snapshots Archives

Winsage

March 24, 2026

A closer look at the Windows 11 features businesses rely on most

Windows 11 is a foundational platform for businesses, offering integrated productivity tools and compatibility with Microsoft 365, which enhances cybersecurity and IT management. Key security features include the requirement for TPM 2.0, Windows Hello for Business for secure sign-ins, and BitLocker device encryption enabled by default. The integration of Microsoft 365 Copilot allows AI-driven assistance for document creation and data analysis, streamlining workflows across applications like Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams. IT management is simplified with tools like Windows Autopilot for zero-touch provisioning and Microsoft Intune for remote device management. Windows 11 also improves performance with features like adaptive energy saver mode and Fast Startup, while plans to enhance user experience include reintroducing the ability to move and resize the Taskbar.

AppWizard

March 20, 2026

Minecraft 26.1 Release Candidate 2

The second release candidate for version 26.1 has been released, addressing an internationalization issue and fixing a bug (MC-306928) related to input method reverting to English when switching windows. The Release Candidates for Minecraft: Java Edition can be installed via the Minecraft Launcher by enabling snapshots. Players are advised to back up their data as testing versions may corrupt worlds. Cross-platform server jar options are available, and players are encouraged to report bugs and provide feedback.

AppWizard

March 17, 2026

Minecraft 26.1 Pre-Release 3

Today, the third pre-release of Minecraft: Java Edition has been released, featuring minor technical adjustments and essential bug fixes. The Data Pack version has been updated to 101.1, with the count field for Placement Modifiers now operating within a range of 0 to 4096. Bugs fixed in this pre-release include: - MC-305118: Resource packs labeled as "Broken or incompatible" now appear correctly. - MC-306240: The /fill command now adheres to the maxblockmodifications game rule. - MC-306620: Feeding a snifflet with a golden dandelion no longer resets its age incorrectly. - MC-306805: Baby zombie villagers' arm positioning has been adjusted for correct movement while holding items. - MC-306840: Dolphins no longer drown when no players are nearby. - MC-306850: Noise settings for caves and floating islands are functioning properly. - MC-306854: Discrepancies in villager trades between versions 1.21.11 and 26.1 snapshots have been clarified. - MC-306859: Clipping issues with the arms of baby zombies, baby husks, gurgles, and baby zombie villagers have been resolved. - MC-306860: Player object text components in server status messages are no longer replaced by fallback text. - MC-306898: Placed/configured features are now limited to 256 tries. - MC-306899: Inverted blocklists for the firepatch and soulfire_patch features have been fixed. The latest Pre-Releases can be installed via the Minecraft Launcher by enabling snapshots. Users are advised to back up their data as testing versions may corrupt worlds. The cross-platform server jar is also available for download.

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 4, 2026

Minecraft 26.1 Snapshot 11

The shipping room is preparing for the 26.1 snapshot, which includes various refinements, technical adjustments, and bug fixes. Players may face an issue where minimizing the game in Fullscreen mode prevents it from being maximized again. Changes include aligned textures for adult and baby Rabbits, new sound variants for Pigs, head rotation for Baby Goats, and updated textures for Baby Hoglins and baby Pandas. The Master Librarian no longer offers Name Tags but now provides Red and Yellow Candles for three Emeralds each, while the Wandering Trader offers Name Tags for one Emerald. The trumpet note block sound assets have been updated, and the Data Pack version is now 100, with a Resource Pack version of 83. New features include a new block state provider and adjustments to block states for Banners and Signs. A new tag, #preventsnearbyleaf_decay, has been added, and various special model types have been introduced for items like Bells and Books. Block state rendering has been adjusted for consistency, and several bugs have been fixed, including issues with Endermen, dragon eggs, and various textures. Snapshots are available for Minecraft: Java Edition, with instructions for installation and backup provided.

