research Archives

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

Google accidentally reveals details about its new Android design language, Material 3 Expressive

Google will introduce a new version of its Android design language called "Material Design 3 Expressive" at the upcoming Google I/O developer conference. This update will focus on creating emotionally resonant user interfaces and is expected to feature a bold use of shape and color. The design system has evolved from the previous "Material You" (or Material 3) introduced in 2021, which allowed for personalized interfaces based on wallpaper colors. The new design aims to enhance usability, particularly for older adults, while still requiring developers to follow established design standards. The session titled “Build next-level UX with Material 3 Expressive” will provide insights into new emotional design patterns and offer developers access to files and alpha code for experimentation before the public release.

BetaBeacon

May 5, 2025

Best new mobile games on iOS and Android – May 2025 round-up

- Katamari Damacy Rolling LIVE is a game included with Apple Arcade subscription where players roll katamari to make them bigger in a mock livestream format. - The gameplay of Katamari Damacy Rolling LIVE remains similar to its original version from 2004, with some minor changes in controls and influencer window dressing.

Winsage

May 4, 2025

Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro before this deadline for $15 (Reg. $199)

Windows 11 is available for an upgrade price of .97, as Windows 10 approaches its end-of-support deadline in fall 2025. The upgrade includes features such as Microsoft Copilot, an intuitive user interface, enhanced security measures including biometric login, and built-in parental controls. Microsoft will cease technical support for Windows 10 after the deadline, making the upgrade to Windows 11 essential.

AppWizard

May 3, 2025

NotebookLM gets Gemini 2.5 Flash as it prepares to launch as a standalone app

NotebookLM has been upgraded to the Gemini 2.5 Flash model, improving its multi-step reasoning capabilities for better responses in chatbot and Q&A modes. The Audio Overviews feature now supports over 50 languages. Google plans to launch NotebookLM as a standalone app at the Google I/O 2025 event, with pre-registration available on the App Store and Google Play Store. A new Output Language setting for Audio Overviews allows users to choose a language different from their default. NotebookLM was initially previewed as Project Tailwind at Google I/O 2022.

Tech Optimizer

May 3, 2025

Understanding transaction visibility in PostgreSQL clusters with read replicas

On April 29, 2025, Jepsen released a report on transaction visibility behavior in Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL and its Multi-AZ clusters, which has been acknowledged since at least 2013. The report identifies a Long Fork anomaly affecting the visibility order of transactions between primary and replica nodes in cluster configurations, which does not lead to data loss or corruption and is absent in Single-AZ deployments. This anomaly allows two readers to see transactions in different sequences, breaching Snapshot Isolation. It affects all isolation levels in community PostgreSQL and can also occur in self-managed deployments. The issue has been discussed extensively in the PostgreSQL community, and potential solutions, including synchronizing visibility with commit order using Commit Sequence Numbers, have been proposed. AWS has established the PostgreSQL Contributors Team to address this anomaly and enhance PostgreSQL's capabilities.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

CISOs should re-consider using Microsoft RDP due to password flaw, says expert

Microsoft has clarified that a feature in its operating system, which allows at least one user account to log in after prolonged offline periods, is a deliberate design choice and not a security vulnerability. The Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) caches the last set of credentials used to prevent administrators from being locked out, but this can lead to complications if credentials are changed, potentially allowing unauthorized access if outdated credentials are exploited. Johannes Ullrich from the SANS Institute emphasized the importance of securing RDP and recommended robust authentication measures and isolation of RDP endpoints to mitigate risks.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Windows RDP has a major security problem, and Microsoft has refused to do anything about it

A significant vulnerability has been identified in the Windows Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), which allows old credentials to remain functional even after a password reset. Security researcher Daniel Wade revealed that users can still access their systems with previously revoked credentials due to the authentication process relying on locally stored credentials that do not update in real-time. Microsoft's Security Response Center acknowledged this behavior but stated it is an intentional design to ensure at least one user account can log in, regardless of the system's online status. Microsoft has been aware of this issue since at least August 2023 and has chosen not to modify the code, citing potential compatibility issues.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Microsoft Warns Windows Users—Delete Your Password

Microsoft aims to eliminate passwords for a billion users, promoting the use of passkeys that enhance account security by linking it to physical devices. The company warns that password-related attacks are increasing and emphasizes that having both a passkey and a password leaves accounts vulnerable to phishing. On World Password Day, Microsoft encourages users to abandon passwords entirely. The FIDO Alliance supports this initiative with a "Passkey Pledge," highlighting that over 35% of individuals have faced account compromises due to password vulnerabilities. Research shows that 54% of those familiar with passkeys find them more convenient, and 53% believe they offer better security. Microsoft will make new accounts passwordless by default and encourages existing users to remove their passwords. Passkeys are described as easy to use, intuitive, and resistant to phishing. For those who continue to use passwords, Microsoft advises making them long and complex and using authentication apps for two-factor authentication.

Winsage

May 1, 2025

Secure your organization against changing conditions with a special offer from Windows 365

82% of business leaders view 2023 as critical for reevaluating strategic and operational frameworks. Windows 10 support will end in October 2025, prompting organizations to consider strategies for transitioning to Windows 11 or Windows 365. Microsoft is offering a 20% discount on all Windows 365 plans for new customers from May 1, 2025, to October 31, 2025. Windows 365 provides a secure Windows 11 experience via a Cloud PC and is designed with Zero Trust principles for enhanced security. Transitioning to Windows 365 can lower carbon footprints and align with sustainability goals. Crocs reported annual cost savings of 0,000 after switching to Windows 365. Dnata Travel Group chose Windows 365 for secure access for their mobile workforce. Hamburg Commercial Bank plans to expand its use of Windows 365 for sustainability improvements. The promotional offer is available for new customers and has specific terms and conditions, including a deadline for processing transactions.

AppWizard

May 1, 2025

The Story Of Ecstatica, The Groundbreaking Survival Horror With Plenty Of Balls

In the early 1990s, the video game industry was transitioning from 2D to 3D gaming, with titles like Star Fox and Doom emerging. The small UK studio, founded by Andrew Spencer and Alain Maindron, released the groundbreaking game Ecstatica in 1994 after five years of development. Spencer created a unique game engine using ellipsoid graphics, which provided a lifelike quality to characters, inspired by traditional animation techniques. The game received an 8/10 rating from EDGE magazine for its emotional engagement. Spencer expressed ambitions for sequels using his innovative engine to explore new gaming landscapes, but challenges, including the departure of key personnel, led to the shelving of the sequel. Spencer later shifted his career towards academia and research, hinting at ongoing ideas for new projects that have not materialized.