low latency Archives

Tech Optimizer

August 18, 2026

Oh no, not another one! Databricks buys Electric

Databricks has acquired Electric, the developer of PGLite and the Electric Sync Engine, to enhance its Postgres capabilities for lakehouse and edge environments. PGLite offers lightweight Postgres instances for low-latency access, while the Electric Sync Engine enables real-time synchronization of distributed state to a central Lakebase. Electric was founded in September 2021 and has raised funding from various investors. Its flagship product, PGLite, has seen a rise in weekly downloads from 1 million to 13 million. Electric also offers open-source products including Electric Agents, Electric Streams, and Electric Sync. Databricks previously acquired Neon in May 2022 to support serverless Postgres solutions. The integration of Electric's technology aims to enhance collaboration and scalability for agentic applications.

Winsage

August 15, 2026

Don’t panic if Windows 11 reboots multiple times for security updates, here’s why it’s happening

Windows PCs are experiencing multiple reboots during the installation of monthly cumulative updates, particularly due to updates related to Secure Boot certificates and accompanying firmware updates. Microsoft is rolling out the Secure Boot certificate update to millions of Windows 11 and Windows 10 devices, with users who haven't received the certificates expected to do so soon, unless firmware limitations arise. Microsoft has acknowledged that multiple reboots may occur during this rollout. The August 2026 Patch Tuesday update addressed around 400 security vulnerabilities and included a Secure Boot certificate update for a wider range of devices. It is advised not to delay updates beyond three days to avoid potential AI-driven security threats. The August 2026 Update also activates the Low Latency Profile for app launches and improves file size displays in File Explorer. Reports indicate that devices lacking the Secure Boot 2023 certificate have successfully received it following this update, and Microsoft will continue deploying certificates via Windows updates in the coming months.

Winsage

August 14, 2026

Windows 11 Expands Low Latency Profile CPU Boost to All Apps in August Patch Tuesday Update

Microsoft has expanded its Low Latency Profile (LLP) feature to all Windows 11 applications through the KB5121003 update, which is part of this month's Patch Tuesday. This update temporarily boosts CPU frequency to speed up app launches and is now available for most applications and Win32 programs. Following the installation of the update, standard applications like Notepad, Calculator, and web browsers such as Chrome showed faster opening times. The LLP feature is being rolled out gradually via Microsoft's Controlled Feature Rollout system, and users can enable it early using the ViveTool program if it does not appear immediately. Critics have described LLP as a superficial enhancement, while Microsoft has defended it by comparing it to similar strategies used by Apple in macOS.

Tech Optimizer

August 14, 2026

Databricks’ Electric acquisition adds embeddable PostgreSQL

Databricks has acquired ElectricSQL, a startup specializing in PostgreSQL database capabilities, to enhance its offerings by extending PostgreSQL functionalities to edge devices. The acquisition, announced on August 11, aims to streamline operations for AI agents by allowing local data access. ElectricSQL has developed PGlite, a lightweight WebAssembly version of PostgreSQL for faster data access and real-time synchronization. This acquisition follows Databricks' earlier integration of PostgreSQL capabilities through the acquisition of Neon in May 2025. The founders of Electric, James Arthur and Kyle Matthews, will join Databricks. PostgreSQL has become the most popular open-source database by 2024, recognized for its versatility in handling diverse data types. Databricks' acquisition strategy also includes previous acquisitions like Neon and MosaicML, aimed at enhancing its AI development tools.

Winsage

August 14, 2026

Microsoft expands CPU-boosting feature to all Windows 11 apps

Microsoft has rolled out its Low Latency Profile (LLP) technology to all Windows 11 users as part of the KB5121003 update, aimed at enhancing performance across the Windows graphical user interface, native OS applications, and third-party software using Win32 APIs. The LLP utilizes a "race to sleep" mechanism that temporarily elevates CPU frequency to expedite app launches. Following the update, users reported reduced loading times for applications like Notepad, Calculator, Chrome, and the Epic Games Store. The feature is being distributed through the Controlled Feature Rollout system, and can be force-enabled using the ViveTool program. While some critics view it as a superficial enhancement, Microsoft defends it by comparing it to similar strategies used by Apple in macOS and noting its commonality in Arm chips.

