Open-Source

Winsage
March 23, 2026
PowerToys is a curated set of utilities created by Microsoft to enhance functionality for power users, evolving from its origins in Windows 95. Users can install PowerToys easily from the Microsoft Store or GitHub. Key features include: - Text Extractor: Captures text from images for easy copying. - Color Picker: Identifies and captures hex codes of colors by pressing Windows + Shift + C. - Command Palette: Allows quick searching of files and launching applications with Windows + Alt + Space. - Awake: Keeps the computer active during long tasks, accessible from the PowerToys menu. - Shortcut Guide: Displays Windows key shortcuts by pressing Windows + Shift + /. - Pixel Ruler: Measures dimensions on the screen by pressing Windows + Ctrl + Shift + M. - File Manager Enhanced Preview: Expands file preview capabilities in Windows Explorer. - PowerRename: Facilitates batch renaming of files with a preview option. These features aim to improve the Windows user experience and may influence future updates to the operating system.
Tech Optimizer
March 21, 2026
Avast launched its VPN service, Avast Secureline VPN, in 2017, focusing on encryption, a no-logs policy, and DNS leak protection. The company operates outside the 5, 9, or 14 Eyes alliances, which limits data-sharing with intelligence agencies. In January 2020, Avast faced criticism for collecting user data for its subsidiary, Jumpshot, but ceased this practice shortly after. The VPN offers dedicated servers for streaming and torrenting, basic split tunneling, and a kill switch, but lacks comprehensive features compared to competitors. Supported protocols include WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IPsec, with encryption standards generally secure. Avast claims to operate 700 servers across 27 countries, with a limited selection of streaming-optimized servers. The app supports various platforms but lacks support for Linux or routers. Speed tests showed an average download speed of 275.69 Mbps, but performance in unblocking content was disappointing, with limited success on streaming services. Avast's privacy policy indicates extensive data collection, despite claims of addressing past issues. Customer support includes 24/7 access for paying customers. Pricing tiers include a 60-day free trial, with competitive rates but limited features. Pros include decent speeds and reasonable pricing, while cons highlight controversial data practices, limited information, poor streaming performance, and fewer features compared to competitors.
AppWizard
March 21, 2026
The OpenTTD team issued a cautionary note about changes to their open-source remake of Transport Tycoon Deluxe due to the revival of the original game by Atari as a commercial offering. As a result, OpenTTD was removed from Steam and GOG, leading to dissatisfaction within the gaming community. The new Transport Tycoon Deluxe currently has a "mostly negative" rating on Steam. A compromise was reached allowing OpenTTD to remain free on its official website while limiting its availability on storefronts to those who purchase the new game. Atari has agreed to contribute to the maintenance of OpenTTD’s server infrastructure. Community reactions are mixed, with some players expressing gratitude for the update and others criticizing the move as greedy. The original Transport Tycoon Deluxe is available for purchase on Steam or GOG, while OpenTTD can still be accessed for free at openttd.org.
Winsage
March 20, 2026
Microsoft PowerToys is a utility that enhances the Windows experience with additional features. It was first introduced with Windows 95, revived in 2019 as an open-source tool, and is available for free download from the Microsoft Store or GitHub. Key features of PowerToys include: - Pin important windows on top: Users can pin active windows above others using the shortcut Win+Ctrl+T, allowing for better focus on key tasks. - Resize images: The Image Resizer tool allows users to resize images to specific dimensions through right-click options, with presets for Fill, Fit, or Stretch. - Extract text from the screen: The Text Extractor uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to copy text directly from anywhere on the screen by selecting the area with Win+T. - Control multiple computers: The Mouse Without Borders feature enables users to control up to four computers with a single set of peripherals and share clipboard and files. - Customize shortcuts: The Keyboard Manager allows users to remap keys and shortcuts, though some keys are reserved for system functions. - Batch rename files: PowerRename enables users to rename multiple files at once through a right-click option, with a preview of changes. - Thumbnail and preview pane previews: PowerToys enhances file previews in File Explorer for additional file types and adds thumbnail support for files that Windows Explorer does not natively generate thumbnails for. - Crop and Lock: This feature allows users to crop application windows to focus on specific content, with two modes: Thumbnail mode for static previews and Reparent mode for functional cropped windows. PowerToys continues to be a valuable tool for enhancing productivity on Windows.
