projects Archives

Winsage

August 26, 2025

Jump Start Me Up

Windows 95 celebrates its 30th anniversary, remembered for its launch event featuring Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer. The Hackster community has created innovative projects inspired by the OS, including: 1. Retro Handheld PC by Changliang Li: A handheld device made from 90s components that runs Windows 95 and offers a retro gaming experience. 2. Windows Wrist Watch 2.0 by Michael Darby: A watch powered by a Raspberry Pi 3 that displays Windows 95 on a HyperPixel 4.0 screen. 3. Windows 95-Themed Vape by Jason Gin: A vape modified to feature Windows 95 graphics, referencing the OS's infamous Blue Screen of Death and hardware issues.

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Inside the Chinese PC gaming industry as it gets ready to dominate the next decade: ‘We have to work harder, we have to make the games even better’

In 2019, China's PC gaming industry was the largest globally, surpassing the U.S. market, which generated .4 billion in revenue in 2018. The recognition of Chinese-made PC games was limited, with major hits like League of Legends and PUBG being imports. The global success of Black Myth: Wukong has changed perceptions, demonstrating that high-budget PC games from China can succeed internationally. By 2030, experts predict an influx of high-caliber games, as developers reinvest profits from mobile gaming into AAA projects. Major publishers like Tencent and NetEase are financially supporting these endeavors, while developers aim to improve the quality of their games. Emerging titles such as Phantom Blade Zero, Delta Force, Wuchang, The Bustling World, Blood Message, and Where Winds Meet are indicative of this evolving landscape.

Tech Optimizer

August 25, 2025

Linux Foundation says yes to NoSQL via DocumentDB

The Linux Foundation has welcomed Microsoft's DocumentDB as an open-source project under the MIT license, marking a shift in document databases. This move responds to MongoDB's licensing changes in 2018, which introduced the Server Side Public License (SSPL), raising concerns among developers about cloud services and competition. Many companies have shifted to more restrictive licenses to protect innovations from larger cloud providers, but such licenses have not gained widespread acceptance. Microsoft developed DocumentDB in 2024 with PostgreSQL extensions to support BSON data models and MongoDB-compatible operations, aiming to bridge relational and non-relational databases. DocumentDB's MIT license allows users to fork, use, and distribute the software freely. The project emerged in response to MongoDB's practices, and initiatives like FerretDB advocate for standardized query languages across document databases. Microsoft's commitment to DocumentDB reflects a trend towards transparency and collaboration in the industry.

AppWizard

August 25, 2025

Google Android Developer Identity Verification Policy 2026 – News and Statistics

Google will require all developers distributing Android applications outside of the Play Store to undergo identity verification starting globally in 2026. This policy aims to reduce malware threats and enhance user data protection. The verification process will begin with an early access program in October 2025, followed by mandatory verification in March 2026, initially enforced in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, with a wider rollout expected in 2027. Developers must provide their legal name, address, email, and phone number. Google will also create a separate account type for student and hobbyist developers. The Play Store has required developer verification since 2023.

Tech Optimizer

August 25, 2025

Python Dev Survey: PostgreSQL, AI Agents, Rust Drive Trends

- PostgreSQL is the preferred database for Python projects, with 45% of surveyed developers choosing it, up from 38% the previous year. - MySQL usage has declined to 30% among developers. - Over 80% of developers regularly use AI coding tools like GitHub Copilot and OpenAI’s ChatGPT. - 65% of AI tool users report productivity gains of at least 20%. - Concerns exist regarding over-reliance on AI tools, particularly in generating nuanced logic. - Rust's usage for Python package development has surged by 22% year-over-year. - Rust is favored for its memory safety and performance in creating secure extensions. - 86.7% of Stack Overflow users expressed a desire to continue using Rust. - Projections suggest AI agents could manage up to 40% of routine coding tasks by 2026. - Rust's integration is expected to reduce bugs in critical Python packages by 30%.

Tech Optimizer

August 25, 2025

What Is PostgreSQL? (Definition, Benefits, Alternatives)

PostgreSQL is an open-source relational database management system (RDBMS) known for its robust capabilities and support for advanced SQL features. It accommodates a wide range of data types, including integers, monetary values, arrays, JSON, and geospatial data. PostgreSQL efficiently manages data using tables, where rows represent records and columns define attributes, with schemas governing their structure and relationships. It adheres to ACID principles for reliable transaction management and includes advanced features like stored procedures, triggers, user-defined functions, and replication capabilities. PostgreSQL is suitable for large-scale deployments, offering functionalities such as parallel query execution, replication, and clustering. It integrates with various data tools and programming languages, making it compatible with diverse applications. PostgreSQL is often compared to MySQL, excelling in handling complex queries and advanced data types, while MySQL offers a simpler setup. PostgreSQL serves as a mature alternative to proprietary systems like Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server and is primarily used for storing and managing structured data, supporting complex queries and transactions. It is designed to efficiently manage large datasets and numerous users, allowing for both vertical and horizontal scaling.

AppWizard

August 24, 2025

The new game from Painkiller and Bulletstorm’s creators is a tropical survival shooter that looks a teensy bit like Far Cry, and it’s out in early access next month

Lost Rift is a survival game developed by People Can Fly, set in a tropical archipelago called Pioneer's Landing. It features cooperative gameplay and a PvP extraction mode where players can explore unstable islands for loot while competing against others. The game is set to launch in Steam early access on September 25th, offering at least 10 hours of PvE content alongside multiplayer expeditions. The studio has faced recent challenges, including layoffs and project reductions, making the success of Lost Rift important for its future.

AppWizard

August 24, 2025

‘I’m working on other stuff’: Double Fine chief Tim Schafer squashes hopes for Psychonauts 3 any time soon

Tim Schafer, head of Double Fine Productions, announced in an interview that the studio has no plans to develop Psychonauts 3 or a sequel to Brütal Legend, focusing instead on original intellectual properties. The new game titled Keeper is set to release on October 17, featuring a surreal puzzle experience where players take on the role of a walking lighthouse with a bird named Twig. The gameplay is estimated to last six to eight hours and will not include dialogue. Keeper will be available for wishlisting on Steam and will also launch on Xbox.

Winsage

August 24, 2025

LibreOffice 25.8 Drops Windows 7-8.1 Support, Adds Speed and AES-256 Encryption

LibreOffice 25.8 has been released by The Document Foundation, ending support for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1, meaning users on these operating systems will no longer receive updates or security patches. The new version requires a minimum of Windows 10 and includes performance enhancements, such as faster document loading and improved interoperability with Microsoft formats. Security upgrades include AES-256 encryption and PDF 2.0 export capabilities. The decision to discontinue support for older Windows versions reflects a broader industry trend towards modernization and innovation. Future versions will also require macOS 11 or later. Users on outdated systems are encouraged to evaluate alternatives or stick with earlier versions.

AppWizard

August 23, 2025

Kirsten Dunst open to starring in ‘Minecraft 2’ as she reflects on future film choices

Oscar-nominated actress Kirsten Dunst is open to considering a role in Minecraft 2, motivated by her children's enjoyment of the original film. She discussed the balance between artistic and commercially viable projects, humorously suggesting she wants to make a film without losing money. The first installment, A Minecraft Movie, grossed 5 million globally and was the third highest-grossing film of 2025, despite mixed reviews. The film features a cast including Jason Momoa, Emma Myers, Danielle Brooks, and Jack Black. Dunst is also set to appear in the thriller Reptilia and has expressed openness to revisiting the superhero genre for financial security.