customer experience Archives

AppWizard

December 1, 2025

Netflix quietly killed casting from phones to newer Chromecasts and Google TV Streamer

Netflix has announced the discontinuation of casting support from its mobile applications to most modern smart TVs and streaming devices, requiring users to navigate using their device's remote controls. This change affects all plans, including those without advertisements, and only older Chromecast models and TVs with native Google Cast support remain compatible with casting. Users on ad-supported plans will not be able to use the casting feature. Reports indicate that traditional Chromecast devices still function for casting, while newer models like Chromecast with Google TV and most integrated Google TV smart TVs are no longer supported for this feature.

Tech Optimizer

November 27, 2025

How Letta builds production-ready AI agents with Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL

AI agents benefit from persistent memory, enabling them to recall past interactions and maintain context, which enhances customer experience in scenarios like customer service. The Letta Developer Platform allows developers to create stateful agents with advanced context management features. It supports self-hosting within a virtual private cloud and uses Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL for long-term memory storage. Aurora PostgreSQL offers capabilities such as efficient similarity searches with the pgvector extension, sub-second query latency, and dynamic storage scaling. Letta operates as a persistent service, allowing agents to function independently and scale horizontally using Kubernetes. The platform supports multi-tenancy and includes enterprise features for security and monitoring. To set up an Aurora Serverless cluster for Letta, users must create a database on Amazon RDS, configure security group access, and install the pgvector extension. Letta connects to Aurora using a PostgreSQL connection string. After establishing the connection, users can create agents, send messages, and view agent states and conversation histories stored in Aurora. Letta organizes data in 42 tables, including those for agents, messages, and memory blocks. Users can explore the database schema and examine the structure of stored messages and embeddings. Finally, it is recommended to delete the Aurora cluster and associated resources after completing the integration to avoid charges.

Winsage

November 12, 2025

Microsoft November 2025 Patch Tuesday fixes 1 zero-day, 63 flaws

Microsoft's November 2025 Patch Tuesday addresses a total of 63 vulnerabilities, including one actively exploited zero-day flaw (CVE-2025-62215) related to Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege. The updates include four vulnerabilities classified as "Critical," with two for remote code execution, one for elevation of privileges, and one for information disclosure. The breakdown of vulnerabilities is as follows: - 29 Elevation of Privilege Vulnerabilities - 2 Security Feature Bypass Vulnerabilities - 16 Remote Code Execution Vulnerabilities - 11 Information Disclosure Vulnerabilities - 3 Denial of Service Vulnerabilities - 2 Spoofing Vulnerabilities This Patch Tuesday marks the first extended security update (ESU) for Windows 10, and users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 or enroll in the ESU program. Microsoft has also released an out-of-band update to assist with enrollment issues. Other companies, including Adobe, Cisco, and Google, have also issued security updates in November 2025.

Tech Optimizer

October 8, 2025

MENXTT NG Partners with Kecaam Technologies to Bundle Bitdefender Antivirus on Devices – Tech | Business

MENXTT NG has partnered with Kecaam Technologies Limited to enhance customer experience by bundling Bitdefender Antivirus software with every laptop and tablet purchased through its platform. This initiative aims to improve cybersecurity for consumers by pre-installing the antivirus software on all devices sold. Customers will receive devices that are ready to use and protected against threats like malware and phishing scams. The partnership reflects MENXTT NG's commitment to innovation and consumer-centric solutions, positioning it as a leader in Nigeria's tech retail sector.

Winsage

October 3, 2025

Transforming security and compliance at Microsoft with Windows Hotpatch

Security updates are crucial for system integrity, but traditionally require a reboot, causing productivity interruptions. Microsoft has introduced Windows Hotpatch, which allows critical updates to be applied without rebooting, enhancing compliance and user satisfaction. Hotpatch modifies in-memory code while the system is operational, leading to immediate updates without downtime. It is designed for efficiency with small payloads that minimize performance impact. Hotpatch updates undergo the same validation as standard updates and can address zero-day vulnerabilities without requiring a reboot. This technology is available for Windows 11 version 24H2 or later, Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Windows Server 2022/2025 Azure Edition, with appropriate licensing. Hotpatch has evolved from internal server capabilities to support client machines and integrates with Autopatch, automating the update process for enterprise environments. Microsoft Digital plans to scale Hotpatch to 450,000 devices within four months, achieving high compliance rates quickly—81% within 24 hours and 90% within five days, compared to previous timelines of up to nine months. Since its general availability in April, Hotpatch has been deployed to over 4 million devices globally, enhancing user experience by making updates seamless and unobtrusive. Plans for further expansion and improvements in compliance visibility and reporting are underway.

