connection Archives

AppWizard

September 5, 2026

I refuse to stop using my 8-year-old Chromecast for one simple reason

The original Chromecast has received an update, which has pleased its users who appreciate its simplicity compared to the more complex Google TV interface. A recent poll showed that 36% of users often use their older Chromecast, another 36% use it rarely, and 27% never had one. The Chromecast (3rd gen) remains reliable for some users, despite being connected to an Android TV with built-in Chromecast capabilities, which can struggle with performance issues. Users find casting from a smartphone to be more efficient than navigating the TV's interface, and the ability to cast content without delays is a significant advantage. The original Chromecast continues to be relevant and valued by users for its functionality and ease of use.

Winsage

September 5, 2026

Esri India Introduces GeoSARAL With Linux and Windows Support

Esri India has launched GeoSARAL, a Linux-based desktop GIS software designed for users who need a straightforward solution for mapping, visualization, querying, and editing. GeoSARAL will also be available on Windows and plans for Android support are forthcoming. It integrates with existing ArcGIS infrastructures and allows users to access GIS data and basemaps locally, even without an internet connection. The software aims to meet the demands of Esri India's user community across enterprise and government sectors, enhancing domestic technology capabilities and promoting technological self-reliance in India.

AppWizard

September 4, 2026

The Best Ways to Play a Modpack With Friends

To play modded Minecraft with friends, every player must have the same modpack, including matching mods, versions, and loaders. Sharing the modpack can be done using launchers like CurseForge or Modrinth. There are free options for gameplay, such as LAN worlds for local connections, Virtual LAN tools like Hamachi for distant friends, and direct hosting from one player's PC. However, these methods require one player to act as the host, which can lead to lag and restrict access when the host is offline. For a more stable experience, using a dedicated server is recommended, as it allows 24/7 access without burdening a single player's computer. When choosing a host, look for features like guaranteed RAM, one-click modpack installations, automatic backups, and responsive support.

AppWizard

September 4, 2026

Nanoleaf wall panels now work in the Philips Hue app

Signify has announced a partnership with Nanoleaf to expand the Philips Hue ecosystem, allowing users to integrate Nanoleaf Shapes (Hexagons, Triangles, and Mini Triangles) into their Philips Hue setups. This integration requires the Philips Hue Wall Light Module, enabling control of Nanoleaf panels through the Philips Hue app and incorporation into Hue scenes and automations. The Wall Light Module is priced at .99, and starter kits with Nanoleaf panels start at .99, available in select markets.

AppWizard

September 3, 2026

A multi-month delay for Deus Ex turned into a huge payoff for one of its best characters, says designer Harvey Smith

Harvey Smith discussed the development of Deus Ex on the NoClip podcast, emphasizing the benefits of allowing extra time for game development, particularly in post-production. He noted that Ion Storm Austin received additional time, which enabled the team to refine the game and enhance the character Gunther Hermann, who initially had a limited role. Smith creatively integrated Gunther into a mission in a Paris cathedral, allowing for a more dynamic interaction and a dramatic moment where Gunther's presence added emotional weight to the gameplay. He highlighted the importance of providing game development teams with extra time to improve quality and creativity, suggesting that this approach could lead to greater success and recognition in the industry.

AppWizard

September 3, 2026

A Documentary About the Life and Legacy of Beloved Minecraft Creator Technoblade Is Officially in the Works

Technoblade was a prominent Minecraft creator known for his humor and competitive skills, who shared his cancer diagnosis with fans in 2021 and maintained a resilient spirit until his passing in June 2022 at the age of 23. A documentary titled “Technoblade Never Dies” is in production, supported by Riot Games and Hypixel Studios, with profits going to charity. The film is being developed by Candle Media’s Candle True Stories and aims to share Technoblade’s story and community with a global audience. Technoblade achieved 10 million YouTube subscribers in late 2021, and his YouTube channel currently has nearly 23 million subscribers. His final message to fans, shared through a video titled “so long nerds,” revealed his first name, Alex, and became one of the most-watched videos on YouTube in 2022. The phrase “Technoblade never dies” has become a tribute within the gaming community, and his legacy continues to influence content, including a tribute in the upcoming 2025 film “A Minecraft Movie.”

