discussions Archives

Winsage

August 26, 2025

Microsoft Finally Fixed Windows 10 Free One-Year Extended Security Updates Enrollment Issues

The end of support for Windows 10 is on October 14th, with an option to upgrade to Windows 11 at no cost. Microsoft is offering Extended Security Updates (ESU) for an additional year. Users faced challenges enrolling in the ESU program, with issues reported regarding the "Enroll now" button. An update in August 2025 aimed to fix these issues, but some users still did not see the enrollment option. Enrollment options for ESU include backing up settings to a Microsoft account, using Microsoft Rewards points, or making a one-time payment. Windows 11 installation is possible on any Windows 10 machine, and detailed instructions are available for bypassing hardware verification.

Tech Optimizer

August 26, 2025

How we loaded a petabyte into PostgreSQL before New Year — and what happened next

A team decided to test PostgreSQL's capabilities with a one-petabyte database, setting a challenge for December 10, with a report due by January 20. They initially sought cloud storage but found no provider could meet their requirement for a single chunk of storage, leading them to rent physical servers. They used Shardman, a distributed database engine, to manage the database across seven servers. They employed the YCSB benchmark for performance testing and faced various challenges, including data loading issues and hardware problems. By January 15, they reached 863 terabytes of data generation, falling short of their petabyte goal, and documented their findings for future reference.

AppWizard

August 25, 2025

The OnePlus Pad 3: The OnePlus Laptop Hiding Inside A Tablet

The OnePlus Pad 3 features a sleek design with a 13.2-inch display and eight speakers, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. It includes a full-sized keyboard and a wide kickstand, enhancing its usability for productivity tasks. Users can access Google Docs through the Chrome browser, which offers a more comprehensive experience compared to the Android app. While Android has improved support for tablet apps, some applications, like Reddit, still face compatibility issues. The Pad 3's larger screen encourages web usage and facilitates multitasking. Overall, it resembles a laptop in functionality and design, despite some ergonomic challenges.

AppWizard

August 25, 2025

Google wants to make sideloading Android apps safer by verifying developers’ identities

Google is implementing a new "developer verification requirement" for all Android apps distributed outside the Google Play Store to enhance user security and accountability. Only users with certified Android devices will be prevented from installing apps from unverified developers. Developers must authenticate their identities through a new Android Developer Console, providing their legal name, address, email, phone number, and, for organizations, a website and D-U-N-S number. A separate account type with fewer requirements will be created for hobbyist and student developers. The rollout will begin with an early access program in October 2025, full implementation in March 2026, and initial requirements taking effect in September 2026 for users in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand.

Tech Optimizer

August 25, 2025

Python Dev Survey: PostgreSQL, AI Agents, Rust Drive Trends

- PostgreSQL is the preferred database for Python projects, with 45% of surveyed developers choosing it, up from 38% the previous year. - MySQL usage has declined to 30% among developers. - Over 80% of developers regularly use AI coding tools like GitHub Copilot and OpenAI’s ChatGPT. - 65% of AI tool users report productivity gains of at least 20%. - Concerns exist regarding over-reliance on AI tools, particularly in generating nuanced logic. - Rust's usage for Python package development has surged by 22% year-over-year. - Rust is favored for its memory safety and performance in creating secure extensions. - 86.7% of Stack Overflow users expressed a desire to continue using Rust. - Projections suggest AI agents could manage up to 40% of routine coding tasks by 2026. - Rust's integration is expected to reduce bugs in critical Python packages by 30%.

Winsage

August 24, 2025

Microsoft’s Windows 95 release was 30 years ago today, the first time software was a pop culture smash

Microsoft launched Windows 95 to the public three decades ago, marking a significant moment in tech history with a midnight launch event that attracted large crowds. The operating system combined Microsoft’s DOS and Windows products, introducing a new user interface featuring the Start Button. The official system requirements included an Intel 386DX processor, 4MB of RAM, a VGA display, and 55MB of hard drive space, with recommended specifications for enhanced features being a 486 or better CPU and 8MB of RAM. Windows 95 was packaged in a box with 13 to 15 floppy disks, and consumers could purchase a full installation or an upgrade from Windows 3.1, with a CD version also available. The launch price was , which is approximately 0 today, and on its first day, it generated million in sales, with one million copies shipped by the fourth day. By its one-year anniversary, Microsoft had shipped 40 million units globally. Windows 95 also influenced gaming, with 10 of the 11 top PC game publishers adopting it, and it coincided with the rise of web browsers optimized for the platform.

AppWizard

August 23, 2025

Windows 11 Build 26200 Enables Android App Resumption on PCs

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5761 in the Dev Channel, allowing users to resume Android app sessions on Windows PCs through the Start menu for linked devices. This update enhances AI capabilities, particularly for devices with Copilot+ hardware, and introduces an upgraded energy saver mode. It addresses issues like intermittent crashes in File Explorer and improves compatibility with third-party antivirus software. The update encourages cross-platform app development and aims to streamline workflows in enterprise environments. Microsoft has noted potential audio glitches on certain hardware and is gathering user feedback for further improvements.

AppWizard

August 22, 2025

Android’s latest update can force apps into dark mode – how to see it now

The latest beta release of Android 16 introduces enhanced dark mode capabilities, allowing for intelligent inversion of the UI in apps that lack built-in dark mode support. This feature evaluates an app's "Light Theme" attribute to determine if inversion is necessary and applies color inversion techniques to standard Android Views, Composables, and WebViews. Additionally, Android 16 QPR2 can generate themed icons for apps without their own, using a color filtering algorithm to ensure they match the user's selected theme. This functionality is aimed at improving accessibility for individuals with low vision and photosensitivity, as well as catering to users who prefer a darker aesthetic. The beta version is currently available only to Pixel device owners, with a public release expected later this year.

AppWizard

August 22, 2025

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater review

Metal Gear Solid Delta is a ground-up remake of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, developed and published by Konami, priced at £70. The game is reviewed on Windows 11 with an Intel i5-12400, RTX 4060, and 16GB RAM. Multiplayer will be available as a post-launch update. The narrative focuses on the relationship between Snake and the Boss, with an emphasis on exploration and environmental interaction. The game features refined controls, an improved user interface, and a simple camouflage activation system. Some mechanics, like the wound treatment system, remain unchanged. Players experience a balanced challenge on normal difficulty, with engaging boss fights enhanced by modern graphics. Despite occasional performance issues, the overall experience is captivating, honoring the original while offering a fresh take.

AppWizard

August 22, 2025

5 apps you should use instead of Messenger

Messenger is popular in the U.S. but criticized for lacking default end-to-end encryption in group chats, allowing Meta access to messages. WhatsApp is the most widely used messaging app globally, offering default end-to-end encryption and a user-friendly interface. Signal prioritizes privacy with end-to-end encryption for all communications and minimal data collection, funded by user donations. Viber provides end-to-end encryption but faces concerns about data privacy due to ownership and increased advertisements. Google Messages uses RCS technology for enhanced communication but relies on carrier support for full functionality. Telegram offers community features and allows Secret Chats for privacy, but lacks default end-to-end encryption. Users face challenges when switching messaging platforms, often due to the need for mutual contacts.