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Meta's new app is basically social media for vibe coded games and experiences
BetaBeacon
July 3, 2026

Meta’s new app is basically social media for vibe coded games and experiences

Meta has launched a new app called Pocket in 2026, which allows users to vibe-code creations using AI without manual coding. The app features a social feed where users can explore, interact with, and remix gizmos created by others. Pocket offers a wide range of interactive possibilities, including game development, camera filters, and experiences similar to popular apps like Snapchat. This app is a result of Meta's acquisition of the vibe-coded game development platform Gizmo, showcasing their commitment to expanding offerings in the vibe-coding space.
Motorola launches Global Connect eSIM app
AppWizard
July 3, 2026

Motorola launches Global Connect eSIM app

Motorola has launched the Global Connect Android application, developed with Gigs, available in the Google Play Store in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Peru, and Chile, with plans to expand to European markets later this year. The app provides seamless access to eSIM data plans worldwide, offering various options and a complimentary 1GB of data usable in 160 countries. It supports 5G networks and features a straightforward activation process for selected plans. Many compatible Motorola devices will come pre-installed with the app.
Microsoft brags Copilot key has main character energy on Windows 11, but you can soon remap it
Winsage
July 3, 2026

Microsoft brags Copilot key has main character energy on Windows 11, but you can soon remap it

Microsoft promoted the Copilot key on social media, branding it as a button with “main character energy,” despite acknowledging that it has negatively impacted productivity for some users. The company plans to allow remapping of the key in an upcoming Windows 11 update. User reactions to the promotion were largely critical, with many expressing dissatisfaction and calling for the removal of the Copilot key. Microsoft had previously admitted that the key caused disruptions in productivity and accessibility workflows. Additionally, only 3.3% of Microsoft 365 users are paying for Copilot, indicating low adoption. Microsoft has distanced its flagship products from the Copilot branding and users have reported preferring alternatives like ChatGPT and Claude over Copilot.
Following the success of Mouthwashing, developer Wrong Organ wasn't ready to make a better 'story game,' so it's making a 'gameplay game' instead
AppWizard
July 3, 2026

Following the success of Mouthwashing, developer Wrong Organ wasn’t ready to make a better ‘story game,’ so it’s making a ‘gameplay game’ instead

Wrong Organ developers Jeffrey Tomec and Dave van Egdom are set to unveil their upcoming cooperative tank simulator, Carcass Clad, during the PC Gaming Show. This game represents a shift from their previous narrative-driven title, Mouthwashing. Tomec stated that the studio aims to explore gameplay-centric experiences rather than focusing solely on story. They are working on delivering a gameplay-rich experience with Carcass Clad, which they describe as the "just gameplay" game. The title does not have a release date yet but is available for wishlisting on Steam.
Relax, PC Gamers: We're not getting GTA 6 on November 19, but we've got, um... 'Phantom Vice Auto' launching the same day on Steam
AppWizard
July 2, 2026

Relax, PC Gamers: We’re not getting GTA 6 on November 19, but we’ve got, um… ‘Phantom Vice Auto’ launching the same day on Steam

Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to launch on November 19, 2026, but will not be available on PC. On the same day, Phantom Vice Auto will debut, generating significant buzz despite not being part of the Grand Theft Auto franchise. Phantom Vice Auto has released five screenshots, which have sparked curiosity among fans. Additionally, another game, Cats and Pillows, is also set to release around the same time.
Microsoft Copilot OS revealed in LEAKED video: Lightweight Windows OS exploration features new desktop UI built entirely around Copilot and agentic AI
Winsage
July 2, 2026

Microsoft Copilot OS revealed in LEAKED video: Lightweight Windows OS exploration features new desktop UI built entirely around Copilot and agentic AI

