extensions Archives

Tech Optimizer

March 26, 2026

EDB Highlights CloudNativePG 1.29, Previews Kubernetes-Native Data Protection at KubeCon Europe

EnterpriseDB (EDB) has released CloudNativePG 1.29, an open-source PostgreSQL operator for Kubernetes, featuring modular extensions and enhanced supply chain security. This version allows users to install only necessary PostgreSQL extensions, including options for AI-driven vector search, while ensuring the use of verified components. EDB is also previewing a new enterprise data protection solution for its EDB Postgres AI for CloudNativePG operator, which includes zero data loss through write-ahead log streaming, centralized management, disaster recovery support, and end-to-end encryption. EDB emphasizes its commitment to data and AI sovereignty and security compliance in Europe, adhering to regulations like the EU Cyber Resilience Act, and aims to support PostgreSQL operations across on-premises and cloud environments to avoid vendor lock-in.

Tech Optimizer

March 26, 2026

EDB Highlights Community Release of CloudNativePG 1.29 and Previews Exclusive Kubernetes Data Protection at KubeCon Europe

EnterpriseDB (EDB) has released CloudNativePG 1.29, an open-source Postgres operator for Kubernetes, and introduced an enterprise-grade data protection solution for its commercial CNPG operator. Open-source strategies are crucial for 80% of major enterprises in the EMEA region, with only 13% achieving success in AI and data initiatives through sovereign data platforms. The EU Cyber Resilience Act mandates secure software supply chain practices. CloudNativePG has gained over 8,000 stars on GitHub and now features modular extensions and built-in supply chain security. EDB is developing a Kubernetes-native data protection solution offering Zero Data Loss and centralized management. This solution supports compliance with the EU Cyber Resilience Act and ensures operational control while reducing cloud infrastructure costs. EDB Postgres® AI is positioned as a secure, compliant, and scalable sovereign data and AI platform.

Winsage

March 25, 2026

Tested: Windows 11 now has a second taskbar, and it works surprisingly well

In 2026, Microsoft released PowerToys version 0.98, which includes the new Command Palette Dock feature. This Dock can be pinned to any edge of the screen and displays information such as CPU and memory usage while providing quick access to frequently used commands. Users can enable the Dock through the PowerToys interface without needing to restart their system. The Dock offers customization options, including repositioning, themes, and backgrounds. It integrates live system statistics, a clock, and allows users to pin commands and applications for a tailored workflow. The Command Palette Dock is designed to complement, not replace, the Windows 11 taskbar. Other enhancements in this update include a new Keyboard Manager, performance upgrades for the Command Palette, and improvements to CursorWrap and ZoomIt.

Winsage

March 25, 2026

Windows 11 Has a Settings Problem — God Mode Is Still the Best Fix in 2026

Windows 11 God Mode is a folder that provides a searchable interface for every Control Panel setting, making it a useful tool for users. Despite the introduction of the new Settings app in Windows 11, many settings still redirect users back to the Control Panel, indicating that the transition to a unified interface is incomplete as of March 2026. Users often find themselves navigating through multiple pages in Settings to access certain features that remain in the legacy Control Panel. God Mode simplifies this process by allowing users to quickly find settings without navigating through various menus. To set up God Mode, users can create a new folder on their desktop and rename it to a specific string, which transforms it into a Control Panel icon. This setup works for both Windows 11 Home and Pro without requiring administrative rights.

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

Google Tests Unified Gemini Interface On Android

Google is experimenting with a streamlined interface for its Gemini assistant on Android devices, aiming to reduce clutter and enhance consistency. The redesigned sidebar includes a dedicated Settings & Help section, organizes key items like Scheduled Actions and Notebooks, and features collapsible sections for tidiness. The header has been compacted to create a more spacious typing area. The app now prominently displays the last-used extension, enhancing transparency about the tools utilized for user queries. The model switcher has been relocated to the app header, decluttering the input area and defaulting to the “Fast” model for most queries. These changes are part of a broader effort to unify the Gemini experience across app and web platforms, with the Google app version 17.11.54 beta indicating a phased rollout of these features.

