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PostgreSQL 18 on Amazon Aurora and Amazon RDS: Performance enhancements
Tech Optimizer
June 20, 2026

PostgreSQL 18 on Amazon Aurora and Amazon RDS: Performance enhancements

PostgreSQL 18 addresses common performance challenges for users, including managing query performance across composite indexes, diagnosing memory spills in materialized Common Table Expressions (CTEs), and upgrading major versions without plan regressions. Key enhancements include skip scan optimization for multicolumn indexes, improved EXPLAIN functionality, and optimizer statistics that persist through major version upgrades. Skip scan optimization allows PostgreSQL to efficiently utilize multicolumn B-tree indexes even when leading columns are not specified in the WHERE clause, significantly improving query performance. The EXPLAIN command has been enhanced to include buffer statistics by default, providing deeper insights into query execution and resource usage. PostgreSQL 18 also introduces visibility into the storage of materialized nodes in query plans, indicating whether intermediate results were stored in memory or spilled to disk. A new metric, Index Searches, has been added to EXPLAIN ANALYZE output, indicating how many times the database traversed the index tree during query execution. Additionally, Self-Join Elimination (SJE) automatically detects and removes unnecessary inner joins of a table to itself, optimizing query performance. The autovacuum mechanism has been improved with the introduction of autovacuum_vacuum_max_threshold, which caps the number of dead tuples that can accumulate before autovacuum triggers a VACUUM, addressing issues with large tables. The vacuum_truncate parameter provides a server-wide control point to disable VACUUM’s file truncation behavior, reducing locking issues on busy systems. PostgreSQL 18 also separates the allocation of autovacuum worker slots from their usage, allowing for dynamic adjustments to autovacuum_max_workers without requiring a server restart. Finally, new columns in pg_stat_all_tables track cumulative time spent on maintenance operations, providing better insights into maintenance overhead for each table.
Microsoft once used its own brand of 'Lego' to optimize Windows
Winsage
June 18, 2026

Microsoft once used its own brand of ‘Lego’ to optimize Windows

Former Microsoft engineer Dave Plummer reflected on software performance challenges during the '90s, specifically the limitations of machines with 12 MB of RAM. He discussed the Basic Block Tool (BBT), which optimized software binaries by reorganizing their structures to enhance execution speed. A typical binary contained around 10 MB of code, but only about 300 KB was necessary for startup. If this essential code was scattered, it led to performance degradation due to excessive page access. BBT defragmented binaries, grouping related code to streamline access and improve user experience, particularly for large products like Windows and Office. Modern tools like BOLT and HP's Dynamo continue to optimize binary layouts and runtime code, but Plummer cautioned about the risks of manipulating binaries. He noted that while computational power has increased, modern software faces similar performance challenges, with larger binaries and complex dependency graphs. He emphasized the importance of locality in software design, advising to keep hot data and code together to enhance performance.
SQL Server may be too lucrative for Microsoft to ditch, but too legacy to love
Tech Optimizer
June 18, 2026

SQL Server may be too lucrative for Microsoft to ditch, but too legacy to love

Microsoft's Build event highlighted its new AI agent, Scout, while SQL Server received limited attention, raising concerns about its future following Rohan Kumar's departure. Arun Ulag now oversees SQL Server, but analysts note a shift in priorities with SQL Server seemingly less emphasized. The 2022 SQL Server release was viewed as more of a marketing effort than a response to customer needs. Despite the introduction of vector search in SQL Server 2025, competitors had already offered similar features. Microsoft is shifting towards open-source solutions and PostgreSQL, although it reassured users of its commitment to SQL Server. SQL Server, launched in 1989, remains popular, ranking behind Oracle and MySQL. The on-premises database market is lucrative, generating significant revenue, and SQL Server holds a substantial share. Microsoft is unlikely to abandon this profitable segment, aiming to transition users to Azure SQL and SQL database within Fabric. However, migration compatibility issues may arise. Microsoft is also investing in PostgreSQL offerings to compete in the cloud database market, which is evolving rapidly. AWS currently leads in cloud DBMS revenue, posing a challenge for Microsoft. Despite uncertainties, support for SQL Server 2025 is guaranteed until 2036.
'It feels to many like a tidal wave is sweeping over the AAA game business,' says Epic CEO Tim Sweeney in his diagnosis of the industry's woes
AppWizard
June 18, 2026

