cutting-edge features Archives

Tech Optimizer

May 21, 2025

Achieve up to 1.7 times higher write throughput and 1.38 times better price performance with Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL on AWS Graviton4-based R8g instances

Upgrading to Graviton4-based R8g instances with Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible 17.4 in an Aurora I/O-Optimized cluster configuration results in significant performance improvements. The new instances provide up to 1.7 times higher write throughput, 1.38 times better price-performance, and reduce commit latency by up to 46% on r8g.16xlarge instances and 38% on r8g.2xlarge instances compared to Graviton2-based R6g instances. The Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible Edition now supports AWS Graviton4-based R8g instances and PostgreSQL 17.4, which introduces performance enhancements for I/O-Optimized configurations, optimizing write operations and batch processing. R8g instances offer up to 192 vCPUs and 1.5 TB of memory, supporting larger configurations and providing up to 50 Gbps of network bandwidth. PostgreSQL 17 includes vacuum improvements, eliminates the need to drop logical replication slots during upgrades, and expands SQL/JSON standards. Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible separates compute from storage, enabling independent scaling and maintaining six-way replication for durability, while processing changes as log records to reduce I/O operations. Performance benchmarks using HammerDB show improvements in throughput and commit latency across various workloads. For small workloads on 2xlarge instance size, throughput increased by 50.25% and commit latency improved by 33.87%. For medium workloads on 16xlarge instance size, throughput increased by 30% and commit latency improved by 17.44%. The most significant performance benefits arise from combining hardware upgrades from Graviton2 to Graviton4 with database engine upgrades from PostgreSQL 15.10 to 17.4. For small workloads, throughput increased by 70% and commit latency improved by 38.71%. For medium workloads, throughput increased by 70% and commit latency improved by 46.67%. Cost efficiency is also enhanced, with a 38% improvement in price performance and a 61.26% improvement in price-performance ratio when comparing Graviton2 and Graviton4 instances. Reserved Instances for Graviton4-based R8g instances offer additional cost-optimization opportunities.

Winsage

May 20, 2025

Microsoft makes the Windows Subsystem for Linux open source after almost a decade of development

Microsoft has announced that the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is now open source, marking a significant milestone in its development. The company has closed issue #1 on its GitHub issue tracker, which asked if WSL would be open source since April 6, 2016. WSL allows Windows users to run Linux distributions alongside their operating system and has evolved from WSL 1, which used a pico process provider, to WSL 2, which introduced a dedicated Linux kernel and various enhancements such as GPU support, graphical applications, and systemd support. In 2021, WSL was decoupled from the Windows codebase and made available via the Microsoft Store for Windows 11 users. Future updates will further refine the installation process for Linux distributions.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Microsoft gives all Windows 10 users two new reasons to switch to Windows 11 now

Windows 10 will reach the end of support on October 14, 2025, leaving users vulnerable to cyber threats and software bugs. Microsoft has launched two new devices, the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, to encourage users to upgrade. The Surface Pro features a 12-inch screen, a Snapdragon X Plus processor, and a 2-in-1 form factor, while the Surface Laptop has a 13-inch screen and offers a 23-hour battery life. Both devices include access to Copilot+ PC experiences and are available for purchase starting at £799.

Winsage

March 20, 2025

Price drop alert: Get Windows 11 Pro for life for just £11.51

Microsoft has released a significant update for Windows 11 Pro in 2024, featuring enhancements in Copilot AI, platform speed, and phone integrations. Currently, a lifetime license for Windows 11 Pro is available for £11.51, reduced from £153.03, representing a 92% discount, and allows installation on two PCs. The update includes a modern design and a fully integrated Copilot, an AI assistant based on GPT-4, which can answer queries and assist with tasks. Windows 11 Pro offers unique features such as BitLocker device encryption, remote desktop access, Azure AD for secure management, and Hyper-V for running virtual machines.

