models Archives

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Adobe Firefly joins forces with Gemini Flash 2.5 for seamless content creation

Adobe Firefly has integrated Gemini's Flash 2.5 Image to enhance its AI content creation capabilities. Users can switch seamlessly between Adobe apps during their creative process. Premium members have unlimited access to Gemini's features until September 1st, while free tier users can generate up to 20 pieces of media for free. The integration allows for greater flexibility in exploring creative ideas and ensures that user-generated content will not be used to train generative AI models. The Gemini 2.5 Flash Image is available in Firefly’s Text to Image module, Firefly Boards (beta), and Adobe Express.

Tech Optimizer

August 26, 2025

Instacart Consolidates Search Infrastructure on Postgresql, Phasing Out Elasticsearch

Instacart has replaced Elasticsearch with PostgreSQL for its search infrastructure, integrating keyword and embedding-based retrieval into a single system. This change aims to streamline operations, reduce synchronization issues, and improve search result precision and recall. The new design enhances result retrieval by combining traditional keyword searches with semantic retrieval, allowing for both specific and broader queries. The migration has increased development speed, improved inventory management, and enabled real-time updates for users. Ankit Mittal, an engineer at Instacart, reported a 10x reduction in write workload and nearly 80% savings on storage and indexing costs due to a normalized data model. The previous dual-database setup caused synchronization issues and higher operational costs. The new architecture uses sharded PostgreSQL instances with a normalized data model, allowing for horizontal scaling and efficient text matching through GIN indexes and a modified ts_rank function. PostgreSQL extensions like pg_trgm and pgvector facilitate both keyword and semantic search, ensuring efficient query routing and rapid result retrieval.

Tech Optimizer

August 25, 2025

Linux Foundation says yes to NoSQL via DocumentDB

The Linux Foundation has welcomed Microsoft's DocumentDB as an open-source project under the MIT license, marking a shift in document databases. This move responds to MongoDB's licensing changes in 2018, which introduced the Server Side Public License (SSPL), raising concerns among developers about cloud services and competition. Many companies have shifted to more restrictive licenses to protect innovations from larger cloud providers, but such licenses have not gained widespread acceptance. Microsoft developed DocumentDB in 2024 with PostgreSQL extensions to support BSON data models and MongoDB-compatible operations, aiming to bridge relational and non-relational databases. DocumentDB's MIT license allows users to fork, use, and distribute the software freely. The project emerged in response to MongoDB's practices, and initiatives like FerretDB advocate for standardized query languages across document databases. Microsoft's commitment to DocumentDB reflects a trend towards transparency and collaboration in the industry.

AppWizard

August 24, 2025

Week in review: Covertly connected and insecure Android VPN apps, Apple fixes exploited zero-day

A study by Arizona State University and Citizen Lab found that three families of Android VPN apps, with over 700 million downloads, have significant security vulnerabilities. Apple has released a fix for a zero-day vulnerability (CVE-2025-43300) that was being exploited in targeted attacks. Researchers from the University of Melbourne and Imperial College London developed a method using lightweight large language models to improve incident response planning. The FBI and Cisco warned about a Russian threat group exploiting an old Cisco vulnerability (CVE-2018-0171) to compromise critical infrastructure. Fog Security researchers discovered a flaw in AWS’s Trusted Advisor tool that could mislead users about the security of their data. AI is now being used in security operations centers to reduce alert noise and assist analysts. U.S. federal prosecutors charged an individual linked to the Rapper Bot DDoS botnet. Nikoloz Kokhreidze discussed the strategic choice between hiring a fractional or full-time Chief Information Security Officer for B2B companies. Commvault patched four vulnerabilities that risked remote code execution. Jacob Ideskog highlighted security risks posed by AI agents. VX Underground released an exploit for two SAP Netweaver vulnerabilities (CVE-2025-31324, CVE-2025-42999). Healthcare organizations are preparing for new password security risks in 2025 that may threaten HIPAA compliance. Researchers identified a spear-phishing campaign using the Noodlophile infostealer. Financial institutions are increasingly using open-source intelligence tools to combat money laundering. Greg Bak discussed security risks for DevOps teams in the cloud. NIST released guidelines for detecting morph attacks. Organizations face six challenges in implementing machine learning and AI security. Recep Ozdag discussed vulnerabilities in airport and airline systems. Google introduced new AI and cloud security capabilities at the Cloud Security Summit 2025. Cybersecurity myths continue to complicate the security landscape. LudusHound is an open-source tool that replicates an Active Directory environment for testing. Buttercup is an AI-powered platform for automated vulnerability management in open-source software. The book "Data Engineering for Cybersecurity" addresses challenges in managing logs and telemetry data. A selection of current cybersecurity job openings has been compiled. A forthcoming webinar will discuss AI and SaaS security risks. The iStorage datAshur PRO+C is a USB-C flash drive with AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption. New infosec products were released by companies such as Doppel, Druva, LastPass, and StackHawk.