‘It feels to many like a tidal wave is sweeping over the AAA game business,’ says Epic CEO Tim Sweeney in his diagnosis of the industry’s woes

Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, highlighted the need for improved game development efficiency and connectivity during his remarks at Unreal Fest. He noted that many major game releases are failing to meet expectations despite increased engagement among younger audiences and Fortnite's resurgence. Epic is developing Unreal Engine 6 to enhance efficiency and interoperability, incorporating generative AI for game creation that can integrate with Fortnite and other Unreal products. The Unreal Engine is free for developers, with a 5% royalty after the first million in revenue, and the Epic Games Store waives fees for the first million earned, contrasting with higher fees on platforms like Steam. Epic and Disney released a Star Wars toolkit for Unreal Editor for Fortnite, and there are concerns about how traditional gaming experiences will adapt to a more interconnected ecosystem. Despite rising development costs, Epic is committed to supporting diverse projects while shifting towards a model emphasizing social connectivity and brand partnerships.
I went digging through Windows 11’s settings and found a 90s feature Microsoft never bothered to remove
Winsage
June 17, 2026

I went digging through Windows 11’s settings and found a 90s feature Microsoft never bothered to remove

Screensavers originated in the 1980s and 1990s to prevent burn-in on CRT monitors and evolved into a form of personal expression. In modern computing, particularly with Windows 11, screensavers have become a legacy feature, as advanced power management and lock screens have diminished their necessity. While screensavers are no longer actively developed, they could still provide value by transforming into functional tools that display personal photos or useful information during inactivity. Windows 11 has the components for a modern idle experience, but these features are not cohesively integrated. The future of screensavers depends on whether Microsoft chooses to reimagine them as sophisticated ambient modes rather than simple animations.
Even more games on Steam are using AI: there are over 8,600 demos in this week's Next Fest event, and nearly 1,700 use AI
AppWizard
June 17, 2026

Even more games on Steam are using AI: there are over 8,600 demos in this week’s Next Fest event, and nearly 1,700 use AI

The second installment of Steam Next Fest for 2026 is running until June 22 and features a total of 8,682 demos, nearly double the entire library of PlayStation 2 games. Approximately 1,700 of these demos incorporate AI technology, leading to concerns about the quality of some titles, often labeled as "shovelware." Various digital storefronts are struggling to maintain quality amidst the influx of AI-generated content, with Sony recently removing a publisher known for low-quality releases. The reaction to AI in game development has been mixed, with backlash against certain titles. Additionally, early Geekbench results for Valve's upcoming Steam Machine suggest a potential launch next week.
Thanks for the Soup is the most fun I've had in a horror game in a long time, and that's owing to the broccoli
AppWizard
June 17, 2026

Thanks for the Soup is the most fun I’ve had in a horror game in a long time, and that’s owing to the broccoli

The game "Thanks for the Soup" involves delivering soup from 5 PM to 1 AM to patrons during a lockdown. Players earn money from completed orders, which can be invested in various activities, including farming. The narrator decides to start an organic broccoli farm to support their soup delivery business. The town has an eerie atmosphere, with strange resident behaviors and environmental effects like darkness and fog. During their exploration, the narrator discovers five types of mushrooms, each with unique effects: the Zuzu mushroom affects depth perception, the Tolid mushroom increases speed, and the Folor mushroom distorts surroundings. The effects of the Ulod and Cranim mushrooms are unknown. The narrator's manager warns against entering the kitchen, hinting at a potential secret involving the chefs.
Android 17 is finally here — here's what's new and who's getting it
AppWizard
June 16, 2026

Android 17 is finally here — here’s what’s new and who’s getting it

Android 17 is now available for Pixel 6 and newer devices after extensive beta testing. Key features include App Bubbles for multitasking, Screen Reactions for recording screen and selfie camera simultaneously, and enhanced security with improved threat detection and a more powerful Mark as Lost mode. The rollout will continue through 2026, and users can manually check for updates in their device settings. The update allows temporary location access for apps and includes customizable PIN retry protections. Additionally, Wear OS 7 is being rolled out alongside Android 17.
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