services Archives

Winsage

February 22, 2025

Microsoft’s new Edge Add-ons site might keep you away from the Chrome Web Store

Microsoft has enhanced the user experience of its Edge browser by integrating Chrome extensions and promoting its redesigned Edge Add-ons website, which improves navigation and usability. The updated site features enhanced autosuggestions for finding and installing extensions, including a "Get" button for direct installation. While Edge can run Google Chrome extensions, some users prefer the Edge Add-ons store for a Microsoft-centric experience. Certain extensions remain exclusive to the Chrome Web Store, as developers often prioritize Chrome due to its larger market share. Users can access these extensions through the Chrome Web Store on various Chromium-based browsers, including Edge. Currently, extensions like uBlock Origin work on Edge, but their future compatibility is uncertain.

Tech Optimizer

February 22, 2025

How Mindbody improved query latency and optimized costs using Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL Optimized Reads

Mindbody utilizes a cloud-based platform for the fitness and wellness industry, offering services such as client booking, scheduling, payments, marketing, and analytics. Their email marketing platform is built on an Aurora PostgreSQL cluster, currently at version 13.8, with a size of approximately 17 TB and a workload distribution of 80% reads and 20% writes. Mindbody faced scaling and performance challenges due to architectural limitations and increasing data demands, leading to all workloads being directed to the writer node. The average BufferCacheHitRatio was below 80%, indicating frequent disk access rather than cache hits, contributing to higher query latencies and I/O costs. To address these issues, Mindbody adopted Aurora Optimized Reads, which enhances caching capacity and improves latency and throughput for I/O-intensive workloads. Transitioning required upgrading the database cluster to version 14.9 or higher, and extensive testing was conducted in a proof-of-concept environment. The upgrade process involved a blue/green deployment strategy to minimize production disruption. After implementing Aurora Optimized Reads, Mindbody experienced significant performance improvements, including a 50% reduction in average daily CPU utilization and a 90% reduction in ReadIOPS. The AuroraOptimizedReadsCacheHitRatio indicated that 85% of read requests were served from the optimized cache. Cost analysis revealed a 23% reduction in monthly Aurora costs post-transition, with potential for further savings by downsizing instances.

Winsage

February 22, 2025

4 Windows 11 features that make me regret upgrading

Windows 11 has become popular among users, but some experience frustrations with its features. The Copilot feature is heavily integrated, prompting users to engage with it frequently, which many find intrusive. The redesigned Start Menu is seen as cluttered and less user-friendly compared to Windows 10, requiring customization for better usability. The Widgets button on the taskbar has become a distraction, leading many to disable it for improved focus. Windows 11 frequently upsells Microsoft services, requiring a Microsoft account and inundating users with promotional notifications. Overall, users feel that navigating Windows 11 has become adversarial, prioritizing notifications over user experience and complicating basic usability.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

Google Contacts app looks a little different now, here’s what changed

Google has released version 4.49 of its Contacts app for Android, introducing several updates. A new card in the Organize tab displays the user's email address, total number of contacts, and the time since the last synchronization. An info icon explains that contacts sync automatically with the device and are accessible across Google services. The app now features a "Google Contacts sync settings" option for easier management of sync settings. Additionally, the account menu has been modified to require users to tap a chevron to view all signed-in accounts, creating a cleaner interface. Recent features also allow users to set emoji and monograms as contact pictures.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

Amazon Appstore on Android to be discontinued this summer

Amazon will close its Android Appstore on August 20, 2025, ending access for users on Android devices and discontinuing the Amazon Coins program. The Appstore, launched in 2011, struggled to gain a substantial user base despite various innovations. Users will be warned that apps downloaded from the Appstore may stop functioning after the closure, but they can migrate purchased apps to Amazon devices like the Kindle. Amazon has already stopped selling Amazon Coins as of February 20, 2025, and unused balances will be refunded after the closure. Users are advised to disable auto-renewals for subscriptions. The closure reflects the Appstore's failure to resonate with users and diminishing relevance in the market.