Winsage

September 19, 2025

Microsoft celebrates Windows 11 on Arm progress as users now spend the majority of their time in natively compiled apps — compatibility is no longer a concern

Microsoft has reported that 90% of user engagement on Arm-based PCs is now with natively compiled applications for Windows 11 on Arm. The Arm app ecosystem is expanding, with native Arm versions available for apps representing 90% of total user minutes. Collaboration with Qualcomm, particularly through the Snapdragon X series of PC chips, has been crucial in this development. Major OEMs have adopted this technology, leading to new Arm-based PCs that compete with Apple Silicon. Adobe has released flagship applications like Photoshop and Premiere Pro in native formats. Notable applications now natively compiled for Windows on Arm include 7 Zip, Google Drive, Dropbox, Trello, Todoist, Libre Office, Adobe Creative Suite, Camtasia, Paint.NET, Djay Pro, CapCut, Figma, Apple TV, Apple Music, Google Chrome, Telegram, WhatsApp, Spotify, Davinci Resolve, Blender, and Luminar Neo. The current generation of Snapdragon X processors supports applications still reliant on emulation, with robust performance. Qualcomm's next-generation Snapdragon PC chips, likely named Snapdragon X2, are expected to enhance performance and efficiency further.

Tech Optimizer

August 26, 2025

Instacart Consolidates Search Infrastructure on Postgresql, Phasing Out Elasticsearch

Instacart has replaced Elasticsearch with PostgreSQL for its search infrastructure, integrating keyword and embedding-based retrieval into a single system. This change aims to streamline operations, reduce synchronization issues, and improve search result precision and recall. The new design enhances result retrieval by combining traditional keyword searches with semantic retrieval, allowing for both specific and broader queries. The migration has increased development speed, improved inventory management, and enabled real-time updates for users. Ankit Mittal, an engineer at Instacart, reported a 10x reduction in write workload and nearly 80% savings on storage and indexing costs due to a normalized data model. The previous dual-database setup caused synchronization issues and higher operational costs. The new architecture uses sharded PostgreSQL instances with a normalized data model, allowing for horizontal scaling and efficient text matching through GIN indexes and a modified ts_rank function. PostgreSQL extensions like pg_trgm and pgvector facilitate both keyword and semantic search, ensuring efficient query routing and rapid result retrieval.

AppWizard

August 10, 2025

McDonald’s sales improved last quarter, thanks to Minecraft

McDonald’s reported a 2.5% increase in U.S. same-store sales in the second quarter, the highest growth rate since late 2023, driven by the Minecraft Movie Meal promotion. This promotion also contributed to a 3.8% rise in global same-store sales. In the quarter ending June 30, McDonald’s system sales increased by 6%, with revenues of .8 billion and net income rising 11% to .3 billion, or .14 per share. The Minecraft Movie promotion included a Happy Meal for children and an adult meal option featuring either a 10-piece Chicken McNuggets or a Big Mac, along with collectible items. McDonald’s has also introduced value offerings like the McValue Menu and new menu items such as McCrispy Strips to attract customers. The MyMcDonald’s Rewards loyalty program generated billion in sales over the past year, with 0 million in the last quarter. CEO Chris Kempczinski highlighted the significance of technology investments in enhancing the customer experience.

AppWizard

July 14, 2025

Chrome OS slated to merge with Android

Recent developments in the technology sector include the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), increased demand for remote work solutions, and a focus on sustainability initiatives. Companies are integrating AI tools to enhance efficiency, investing in technologies for remote collaboration, and adopting greener practices. Investors are particularly interested in startups specializing in AI, cybersecurity, and sustainable technologies, as these sectors are expected to experience significant growth. AI startups are innovating across various industries, cybersecurity firms are addressing rising threats, and sustainable tech companies are responding to consumer demand for eco-friendly options.

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.