Winsage

February 26, 2026

Windows 11 25H2: When Release Preview suddenly plays beta

Users of Windows 11 25H2 in the Release Preview channel experienced an unexpected transition to the Beta channel after installing Build 26200.7921, as the Release Preview option disappeared from the selection menu due to a server configuration issue. This change forced Windows Update to download version 26220.7872 without user consent. The distinction between the channels is significant, with Release Preview operating within the 26200 band and Beta in the 26220 band. On February 25, 2026, Microsoft restored the Release Preview channel, allowing users to revert to it through a manual update. The Insider Program has evolved into a complex system involving build bands, server-side feature gates, telemetry evaluation, and dynamic channel assignment, which can lead to misconfigurations. Best practices for participants include regularly checking for updates, managing automatic installations, and maintaining recovery snapshots.

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

Minecraft 26.1 Snapshot 10

Players can expect several enhancements in the latest update, including new particle effects for the Golden Dandelion that indicate whether it is preserving youth or reintroducing aging to mobs. The heads of baby zombie mobs have been resized for better proportions, and various bug fixes have been implemented. Changes include: - Rectification of a pixel gap in the Snifflet texture. - Baby Striders now have animated bristles. - Striders inherit warmth from the Strider they are standing on. - Reduced head sizes for baby Zombie, Husk, and Drowned mobs. - Golden Dandelion displays green particles to indicate aging status. - Small Armor Stands now display adult armor correctly scaled down. Technical updates: - Data Pack version updated to 99.3. - Resource Pack version updated to 82. New particle effects introduced: - Pausemobgrowth particles for paused aging. - Resetmobgrowth particles for reset aging. Bug fixes include: - Resolved cross-platform CJK IME support issues. - Fixed tridents enchanted with riptide usage while riding. - Addressed visual issues with cacti in higher resolution texture packs. - Corrected behavior of worried pandas during thunderstorms. - Fixed clipping issues with baby mobs' legs and armor. - Ensured baby piglin and zombified piglin legs sync with adults. - Resolved rendering issues in Spectator mode. - Corrected armor display on small armor stands. - Adjusted farmer cookie sales from 18 to 4. Snapshots are available for Minecraft: Java Edition, and players are advised to back up their worlds before testing.

Tech Optimizer

February 23, 2026

Databricks Introduces Lakebase, a PostgreSQL Database for AI Workloads

Databricks has launched Lakebase, a serverless database solution based on PostgreSQL that allows independent scaling of compute and storage resources. It integrates with the Databricks platform, combining transactional and analytical functionalities. Lakebase aims to simplify real-time application and AI workload development by consolidating database management, analytics, and governance. Key features include instant data branching, point-in-time recovery, and unified access controls. It is designed to address the limitations of traditional operational databases, which struggle with modern AI demands. Lakebase offers a managed PostgreSQL service, supporting up to 8TB per instance and featuring pgvector for AI-driven search. It has been in development since June 2025, utilizing technology from the PostgreSQL company Neon and enhanced by the acquisition of Mooncake. Lakebase is available in Autoscaling and Provisioned versions, with the Autoscaling version billed based on usage. It is currently available on AWS, in public preview on Azure, and expected on Google Cloud later this year. SOC2 and HIPAA certifications are projected for early 2026.

AppWizard

February 20, 2026

Minecraft 26.1 Snapshot 9

26.1 Snapshot 9 addresses several issues, including: - MC-305579: Kittens repeatedly meow when snuggled up in bed. - MC-306456: The game crashes when an entity is outside the world height limits. - MC-306479: Entity shadows are elevated when a below_name scoreboard objective is active. Snapshots are available for Minecraft: Java Edition, and players are advised to back up their data before testing. A cross-platform server jar is also available for players.

AppWizard

February 19, 2026

Minecraft Java is switching from OpenGL to Vulkan for the Vibrant Visuals update

Work is progressing on the Vibrant Visuals update for Minecraft Java Edition, which involves a transition from OpenGL to Vulkan rendering technology. This change, announced by Mojang on February 18th, aims to enhance visual fidelity and performance while maintaining accessibility across various operating systems, including macOS and Linux. Mojang plans to use a translation layer for macOS users due to the lack of direct Vulkan support. Modders are advised to prepare for the transition, as it will require significant effort to update from OpenGL to Vulkan. Mojang encourages modders to move away from OpenGL and utilize internal rendering APIs. The rollout of Vulkan alongside OpenGL is expected to begin in development snapshots "sometime over the summer," allowing players to toggle between the two until Vulkan's performance and stability are confirmed. OpenGL will eventually be phased out.