scaling Archives

Winsage

November 8, 2024

Windows on Arm apps are about to get access to the secret sauce Adobe used to get Premiere Pro 25 to work on Copilot+ PCs

Windows on Arm PCs with the Snapdragon X Elite processor are receiving a preview build of Windows 11 that enhances Prism emulation, specifically Build 27744. This update expands support for various CPU features, allowing non-native Arm applications to run more efficiently. The update increases the range of 64-bit x86 applications that can be emulated, integrating support for additional CPU extensions like AVX, AVX2, BMI, FMA, and F16C. Currently, only x64 applications are supported, and users can provide feedback on compatibility and performance issues. Additionally, the Start menu has been simplified, a new Gamepad keyboard layout is being introduced for Xbox controller navigation, the Task Manager's Disconnect and Logoff dialogs have been updated for dark mode and text scaling, and the detach virtual hard disk button has returned in the Settings menu.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

Windows 11 Canary Build 27744 returns the Gamepad keyboard, and fixes old dGPUs

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744 in the Canary Channel, providing a unified experience and eliminating the previous dual-experience model. This build enhances the Prism emulator for Windows on Arm, allowing a wider range of 64-bit x86 applications to run, including support for additional CPU features. The update enables previously incompatible games and creative software to function on Arm devices. Key changes include the simplification of the Start menu, a new Gamepad keyboard layout for the on-screen keyboard, and updates to Task Manager and Settings. Several fixes have been implemented, addressing issues with NVIDIA GPUs, the Emoji Panel, Windows Sandbox performance, and various graphics and app-related bugs. Known issues include potential problems with Windows Hello PIN on new Copilot+ PCs and desktop background display across multiple monitors. Users are encouraged to provide feedback on their experience.

Winsage

November 6, 2024

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744 has been released to the Canary Channel. This build introduces enhanced support for 64-bit x86 applications in the Prism emulator, allowing previously incompatible applications, including Adobe Premiere Pro 25, to run on Arm devices. The virtual CPU for x64 emulated applications now supports various x86 instruction set architecture extensions, such as AVX and FMA. Changes include the simplification of the "All apps" section in the Start menu, a new Gamepad keyboard layout for the on-screen keyboard, redesigned Task Manager dialogs, and the return of the detach virtual hard disk button. Fixes address issues with NVIDIA GPUs, the Emoji Panel, Windows Sandbox performance, and various bugs affecting graphics and application stability. Known issues include potential loss of Windows Hello PIN and biometrics for new Copilot+ PC users joining the Canary Channel and desktop background display problems across multiple monitors. Insiders are reminded that features in the Canary Channel may not be released and can change during development.

Tech Optimizer

October 31, 2024

Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL Limitless Database is now generally available

Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL Limitless Database is now generally available, featuring a serverless solution with horizontal scaling capabilities. It uses a two-layer architecture consisting of routers and shards to manage SQL connections and data storage. The database organizes data into three table types: sharded tables, reference tables, and standard tables. Users can create a new DB cluster through the AWS Management Console or CLI, specifying the DB shard group name and capacity in Aurora Capacity Units (ACUs). The database supports PostgreSQL syntax for queries and allows data loading using the COPY command. Each DB cluster can host one DB shard group with a capacity of 16 to 6144 ACUs, and storage limits are set at 128 TiB per shard and 32 TiB for reference tables. Monitoring can be conducted using Amazon CloudWatch. The database is compatible with PostgreSQL 16.4 and is available across multiple AWS regions.

AppWizard

October 31, 2024

Red Dead Redemption’s PC port is — surprisingly — the perfect Halloween game

The original Red Dead Redemption, first launched in 2010, is now available on PC, coinciding with the Halloween season. The game includes the Undead Nightmare expansion, offering a zombie-themed adventure. This marks the first significant release for PC and modern consoles, aside from a minimal Nintendo Switch version. Players assume the role of John Marston, tracking down former gang members to protect his family. The game features cinematic storytelling, heart-pounding missions, and a refined slow-motion shooting mechanic. The PC port allows for enhancements such as ultra-high resolutions up to 4K, refresh rates up to 144Hz, and support for ultrawide monitors. The Undead Nightmare expansion includes unique weaponry and the ability to tame the four horses of the apocalypse. The pricing for the port is set at £39.99 / .99.

