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Azure HorizonDB Enters Public Preview: Web IQ Already Powers Copilot and ChatGPT
Tech Optimizer
June 6, 2026

Azure HorizonDB Enters Public Preview: Web IQ Already Powers Copilot and ChatGPT

Microsoft announced the public preview of Azure HorizonDB, a fully managed PostgreSQL-compatible database designed for agentic AI workloads, during Microsoft Build 2026 in San Francisco. HorizonDB features a "database-as-logs" architecture, allowing for sub-millisecond multi-zone commit latency and independent scaling of compute and storage. It incorporates a Rust-based storage engine, native DiskANN vector search, and in-database AI model invocation. Additionally, Microsoft launched Web IQ, a web-grounding API layer integrated into Microsoft Copilot and OpenAI's ChatGPT, which provides passage-level structured evidence objects rather than full documents. Web IQ is model-agnostic and aims to enhance information density and reduce costs. Both services are currently in limited availability, with HorizonDB open for preview signups across five Azure regions.
Crossfire was the most surprising game reveal I've attended in years
AppWizard
June 6, 2026

Crossfire was the most surprising game reveal I’ve attended in years

That's No Moon is a relatively unknown studio in Los Angeles, established during the pandemic and backed by South Korean publisher Smilegate. The studio's debut game is titled Crossfire, which is a single-player, third-person tactical shooter that diverges from Smilegate's original competitive FPS. The game features a protagonist named Minkoff, voiced by Claudia Doumit, and incorporates high lethality, limited healing options, and manual magazine reloading. Players engage in intense firefights with controlled bursts of fire and a unique on-screen reticle that enhances the connection to the weapon. The game includes a modular inventory system for managing gear and ammunition, encourages looting, and offers a linear, narrative-driven campaign. An adaptive cover system allows players to use various forms of cover dynamically. The studio aimed to balance accessibility with tactical challenges, and they proposed using the Crossfire name after exploring the franchise's lore.
Pragmata director Yonghee Cho says it's not a sad dad game for a very simple reason: 'I'm not a sad dad, I'm a very happy dad'
AppWizard
June 4, 2026

Pragmata director Yonghee Cho says it’s not a sad dad game for a very simple reason: ‘I’m not a sad dad, I’m a very happy dad’

Pragmata features a dynamic relationship between protagonists Hugh, an everyman, and Diana, a curious android. Critics have noted its connection to the "sad dad" genre, but the game's director, Yonghee Cho, emphasizes a narrative focused on the joys of fatherhood and companionship. Cho's personal experiences as a father influence the story, aiming for a camaraderie between Hugh and Diana rather than a traditional parent-child dynamic. He shares an anecdote about his daughter expressing concern for Diana during an intense moment in the game, which highlights the emotional depth of the narrative. Cho's approach to parenting and storytelling may evolve as his children grow, potentially exploring new themes in future projects.
868-Back makes hacking as cool as '90s Hollywood thought it was
AppWizard
June 4, 2026

868-Back makes hacking as cool as ’90s Hollywood thought it was

868-Back is a roguelike puzzle game created by Michael Brough, set on randomly generated 6x6 grids where players navigate through eight floors filled with enemies. Players use limited resources to acquire weapons and currency while accumulating points, with each collected item spawning additional adversaries. The game features single-screen gameplay that encourages strategic thinking and adaptability, transforming the grid into a dynamic environment for creative play. It builds upon Brough's earlier title, 868-Hack, while expanding its scope and offering constant surprises.
Unpatched Windows Search URI Vulnerability Lets Attackers Steal NTLMv2 Hashes
Winsage
June 3, 2026

Unpatched Windows Search URI Vulnerability Lets Attackers Steal NTLMv2 Hashes

Cybersecurity researchers have identified an unpatched vulnerability that could expose NTLMv2 hashes to attackers, linked to the "search:" URI handler. This issue is similar to CVE-2026-33829, which involved a spoofing vulnerability in the Windows Snipping Tool's ms-screensketch: URI handler. The flaw allows attackers to trick users into connecting to their SMB servers, disclosing NTLMv2 hashes for authentication exploitation. The new vulnerability operates using "search:" and "crumb=location:" parameters, resulting in a similar Net-NTLMv2 leak. Microsoft has chosen not to address this issue, stating only vulnerabilities classified as Important or Critical would be fixed. Recommendations to mitigate risks include blocking outbound SMB traffic, enforcing SMB signing, and disabling NTLM authentication where possible.
"Agents are only as good as the context we give them": Microsoft IQ connects AI agents to your workspace data and the web
Winsage
June 2, 2026

“Agents are only as good as the context we give them”: Microsoft IQ connects AI agents to your workspace data and the web

AI Agents have been a major focus at this year's Build conference, with advancements allowing them to operate within secure sandboxes in Windows 11. Microsoft's launch of the Surface Laptop Ultra highlighted the importance of these agents. A new framework called Microsoft IQ was introduced, consisting of four components: Work IQ, Fabric IQ, Foundry IQ, and Web IQ, aimed at enhancing AI capabilities. Work IQ APIs will be generally available on June 16. Additionally, Microsoft introduced Scout, a personal work agent in preview for Frontier customers, which integrates with Teams and Outlook to manage tasks based on user preferences. These developments signify a shift in user interaction with PCs, as AI agents automate tasks and personalize workflows.
The Backrooms film left me with more questions than answers and that's why it's the perfect adaptation
AppWizard
June 2, 2026

The Backrooms film left me with more questions than answers and that’s why it’s the perfect adaptation

Kane Parsons has adapted his web series, including the Found Footage installment, into a feature-length film under the A24 banner. The film effectively introduces the concept of the backrooms to both newcomers and dedicated fans, featuring thrilling chase sequences and jump scares, particularly from the Still Life entity. It captures themes of memory loss and the fear of forgetting familiar faces and places while integrating seamlessly into Parsons' existing web series. The narrative establishes the Async Institute and explores character dynamics, with Clark's stubbornness and Dr. Mary Kline's curiosity propelling the story. The film maintains an air of mystery, leaving many questions unanswered about the characters' fates and the true nature of the backrooms. The conclusion hints at a more coherent version of the backrooms, suggesting a complex narrative layered with intrigue.
Avast Free Antivirus for Windows: Features, Limits, and US Use
Tech Optimizer
June 1, 2026

Avast Free Antivirus for Windows: Features, Limits, and US Use

Avast Free Antivirus for Windows is a free malware protection software designed for American home users, operating under Gen Digital, which also includes Norton. It provides essential security features such as real-time scanning, on-demand scans, and regular updates, but has limitations compared to paid versions, including the absence of features like VPN and advanced ransomware protection. The software is intended for home PC use and is available for download on Windows PCs. While it serves as a basic defense against common malware threats, it is not suitable for small businesses needing comprehensive security solutions. Users are advised to maintain safe browsing habits even with the antivirus installed.
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