NewApp Digest
search bot

discussions

Blizzard doing 'a thorough scrub' of illegitimate World of Warcraft Mythic-Plus dungeon rankings, with more changes to come
AppWizard
September 1, 2026

Blizzard doing ‘a thorough scrub’ of illegitimate World of Warcraft Mythic-Plus dungeon rankings, with more changes to come

Blizzard Entertainment is reviewing World of Warcraft Mythic Plus Dungeon rankings due to concerns over players purchasing carries, following the introduction of rewards for the top 1% during the Midnight expansion. Game director Ion Hazzikostas confirmed that the team is thoroughly examining this issue and will provide updates soon. The competitive rankings have led to discussions about the rapid increase in cutoff scores and the prevalence of paid invitations for +21 level groups. Players have faced penalties for obtaining Mythic raiding mounts through real-money transactions, causing confusion over legitimate practices. The percentage-based ranking system has increased participation in Mythic Plus dungeons but resulted in lower retention rates compared to the previous season. Community feedback on the new rewards has been mixed, with some players feeling stressed by the uncertainty of the cutoff. Class balance has also become a concern, as successful teams tend to favor specific "meta" specs, potentially limiting accessibility for other players. Blizzard aims to keep dungeons accessible for all classes while considering specialization-specific cutoffs for future seasons.
How Enterprising Modders Installed Windows NT On Nintendo GameCubes
Winsage
September 1, 2026

How Enterprising Modders Installed Windows NT On Nintendo GameCubes

The resurgence of "analog" technology has led to increased interest in console modding among hobbyists. Modders have successfully integrated Windows NT 4.0 into the GameCube through the Entii for Workcubes project, which allows the operating system to run on systems from the GameCube to the Wii U. This initiative was highlighted by YouTube creator emu_kidid in February 2025, followed by contributions from Jiga Tech and Michael MJD in 2026, who demonstrated the hardware installation process. The modifications included removing the disc drive, installing a mod drive, and using an SD card disguised as a GameCube memory card. The GameCube's design facilitated these modifications, despite its lower power compared to contemporaries. Nintendo's strict anti-modding policies on newer consoles have driven modders to focus on older systems, highlighting ongoing discussions about technology ownership and game preservation.
How Enterprising Modders Installed Windows NT On Nintendo GameCubes
Winsage
September 1, 2026

How Enterprising Modders Installed Windows NT On Nintendo GameCubes

Console modding is experiencing a resurgence as enthusiasts enhance classic hardware, with a notable project involving the installation of Windows NT 4.0 on the GameCube. This initiative builds on previous work by Entii for Workcubes and has gained attention through videos by creators like Jiga Tech and Michael MJD. The process involves utilizing the shared PowerPC architecture of the GameCube and Wii, allowing modders to run the vintage operating system. Demonstrations of the modding process began in February 2025, showcasing the installation of a mod drive and software. Despite the challenges posed by modern gaming companies, such as Nintendo's strict anti-modding policies, these projects highlight the creativity of the modding community and the potential for innovative uses of older consoles.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
August 31, 2026

3 tasks that are still easier on Linux than Windows

Linux users benefit from a streamlined software update process through package managers like APT, DNF, and Pacman, allowing all applications to be updated with a single command. In contrast, Windows requires multiple update mechanisms for the operating system and third-party software, often necessitating manual checks. Most drivers in Linux are built into the kernel, enabling automatic recognition and configuration of new hardware, while Windows typically requires users to download drivers from manufacturers' websites. Linux provides clearer system logs for troubleshooting, making it easier to diagnose issues, whereas Windows error messages can be vague and less informative. Overall, Linux offers advantages in software updates, driver management, and troubleshooting compared to Windows.
Windows 11 Now Supports Emoji 17.0
Winsage
August 29, 2026

