London Archives

Tech Optimizer

July 24, 2025

Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL Limitless Database is now available in 22 additional Regions

The Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL Limitless Database has launched in various regions, including the US West (Northern California), Africa (Cape Town), Asia Pacific (Hyderabad, Jakarta, Melbourne), Canada (Central and West), Europe (London, Milan, Paris, Spain, Zurich), Israel (Tel Aviv), Mexico (Central), the Middle East (Bahrain, UAE), and South America (Sao Paulo). It features a serverless endpoint that distributes data and queries across multiple Amazon Aurora Serverless instances, ensuring transactional consistency and enhancing performance. The database includes distributed query planning and transaction management, dynamically allocates compute resources based on workload fluctuations, and supports PostgreSQL versions 16.6 and 16.8. Users can create an Aurora PostgreSQL Limitless Database via the Amazon RDS console.

AppWizard

July 17, 2025

Java for mobile app development: How to create Android apps in 2025 – London Business News

Java is a key programming language in mobile application development, particularly for Android, and is expected to remain relevant in 2025. It is officially supported in Android development, with a significant portion of Android applications built using Java. Java continues to be integrated into Android Studio and is favored for its comprehensive documentation, backward compatibility, and strong community support. Java's ecosystem is characterized by its mature tools and best practices, making it suitable for both simple and enterprise-level applications. Core components of Android apps built with Java include Activities, Services, Broadcast Receivers, and Content Providers. The development process involves setting up the environment with Android Studio, designing user interfaces with XML, implementing app logic in Java, testing the application, and deploying it via the Google Play Store. Best practices in 2025 include modular architecture, dependency management with libraries like Dagger and Hilt, asynchronous programming techniques, and the use of version control systems like Git. Java remains a viable option alongside Kotlin, especially for legacy codebases and its perceived accessibility for new programmers. Modern tools supporting Java development include Room for data storage, Retrofit for API calls, Glide for image loading, Firebase for cloud services, and Crashlytics for crash monitoring. Outsourcing Java development is a common strategy for companies looking to scale their mobile projects efficiently. Java continues to evolve, accommodating advancements in machine learning, IoT, and edge computing.

AppWizard

July 17, 2025

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers – here’s the PC you’ll need to run it, and when it’s going to unlock in your region

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, developed by Leenzee, is set to release on July 24 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, and will be available on Game Pass for PC and Xbox on day one. The minimum system requirements include Windows 10 64bit, Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 5 1600 CPU, 16GB RAM, Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 6GB or AMD Radeon RX 580 8GB GPU, DirectX 12, and 60GB storage. The recommended specs are Windows 10/11 64bit, Intel Core i7-9700 or AMD Ryzen 5 5500 CPU, 16GB RAM, Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 or AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT GPU, DirectX 12, and 60GB storage with SSD required. Global launch times include Los Angeles at July 23, 7pm and Tokyo at July 24, 11am.

AppWizard

July 15, 2025

Ghost Town Is Out Soon For PC VR – Quest 3 Graphics Comparison

Ghost Town, developed by Fireproof Games, is set to launch for PC VR and Quest 3. Players take on the role of Edith Penrose, investigating her brother's disappearance in a ghost-hunting detective agency in London. The game features intricate environmental and mechanical puzzles, and has received positive reviews on Quest. The graphics are detailed on both platforms, with the Quest 3 version having slightly less polished lighting and environmental effects compared to the PC version. Textures are high quality on both systems, but the PC version has enhanced sharpness and more objects rendered in scenes. Performance on Quest 3 is generally outstanding with minimal lag, and the game provides an immersive experience on both platforms. The upcoming Steam release will enhance fidelity for PC VR players.

AppWizard

July 12, 2025

I’ve swapped modern live service games for a browser game that’s been running since 2009

During a shroom-hopping race, the starter's pistol misfires, injuring an official and causing chaos among the racers. The narrator reflects on the incident, emphasizing that the official accepted the risks. The narrator competes in the race, navigating oversized fungi and securing a podium position despite complaints from other racers. After the race, the narrator returns to London with various winnings and recounts a day filled with adventures, including rescuing urchins from gangsters and tracking a dirigible. The narrator expresses excitement for upcoming titles and notes the unique charm of Fallen London, which lacks traditional graphics and sound but offers an engaging escape.