Winsage

August 23, 2025

Latest Windows 11 update kills streaming app performance

Michael has a decade of experience in technology journalism and is known for his insights on various topics, particularly at PCWorld as a keyboard enthusiast. He tests new keyboard models and builds custom mechanical keyboards. His portfolio includes contributions to publications like Android Police, Digital Trends, Wired, Lifehacker, and How-To Geek, and he has reported live from CES and Mobile World Congress. He resides in Pennsylvania and enjoys outdoor activities, including kayaking.

AppWizard

August 22, 2025

Google TV and Android TV to Transition to 64-Bit Apps, Promising Enhanced Performance

Google will transition to 64-bit app compatibility for Google TV and Android TV starting in August 2026. All new applications and updates submitted to Google Play for these platforms must support both 32-bit and 64-bit ARM architectures. Google will provide developers with tools to assist in this transition, including support for various Nvidia Shield models and a 64-bit Google TV emulator for macOS devices with Apple Silicon. 32-bit support will remain available for older devices during this transition.

AppWizard

August 22, 2025

Minecraft: What’s the difference between Bedrock and Java

Minecraft has two primary versions: Bedrock and Java. Minecraft Bedrock offers robust cross-play capabilities across consoles and devices, allowing players on Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and mobile to connect with Windows users. It simplifies server setup with the Realm feature for casual multiplayer experiences and includes achievements and parental controls, making it family-friendly. Minecraft Java, the original version, runs on the Java platform and supports cross-play among Windows, Mac, and Linux users, but not consoles or mobile. It features extensive mod support, allowing for customization, and includes advancements instead of external achievements. Combat mechanics differ, with Java emphasizing strategy through a cooldown system. Bedrock is often recommended for children due to its controlled environment, while Java appeals to players seeking customization and deeper engagement with the game. Additionally, Minecraft has expanded to include titles like Minecraft Dungeons, Legends, and Education, each offering unique gameplay experiences.

Winsage

August 22, 2025

Copilot’s new look: bokeh, daisies, and fewer “what do I even do here?” vibes

The Copilot app for Windows 11 has been updated to version 1.25082.132.0 and higher, introducing a new "home experience" with a vibrant layout that integrates seamlessly with the operating system. Key features include enhanced Start Menu access for managing privacy settings related to recent files, the ability to create permanent Pages for ongoing research, and an app-specific quick launcher that utilizes Copilot Vision for contextual assistance. The app also includes a recent conversations window for easy access to previous inquiries. Microsoft is testing a potential return of the 'share' functionality and has introduced Copilot Labs for users to experiment with new features. Additionally, a memory function in the Android app allows Copilot to learn user preferences by asking questions based on prior interactions.

AppWizard

August 22, 2025

Amazon’s Android Pivot: A Catalyst for Semiconductor and Software Ecosystems

Amazon is transitioning its Fire tablet lineup from Fire OS to standard Android, codenamed “Kittyhawk,” to enhance hardware and software integration and compete with Apple and Samsung. This shift addresses developer fatigue by eliminating the need for separate app versions for Amazon's Appstore and responds to consumer demand for access to the Google Play Store. The new Android-based tablets, set for release in 2025, will likely increase app availability and capture a share of the premium tablet market. Key semiconductor partners expected to benefit from this transition include Qualcomm, Samsung, and MediaTek, as Amazon's adoption of standard Android may lead to increased demand for their chipsets. Additionally, the move strengthens Google's position within the ecosystem, potentially stimulating growth for its cloud and AI services, despite Amazon's decision to exclude Google's proprietary applications. Investors should monitor Qualcomm and MediaTek for semiconductor exposure, as well as Amazon's AI tools and cloud partnerships for potential growth. Amazon's current global tablet market share is 8%, which could expand with the new model, although risks include project delays and regulatory scrutiny regarding data privacy.

Tech Optimizer

August 21, 2025

Inside Quick Heal’s Journey: Building India’s First Antivirus to a Global Brand

Quick Heal Technologies was founded by brothers Kailash and Sanjay Katkar in Pune, focusing on antivirus solutions to combat rising computer viruses. It became India's first homegrown antivirus and is now a globally recognized company. Despite India's digital economy expanding, only 7% of organizations are mature in cybersecurity readiness, facing challenges such as a skills deficit, fragmented security implementations, and a disconnect between executive priorities and security realities. India needs over 800,000 cybersecurity professionals, and educational institutions must integrate practical threat scenarios into their curricula. The "Make in India" movement is fostering indigenous cybersecurity solutions that address local threats while being globally relevant. Quick Heal utilizes AI to enhance threat detection and response, analyzing vast amounts of data while emphasizing the irreplaceable role of human expertise in strategic decision-making. Emerging threats include AI-powered social engineering, supply chain attacks, and cloud misconfigurations. Organizations should adopt Zero Trust architectures, invest in continuous security training, and utilize integrated threat intelligence. Quick Heal's leadership emphasizes solving real problems for customers and encourages young engineers to gain practical experience in cybersecurity. Recommended strategies for CISOs include aligning security investments with business priorities, embracing automation, and establishing integrated threat intelligence for effective risk management.