input Archives

Winsage

June 15, 2026

Windows 11 just fixed one of Search’s dumbest limitations

Microsoft's June 2026 Patch Tuesday update for Windows 11 allows users to initiate a search with just two characters, down from the previous three-character minimum. This enhancement improves the search functionality by enabling meaningful searches with shorter inputs and enhances the ranking of search results, ensuring relevant files appear at the top. This update addresses frustrations for users who often use concise file names.

Tech Optimizer

June 14, 2026

Automate Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL major or minor version upgrade using AWS Systems Manager and Amazon EC2

Managing upgrades for the Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible Edition can be labor-intensive and error-prone when done manually. Automating Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL upgrades can reduce manual effort by up to 80% and minimize downtime risks through consistent procedures. The automation solution uses AWS Systems Manager, Amazon EC2, and AWS Secrets Manager, structured around two modules: PREUPGRADE for readiness checks and UPGRADE for the actual upgrade process. The solution identifies upgrade candidates using database tags, creates safety backups with Copy-on-Write clones, manages the upgrade process with minimal human intervention, and offers real-time monitoring and email notifications. The workflow includes logging into the Systems Manager console, downloading the upgrade script, identifying Aurora PostgreSQL clusters based on tags, retrieving credentials from AWS Secrets Manager, executing pre-upgrade checks or upgrades, uploading log files to Amazon S3, and sending email notifications via Amazon SNS. Prerequisites include familiarity with the Aurora upgrade process, appropriate IAM permissions, creating a maintenance user, setting up AWS Secrets Manager, tagging Aurora clusters, creating an S3 bucket, and configuring an SNS topic for notifications. Implementation steps involve reviewing setup instructions, uploading the upgrade script to S3, creating an AWS Systems Manager automation document, executing the automation document, and monitoring the upgrade process through logs generated during pre-upgrade and upgrade phases. The logs provide detailed information on tasks performed, including replication slot status and configuration backups. After testing, it is recommended to clean up resources to avoid future charges.

Winsage

June 12, 2026

Windows NT on the GameCube is Basically a Homebrew Project That Brings the Classic OS to Nintendo Hardware

GameCube enthusiasts are utilizing homebrew projects to enhance the console's capabilities, including region-free play and disc backups. A new initiative allows a full PowerPC build of Windows NT to run on the GameCube, leveraging its Gekko CPU's compatibility with early PowerPC-based PCs. The entii-for-workcubes project, led by Wack0, provides components for running Windows NT 3.51 or 4.0 on GameCube and Wii systems, featuring an ARC firmware bootloader for loading homebrew software. Users need to prepare an SD card with specific files and a Windows NT ISO to initiate the process. After installation, basic productivity tools are accessible, but limitations include only 24MB of RAM, slower access speeds, lack of sound support, and potential reboot stalls.

AppWizard

June 12, 2026

Google VP John Maletis confirms Googlebooks will run Android apps far better than Chromebooks

Chrome Unboxed offers a membership called Chrome Unboxed Plus, which provides an ad-free experience, access to a private Discord, and additional perks. Google is developing the Googlebook category directly on the Android tech stack, allowing apps to run natively without an emulation layer, significantly improving performance. This change enables applications to utilize hardware capabilities fully, resulting in a smoother user experience. The unified foundation of Googlebooks encourages developers to optimize their apps for various devices, facilitating a "Build Once, Deploy Anywhere" approach. This shift has led to increased enthusiasm among developers, with many creating integrations specifically for Googlebooks. The success of Googlebooks will depend on effective software execution, as it aims to provide high-speed performance without the limitations of traditional operating systems.

Winsage

June 12, 2026

Microsoft Releases a Record Seven Windows 11 Insider Builds

Microsoft's Windows Insider program has released seven Insider builds across all Channels, including two builds on the Beta and Release Preview Channels and three builds for the new Experimental Channel. The updates focus on the Experimental (25H2), Beta (25H2), and Release Preview (25H2) Channels. The new 26H1 builds mainly feature elements from the 25H2 builds and are intended for new ARM-based PCs. Key features include: - A less disruptive Windows Update experience requiring only one monthly restart. - Improved Windows Search capabilities for better typo handling. - A new screen tint accessibility feature to reduce eye strain. - Quieter Widgets that do not open on hover and have a smaller memory footprint. - Magnifier tool enhancements with preset zoom increments and direct input options. - Bluetooth connectivity improvements for better compatibility with select devices. - Voice Access and Voice Typing now available in French, German, and Spanish. - Customizable right-click settings for touchpads. The Release Preview Channel is testing an optional update for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, set for release in late June.