Microsoft is exploring a dedicated AI operating system called Aion, which integrates Microsoft Edge and a new lightweight Windows codebase known as Win3. Aion features a fresh desktop user interface with a Taskbar that includes a "Spaces" feature for organizing applications and websites. It is designed to run exclusively web apps and websites, leveraging Windows 365 for access to traditional desktop applications. The video suggests a version of Aion may operate atop Windows 11, potentially supporting native Windows applications, but the version shown is based on the Win3 codebase, which does not support legacy Win32 apps. The video is reportedly from 2024, and the future of Aion remains uncertain, though elements of its capabilities are being integrated into Windows 11. Microsoft has also introduced Project Solara, which offers an adaptive agentic OS experience, raising questions about the relationship between Aion and Solara.
From monolith to Lakebase to LTAP: rethinking the database from storage up
Tech Optimizer
July 2, 2026

From monolith to Lakebase to LTAP: rethinking the database from storage up

Sixteen years ago, the author began their PhD at UC Berkeley and was advised to focus on analytics rather than OLTP databases, which were considered solved. This led to the creation of Apache Spark and Databricks. However, during the development of Databricks, it was found that OLTP databases were not solved problems; they were difficult to scale and fragile. This realization led to the development of Lakebase, a serverless Postgres database designed with modern technology. Lakebase architecture separates the write-ahead log (WAL) and data files into independent, scalable services. The WAL is externalized to a service called SafeKeeper, which uses Paxos-based replication for durability, while data files are managed by PageServer, which stores them in cloud object storage. This design addresses challenges such as data loss, scaling, and performance interference between transactional and analytical workloads. Lakebase maintains compatibility with Postgres, offers unlimited storage, serverless compute, durable writes, and simpler high availability. It also introduces LTAP (Lake Transactional/Analytical Processing), which allows both transactional and analytical processing to operate on a single data copy in real time, eliminating the need for separate data copies and reducing costs. LTAP utilizes a unified storage layer that allows data to be materialized in both row and columnar formats, optimizing it for both transactional and analytical workloads. The system ensures that analytics can access the most current data without affecting transactional performance by using a log sequence number (LSN) to retrieve the latest changes. Unlike traditional CDC approaches, LTAP requires no explicit table replication, as all data is stored in a single governed copy. This architecture circumvents common issues faced by hybrid transactional/analytical processing (HTAP) systems, such as incomplete feature sets, lack of ecosystem support, and performance contention. The Lakebase architecture has unlocked capabilities like unlimited storage, elastic compute, durable writes, and instant branching, with ongoing developments anticipated in the future.
Best Steam Deck games under $3 in the Steam Summer Sale
AppWizard
July 2, 2026

Best Steam Deck games under $3 in the Steam Summer Sale

The Steam Summer Sale offers discounts of up to 90%, allowing gamers to expand their libraries affordably. The sale features a variety of compatible titles for Steam Deck owners and runs until July 9. A curated list of top Steam Deck games available for under a certain price is provided, with most games being Steam Deck Verified. Additionally, Fanatical’s Triple Pack bundle offers discounts on 14 Steam Deck-friendly games, and their Very Positive Deluxe Collection is also available for further savings.
silver Android smartphone
Tech Optimizer
July 2, 2026

From monolith to Lakebase to LTAP: rethinking the database from storage up

Sixteen years ago, the author began their PhD at UC Berkeley, where they were advised to focus on analytics rather than OLTP databases, which were considered a solved problem. However, upon developing Databricks, they found that OLTP databases were cumbersome, challenging to scale, and fragile. This led to the creation of Lakebase, a serverless Postgres database designed to address these issues by externalizing the write-ahead log (WAL) and data files into independent services. Lakebase architecture separates the WAL into a distributed service called SafeKeeper and data files into another service called PageServer, allowing for improved durability, scalability, and performance. This architecture eliminates data loss risks associated with disk failures and misconfigurations, simplifies high availability, and allows for elastic compute resources. Lakebase also introduces LTAP (Lake Transactional/Analytical Processing), which enables transactions and analytics to operate on a single data copy in real-time, avoiding the need for separate data copies and reducing costs. The system retains Postgres's ACID semantics while storing data in open columnar formats, making it accessible to both transactional and analytical engines without the delays and complexities of traditional replication methods. The architecture allows for unlimited storage, serverless compute, and instant branching, while ensuring that analytics can read the most current transactional data without affecting transactional workloads. LTAP aims to unify transactional and analytical processing by leveraging distinct compute engines for each workload while integrating at the storage layer.
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