fees Archives

AppWizard

June 10, 2026

Destiny 2 goes out as God intended: Amidst absurd streamer drama featuring four content creators, an esports org, a boutique PC maker, an ex-NFL star, and $180,000

In 2025, streamer Strauss won a fraud claim against former NFL player Kenny Vaccaro, who was found liable for approximately ,000 plus interest. However, collecting this amount proved difficult, and Strauss reported spending an additional ,000 in legal fees without any return. Vaccaro's legal team contested the summary judgment due to a procedural error. In June, streamer Jake Lucky retweeted Strauss's plea for help, leading Mitch Jones to provide 0,000 to cover Strauss's initial loan and legal fees. Strauss clarified that the funds would reimburse him and that he was still seeking a contingency lawyer to pursue the case, with any future recovery intended to be returned to Jones.

AppWizard

June 10, 2026

This hidden Gmail trick gives you virtually unlimited email IDs

In the digital age, users often consider creating new Gmail accounts to take advantage of subscription services and promotional offers. However, a simpler solution is to use Gmail aliases by adding a dot or a + sign to their existing email address. For example, variations like this.is.my.email@gmail.com or thisismyemail+ikea@gmail.com are recognized as the same address by Gmail. This method allows users to subscribe to services without creating new accounts and helps monitor the sharing of personal information. No special settings are required; users just need to modify their email before the @ symbol.

Winsage

June 9, 2026

Get Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Windows 11 Pro for a one-time $26

For a one-time payment of .99, users can acquire both Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 and Windows 11 Pro, a deal that contrasts with the regular price of 9.99, resulting in a saving of 0.01. Microsoft Office 2019 includes applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, and Access, featuring enhanced tools for user experience. Windows 11 Pro offers a cleaner interface, improved security features, productivity enhancements, and tools such as BitLocker and Hyper-V. It also includes a built-in Copilot for quick answers and writing assistance.

Winsage

June 9, 2026

Hybrid AI Agents, Orchestration, and the Real Reason Microsoft is Fixing Windows 11 ⭐

Over the past weekend, the author reviewed session videos from Build 2026, focusing on Windows 11. The sessions were categorized into three areas: Windows app development, developer productivity, and agentic AI. The introduction of hybrid agents, which combine local AI sub-agents, was a notable development. Microsoft's partnership with Qualcomm led to the launch of Windows 10 on Arm-based PCs branded as Always Connected PCs, which evolved into Copilot+ PCs with Nuvia-powered chips for Windows 11. The Copilot+ PCs emphasize on-device AI experiences through powerful neural processing units (NPUs). The introduction of second-generation Snapdragon X2-based PCs is underway, although adoption is slower than expected. Microsoft confirmed that Windows 11 will integrate AI agents, including local AI agents and hybrid agents. The capabilities of local AI models are being enhanced, and Windows AI APIs will now support CPUs and GPUs. New Nvidia chipsets will enable large language models to run locally on PCs. The orchestration of local and cloud AI components is essential for efficient AI workload management. Microsoft is addressing user pain points to support a robust local foundation for hybrid AI, aiming to improve Windows 11 overall.

Winsage

June 7, 2026

June 14 is the cutoff to get Windows 11 Pro and Microsoft Office for life for $35

Until June 14 at 11:59 p.m. PT, Microsoft Office and Windows 11 Pro are available for a one-time fee of .97, a significant discount from the regular price of 9.99. The bundle includes a permanent license for Microsoft Office Pro, which features applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneNote, Publisher, and Access. Windows 11 Pro includes advanced security features, Remote Desktop, Hyper-V, Snap Layouts, and Copilot. Both licenses are tied to a single PC and include updates at no additional cost. Support for Publisher will end after October 2026.