Winsage

February 21, 2025

Windows 11 24H2 RDP hangs on login, RDP session connecting issues reported

Windows 11 has a significant issue affecting Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) sessions during the login phase, potentially linked to the Windows 11 24H2 update or recent security updates KB5050094 and KB5051987. Administrators have reported difficulties in establishing RDP connections since the rollout of the 24H2 update, with issues persisting even when the RDP service is operational and firewall configurations are correct. Users have noted that changing the default RDP port from 3389 may resolve connection issues for some, although this workaround is not universally effective. Additionally, there are reports of RDP sessions hanging during the login process, particularly when reconnecting to previously disconnected sessions. To address the hanging issue, users can modify settings in the Group Policy Editor by enabling the "Select network detection on the server" policy and turning off Connect Time Detect and Continuous Network Detect. A system reboot is not necessary, but executing the gpupdate /force command is recommended. Alternatively, a Windows Registry script can be used to automate the process across multiple devices. As of February 21, Microsoft has not officially acknowledged these network issues, despite their widespread impact on users.

Winsage

February 21, 2025

Bill Gates says Microsoft’s $3 trillion success is a blend of — youthful late-night coding escapades, a premature Harvard departure, and a sprinkle of “laissez-faire treatment” from passers-by

Microsoft has a market capitalization exceeding a trillion dollars and is a key player in the tech industry. Last year, a significant IT outage caused by a faulty kernel driver from CrowdStrike affected approximately 8.5 million Windows devices, resulting in the Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) error. Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, shared insights in his memoir, "Source Code: My Beginnings," about his early passion for coding, which began at age 13. He would sneak out at night to access computers, crediting a local company, Computer Center, for helping him refine his skills. Gates left Harvard after three semesters to pursue Microsoft, a decision prompted by a visit from Paul Allen, who brought news of the Altair 8800 minicomputer kit. Gates reflected that had he stayed at Harvard, he might have missed the opportunity to co-found Microsoft.

Winsage

February 21, 2025

Can you really get Windows and Office for free? These hackers say yes

A group of developers called Massgrave has hacked Microsoft's activation tools for Windows and Office, uploading PowerShell scripts to GitHub that allow users to activate Windows and perpetual-license Office versions without paying licensing fees. Their tool, TSforge, supports activation for Windows versions 7, 8.x, 10, and 11, as well as Office versions from 2010 onward, excluding Microsoft 365 subscriptions. The scripts require minimal technical expertise and have been tested successfully on fresh installations of Windows 11 and updated Windows 10 machines. Massgrave acknowledges their actions as piracy and does not accept donations, emphasizing the ethical implications. The safety of the scripts is questioned, as there is a risk of malicious actors cloning their work. Microsoft is aware of the situation and plans to take action against unauthorized use of their software.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

Amazon to shutter app store for Android devices

Amazon will close its Appstore for Android devices on August 20 of this year, and developers will no longer be able to submit new applications. The decision is part of a strategic shift to enhance user experience on Amazon's own devices. The Appstore will still be available on Amazon's Fire TV, Fire Tablet, and other built-in products. Developers can submit updates for existing applications until the service ends. Additionally, Amazon will discontinue its Amazon Coins program on the same date and will refund any remaining coins in user accounts.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

Amazon Shuts Down Appstore for Android Phones After 14 Years: No More Apps Coming to the Platform

Amazon will close its Appstore for Android smartphones on August 20, marking the end of its mobile app initiatives after over a decade of challenges. The Appstore, launched in 2011, struggled to compete with Google Play Store and had only 0.1% installation on Android devices by its shutdown announcement. Existing users can continue to use downloaded apps until at least August 2025, but Amazon has stopped selling Amazon Coins. The closure coincides with ongoing antitrust scrutiny of Google. Amazon will still operate its Appstore for Fire devices, which use a modified version of Android.