Winsage

October 30, 2024

Microsoft Copilot AI use extends deep into corporate America, but companies aren’t 100% sold

Microsoft 365 Copilot has seen a surge in adoption among corporations, with 79% of technology executives reporting their organizations are utilizing the tool. However, only half of the surveyed companies plan to roll it out to all employees, while 17% have opted against full adoption, and about a third are still testing it. A quarter of tech leaders believe the investment in Copilot is justified, while another quarter disagree, and half feel it is too early to assess its value. Two-thirds of organizations are increasing generative AI investments, but many projects remain in pilot stages, with over two-thirds of firms reporting that only 30% or fewer of their generative AI experiments have moved to full production. More than 40% of organizations struggle to define and measure the impact of their generative AI initiatives, and fewer than half have established key performance indicators. Microsoft has reported a near doubling of daily users of Copilot quarter-over-quarter, with nearly 60% of Fortune 500 companies utilizing the tool. A company with 10,000 employees could incur an annual cost of approximately .6 million for Copilot. A Morgan Stanley study indicates that 94% of CIOs expect to adopt Microsoft’s generative AI products within the next year, up from 63% in the previous quarter. According to the CNBC survey, 46% of respondents report that at least half of their employees are using AI, while 42% indicate that one-quarter of their workforce has embraced AI tools. Most organizations (84%) believe generative AI tools will significantly impact their business strategies moving forward.

Tech Optimizer

October 29, 2024

Making Adding AI Apps with Postgres Easier for Developers

Timescale has introduced the pgai Vectorizer, a tool that automates the embedding process within PostgreSQL, allowing developers to create, store, and manage vector embeddings alongside relational data without needing external tools. Built on the pgvector extension, it simplifies the integration of AI into applications for developers lacking AI expertise. The pgai Vectorizer automates embedding creation with a single SQL query, synchronizes data changes to vector embeddings in real-time, allows effortless switching between embedding models, and tracks model versions for backward compatibility. It replaces the need for building ETL pipelines, chunking and formatting data, scaling the embedding creation pipeline, and ensuring synchronization of embeddings and metadata. The pgai suite, launched last June, aims to empower PostgreSQL developers in AI engineering and has expanded to support various AI models. Additionally, the pgvectorscale enhances PostgreSQL's capabilities for large-scale AI use cases, offering performance comparable to dedicated vector databases while being cost-efficient. The pgai tools are open-source, reducing infrastructure costs and streamlining development processes. Recent benchmarks show that Timescale's pgvector outperforms standalone vector databases in performance and cost-effectiveness.

AppWizard

October 28, 2024

Finally, a dungeon crawler with what I’ve been missing in so many other fantasy adventures: common sense

Monomyth's initial hour features unobtrusive tutorial pop-ups and encourages exploration through straightforward commands, allowing players to interact with the environment in unconventional ways, such as attacking or burning locked doors. The game does not impose invisible barriers, promoting a mindset similar to classic titles like Ultima Underworld. Players can engage in stealth, extinguish light sources, or use creative combat strategies. The design fosters a sense of ownership over the journey, making choices feel personal. Monomyth is currently available in early access on Steam and is noted for its refreshing approach to the RPG genre.

Winsage

October 27, 2024

Working at a computer all day? Use these tips to make Windows 11 easier on your eyes

Many individuals spend long hours on Windows 11 PCs, which can lead to eye strain and discomfort. To alleviate these issues, users can adjust screen brightness using the Quick Actions panel, customize the size and color of the mouse cursor in the Accessibility settings, and modify text and icon scaling in the Display settings. Enabling dark mode can reduce eye strain, while the Night light feature helps minimize blue light exposure. Color filters are available for colorblind users, and contrast themes can enhance visual clarity for those needing more distinction between UI elements. Implementing these adjustments can improve comfort and productivity.

Winsage

October 26, 2024

AI in Windows 11 is finally getting (kind of) interesting

Microsoft is rolling out updates for Copilot+ PCs, including a new AI feature called Super Resolution in the Photos app for Windows 11 version 24H2 on Snapdragon X PCs. This feature enhances image size and resolution. Upcoming capabilities like Click To Do and the Recall feature are expected to be released to Insiders this month. Windows 11 version 24H2 has improved the update process, making updates up to 45% faster to install, with restart times improving by nearly 40% and consuming up to 25% less CPU resources. Qualcomm's Snapdragon Summit highlighted the second-generation Oryon CPUs, which offer enhanced single-core performance while consuming 57% less power compared to the first generation. There is anticipation for the next generation of Snapdragon X processors, but there is a need for software developers to optimize for Arm architecture.