running Archives

Tech Optimizer

September 1, 2026

Connecting My LangGraph AI Agent to Postgres

A stateful LangGraph agent was developed to streamline a 15-minute booking process, featuring a user-friendly Streamlit UI and a backend powered by a Postgres database. The agent responds to customer queries, calculates service pricing, manages service acceptance, suggests time slots, and confirms appointment details. It operates in two modes: in-memory for rapid testing and Postgres for persistent storage. Testing can be done locally using Docker, which simulates a Postgres environment, or with a hosted Postgres instance. The project includes a docker-compose.yml file to initiate a PostgreSQL 16 container, allowing the application to connect to the database. Data persistence is ensured through Docker volumes, and the application can be run with specific commands after setting up the environment variables. The system has been tested successfully, demonstrating its ability to manage bookings and maintain data integrity across sessions. Future enhancements are planned to improve the booking workflow and integrate additional communication channels.

Tech Optimizer

September 1, 2026

Autoscaling Lakebase Postgres

Choosing a database instance size without prior knowledge of the workload can lead to inefficiencies and excessive compute usage. Lakebase Postgres addresses this with an autoscaling feature that eliminates manual sizing, utilizing in-place VM resizing and a monitoring algorithm for CPU, memory, and working set size. Lakebase Postgres separates compute and storage layers, allowing independent resizing of compute nodes without affecting the database. The autoscaling algorithm relies on three signals: CPU load (cpuGoalCU), memory use (memGoalCU), and compute-cache working set size (lfcGoalCU). The CPU load is monitored every five seconds, aiming to maintain it at or below 90% capacity. Memory usage is tracked at two frequencies: overall memory every five seconds and Postgres-specific memory every 100 milliseconds, with a goal to keep usage below 75% of allocated RAM. The compute cache evaluates active data access efficiency, adjusting size based on workload. The working set is estimated using a modified HyperLogLog algorithm that records timestamps for page accesses, allowing for distinct page estimates over various time frames. The algorithm projects future working-set growth to allocate sufficient cache while capping it at 75% of RAM. Resizing the compute involves four components: the autoscaler-agent, vm-monitor, Kubernetes scheduler, and NeonVM. Scaling up occurs when any of the three goals indicate a need for more resources, while scaling down includes verification to ensure sufficient memory remains for operations. Timely adjustments in both directions are prioritized to minimize costs.

AppWizard

September 1, 2026

After the debacle of Cyberpunk 2077, CD Projekt says The Witcher 4 is already running on PC and consoles, promises ‘it’s going to run’ on all target platforms

Cyberpunk 2077 was initially unsuccessful, plagued by bugs and glitches, particularly on PlayStation 4, leading to its removal from the PlayStation Store by Sony. After being reinstated six months later, it came with a warning about ongoing issues. CD Projekt Red's co-CEO Michał Nowakowski noted that the studio's ambition to develop the game primarily for PC contributed to its rocky launch, as they underestimated the challenges of scaling it for consoles. Learning from this experience, CD Projekt Red is adopting a more cautious approach for The Witcher 4, ensuring smooth performance across all platforms and addressing any issues before proceeding. The targeted release for The Witcher 4 is set for 2028, with a focus on quality and stability.

Winsage

September 1, 2026

Microsoft extended Windows 10, but Nvidia just made the extension meaningless for gamers

Windows 10 will receive support until October 2027 under the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, with approximately 30% of PCs still operating on this system. Nvidia will stop releasing Game Ready Drivers for Windows 10 in October 2026, and from November 2026, users will not receive game-related fixes or optimizations. Security updates will remain available until at least October 2029, but the lack of patches for new bugs may affect gaming experiences. HP reports that around 30% of PCs are still running Windows 10, and the company expects these users to transition to Windows 11 or invest in new hardware. Microsoft acknowledges that the growth of Windows 11 has slowed and is focusing on enhancing its features.

AppWizard

August 31, 2026

Google enforcing new Android app memory limits in February

Google will implement new memory management policies for Android applications starting in February 2027, which will enforce specific memory limits based on device RAM. The defined limits are: - For 4GB devices: 2GB in the foreground, 1GB for user-perceived services, 1GB in the background. - For 6GB devices: 2.25GB in the foreground, 1.25GB for user-perceived services, 1.25GB in the background. - For 8GB devices: 2.25GB in the foreground, 1.5GB for user-perceived services, 1.5GB in the background. - For 12GB devices: 3.25GB in the foreground, 1.75GB for user-perceived services, 1.75GB in the background. - For 16GB devices: 4.25GB in the foreground, 2GB for user-perceived services, 2GB in the background. Devices with more than 16GB of RAM will be largely exempt from these restrictions. The changes are motivated by RAM shortages and the impact of artificial intelligence technologies on memory availability, aiming to maintain device performance and user experience. Apps exceeding these memory limits may face reduced functionality or removal from the Google Play Store.

