rotation Archives

Tech Optimizer

April 15, 2026

Connecting .NET Lambda to Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL via RDS Proxy

Many organizations are modernizing legacy .NET applications while reducing database costs and enhancing scalability, particularly during migrations to AWS Lambda and transitions from SQL Server to Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible Edition. The process involves connecting Lambda functions to Aurora PostgreSQL using Amazon RDS Proxy, with AWS Secrets Manager managing secure credential storage. The architecture includes a .NET Lambda function interfacing with Aurora PostgreSQL via RDS Proxy, which provides connection pooling to minimize database connection overhead. The solution requires a CloudFormation template to provision resources such as a VPC with private subnets, an Aurora PostgreSQL cluster, RDS Proxy, and Secrets Manager. The RDS Proxy is configured with parameters including PostgreSQL engine family, idle client connection timeout, and Secrets Manager secret. A Windows EC2 instance is provisioned, and access is facilitated through AWS Systems Manager Fleet Manager. The solution includes creating a sample table named "employee" in the database and a new .NET Lambda project that utilizes Npgsql for database connections. The Lambda function is deployed using the AWS CLI, and testing involves invoking the function and retrieving logs from Amazon CloudWatch. Finally, resources created during the process should be deleted to prevent ongoing charges.

AppWizard

April 12, 2026

What are we all playing this weekend?

The atmosphere has shifted to a warmer state, causing indecision about wardrobe choices as winter clothing remains in use. James is exploring new games, including Skull Horde and the RPG Neverway, after being encouraged by Julian to diversify his gaming. Callum is engaged in Pokémon Nuzlockes on Pokémon Black and White, with a character named Bazooka, and is preparing for revenge against a trainer named Timmy. Mark is concluding his Atomfall playthrough and plans to play Dirt Rally 2.0, Automobilista 2, and revisit Starfield after its updates. Edwin has been sent outdoors to reconnect with nature after his last adventure and is expected to return to normal by teatime on Tuesday. Jeremy has returned from family outings in London and Paris and is busy completing a secret upcoming game for a walkthrough, while also enjoying Franco-Belgium comics. Ollie has escaped the Maw but needs time to recuperate after an encounter with Edwin. Julian anticipates a busy weekend due to a stag do but looks forward to playing strategy games afterward.

AppWizard

April 6, 2026

EA just cut Apex Legends map without warning, but there is a good reason

Apex Legends has removed Storm Point from the map rotation due to crashes occurring on certain devices. This decision was made just two weeks after Storm Point's reintroduction. In its place, E-District (daytime) has been added to the rotation. EA stated that they are working on a permanent fix for the crashes and will provide updates as they become available. E-District has been well-received by players for its competitive environments and design.

AppWizard

April 6, 2026

How to Play Division Resurgence on PC: Full Emulator Setup Guide

The Division Resurgence is a mobile-exclusive third-person shooter developed by Ubisoft, currently without an official PC client. Players can use three Android emulators—BlueStacks, MuMu Player, and LDPlayer—to play the game on larger monitors. Each emulator has distinct advantages: MuMu Player is recommended for PS controller users due to accurate button prompts, while LDPlayer is noted for better performance. For BlueStacks, players should download the Pie 64-bit version, adjust performance settings to maximize CPU and RAM, set graphics to Vulkan, and ensure the most recent phone profile is selected. For MuMu Player, users should set graphics to Vulkan, optimize performance settings, and select the ROG Phone 9 profile for better visuals. LDPlayer requires users to set CPU to 6 cores and RAM to at least 6 GB, with a resolution of 1280 × 720 and High FPS Mode enabled. In-game graphics settings for optimal performance include Very High graphics, High resolution, and a standard framerate capped at 30 FPS. The game supports both mouse and keyboard and gamepad controls, with options for customizing key bindings. Common issues include game freezes, crashes, low FPS, and incorrect controller prompts, with suggested fixes provided. Division Resurgence is free-to-play, and while not officially available on PC, it can be played through emulators without additional costs.

Winsage

April 4, 2026

Windows 11’s April update packs 8 (mostly) meaningful improvements you won’t want to skip. Here’s what you’ll be getting.