AppWizard

March 18, 2025

Half-Life 2 RTX is the future of PC gaming, for better or worse

Nvidia has released a complimentary two-hour demo of Half-Life 2 RTX for owners of the original Half-Life 2, showcasing advanced features such as full path tracing and neural shaders. The game includes enhancements like improved meshes, materials, lighting, and the Neural Radiance Cache, which optimizes ray-traced indirect light. The demo demonstrates significant upgrades in asset quality and shadow rendering, but the game is resource-intensive, requiring DLSS for playable performance, particularly at 4K resolution. The demo evokes the original game's atmosphere and is seen as a significant step in Nvidia's remastering efforts. There is currently no release date for the full version, but the demo is available for free on Steam.

AppWizard

March 6, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Little Nightmares, Crying Suns, The Last Game, more

The Discover Samsung sale is currently on its fourth day, featuring notable discounts including over ,500 off the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo washer and dryer. The Galaxy S25 Ultra smartphone has a price reduction of 0, while the Galaxy Z Flip 6 also has ongoing discounts of 0. Additionally, Google Play is offering reduced prices on popular apps such as Little Nightmares, Crying Suns, The Last Game, and Charterstone.

AppWizard

March 4, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: MONOPOLY, Exolotl Zian, Kenshō, more

The Discover Samsung sale features discounts on Samsung products and a selection of Android games and applications. Notable discounts include the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, available with a discount of up to 0, and the 43-inch M7 4K Smart Monitor, now priced 0 less. The Google Nest WiFi Pro router is offered at a 50% discount. Featured app and game deals include MONOPOLY, Exolotl: Zian, Kenshō, and Titan Quest: Ultimate.

AppWizard

February 20, 2025

GTA 5 is giving PC players a free upgrade that brings it up to par with the console versions and adds some PC-exclusive features

GTA 5 will receive a free upgrade on March 4, aligning its PC version with the features of Xbox Series X and PS5. The update will introduce new vehicles, including the Coil Cyclone II, Imponte Arbiter GT, Karin S95, Pegassi Weaponized Ignus, and Pfister Astron Custom. It will feature ray tracing, Nvidia DLSS 3 support, and DualSense controller compatibility. Players will need to port their characters over, but this transition will be free, retaining all GTA Online and story progress. The update will also include wildlife encounters, a daily wildlife photography challenge, and a Career Progress feature. New players can receive a ,000,000 bonus by starting as an Executive, Gunrunner, Nightclub Owner, or Biker in the Career Builder.

Winsage

February 7, 2025

Latest Windows 11 build adds full MIDI 2.0 support and improved performance

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27788 in the Canary Channel, which includes significant enhancements to the MIDI standard. This update supports both MIDI 1.0 and MIDI 2.0, designed exclusively for 64-bit operating systems, and extends full MIDI compatibility across all modern Windows architectures, including Arm64-based PCs. The MIDI 2.0 standard features high-speed data transmission, high-fidelity messages, and endpoint discovery and negotiation. The new MIDI stack improves performance with better timing and reduced jitter, and a faster MIDI driver supports both versions with automatic API translation for interoperability. The update also includes a USB MIDI 2.0 class driver developed in collaboration with the Association of Musical Electronics Industry of Japan and AmeNote, ensuring compatibility with both MIDI 2.0 and legacy MIDI 1.0 devices. Additionally, the preview introduces a 1-click resume function for OneDrive and selective installation options for games in the Microsoft Store.

Winsage

December 8, 2024

Do more with a new Windows 11 PC

Support for Windows 10 will end in October 2025, prompting users to consider upgrading to Windows 11 PCs. Windows 11 offers enhanced security, improved productivity, and advanced features. It is designed for exceptional performance with powerful processors, rapid storage, high-speed memory, and stunning displays. On Copilot+ PCs, Windows 11 operates up to five times faster than five-year-old Windows machines and provides extended battery life. Microsoft aims for zero waste by 2023, promoting energy efficiency and recycling programs. Currys, as the UK's largest tech recycler, collects and recycles around 60,000 tonnes of outdated technology annually. Currys offers a diverse selection of Windows 11 PCs suitable for various needs and budgets.