payments Archives

Tech Optimizer

May 21, 2025

Achieve up to 1.7 times higher write throughput and 1.38 times better price performance with Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL on AWS Graviton4-based R8g instances

Upgrading to Graviton4-based R8g instances with Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible 17.4 in an Aurora I/O-Optimized cluster configuration results in significant performance improvements. The new instances provide up to 1.7 times higher write throughput, 1.38 times better price-performance, and reduce commit latency by up to 46% on r8g.16xlarge instances and 38% on r8g.2xlarge instances compared to Graviton2-based R6g instances. The Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible Edition now supports AWS Graviton4-based R8g instances and PostgreSQL 17.4, which introduces performance enhancements for I/O-Optimized configurations, optimizing write operations and batch processing. R8g instances offer up to 192 vCPUs and 1.5 TB of memory, supporting larger configurations and providing up to 50 Gbps of network bandwidth. PostgreSQL 17 includes vacuum improvements, eliminates the need to drop logical replication slots during upgrades, and expands SQL/JSON standards. Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible separates compute from storage, enabling independent scaling and maintaining six-way replication for durability, while processing changes as log records to reduce I/O operations. Performance benchmarks using HammerDB show improvements in throughput and commit latency across various workloads. For small workloads on 2xlarge instance size, throughput increased by 50.25% and commit latency improved by 33.87%. For medium workloads on 16xlarge instance size, throughput increased by 30% and commit latency improved by 17.44%. The most significant performance benefits arise from combining hardware upgrades from Graviton2 to Graviton4 with database engine upgrades from PostgreSQL 15.10 to 17.4. For small workloads, throughput increased by 70% and commit latency improved by 38.71%. For medium workloads, throughput increased by 70% and commit latency improved by 46.67%. Cost efficiency is also enhanced, with a 38% improvement in price performance and a 61.26% improvement in price-performance ratio when comparing Graviton2 and Graviton4 instances. Reserved Instances for Graviton4-based R8g instances offer additional cost-optimization opportunities.

AppWizard

May 21, 2025

Google Play adds topic pages, audio previews, and new subscription tools for developers

Google is enhancing its Play Store with upgrades for Android app developers, including a robust toolset for managing subscription-based applications, allowing developers to pause live app releases. New "topic browse" pages will help users discover apps related to over 100,000 media and entertainment titles, and the "Where to Watch" feature will expand to the U.K., Korea, Indonesia, and Mexico. Developers can integrate new visual content options, such as a hero content carousel and audio samples, which have increased app installs for Health & Wellness developers. Curated spaces for user interests will expand, particularly in Japan. The Play Console will feature a new asset library for organizing visual assets and provide new metrics for app listing performance. Subscription management tools will allow multi-product checkout and enhanced reminders about subscription benefits, reducing voluntary churn by 3%. Developers can offer a grace period of up to 30 days or a 60-day account hold for declined payments. The Engage SDK will support additional categories and markets, while the Play Integrity API will improve security with enhanced abuse detection and device security update checks.

Winsage

May 20, 2025

Trending tickers: The latest investor updates on Microsoft, Pfizer, Foxconn, CATL and Vodafone

Microsoft unveiled a vision for AI agents at its annual Build conference, highlighting their potential to operate across various contexts and enhance productivity. The company announced the availability of Grok 3, an AI model from Elon Musk's xAI, on its Azure AI Foundry marketplace. Microsoft shares closed up 1% on Monday. Pfizer entered an exclusive licensing agreement with 3SBio for an experimental cancer treatment, SSGJ-707, with an upfront payment of 4 million and potential additional payments of up to .8 billion. Following the announcement, shares of 3SBio surged over 32%. Foxconn plans to invest nearly .5 billion in its Indian operations, acquiring shares in Yuzhan Technology India as Apple shifts some iPhone assembly from China to India. Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Limited (CATL) shares rose 16.4% in its market debut, raising billion in the largest IPO of the year. Vodafone reported a full-year operating loss of €411 million, down from a €3.67 billion profit the previous year, attributed to non-cash impairment charges. Despite this, Vodafone launched a €2 billion share buyback program, leading to a 1.6% increase in its shares.

