competitive Archives

Tech Optimizer

June 4, 2025

Snowflake Buying Crunchy Data To Help Enterprises Deploy Compliant AI Agents

Snowflake plans to acquire Crunchy Data, a provider of open-source Postgres technology, to integrate Snowflake Postgres into its AI Data Cloud. This acquisition aims to offer an enterprise-grade, AI-ready PostgreSQL database with strong governance and security for mission-critical AI applications. Snowflake Postgres will be fully compatible with production applications, enhancing capabilities within the AI Data Cloud by leveraging Crunchy Data’s reputation for enterprise readiness in FedRAMP-compliant environments. PostgreSQL is favored by 49% of developers, and Snowflake Postgres will simplify building, deploying, and scaling production-ready AI applications. Customers like Blue Yonder and LandingAI will benefit from accelerated operations and enhanced efficiency through this integration. Snowflake aims to support the Postgres community and existing Crunchy Data customers, unifying transactional and analytical data within a single database. Key stakeholders from both companies express confidence in the acquisition's potential to enhance security and operational capabilities for enterprise organizations.

Winsage

June 4, 2025

Microsoft will stop pestering Windows users about Edge in EU

Microsoft has made adjustments to its Windows operating system to comply with Europe’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). Designated as a "gatekeeper" under the DMA in 2023, Microsoft is required to modify its core platform services. The changes announced in March 2024 for European users include the ability to uninstall Edge and Bing, support for third-party web applications on the Windows taskbar, and revisions to sign-on practices. Users will now only receive notifications to set Edge as their default browser after opening it, and the "Set Default" button will cover more file types in the EEA. Some enhancements are available in the Beta Channel, with a broader rollout expected in July. Windows Search will allow EEA users to install applications that designate alternative web search providers, and users will soon be able to uninstall and reinstall the Microsoft Store. Jon S. von Tetzchner, CEO of Vivaldi, praised the changes but noted that the process for setting a preferred default browser still needs improvement.

Tech Optimizer

June 3, 2025

I tested Bitdefender and McAfee in an antivirus software showdown, and here’s what I found

Bitdefender and McAfee are two leading antivirus software options known for robust malware protection and additional security features. Bitdefender achieves 98% effectiveness in real-time threat detection, while McAfee uses machine learning for threat identification but may produce false positives. Bitdefender offers a basic firewall, not available for macOS, whereas McAfee provides a more advanced firewall with device monitoring. Bitdefender has a standalone Digital Identity Protection service, while McAfee offers comprehensive identity theft protections in its Premium subscription. Bitdefender includes a VPN with a 200MB daily data cap, while McAfee provides unlimited VPN access but with fewer countries and features. Both offer password managers, but Bitdefender lacks two-factor authentication, while McAfee's True Key includes multi-factor authentication. Bitdefender’s parental controls are basic, while McAfee’s Safe Family includes location tracking. Bitdefender is known for lightweight performance, but recent tests suggest McAfee may have better system optimization. Both have user-friendly interfaces, with Bitdefender organizing features into tabs and McAfee offering a simpler design. In terms of protection, Bitdefender has a 98.7% detection rate, while McAfee excels online with 99.6% but struggles offline. Bitdefender's pricing starts at .99 for the first year, while McAfee's Basic plan starts at .99. Overall, Bitdefender is more budget-friendly, while McAfee offers advanced identity theft protection.

AppWizard

June 3, 2025

Splitgate 2’s official launch is just days away as devs tease ‘a massive surprise’ which will be unveiled at Summer Game Fest

Splitgate 2 has entered its open beta phase, launched in early May, with the official release of version 1.0 scheduled for June 6. 1047 Games has released a new trailer that explores the emotional complexities of a character from the Sabrask faction dealing with perpetual resurrection. The character learns to reconcile with their fate, improving their performance and teamwork. The trailer concludes with the message “Get up,” emphasizing resilience in competitive gaming. The open beta remains active until the official launch, allowing players to explore the game and purchase exclusive cosmetics. A significant announcement related to Splitgate 2 is expected during the Summer Game Fest livestream.

Tech Optimizer

June 3, 2025

Malwarebytes Premium Security review

Malwarebytes, founded in 2004 by Marcin Kleczynski, is an independent cybersecurity company that provides effective malware protection globally. The Malwarebytes Premium Security suite includes antivirus, phishing and identity protection, and an unlimited VPN powered by Mullvad. Pricing for the one-year license for a single device is .99, while a five-device license costs .99, and a two-year plan is priced at .98. The Premium Security Ultimate plan offers full identity protection and credit monitoring for .99 for the first year, with renewal at 9.99. A limited free version is available that detects and removes existing threats but lacks real-time protection. The app features a straightforward design with a clear dashboard, prioritizing user experience. Malwarebytes focuses on efficient scanning of commonly infected areas, completing test scans in 13 minutes. However, it does not automatically scan removable drives and lacks a warning system for password-protected files. Independent lab testing is infrequent, but Malwarebytes has received an AVLab 'Product of the Year' award and demonstrated strong performance in MRG Effitas assessments. In practical tests, Malwarebytes effectively detected known malware but struggled with behavioral detection against custom ransomware. It includes anti-phishing features, initially blocking 16% of phishing sites, which improved to 62% with the BrowserGuard extension. The unlimited VPN offers encryption and privacy but has limitations in unblocking streaming services. The identity protection feature scans for breaches associated with user email addresses and Social Security Numbers for U.S. users.

