set Archives

Tech Optimizer

August 13, 2026

Electric joins Databricks to bring WASM Postgres to AI agent sandboxes

Databricks has acquired Electric, the team behind the open-source PGlite and real-time data synchronization technology, to enhance its Postgres capabilities. This acquisition aims to address challenges faced by AI developers in managing real-time, distributed state while minimizing network latency. Electric's technology will integrate with Databricks’ Lakebase infrastructure, allowing for production-scale Postgres capabilities in local execution environments. This development provides a unified Postgres standard for creating full-stack agentic applications across cloud and edge environments. Key features include local database access through PGlite within agent sandboxes and continuous real-time synchronization for multi-agent teams, maintaining central governance within Lakebase.

AppWizard

August 13, 2026

Hell Let Loose: Vietnam (PC) Review

Hell Let Loose: Vietnam has officially launched after a series of open betas and a brief delay. Expression Games has adapted the 50 vs 50 first-person combat experience from World War II to the Vietnam War, featuring dynamic firefights, strategic planning, expansive maps, and historically accurate weaponry. The game combines elements of an arcade shooter and a military simulator, with gameplay that is faster and more fluid than its predecessor. Players can swim, climb ladders, and utilize helicopters, gunboats, logistics trucks, and tanks, although vehicle controls can be clunky. The game has visual and technical challenges, including texture popping and difficulty in differentiating maps due to similar appearances. Recent improvements have been made in hit detection and overall stability. The game has received positive feedback despite its challenges, offering a unique take on the franchise.

AppWizard

August 13, 2026

4 Android Brands With The Worst Software Support

Android smartphones often have a trade-off between price and software support. Motorola typically offers two major Android updates and three years of security patches for flagship models, while mid-range devices receive only one Android update and two years of security patches. Motorola devices, like the Moto G line, are priced under 0 and provide solid battery life and camera performance. Xiaomi's software support varies, with models like the Xiaomi 14 and 15 receiving up to five years of patches starting in 2026, while entry-level models offer only two to three years of support. Imported Xiaomi devices, such as the Redmi Note or Poco X, feature AMOLED screens and rapid charging for under 0. TCL generally provides at least two years of security updates, but not all devices receive two Android version upgrades. TCL's Nxtpaper technology offers a unique display experience, and models like the TCL 60 XE Nxtpaper come with 8GB of RAM and a 120Hz screen. RedMagic promises two major Android updates and three years of security patches starting with the RedMagic 11 Pro. The RedMagic 11 Pro features high-end specifications, including the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and a 7,500mAh battery, priced around 9. Brands with subpar software support are identified by the number of promised major Android updates and the duration of security patches, with comparisons made against industry standards set by manufacturers like Google and Samsung.

AppWizard

August 13, 2026

2D toybox fighting game Knock Off: The Battle for Imagination launches in 2027 for PS5, Xbox Series, and PC

Bit Bot Media has announced its collaboration with Mechaghidora to publish the 2D toybox fighting game, Knock Off: The Battle for Imagination, set to launch in 2027 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC via Steam. The game features fast-paced combat, a roster of unique characters inspired by '80s and '90s toys, an arcade mode, online multiplayer battles, and a retro soundtrack. Players will control Johnny, who faces off against Maximus, his first brand-name action figure. The game aims to evoke nostalgia while providing an engaging gaming experience. A new trailer and screenshots have been released.

AppWizard

August 13, 2026

Big Walk review

A new cooperative puzzle game is set to be released on August 4, 2026, priced at £16. It is developed by House House and published by Panic, featuring a vibrant island setting that emphasizes teamwork. The game has been reviewed on a setup with an Intel i7 9700K processor, an RTX 4070 Ti graphics card, and 16GB of RAM, and it is verified for the Steam Deck.

