platform Archives

Winsage

September 28, 2026

Windows 11 can keep thumbnails of photos you deleted. Here’s how to remove them

A recent post on X claims that Windows retains a thumbnail of every deleted photo in a file named thumbcache_256.db, which has raised privacy concerns among users. While Windows does maintain a thumbnail cache for efficiency, this practice is not unique to Windows, as other operating systems like macOS, Linux, and Android also use similar systems. Users can inspect or clear their thumbnail cache by accessing specific database files in the Windows Explorer directory. The claim that Windows retains "every photo you’ve ever deleted" is misleading, as thumbnails are only created when images are viewed in thumbnail mode. Windows does not cache every file, and thumbnails must exist before they can be cached. Additionally, Windows keeps app launch records in Prefetch files for performance optimization, maintains entries for USB devices in the USBSTOR registry key, retains records of Wi-Fi networks and passwords (which are encrypted), and can keep clipboard history and recent file shortcuts. Caching previews is common across various operating systems, and Microsoft is focused on user consent and privacy as it enhances Windows 11 with AI functionalities.

AppWizard

September 28, 2026

Google Messages could soon make voice notes easier to initiate

Google Messages is exploring a single-tap feature for initiating voice recordings in RCS chats, as seen in the beta version messages.android2026092101_RC00. This change aims to simplify the current two-step process of sending voice notes, which involves tapping the waveform icon and then the microphone icon or long-pressing the waveform icon. While the single-tap feature could enhance accessibility, it raises concerns about accidental activation. Other messaging platforms, like Telegram, require a long press to start a voice note to minimize unintentional recordings. WhatsApp for Android has already implemented a similar single-tap feature. There is hope that Google will introduce a toggle in the settings menu to allow users to choose between the new single-tap method and the traditional approach.

AppWizard

September 28, 2026

First look: Google Messages could soon get a faster way to search within chats

Google is enhancing the Google Messages app with updates aimed at improving functionality, including a new feature for enhanced search. In beta version v20260921, users will soon see a floating search icon when scrolling up in a chat, simplifying the process of finding specific messages or media files. Currently, users must tap a three-dot menu to search, but the new icon will make it more accessible. Initial tests show the feature operates smoothly, with a potential rollout expected, starting with beta users. Features discovered through APK teardowns are not guaranteed for public release.

AppWizard

September 28, 2026

Yes, Gabe Newell really had a “room full of knives and blades and swords” that he learned how to make himself, says Counter-Strike co-creator

Minh 'Gooseman' Le, co-creator of Counter-Strike, shared insights about Gabe Newell, co-founder of Valve, highlighting his billionaire status, passion for yachting, daily engagement with Dota 2, and a humorous title as "bladed weapon maestro." Newell is described as a vibrant and sometimes contentious leader, deeply involved in the gaming industry and committed to his vision at Valve. He has been known to express frustration during discussions about platform policies, notably challenging Valve's top lawyer with a pointed question about his role. Despite stepping back from daily game development, Newell remains a pivotal figure in the industry, influencing Valve's direction with a mix of humor and intensity.

Tech Optimizer

September 28, 2026

The Fault Line Spreads: Azure’s September CVE Cluster Now Covers PostgreSQL and Billing

Two newly identified Critical CVEs have expanded Microsoft's September identity infrastructure vulnerabilities to over ten verified weaknesses across more than ten distinct services. The Azure Database for PostgreSQL is vulnerable to CVE-2026-85878, an Improper Authorization flaw (CWE-285) with a CVSS score of 9.9. Azure Billing is impacted by CVE-2026-62874, which presents an Insufficient Data Authenticity Verification issue (CWE-345) with a CVSS score of 10.0. Both vulnerabilities were disclosed on September 18 and validated by Tenable and MITRE. CVE-2026-85878 allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges over the network with minimal complexity, while CVE-2026-62874 requires no authentication, enabling unauthenticated attackers to jeopardize financial integrity. The vulnerability cluster first emerged during the Patch Tuesday cycles on September 3 and September 8, with initial reports highlighting critical flaws in core services. Other September disclosures include CVE-2026-83711 (Azure AD B2C, CVSS 10.0), CVE-2026-70352 (Azure AI Language, CVSS 10.0), CVE-2026-83941 (Entra ID, CVSS 9.9), CVE-2026-62916 (Entra ID, CVSS 9.1), CVE-2026-69857 (Azure Cosmos DB, CVSS 8.5), and CVE-2026-69854 (Spring Cloud Azure, CVSS 9.0). Activity heightened between September 17 and 18 with the introduction of CVE-2026-77903 (Microsoft Dataverse, CVSS 9.0) and CVE-2026-69843 (Microsoft Fabric, CVSS 10.0). The attack surface has broadened from authentication concerns to encompass trust in AI endpoints, data storage locations, and billing verification processes. Seven out of the ten vulnerabilities are unauthenticated, and all issues were addressed through server-side fixes by Microsoft. The extensive range of affected services suggests these vulnerabilities indicate a shared architectural dependency on authentication logic.