AppWizard

June 3, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Undergrave, Rotaeno, Dungeon Tracer, more

A new wave of deals on Android apps has emerged on Google Play. The summer Discover Samsung sale offers significant discounts on Galaxy S25 devices, with savings up to 0, and includes a complimentary 32-inch 4K M7 smart monitor. Amazon has reduced the price of the Galaxy Watch Ultra by 0 and also lowered the price of the 256GB Google Pixel 9. Featured apps on Google Play include Undergrave, Rotaeno, and Dungeon Tracer.

Tech Optimizer

June 3, 2025

Snowflake targets PostgreSQL gains with Crunchy Data acquisition – here’s what it means for customers

Snowflake intends to acquire Crunchy Data, a provider of open-source Postgres solutions, to enhance the development of secure agentic AI. This announcement was made at the Snowflake Summit in San Francisco, where the integration of Snowflake Postgres into the AI Data Cloud service was discussed. The acquisition aims to merge Postgres capabilities with improved security and governance features, addressing the demand for enterprise-grade Postgres solutions. Crunchy Data's expertise in FedRAMP compliant environments is expected to enhance developer productivity and meet security and compliance needs. PostgreSQL is widely used among developers, and the integration aims to streamline its enterprise utilization, particularly for AI applications. Clients using PostgreSQL can expect improved operational efficiency and a competitive edge in AI development.

Tech Optimizer

June 3, 2025

Snowflake to Acquire Crunchy Data to Strengthen AI Agent Business

Snowflake intends to acquire Crunchy Data to enhance its capabilities in artificial intelligence applications by integrating Crunchy Data’s open-source PostgreSQL technology into its AI Data Cloud. The acquisition, announced on June 2, is subject to regulatory approvals and will introduce a new PostgreSQL database called Snowflake Postgres. PostgreSQL is widely used by approximately 49% of developers and is valuable for organizations developing AI agents. The integration aims to improve deployment and operations for PostgreSQL users. Snowflake's Senior Vice President of Engineering noted that this acquisition targets a market opportunity valued at [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: Snowflake has announced its intention to acquire Crunchy Data, a move aimed at bolstering its capabilities in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) applications and agents. This strategic acquisition is set to integrate Crunchy Data’s open-source PostgreSQL technology into Snowflake’s AI Data Cloud. The announcement, made in a press release on June 2, highlights that the acquisition's completion hinges on regulatory approvals and standard closing conditions. Once finalized, it will introduce a new PostgreSQL database, aptly named Snowflake Postgres, to the AI Data Cloud ecosystem. Enhancing AI Capabilities PostgreSQL, commonly referred to as Postgres, is a widely adopted open-source relational database, utilized by approximately 49% of developers. This technology is particularly valuable for organizations developing AI agents that rely on data stored within platforms like Snowflake. The integration of Snowflake Postgres is expected to facilitate quicker deployment and more efficient operations for users of PostgreSQL. According to Vivek Raghunathan, Snowflake’s Senior Vice President of Engineering, this acquisition addresses a significant market opportunity valued at 0 billion, responding to the pressing need for customers to incorporate Postgres into the Snowflake AI Data Cloud. Paul Laurence, Co-Founder of Crunchy Data, emphasized the importance of security and compliance in their offerings, which have established Crunchy Data as a trusted partner for organizations operating in regulated sectors. He expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Snowflake, stating that this partnership will empower existing Postgres users to manage critical workloads with enhanced confidence and security on the Snowflake platform. This acquisition follows Snowflake's earlier announcement regarding the establishment of a new AI hub in Silicon Valley, designed to support developers, startups, and business leaders in their AI initiatives. Meanwhile, in a related development, Databricks recently revealed its acquisition of Neon, a database startup, further illustrating the competitive landscape in the AI and data sectors." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] billion. Crunchy Data's Co-Founder highlighted the importance of security and compliance in their offerings, which positions them as a trusted partner for regulated sectors. This acquisition follows Snowflake's announcement of a new AI hub in Silicon Valley.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Americans are missing out on some of the best updates Microsoft has made to Windows 11

Major tech companies, including Microsoft, are adapting their practices to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the European Union (EU). Microsoft has allowed users in the EU to uninstall Microsoft Edge, Bing, and OneDrive on Windows 11 devices. Additionally, Microsoft will no longer pressure users to adopt the Bing app; Bing searches will now open in the user's preferred default browser. This change applies to links from the Widgets Board or Lock Screen in the European Economic Area (EEA). Microsoft has limited prompts to set Edge as the default browser to when users actively open Edge. This update has been effective since May 29th, with the release of Edge version 137.0.3296.52. Users who set a default browser will have it pinned to the Taskbar automatically unless they opt out, and other Microsoft applications will not prompt users to reinstall Edge if it is uninstalled. The process for setting a default browser will now cover a wider range of file and link types in the EEA, and Windows Search will receive enhancements, including support for third-party web search providers. Many features are being gradually rolled out, starting with Windows Insider builds.

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.