Azure Databricks Lakebase is a managed, serverless PostgreSQL solution optimized for the Databricks Platform on Azure, announced by Microsoft as generally available. It separates compute from storage, allowing direct writing of operational data to lakehouse storage and bridging the gap between transactional systems and analytics. Lakebase features instant branching and zero-copy clones, enhancing developer productivity by enabling safe testing environments without infrastructure delays. It operates on a serverless model with autoscaling capabilities, ensuring cost efficiency by charging users only for the compute resources utilized. Lakebase is built on standard PostgreSQL, ensuring compatibility with existing tools and libraries, and supports various extensions. It provides unified governance through Unity Catalog, offering consistent access control and auditing across the Azure Databricks data estate. The platform facilitates AI development by enabling real-time operational context access and low-latency feature serving. Azure Databricks Lakebase integrates with Microsoft Entra ID for security and compliance, simplifying the DevOps burden for developers.
On December 15, 2025, Microsoft announced native NVMe support in Windows Server 2025, marking a significant evolution in data management and access. The new architecture replaces Disk.sys with NVMeDisk.sys, allowing direct communication from the filesystem to hardware via StorMQ, eliminating latency and enhancing performance. Testing revealed increased read speeds, particularly in random 4K and 64K benchmarks, with significant reductions in average read latency and lower CPU usage during sequential operations. Write operations showed modest improvements. A registry modification is required to enable this feature, and caution is advised due to potential complications with NVMe drives when deduplication is enabled.
Microsoft is developing a new NVMe storage driver for Windows 11 25H2 and Windows Server 2025, moving away from the existing storNVMe.sys driver to better align with modern I/O mechanisms. This new driver utilizes the IoRing framework to enhance efficiency by allowing the processor to manage multiple storage requests simultaneously, reducing latency and administrative overhead. Initial tests show significant performance improvements in random read accesses, particularly benefiting applications like databases and virtualization systems. However, sequential access performance may be lower due to ongoing optimizations. The new driver is currently in preview and not activated by default, with practical use limited until further refinements are made.
A comprehensive study from Logitech G surveyed 18,000 individuals across 12 countries, revealing that nearly 8% of respondents globally would choose to pursue a career as a professional gamer if given the opportunity, surpassing traditional professions like politician (6%) and professional racer (5%). Among Generation Z, the desire to become a pro gamer rises to 15%. Two-thirds of Gen Z see esports as a legitimate professional career path, with 54% of all respondents considering esports a legitimate professional avenue. The global esports audience reached 611 million in 2024, projected to grow to 641 million by the end of 2025, with the industry valued at .1 billion and expected to reach .5 billion by 2030. Nearly half of Gen Z support adding esports to the Olympic Games, while 49% of Gen Z favor including esports in the main Olympics, compared to 21% of Baby Boomers. The 2024 League of Legends World Final attracted a peak global audience of 50 million, and over 62,000 spectators attended the 2025 Honor of Kings KPL Grand Finals in Beijing. Concerns about financial risk (42%), high competition levels (34%), and lack of support (31%) deter many from pursuing esports careers.
Windows 11 has faced challenges, including a comprehensive list of top issues identified in 2025, but it is not uniquely unstable compared to earlier versions like Windows 95, 98, XP, 7, and 10. Recent headlines have highlighted various problems such as printer malfunctions and performance issues, but these are often exaggerated due to increased visibility. Historically, Windows has experienced similar cycles of instability, and the perception of widespread failure today is amplified by rapid documentation of minor issues.
User trust in Windows has eroded, with skepticism about performance stemming from cumulative updates and the personal impact of issues on over a billion users. The focus should shift to improving predictability and transparency regarding updates rather than solely counting bugs. Windows 11's frequency of out-of-band updates is comparable to that of Windows 7 and 10, with improved mechanisms for addressing problems quickly.
Gamers continue to adopt Windows 11 due to enhanced CPU scheduling, improved GPU performance, and features like Auto HDR and DirectStorage. Microsoft is committed to further improving the gaming experience. The scale of Windows operations, with over a billion users and multiple concurrent releases, contributes to occasional anomalies.
Despite criticisms, most Windows 11 systems operate without significant issues, performing adequately for daily tasks and gaming. Microsoft has announced plans for enhancements, including bug fixes, performance improvements, and security upgrades, indicating that Windows 11 remains a solid choice for users.
The Steam Machine faces disappointment due to RAM shortages and the lack of a definitive price or release date, raising concerns about it becoming vaporware. The original Steam controller did not succeed in saving the 2015 Steam Machine, but the success of the Steam Deck has created optimism for a new gamepad that could enhance couch gaming. Players are increasingly leaning towards hybrid setups, and the introduction of the new controller could encourage upgrades to the Steam Machine. The Steam Controller aims to improve the experience for full PC setups and foster interest in Valve's hardware ecosystem. Releasing the controller now could demonstrate Valve's commitment to quality hardware and potentially attract gamers from competitors like PS5 and Xbox Series X.
The Steam Machine has faced disappointment within the gaming community due to the lack of a clear price point or release date, raising concerns about its future. Although third-party models have emerged, the core vision of Valve's console-like gaming PC has been lost. Valve may need to consider launching the Steam controller independently to maintain interest. The original Steam controller did not save the 2015 iteration of the Machine, but the current gaming landscape is shifting towards hybrid setups. Introducing a new controller could encourage gamers to invest in the Steam Machine once it is released. The Steam Controller could enhance existing PC setups and foster a desire for a unified Valve hardware experience. A timely release of the Steam Controller could demonstrate Valve's commitment to quality hardware and attract potential customers from established consoles.
The speed test feature has been introduced in Windows Insider builds 26100.7918 and 26200.7918, allowing users to assess their internet connection directly from the taskbar. Users can access this feature by right-clicking the network icon or using the Wi-Fi/cellular quick settings, selecting "Perform speed test," which opens a streamlined version of Ookla's Speedtest interface in the default browser. The interface displays three key statistics: Latency, Download, and Upload. Additionally, the new Insider builds include new emojis, improved backup and restore capabilities, enhanced camera controls for supported devices, and native implementation of System Monitor (Sysmon) within Windows.
The PS5 has an internal capture system that can store up to an hour of gameplay. To save recent gameplay, press the Share button and select Save Recent Gameplay, with options for clip lengths up to 60 minutes. Double-tapping the Share button captures a three-minute clip by default. For exporting clips, change the capture settings to MP4 format and use the Media Gallery for editing and transferring.
On the Nintendo Switch, players can save the last 30 seconds of gameplay by holding the Capture Button. This footage can be edited in the Album and transferred via the Switch App or USB-C cable. Longer recordings require external capture devices.
PC gamers often use ShadowPlay from the NVIDIA App, accessible with Alt+Z during gameplay for saving videos. Steam also offers a built-in Game Recording system for background recording up to 120 minutes or on-demand recording.
External capture devices, like the Elgato HD60 series, allow for capturing gameplay from consoles directly to a PC, though they may introduce latency and require an HDMI splitter. Ensure HDCP is enabled on the console to avoid recording issues with copyrighted material.
