Developer Tool Archives

Winsage

December 29, 2025

Microsoft Adds Sudo to Windows 11 24H2 for Seamless Elevated Commands

Microsoft has introduced the sudo command in Windows 11 version 24H2, allowing users to execute commands with elevated privileges directly from a standard command prompt or PowerShell window. Users can enable this feature via Settings under System > For Developers. Sudo can run commands in three modes: “in a new window,” “with input disabled,” and “inline.” The inline mode runs the elevated command in the same console session, preserving context and variables. Microsoft has open-sourced the project on GitHub, inviting community contributions. Sudo integrates with User Account Control (UAC) for security, ensuring every elevation request is vetted. It simplifies administrative tasks for software engineers and system administrators, particularly in corporate environments where full admin access is restricted. The feature works seamlessly in Windows Terminal and supports Azure integrations. While some users have reported compatibility issues, Microsoft emphasizes that sudo is a developer tool rather than a complete replacement for Linux's sudo. Future developments may include community-driven extensions and integration with Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL).

AppWizard

December 24, 2025

Android Automotive will let you PIN-lock apps to keep them private from passengers

Google is introducing a native App Lock feature for its Android Automotive operating system, allowing users to secure specific applications with a unique PIN, separate from the primary profile lock. This feature, called sensitive app protection, addresses privacy concerns in shared vehicle environments by enabling users to lock third-party apps like Chrome or WhatsApp. The App Lock feature will be accessible under Settings > Privacy and requires users to create a 4-to-16-digit PIN. If forgotten, the PIN can be reset by signing into the associated Google Account, potentially requiring the deletion of locked apps or their data. Essential system tools will remain accessible, and the feature's implementation will depend on individual automakers. Google is also developing a similar App Lock for Android phones, set to be released as a public API in the upcoming Android 17 update.

AppWizard

October 24, 2025

First look: Google’s new ‘EyeDropper’ app will help you pick colors in Android 17

Google is introducing a new native color picker tool called "EyeDropper," expected to launch with Android 17. This tool will provide a system-wide API that allows apps to let users select colors from their screens and retrieve their values. Currently, Android does not have a built-in color picker, which EyeDropper aims to address. The EyeDropper API will enable developers to integrate a color picker into their applications easily, streamlining development and reducing app sizes. It operates through a specific Intent (android.intent.action.OPENEYEDROPPER) that opens the EyeDropper app to capture the current screen. Users can select colors using a cursor and apply their choices back to the originating app. The EyeDropper app will also adapt its interface based on connected peripherals, switching between desktop and touchscreen modes. While it has appeared in the Android Canary update, it is not expected to be included in the upcoming Android 16 updates, with the earliest availability likely coinciding with Android 17. There are no official plans for rolling out EyeDropper to existing devices via a Google Play System Update.

AppWizard

May 20, 2025

I activated the Linux terminal on my Pixel, and you should too

Google's Pixel devices now include a Linux Terminal app, introduced with the March 2025 Pixel Drop update. This app allows users to access a version of Debian on their smartphones, enabling them to execute commands, install packages, and perform internet-related tasks similar to a desktop Linux terminal. The app is available for Pixel phones running Android 15 or newer and is currently exclusive to these devices. To activate the app, users must enable Developer options, toggle on the Linux development environment, and install the app, which has a download size of approximately 565MB. The feature is experimental and may have bugs, such as persistent notifications and connectivity issues. The app operates within a virtual machine, isolating it from the device's data but allowing access to the Downloads folder.

AppWizard

April 9, 2025

The Last of Us Part 2 proves that 8 GB of VRAM can be enough, even at 4K with maximum settings, so why aren’t more games using the same clever asset-streaming trick?

Sony's The Last of Us Part 1 faced significant issues upon its PC release, including bugs, instability, and excessive VRAM usage, leading to debates about the adequacy of 8 GB of VRAM. In contrast, The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered demonstrated improved VRAM management during testing, with an RTX 5080 averaging 11.36 GB of memory usage and an RTX 3060 Ti averaging 11.06 GB. The game effectively managed VRAM without overloading the GPU, unlike its predecessor. Additionally, TLOU2 exhibited high CPU utilization, indicating efficient parallel task management. This performance suggests that proper asset streaming can maintain stability even on lower VRAM configurations, highlighting the importance of effective asset management in future AAA titles.

Winsage

March 22, 2025

AMD 25.3.2 driver fixes major bug so Windows Update no longer installs older driver on 9070

AMD has released a beta display driver version 25.3.2 for Windows 11 and 10, which addresses a bug that caused older drivers to be installed via Windows Update, affecting various GPU generations. This issue has been resolved for the RX 9000 series graphics cards. The driver adds support for Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Shadows and The Last of Us Part II Remastered, along with several bug fixes, including improvements for Counter-Strike 2, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and Assetto Corsa Competizione. Developer updates include support for RX 9000 series in the AMD Radeon Developer Tool Suite and the availability of AMD FSR 3.1 in over 110 games. Known issues include memory leaks with SteamVR, performance logging notifications, crashes with certain games, and stuttering with some VR headsets. The driver can be downloaded from AMD's official website.

Tech Optimizer

October 29, 2024

Timescale expands open source vector database capabilities for PostgreSQL

Timescale is enhancing its open-source database platform with AI capabilities, focusing on time series database technology built on PostgreSQL. The company has introduced the pgai Vectorizer developer tool, allowing users to create and synchronize embeddings within the database, facilitating generative AI applications. Timescale's vector capabilities were advanced with the pgvectorscale and pgai initiatives launched earlier this year. The integration of time series and vector data is seen as a significant trend, with organizations increasingly leveraging both functionalities. The pgai Vectorizer simplifies embedding management using SQL commands and supports the testing and deployment of AI models. Timescale's pgvectorscale extension aims to improve performance and scalability compared to the existing pgvector extension. Both the pgai Vectorizer and pgvectorscale will remain open-source, contributing to a growing community of users. The company plans to expand its AI strategy beyond Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) to include agentic AI for vector database operations.

Winsage

September 27, 2024

This hidden Windows 11 setting adds an ‘End task’ option to every task on your taskbar

Users can add an 'End Task' option to the taskbar in Windows 11 by navigating to Settings, selecting System, and then the For Developers section to toggle on the End Task feature. This feature allows for immediate termination of unresponsive applications without prompts to save work, posing a risk of data loss.

Winsage

September 1, 2024

This hidden Windows 11 setting lets you kill unresponsive apps right from the taskbar

To add the 'End Task' feature to the taskbar in Windows 11, navigate to Settings, select System, then For Developers, and toggle on the End Task option. This feature allows users to terminate unresponsive applications directly from the taskbar, similar to the Task Manager, but does so without prompting to save unsaved work, which can lead to data loss.

Winsage

July 30, 2024

How to add an End Task option to the Taskbar in Windows 11

Microsoft has hidden the End Task feature within the Taskbar in Windows 11, categorizing it as a developer tool. To enable it, users need to open the Settings app, navigate to the System section, select For Developers, locate the End Task option, and toggle it to On. Once enabled, right-clicking on the Taskbar button of any running application will reveal the End Task option, allowing users to terminate unresponsive apps easily.