Microsoft will begin rolling out the April 2026 Security Update for Windows 11 on April 14, 2026. This update includes significant changes such as: 1. Smart App Control (SAC) can now be managed without reinstalling the operating system, allowing users to toggle it on or off via Windows Security. 2. Windows Narrator has been enhanced to generate AI-based image descriptions, available to users on a Microsoft 365 Family plan. 3. The pen settings page will include an option to configure the "Same as Copilot key" feature. 4. File Explorer will receive updates including the ability to use Voice Typing for renaming files and fixes for various bugs. 5. The update supports display refresh rates of 1000Hz or higher, improves auto-rotation functionality, and enhances HDR performance for certain displays.

Winsage

April 1, 2026

Microsoft issues emergency update for Windows 11 — fixes broken March preview update rollout from last week

Microsoft released an optional non-security update for Windows 11, identified as KB5079391, which caused significant installation issues for users, marked by error code 0x80073712. In response, Microsoft issued an emergency update, KB5086672, to address these problems for affected Windows 11 systems, including versions 25H2 and 24H2. This new update supersedes previous updates and includes protections and improvements from the March 2026 Windows security and non-security preview updates, along with an installation fix. The update also offers enhancements such as refresh rates exceeding 1000 Hz, improved auto-rotation and HDR reliability, and enhanced power efficiency for USB 4-connected monitors during sleep. Earlier in the year, the January security update, KB5074109, caused issues for gamers with Nvidia GPUs, leading to frame rate drops and system instability, with some users experiencing boot failures and errors like “UNMOUNTABLEBOOTVOLUME.” Additionally, users reported problems with shutting down or hibernating their PCs and disruptions in cloud-based applications like Outlook, OneDrive, and Dropbox.

BetaBeacon

April 1, 2026

5 of the best new Android apps you need to try this April

Adaptive Theme is a free app developed by xLexip that uses your phone's ambient light sensor to automatically trigger dark mode when conditions fall below a darkness threshold you set.

Winsage

March 31, 2026

Windows 11 Update Adds Support for Display Refresh Rates Above 1,000Hz

Microsoft's preview update for Windows 11, KB5079391, initially supported display refresh rates exceeding 1,000Hz, potentially reaching up to 5,000Hz. The update was applicable to Windows 11 versions 25H2, 24H2, and 26H1. It introduced enhancements such as improved auto-rotation and HDR reliability, better power efficiency for USB4-connected monitors, detailed image descriptions for Copilot and Copilot+ PCs using Narrator, and redesigned dialog boxes in the Accounts settings menu. However, Microsoft retracted the update on March 27 due to installation issues, with plans to roll out the enhancements in a future release.

Winsage

March 30, 2026

Windows 11 now supports display refresh rates up to 5,000Hz after its latest update — Here’s why that matters for everyone, not just gamers

On March 26, Microsoft released a non-security preview update for Windows 11, known as KB5079391, which included display enhancements such as support for refresh rates exceeding 1000 Hz, improved auto-rotation, HDR reliability, and increased power efficiency for USB4-connected monitors in sleep mode. However, the update was retracted on March 27 due to installation issues. The update aims to support refresh rates up to 5,000 Hz, aligning with trends in hardware development, including reports of 2,000 Hz displays expected by 2030. Additionally, the update introduced "rich image descriptions" for Copilot and Copilot+ PCs using the Narrator feature and improved the design of dialog boxes in the Accounts settings menu. It is applicable to Windows 11 versions 25H2, 24H2, and 26H1.

BetaBeacon

March 19, 2026

Rock Band Successor ‘Festival Mobile’ Now Available on iOS and Android

Fortnite Festival Mobile, the successor to Rock Band, is now available on iOS and Android devices with touch-based controls. Players can access their music library or play free songs, with weekly updates adding new tracks. Original Rock Band songs cannot be transferred, but familiar tracks are included. Pro option allows for original Rock Band gameplay. Instruments from Guitar Hero and Rock Band can be used with the pro option. Drums support expected to be added soon. Visit the Fortnite Festival Page for updates and song lists.