Winsage

August 31, 2026

3 tasks that are still easier on Linux than Windows

Linux users benefit from a streamlined software update process through package managers like APT, DNF, and Pacman, allowing all applications to be updated with a single command. In contrast, Windows requires multiple update mechanisms for the operating system and third-party software, often necessitating manual checks. Most drivers in Linux are built into the kernel, enabling automatic recognition and configuration of new hardware, while Windows typically requires users to download drivers from manufacturers' websites. Linux provides clearer system logs for troubleshooting, making it easier to diagnose issues, whereas Windows error messages can be vague and less informative. Overall, Linux offers advantages in software updates, driver management, and troubleshooting compared to Windows.

Winsage

August 31, 2026

Windows may finally take no for an answer, adding a permanent opt-out for OneDrive backup nags

Microsoft has introduced a new feature in Windows 11 that allows users to permanently opt out of prompts encouraging them to back up files with OneDrive. The updated full-screen backup prompt now includes an "Opt out of backup" button, which was observed on PCs running stable Windows 11 25H2 builds without the OneDrive sync client installed. This option enables users to indicate their preference against OneDrive integration without uninstalling OneDrive or affecting existing files and synchronization settings. The feature aims to eliminate intrusive backup notifications that previously required users to either continue with OneDrive backup or postpone the prompt. Although the option appeared on at least one system in 2025, it is now being rolled out to a broader range of stable installations. The August 27 update notes from Microsoft do not mention this new opt-out button, suggesting it may be rolling out independently.

AppWizard

August 31, 2026

This feature keeps distracting spam calls away while using Android Auto

Google's Call Screen feature allows users to manage unknown calls by delegating the initial interaction to Call Assist, which identifies the caller and provides context. This feature is now integrated with Android Auto, although the screening process itself remains a function of the phone. Call Screen operates in two modes: manual, where users can choose to screen calls, and automatic, which silently screens certain unknown calls and hangs up on spam. Call Screen works directly on the device without needing Wi-Fi or mobile data, and call audio and transcripts are not stored in the user's Google Account. To set up Call Screen, users must do so through the Phone by Google app. Compatibility with Android Auto and Call Screen varies by phone model and geographical location, with automatic screening primarily available on Pixel phones in the U.S. Manual screening is accessible in several countries, and some selected Android devices may also support it. Not all call screening features are the same across different brands, and practical limitations exist for automatic Call Screen, such as functionality issues when connected via Bluetooth or while roaming.

AppWizard

August 31, 2026

MuMu Player 6.0 vs LDPlayer 14 vs BlueStacks: Android Gap

Three Android emulators have emerged: MuMu Player 6.0, LDPlayer 14, and BlueStacks 5.22. - MuMu Player 6.0, released by NetEase on July 7, 2026, is the only mainstream emulator operating on Android 15. - LDPlayer 14 transitioned from beta to full release on June 25, 2026, utilizing Android 14 after previously using Android 9. - BlueStacks 5.22 operates on the Android 9 Pie framework, which it adopted in 2021. MuMu Player is designed for gacha and open-world mobile games, while LDPlayer focuses on lightweight design and multi-instance capabilities. BlueStacks caters to a broad audience with lower system requirements. MuMu Player 6.0 is free on Windows, while its macOS version requires a subscription after a trial. LDPlayer and BlueStacks use a freemium model with optional paid tiers for ad-free experiences. LDPlayer 14 requires 64-bit Windows 10 or Windows 11, while MuMu Player and BlueStacks support older Windows versions. All three emulators support multi-instance functionality, but LDPlayer has specific RAM recommendations for this feature. As of August 2026, there have been no significant reports of bans associated with any of the emulators.

AppWizard

August 30, 2026

Google made Android 17’s best feature a Pixel 11-exclusive. This free app does it better

Android 17 features a Digital Wellbeing tool called Pause Point, which prompts users to reflect on their app usage but is only available on the Pixel 11 series. The Stroll app encourages users to earn screen time through physical activity, allowing them to accumulate time for using distracting applications by walking. It integrates step tracking from a phone’s counter or a smartwatch and allows manual input of steps via Google Health. Stroll restricts specific URLs and tracks usage streaks, promoting a healthier relationship with exercise and digital consumption. Unlike traditional app timers that warn users when time is running out, Stroll motivates users to engage in physical activity before accessing social media. The app also features a “time bank” for saving unused screen time. Users have reported reduced social media usage and a shift towards more enriching activities.