project Archives

AppWizard

November 8, 2024

Android Switch: Google’s new name for the Data Restore Tool

Google has launched an AI-powered video creation tool called Google Vids, initially exclusive to Gemini customers but now available to a broader audience within Google Workspace, including Business, Enterprise, and Education plans. The tool features "Help me create," which allows users to generate a storyboard by providing a prompt and a Google Drive document. It offers suggestions for scenes, stock media, text, scripts, and background music to create a preliminary video draft. Users can personalize their videos with animations, transitions, and access to royalty-free stock content. Google Vids also includes AI-powered voiceovers, with preset voices and a teleprompter feature for recording custom voiceovers. Currently, the AI features are available only in English, with plans for future language support. The AI features will be available until December 31, 2025, after which usage limits may apply, and Google will notify users of any changes. The full rollout of Google Vids is expected in the coming weeks.

Winsage

November 8, 2024

“Don’t kill Android (WSA) in Windows 11” is now a top feedback, but will Microsoft listen?

Microsoft will discontinue the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) in 2025, along with the removal of the Amazon Appstore from the Microsoft Store. Many users rely on WSA for accessing Android applications not available on Windows, leading to significant disappointment among them. A post on the Feedback Hub advocating for WSA has received nearly 700 upvotes, indicating user frustration. WSA is seen as essential for both daily tasks and for developers testing Android applications. The decision to discontinue WSA is linked to the financial performance of the Microsoft Store and a lack of support from Google. Initially, WSA was only available in the United States, which limited its user base.

AppWizard

November 7, 2024

Death Stranding: Directors Cut out now on Xbox Series Consoles

505 Games has announced that Death Stranding: Director's Cut is now available on Xbox Series X|S, currently on sale for 50% off at £17.49 in the UK. The game includes the 'Play Anywhere' feature, allowing access to both console and PC versions. Enhancements include high frame rate performance modes, a dedicated photo mode, and ultra-wide support for PC. The game features crossover content from Valve's Half-Life series and CD Projekt Red's Cyberpunk 2077. The release follows a five-year exclusivity period with Sony, which has now ended. A sequel, Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, is in development exclusively for PlayStation 5. Kojima Productions has reportedly re-acquired the rights to the Death Stranding franchise, allowing for potential future releases on Xbox. Additionally, Hideo Kojima's upcoming project, OD, was announced for Xbox consoles, featuring a cast that includes Sophia Lillis, Hunter Schaffer, and Udo Kier.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

Windows Terminal now supports AI chatbots like ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot

OpenAI has released a Windows app for ChatGPT, initially available only to paid subscribers. However, users can access ChatGPT for free on Windows by using the nightly version of Windows Terminal, a free Microsoft application. To download it, users must visit the GitHub page and select the appropriate version: the App Installer version for Windows 11 or the Portable ZIP version for Windows 10 and later. After installation, users need to enable the “Terminal Chat” feature and add an API key from OpenAI, GitHub, or Azure to interact with ChatGPT through Windows Terminal Canary.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

Microsoft Notepad to get AI-powered rewriting tool on Windows 11

Microsoft is introducing AI-enhanced functionalities to its applications Notepad and Paint, which were originally launched in the 1980s. These updates are currently being tested by Windows 11 Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels. In Paint version 11.2410.28.0, new features include generative fill and generative erase, allowing users to manipulate images by replacing elements with AI-generated content. The generative fill feature enables edits and additions with simple text prompts while maintaining the existing art style. The generative erase tool helps remove unwanted objects from images while preserving the artwork's integrity. Additionally, a new background remover tool is being added to enhance user experience. Notepad is introducing the "Rewrite" feature, which allows users to automatically rephrase content, adjust tone, and modify length. This feature is available in preview for users in select countries, including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, and Germany, and requires a Microsoft account for access. Since 2018, Notepad has been updated with various features such as a built-in character counter, spell check, autocorrect, wrap-around find and replace, improved compatibility with Unix and Mac systems, tabbed browsing, text zoom, UTF-8 support, autosaving, and line number displays.

AppWizard

November 6, 2024

Android 16 release: New features, floating app windows likely to arrive in…

Android 16 is expected to debut between April and June 2025, with a specific launch date of June 3, 2025, when it will be available on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). Pixel users will receive an over-the-air (OTA) update on the same date. The update will introduce features such as "Rich Ongoing Notifications," allowing third-party developers to customize notifications, and a "bubble anything" function for multitasking, enabling users to operate apps in floating windows. Google's expedited release schedule aims to meet the demand for faster software updates and align better with device launches.

Tech Optimizer

November 5, 2024

Neon Authorize: Granular access controls at the database layer

Neon has launched Neon Authorize, a feature that enhances permission and access control management for developers using its serverless Postgres database. This feature incorporates Postgres Row-Level Security (RLS) to protect data from unauthorized access, allowing for the establishment of authorization policies at the database level. Recent findings from OWASP indicate that broken access control is a significant risk in web application security, with 94% of applications tested showing vulnerabilities. RLS enables database administrators to control user access at a granular level, making it particularly useful for multi-tenant applications. Neon Authorize simplifies the integration of authentication providers, allowing developers to authenticate database calls using JSON Web Tokens (JWT). Andy Young from Lockdown Ventures noted that adopting Neon Authorize improved security, simplified application code, and enhanced performance, with the migration process taking less than a day.

BetaBeacon

November 5, 2024

Kakao Games is producing a new mobile MMORPG, published by Lionheart Studio

Kakao Games is working on a new cross-platform mobile and PC MMORPG called "Project Q" inspired by Norse mythology. It will have crossplay from the start and will be revealed at the G-Star event in Korea.

Winsage

November 5, 2024

Microsoft has eradicated all memory of Paint 3D from the store, and its predecessor is only getting better

Microsoft has retired Paint 3D, which has disappeared from the Microsoft Store. Users who downloaded it before November 4 can still access it, but it will no longer receive updates. The original Paint has received significant updates, including AI capabilities for background removal, new brushes and tools, and AI image generation tools that require credits for access. Paint has become a more dynamic tool, competing with applications like GIMP and Photoshop, and has improved compatibility with drawing tools for Windows tablet users.

AppWizard

November 5, 2024

Radical Forge secures $3.4m in funding

Radical Forge has secured an investment of £2.6 million from Mercia Ventures' Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II, which will help create 15 new positions at their Middlesbrough studio and support the release of their game, Southfield, in early 2025. The investment follows earlier layoffs at the company. CEO Bruce Slater expressed enthusiasm about the funding and partnership with Mercia, while Chris McCourt from Mercia highlighted the potential for Radical Forge to attract talent and undertake larger projects amid industry downsizing.