AppWizard
March 19, 2026
Google is introducing a mandatory 24-hour waiting period for sideloading apps from unverified developers on Android devices to enhance security and combat scams and malware. This new measure is part of an "advanced flow for sideloading" and follows a reconsideration of Google's previous policy requiring all app installations to come from verified developers. Users must enable developer mode, receive a warning prompt about potential scams, restart their devices, and then wait 24 hours before installing apps from unverified sources. This delay is intended to counteract the urgency exploited by scammers. The 24-hour delay applies only to unverified developers, while verified developers remain unaffected. The new sideloading process is set to roll out in August, initially in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, with a broader global implementation planned for 2027. In response to criticism, Google will offer free, limited distribution accounts for students and hobbyists to share apps without requiring identification or fees.
Tech Optimizer
March 19, 2026
Postgres extensions, specifically pg_lake, pg_partman, and pg_incremental, provide a vendor-agnostic, open-source solution for managing high-performance time series data. PostgreSQL serves as the foundation, while pg_partman automates time partition management, pg_lake connects Postgres with data lakes for offloading cold data, and pg_incremental processes append-only data in batches. These extensions are maintained by the Postgres team at Snowflake. An example system for monitoring temperature readings uses local storage for recent data and transitions cold data to an Apache Iceberg table on S3. The process includes creating a partitioned table in Postgres, establishing an Iceberg table, using pg_incremental for data appending, eliminating old partitions with pg_partman, and querying from both local and cold tables to optimize storage and costs. A time-partitioned table enhances performance by allowing efficient deletion of outdated data, speeding up queries, and reducing fragmentation.
Tech Optimizer
March 19, 2026
Cybersecurity experts warn that MacBooks are becoming increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats, making the installation of robust antivirus software essential for protecting personal and financial data. Leading antivirus solutions for MacBooks include: - Bitdefender: Highly rated for security performance, includes a VPN, and offers protection across multiple devices. - Norton: Known for its dedicated malware research lab, offers features like phishing detection and a firewall, and ranks second-best for Mac antivirus. - Malwarebytes: User-friendly with strong malware removal capabilities, ranks second to Bitdefender, and offers a 14-day free trial. - Intego Mac Internet Security X9: Easy to use with comprehensive features including a firewall and parental controls. - ClamXAV: An open-source option that allows customization and provides multiple levels of protection at a low cost. Apple's built-in security features are less effective against sophisticated threats like ransomware, leaving users without antivirus protection at higher risk for attacks and financial losses. Cybersecurity threats targeting macOS are increasing, emphasizing the need for dedicated antivirus solutions.
Tech Optimizer
March 18, 2026
Microsoft has launched a new database management tool called Database Hub, which is part of its Fabric data platform. This tool allows for the management of multiple databases using a single SQL engine and serves as a centralized location for overseeing various database services, including Azure SQL Server, Azure Cosmos DB, Azure Database for PostgreSQL, SQL Server with Azure Arc, and Azure Database for MySQL. Currently in early access, Database Hub aims to provide a unified management experience across on-premises, PaaS, and SaaS environments. The tool will incorporate AI capabilities to enhance database management, featuring "agent-assisted" and "human-in-the-loop" approaches for analyzing estate-wide signals. Microsoft’s LLM tool, Copilot, will offer insights into the database estate's status, including aggregate health views and trend analysis. However, specific details on the Database Hub's database tuning and optimization capabilities were not provided. Additionally, a study from Carnegie Mellon University indicated that vector embedding algorithms could improve the performance of PostgreSQL services significantly. Microsoft has also launched various database systems, including a document database platform based on PostgreSQL and a distributed PostgreSQL database service. Other vendors like Databricks and Snowflake have introduced their own transactional database services within their platforms.
