production Archives

Tech Optimizer

February 22, 2025

How Mindbody improved query latency and optimized costs using Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL Optimized Reads

Mindbody utilizes a cloud-based platform for the fitness and wellness industry, offering services such as client booking, scheduling, payments, marketing, and analytics. Their email marketing platform is built on an Aurora PostgreSQL cluster, currently at version 13.8, with a size of approximately 17 TB and a workload distribution of 80% reads and 20% writes. Mindbody faced scaling and performance challenges due to architectural limitations and increasing data demands, leading to all workloads being directed to the writer node. The average BufferCacheHitRatio was below 80%, indicating frequent disk access rather than cache hits, contributing to higher query latencies and I/O costs. To address these issues, Mindbody adopted Aurora Optimized Reads, which enhances caching capacity and improves latency and throughput for I/O-intensive workloads. Transitioning required upgrading the database cluster to version 14.9 or higher, and extensive testing was conducted in a proof-of-concept environment. The upgrade process involved a blue/green deployment strategy to minimize production disruption. After implementing Aurora Optimized Reads, Mindbody experienced significant performance improvements, including a 50% reduction in average daily CPU utilization and a 90% reduction in ReadIOPS. The AuroraOptimizedReadsCacheHitRatio indicated that 85% of read requests were served from the optimized cache. Cost analysis revealed a 23% reduction in monthly Aurora costs post-transition, with potential for further savings by downsizing instances.

Tech Optimizer

February 21, 2025

Multi-tenant vector search with Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL and Amazon Bedrock Knowledge Bases

The article discusses the implementation of a multi-tenant vector store using Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible Edition and Amazon Bedrock Knowledge Bases. It outlines a scenario where users request home surveys, and surveyors update findings stored in an Amazon S3 bucket. The process involves converting documents into vector embeddings for enhanced natural language queries through the Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) technique. Key steps include: 1. Ingesting data from S3 into Amazon Bedrock Knowledge Bases. 2. Using an embeddings model to convert documents into vector embeddings. 3. Storing vector embeddings, data chunks, and metadata in Aurora with pgvector. 4. Submitting natural language queries that are transformed into embeddings for retrieval from the vector store. 5. Forwarding relevant documents to a large language model for response generation. To set up the vector store, prerequisites include access to an Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL-compatible database, Amazon S3 for document storage, and Amazon Bedrock for managing knowledge bases. The article provides SQL commands for creating the necessary schema, vector table, and index in Aurora, as well as instructions for ingesting data and ensuring multi-tenant data isolation through metadata filtering. Best practices for deploying a multi-tenant vector store include optimizing chunk size, evaluating embedding models, and monitoring query performance. The article emphasizes the benefits of fully managed solutions to reduce operational complexity.

BetaBeacon

February 20, 2025

Top 8 mobile games like Animal Crossing for Android and iOS

Hello Kitty Island Adventure is a game similar to Animal Crossing where players can decorate a house, change outfits, explore different areas, collect animals and fish, dive in the ocean, and cook using recipes.

AppWizard

February 18, 2025

‘A Minecraft Movie’ Levels Up at NBA All-Star Game with New Trailer

Warner Bros. Pictures has released a new trailer for A Minecraft Movie during the NBA All-Star Game, featuring Jason Momoa as Garett Garrison and Jack Black as Steve. The film's central theme is that "creativity is key to survival." It is directed by Jared Hess and includes a cast of Emma Myers, Danielle Brooks, and Jennifer Coolidge. The story follows four misfits who are transported into the Minecraft Overworld and must navigate challenges while learning to survive. The film is set to be released in theaters on April 4, 2025, with international screenings starting on April 2, 2025. The production team includes notable industry veterans, and the film is a collaboration between Vertigo Entertainment, On The Roam, and Mojäng Aktiebolag.

