sets Archives

AppWizard

June 11, 2025

After a weekend packed with game reveals, I can’t stop thinking about Clockwork Revolution’s time-traveling shenanigans

Clockwork Revolution is a steampunk RPG shooter developed by inXile Entertainment, known for titles like Wasteland 3 and Torment: Tides of Numenera. The game features a blend of humor and innovative gameplay mechanics, set in a visually striking steampunk world. The release window is unspecified, but excitement is high among gamers and industry watchers.

AppWizard

June 10, 2025

Google details its future Android 16 plans this year, and highlights new features

Google's developer blog details the upcoming Android 16 SDK release, set for a significant update in Q4 2025, with a Q3 update introducing the Material 3 Expressive redesign. The official launch of Android 16 on June 10 includes features such as "outline text" for Accessibility settings, Adaptive Apps for foldable devices, and consistent progress notifications. Beta testers can opt out of the program to receive the stable version if they haven't joined the Android 16 QPR1 Beta. Key enhancements focus on app experiences on larger displays, including adaptive functionality and real-time tracking for activities. Improvements in mobile photography include night mode scene detection and UltraHDR capabilities. Accessibility is improved with the new "outline text," and privacy features include defenses against intent redirection attacks and location masking when pairing devices. Additional performance optimizations involve 16KB pages and updates to JobScheduler and Android Runtime. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL features a 6.8-inch display, advanced AI software, and a larger battery.

Tech Optimizer

June 10, 2025

Why Instacart Moved to Postgres & pgvector to Boost Semantic Search

Instacart serves 14 million daily users and manages billions of products, necessitating advanced search capabilities that go beyond keyword matching to understand user intent. The search system must reflect real-time inventory changes, leading to significant workloads on the database. Instacart transitioned from Elasticsearch and FAISS to a hybrid architecture using Postgres and pgvector, improving search performance and reducing write workloads by tenfold. This normalization allowed for better storage of machine learning features and improved flexibility. Moving compute closer to storage with NVMe resulted in a twofold increase in search performance. Instacart's migration to pgvector eliminated data duplication and operational complexity, enhancing search quality and user satisfaction, evidenced by a 6% decrease in searches with zero results.

AppWizard

June 8, 2025

I found an Android weather app that looks like Google made it

Google overhauled its weather app, replacing the weather frog with a new Pixel Weather app for the Pixel 9, which can now be accessed through Google Search. Users expressed dissatisfaction with the need to search for the frog, leading to the emergence of a third-party app called Weather Master. In a poll, 59% of users reported using whatever weather app is pre-installed on their phone, 38% used a third-party app, and 3% did not use a weather app at all. Weather Master features an animated frog, displays current temperature and forecasts, offers a Quick Summary section, and provides clothing and activity suggestions. It allows for customization and includes a radar function, though it has limitations in depth of information and visual data transitions. Despite its flaws, Weather Master is considered user-friendly and has become a preferred choice for some users over Google's official offering.

BetaBeacon

June 8, 2025

Best new mobile games on iOS and Android – June 2025 round-up

Puzzle & Dragons 0 is a mobile game that combines match-three puzzling with combat. The game retains the original look and mechanics but removes gacha elements, allowing players to add new monsters to their team using crystals won in dungeons. The game is complex and requires time to master skills and team buffs. In-app purchases include removing ads and unlimited stamina.

Tech Optimizer

June 7, 2025

CISA Warns of Rising Play Ransomware Threat to Infrastructure

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued a critical advisory on December 18, 2023, regarding the rising threat of Play Ransomware, which targets various organizations, particularly critical infrastructure and public sector entities. The advisory details the tactics used by Play Ransomware actors, including exploiting unpatched systems and phishing campaigns, leading to severe consequences like data encryption and high ransom demands. The ransomware can disable antivirus software and exfiltrate sensitive data before encryption. Play Ransomware employs double extortion tactics, threatening to leak stolen data if ransoms are not paid. CISA recommends organizations prioritize patch management, implement multi-factor authentication, train employees to recognize phishing attempts, and maintain regular offline data backups. The advisory calls for collaboration between public and private sectors to combat this threat and emphasizes the importance of information sharing to stay ahead of ransomware tactics.

Winsage

June 6, 2025

Microsoft shares script to restore inetpub folder you shouldn’t delete

Microsoft has released a PowerShell script to help restore the C:Inetpub folder, which is crucial for addressing a high-severity privilege escalation vulnerability associated with Windows Process Activation. The folder's unexpected appearance after the April 2025 Windows security updates led some users to delete it, inadvertently exposing their systems to vulnerabilities. Microsoft emphasizes that the folder should not be deleted, as it is integral to the security framework, regardless of whether Internet Information Services (IIS) is active. The script allows administrators to recreate the folder with the correct permissions and access control settings.

BetaBeacon

June 6, 2025

‘FIFA Rivals’ Game Launching Next Week on iOS, Android

FIFA Rivals, a mobile soccer game, is set to launch on iOS and Android on June 12. Adidas will be featured in the game with branded kits, jerseys, shoes, and a training facility.

AppWizard

June 6, 2025

Fill the Marathon-shaped hole in your life with Supplice, the best prog-heavy boomer shooter you’ve never heard of

Bungie's reboot of the classic FPS series Marathon was absent from the recent State Of Play showcase, facing scrutiny over allegations of aesthetic plagiarism. In contrast, the early access game Supplice, inspired by Marathon, features fast-paced gameplay, a robust shotgun, and labyrinthine levels. It includes exposition-filled terminals and a progressive metal soundtrack. The latest episode, titled 'An Anthem of Hammers', introduces new gameplay elements such as the heat-proof Lava Suit, five new enemy types, a new boss, and the Fission Dynamo weapon. Supplice is built on the GZDoom engine and aims for a total of six episodes, with the first four currently available for £8 on Steam. It is also offered in a discounted bundle with another title, Incision, for £13.

AppWizard

June 6, 2025

Save $10 On This Premium Minecraft Chess Set

The Noble Collection is known for its imaginative chess sets, including the Star Trek, Lord of the Rings, and Minecraft Chess Sets. The Minecraft Chess Set features a wood-like board with a grass-like playing field and includes pieces representing characters like Steve, Alex, and various mobs from the game. Each piece is up to 4 inches tall and designed to resemble marbled stone or obsidian. The board separates into four sections for easy storage. A Minecraft Movie is set to release on June 24, with various Blu-ray formats available, including a 4K Steelbook and an exclusive Collector’s Crafting Table Edition at Walmart. Other themed chess sets inspired by franchises like Minions, Jurassic Park, Batman, and Mario are also available, while the Legend of Zelda Chess Set is currently sold out.