discussion

AppWizard
May 21, 2025
Samsung's DeX feature allows users to transform their smartphones into a desktop experience by connecting to an external display. Since its introduction with the Galaxy S8, DeX has evolved, and Google is collaborating with Samsung to enhance it for Android 16's Native desktop mode. This mode aims to improve Android's desktop functionalities, which have previously been limited. Samsung's recent "New DeX" mode, introduced with One UI 6.0 and Android 14, allows for resizable app windows, but Google may choose to adopt a design inspired by the classic DeX experience instead. The future of desktop mode in Android remains uncertain, particularly regarding external display options.
AppWizard
May 21, 2025
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 is set to launch on July 11 for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox PC, and will be available on Game Pass on day one. The game features enhanced gameplay quality and playability, making it more enjoyable. A preview by Mike Nelson highlights the need for practice to master the game, which involves combining button presses with analog stick movements. The THPS Fest in May showcased new levels, skaters, and features, celebrating the franchise's legacy. The Official Xbox Podcast includes a discussion with developers about the remastering process and new content for players.
AppWizard
May 19, 2025
Straus Zelnick, CEO and chair of Take-Two, announced that the release of Grand Theft Auto 6 has been postponed from 2025 to May 26, 2026, to allow Rockstar more time for refinement. He stated that the game's development began in earnest in 2020 and that it is the most anticipated entertainment property of all time. Zelnick emphasized that the ambition and complexity of Grand Theft Auto 6 surpass previous titles, and he believes the additional time is a worthy investment to ensure an extraordinary experience for players. He reassured stakeholders that the timeline is unlikely to change again, citing the company's historical success in meeting set release dates.
Tech Optimizer
May 19, 2025
Performance issues in PostgreSQL can arise as databases grow, leading to declines in query performance. To identify problematic queries, one can log long-running queries by setting the `log_min_duration_statement` parameter in the `postgresql.conf` file. The `pg_stat_statements` module can be enabled to monitor execution statistics of SQL statements, providing insights into query performance, including execution time and the number of calls. Queries with high standard deviation in execution time may indicate inconsistency, while sorting query statistics by total execution time can reveal excessive load from multiple fast queries. Real-time monitoring can be done using the `pg_stat_activity` view to check active queries and their states, and the `pg_locks` view can help identify blocked processes. The `EXPLAIN` command can analyze query execution plans, and using the `auto_explain` module can log plans for slow queries. Understanding cost parameters in query plans helps in optimizing performance, and different join methods (Nested Loop, Merge Join, Hash Join) have varying complexities and costs. To influence the planner's choice of scanning methods, configuration parameters can be adjusted, such as disabling sequential scanning. Extensions like `sr_plan`, `pg_hint_plan`, and `AQO` can further optimize query execution. Monitoring query progress can be done using dynamic views like `pg_stat_progress_*` for various commands.
AppWizard
May 17, 2025
Civilization 7 has received a divided response from players, with its Steam rating showing a near-even split. As of three months post-launch, only 48% of Steam reviewers rated the game positively, reflecting a modest increase of 4% since its release. The game ranks as the 8th best-selling game of 2025 in the United States, but its player count is significantly lower than previous entries, with approximately 9,537 concurrent players compared to 43,307 for Civilization 6 and 15,981 for Civilization 5. Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive, acknowledged the game's launch challenges and noted that varied opinions are common in the franchise's history. Robert Zak, a reviewer, highlighted the game's streamlined and accessible nature but mentioned that some players may miss the depth of earlier titles.
Winsage
May 16, 2025
Microsoft is winding down support for Windows 10 this October and has released update KB5058379, which has caused unexpected BitLocker recovery prompts for some users after a restart. This issue has been confirmed by Microsoft representatives on forums, although it is not mentioned in the update's release notes. The problem predominantly affects devices from manufacturers like Dell, HP, and Lenovo, and the specific cause is unclear. Microsoft has provided workarounds, including disabling Secure Boot and virtualization technologies, checking Microsoft Defender System Guard Firmware Protection status, and disabling firmware protection via Group Policy or Registry Editor.
Tech Optimizer
May 14, 2025
Databricks has acquired Neon, a cloud-based database startup specializing in serverless PostgreSQL, in a billion-dollar deal. This acquisition aims to enhance Databricks' role in the AI tooling landscape and reflects a shift in the database market to meet the needs of AI-native applications. Neon, founded in 2021 and based in Menlo Park, California, had raised nearly million before this acquisition. Databricks CEO Ali Ghodsi noted that 80% of databases on their platform are created by code rather than humans, indicating a shift in database management driven by autonomous AI agents. Databricks has been actively acquiring companies to strengthen its AI development capabilities, having previously acquired firms like MosaicML and Arcion. Ghodsi emphasized that as a private entity, Databricks can make long-term strategic decisions without public market pressures. The acquisition reflects a broader trend of increased deal-making in the AI sector and highlights the growing importance of robust data infrastructure in the context of sovereign AI initiatives.
Winsage
May 14, 2025
Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. After this date, Microsoft 365 Apps will continue to function on Windows 10 devices, but Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows 11 to avoid potential performance issues. Microsoft will provide security updates for Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10 for three years after the end of support, ending on October 10, 2028. However, Microsoft will not test new releases on Windows 10 after the end-of-support date. Support for Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10 will have limitations, including advising upgrades to Windows 11 for issues that do not occur on Windows 11, limited troubleshooting assistance for customers unable to upgrade, and no option to log bugs or request additional updates. These support options do not apply to consumers using the Personal and Family editions of Microsoft 365.
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