AppWizard
March 17, 2026
The GDC conference attracted around 20,000 attendees from 85 countries. Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks shared that the company limits its toy testing rating scale to one to five. The GDCo Pro's wishlist highlighted Crimson Desert, Forza Horizon 6, and Windrose as the most anticipated unreleased Steam games. New announcements included The Legend Of California and ReVamp, while Kogama was delisted due to copyright issues. Nvidia unveiled its DLSS 5 rendering model, which received mixed reactions. Titanium Court won the Grand Prize at the Independent Games Festival, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 won five categories at the Game Developers Choice Awards. Steam's top releases for February 2026 included notable DLCs. Valve detailed new Steam Frame and Steam Machine Verified requirements, and Epic Games Store struggles against Apple and Google. Valve is collaborating with the FBI on Steam game malware and faces a class action lawsuit over its loot box system. Google is enhancing the PC version of Google Play Games. Nintendo's approval process for Switch 2 SKUs is slower than expected. GameDiscoverCo Pro has expanded its scanning capabilities to over 33,000 Steam titles, with Brotato emerging as a top revenue generator in the Godot engine. Godot's market share rose from 0.9% in 2020 to 7.1% in 2025, while Unity holds around 49-51% and Unreal approximately 20%. The top 50 new Unreal games grossed around .8 billion on Steam, while Unity games earned approximately [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: In the aftermath of GDC, the gaming community is buzzing with insights and developments. The conference attracted around 20,000 attendees from 85 countries, a notable decrease from previous years, yet the energy remained palpable. Among the lighter moments, a rogue giraffe from Dots.eco captured attention with its lively antics throughout the event. In a recent episode of The Verge podcast, Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks shared an amusing anecdote about toy testing, revealing the company’s strategic decision to limit their rating scale to one to five, humorously avoiding the numbers six and seven around children during play tests. Game Discovery Insights Shifting focus to game platform and discovery news, several trends emerged from GDC: The GDCo Pro's latest wishlist charts highlighted the most anticipated unreleased Steam games from March 9th to 16th. Topping the list is Pearl Abyss' ambitious open-world ARPG, Crimson Desert, followed closely by Forza Horizon 6 and the adventurous Windrose. New announcements included the intriguing open-world title The Legend Of California, and Digital Sun's castle-defense roguelite, ReVamp, where players embody Dracula. However, Kogama faced swift delisting due to copyright issues with Minecraft's source code. Nvidia unveiled its latest rendering model, DLSS 5, at GTC, which has garnered mixed reactions—some praising its photorealistic capabilities while others dismiss it as a mere “yassify” simulator. At the GDC awards, Titanium Court took home the Grand Prize from the Independent Games Festival, while Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 won five categories, including Game of the Year at the Game Developers Choice Awards. Steam's top releases for February 2026 were revealed, showcasing revenue tiers that included notable DLCs such as the Age Of Empires II x South America expansion. In microlinks, Valve detailed new Steam Frame and Steam Machine Verified requirements, while Epic Games Store continues to struggle against the mobile dominance of Apple and Google. Streaming showcases included the Future Games Show, which featured a release date announcement for Deep Rock Galactic: Rogue Core, alongside the more niche Computer Worlds showcase celebrating unique gaming experiences. Valve has begun collaborating with the FBI to address Steam game malware issues, while also facing a class action lawsuit over its loot box system. Google is ramping up efforts with the PC version of Google Play Games, promising a more extensive library of Windows titles and improved accessibility. Lastly, Nintendo's approval process for Switch 2 SKUs appears to be slower than anticipated, with developers awaiting clearance for new titles. As GDC 2026 unfolded, the palpable tension surrounding game launches was evident. Developers are increasingly seeking structured playtesting solutions, with FirstLook offering comprehensive infrastructure for recruitment, surveys, and sentiment analysis. In a recent analysis of game engines, GameDiscoverCo Pro has expanded its scanning capabilities to over 33,000 Steam titles. Notably, the indie game Brotato has emerged as a top revenue generator within the Godot engine, reflecting the growing popularity of this open-source platform. Data indicates that Godot's market share has risen significantly, from 0.9% in 2020 to 7.1% in 2025, particularly among unreleased games. Meanwhile, Unity maintains a steady share of around 49-51%, and Unreal has seen a gradual increase to approximately 20%. Interestingly, the trend of developing custom engines has declined, as the advantages of established engines become increasingly apparent. GameMaker has also lost some market share, likely to Godot's rise. In the context of revenue, the top 50 new Unreal games grossed around .8 billion on Steam, while their Unity counterparts earned approximately 0 million. This disparity highlights the different market strategies employed by developers using these engines. Finally, insights into February 2026's top-earning Roblox titles reveal the platform's dynamic landscape. The shooter Rivals leads in earnings, while Escape Tsunami For Brainrots dominates in playtime, showcasing the diverse interests of Roblox players. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the quest for understanding how players discover and engage with games remains paramount. GameDiscoverCo is dedicated to providing real-time data services to help navigate this complex landscape." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] million. Rivals leads in earnings among Roblox titles, while Escape Tsunami For Brainrots dominates in playtime.
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