developers Archives

AppWizard

May 15, 2025

Google brings Gemini and other accessibility tools across Android devices

Google is introducing AI-powered accessibility features for Android, targeting users with low vision or hearing impairments. An upgraded version of TalkBack allows users to ask questions about images and receive descriptive answers. The "Expressive Captions" feature provides real-time captions that include tone and emotions, currently rolling out in English in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia for Android 15 and above. Google is also opening its Project Euphonia repository to developers to create customized speech recognition tools for diverse speech patterns. These initiatives are part of Google's commitment to accessibility and user-friendliness.

Tech Optimizer

May 15, 2025

Neon Serverless Postgres: Azure Native Integration Now Available

Microsoft and Neon have launched Neon Serverless Postgres as a native integration within the Azure ecosystem, following its initial preview in December 2024. This open-source, serverless database solution is positioned as an alternative to AWS Aurora Postgres. Key features include automatic scaling, branching capabilities, direct database connection from Azure, Azure CLI and SDK support, and Semantic Kernel integration for RAG pipelines. Microsoft has invested millions in Neon as part of a broader funding round to enhance collaboration. Neon’s platform includes autoscaling, branching, and point-in-time restore capabilities, specifically designed for AI applications. EnterpriseDB has appointed Nancy Hensley as Chief Product Officer to lead growth for its EDB Postgres AI platform, which supports various workloads and modernizes legacy systems. Additionally, companies are increasingly adopting passwordless authentication methods, with MojoAuth offering solutions that integrate into applications to enhance security and user experience.

Winsage

May 15, 2025

Microsoft App Assure helps Nord Security build for Windows on Arm

Developers are focusing on optimizing applications for the newly launched Copilot+ PCs, which feature advanced system architecture, all-day battery life, and the ability to run AI models directly on the device. The initial Copilot+ PCs are powered by Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus silicon, with AMD and Intel also introducing compatible processors. Microsoft’s App Assure Program provides guidance and technical support to help developers optimize applications for these devices, particularly for Arm-based Snapdragon X Series devices. NordVPN is a notable example of a company that successfully utilized the App Assure program to develop an Arm-optimized version of their application. The program includes the Arm Advisory Service, which allows developers to consult with Microsoft engineers for a smoother development process. Other companies, such as Proton VPN and F-Secure, have also benefited from the App Assure team in optimizing their applications for the Windows on Arm platform.

Tech Optimizer

May 15, 2025

Databricks to Acquire Neon in USD 1 Billion Deal to Power AI Agent Workflows with Serverless Postgres

Databricks intends to acquire Neon, a cloud-based serverless Postgres platform, for approximately USD 1 billion. Neon, founded in 2021, offers a managed, open-source Postgres service with features like effortless database cloning, isolated environment testing, and point-in-time data restoration. Over 80% of databases on Neon are created by AI agents. The acquisition aims to enhance Databricks' infrastructure for AI-native applications, allowing developers to create isolated Postgres instances quickly and decouple compute and storage resources. Neon has raised USD 129.5 million from investors, while Databricks has secured over USD 19 billion in funding, with a valuation of USD 62 billion. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals, and Neon's team will join Databricks post-acquisition.

Winsage

May 14, 2025

WSL is the best feature added to Windows in the last decade

Microsoft introduced the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) in the Windows 10 Anniversary Update in August 2016, initially as a tool for developers. WSL debuted as a beta version with a native-kernel translation layer, allowing Windows to run unmodified Linux ELF binaries. Its early performance was limited, leading users to prefer Linux virtual machines for full compatibility. The launch of WSL2 in May 2020 replaced the translation layer with a lightweight, real Linux kernel running in a Hyper-V utility VM, providing near-native performance and comprehensive syscall coverage. WSL2 has since seen continuous improvements, including GPU-compute and CUDA support in 2021, full GUI support for X11 and Wayland applications in 2022, and systemd support in September 2022. WSL2 approaches the performance of bare-metal Linux while integrating seamlessly with Windows, allowing users to launch a Linux shell easily. It enables developers to access the C drive and interact between Windows and Linux environments without dual-booting. WSL2 enhances productivity for data science workflows, allowing the use of tools like PyTorch with CUDA. It also offers features for non-developers, such as creating aliases for launching Windows applications and running Linux GUI applications. WSL's integration into Windows represents a significant shift, providing opportunities for users across various domains to explore Linux functionalities.