AppWizard

August 13, 2026

Is Aptoide safe? I tried Android’s first alternative app store on Google Play

Google has introduced Aptoide, a decentralized marketplace for Android applications, to its Play Store following an antitrust ruling that requires Google to allow certified third-party app stores. Aptoide is available for installation in the US through the Play Store, while users outside the US can sideload it from its website. The Aptoide Games app is available on the Play Store but offers a limited selection of games, while the full Aptoide app, which has a broader range of software, must be sideloaded. Aptoide's safety depends on the applications installed, and while it previously had a feature to indicate safe apps, this is no longer present in the app. Users should verify app developers to ensure safety, as Aptoide allows anyone to upload apps.

AppWizard

August 13, 2026

Android Auto And Apple CarPlay Are Finally Coming To Boats In 2026

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will be integrated into all new pontoon boats manufactured by Balise and select models from Crest Marine starting in the 2027 model year. These boats will include compatibility with the Savvy Navy app, which offers navigation assistance, wave and tidal data, detailed nautical charts, weather updates, and information on nearby vessels. Buyers of 2027 models equipped with these technologies will gain access to Savvy Navy's Premium service tier. Crest Marine recently demonstrated this technology at an annual dealer meeting, showcasing its advanced nautical charts and navigation capabilities. The integration marks a shift from using personal devices to factory-installed units for accessing navigation technology.

Tech Optimizer

August 13, 2026

Enforcing TLS and managing certificate rotation for RDS and Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL

When an Amazon RDS certificate expires and the application’s trust store is outdated, it can cause connection failures. AWS announces Certificate Authorities (CA) rotation events in advance and provides management tools, but a lack of proactive certificate lifecycle management can lead to unplanned downtime. Default configurations for RDS and Amazon Aurora allow both encrypted and unencrypted PostgreSQL connections, which can expose sensitive data if not properly configured. AWS manages the Certificate Authority infrastructure and provisions server certificates, while users are responsible for enforcing TLS usage and managing the rotation lifecycle. Amazon RDS employs a managed Certificate Authority hierarchy that issues server certificates for each database instance, supporting TLS 1.2 and TLS 1.3. The solution to enforce TLS includes server-side enforcement with the rds.force_ssl parameter, client-side verification with the sslmode=verify-full parameter, and automated lifecycle monitoring using Amazon EventBridge, AWS Lambda, and Amazon CloudWatch. Prerequisites for implementing this solution include an AWS account with an Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL or Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL instance, IAM permissions for relevant services, a compatible PostgreSQL client, familiarity with Amazon RDS parameter groups, and the openssl CLI. The rds.force_ssl parameter controls whether Amazon RDS rejects non-SSL connections, with defaults varying by PostgreSQL version.

AppWizard

August 13, 2026

Cozy wizard life simulation game Aether Wizard Life launches in fall 2028 for PS5, Xbox Series, Switch 2, and PC

Kinetic Publishing has partnered with Vonder Games to release the life simulation game, Aether Wizard Life, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Switch 2, and PC via Steam, scheduled for fall 2028. Players will take on the role of a young apprentice mage in the haunted town of Starfall, starting each day in a customizable walking castle. Gameplay includes growing magical crops, caring for exotic creatures, exploring dungeons, and engaging with townsfolk for side quests. The game features over 30 wizard skills, customization options for the player's wizard, and the ability to pursue romantic relationships with 20 dateable NPCs. Key elements include mastery of magic, exploration of the haunted town, castle personalization, and assisting townsfolk while uncovering the mystery of missing mages. A new video and screenshots have been released to showcase the game.

AppWizard

August 13, 2026

Immortality creator Sam Barlow reveals his next game: A tale of visions of the future, and why they’re not always great

Sam Barlow introduced his new project, titled Precognition, during the Kinetic Publishing Showcase. The game is a sci-fi thriller developed by Barlow's Half Mermaid Productions in collaboration with horror director Brandon Cronenberg. Players will assume the role of Diana, who gains the ability to see the future through an implanted device in her brain, but this power has significant consequences. Early reviews have praised Precognition as Barlow's best game yet. The game is set to be released in spring 2028, and players can add it to their wishlist on Steam.