac offers robust cross-platform protection and has received perfect scores from independent testing labs, excelling in phishing protection. It is priced at approximately .99 annually for a single license and .99 for a five-license subscription. Norton supports the latest three macOS versions: Sequoia (15), Sonoma (14), and Ventura (13). The Gen stack, a new antivirus engine, consolidates technology from Norton, Avast, and AVG, ensuring consistent performance. Norton achieved a perfect score of 18 points in independent testing, with a 100% detection rate for Mac malware and Windows-specific threats. It offers flexible scanning options, with quick scans completing in 30 seconds and full scans in 27 minutes. Norton has a 100% detection rate for phishing sites and includes a smart firewall and intrusion prevention system. Its password manager offers basic functions but lacks advanced features. Norton Genie is an AI-based scam detection tool integrated into the ecosystem. The software includes performance improvement tools like File Cleanup and Startup Manager, but privacy components require separate purchases.

Tech Optimizer

June 28, 2025

Microsoft set to withdraw direct kernel access from security software

Microsoft is changing Windows to restrict security software from operating at the kernel level to reduce vulnerabilities. This decision follows a flawed update from CrowdStrike that crashed over 8.5 million Windows machines. Microsoft is collaborating with security firms like CrowdStrike, Bitdefender, ESET, and Trend Micro to create a new security platform, emphasizing a cooperative approach rather than dictating terms. The transition will start with a private preview for security companies, initially affecting antivirus and endpoint detection software, with plans to include other applications later. Microsoft is also introducing a Quick Machine Recovery feature to restore systems that fail to boot and replacing the "Blue Screen of Death" with a black screen as part of its updates.

Winsage

June 27, 2025

This city is dumping Microsoft Office and Windows for OnlyOffice and Linux

Lyon, the third-largest city in France, is transitioning from Microsoft’s Windows and Office suite to open-source alternatives such as Linux, OnlyOffice, NextCloud, and PostgreSQL. This move is part of a broader strategy among European governments to enhance digital sovereignty and reduce reliance on American technology firms due to concerns over data security and autonomy. The city is developing a collaborative suite called Territoire Numérique Ouvert in partnership with regional digital organizations, which will be hosted in local data centers. The migration process is already underway, with municipal workstations moving from Windows to Linux and Microsoft Office being replaced by OnlyOffice. Lyon expects direct cost savings from this migration, including extending the lifespan of municipal hardware and reducing electronic waste. Over 50% of public contracts related to this project have been awarded to firms within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, all to French companies. Training for approximately 10,000 civil servants began in June 2025 as part of the transition to Linux.

Tech Optimizer

June 27, 2025

Microsoft is trying to get antivirus software away from the Windows kernel

Microsoft is engaging with third-party companies to establish new standards for collaboration and address concerns. The company is implementing security enhancements for Windows, including a redesign of the "blue screen of death," now called the "unexpected restart screen," which will change from blue to black. This redesign aims to improve readability and align with Windows 11 aesthetics. A new feature, "quick machine recovery" (QMR), will help users recover from multiple unexpected restarts or boot loops by transitioning to Windows Recovery Environment (RE). QMR will be enabled by default on Windows 11 Home, with configuration options for Pro and Enterprise versions. Both QMR and the redesigned screen will be included in the Windows 11 24H2 update, set to launch later this summer, with additional customization options planned for later in the year.

Winsage

June 26, 2025

Microsoft says goodbye to the Windows blue screen of death

Microsoft has announced the retirement of the "blue screen of death" in favor of a new black screen for Windows 11 24H2 devices, set to debut this summer. This change aims to streamline the restart experience and reduce downtime during unexpected interruptions to two seconds for most users. The blue screen has been part of Windows since the early 1990s, and the transition is part of a broader initiative to minimize disruptions.