AppWizard

May 15, 2025

Swiggy on Android: How to navigate customer support

The Swiggy Android app has a "Customer Support" section that helps resolve issues related to orders and payments. To navigate it effectively, users should: 1. Locate the Support Section by tapping on the "Profile" icon to find "Customer Support." 2. Utilize the FAQs to address common concerns before seeking further assistance. 3. Use the chat feature for immediate help from a support representative. 4. Access order history for specific details about issues. 5. Provide feedback on the support experience after resolution.

AppWizard

May 15, 2025

Going contactless? Here’s how to set up Google Wallet on Android

Google Wallet is a digital wallet application for Android users that stores payment cards, boarding passes, loyalty cards, and more in a secure interface. Setting it up involves downloading the app, adding payment cards, and enabling contactless payments, with a smooth transition for existing Google Pay users. The app also allows users to check battery health and manage personal data visibility in Google searches. For Pixel users, it integrates with the Google Pixel 9's Reimagine AI feature for enhanced photo editing.

BetaBeacon

May 3, 2025

Epic Games announces 0% revenue share model & app store workarounds for developers

Epic Games will implement a 0% revenue share for developers on their first ,000,000 in revenue per app per year starting in June 2025.

BetaBeacon

April 30, 2025

Flappy Bird is back on Android and there is no crypto scam this time

Flappy Bird, the popular low-tech game, has made a comeback after being removed from all platforms by its developer, Dong Nguyen, less than two weeks after its initial launch. The game features a pixelated bird that players control as they navigate past obstacles. The new version of the game will be monetized by ads and in-app purchases.

BetaBeacon

April 25, 2025

Download Fortnite (free) for Windows, macOS, Android, APK and iOS

- Fortnite is an always-moving universe with constant content updates to prevent staleness. - The game combines skill-based combat with creativity, allowing players to find success through shooting or construction abilities. - Fortnite rewards experimentation and offers diverse gameplay for all levels of players. - The game's success is heavily influenced by its active player community and incorporates relevant cultural elements. - Fortnite is accessible on multiple platforms and offers a seamless gaming experience without requiring payments for competitive spaces. - Fortnite offers an ultimate multiplayer gaming experience that promotes creative play and continuous world evolution.

AppWizard

April 25, 2025

M&S ‘truly sorry’ as it pauses online and app orders following cyber attack

M&S is addressing a cyber incident affecting its operations, which has led to customer reports of payment difficulties and order delays. The retailer has implemented minor changes to store operations and has suspended contactless payments and click and collect services. Additionally, M&S has halted all orders through its website and mobile applications, while customers can still browse products online. A spokesperson stated that a team, supported by cyber experts, is working to restore online and app shopping. Customers are being kept informed, and the stores remain open.

AppWizard

April 24, 2025

Technology behind private messaging app Telegram names Maximilian…

The TON Foundation will announce Maximilian Crown as its new CEO on Thursday. This appointment aims to stabilize Telegram, which has a user base of one billion, following the arrest of its founder Pavel Durov in Paris last year. Crown's leadership is seen as a significant step for Telegram, demonstrating its commitment to expanding its multi-functional app amid governmental pressures to access user data. Crown has experience as CFO and COO of MoonPay and has successfully secured operational approvals across various countries. Telegram has transformed into a “Super App,” integrating features such as gaming, shopping, and payment functionalities. The Telegram Open Network (TON) has 41 million active accounts and 121 million Toncoin holders. Toncoin's value is tied to Telegram's fortunes, experiencing fluctuations following Durov's arrest. Concerns have been raised regarding the impact of French authorities' actions on Telegram’s blockchain initiatives, especially related to digital privacy and government oversight. Durov was detained for 96 hours and criticized the scrutiny faced by Telegram, warning against legislative efforts that threaten individual freedoms.