Tech Optimizer

September 3, 2026

Prolific Microsoft 0-day hunter drops CrowdStrike Falcon exploit PoC

Nightmare Eclipse, a security researcher known for identifying vulnerabilities in Microsoft products, has shifted focus to other vendors, revealing a zero-day vulnerability called FalconFlank that targets CrowdStrike’s Falcon endpoint security platform. FalconFlank is a privilege escalation vulnerability that exploits the Microsoft Office malicious macros remediation feature within CrowdStrike Falcon. CrowdStrike is investigating the claims and advises customers to disable the Microsoft Office File Suspicious Macro Removal Windows policy setting while assuring them of continued protection through Cloud Anti-malware settings. The exploit works on fully updated Windows 11 25H2 and Windows Server 2025 systems running CrowdStrike Falcon with Optimal Protection enabled. Nightmare Eclipse has also discovered other vulnerabilities, including HardBreacher affecting Kaspersky’s endpoint antivirus and PrettyPrague in Gen Digital’s Avast antivirus, which allows attackers to dump the SAM database. Gen Digital is developing a patch for the Avast vulnerability, while Kaspersky has not commented. Additionally, Nightmare disclosed a memory corruption zero-day vulnerability in Nvidia, named GreenSection, which causes system crashes.

Winsage

September 3, 2026

Windows 11 will get more secure next month, but gamers could pay in FPS

The Verge is a prominent tech journalism outlet that provides comprehensive analysis of the tech ecosystem, covering topics such as gadgets and consumer behavior. It delivers engaging and informative content through in-depth reviews, opinion pieces, and timely news updates. The publication effectively connects with its audience via social media, podcasts, and video content, adapting its messaging to diverse preferences. The Verge emphasizes visual storytelling, using high-quality images and videos to enhance articles. It aims to explore the intersection of technology and culture, positioning itself as a thought leader by anticipating trends and fostering a community of informed readers.

Tech Optimizer

September 2, 2026

Connecting My LangGraph AI Agent to Postgres

A stateful LangGraph agent was developed to streamline a 15-minute booking process, mimicking a customer service representative. It features a user-friendly Streamlit UI and a backend powered by a Postgres database. The agent can respond to customer queries, calculate service prices, manage acceptance or rejection of services, propose appointment time slots, and confirm booking details. The agent operates in two persistence modes: in-memory for quick testing and Postgres for durability. Testing can be conducted locally with Streamlit or using Docker to simulate a production environment. Docker allows the application to interact with a PostgreSQL server without local installation, enhancing reproducibility. The project includes a docker-compose.yml file to initiate a PostgreSQL container, and users can also utilize a cloud-based Postgres solution. The application behavior remains consistent regardless of the database setup. The complete source code is available on GitHub for testing and further enhancements.

AppWizard

September 2, 2026

Fully Playable Scream Game Found in Steam Leak [2026]

A horror game based on the Scream film franchise was discovered in the Steam data leak that occurred from August 29 to 31, 2026. The game, an unfinished multiplayer prototype created by Fatshark, was found by a Twitter user named Roly Poly Reaper, who managed to run it on their computer and enable online multiplayer. The prototype included several unfinished builds, with one featuring operational networking code that allowed players to take on the roles of survivors evading a player-controlled Ghostface. The project appears to have been a pitch build, never fully greenlit for production, and was stored in Valve’s old Steam2 backend for approximately 15 years before the leak. Roly Poly Reaper used the Goldberg Steam emulator and Radmin VPN to run the game, circumventing the need for a live connection to Valve’s servers. Fatshark, known for cooperative shooters, had reportedly built the Scream prototype around 2011, coinciding with the release of Scream 4. The prototype's existence predates the popularization of the asymmetric horror genre by several years. The Steam2 leak itself involved approximately 12 to 13 terabytes of data, including various internal builds and beta versions from Valve and third-party developers. Valve has not publicly commented on the leak.