Tech Optimizer

May 14, 2025

Databricks buys serverless database startup Neon for reported $1B

Databricks Inc. has confirmed its acquisition of Neon Inc. for approximately billion. Databricks, based in San Francisco, was valued at billion after its last funding round. Neon specializes in managed cloud databases, has raised over million in funding, and utilizes a proprietary storage engine built on PostgreSQL. Neon's architecture allows for rapid deployment of database instances in under a second, which enhances performance for AI agents. The acquisition is expected to be finalized by July 31.

Tech Optimizer

May 14, 2025

Databricks to Acquire Neon, Targeting Serverless Postgres for AI Agent Workloads

Databricks plans to acquire Neon, a serverless Postgres provider designed for automation and AI-driven database interactions. Neon's architecture allows for 80% of databases on its platform to be provisioned automatically by AI agents, enabling rapid execution and unpredictable scaling. It can provision fully isolated Postgres instances in under 500 milliseconds and features instant schema and data forking. Neon's usage-based pricing model charges organizations only for executed queries, addressing cost inefficiencies of traditional databases. It is fully compatible with Postgres and supports common extensions, facilitating ease of use for developers. After the acquisition, Neon's team will join Databricks to support existing users and develop tools for AI-native systems.

AppWizard

May 14, 2025

Mobile firm Brightika to invest $3m in PC and console titles

Brightika is investing a substantial amount over the next two years to enter the PC and console gaming market, aiming to support indie game development with financial backing, marketing, and publishing assistance. The company has nearly 200 million installations of its mobile games and plans to replicate this success in the new markets. Discussions are ongoing with various development teams, and some titles may be showcased at the Steam Next Fest from June 9th to 16th. Founder Alexander Rodichev highlights the goal of providing marketing and distribution support to developers in these sectors.

Tech Optimizer

May 14, 2025

Databricks adds Postgres database with $1B Neon acquisition

Databricks announced its intention to acquire Neon, a developer of a cloud-based dataset platform built on PostgreSQL, to enhance capabilities for developers and autonomous AI agents. The acquisition's estimated value is approximately billion, although financial specifics remain undisclosed. Neon, based in Menlo Park, California, raised .6 million prior to the acquisition. This move will expand Databricks' portfolio with open-source database functionalities, aiding in the development of data and AI applications. Databricks has made several acquisitions to support generative AI development, including MosaicML, Arcion, Einblick, Lilac AI, BladeBridge, and Tabular, with some valued at over billion. Neon's platform allows users to create PostgreSQL instances quickly and features a disaggregated compute and storage architecture for automatic scaling. The Neon team will join Databricks following the acquisition's completion.

Tech Optimizer

May 14, 2025

Databricks to buy open-source database startup Neon for $1B

Databricks intends to acquire Neon, a startup known for its open-source alternative to AWS Aurora Postgres, in a deal valued at approximately billion. The acquisition aims to integrate Neon’s serverless relational database management system with Databricks' data intelligence services, enhancing the deployment of AI agents. Neon, founded in 2021, offers a managed cloud-based database platform with features like automatic scaling, database cloning, and point-in-time recovery. Recent data shows that 80% of databases on Neon are provisioned by AI agents. Neon has raised .6 million from investors including Microsoft’s M12, while Databricks has raised over billion, recently closing a .3 billion funding round. Databricks has previously acquired Tabular and MosaicML to strengthen its position in the AI landscape.