Windows 11 Now Supports Emoji 17.0

Microsoft has begun rolling out Emoji 17.0 support for select users via a Windows 11 Release Preview update, which includes 163 new emojis—13 new concepts and 150 skin tone variations. This update is part of a servicing update leading to the upcoming Windows 11 version 26H2. The 2D Fluent emoji set has also been updated, but the 3D Fluent design is now the standard experience across Windows 11. Several emoji designs have been modified for consistency with other platforms, including changes to the Saluting Face, Face with Peeking Eye, and others. The update is available as a complimentary upgrade for select users in specific regions, with a wider rollout expected soon. Users on Windows Insider builds may have already accessed Emoji 17.0 support.
Overcoming the Barriers of Commercial DBs with Open Source and AI… EDB Hosts 'PostgreSQL AI Summit'
Tech Optimizer
August 29, 2026

Overcoming the Barriers of Commercial DBs with Open Source and AI… EDB Hosts ‘PostgreSQL AI Summit’

A company's approach to artificial intelligence (AI) begins with determining the optimal structure for data storage and management, often facing challenges such as high costs of commercial databases and reliance on specific enterprise technologies. To effectively utilize AI, companies need to establish new infrastructures, including vector search capabilities, Search Augmentation Generative (RAG) systems, and data lakehouses. EDB is notable for connecting companies and technology partners that have transitioned to open-source databases. On September 3, EDB will host the 'EDB Postgres AI Summit Seoul 2026' at the Sofitel Ambassador Seoul, starting at 10:00 AM. This event is the largest PostgreSQL conference in Korea, themed 'Change the Game,' focusing on the shift from commercial databases to open-source and AI-driven frameworks, featuring real-world case studies. Approximately 300 C-level executives and IT decision-makers from various sectors are expected to attend, with participation by invitation only. The summit will include 15 sessions with customer case studies and technical presentations. Notable discussions will include IBK Industrial Bank of Korea's migration of 15 core systems to PostgreSQL, a semiconductor company's diversification of MPP databases on a DBaaS platform, and Kyobo Book Centre's database modernization strategy. Shopcast will present its development of an 'Agentic Lakehouse' integrating AI technology with a data lakehouse framework. The keynote address will be given by Kim Deok-joong, discussing organizational management strategies for integrating AI agents. The technical sessions will cover the architecture of the 'EDB Postgres AI' platform, which supports AI vector search and RAG, with live demonstrations of the analytics engine ClickHouse and LakeHouse technology for analyzing petabyte-scale data. EDB's domestic distributors and international partners will participate as sponsors. The summit aims to showcase technologies and case studies from the domestic ecosystem, addressing PostgreSQL adoption, system migration, operations, data analysis, and AI implementation. EDB manages transaction, analytics, and AI workloads using Postgres in cloud environments, serving over 1,500 global customers. Herve Timsit, EDB's Chief Revenue Officer, emphasized the event's focus on sharing tangible results and addressing the challenges of commercial databases while investing in AI infrastructure.
Bland or badass? The internet is split on GTA 6's Jason, and so is PC Gamer
AppWizard
August 29, 2026

Bland or badass? The internet is split on GTA 6’s Jason, and so is PC Gamer

The Extended Look at GTA 6 showcased a 26-minute trailer featuring a sprawling open world and new features, highlighting two playable characters: Jason and Lucia. Lucia received positive attention for her fierce persona, while Jason's reception has been mixed. Fans expressed dissatisfaction with Jason's voice acting, with comments suggesting it lacked emotion and depth. Some compared him to past Rockstar characters who were initially criticized but later became favorites, indicating potential for character development. The gaming community is actively discussing Jason, with a poll created for fans to share their opinions.
Windows XP's most famous pirated key wasn't a hack. It was a leak
Winsage
August 26, 2026

Windows XP’s most famous pirated key wasn’t a hack. It was a leak

The product key FCKGW-RHQQ2-YXRKT-8TG6W-2B7Q8 was originally intended as a valid Volume Licensing Key (VLK) for corporate use and was never meant for casual home users. It was created to facilitate developers' work by allowing them to bypass certain restrictions during testing. The key was later bundled with special volume media and disseminated online, leading to widespread misuse. Windows Product Activation (WPA) generated a unique hardware ID based on the user's CPU, RAM, and other components for validation. The FCKGW key was whitelisted in Windows XP's activation logic, allowing installations to bypass the activation prompt entirely. This oversight enabled Windows XP to function fully without the constraints of a 30-day timer or watermark and bypassed initial validation checks for updates.
Search