enthusiasts Archives

Tech Optimizer

June 19, 2026

Looking Ahead to Postgres 19

Postgres has introduced new functionalities, including UPDATE and DELETE FOR PORTION OF, enhancing temporal use cases. The expansion of RANDOM() temporal functions is attributed to Paul Ramsey and Greg Sabino Mullane. Version 19 includes performance improvements in the planner and executor components, with contributions from Tom Lane. Key enhancements include refinements in anti-joins and semi-joins, constant folding optimizations, incremental sorting with append paths, enhanced aggregate processing prior to joins, improved join selectivity computation, and more comprehensive function statistics. These changes allow Postgres to better understand query structures, reducing unnecessary processing. The visibility of memoization in EXPLAIN has improved, sort performance has benefited from radix sort, and foreign key constraint checks have become faster. The COPY FROM command can now utilize SIMD instructions. Postgres 19 offers a range of improvements for application developers, operators, performance enthusiasts, and those building on Postgres, including enhanced graph queries, refined SQL syntax, improved window functions, better upsert behavior, REPACK CONCURRENTLY, advancements in autovacuum, improved monitoring capabilities, and new hooks. The release is still in beta, providing an opportunity for testing applications, migration, extensions, execution plans, and maintenance workflows.

AppWizard

June 19, 2026

The greatest FPS mode of all time is endangered

Capture the Flag (CTF) mode has been a staple in multiplayer first-person shooter (FPS) gaming for over three decades, popularized by Dave "Zoid" Kirsch's Threewave CTF mod for Quake. It combines team deathmatch excitement with objective-based gameplay, but has become increasingly rare as multiplayer gaming has evolved. The rise of multiplayer service games focusing on singular modes has overshadowed CTF, with titles like Counter-Strike 2 and Rainbow Six Siege prioritizing bomb modes. Call of Duty last featured CTF in 2017, and recent games like Last Flag and Highguard have not significantly revived interest in the mode. A recent Reddit thread reminiscing about CTF received 98 comments but only 12 upvotes, indicating a nostalgic yet diminishing engagement with the mode.

AppWizard

June 19, 2026

Prism Launcher Setup 2026: Install Modpacks in 12 Steps

Prism Launcher is an open-source Minecraft launcher, a fork of MultiMC, licensed under GPL-3. It allows users to manage multiple isolated game instances, each capable of running different versions of Minecraft, mod loaders, and mod sets. The latest version, 11.0.2, was released in June 2026 and includes features such as integrated browsing for CurseForge and Modrinth, automatic Java switching, and support for mod loaders like Fabric, Forge, NeoForge, and Quilt. It operates without ads and is cross-platform, compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. Key features include: - Multiple instances: Unlimited isolated instances of Minecraft. - Integrated mod browsers: Direct installation from Modrinth and CurseForge. - Automatic Java management: Switches Java versions as needed. - Support for major mod loaders: Easy instance creation with Fabric, Forge, NeoForge, or Quilt. - No ads: Self-contained experience without interruptions. - Prerequisites: Requires a paid Minecraft: Java Edition license, specific operating systems, minimum RAM and disk space, and an internet connection. Installation steps vary by operating system, with detailed instructions provided for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Users must log in with a Microsoft account linked to their Minecraft license and can create instances for vanilla gameplay or install modpacks from Modrinth or CurseForge. Memory allocation settings can be configured per instance for optimal performance.

Winsage

June 19, 2026

Microsoft confirms Recycle Bin glitch affecting all supported Windows versions — yes, even the trash needs debugging

Microsoft is addressing issues from its June 2026 Patch Tuesday update, which has caused critical flaws for Windows 11 users, including BitLocker lockout problems. Additionally, a new complication linked to Update KB5094126 affects all supported versions of Windows, where users may see the "internal" filename in the Recycle Bin confirmation dialog instead of the user-friendly filename. This glitch is limited to the dialog box and does not affect the actual file or deletion process.