BetaBeacon

June 12, 2026

$99 Android Handheld is a Retro Gaming Steal : Mangmi Air X

The Mangmi Air X is a budget-friendly handheld gaming device designed for retro gaming enthusiasts, featuring a 5.5-inch 1080p IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 662 processor, 4GB RAM, and 64GB storage. It offers hall-effect joysticks, linear triggers, and a six-axis gyroscope for precise controls, but lacks premium features like OLED displays and video output via USB-C.

AppWizard

June 11, 2026

007 First Light Major Update 1.011 Fixes Gameplay Issues, Crash Problems via Version 1.0.4

IO Interactive released a significant update for 007 First Light on June 11, identified as version 1.0.4 (update 1.011 for console users). The update addresses various technical issues affecting gameplay, including crashes and platform-specific glitches. Key changes include: - Resolved disproportionately large game updates for Microsoft PC. - Introduced memory optimizations to reduce out-of-memory crashes. - Fixed crashes related to startup profile data, corrupted save data, and specific mission cinematics. - Addressed gameplay blockers, including issues with EULA connection, weapon carrying, and interaction with hostages. - Resolved animation issues in cinematics and visual artifacts in character models. - Fixed UI/UX problems, such as saving icon loops and leaderboard display issues. - Improved performance and stability, including GPU performance and memory allocation on PlayStation 5. - Corrected localization issues in Korean and Simplified Chinese, and fixed a dialogue typo in English. The update aims to enhance the overall gaming experience, with a roadmap for future features promised by IO Interactive.

Winsage

June 11, 2026

Microsoft fixes BitLocker recovery bug on Windows Server 2025

Microsoft has resolved an issue affecting certain Windows Server 2025 devices that were booting into BitLocker recovery mode after the April 2026 security update. This issue was linked to specific BitLocker Group Policy configurations and required users to input their BitLocker recovery key upon the first restart after the update. However, this key would only need to be entered once for subsequent restarts, provided the group policy configuration remained unchanged. The problem primarily affected enterprise systems rather than personal devices. The issue arose under specific conditions: BitLocker was enabled on the operating system drive, a particular Group Policy was set, the Secure Boot State PCR7 Binding was "Not Possible," the Windows UEFI CA 2023 certificate was present, and the device was not already using the 2023-signed Windows Boot Manager. Microsoft released fixes in the KB5094125 and KB5093998 updates to address this problem, preventing devices with incompatible group policy configurations from installing the 2023-signed Windows Boot Manager. Event ID 1032 in the System event log indicates the issue when Windows updates are installed. For IT administrators unable to deploy the latest updates, it is recommended to remove the Group Policy configuration before installing updates or to implement a Known Issue Rollback (KIR) on affected devices. Additionally, Microsoft had previously addressed similar BitLocker recovery issues in August 2024 and May 2025.

Tech Optimizer

June 9, 2026

Fake ChatGPT download site infects Windows and Mac users with malware

A counterfeit website, openew[.]app, is impersonating OpenAI's official ChatGPT download page and distributing malware. Windows users who download from this site receive a credential-stealing malware loader, while macOS users are infected with Odyssey Stealer, a variant associated with cryptocurrency theft. The fake site mimics the legitimate ChatGPT interface and uses HTTPS to appear trustworthy. The Windows malware, Chat_GPT.exe, creates a back channel to an attacker-controlled server, while the macOS malware captures sensitive data and attempts to replace legitimate cryptocurrency wallet applications with compromised versions. Users who download from official sources remain safe, but those who click on ads or unfamiliar links risk compromising their online accounts and sensitive information. Malwarebytes offers protection against this malware. Indicators of compromise include specific file hashes and network indicators associated with the malicious site.

AppWizard

June 9, 2026

Ball State IDIA Lab Launches Mesa Verde Virtual Companion App for Apple and Android Devices

Ball State University’s Institute for Digital Intermedia Arts (IDIA Lab) has launched the Mesa Verde Virtual Companion, an augmented reality mobile app designed to enhance public engagement with Mesa Verde National Park. The app is available for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play and includes features such as augmented reality experiences, 3D visualizations of ancestral structures, narrated interpretations, animated figures, and interactive learning content about the Ancestral Pueblo people. The app aims to facilitate both on-site and off-site exploration of the park, which contains nearly 5,000 archaeological sites and is recognized as a national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It targets park visitors, educators, families, and remote users, incorporating accessibility features like a welcome tutorial and voiceover options. The project emphasizes immersive learning and cultural preservation, using advanced digital media to connect users with Indigenous history. The IDIA Lab, supported by Lilly Endowment, Inc.’s Digital Media Initiative, develops projects that explore virtual and augmented reality and collaborates with various organizations to enhance educational experiences.