scaling Archives

Winsage

March 25, 2026

Microsoft may finally remove its frustrating Windows 11 setup requirement

Microsoft has required users to create a Microsoft account to log into Windows 11 PCs, which has frustrated many users. Scott Hanselman, a Microsoft executive, acknowledged this frustration and indicated that he is working on addressing the issue. Currently, users must select a Microsoft account during the setup of a new Windows 11 computer, although they can switch to a local account afterward. Microsoft has faced criticism over various issues with Windows 11, but recent comments suggest the company may be starting to listen to user feedback, with plans for improvements in customization options, performance, and reliability.

Winsage

March 21, 2026

Microsoft rolls back some of its Copilot AI bloat on Windows

Microsoft is reducing the number of entry points for its AI assistant, Copilot, in Windows 11, scaling back features in applications like Photos, Widgets, Notepad, and the Snipping Tool. This decision aims to create more meaningful AI experiences for users. Pavan Davuluri emphasized the importance of intentionality in AI interactions. A Pew Research study indicates that as of June 2025, half of U.S. adults are more concerned than excited about AI. Microsoft has previously abandoned plans for broader Copilot integrations and postponed the launch of the AI-powered memory feature, Windows Recall, due to privacy concerns. User feedback is influencing Microsoft's AI strategy, and additional enhancements to Windows 11 will include taskbar repositioning, improved control over system updates, faster File Explorer performance, and a better Widgets interface.

AppWizard

March 20, 2026

After accidentally clobbering my friends in grimdark action-RPG No Rest for the Wicked, now I can do it on purpose

No Rest for the Wicked Together has received a significant update from Moon Studios, introducing new features based on community feedback. The update includes PvP duels, text chat, callouts, a Realm Diary, and a comfort system for home-building. The player duel feature allows structured competition among friends, restoring health and gear durability after matches. The Realm Diary chronicles significant events in multiplayer, enhancing communication with quick callouts and a full text chat system. The comfort system improves home aesthetics and provides stat bonuses based on comfort ratings. Gameplay adjustments include a rework of bows for strategic combat, enchantment balance changes, and increased enemy health for endgame progression. Additional updates feature a rearranged crafting menu, a redesigned gesture wheel, new aspect ratio settings, and various bug fixes. The game is currently available at a 30% discount on Steam until March 26, priced at .49 / £24.49.

BetaBeacon

March 17, 2026

Nintendo just unlocked a visual upgrade for your original Switch games

Nintendo has introduced a new Handheld Mode Boost option in the latest update for the Nintendo Switch 2. This feature allows original Switch games to run at higher resolutions in handheld mode, similar to when the console is docked. However, the results may vary depending on the game, and there are some trade-offs such as increased power consumption and potential issues with touchscreen input and controller compatibility. The setting can be found in System Settings > System > Nintendo Switch Software Handling.

AppWizard

March 17, 2026

Android 16 brings desktop windowing to Pixel and Samsung phones

Google has announced that connected display support for Android has reached general availability with the release of Android 16 QPR3. This feature allows compatible Android phones and foldable devices to initiate a new desktop session on an external display while maintaining the phone's independent state. Supported devices include the Pixel 8, 9, and 10 series, as well as various Samsung devices like the Galaxy S26, Fold7, Flip7, and Tab S11. The collaboration between Google and Samsung has been crucial in developing this feature. The Android 16 QPR3 release has refined windowing behaviors, taskbar interactions, and input compatibility for mouse and keyboard usage. It introduced two new width window size classes: Large (1200dp to 1600dp) and Extra-large (1600dp and above) to assist developers in creating adaptive layouts. Navigation 3 has also been released, providing a system for managing UI flow based on Scenes. Design principles for desktop contexts have been updated, emphasizing the importance of multitasking, efficient use of screen space, and accommodating various input types. The Android Design Gallery has been launched to showcase design examples across different categories and input types. The announcement has implications for mobile advertising and app measurement, as the distinction between mobile and desktop ad inventory becomes more complex. Developers are advised to ensure their apps can adapt to changes in display configurations to maintain ad performance and measurement accuracy. Key dates include the announcement of connected display general availability on March 3, 2026, and the launch of the Android Design Gallery on March 16, 2026.