AppWizard

June 19, 2026

Commodore’s New Flip Phone Skips Android for Linux-Based Sailfish OS

A year after its revival, the Commodore brand is re-entering the mobile phone market with the retro flip phone called the Commodore Callback 8020. This device runs on a privacy-focused Linux-based operating system, Jolla's Sailfish OS, and features stringent software restrictions that block browsers and social media applications. It comes preloaded with WhatsApp and supports other messaging services like Signal, Telegram, and WeChat. The Callback 8020 is powered by a MediaTek Helio G81 chip, has 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of expandable storage. It features a 3.25-inch IPS display, a 1.77-inch exterior screen, and a tactile T9 keypad. The rear camera has a 48MP Sony sensor, and the phone includes a removable 1550mAh battery. Connectivity options include dual-SIM 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, hotspot, and GPS. The Callback 8020 will be available in five colors, with prices starting at .99, and units are expected to ship this winter.

AppWizard

June 18, 2026

Chaos Cubed drop is now available for Minecraft on Nintendo Switch

The Chaos Cubed game update has launched on the Nintendo Switch, introducing new features such as the sulfur cube, sulfur caves, and various blocks. The sulfur cube is a passive mob found in sulfur caves that can absorb blocks to gain unique effects. Players can leash or scoop them up, or use bouncy wool blocks to launch them. Sulfur caves are home to hostile creatures and contain sulfur and cinnabar blocks, as well as sulfur spikes that are safe for players. On the Overworld surface, sulfur springs and geysers indicate the presence of sulfur caves, with springs emitting toxic gases that cause nausea. Potent sulfur generates bubbles and gas puffs when placed under water and can create geysers when combined with magma blocks. The update also includes a new music disc called Bounce, which can be found in chests within mineshafts that connect to the sulfur caves.

AppWizard

June 18, 2026

Sony’s Forgotten Multiplayer PS5, PC Game Gets Final Update as Developer Moves On

Velan Studios has announced the release of the final update for their multiplayer shooter, Midnight Murder Club, which was launched by Sony in August 2025 for PS5 and PC. This update is primarily for Steam players and marks the end of post-launch support, although the game will remain available and the servers will stay operational. Midnight Murder Club features online multiplayer gameplay where players navigate a dark mansion using stealth and strategy. Despite its innovative concept, the game struggled to maintain a large player base.

Winsage

June 18, 2026

Skip paying full price and save $80 on Windows 11 Home

A Windows 11 Home license is currently available for .99, a significant reduction from the standard retail price of 9.99. The license is permanent and non-transferable, valid for the lifetime of the installation on one specific machine. It is provided as a digital key, requiring the download and installation of Windows prior to activation.

Tech Optimizer

June 18, 2026

Retro gaming fans are the new target for fake GitHub malware

Retro gaming enthusiasts should be cautious when exploring GitHub projects for tools or plugins, as cybercriminals may disguise malware as homebrew software. A specific incident involved a project called EQVita, which pretended to be a free audio tool for PlayStation Vita but actually contained Windows malware. The downloaded file included three files: Launch.bat, luajit.exe, and x64.txt, with the latter concealing a hidden script that connected to the attacker's server upon execution. This scam is part of a broader trend where counterfeit GitHub repositories distribute SmartLoader malware, which retrieves additional malicious software aimed at stealing passwords and cryptocurrency wallets. The PS Vita community, despite the console's production ceasing, remains active in modding, making it a target for attackers. Legitimate plugins typically come in Vita-compatible formats, while fake ones may feature polished marketing materials and AI-generated descriptions. Users are advised to verify sources, be cautious of suspicious downloads, and utilize security tools like Malwarebytes. If someone has executed the malicious EQVitav1.3.zip file, they should conduct a malware scan, change important passwords, and monitor accounts for unauthorized access. Indicators of compromise include the domains https://github.com/Voistace/EQVita and https://voistace.github.io, and the IP address 85.137.52.21.

AppWizard

June 18, 2026

Do you recognize these survival crafting games? Prove you’re a real master of roughin’ it with our latest quiz on base-building sandboxes

Many gaming enthusiasts have specific genre preferences, often favoring narrative-driven RPGs, but their gaming history may show a variety of titles, particularly in the survival crafting genre. Survival crafting games combine creativity and adventure, offering social interaction and collaborative play. A new survival crafting quiz challenges players to identify 20 games through pixelated screenshots, allowing participants 12 minutes to complete it. This quiz aims to evoke nostalgia and encourage sharing results among gamers, reinforcing social connections within the gaming community.