process

Winsage
July 16, 2026
Valve has released new Windows drivers for its Steam Machine console, improving user experience. Benchmark results from ETA Prime indicate that after installing Windows 11, the Steam Machine operates smoothly with all hardware components functioning well. The GPU is an AMD Radeon RX 7600, and the machine has been upgraded to 64 GB of memory. In performance comparisons, Windows outperforms SteamOS in the Geekbench 6 multi-thread benchmark by 22%, while single-core results are similar. In Cinebench 2024, the Steam Machine scores 99 points in single-core and 554 points in multi-core, trailing behind Apple's M1 Max and AMD Ryzen 5800X in multi-thread performance. Gaming performance shows a competitive edge between the two operating systems. Windows has a slight advantage in Shadow of the Tomb Raider at 4K and 1080p, while SteamOS leads at 1440p. In Cyberpunk 2077, SteamOS outperforms Windows by 8.8% at 4K and 4.7% at 1440p. At 4K, both struggle, with SteamOS averaging 18 FPS and Windows 20 FPS. In Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, Windows has a 7.1% advantage, while SteamOS is faster at 1440p and Windows leads at 1080p. Running Windows on the Steam Machine is a viable option, supporting Valve's claim that it functions as a standard PC, though there are other factors to consider beyond gaming performance.
Tech Optimizer
July 16, 2026
Google Cloud has enhanced AlloyDB by integrating AlloyDB AI Functions with Gemini models to improve search indexing for logographic languages like Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. This update addresses challenges in database search functionality, particularly for languages written in continuous scripts, where traditional PostgreSQL text parsing struggles. Developers can now invoke Gemini models directly from SQL to facilitate word segmentation and stop-word removal before creating full-text indexes, offering a more efficient alternative to traditional methods. The architecture maintains raw text, segmented text, search vectors, and embeddings in a single table, with generated columns ensuring automatic updates to search vectors and embeddings. A batching process using a PL/pgSQL stored procedure allows for efficient processing of extensive document collections by aggregating rows into arrays for model requests, thus reducing row-locking issues. Google Cloud provides tailored text search configurations for different datasets, suggesting a simple configuration for solely Chinese text and an English configuration for bilingual datasets. This preprocessing logic can also be applied during query execution, allowing user searches to be directed to Gemini for text segmentation and stop-word elimination. AlloyDB supports RUM indexes on search vectors, which store lexeme positions for computing relevance and word distance, enabling rapid query responses. Additionally, a hybrid search methodology combines full-text and vector search using a ScaNN index on embeddings, merging results through Reciprocal Rank Fusion. This development allows for robust multilingual search and vector retrieval solutions within the database environment, eliminating the need for external microservices.
AppWizard
July 16, 2026
The Witcher remake, currently in development at Fool's Theory, aims to transform the original 2007 game into an open-world RPG, a significant shift from its linear gameplay. Designer Artur Ganszyniec noted that this transition requires expanding the game environment and integrating new content with existing elements. The open-world format allows players to approach quests and challenges non-linearly, which complicates design considerations. Ganszyniec expressed both excitement and concern about balancing player freedom with narrative coherence. The development process is complex, reflecting the challenges of reworking the game's fundamental nature.
Winsage
July 16, 2026
Microsoft has enhanced Windows 11 with various recovery tools that allow users to address system issues without needing to perform a complete reinstall. Key features include: - Reset This PC: Offers two options: "Keep my files" (reinstalls Windows while retaining personal files) and "Remove everything" (wipes the computer before reinstalling). Users can choose between a Local reinstall or Cloud download. - Cloud Rebuild: Accessible via the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), it reformats the OS partition, downloads a fresh Windows image, and restores the original setup without relying on local recovery images. - Go Back (Rollback): Allows users to revert to a previous installation after an upgrade if issues arise, utilizing the Windows.old folder, but is time-sensitive (files purged after about ten days). - Uninstall Updates: Enables users to remove recent updates that may cause problems without a full system reset. - System Restore: Creates restore points to revert to a stable state without affecting personal files. - Startup Repair: A tool in WinRE that scans for and fixes common startup issues. - Safe Mode: Starts Windows with essential drivers and services to troubleshoot problems. - Quick Machine Recovery: Automatically connects to Microsoft's recovery service to download fixes if Windows fails to start due to a faulty update or driver. - Point-in-Time Restore: Automatically reverts the system to a previous working state when updates fail. Other tools include the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), Recovery Drive for bootable USB access, Command Prompt, Startup Settings, and the Windows Backup app for restoring settings and files. The legacy Backup and Restore (Windows 7) tool is still available for creating backups and full system images.
AppWizard
July 16, 2026
The Sega Master System, nearly four decades after its debut, is supported by a homebrew community that produces new content. A notable project is Devwill, a Master System port of a 2017 PC game by Brazilian developer Amaweks. Devwill is an arcade-style platformer featuring a golem on a quest, with gameplay involving combat against the undead and navigating challenging environments. Following its initial release, a sequel called Devwill Too was launched in 2019. Amaweks is set to release a cartridge version of Devwill on August 5, 2026, through LMS Retro, with a European version to be distributed by Teknamic. The game will include a hand-drawn manual, and a trailer showcasing in-game footage and stop-motion animation has been released.
AppWizard
July 16, 2026
In October 2024, a judge ordered Google to allow third-party app stores on the Android platform. Google has now decided to comply with this ruling, retracting its motion to amend the injunction. Changes are set to be implemented starting July 22, 2026, allowing third-party app stores to operate within the Play Store in the U.S. Developers' app listings will automatically be available to these stores unless they opt out. Third-party stores can offer apps from the Play Catalog if they pay an annual fee and meet certain criteria. However, questions remain regarding the integration of Play Protect security features and the assessment of third-party store security.
AppWizard
July 16, 2026
Google will allow third-party app stores on its Android platform starting July 22, 2026, following a legal agreement with Epic Games. This decision comes after Google withdrew its motion to modify a court injunction requiring the inclusion of third-party stores. The new framework will enable third-party app stores to list apps and games available on the Play Store, with developers having the option to participate under the same conditions as those in the Play Store. Third-party stores will incur a ,000 annual access fee to list Play Store apps and must adhere to specific security and policy protocols.
Winsage
July 15, 2026
Microsoft released its July Patch Tuesday updates, addressing 570 security vulnerabilities in Windows, a record number for the company. This update includes three zero-day vulnerabilities, two of which have been exploited in real-world attacks, affecting Microsoft’s Active Directory and SharePoint, while the third concerns BitLocker encryption. The update also enhances Windows features, including changes to the Widgets app, improvements in File Explorer speed, refined Bluetooth connectivity, and a new feature allowing users to pause updates until a specific date. However, the update has been temporarily halted for certain Dell computers due to compatibility issues, with Microsoft working on a fix.
Search