Winsage

August 12, 2026

Windows 11 Gets Dynamic File Sizes in File Explorer, Low Latency Profile for Apps, and More

Microsoft's August update, KB5121003, includes several enhancements: - The File Explorer now displays file sizes in kilobytes (KB), megabytes (MB), or gigabytes (GB) dynamically, simplifying file management. - The Low Latency Profile is expanded to more applications, improving launch speeds for Microsoft apps like Edge and Outlook by up to 40%, and other system components by up to 70%. - Windows Search has been improved to better handle typos and incomplete queries, prioritizing relevant results and indexing files across the operating system. - The Start Menu now more effectively respects user preferences, ensuring consistent settings.

Winsage

August 12, 2026

Windows 11’s faster app launches released today, enable it using these steps

Windows 11 introduced the Low Latency Profile feature with the August 2026 security update, enhancing app launch speeds. This feature allows the CPU to quickly reach near-maximum frequency when an application is launched, improving loading times and conserving energy by returning to low-power idle states more rapidly. Initially limited to core Windows shell elements, the August update (KB5121003) expanded this functionality to a wider range of applications. Testing showed significant improvements in app launch times, with no adverse effects on CPU performance or battery life. Users can manually enable the feature using the ViVeTool if it hasn't been rolled out to them yet. Microsoft is also working on optimizing Windows 11 for devices with 8GB of RAM and above by the end of 2026.

Winsage

August 6, 2026

I tested 5 major changes and improvements coming to Windows 11 this year: Microsoft is clearly serious about fixing Windows, and it’s doing things right this time

Microsoft has made significant improvements to Windows 11 in response to user feedback, focusing on enhancing the user experience. Key changes include a revamped Windows Update process that synchronizes updates for drivers, frameworks, and security, allowing users to restart their systems only once a month and pause updates indefinitely. The presence of ads and AI features has been reduced, with updates to the Widgets board and the removal of Bing and MSN ads from Windows Search. Performance enhancements include a "Low Latency Profile" feature for better CPU optimization and improvements in WinUI interfaces, leading to faster navigation in File Explorer and more consistent search functionality. Microsoft is also testing new customization options for the Taskbar and Start menu, allowing users to reposition and resize the Taskbar and hide specific segments of the Start menu. Additional features are in development, with plans for further updates by the end of 2026 and some expected in 2027.

Winsage

August 3, 2026

Microsoft finally has a Windows 11 upgrade everyone can get behind

Microsoft is focusing on enhancing Windows 11 by addressing fundamental improvements, as highlighted by CEO Satya Nadella during the fiscal 2026 fourth-quarter earnings call. The company is investing in maintaining high quality and fundamentals for the operating system, with ongoing efforts to fix user concerns. Enhancements include testing a movable taskbar, reducing RAM consumption, fixing memory leaks, improving slow startup times, and updating File Explorer and Windows Search. The introduction of the Low Latency Profile update aims to improve responsiveness in the Start menu and shell. Microsoft has also removed the Copilot branding from certain applications to streamline the user experience. This renewed focus follows a challenging year with problematic updates, including a mandatory update in June that caused boot failures and other issues, prompting an emergency update in July. Financially, Microsoft's More Personal Computing revenue declined by 4%, with Windows OEM and Devices revenue dropping by 7%.

AppWizard

July 29, 2026

There’s Not Much Room For Improvement In Halo: Campaign Evolved’s PC Settings

Microsoft is delivering a second remake of Halo: Combat Evolved using Unreal Engine 5, which offers stunning visuals but poses challenges for players with older or lower-end hardware. The game performs well on high-end systems, such as an RTX 3090 running smoothly at 60 fps in 4K with the High preset. However, it lacks flexibility for performance adjustments, making it more efficient to use higher presets rather than fine-tuning settings. Key settings include: - Effects Quality: Keep high unless performance issues arise. - Geometric Quality: Maintain high until VRAM limitations are a concern. - Global Illumination Quality: Can be kept high without significant performance impact. - Lighting Quality: Adjust for substantial performance gains if frame rates dip below 60 fps. - Texture Quality: Adjust based on available VRAM. - Reflections: Dial down to medium or low to enhance frame rates. - Atmospheric Quality: Based on personal preference. - Post-Processing Quality: Can be adjusted down with minimal performance impact. - Screen Shake: Toggle based on personal preference. - Motion Blur: Consider turning off due to intensity. - Upscaling Technique: Choose based on GPU brand. - Async Compute: Keep off unless using a high-end graphics card and CPU. - Low Latency Mode: Select based on GPU for optimal responsiveness. - Frame Generation: Can enhance frame rates but may introduce latency.