high-performance Archives

Winsage

April 4, 2025

Vole punts pricey plastic brick for cloudy PCs

Microsoft has introduced the Windows 365 Link, a compact device priced at £349, designed to connect users to Windows Cloud PCs hosted on Azure. Weighing 418 grams, it features HDMI, USB-C, three USB-A ports, Ethernet, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. The device is only compatible with organizations using Windows 365 (Enterprise, Frontline, or Business), Intune, and Microsoft Entra ID, excluding government users. It promises high-performance video playback and conferencing, particularly with Teams, but functions primarily as a cloud dongle aimed at simplifying IT administration and enhancing security. The Link connects to Windows 365 in seconds and is available through select resellers like Ricoh UK and Insight Enterprises in the U.S.

Winsage

April 4, 2025

Gone all in on Windows 365? Microsoft has a box for you

Microsoft's Windows 365 Link is a compact device priced at £349, designed to connect users to a Windows 365 Cloud PC hosted in the Azure cloud. It measures 120 mm x 120 mm x 30 mm and weighs 418 grams. The device features an HDMI port, a USB-C port, three USB-A ports, an Ethernet socket, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi support, but lacks local storage. It is aimed at organizational use for employees utilizing Windows 365 with Microsoft Intune and Microsoft Entra ID, supporting Windows 365 Enterprise, Frontline, and Business editions, while excluding Windows 365 Government. The device is marketed towards desk-based or frontline workers in shared workspaces and is available through select resellers like Ricoh UK and Insight Enterprises in the US.

Tech Optimizer

April 1, 2025

Crunchy Data Warehouse, a Modern Postgres Analytics Platform for the Hybrid Cloud

Crunchy Data has released an optimized version of its Crunchy Data Warehouse for Kubernetes, integrating Postgres-native Apache Iceberg for enhanced analytics. This version supports both analytical and operational workloads by combining traditional Postgres tables with transactional Iceberg tables. Key features include managed Iceberg tables in PostgreSQL, high-performance analytics through DuckDB integration, the ability to query raw data files in S3, flexible data import/export options, and seamless integration with various analytics tools. The system is designed to be developer-friendly and supports automated, scalable deployments across different infrastructures.

Winsage

March 26, 2025

Lilbits: AI-enhanced search for Windows PCs and Amazon’s Big Spring Sale

Recent advancements in laptop technology have introduced high-performance neural processing units from manufacturers like Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm, enabling on-device artificial intelligence applications. Microsoft initially planned to launch its Recall feature for Copilot+ PCs but delayed it due to privacy concerns. Microsoft is now testing a new AI-enhanced search function that allows users to search for files, settings, or documents by description. Additionally, Microsoft is rolling out Local Semantic Search to Windows Insiders with Intel or AMD-powered Copilot+ PCs, which allows searching by description in File Explorer, Windows Search, or Settings, and can be disabled for certain folders.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

New Browser-Based RDP for Secure Remote Windows Server Access

Cloudflare has launched a clientless, browser-based Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) solution that enhances its Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) capabilities for secure access to Windows servers. This solution eliminates the need for traditional RDP clients and utilizes IronRDP, a high-performance RDP client developed in Rust, which operates within the browser. The implementation secures RDP sessions using TLS-based WebSocket connections and integrates with Cloudflare Access for authentication through JSON Web Tokens (JWT). The system supports modern security standards, including Single Sign-On (SSO), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and device posture checks. Cloudflare plans to add session monitoring, data loss prevention features, and pursue FedRAMP High certification for compliance with government standards.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

Unlock turbo performance on your PC with this secret Windows tweak

Windows has a hidden power mode called Ultimate Performance that can enhance PC performance without hardware upgrades. This mode is typically concealed on consumer PCs and is primarily intended for high-end workstations running Windows Pro, but it can also be accessed on Windows Home. To activate it, users need to open PowerShell and enter a specific command, then select Ultimate Performance from the power plan options. While this mode maximizes speed and responsiveness, it consumes more power, which can decrease battery life on laptops and generate additional heat and noise from the cooling system. It is recommended to use this mode during intensive tasks and not in quiet or public environments.

AppWizard

March 21, 2025

Atomfall Review

Players in Atomfall awaken with amnesia in a post-apocalyptic landscape five years after the Windscale Fire, which has turned Cumberland into a quarantine zone controlled by the British government. The game features distinctive gameplay mechanics that emphasize survival action, where enemies do not have levels or health bars, and a well-placed headshot results in an instant kill. Players engage with a unique investigation system through an Investigation Journal that fills with 'Leads' as they explore, converse, and read documents. Interactions with NPCs allow for various resolutions without a morality system. Visually, the game presents mixed quality, with beautiful environments but rudimentary character models. Atomfall is optimized for smooth performance across platforms, maintaining a consistent 60fps on consoles.

AppWizard

March 19, 2025

Exclusive Liquid Web Webinar: Learn to Resell Minecraft Servers & Claim 4 Free Months of Hosting

26% of players are willing to invest more for superior server hosting in the gaming sector. Liquid Web is hosting a free webinar on March 27th at 2 PM EST titled "How to Start Selling Minecraft Servers," aimed at helping gaming enthusiasts turn their passion into a business. The Minecraft community has over 173 million active players, with one in four willing to invest in enhanced hosting tools to improve performance. Pre-registered attendees will receive four complimentary months of bare metal hosting with an annual plan. The webinar will cover the business opportunity, market potential, technical requirements, reseller process, pricing strategies, and include a Q&A session with experts.

Winsage

March 14, 2025

AMD’s Ryzen 9 9950X3D reportedly runs up to 20% faster on Windows 10

Recent tests by Tech YES City indicate that Windows 10 can outperform Windows 11 by up to 20% in certain gaming scenarios, particularly in Fortnite at 1080p resolution. This performance gap is attributed to Virtualization-Based Security (VBS), which, when enabled on Windows 11, can lead to a performance loss in CPU-intensive games. The performance difference diminishes at 4K resolution, where both operating systems perform similarly. Windows 10 also showed better performance in games like Counter-Strike 2, Baldur's Gate 3, and Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, although to a lesser extent. Users with high-performance CPUs like the Ryzen 9 9950X3D may benefit from staying with Windows 10 longer despite its impending end of support.

AppWizard

March 14, 2025

Google Play Games Announces Major Expansion on PC

Google has expanded its Google Play Games on PC platform to support native PC games in addition to mobile offerings. This initiative aims to help developers connect with a larger player base. The expansion includes a Play Games PC SDK for native PC games, featuring in-app purchase integration, enhanced security, simplified game packaging, and an earnback bonus of up to 15 percent. Mobile games will now be available on PC by default, with developers able to opt out. A “playable” badge will indicate games that meet performance requirements, while an “optimized” badge will show adherence to Google’s quality standards. The platform now supports AMD desktop PCs and laptops, and introduces new features like controls customization and a game sidebar for quick adjustments.