Tech Optimizer

July 10, 2025

EDB Returns to Goodwood with Sovereign AI and Data Platform for Intelligent Mobility

EnterpriseDB (EDB) has returned to the Goodwood Festival of Speed, focusing on the impact of advanced AI data systems in the automotive industry. A global survey by EDB of 190 automotive executives revealed that only 13% of organizations are successfully leveraging agentic and generative AI, with these companies achieving a fivefold return on investment through a focus on data sovereignty. The automotive sector is undergoing a significant transformation, with the U.K. automotive AI market projected to grow from £8 million in 2024 to £2 million by 2030, reflecting a 21.7% CAGR. EDB is also fostering future talent through initiatives that encourage students to propose innovative data and AI solutions, with a £2,000 prize for the winning idea. The U.K. STEM workforce is expected to grow by 10% by 2030, while many tech firms face challenges in filling roles. EDB has received multiple recognitions for its innovation and workplace culture, including listings in various industry awards. EDB Postgres® AI is described as an open, enterprise-grade sovereign data and AI platform that integrates various workloads while ensuring compliance and security.

AppWizard

July 10, 2025

Amazon MGM Hires Charlie Coleman as International Marketing Chief

Amazon MGM has appointed Charlie Coleman as its head of international marketing, based in London, reporting to Sue Kroll. Coleman previously worked at Disney and Warner Bros., where he became EVP of international marketing and led campaigns for films like “The Batman” and “Dune.” His appointment is part of a trend of former Warner executives joining Amazon MGM, which is preparing for a full theatrical release schedule starting in 2026, including films like “Project Hail Mary” and “Masters of the Universe.”

Tech Optimizer

July 7, 2025

Percona offers clear view into Transparent Data Encryption

Percona has launched its Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) extension for PostgreSQL, designed to secure sensitive data at rest without licensing fees or usage restrictions. TDE automatically encrypts and decrypts data at the database layer, protecting backups and transaction logs, with encryption keys stored separately. The pg_tde extension supports compliance with regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, SOX, and PCI DSS v4.0, and allows users to encrypt all database files, apply encryption at the table level, and maintain control over their encryption strategies. It integrates with Key Management Services (KMS) providers and requires a patched PostgreSQL server to function. Percona aims to extend pg_tde to Community PostgreSQL, with some code already contributed for review. The extension is included in the Percona Distribution for PostgreSQL, which also offers support and consulting services for TDE setup and configuration.

AppWizard

July 1, 2025

Mecha Break launch times and release date

Mecha Break, developed by Amazing Seasun Games, is scheduled for release on July 1st, with some regions launching on July 2nd. The game will be available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series consoles at the following times: 9 pm PDT (Los Angeles), 11 pm CST (Chicago), 12 am EDT (New York), 5 am BST (London), 6 am CEST (Berlin), 12 pm CST (Beijing), 1 pm KST (Seoul), and 1 pm JST (Tokyo). There will be no early access period, and all players will have access simultaneously. Mecha Break is free to play and offers additional perks for Xbox Game Pass subscribers, including exclusive costumes and an Airdrop Support Pack. Preloading began on June 29, with a download size of just over 30GB.

AppWizard

June 21, 2025

‘The Gilded Age,’ ‘A Minecraft Movie,’ Haim’s ‘I Quit,’ and the best to stream this weekend: June 20, 2025

The Gilded Age returns for Season 3 on Sunday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and Max, featuring Bertha aiming to establish her place in New York society and George expanding his railroads to California. Ada navigates her new role as the lady of the Brook house after marrying Rev. Forte, while Agnes deals with the implications of her sister's wealth. The season highlights evolving relationships and ambitious pursuits. The Waterfront, a family drama by Kevin Williamson, is now streaming on Netflix, focusing on the Buckley family in Havenport. The Buccaneers, based on Edith Wharton's unfinished novel, has its second season streaming on Apple TV+, following American women in 1870s London. Surviving Ohio State, an HBO documentary about Dr. Richard Strauss's abuse at Ohio State University, is available on Max. A Minecraft Movie, featuring Jack Black, is a popular choice among children and has grossed nearly a billion dollars. Frozen: The Hit Broadway Musical is now on Disney+, capturing the West End production of the animated film. Ash, a sci-fi thriller starring Eiza Gonzalez and Aaron Paul, is streaming on Shudder. KPop Demon Hunters is an animated musical action-comedy about a K-pop girl group fighting demons. Friendship, a comedy starring Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd, is available on VOD platforms. Haim has released a music video for "All Over Me," and rock band Wednesday has launched "Wound Up Here (By Holdin On)," the second single from their upcoming album, Bleeds, set to release on September 19.