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AppWizard

July 22, 2026

Feel less bad about firing AI agents, Minecraft creator says vibe coding will replace human developers

Markus ‘Notch’ Persson has announced a shift to "vibe coding," which involves using artificial intelligence tools for code generation. This decision is influenced by difficulties in hiring skilled programmers and a growing comfort with AI solutions. Notch expressed frustration with the job market, stating he has trouble hiring talented programmers and would feel less bad about firing a chatbot. He sold Mojang and Minecraft to Microsoft for .5 billion in 2014 and is now working on a new project, Levers and Chests, at Bitshift Entertainment, which will likely rely on AI tools. This shift occurs amid significant layoffs in the tech industry, including at major companies like Amazon, Oracle, and Microsoft. Notch's previous stance of rejecting AI contrasts with his current acceptance of its inevitability, reflecting a broader industry trend where leaders like Linus Torvalds and Ryan Dahl also acknowledge the transition towards AI-driven development.

Winsage

July 22, 2026

This $10 Windows upgrade could save you from buying a new laptop

Windows 11 Pro is available for .97, reduced from its regular price of 9, valid until July 26. It is designed to enhance older PCs with features like a user-friendly interface, advanced search capabilities, innovative snap layouts for multitasking, and integration of Microsoft's AI-powered assistant, Copilot. The operating system also provides seamless access to Microsoft Teams and enhanced security measures, including biometric logins and encrypted authentication.

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

Google is this close to bringing third-party app stores to the Play Store

Google is testing new features in the Play Store, including Play Labs, which allows users to experiment with new functionalities. The company is also exploring the integration of third-party app stores, allowing users to install alternative app stores directly from the Play Store, although this feature is not yet available to the general public. Users have reported limited access to these experimental features through adjustments in the latest Play Store version. Additionally, Google has confirmed the rollout of a revamped search experience, featuring a new two-row search bar for longer queries and a prompt labeled “Ask Store” to enhance search capabilities. These updates aim to improve user experience and accessibility in the Play Store.

Tech Optimizer

July 22, 2026

Google boosts AlloyDB vector search with HNSW preview

Google has introduced a preview of its columnar engine-accelerated HNSW feature for AlloyDB, enhancing vector search throughput by up to four times for users of the pgvector extension in PostgreSQL. This improvement is aimed at approximate nearest neighbor searches using HNSW across large datasets. AlloyDB utilizes a columnar engine that allows HNSW indexes to reside in memory, improving throughput and recall metrics. In benchmark tests on the GloVe 100 Angular dataset, queries per second increased by approximately 4.2x to 4.9x, with recall improving from about 0.78 to over 0.94 at a throughput of around 350 queries per second. The columnar engine's design bypasses traditional PostgreSQL buffer management bottlenecks, enhancing efficiency during graph traversal. The memory architecture is distinct from basic caching techniques, and the feature requires no changes to application code. Users must enable the columnar engine and index caching flags to utilize this feature. Benchmarks were conducted on an AlloyDB C4A machine with 16 virtual CPUs.

Winsage

July 21, 2026

Microsoft fixes the Windows 11 bug slowing down some Dell PCs

Microsoft released an unscheduled update for Windows 11, designated as KB5121767, targeting users on versions 24H2 and 25H2 to address performance issues on certain Dell PCs and laptops with Intel Innovation Platform Framework drivers. The update aims to fix degraded battery life, increased power consumption, and unexpected system behavior caused by conflicts with these drivers. Affected devices primarily include newer Dell models such as the Precision, XPS, and Pro Max series. Users can obtain the update automatically if they have enabled the relevant option in Windows Update or manually through Settings or the Microsoft Update Catalog. The update modifies the Windows build number to 26200.8894 for 25H2 and 26100.8894 for 24H2 and includes previous security and quality enhancements. Microsoft recommends the update for users experiencing sluggish performance or erratic behavior after July updates, particularly those with recent Dell devices with Intel processors.

AppWizard

July 21, 2026

St. Louis Restaurant Review Launches Android App

St. Louis Restaurant Review has launched a dedicated Android mobile application available on the Google Play Store, providing St. Louis diners with access to restaurant news, reviews, and an online ordering process through eOrderSTL. The app offers real-time updates on restaurant openings and closures, detailed reviews focused on the local culinary scene, and integrates eOrderSTL to allow users to order food directly from the app. This integration helps restaurant owners avoid high commission fees charged by national delivery platforms, retain customer data, and maintain control over their digital storefronts. Consumers benefit from lower menu prices, support for the local economy, and a streamlined ordering experience. The app is designed for speed and ease of use, enhancing the dining experience for locals.

AppWizard

July 21, 2026

Google Play Store update ensures you don’t forget about widgets from that shiny new app

Google has updated its Play Services to version 26.28, allowing users to display their device's IMEI number on the lock screen, which can aid in device recovery but may pose security risks. This feature is server-side and may not be available on all devices immediately. Other enhancements include audio permission requests in WebViews, Android Credential Manager support for Android TV, and various quality-of-life improvements. The Play Store has been updated to version 52.4, introducing natural language queries for search, expanded search suggestions, limited mobile data usage for app restoration in India, Nigeria, and Indonesia, and the option to add app widgets during installation. Users can update their Google System Services through their device settings.

AppWizard

July 21, 2026

Zelda Meets Minecraft In New Retro-Inspired RPG You Can Play Free Now

Steam offers a diverse array of digital games, including many dinosaur-hunting titles available for free. Players can find curated lists for experiences similar to their favorite games. One notable free offering combines elements of Zelda and Minecraft and is inspired by Stardew Valley. Steam continues to provide an expanding selection of games catering to various tastes.

AppWizard

July 21, 2026

Exclusive: Google Maps is laying the groundwork for its smartest update yet

Google Maps is set to enhance its functionality with the integration of Gemini’s Personal Intelligence feature, which will connect various Google services like Gmail and Google Photos to provide relevant information within the app. Users will be able to access details about reservations and flights by linking Maps with Google Workspace and Google Photos, creating a personalized experience. The feature will initially work with Contacts, Google Photos, Google Workspace (Gmail, Drive, Calendar), Search Services, and YouTube. Additionally, new sections labeled “Connected Content Apps” and “Personalization” have been identified in the Google Maps account switcher, although they are not yet operational.

Winsage

July 21, 2026

Windows 11 will let you search for your files in plain language

Microsoft is testing a new semantic search feature for Windows 11's File Explorer, which aims to improve file search by understanding user intent rather than relying on exact word matches. This feature allows users to search in natural language, such as "photos from last summer" or "Europe trip budget," and can identify files based on context, even if specific names are not mentioned. The functionality is powered by an AI model that operates locally on users' machines to maintain privacy and does not require an internet connection. However, it is only available on Copilot+ PCs, which have specialized AI chips capable of executing at least 40 trillion operations per second, limiting access for users with older machines. Currently, the feature is available only to Windows Insiders as Microsoft rolls it out in test builds.