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Roblox's age verification checks are "unpopular," but chief safety officer Matt Kaufman says they're worth the cost
AppWizard
April 17, 2026

Roblox’s age verification checks are “unpopular,” but chief safety officer Matt Kaufman says they’re worth the cost

Roblox developers face challenges due to new mandatory security measures and age verification restrictions, which have sparked debate among them. To publish games aimed at younger players, developers must now meet specific criteria tied to the new Roblox Plus subscription service, which has replaced the previous Premium model. Concerns have been raised about the impact of these changes on the platform's future, with players expressing frustration over the lack of concessions made in response to feedback. Chief Safety Officer Matt Kaufman acknowledged the unpopularity of the changes but emphasized their necessity for ensuring age-appropriate content. Additionally, Roblox recently settled a proposed lawsuit from Nevada for million, which will fund children's programs and an online safety awareness campaign. Proposed changes to game publishing are set to take effect in June, allowing developers to create games without a subscription, but those games will only be visible to users aged 16 and older.
"Over 3.3 million downloads": This Linux alternative to Windows 11 is winning over Microsoft's customers with a huge update
Winsage
April 17, 2026

“Over 3.3 million downloads”: This Linux alternative to Windows 11 is winning over Microsoft’s customers with a huge update

Zorin OS, a Linux-based operating system, launched late last year alongside Microsoft's decision to end support for Windows 10 on October 14, leading to approximately 780,000 users migrating to Linux and a surge in Zorin OS downloads to 1 million. Three months later, Zorin OS 18 was released, increasing downloads to 2 million, and six months post-launch, total downloads reached 3.3 million. The latest version, Zorin OS 18.1, includes new features and improved hardware support, expanding its database to support over 240 Windows applications. Zorin Lite has also been updated to version 17.3, designed for older computers, featuring support for fingerprint readers and a redesigned File Manager. Meanwhile, Windows 11 has struggled with adoption due to strict hardware requirements but is gaining traction after the end-of-life status of Windows 10. Microsoft is working to improve user sentiment around Windows 11 by allowing users to bypass updates during setup and reintroducing features like a movable Taskbar. Some experts suggest that Microsoft should focus on developing Windows 12 instead of enhancing Windows 11, as significant improvements may require more drastic changes. Alternative operating systems like Zorin OS are becoming increasingly appealing to users dissatisfied with Windows.
European civil servants are being forced off WhatsApp
AppWizard
April 17, 2026

European civil servants are being forced off WhatsApp

Apps like Signal and WhatsApp are recognized for their end-to-end encryption but are increasingly seen as inadequate for organizational communication due to their consumer-grade design. Benjamin Schilz, CEO of Wire, points out the risks of using such apps for professional purposes. Recent cybersecurity threats, including a Russian espionage campaign targeting these applications, highlight the importance of advanced features like access controls and metadata management, especially for large organizations. Belgium's De Waele advocates for controlled communication environments that include only government employees to mitigate risks. Transparency advocates have raised concerns about the privacy features of consumer apps obscuring important decision-making processes, as exemplified by a situation involving Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and a vaccine deal. The re-election of former U.S. President Donald Trump has prompted a shift in priorities towards secure communication channels within European governments.
pg_textsearch 1.0: Cómo hemos construido un motor de búsqueda BM25 en las páginas de Postgres
Tech Optimizer
April 17, 2026

pg_textsearch 1.0: Cómo hemos construido un motor de búsqueda BM25 en las páginas de Postgres

Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics are reshaping industries and enhancing everyday life. The integration of AI with robotics has led to the development of intelligent machines capable of performing complex tasks autonomously. Key applications include: - **Manufacturing**: AI-driven robots streamline production lines, reduce downtime, and improve quality control through real-time data analysis for predictive maintenance. - **Healthcare**: Robots assist surgeons with precision tasks and support patient care, while AI algorithms enhance the speed and accuracy of diagnoses. - **Logistics**: Autonomous delivery drones and self-driving vehicles are transforming supply chain management by significantly reducing delivery times and operational costs. Machine learning has enabled robots to move beyond pre-programmed instructions, allowing them to engage in decision-making, analyze large data sets, and exhibit emotional intelligence. Ethical considerations regarding the responsible design and implementation of these technologies are becoming increasingly important to address potential biases and maintain public trust.
How To Get A Better Framerate In Pragmata Without Sacrificing Too Much on Visual Quality
AppWizard
April 16, 2026

How To Get A Better Framerate In Pragmata Without Sacrificing Too Much on Visual Quality

