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PostgreSQL backup tool gets some backup of its own after sole maintainer sounds alarm
Tech Optimizer
May 20, 2026

PostgreSQL backup tool gets some backup of its own after sole maintainer sounds alarm

A coalition of companies, including AWS, Percona, Supabase, pgEdge, and Tiger Data, has formed to support the maintenance of pgBackRest, an extension for the PostgreSQL database, after its long-time maintainer, David Steele, could no longer continue due to a lack of sponsorship following the acquisition of Crunchy Data by Snowflake. pgBackRest is a backup and restore solution for PostgreSQL, which is widely used by major cloud service providers. Steele had been seeking sponsorship to maintain the project but was unsuccessful, prompting concerns about its future. The coalition aims to provide stability and reduce reliance on a single sponsor by onboarding a new maintainer and seeking additional support. Percona's CEO emphasized the importance of collaboration to ensure the project's health for the community.
Nationwide banking app update ahead of Fairer Share £100 decision
AppWizard
May 20, 2026

Nationwide banking app update ahead of Fairer Share £100 decision

Beginning Thursday, Nationwide customers can conceal payment references on incoming bank transfers within the app. This feature aims to help prevent abusers from using banking systems to maintain unwanted contact and control over survivors. Domestic abuse charities have raised concerns about payment references being used for harassment, with some abusers sending messages or threats through these references. Nationwide's initiative empowers customers to control what is visible in their accounts. Approximately 4.2 million women in the UK have experienced economic abuse, which can include controlling bank accounts and monitoring financial activity. Nationwide's vulnerability support team assisted 312 customers facing abuse in 2025, an increase from 213 the previous year. The organization has also established “safe spaces” in hundreds of branches for domestic abuse support. Campaigners urge other banks to assess how banking features might be exploited by abusers, and Nationwide is considering extending similar functionalities to Virgin Money customers in the future.
You can now build Android apps in minutes by describing them to Google AI Studio
AppWizard
May 20, 2026

You can now build Android apps in minutes by describing them to Google AI Studio

Google has introduced AI-powered features in Google AI Studio to simplify Android app development. Users can describe their app ideas in plain language, and the AI translates these into functional Android applications via a web browser. The platform generates the app's framework, user interface, and core functionalities using Kotlin and Jetpack Compose, supporting features like GPS, Bluetooth, and NFC. AI Studio includes an in-browser Android Emulator for building and testing apps, along with Android Debug Bridge integration for direct deployment to devices. Currently, the tools are aimed at personal utilities and lightweight projects, with plans for broader sharing options in the future. The platform can automatically create Play Console records, package Android App Bundles, and upload builds for testing, reducing manual steps. Developers can also export projects as zip files for further work in Android Studio or GitHub. Future expansions will include support for Firebase services. Additionally, Google has introduced the "Ask Play" feature for app discovery, allowing users to search using conversational prompts instead of keywords, and plans to integrate Android applications within Gemini interactions across mobile and web platforms.
Фанаты Minecraft тайно скопировали 24 терабайта данных с легендарного сервера 2b2t – архив миллиона блоков скоро раздадут через торрент
TrendTechie
May 20, 2026

Фанаты Minecraft тайно скопировали 24 терабайта данных с легендарного сервера 2b2t – архив миллиона блоков скоро раздадут через торрент

A group of Minecraft enthusiasts has completed a digital archaeology project, mapping and archiving the oldest anarchy server, 2b2t, resulting in 24 terabytes of data. This data will be released as a torrent in the coming weeks. The 2b2t server has been operational for 16 years and is known for its lack of rules and bans. The team successfully archived various areas of the server, including: - Overworld area of 1,024,000² blocks (December 25, 2025 – April 13, 2026) - Overworld area of 512,000² blocks (November 11, 2024 – December 12, 2024) - End area of 256,000² blocks (January 23, 2026 – February 15, 2026) - Nether area of 100,000² blocks (June 9, 2025 – June 14, 2025) The team plans to release high-resolution renders and data analysis tables alongside the archive. Open-source tools for the archive are available on GitHub, and updates can be followed via Discord and Patreon.
Media apps in Android Auto are about to get a big design boost
AppWizard
May 20, 2026