Winsage

March 17, 2026

Microsoft Quietly Retreats from Copilot Push in Windows 11

Microsoft is scaling back the integration of Copilot AI into Windows 11 due to user feedback and privacy concerns. Plans for features like Copilot notifications have been canceled, and AI tools will now be optional, primarily available on Copilot+ PCs, with more data processing occurring locally. The company aims to reduce AI complexity and focus on performance and user control. Microsoft has also removed Copilot branding from some applications and is shifting towards standalone AI tools rather than system-wide integration. The lukewarm market response to Copilot+ PCs has further influenced this strategic change.

Tech Optimizer

March 17, 2026

How PostgreSQL on Azure helps modernize legacy databases

Microsoft is enhancing PostgreSQL to establish it as a high-performance, scalable, and enterprise-ready open database platform, addressing the limitations of legacy systems like Oracle. Many Oracle customers face rising licensing costs, performance bottlenecks, and scalability issues, prompting them to consider migration. Apollo Hospitals successfully migrated from Oracle to Azure Database for PostgreSQL, achieving a 60% reduction in operational costs and a threefold improvement in system performance. Microsoft has introduced an AI-assisted migration tool to simplify the transition from Oracle to PostgreSQL, automating the conversion of schemas and application code. Azure Database for PostgreSQL offers high performance, scalability, and security, with features like v6-series compute SKUs and SSD v2 storage. Azure HorizonDB, a new cloud-native PostgreSQL service, supports extreme performance demands and is designed for real-time analytics. Microsoft is committed to enhancing PostgreSQL as an open-source database for enterprise workloads, enabling organizations to innovate and become more agile.

Tech Optimizer

March 16, 2026

Avast One Basic Tops Free Malware Scanners in 2026 Amid Rising Cyber Threats

Avast One Basic has been recognized as the leading free malware scanner for PC protection in 2026, noted for its virus and spyware detection capabilities, Wi-Fi vulnerability scans, and seamless performance during resource-intensive tasks. It features automatic software updates and email spam protection. The tool conducts thorough system scans, manages app patches, and has a user-friendly interface. It outperforms competitors like Microsoft Defender in Wi-Fi analysis and has superior detection rates for emerging threats. Avast One Basic plays a crucial role in driving adoption for Gen Digital products, with high download numbers translating into premium subscriptions. It addresses rising cyber threats, including AI-powered attacks, and is compliant with stringent data standards in Europe. Future enhancements are planned to target zero-day attacks and integrate additional services.

AppWizard

March 13, 2026

Minecraft 26.1 Pre-Release 2

The pre-release for version 26.1 has been shipped, featuring technical adjustments and fixes related to the Tiny Takeover game. Key changes include: - Adjusted dismount speed thresholds for Spears. - Fixed animation issues for the Baby Axolotl's hind leg. - Scaled the Baby Cat to match the Baby Ocelot's size. - Corrected the scaling of the Baby Horse model. New UI enhancements include an "Exclusive Fullscreen" display option, which requires a game restart to take effect and may limit certain input methods. Trade adjustments now ensure the Master Librarian offers three trades, including an enchanted book trade during the Rebalance experiment. Technical changes include the discarding of text components nested more than 16 times in server status messages. Fixed bugs in this pre-release include issues with despawning trader llamas, skeletons, cats, hoglins, zoglins, dolphins, squids, and various other gameplay and UI bugs. Players can access the pre-release through the Minecraft Launcher by enabling snapshots, but should back up their data as testing versions may corrupt worlds.

AppWizard

March 12, 2026

1348 Ex Voto’s stylish sword fighting and strong premise caught my attention, but the game’s awful PC performance tainted the experience

1348 Ex Voto is a third-person action game set in 14th-century Italy, developed by Sedleo. Players control Aeta, a young noblewoman and knight-errant, navigating a plague-ridden landscape. The game struggles with performance on mid-range setups, particularly with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti and AMD Ryzen 7 5700X, maintaining a frame rate of 20 to 30 fps at 1440p resolution, and requiring low settings for a stable 60 fps. The sword-fighting mechanics are intricate, allowing players to choose between one-handed and two-handed longsword styles, and players can enhance Aeta's weapon and customize skills through a skill tree. The game features bugs, such as repeated lines during cutscenes, and lacks power scaling, which may reduce challenge by the final boss. Accessibility options are limited, focusing mainly on graphics settings and subtitles, with no customizable keybinds on PC. The review experience lasted eight hours, comparing visuals and performance to other medieval action titles.