Pragmata is developed by Capcom using the RE Engine, showcasing significant advancements in visual fidelity while maintaining gameplay reminiscent of the Xbox 360 era. The game performs well across various hardware platforms, including the Nintendo Switch 2, and most gaming PCs can handle it effectively. High-end machines, such as those with an RTX 5080, can maximize settings for an enhanced visual experience, but average gamers may need to adjust settings for optimal performance. The game features ray tracing technology, offering two options: a standard toggle for global illumination and reflections, and a path tracing mode that replaces traditional rasterized lighting. Lower ray tracing settings can sometimes produce noisy reflections, particularly in areas with shiny surfaces. Nvidia users can enhance visuals with the DLSS Ray Reconstruction setting, but it requires path tracing to be enabled. Recommended graphics settings for Pragmata suggest that players can enjoy high settings even with mid-range graphics cards. For example, an RTX 3060 Ti at 1080p can achieve around 97 fps with ray tracing on, but enabling path tracing can drop the frame rate to about 44 fps. Players are advised to start with the “Balanced” preset and make incremental adjustments to optimize performance and visual fidelity. Performance tests revealed that the RTX 3060 Ti at 1080p achieved 100 to 110 fps, while the AMD Radeon RX 9070 excelled at 1440p with 130 to 140 fps. The RTX 5080 delivered 100 to 110 fps at 4K, and the RTX 5090 reached 195 fps at minimum settings but dropped to 126 fps with the balanced preset. Enabling ray tracing at the Quality preset reduced the frame rate to 115 fps, and for path tracing, DLSS should be set to performance, as the RTX 5090 managed only 59 fps under maximum settings. Pragmata demonstrates scalability, accommodating both lower-end and high-performance hardware.
Pragmata PC performance tested: 18 GPUs take us to the Moon
AppWizard
April 16, 2026

Pragmata PC performance tested: 18 GPUs take us to the Moon

Capcom's new sci-fi shooter, Pragmata, features a narrative centered on Hugh, the last survivor of a lunar rescue mission, and Diana, an android with hacking abilities, as they navigate a 3D-printed lunar facility. The game has locked out Radeon support, which has raised concerns about business motivations over technical limitations, despite the Radeon RX 9000-series cards performing well. AMD users can access FSR 3 upscaling, with FSR 4 available for RX 9000-series cards, while older RX 7000- and RX 6000-series cards are limited to FSR 3. The game supports various rendering modes, including rasterization, ray tracing, and path tracing. At 1080p, ray tracing performs well on most hardware, but at 1440p and 4K, higher VRAM cards show better performance. Path tracing requires upscaling and frame generation for optimal playability, with DLSS Frame Generation providing significant benefits for Nvidia users. The RTX 3070 lacks DLSS frame generation support, necessitating FSR 3 for testing, which results in lower image quality compared to DLSS. Overall, Pragmata is designed to leverage advanced graphics technologies, particularly for GeForce RTX 40- and 50-series card owners, while also offering a solid experience for AMD users, albeit with some limitations.
Metro 2039 is "much darker" than its predecessors, but most importantly it's a statement of intent
AppWizard
April 16, 2026

Metro 2039 is “much darker” than its predecessors, but most importantly it’s a statement of intent

Anticipation is high for Metro 2039, the next installment in the Metro series, following the release of Exodus in 2019. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic Russia, specifically around a devastated Saint Basil's Cathedral, and will explore themes of death, tyranny, and political manipulation. Players will assume the role of The Stranger, who must dismantle the authoritarian regime of the Novoreich, led by Hunter. Metro 2039 will feature a fully voiced protagonist, enhancing immersion, and gameplay will include close-quarters shooting and survival horror elements. The game is expected to launch in winter 2026, likely between October and December, and aims to reflect the experiences of its Ukrainian developers amid ongoing conflict.
Unpatched Microsoft Defender flaw lets hackers gain admin access
Tech Optimizer
April 16, 2026

Unpatched Microsoft Defender flaw lets hackers gain admin access

A security researcher named Chaotic Eclipse has discovered a significant vulnerability in Microsoft Defender that could allow hackers to gain administrative access to systems running Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server. The vulnerability arises from Windows Defender's behavior of rewriting detected malicious files back to their original location instead of removing them, which can be exploited to overwrite system files and grant unauthorized users elevated privileges. This issue remains unaddressed by Microsoft, leaving millions of users vulnerable. Although there is no current evidence of active exploitation, the situation could change. Users are advised to consider additional antivirus solutions for enhanced security.
'90s style Command and Conquer spiritual successor DORF smashes its Kickstarter to raise $300,000
AppWizard
April 16, 2026

’90s style Command and Conquer spiritual successor DORF smashes its Kickstarter to raise $300,000

DORF is a real-time strategy (RTS) game inspired by '90s titles, currently funded on Kickstarter, raising nearly 0,000. It features three factions: the Union of Imperial States, the Collective, and the Warbands. The game includes single-player campaigns, skirmish modes, online multiplayer, and a map editor. Additional content from the funding includes special online co-op campaigns, unique voice lines for units, and new environmental zones like snowy regions and megacities. DORFteam is expanding their development team, particularly seeking dedicated mappers. The tentative release date is set for 2028, but they aim for a 1.0 launch by 2027. Players can wishlist DORF on Steam for updates.
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