editor Archives

AppWizard

July 1, 2026

Why B3 chose Android for secure AI-enabled productivity

B3 has deployed a secure mobile solution to 1,000 employees in two weeks using Android Enterprise, enhancing security with AI threat detection and Managed Google Play. The transition is expected to yield a 30% cost savings over the next decade. B3 prioritized security and compliance while providing devices that ensure constant availability and productivity. The deployment process was streamlined through collaboration with Samsung and Android Enterprise's zero-touch enrollment, allowing centralized management of devices. Employees received lightweight devices with 7-inch screens and longer battery life, leading to positive feedback. B3 is also expanding its use of AI to improve productivity and plans to refresh hardware more frequently due to the anticipated cost savings.

Winsage

July 1, 2026

‘Pure old-school Windows’: Ex-Microsoft engineer shrinks down Notepad to 2.5 kilobytes with ‘no bloat, no telemetry, no nonsense’

A former Microsoft software engineer, Dave Plummer, has launched TinyRetroPad, a minimalist text editing application designed as an alternative to the increasingly complex Notepad. TinyRetroPad is a fork of Tiny Editor, which was based on Plummer's earlier project, HelloAssembly. The application aims to provide a simple and efficient user experience, reminiscent of earlier Windows versions, by utilizing existing Windows components to maintain a small footprint. Users have expressed dissatisfaction with Notepad's growing complexity, prompting a search for lightweight alternatives. TinyRetroPad offers a compact interface without unnecessary features or telemetry.

Winsage

July 1, 2026

Former Microsoft engineer shrinks Notepad down to size

Dave Plummer, a former Microsoft engineer, has created TinyRetroPad, a minimalist text editor that is only 2.5 kilobytes in size. It aims to provide a simple text editing experience, reminiscent of older software like Notepad, which has become bloated over time with unnecessary features. TinyRetroPad includes essential functions such as Open and Save As dialogs, font selection, and printing capabilities, while using assembly language and the RICHEDIT50W from the WinAPI. The application requires more system resources to run effectively but focuses on maintaining lean code and binaries.

AppWizard

June 30, 2026

Minecraft Marketplace Summer Sale cuts prices on 300 in-game items

The Minecraft Marketplace Summer Sale offers discounts of up to 33% on over 300 select items, including add-ons, skins, texture packs, and adventures for Minecraft Bedrock Edition. The sale features items like the Biomes O’ Plenty add-on, which adds over 50 unique biomes, and the RealismCraft add-on, which enhances visuals with new mobs and weather effects. The Naturalist 26.1 add-on introduces realistic animals, while the Eternal End add-on reimagines the End Dimension with new biomes and items. The sale is live in the UK from June 30, 2023, at 6 PM BST until July 28, 2026, at 6 PM BST.

Tech Optimizer

June 27, 2026

How AI and Visual Tools Improve PostgreSQL Query Performance and Schema Management

PostgreSQL performance tuning and schema synchronization can be time-consuming and complex, often involving manual queries, EXPLAIN plans, and schema drift. The release of dbForge Studio for PostgreSQL 2026.1 introduces AI-assisted query optimization, a visual query builder, improved schema comparison and synchronization, and a visual table editor. The AI Assistant analyzes database indexes and suggests query optimizations, providing specific recommendations rather than generic advice. The new Query Builder allows users to visually assemble queries, simplifying the process of creating multi-table joins. The Schema Compare feature enables users to compare and synchronize schemas visually, reducing the risk of errors associated with manual synchronization. The visual Table Editor facilitates table design and maintenance, automatically identifying indexes and offering auto-completion for index names. The transition from traditional methods to these new capabilities enhances efficiency, allowing developers to save time on query writing, tuning, and schema changes. The integration of AI and visual tools streamlines workflows and reduces guesswork in performance tuning and schema management.

Winsage

June 26, 2026

Microsoft extends free Windows 10 security updates for consumers

Microsoft has extended its free Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for consumers to provide essential security updates until October 12, 2027. This extension allows users more time to transition to Windows 11, as Windows 10 will no longer receive support after October 14, 2025. The initial expiration date for the free ESU program was October 12, 2026. Consumers can access these updates by backing up their Windows settings, redeeming 1,000 Microsoft reward points, and for users in the European Economic Area, logging into Windows 10 with a Microsoft account. An ESU license can be used on up to 10 devices linked to the same Microsoft account, but the program is not available for systems managed through Active Directory or Mobile Device Management, though devices registered with Microsoft Entra are eligible.

Winsage

June 26, 2026

Your Windows 10 PC just quietly got another year of free support

Microsoft has extended the security updates for Windows 10 users by an additional year, with the new end date for the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program set for October 12, 2027. This extension applies automatically to existing ESU enrollees, and new users can sign up until the deadline. The change was confirmed by a Microsoft spokesperson in an editor's note added to a blog post. The extension does not apply to corporate Windows deployments, which require costly ESU subscriptions that extend support until October 2028.

Winsage

June 25, 2026

Microsoft quietly extends free Windows 10 ESU support to October 2027

Microsoft has extended the free coverage of its Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for consumers by an additional year, now lasting until October 12, 2027. This change was noted in updates to Microsoft's ESU documentation and a blog post. Previously, Windows 10 was set to reach its end of support on October 14, 2025, with initial ESU coverage expiring on October 12, 2026. Consumers can access the extended security updates through various methods, including payment, backing up settings to a Microsoft account, redeeming Microsoft reward points, or for users in the European Economic Area, by logging in with a Microsoft account. Each ESU license can be used on up to 10 devices linked to the same account, and the program is only for personal devices, not those managed through Active Directory or MDM.

AppWizard

June 25, 2026

Russia’s state-backed messaging app Max blocks regional chats where users tracked gas availability and shared information about lines at filling stations

The Max messenger has blocked chat groups in at least four Russian regions—Ivanovo, Vladimir, Tver, Krasnokamsk, and Chita—where users were tracking gas availability and information about filling station queues. The chat group "Benzin 33" in the Vladimir region gained 15,000 subscribers in three days, while "Benzin Ivanovo" had around 8,000 members, and the Tver chat reached 9,000 subscribers. The blocking in Vladimir was due to a technical violation related to subscriber registration with Roskomnadzor, while the reasons for blockings in other regions are unclear. Russia is facing a fuel crisis exacerbated by Ukrainian strikes on oil refineries, leading to restrictions on gasoline sales in over 20 areas and widespread shortages at gas stations. Additionally, the Federal Antimonopoly Service has banned the sale of gasoline on digital platforms, resulting in blocked listings on e-commerce sites like Ozon and Wildberries.

AppWizard

June 25, 2026

Gemini on desktop could soon get Gemini Live, Magic Pointer, and voice dictation

The Gemini desktop application for macOS is testing several new features, including support for Gemini Live, a system-wide voice dictation feature called “Speak to Window,” cursor tracking for contextual assistance, and a toolbar option labeled “Connect another Mac.” These features are currently being evaluated by a select group of users.