Winsage

February 17, 2025

Bill Gates talks about trading for Windows 10 as Avowed wows reviewers and Microsoft kills HoloLens and lies about uninstalling Edge

Bill Gates humorously compared the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 to a significant NBA trade, noting that Windows 10 holds a 60.33% market share. He also predicted that artificial intelligence could replace humans in various tasks but suggested that audiences might not enjoy watching computers play baseball. Nintendo is preparing for a potential legal battle with Pocketpair, the creators of Palworld, despite the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office rejecting 22 out of 23 of Nintendo's patent claims. Nintendo has secured a patent related to creature capturing mechanics and is pursuing additional patents. Avowed, an upcoming title from Xbox Game Studios and Obsidian Entertainment, is set to launch on February 18 and currently holds a score of around 80 on Metacritic, with early reviews praising its RPG elements. Microsoft faced criticism over a misleading webpage about uninstalling its Edge browser, which was quickly removed. Although uninstalling Edge is possible, many users may prefer to keep it installed. Microsoft has shifted the development of the IVAS militarized augmented reality headset to Anduril Industries, marking a significant move away from its HoloLens initiative, which includes the cancellation of HoloLens 3. The ASUS Zenbook Duo and Turtle Beach VelocityOne Multi-Shift received commendable scores of 4.5 out of 5 stars in reviews, with the Zenbook Duo praised for its performance and battery life, and the VelocityOne Multi-Shift recognized for its versatility for gamers.

Winsage

February 14, 2025

REF7707 Hackers Attacking Windows & Linux Machines Using FINALDRAFT Malware

A hacking campaign named “REF7707” has been targeting Windows and Linux systems with malware families including FINALDRAFT, GUIDLOADER, and PATHLOADER. It originated in late November 2024, when Elastic Security Labs detected alerts from the Foreign Ministry of a South American nation. The attackers used Microsoft’s certutil application to download files and had valid network credentials for lateral movement. FINALDRAFT, a key component of the campaign, exploits the Windows-signed debugger CDB.exe and uses a Scheduled Task for persistence. It employs Microsoft’s Graph API for command and control, utilizing cloud services and domains like support.vmphere[.]com and update.hobiter[.]com. The campaign highlights the need for improved security measures across different operating systems.

Winsage

February 14, 2025

Windows 10 on the brink of extinction

Arm is planning to enter the chip manufacturing market, directly competing with major customers like Nvidia, who have previously used Arm's architecture to create their own chips. This shift marks a significant change in Arm's strategy, moving from a revenue model based on licensing fees and royalties to producing its own chips. CEO Rene Haas is expected to announce Arm's first in-house chip this summer, aiming to capitalize on the growing demand for AI technologies.

AppWizard

February 13, 2025

60-Sec NBA Spot: “A Minecraft Movie”

Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures have released a 60-second television spot for the live-action adaptation of “Minecraft,” which premiered during the NBA All-Star Game. The film is set to be released on April 4th and follows four characters—Garrett ‘The Garbage Man’ Garrison (Jason Momoa), Henry (Sebastian Eugene Hansen), Natalie (Emma Myers), and Dawn (Danielle Brooks)—who are transported to the Overworld and must navigate challenges to return home. They are aided by Steve (voiced by Jack Black) and face threats from Piglins and Zombies. The cast includes Jennifer Coolidge, Kate McKinnon, and Jemaine Clement, and the film is directed by Jared Hess. It was filmed in New Zealand and is based on the video game by Mojang Studios, with a screenplay by Chris Bowman and Hubbel Palmer.

AppWizard

February 13, 2025

A Minecraft Movie – Official NBA All Star Game :60 Teaser Trailer

The upcoming live-action adaptation of Minecraft, titled A Minecraft Movie, features an ensemble cast including Jason Momoa, Jack Black, Emma Myers, and Danielle Brooks. The story follows four heroes—Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison (Momoa), Henry (Hansen), Natalie (Myers), and Dawn (Brooks)—who are transported to the Overworld and must navigate challenges while honing their creativity. They are joined by Steve (Black), a master crafter. The film is directed by Jared Hess and produced by Roy Lee, Jon Berg, Mary Parent, Cale Boyter, and Jason Momoa. It is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures, with a theatrical release in North America on April 4, 2025, and international screenings starting on April 2, 2025.

AppWizard

February 13, 2025

Apple TV+ App to Be Offered for Android Devices

Apple TV+ will be available on Android devices starting February 12, marking the first time the app is accessible on Android platforms, specifically for devices running Android 10 or newer. Users can subscribe to Apple TV+ and the MLS Season Pass through the app. Prior to this, the app was compatible with various devices, including Roku and smart TVs. Apple reported .12 billion in revenue from its services sector in the fourth quarter, a 14% increase year-over-year, and has surpassed 1 billion subscriptions. In October, Apple TV+ was added to Amazon Prime Video's subscription options in the U.S. The streaming industry is facing challenges such as consumer dissatisfaction and rising subscription costs.