Experiment Archives

AppWizard

August 28, 2025

Sideloading apps onto Android phones from random sources won’t be an option starting in 2026

Google will implement a new identity verification requirement for developers distributing apps outside the Google Play Store starting in September 2026, targeting regions like Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. A revamped Android Developer Console will be introduced to facilitate this process, including a lighter version for hobbyists and students. Developers will need to create accounts, verify their identities, and register app package names for apps outside the Google Play ecosystem. Developers using the existing Play Console will not be affected. Since the identity verification on the Play Store began in 2023, Google has seen a decrease in fraudulent applications and financial scams. The impact of this new policy may be minimal for average users but could lead to significant discussions among those who use third-party app stores or download directly from developers' websites.

Winsage

August 27, 2025

One of the last Windows 10 updates has arrived

Update KB5063842 is one of the final non-security-related updates for Windows 10, which has 48 days left until the end of support. The update addresses several bugs and introduces two key features: the ability to block outbound network traffic (requiring a keyless Extended Security Updates solution and a subscription to Windows 365) and the general availability of Windows Backup for Organizations, aimed at facilitating the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11. Over 40% of Windows devices still run Windows 10, while Windows 11 has gained more than half of the market share. Microsoft may need to adopt strategies to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11 as the end of security support approaches.

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.

Tech Optimizer

August 25, 2025

PostgreSQL, the open-source relational database, has surged past MySQL to become developers’ top choice, according to Stack Overflow’s 2023 and 2024 surveys. Its versatility—handling geospatial data…

PostgreSQL has become the preferred choice among developers, surpassing MySQL according to Stack Overflow’s surveys for 2023 and 2024, due to its versatility in managing various data types. Major players like Snowflake and Databricks are intensifying competition in the database landscape, with Snowflake acquiring Crunchy Data for 0 million and Databricks acquiring Neon for billion. These acquisitions are seen as strategic investments in PostgreSQL, positioning it as essential for the AI-native era. PostgreSQL's serverless, cloud-native capabilities are noted as advantageous for modern AI applications that require a "disposable" scale. Databricks aims to create a unified data intelligence platform, supported by significant financing and valuation, placing it in competition with cloud hyperscalers like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.

Winsage

August 24, 2025

Master these 48 Windows keyboard shortcuts and finish work early

Keyboard shortcuts in Windows 11 enhance efficiency and productivity. Key combinations include: Productivity Shortcuts: - Ctrl + C: Copy highlighted text or a file. - Ctrl + V: Paste the copied content. - Ctrl + Shift + V: Paste without formatting. - Win + V: Access the Clipboard tool. - Ctrl + X: Cut the highlighted item. - Ctrl + Z: Undo the last action. - Ctrl + Y: Redo the last undone action. - Ctrl + F: Open the Find tool. - Ctrl + A: Select all items. - Ctrl + S: Save work quickly. - Ctrl + Backspace: Delete the previous word. - Ctrl + Delete: Delete the next word. Accessibility Shortcuts: - Win + Plus (+): Activate the Magnifier tool. - Win + Minus (-): Zoom out with the Magnifier. - Win + Ctrl + Enter: Launch Narrator. - Shift key pressed five times: Enable Sticky Keys. - Left Shift + Left Alt + Print Screen: Toggle high contrast mode. - Win + Ctrl + C: Toggle color filters. - Win + U: Open the Accessibility menu. - Win + Ctrl + O: Open the on-screen keyboard. Navigation Shortcuts: - Ctrl + Alt + Tab: View all open applications. - Win + S: Open Windows Search. - Win + Tab: Access Task View. - Win + D: Minimize or restore all windows. - Win + Left or Right Arrow: Snap the current window. - Win + Up Arrow: Maximize the current window. - Win + Down Arrow: Minimize the current window. - Win + Ctrl + D: Create a new desktop. - Win + Ctrl + F4: Close the current desktop. - Win + Number Key: Open a taskbar app. File Management Shortcuts: - Win + E: Open File Explorer. - F2: Rename the selected file or folder. - Shift + Delete: Permanently delete an item. - Ctrl + N: Open a new File Explorer window. - Ctrl + Shift + N: Create a new folder. - Alt + Enter: Open the Properties window. - Alt + Left or Right Arrow: Navigate through File Explorer history. - Alt + Up Arrow: Move up one folder level. Browser Shortcuts: - Ctrl + T: Open a new tab. - Ctrl + Shift + T: Reopen the last closed tab. - Ctrl + W: Close the current tab. - Ctrl + Tab: Move right through open tabs. - Ctrl + Shift + Tab: Move left through open tabs. - Ctrl + Shift + N: Open a new private browsing window. - Alt + Left or Right Arrow: Navigate through tab history. - Ctrl + D: Bookmark the current page. - Ctrl + H: Open browser history. - Ctrl + N: Open a new browser window.

AppWizard

August 24, 2025

Google’s new AI video generator is free for Gemini users, but not for long

Google is offering all Gemini users free access to its Veo 3 AI video generator until August 24 at 10 p.m. PT. Users can create up to three eight-second video clips during this promotional period, which includes auto-generated sound. To use Veo 3, users can access it through the Gemini app on mobile or web by selecting the Video option or finding it in the three-dot menu.

Winsage

August 23, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5761 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5761 (KB5064093) is being released to the Dev Channel. New features include the ability to resume apps from an Android phone on a Windows 11 PC, specifically for Spotify, which allows users to continue playback seamlessly. Users need to enable access to their phone and set up the Link to Windows app to use this feature. Improvements to battery iconography on the lock screen have been made. New features for Click to Do on Copilot+ PCs include a touch-friendly invocation method. The agent in Settings now provides direct navigation links from search results. Automatic Super Resolution settings have been simplified for Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs. A new keyboard shortcut has been introduced for inserting En dashes and Em dashes. The Windows share window now allows pinning favorite apps. Fixes include performance enhancements for loading the apps list in Settings, resolving Windows Hello recognition issues, and improving gaming performance with overlays. Known issues involve Recall functionality in the EEA, visibility of the Shared section in File Explorer, unresponsiveness in Storage settings, and issues with Xbox Controllers via Bluetooth. Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel receive updates based on Windows 11, version 25H2, and features are rolled out gradually using Controlled Feature Rollout technology.

AppWizard

August 22, 2025

Enshrouded’s next big update is bringing way more water to the survival RPG than I expected

Enshrouded, launched in early access in January of last year, is set to release the Wake of the Water update later this year, introducing a new biome dedicated to water. This biome will serve as high-level endgame content and will feature water elements throughout the game, including small oases in arid regions and water access at player bases. The update includes new enemies, such as a lizard-like race, and introduces fishing mechanics with various bait and rods. Players will also see improvements in swimming mechanics, allowing for longer breath-holding and faster swimming. Currently, Enshrouded is available at a 20% discount on Steam until September 2.

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

Epic Games Store PC Weekly Free Games 21/08/2025

The Epic Games Store is offering two free titles from 4 PM BST on August 21, 2025, until 4 PM BST on August 28, 2025: Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge and Strange Horticulture. Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge, published by Armor Games Studios and developed by Humble Reeds, is a cozy frog-collecting game where players create a sanctuary for frogs and rejuvenate wetlands' biodiversity through activities like photographing frogs and personalizing habitats. Strange Horticulture, published by Iceberg Interactive, is an occult puzzle adventure where players act as a plant shop owner, discovering and identifying plants while interacting with various characters and uncovering the narrative of Undermere.