insights Archives

AppWizard

June 9, 2026

Paris Hilton is Android’s first icon in residence

The author has a passion for technology and a history of transforming creative ideas into reality, but faced challenges in executing those ideas due to a disconnect between imagination and technical skills. Traditionally, technology has been dominated by engineers, creating a divide between creators and consumers. The author became Android's first icon in residence, which allowed them to explore new tools and innovations, leading to a realization that technology can be accessible to a wider audience. Their role aims to empower more people to see themselves as creators of technology rather than just users.

Winsage

June 9, 2026

Live Webinar | Windows 10 End of Support in OT: Practical Strategies for Secure and Resilient Operations

Operational technology (OT) engineers and plant managers must decide between migrating to Windows 11, opting for Extended Security Updates, or implementing compensating controls as support for Windows 10 ends. Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 will stop receiving updates on January 12, 2027. A live webinar is available to help organizations develop a strategy for transitioning from Windows 10, addressing security and compliance challenges, key standards, and practical strategies for safeguarding systems. The webinar targets OT engineers, plant managers, OT security leaders, and operations teams in various sectors, aiming to assist them in maintaining operational integrity during the transition.

Winsage

June 9, 2026

Troubleshoot common Windows 11 Pro security alerts and what to do next

Windows 11 Pro includes a suite of security features under Windows Security, which continuously protects the PC. Common security alerts include: 1. "Turn on virus protection" or "Real-time protection is off" alerts: These occur after installing or removing a third-party antivirus. To restore protection, open Windows Security, select Turn on in the Virus & threat protection section, and confirm. 2. "Threat found" or "Threat found - action needed" alerts: Indicate that Windows Defender has detected a potential threat. To manage these, open Windows Security, navigate to Virus & threat protection, click on Protection history, select Threat blocked, and use the Actions dropdown to quarantine or allow the file. 3. "Threat quarantined" or "Threat blocked" alerts: A Threat quarantined alert means a file is isolated for review, while a Threat blocked alert indicates successful removal by Defender. Investigate how the threat entered the system. 4. SmartScreen alerts: SmartScreen protects against malicious websites and downloads. If a threat is identified, a red warning page appears. Users can report the site as safe or proceed at their own risk. Blocked downloads can be managed in Edge's Downloads menu. 5. "This app has been blocked" alerts: Smart App Control prevents the installation of untrusted applications. Disabling this feature should only be done if the application is deemed safe. Settings can be found under Windows Security > App & browser control > Smart App Control settings.

Winsage

June 9, 2026

I took a look at Windows 11’s new eye‑strain reduction feature called ‘Screen tint’

Microsoft is developing a new feature for Windows 11 called "Screen Tint," which introduces a system-wide color overlay aimed at enhancing visual comfort for users who spend extended periods in front of screens. Currently available through the Windows Insider Program, this feature allows users to adjust the visual tone across the operating system, differing from the existing "Color filters" feature that targets specific accessibility needs.

Tech Optimizer

June 9, 2026

Tiger Data launches PostgreSQL extension designed for AI agents

Tiger Data has launched a managed PostgreSQL database service called Ghost, designed for AI agents, addressing the limitations of traditional database architectures for autonomous software. The service is now generally available and allows agents to create unlimited databases quickly through a feature called "fast forking." Ghost utilizes Tiger Data's Fluid Storage technology, which employs a copy-on-write storage layer, enabling multiple database instances to share data blocks while charging users only for changed data. The service supports popular PostgreSQL extensions and is positioned as an evolution of PostgreSQL, maintaining its compatibility with the existing ecosystem. Tiger Data has raised 0 million in funding and employs 200 individuals across 25 countries.

Tech Optimizer

June 9, 2026

Tiger Data Launches Ghost, a Purpose-Built Database Service for the Agentic Era

Tiger Data has launched Ghost, a database service designed specifically for AI agents, addressing the limitations of traditional databases in supporting AI-driven workflows. Ghost allows for isolated environments where agents can experiment without affecting shared resources, offering unlimited Postgres databases with rapid forking capabilities. It features a cost-effective per-query pricing model and includes a free tier with 100 compute hours per month and 1TB of storage. Ghost is compatible with various MCP-enabled agent harnesses and is built on Postgres, providing a familiar operational model for teams. Comprehensive documentation and deployment resources are available at tigerdata.com.

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.

AppWizard

June 9, 2026

[Exclusive] Asia Game Buzz & GameDev Reports: China’s Steam & PC Gaming Market in 2025

The Chinese gaming market is valued at approximately .6 billion and is projected to have over 683 million players by the end of 2025, with 42.4 million users on the Steam platform. Client-based PC games make up about 22.28% of the market, equating to around .5 billion, while the legal console market is estimated at .1-1.2 billion for 2025. Steam holds 87% of all monthly active users in the PC and console market, while PlayStation, Nintendo, and Xbox account for 6%, 5%, and 2%, respectively. As of the end of 2022, there were over 16.7 million console players in China, with total console revenue reaching approximately .3 billion. Major gaming events like ChinaJoy and Bilibili World attracted over 410,000 and 300,000 visitors, respectively, in 2025. The demand for gaming merchandise is growing, with over 100 million users searching for related products by 2025. Heybox is the primary distribution channel for PC keys, with TapTap and Sonkwo also gaining popularity. Effective marketing relies on platforms like Heybox, Bilibili, and Douyin, while Xiaohongshu and Weibo remain influential. The leading game genres in China include action/shooters (33%), RPG/adventure (24%), and simulation/management (16%).

Winsage

June 9, 2026

Microsoft’s June 2026 Patch Tuesday: High stakes and hidden features

Microsoft has updated the Windows 11 Insider builds regarding Secure Boot expiration, highlighting its importance in ensuring only trusted software loads during startup. The expiration can lead to vulnerabilities, prompting users to understand the associated risks. Microsoft has provided resources at Microsoft.com/Secure Boot Expiration to help users prepare for these changes. Additionally, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has identified a new vulnerability, CVE-2026-42897, emphasizing the need for vigilance in cybersecurity. Users are advised to regularly check for updates, engage with the Microsoft Tech Community, and follow best practices for device security.

Winsage

June 9, 2026

Microsoft is usually blamed for every PC bug, but Dell and HP’s latest Windows 11 BSOD reboot fiascos are all on them.

Dell users reported issues with Dell SupportAssist causing system crashes, blue screens, and reboot loops on Windows 11. Dell stated the problems were not due to Microsoft's operating system and initially recommended uninstalling the software. An expert suggested disabling the service as an alternative. Dell later confirmed that Remediation Dell SupportAssist (version 5.5.16.0) and Alienware SupportAssist can trigger blue screen errors and reboot loops on Windows 11. HP also faced issues with a BIOS bug causing high-end Windows 11 PCs to get stuck in a BitLocker recovery loop, advising users to disable automatic updates while they worked on a fix.