merge Archives

Tech Optimizer

May 12, 2025

Database performance analysis using pg_profile and pgpro_pwr

pgpro_pwr is a database workload monitoring tool for database administrators (DBAs) to identify resource-demanding operations. It was launched in 2017 as pg_profile by Andrey Zubkov, who moved from being a DBA to an engineer at Postgres Professional. pg_profile is compatible with open-source PostgreSQL and has been integrated into PostgreSQL 17 as of 2024, while pgpro_pwr offers advanced statistical insights and is included in Postgres Pro releases. Both tools monitor database workload metrics through continuously incrementing counters, capturing values at intervals and archiving differences. They do not provide alerting capabilities but are useful for assessing system stability, analyzing load testing outcomes, and identifying system-intensive activities. The tools consist of repository tables, data collection functions, reporting functions, and service tables. To use them, one must install the extension, configure roles, and set up parameters. Reports can be generated for workload statistics over time and comparisons between different time intervals. Examples of report types include wait event statistics and advanced vacuum statistics. Future plans include submitting a patch to introduce vacuum statistics to vanilla PostgreSQL.

AppWizard

May 3, 2025

Facebook parent Meta launches AI assistant app, further competing with OpenAI and Google

Meta Platforms launched a dedicated app for its Meta AI assistant, enhancing user experience by providing personalized responses based on user data from Facebook and Instagram. The app is powered by Llama 4, Meta's latest large language model, designed to compete with AI systems from OpenAI and Google. It will integrate with Meta’s AI glasses and the existing companion app. Meta is also hosting its first AI developer event, LlamaCon, on the same day as the app launch and plans to test a paid subscription model for advanced versions of its AI chatbot in the second quarter. Meta AI, launched in September 2023, serves as a virtual assistant capable of reasoning tasks.

AppWizard

May 1, 2025

Google Voice adds three-way calling support alongside its interface rework

Google has introduced a new update for its Voice app that enables three-way calling for Workspace subscription holders, allowing users to create conference calls by adding another participant. The update includes a refreshed user interface with more accessible key tools for managing calls, such as prominently displayed "Add" and "Merge" options. This feature is available to Google Workspace customers on Voice Starter, Voice Standard, and Voice Premier plans, as well as SIP Link Standard and SIP Link Premier customers. The rollout began on May 1 and is expected to reach all Google Voice users within approximately 15 days. Earlier in February, Google Voice added a "call delegation" feature, allowing users to transfer calls to another person with options for immediate transfer or confirmation before proceeding, including the ability to transfer calls from personal accounts to paid enterprise accounts.

AppWizard

April 23, 2025

5 Star Wars PC Games That Need to Be Remastered Now

Star Wars: Empire at War, released on February 16, 2006, by Petroglyph Games for PC and Mac, is a real-time strategy game set during the Galactic Civil War, allowing players to command armies in battles across various planets and space. Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire, released in December 1996 by LucasArts for Nintendo 64 and PC, is a multimedia event that features a video game with a PC version that includes fully voiced cutscenes, but has not been remastered. The X-Wing and TIE Fighter series, developed by Totally Games and released on April 30, 1997 for PC, emphasizes simulation gameplay and intense dogfights, yet has not received a remaster. Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II, released on September 30, 1997 by LucasArts for PC, is a first-person shooter that introduces Kyle Katarn and features lightsaber combat and multiplayer modes, but remains unremastered. Star Wars: Rogue Squadron 3D, released on November 17, 1998 by LucasArts & Factor 5 for Nintendo 64 and PC, is a flight action game where players join Luke Skywalker in missions for the Rebel Alliance, and has not been remastered.

AppWizard

April 21, 2025

Riven Crown is a new indie Souls-like game coming to PC

Intima Leaf announced their upcoming PC title, Riven Crown, a Souls-like game offering 25 to 35 hours of gameplay with various enemies and NPCs. The game features a unique combat system that combines traditional Souls-like mechanics with a combo-driven fighting style, requiring players to master intricate input sequences. Each weapon has distinct combo routes and powerful two-phase attacks. The minimum system requirements for Riven Crown include a 64-bit processor, Windows 10, Intel Core i5-7200U or AMD Ryzen 3 2200U, 12 GB RAM, GeForce GTX 1070 or AMD RX VEGA 56, DirectX 12, and 23 GB of storage. The recommended requirements are a 64-bit processor, Windows 10/11, Intel Core i7-14700 or AMD RYZEN 7 7800X3D, 16 GB RAM, GeForce RTX 3070 or AMD Radeon RX 6750 XT, DirectX 12, and 23 GB of storage. An official release date has not been announced.

