interoperability Archives

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

February 7, 2025

Latest Windows 11 build adds full MIDI 2.0 support and improved performance

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27788 in the Canary Channel, which includes significant enhancements to the MIDI standard. This update supports both MIDI 1.0 and MIDI 2.0, designed exclusively for 64-bit operating systems, and extends full MIDI compatibility across all modern Windows architectures, including Arm64-based PCs. The MIDI 2.0 standard features high-speed data transmission, high-fidelity messages, and endpoint discovery and negotiation. The new MIDI stack improves performance with better timing and reduced jitter, and a faster MIDI driver supports both versions with automatic API translation for interoperability. The update also includes a USB MIDI 2.0 class driver developed in collaboration with the Association of Musical Electronics Industry of Japan and AmeNote, ensuring compatibility with both MIDI 2.0 and legacy MIDI 1.0 devices. Additionally, the preview introduces a 1-click resume function for OneDrive and selective installation options for games in the Microsoft Store.

AppWizard

December 15, 2024

AT&T shuts down its messaging apps prematurely and deletes cloud backups

AT&T has retired its pre-installed messaging applications for phones and tablets as of December 4, following an announcement in May about the closure of the AT&T Messages Backup & Sync app and the AT&T Messages for Tablet app. Users are encouraged to migrate to Google Messages, which AT&T prefers due to its Rich Communication Services (RCS) capabilities. Messages stored in the cloud will be deleted, but conversations saved locally on devices will remain accessible. AT&T had made Google Messages the default Android messaging app in 2021 and transitioned to Google's Jibe platform in 2023 to improve RCS features. Unlike Verizon's experience with customer backlash, AT&T's user base has shown more acceptance of this change.

AppWizard

December 12, 2024

Meta down: Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger and Threads not working amid major outage

Users worldwide experienced significant disruptions on Meta's platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Threads, starting at approximately 6 PM UK time (10 AM Pacific time). The issues were acknowledged by Meta on its official accounts, stating they were working to resolve the technical problems. Most applications began recovering within an hour, and by early Thursday, Meta confirmed it was "99 percent of the way" to resolving the outage. WhatsApp announced they were back online, and Instagram expressed gratitude for users' patience. Despite the recovery, some users reported lingering issues within specific apps. Meta's platforms operate on interconnected technical frameworks, leading to simultaneous outages, and the company has reassessed its plans for enhancing interoperability among its apps due to regulatory pressures.

AppWizard

December 9, 2024

Gemini could soon start bridging the gap with Samsung’s app ecosystem (APK teardown)

Gemini, Google's digital assistant, is expected to integrate support for Samsung Reminders, enhancing functionality for Samsung Galaxy users. An APK teardown of the Google app version 15.49.40 beta indicates that users may soon be able to set reminders directly within the Samsung Reminders app. Although this extension is not yet activated, further updates are anticipated.

Winsage

December 9, 2024

How To Install Windows Subsystem for Linux on Windows 11

Microsoft's Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) allows users to install a Linux distribution and use Linux tools directly on Windows, enabling interoperability between the two systems. To install WSL on a Windows 11 machine, users need to open Powershell and execute the command PLACEHOLDERfb64849c167927be, which installs WSL along with the default distribution, Ubuntu. After installation, a reboot is required, and users must create a Linux username and password. Python is pre-installed for application development. Users can explore other Linux distributions by running PLACEHOLDER6c29b54d193dd23d and can install a different distribution using wsl --install -d . Accessing the installed distribution can be done through the Windows menu or Powershell. Joining the Windows Insider Program is necessary to access the latest WSL preview features.

Winsage

December 3, 2024

Windows 11 minor new features: advanced passkey manager, colourful Ctrl Alt Del UI, and more

Windows 11 is set to receive updates including an advanced passkey manager with a new "advanced options" page for better device management, synchronization of passkeys across compatible devices, and a "View passkey" dropdown menu for filtering passkeys. The Ctrl+Alt+Del screen will now reflect the user's chosen accent color. Additionally, a new keyboard shortcut, Ctrl + Alt + Minus, will allow users to toggle between zoom levels in the built-in magnifier, with broader rollout expected in early 2025.

Winsage

November 25, 2024

3 of the biggest differences between Command Prompt and PowerShell

PowerShell has gained prominence over cmd.exe due to its deep integration with Windows and enhanced developer tools. It uses .NET framework syntax for automation, allowing for dynamic scripts, while cmd relies on batch scripts. PowerShell outputs .NET objects, improving interoperability but complicating output viewing. It is cross-platform, functioning on macOS and Linux since PowerShell Core 6, reflecting Microsoft's shift towards inclusivity. PowerShell is partly open-source, with development tracked on GitHub, allowing community contributions that enhance its reliability and user satisfaction.

AppWizard

October 31, 2024

New WhatsApp button will let users of other apps text you – but there’s a catch

A new WhatsApp update will introduce a button for third-party applications, allowing users to receive messages from apps like Facebook Messenger, Telegram, and iMessage directly in WhatsApp. This feature will be found in the Settings menu, enabling users to control cross-platform messaging and organize incoming messages into a separate inbox. However, WhatsApp does not guarantee the same security and privacy for these messages as it does for its native communications. Currently under development, this feature will be limited to users in the European Union due to the Digital Markets Act, which requires interoperability among messaging applications. Participation in this feature will be optional, addressing concerns about potential spam and scams.

AppWizard

October 9, 2024

Epic detail plans for Unreal Engine 6 and share vision of a metaverse spanning “Roblox, Minecraft, and Fortnite”

Epic Games has experienced significant layoffs, with over 800 employees let go last year, but has since stabilized its finances. CEO Tim Sweeney acknowledged that the company's previous investment strategy for Fortnite was overly ambitious. Epic is now focusing on Unreal Engine 6, which aims to create an interoperable metaverse platform that allows developers to sell digital assets transferable across various games. The company plans to launch the Fab digital assets marketplace, enabling assets to be compatible with non-Unreal Engine games like Minecraft and Roblox. Sweeney emphasized the importance of seamless content movement for the metaverse's success. Epic is also collaborating with Disney to merge their universes and is involved in ongoing legal disputes with Google regarding Fortnite's mobile access.