Tech Optimizer

September 28, 2026

Postgres Women India: Driving Diversity And Innovation In Open Source

Postgres Women India was launched in 2023 as a corporate social responsibility initiative under OpenSource DB, starting with 10 members and growing to over 2000 women across more than 70 countries. The community addresses the underrepresentation of women in open source and database conferences, aiming to empower, connect, and celebrate women in technology. Its core pillars include community building, nurturing future leaders, and advocating for education. The community organizes virtual and in-person meetups, mentorship programs, and collaborates with universities to enhance skills in database technologies. Key initiatives include a Career Connect Day, intensive upskill programs, and the Women for Data Summit. The community has recognized 18 women as ‘Postgres Women of the Month’ and highlighted emerging contributors. Partnerships with organizations like Google and YugaByteDB support its efforts, and it seeks further community involvement to establish local chapters and host events.

Tech Optimizer

September 28, 2026

Spinnaker launches PostgreSQL support & migration services

Spinnaker Support has launched a suite of PostgreSQL support and migration services to help organizations reduce their reliance on Oracle databases. The services include enterprise software support for PostgreSQL and migration services facilitated by HexaCluster, allowing customers to maintain their Oracle environments while transitioning workloads to PostgreSQL. Spinnaker is also developing an enterprise distribution for PostgreSQL, built around standard PostgreSQL and open-source components. The support package includes break-fix support, troubleshooting, security guidance, performance and configuration support, and lifecycle guidance. The migration service analyzes Oracle database dependencies, automates parts of the conversion process, validates production readiness, and facilitates controlled cutovers. The HexaRocket platform from HexaCluster aids in migration, data movement, and replication. The launch aligns with a trend of organizations reassessing database expenditures, with 55.6% of developers using PostgreSQL according to the 2025 Stack Overflow Developer Survey. Spinnaker aims to enhance its role in enterprise infrastructure decisions by supporting both Oracle and PostgreSQL environments. Martin Biggs has been appointed Vice President and General Manager of the PostgreSQL Practice, overseeing PostgreSQL support and migration services. Spinnaker's PostgreSQL offerings are part of its Run, Optimize, Transform framework, designed to help customers manage current systems and plan for long-term changes.

Winsage

September 28, 2026

Windows 11 26H2 releases any day now, and here’s who gets it and when

Windows 11 26H2 is expected to begin public rollout around the week of September 28 or early October. Microsoft has released evaluation ISOs for enterprise users to assess compatibility before broader deployment. The release of these ISOs indicates that the public rollout is imminent. Windows 11 26H2 is built on the same platform as versions 24H2 and 25H2, which allows for a smoother upgrade experience. Support for Windows 11 25H2 ends on October 12, 2027, and for 24H2 even sooner, prompting the introduction of 26H2 to provide users with a new support window. Windows 11 26H2 will be available as an optional feature update and will take about five minutes to install for users with up-to-date systems running 24H2 or 25H2. Eligibility for the update includes any PC currently running Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2. The rollout is expected to occur on a Tuesday, with potential dates of September 29 or October 6. Not all eligible PCs will receive the update simultaneously, and users can manually check for updates or download ISOs as needed.

AppWizard

September 28, 2026

Android Google Wallet Now Shows Google Store Points Balance

The Android version of Google Wallet now allows users to check their balance of Google Store Points, expanding its functionality beyond managing Google Play Points. Users can monitor their Google Store Points alongside other rewards, but these points cannot be used for purchases within the app.

AppWizard

September 28, 2026

Create My Widget: Google’s AI app for custom Android widgets is available on the Play Store

Google has launched a new application called "Create My Widget," available on the Play Store since September 24, 2026. This app allows users to create Android widgets using plain language instead of pre-defined templates. It is currently compatible with Pixel and recent Galaxy smartphones, with plans for broader compatibility in the future. The app uses Gemini technology to generate widgets based on user descriptions and aggregates information from various Google services. The widget creation process involves describing the desired widget, receiving suggestions from Gemini, and customizing the widget before placing it on the home screen. The app currently supports categories such as Combo, Weather Alerts, World Clock, Daily Overview, Important Appointments, and Markets, with future updates expected to include additional categories. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 has been reported as incompatible, and a version for Google's upcoming Chromebook successor, "Googlebooks," is anticipated to launch in early October 2026.