AppWizard

April 14, 2025

BioWare vet Gaider says there was friction between Dragon Age and Mass Effect teams

David Gaider, former lead writer at BioWare, discussed the internal dynamics between the Dragon Age and Mass Effect teams, noting they operated almost as separate entities with distinct cultures and did not get along. This tension became apparent during the development of Anthem, which aimed to combine talents from both franchises. Despite attempts to ease the friction through staff rotations, these efforts were ineffective. Gaider experienced resistance when joining the Anthem team and faced criticism for contributions perceived as "too Dragon Age." The initial vision for Anthem was a hard sci-fi setting, but he was instructed to shift it to a science fantasy tone without clear communication to the team. Anthem launched in 2019 and was discontinued in 2021.

TrendTechie

April 4, 2025

Особый Minecraft появился на торрентах. Такого не покажут в кино

The film adaptation of "Minecraft," starring Jason Momoa and Jack Black, was leaked online a day before its official release. The leaked version, labeled as the "Director’s Cut," is an unfinished draft with incomplete graphics and special effects. It features scenes that align closely with the theatrical release but lacks polish, showing issues like actors' hands merging with 3D characters and visible filming equipment. This incident parallels a similar leak of "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" in 2009, which also showcased unpolished effects and led to changes in the film's ending before its release.

Winsage

April 3, 2025

Windows wallpapers worth celebrating

Microsoft is celebrating its 50th anniversary by inviting fans to reminisce and has released a collection of exclusive products, including limited-edition Windows wallpapers designed by Microsoft designers and Windows enthusiasts. These wallpapers reimagine iconic moments in Windows history, featuring the four-square logo and inspired by nostalgic elements such as the Windows 95 startup screen and classic games like Mahjong and Solitaire. Designer You Zhang created wallpapers that merge retro and modern styles, while art director Yulia Makhmudova designed a wallpaper featuring Solitaire cards arranged in the shape of "50" and revisited the iconic Tulips motif from Windows XP, adding 50 yellow buds. More ways to celebrate the anniversary can be found on Microsoft Unlocked.

BetaBeacon

March 27, 2025

Download Minecraft – Pocket Edition for Android, APK and iOS

The mobile version of Minecraft, known as Minecraft Pocket, allows players to enjoy the game on the go through their mobile devices. Players can gather resources, build objects, and explore unlimited worlds. The game offers both adventure mode and creative mode, where players can build their own worlds without worrying about survival. The game has a large community with resources, tutorials, and mods available for players to enhance their gaming experience. Minecraft Pocket also supports multiplayer gameplay through local WiFi networks or connecting to servers around the world.

Tech Optimizer

March 19, 2025

7 Reasons PostgreSQL is a Great Choice for AI Projects

PostgreSQL, or Postgres, is increasingly recognized as a leading choice for AI projects due to its strong integration capabilities, cost-effectiveness, and scalability. It supports vector similarity search essential for AI tasks through extensions like pgvector, which simplifies storage and querying of vectors. The latest pgvector version 0.8.0 introduced enhancements such as iterative index scans and improved cost estimation. PostgreSQL optimizes query performance with various index types, including B-tree, Hash, BRIN, GiST, and SP-GiST indexes, and allows for custom index creation. It also features native JSON and NoSQL capabilities, enabling efficient handling of semi-structured data. Parallel processing and query execution are supported, allowing faster data processing on multi-core machines. Scalable and distributed computing options are available, including Multi-Master Asynchronous Replication and Multi-Master Sharded PostgreSQL, catering to the growing demand for AI applications. PostgreSQL ensures AI data security and compliance through Access Control Lists, Row Level Security, and Transparent Data Encryption. Its open-source nature allows for flexibility and integration with AI frameworks, making it a cost-effective alternative to proprietary databases. PostgreSQL was recognized as the Most Popular Database in the 2024 Stack Overflow Developer Survey, reflecting its strong adoption and evolving capabilities in AI projects.