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

A cleaner, unified Gemini interface could be coming to your Android phone

Google is testing enhancements for the Gemini Android app to replicate the user-friendly interface of its web version, including a "Settings & help" menu. The latest beta release, version 17.11.54, features a user interface similar to the mobile web version, with planned additions like "Scheduled actions," "My stuff," and a new Notebooks section. Gemini will also show the last-used extension in the query header and may relocate the model switcher to the app header to declutter the input field. Updated icons for the feedback row are also being introduced.

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

From F-Droid to emulators, here’s who’s hit hardest by Android’s new verification rules

Android has implemented new sideloading rules that affect app installations outside the Play Store, complicating access for developers and users. F-Droid, a third-party app store, is particularly critical of the new verification requirements, which may force alternative stores to comply with Google's standards, potentially confusing users. Retro gaming emulators, often hosted on platforms like GitHub, may face barriers due to these rules, impacting user access to innovative tools. Smaller, privacy-focused encrypted messaging apps could struggle with the new verification process, complicating installation for users in high-risk environments. The modding community may see a decline in available tools as hobbyist developers resist compliance. Practical applications like Termux and Bromite may also face barriers, affecting user experience. While the changes may not be overly restrictive for average users, they introduce complexity that could deter power users and slow the adoption of non-Play Store applications.

Winsage

March 24, 2026

I’m seriously tempted to drop Microsoft Edge after the latest Firefox update

Mozilla Firefox has released version 149, which includes features such as Split View, a free VPN for public Wi-Fi, enhanced PDF performance, and improved security measures that block notifications and revoke permissions on malicious websites. Firefox allows users to easily disable all AI features with a single switch, while Microsoft Edge requires users to navigate through multiple settings. Firefox is available for download on its website and the Microsoft Store.

Tech Optimizer

March 19, 2026

Building a High-Performance Postgres Time Series Stack with Iceberg

Postgres extensions, specifically pg_lake, pg_partman, and pg_incremental, provide a vendor-agnostic, open-source solution for managing high-performance time series data. PostgreSQL serves as the foundation, while pg_partman automates time partition management, pg_lake connects Postgres with data lakes for offloading cold data, and pg_incremental processes append-only data in batches. These extensions are maintained by the Postgres team at Snowflake. An example system for monitoring temperature readings uses local storage for recent data and transitions cold data to an Apache Iceberg table on S3. The process includes creating a partitioned table in Postgres, establishing an Iceberg table, using pg_incremental for data appending, eliminating old partitions with pg_partman, and querying from both local and cold tables to optimize storage and costs. A time-partitioned table enhances performance by allowing efficient deletion of outdated data, speeding up queries, and reducing fragmentation.

Tech Optimizer

March 18, 2026

Microsoft promises all-in-one database wrangling hub on Fabric

Microsoft has launched a new database management tool called Database Hub, which is part of its Fabric data platform. This tool allows for the management of multiple databases using a single SQL engine and serves as a centralized location for overseeing various database services, including Azure SQL Server, Azure Cosmos DB, Azure Database for PostgreSQL, SQL Server with Azure Arc, and Azure Database for MySQL. Currently in early access, Database Hub aims to provide a unified management experience across on-premises, PaaS, and SaaS environments. The tool will incorporate AI capabilities to enhance database management, featuring "agent-assisted" and "human-in-the-loop" approaches for analyzing estate-wide signals. Microsoft’s LLM tool, Copilot, will offer insights into the database estate's status, including aggregate health views and trend analysis. However, specific details on the Database Hub's database tuning and optimization capabilities were not provided. Additionally, a study from Carnegie Mellon University indicated that vector embedding algorithms could improve the performance of PostgreSQL services significantly. Microsoft has also launched various database systems, including a document database platform based on PostgreSQL and a distributed PostgreSQL database service. Other vendors like Databricks and Snowflake have introduced their own transactional database services within their platforms.