Tech Optimizer

June 6, 2026

PostgreSQL vs SQL Server 2026: $0 vs $15K License

PostgreSQL has become the most utilized database for developers for two consecutive years as of 2026, while SQL Server has introduced native AI capabilities and vector search functionalities in its latest release. PostgreSQL is favored for new projects due to its permissive licensing, cross-platform operation, and extensive ecosystem of extensions, whereas SQL Server is preferred by organizations already using Microsoft products for its robust tooling and enterprise support. As of June 2026, SQL Server ranks third in the DB-Engines popularity ranking with a score of 698, while PostgreSQL ranks fourth with a score of 688. Developer adoption trends show that 49% of respondents in the Stack Overflow 2024 Developer Survey use PostgreSQL, compared to 27% for SQL Server. The latest stable version of PostgreSQL is 18.4, released on May 14, 2026, while SQL Server 2025 (version 17.x) became generally available on November 18, 2025. PostgreSQL is free under a permissive license, while SQL Server's Enterprise Edition can cost upwards of ,123 per two-core pack, with an eight-core minimum. PostgreSQL supports various operating systems, including Linux, Windows, macOS, and BSD, while SQL Server operates on Windows and Linux. PostgreSQL uses PL/pgSQL as its primary procedural language, allowing for multiple procedural languages, whereas SQL Server uses T-SQL. PostgreSQL's JSONB type offers rich indexing, while SQL Server added native JSON support in its 2025 release. Both databases are capable of handling high transaction volumes, but PostgreSQL excels in read-heavy scenarios due to its multi-version concurrency control, while SQL Server's columnstore indexes provide advantages for analytical workloads. PostgreSQL supports tables up to 32 TB, while SQL Server can handle a maximum database size of 524 PB. SQL Server's high availability technology includes Always On Availability Groups, while PostgreSQL offers built-in streaming and logical replication. The security features of both databases meet enterprise standards, with PostgreSQL providing a transparent patching process and SQL Server integrating with Microsoft tools. Real-world usage examples include Stack Overflow using SQL Server, while Instagram and Reddit utilize PostgreSQL. Developer sentiment increasingly favors PostgreSQL for new projects, emphasizing flexibility and open-source solutions. For new startups or greenfield projects, PostgreSQL is recommended due to its zero license cost and compatibility. Existing Microsoft enterprises are advised to stick with SQL Server for its integration benefits. Migration from SQL Server to PostgreSQL is becoming common, with a structured approach required for successful transitions.

AppWizard

June 5, 2026

Now There’s Finally a Way to Get Apple CarPlay in Your GM-Built EV

General Motors plans to phase out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in its electric vehicles. In response, EVPlay has introduced the EVPlay LT, a device that allows users to continue using these smartphone integration features in GM-built EVs. The EVPlay LT costs , requires no subscription fees, and offers both wired and wireless connectivity. It is compatible with various GM electric vehicles, including the 2024–2026 Chevy Equinox EV, Blazer EV, Silverado EV, GMC Sierra EV, Hummer EV, and Cadillac Escalade IQ. The setup involves downloading an app to the vehicle's infotainment system and connecting the device via USB, which takes about two minutes. EVPlay also offers a premium version, the EVPlay Max, priced at 9, which includes additional features like video streaming and gaming. However, EVPlay has noted the risk that GM could disable the software after installation.

AppWizard

June 4, 2026

Why Are Game Consoles Cheaper Than A Gaming PC?

There is a disparity between the costs of building a gaming PC and purchasing a gaming console, with consoles often being the more economical choice. The average cost of building a gaming PC tends to exceed that of acquiring a current-generation console. Console manufacturers often sell their systems at a loss, compensating through sales of higher-priced games and subscription services. The PS5 Pro retails for 0 or more, aligning it more closely with the cost of building a gaming PC. Modern consoles have limited hardware upgrade options, while gaming PCs offer flexibility for incremental upgrades. Affordable pre-built systems with older hardware configurations are available, allowing for cost-effective gaming setups. While the initial investment in a gaming PC may be higher, long-term benefits include free online multiplayer, a vast library of games, straightforward upgrades, and extended support.

AppWizard

June 3, 2026

Australia warns of crypto investment scams on messaging apps

Australia's financial regulatory authority, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), has issued a cautionary note about a rise in investment scams that exploit messaging apps and social media, particularly targeting younger individuals. These scams often start with enticing ads on social media promoting stock trading tips, leading victims to messaging apps where they are misled into thinking they are receiving legitimate investment advice from impersonated figures. Victims are then directed to counterfeit digital asset trading platforms, resulting in lost funds and additional withdrawal fees. Research from Moneysmart reveals that 23% of Australians aged 18 to 28 own digital assets, with 66% taking a speculative approach to investing, and 29% influenced by social media personalities. Additionally, 72% of Gen Z respondents encountered social media ads for digital assets, and 41% were approached to invest in cryptocurrencies. ASIC has proposed measures to mitigate risks, including avoiding sharing personal information from social media, verifying investment platforms through AUSTRAC, and acting quickly if something seems suspicious. The Australian Parliament passed a digital asset framework bill in April requiring digital asset platforms to obtain an Australian Financial Services License (AFSL) within a year to comply with new regulations.

AppWizard

June 2, 2026

Valve’s Gabe Newell argued gamers “have enormous choice” when grilled over Steam’s alleged monopoly on PC gaming

Gabe Newell, CEO of Valve Corporation, is defending the company against allegations in a class action lawsuit claiming it maintains an illegal monopoly in the gaming distribution market. This lawsuit is similar to a £0 million suit filed in the UK, both asserting that Valve has abused its dominant position. A survey by Rokky indicated that 72% of 306 industry managers view Steam as a monopoly. Analyst Mat Piscatella argues that while Steam is dominant, it may not fit the definition of a monopoly, as true monopolies lack viable alternatives. The lawsuits allege that Valve's market power allows it to impose unfair fees and pricing restrictions, with a focus on its standard 30% cut of sales. Valve refutes these claims, stating that developers have alternatives like the Epic Games Store. In a recent lawsuit dismissal attempt, Valve argued that the gaming community values the innovations from titles like Counter-Strike 2 and that its practices align with industry standards.