engineering Archives

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.

Winsage

May 15, 2025

This hidden Windows 11 feature lets you force an emergency restart — how it works and where to find it

Windows 11 includes an emergency restart feature that serves as a safer alternative to forcefully pressing the power button when a PC is unresponsive, reducing the risk of file corruption and system instability. For installing Windows 11 on unsupported PCs, users should assess hardware compatibility, utilize workarounds, back up data, explore community forums, stay updated on patches, consider hardware upgrades, and familiarize themselves with new features. To enhance security, users should enable two-factor authentication, regularly update software, use strong passwords, install antivirus software, be cautious with email attachments, back up data, and educate themselves about phishing scams.

Tech Optimizer

May 14, 2025

Databricks Acquires Neon for $1 Billion, Boosting AI Infrastructure with Serverless PostgreSQL

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.

AppWizard

May 14, 2025

Modders use reverse engineering to bring Mario Party 4 to PC, more GameCube games to follow

The gaming community has seen a rise in reverse-engineering source code from retro console games, particularly from the Nintendo 64 era and earlier, leading to native PC ports. The decompilation of Mario Party 4 is nearly complete, making it the first fully decompiled GameCube title, which will facilitate unofficial PC ports. A port of Mario Party 4 with online multiplayer is in development. Other GameCube titles like Super Smash Bros. Melee and Metroid Prime are also being targeted for decompilation. An unofficial PC port of the Xbox 360 game Sonic Unleashed has been completed. Previous titles such as Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time have received PC ports with enhanced features. Modders are experimenting with advanced technologies like ray tracing for classic games. A modding tool has improved the recompilation process, but technical challenges remain. Nintendo has not taken legal action against these decompilation efforts, and modders use clean room tactics to avoid legal issues, requiring ownership of the original game for PC ports.

AppWizard

May 14, 2025

Slack down: Messaging app hit by major global outage

Slack is currently experiencing a major outage affecting users worldwide, with issues including error spikes that hinder the ability to open channels, send messages, and use integrated applications. The company has stated that backend database routing is contributing to these errors and is actively investigating the situation with its engineering team. While initially reported as a global outage affecting all users, it has been clarified that the impact is widespread but not universal. Users are facing challenges such as difficulties in starting the application, unsent messages, and problems with loading channels and threads. Slack has committed to providing updates every 30 minutes until the issues are resolved. As of the latest update, operations are reportedly returning to normal after significant disruptions.

AppWizard

May 12, 2025

Almost 200 Overwatch staff unionise

Nearly 200 developers from the Overwatch series have formed a union called The Overwatch Gamemakers Guild-CWA, announced by the Communications Workers of America (CWA). The union includes members from various departments such as design, production, engineering, art, sound, and quality assurance. The unionization effort was motivated by layoffs in the gaming industry and aims to improve workplace conditions. Members believe collective action will help address long-standing issues like layoffs, excessive crunch periods, and inadequate working conditions in the gaming sector.

Tech Optimizer

May 12, 2025

Defendnot — A New Tool That Disables Windows Defender by Posing as an Antivirus Solution

Defendnot is a tool that disables Windows Defender by using the Windows Security Center (WSC) API, presenting itself as a legitimate antivirus solution. It was created by a developer named “es3n1n” and follows the removal of a previous tool called “no-defender.” The tool engages directly with WSC, which disables Windows Defender when third-party antivirus software is installed to avoid conflicts. Defendnot was developed through reverse engineering of the WSC service and involves understanding how WSC verifies processes. It registers a phantom antivirus product using COM interfaces and undocumented Windows APIs, leading Windows to disable its built-in protection. The tool requires administrative privileges to operate and adds itself to autorun to maintain its functionality after a reboot. Security experts express concern about its potential misuse by malware authors, while it also provides insights into vulnerabilities in Microsoft’s security architecture.

Tech Optimizer

May 12, 2025

Defendnot: A Tool That Disables Windows Defender by Registering as an Antivirus

Cybersecurity developers have created a tool called defendnot, which disables Windows Defender by utilizing undocumented Windows Security Center (WSC) APIs. This tool is a successor to the no-defender project, which was taken down due to DMCA challenges. The developer reverse-engineered WSC’s validation algorithms and identified Taskmgr.exe as a suitable process to host the necessary code. Defendnot persists across reboots by adding itself to Windows autorun and can be managed via a command-line interface with options to disable Windows Defender and Windows Firewall. Unlike its predecessor, defendnot does not use third-party antivirus code. Security experts warn that disabling protection mechanisms should only be done in controlled environments by knowledgeable users.

Winsage

May 12, 2025

I tried Asus ZenBook A14. Now I can’t imagine using a different Windows laptop

The Asus ZenBook A14 is a lightweight laptop that weighs over 23% less than the MacBook Air and is crafted from a material called Ceraluminum, making it 30% lighter than aluminum and nearly three times stronger. It features a variety of ports, including two USB-C (v4.0) ports, a USB-A port, and an HDMI 2.1 port, offering more connectivity options than the MacBook Air. The keyboard provides satisfying feedback and ample travel, while the Windows Hello authentication system offers convenient security. The laptop has a 14-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels and performs well with applications from Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, although it struggles with heavier workloads in Da Vinci Resolve. The ZenBook A14 has a battery life of around eight hours on a single charge.

AppWizard

May 10, 2025

PC gaming remains undefeated: Nintendo now says it has the right to brick your Switch if it thinks you’re pirating games or modifying the console

Nintendo has updated its online user agreement, allowing the company to make a console "permanently unusable" if a user violates the agreement. The revised End User License Agreement (EULA) includes extensive restrictions on actions such as publishing, modifying, or distributing Nintendo Account Services, as well as using unauthorized copies. The EULA also places responsibility on legal guardians for minors and emphasizes that users do not own their games outright but merely license them. Concerns about backward compatibility and potential service discontinuation for the upcoming Switch 2 have emerged, alongside a growing preference among gamers for more control over their gaming experiences.