Media apps in Android Auto are about to get a big design boost

Google is enhancing the Car App Library with new features for developers, including expanded headers, spotlight sections, new progress bars, grid item variations, chips, compact items, interactive headers, and a mini-player component for easier playback control. The updates are available in versions 1.8.0-beta01 and 1.9.0-alpha01, with early access encouraged for developers. Popular media apps like Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music are integrating these features. Upcoming support for video playback in vehicles will roll out later this year for devices on Android 17 or higher. Future updates will allow for a templated experience that transitions into the full app interface when parked, along with agentic and voice-based interactions. Additionally, Maps SDK support for Cars with Google Built-in will enable seamless rendering of map-based content in applications.
Microsoft should be terrified of SteamOS, even if Windows owns the Steam charts
Winsage
May 20, 2026

Microsoft should be terrified of SteamOS, even if Windows owns the Steam charts

Over 93% of Steam users rely on Windows 11, 10, or 7. SteamOS offers a smoother user interface and better performance for handheld gaming compared to Windows. Proton technology enables thousands of Windows games to run on Linux with minimal user intervention. Valve's Steam Machine, set to debut in 2026 or early 2027, aims to introduce a Linux gaming PC to living rooms, potentially shifting gaming interactions away from Windows. The emergence of SteamOS indicates a significant shift in the gaming landscape, suggesting that it can carve out niches where Windows struggles.
Microsoft says Windows 11's Search will stop forcing web over your apps and local files in most cases
Winsage
May 20, 2026

Microsoft says Windows 11’s Search will stop forcing web over your apps and local files in most cases

Windows 11's Search functionality has been updated to prioritize local files and applications over web results, improving the search experience. Recent testing shows that searches for specific files yield more relevant local results rather than web links. Microsoft has confirmed that these changes are part of an initiative to enhance the search experience, as noted in the release notes for Build 26300.8493. Users currently have the option to disable web search through the Registry, but this feature is not available in the Settings menu. Microsoft is working on further improvements, including a clearer distinction between local and web results, and enhancements to search functionality across the taskbar and File Explorer. Additionally, users can expect taskbar customization options and other features aimed at improving the overall user experience.
Google thinks Gemini 3.5 Flash can finally make AI agents more useful
AppWizard
May 20, 2026

Google thinks Gemini 3.5 Flash can finally make AI agents more useful

Google has rolled out its AI model, Gemini 3.5 Flash, across various platforms, claiming it outperforms its predecessor, Gemini 3.1 Pro, in key benchmarks. Gemini 3.5 Flash generates responses four times faster than competing AI systems and is designed for complex workflows and coding tasks. Google plans to introduce Gemini 3.1 Pro next month, which excels in decision-making and coding tests. The model is particularly effective for "long-horizon" tasks, aiding app development and document preparation. Google Antigravity, an agentic development platform, integrates with Gemini 3.5 Flash to manage large workloads. The company also introduced Gemini Spark, a personal AI agent for managing digital tasks, with a beta rollout for select testers. Gemini 3.5 was developed under the Frontier Safety Framework, incorporating enhanced safety measures and interpretability tools.
Google is pushing Android app building into a faster, more agentic era
AppWizard
May 20, 2026

Google is pushing Android app building into a faster, more agentic era

Google is introducing a streamlined workflow for Android app development through its AI Studio, which integrates native app building and reduces the time from concept to launch. At the I/O 2026 event, Google highlighted that developers can now create functional Kotlin code using natural-language prompts, access a browser-based emulator, and conduct internal testing without extensive setup. The AI Studio can generate production-quality native Android code via Jetpack Compose, allowing for in-browser previews and easy project transitions to the Internal Test Track. This initiative aims to enhance the developer ecosystem, particularly benefiting startups by minimizing early experimentation costs and enabling faster iterations. Google is also addressing developer loyalty by providing effective tooling that encourages developers to stay within its ecosystem. The AI Studio connects with Google Workspace and offers a mobile app for project iteration, positioning itself as a gateway for broader software projects. This evolution in Android development emphasizes a shift away from traditional setups towards an AI-assisted workflow, influencing the speed and adaptability of startups.
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