limitations Archives

AppWizard

June 12, 2025

I tried Google’s secret, open source, offline AI app to see if it’s better than Gemini

Google has introduced the AI Edge Gallery, an application that allows users to download and run large language models (LLMs) directly on their Android devices for offline processing. The app features four distinct LLMs categorized into three functions: Ask Image, Prompt Lab, and AI Chat. Users can engage in image analysis, chat interactions, and prompt-based tasks. The installation process is cumbersome, requiring users to download the app from GitHub and create a Hugging Face account. Once operational, the app has a sleek interface and smooth functionality. It can provide travel planning advice, explain complex theories, generate recipes, rewrite text, summarize content, and recognize images, although it struggles with less common subjects like landmarks. AI Edge Gallery does not have the same level of control over devices as Google's Gemini and cannot execute commands like turning on the flashlight.

AppWizard

June 11, 2025

T-Mobile’s T-Life App: Why User Frustration Continues (Despite Updates)

T-Mobile's T-Life app has faced significant criticism from employees and customers since its launch, despite updates aimed at improving functionality. Users report challenges with the app, including unclear and impractical functions. One user experienced difficulty after accidentally deleting their eSIM, as the app did not provide a solution and required a visit to a physical store for assistance. T-Mobile has encouraged customers to use the app for self-service tasks, but reports indicate that employees must report instances when customers refuse to use it. The transition to the app has created friction and raised questions about its effectiveness.

Tech Optimizer

June 10, 2025

Why Instacart Moved to Postgres & pgvector to Boost Semantic Search

Instacart serves 14 million daily users and manages billions of products, necessitating advanced search capabilities that go beyond keyword matching to understand user intent. The search system must reflect real-time inventory changes, leading to significant workloads on the database. Instacart transitioned from Elasticsearch and FAISS to a hybrid architecture using Postgres and pgvector, improving search performance and reducing write workloads by tenfold. This normalization allowed for better storage of machine learning features and improved flexibility. Moving compute closer to storage with NVMe resulted in a twofold increase in search performance. Instacart's migration to pgvector eliminated data duplication and operational complexity, enhancing search quality and user satisfaction, evidenced by a 6% decrease in searches with zero results.

BetaBeacon

June 10, 2025

I stumbled upon the perfect reason to use Gemini and NotebookLM on a gaming handheld

The Anbernic RG557 was released with an update introducing "Anbernic AI," a chatbot on gaming handhelds that provides answers and translations. The author attempted to replicate this using AI chatbots Gemini Gems and ChatGPT GPTs, with the help of NotebookLM. NotebookLM was used to create gaming encyclopedias by uploading strategy guides for retro games, converting CBR or CBZ files to PDF for compatibility. The author found this to be a useful resource for gaming information.

Tech Optimizer

June 9, 2025

SQL Server vs. PostgreSQL query optimization: room for improvement?

The PostgreSQL community has developed tools like AQO and sr_plan extensions to enhance migration paths from Oracle, making PostgreSQL more appealing for transitions. PostgreSQL has been noted to outperform Oracle in certain scenarios, particularly in automatic re-optimization. Migrations from Oracle to PostgreSQL are generally smooth, aided by session variable extensions. However, migrating from SQL Server to PostgreSQL presents challenges, including significant query slowdowns. For example, a query that executed in 20 milliseconds on SQL Server took weeks on PostgreSQL due to an inefficient query plan. A specific JOIN operation involving GROUP BY on small tables showed a drastic difference in execution time: PostgreSQL took 4000 seconds while SQL Server completed it in 300 seconds. SQL Server employs a Hash Join and parallelizes execution across eight threads, enhancing performance. PostgreSQL's excessive time on hash calculations and tuple comparisons during this operation was noted, as well as its limitations in parallel processing due to temporary tables not being visible to parallel workers. Adjusting PostgreSQL settings for parallel workers improved performance, allowing it to match SQL Server's execution time. PostgreSQL's selectivity estimation for JOINs with multiple conditions often leads to underestimations, while SQL Server excels in this area by collecting extensive statistics. PostgreSQL's current extended statistics capabilities are limited, but the community is working on improvements. SQL Server's advanced parameterization and caching further enhance its optimization capabilities compared to PostgreSQL.

AppWizard

June 8, 2025

This is my favorite video editing app, and for good reason

Megan Ellis from Android Authority reviewed various video editing applications and highlighted her favorite, Edits, which received 29% of votes in a recent poll, while CapCut led with 38%. Edits is entirely free and offers features like easy clip stitching, transitions, audio incorporation, and the ability to generate captions from voiceovers. It allows exports in 4K resolution at 60fps and includes a cutout functionality for tracking objects in videos. However, users need an Instagram account to access Edits, and export times can be slower than desired. Concerns exist about Edits being a Meta product and potential future monetization. Alternatives suggested include InShot, Adobe Express, VN, YouCut, and LightCut.

AppWizard

June 8, 2025

I found an Android weather app that looks like Google made it

Google overhauled its weather app, replacing the weather frog with a new Pixel Weather app for the Pixel 9, which can now be accessed through Google Search. Users expressed dissatisfaction with the need to search for the frog, leading to the emergence of a third-party app called Weather Master. In a poll, 59% of users reported using whatever weather app is pre-installed on their phone, 38% used a third-party app, and 3% did not use a weather app at all. Weather Master features an animated frog, displays current temperature and forecasts, offers a Quick Summary section, and provides clothing and activity suggestions. It allows for customization and includes a radar function, though it has limitations in depth of information and visual data transitions. Despite its flaws, Weather Master is considered user-friendly and has become a preferred choice for some users over Google's official offering.

AppWizard

June 8, 2025

I used a self-hosted app to track all my receipts and it’s shockingly good

Receipt Wrangler is a self-hosted tool for managing receipts that offers a straightforward installation process and an intuitive user interface. It allows users to rename, tag, group, and search receipts easily, creating a consistent and searchable archive. The app prioritizes user experience by placing essential functions prominently and supports flexible tagging systems for personalized organization. Receipt Wrangler can connect to self-hosted AI models or external services for automatic scanning and tagging of receipts. Its self-hosting feature ensures data security and ownership, allowing users to back up their information as needed. The tool has transformed the receipt management process into a more efficient and enjoyable experience, encouraging timely filing and reducing procrastination.

AppWizard

June 6, 2025

How to play Monopoly GO on PC

Monopoly GO can be played on a PC using the Bluestacks Android emulator. To do this, users need to download Bluestacks from its official website, install and launch the program, log in with their Google Account, and then search for and install Monopoly GO from the Play Store. While the gameplay experience is similar to the mobile version, some features, such as redeeming codes and accessing promotional offers, may still require the mobile app.

Winsage

June 5, 2025

Ancient CD ripping tool updated for the first time in 16 years, now supports Windows 11

CD2WAV32 has been updated to version 4.00jp after 16 years, now fully compatible with Windows 11 24H2, with no support for earlier versions or other operating systems. The developer, Moroboshi Ramu, previously updated the software on Windows 7. Microsoft’s Media Player App has also been updated, allowing music ripping and supporting MP3 format as of 2023, but lacks WAV support. The Media Player App enables users to select audio formats like AAC, MP3, and FLAC, with adjustable quality settings from 96Kbps to 320Kbps for lossy formats. Users can rip CDs by inserting them and selecting the ‘Rip CD’ option, with ripped files automatically added to the music library.