operator

AppWizard
December 29, 2025
Epilogue is launching the SN Operator, a device that connects Super Nintendo cartridges to modern PCs, scheduled to ship in April next year. Preorders will open on December 30 at noon ET. The SN Operator is compatible with PC, Mac, and Steam Deck, allowing users to back up games and save progress through the Playback app, which also supports co-op gameplay and RetroAchievements. It reads data directly from cartridges instead of using hardware emulation and supports mouse controls for classic accessories. Epilogue plans to expand its product line, potentially creating an Operator device for NES games in the future.
BetaBeacon
December 29, 2025
- Developers focus on smart filtering systems to allow users to navigate libraries of over 1,000 games. - New player incentives, such as promo codes for free spins, help users explore vast game collections. - Cloud-based gaming and optimized software ensure quick loading times for data-heavy games. - Online casinos offer a variety of games beyond simple slot machines, including classic slots, progressive jackpots, and live dealer options. - Trustworthiness is key in mobile gaming, with reputable apps being licensed by recognized regulatory bodies and implementing responsible gaming tools. - The future of online casinos on Android will likely involve personalization through artificial intelligence and faster payment methods for instant withdrawals.
TrendTechie
December 22, 2025
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) is intensifying its scrutiny of the torrent tracker RuTracker due to concerns from copyright holders about protected content, particularly video games, on the platform. ESA's actions appear to be procedural, with a legal inquiry focused on Cloudflare, the service provider for RuTracker, regarding its inability to block specific links. ESA is considering ways to influence Cloudflare by alleging violations of service terms by RuTracker, which could lead to legal action against those distributing pirated content. RuTracker has a 21-year history and has faced various challenges.
Tech Optimizer
December 20, 2025
Tiger Data has released pg_textsearch as an open-source extension under The PostgreSQL License on GitHub, previously exclusive to Tiger Cloud. This extension allows developers to perform BM25 relevance-ranked keyword searches directly within PostgreSQL, eliminating the need for external search systems like Elasticsearch. Notable features of pg_textsearch include support for 29+ languages, compatibility with partitioned tables, intuitive SQL syntax, a memtable architecture for optimized indexing, and adjustable BM25 ranking parameters. Tiger Data aims to develop a comprehensive Postgres Search Stack that integrates keyword and vector search capabilities.
Tech Optimizer
December 12, 2025
Amazon Web Services (AWS) launched CloudWatch Database Insights in December 2024, a monitoring solution for Aurora (PostgreSQL and MySQL) and Amazon RDS engines, aimed at identifying and resolving database performance issues. The tool includes an Advanced mode for SQL execution plan analysis, which helps users troubleshoot query performance within Aurora PostgreSQL clusters. The PostgreSQL query optimizer generates execution plans to determine the most efficient way to execute SQL queries, which can be analyzed using the EXPLAIN command. Users can compare execution plans to identify performance degradation, such as changes in execution behavior due to dropped indexes or inefficient join strategies. For example, a comparison of execution plans for a SQL statement retrieving order details showed significant differences: one plan used an efficient index scan while another resorted to sequential scans due to missing indexes, leading to increased query costs and execution times. Additionally, analysis of execution plans can reveal performance bottlenecks, such as insufficient memory allocation for sorting operations. Adjusting the work_mem parameter allowed for in-memory sorting, improving performance significantly. CloudWatch Database Insights facilitates the identification of these issues, enabling users to optimize query performance effectively.
Tech Optimizer
December 9, 2025
The author created a custom reverse TCP payload using Python, packaged it into an .elf executable, and tested its stealthiness against antivirus software. The payload included functionalities such as webcam snapshots, keylogging, screen capture, and file transfers. Established tools for obfuscation often triggered antivirus alerts, prompting the author to develop a custom solution to avoid signature-based detection, maintain behavioral control, and gain insights into detection engines. The payload was designed to connect back to the attacker's machine and execute commands, while the listener processed incoming data. After compiling the binary, it was submitted to VirusTotal, where only four out of 64 antivirus engines flagged it, indicating that custom code can bypass many next-gen antivirus products.
AppWizard
December 3, 2025
Developer Starry Studio has introduced significant updates to the survival game Once Human, including a new class system, a PvP-centric Raid Zone, and a crossover with Palworld. A new decorative item in the game’s loot crates, specifically an exercise bike, has sparked controversy due to its similarities to the Base Teleport Module from No Man's Sky. Hello Games' Sean Murray responded humorously to the criticism, while Starry Studio confirmed it would remove the contentious item. The Thunder Overload cosmetic lineup features outfits and a weapon skin that transforms the SKS into a mechanical dragon. Earlier this year, Once Human was also accused of borrowing design elements from Rainbow Six Siege. Starry Studio has pledged to replace the disputed asset and review their art and design policies, emphasizing the importance of originality and community feedback.
AppWizard
December 3, 2025
The Google Play Store is the main source for Android applications, but its built-in filters can be inadequate, making it difficult to find valuable apps. To improve search results, users can employ several strategies: 1. Search Using Multiple Modifiers: Incorporate additional keywords to refine searches, as the Play Store treats spaces as the AND operator. 2. Use Quotation Marks: Enclose queries in quotes for exact phrase searches, which helps filter out irrelevant results. 3. Use Keywords in Different Order: Experimenting with the arrangement of keywords can yield different search results. 4. Take Advantage of Suggestions: Utilize the suggestions provided by Google while typing to inspire more specific queries. 5. Use Any Filters Available: Leverage filters like Rating, Editor’s Choice, and Price to enhance the search experience. 6. Search Play Store With App Finder: This tool offers a clean interface and various filters for improved app discovery. Users can sort by relevance, user rating, and more, and it provides detailed information about each app. 7. Consider Alternatives: Web-based platforms like AppBrain or KPlaySearch offer enhanced filtering options for app searches without needing to download another app.
AppWizard
December 1, 2025
The developer of SmartTube, an ad-free YouTube client for Android TV, confirmed a security breach involving the app's signing key, which allowed malicious actors to inject harmful code into app updates. The breach was disclosed by Yuriy Yuliskov, the maintainer, who advised users to avoid reinstalling the old app and instead wait for a newly signed version. A reverse-engineering analysis of the infected APKs revealed that they were gathering sensitive information and transmitting it to a remote server. Versions 28.56 to 30.52 were particularly affected, and Google Play Protect began disabling installations of SmartTube. In response, Yuliskov wiped his hard drive and released a new version, 30.56, with a different signing key and app ID. Transparency concerns remain, and the developer plans to disclose details about the breach and measures to prevent future incidents. Users have requested additional security assurances, including hashes of clean builds.
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