NewApp Digest
search bot

sovereignty

Russia’s Max Messenger Removed From Google Play
AppWizard
July 16, 2026

Russia’s Max Messenger Removed From Google Play

Max, a messaging application launched by VK in 2025 and endorsed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, was removed from Google’s Play marketplace on July 16, 2023. The app does not provide end-to-end encryption, raising concerns about government access to user communications. This removal is part of a trend affecting other VK-owned applications, coinciding with recent EU sanctions targeting VK Company and its subsidiary Communication Platform LLC, which oversees the Max app. The EU characterized Max as having extensive surveillance features used against critics of Russia's military actions in Ukraine. Apple also removed Max from its App Store in June without explanation. Max aims to be an all-encompassing platform for messaging, social media, digital identification, payments, banking, and government services, which critics say could enhance government monitoring of citizens. The Russian government has implemented strict measures against foreign social media platforms and previously enacted a ban on Telegram in 2026, which faced public backlash.
EU sanctions target Russian state-backed messaging app
AppWizard
July 13, 2026

EU sanctions target Russian state-backed messaging app

Moscow is promoting Max, a super-app that consolidates various digital services, while cracking down on messaging platforms WhatsApp and Telegram. The Russian government has required civil servants and state-owned enterprises to use Max for communications. The EU has imposed sanctions on VK, the media conglomerate behind Max, due to concerns that the app is monitored by the FSB and has surveillance capabilities that suppress dissent regarding Russia's actions in Ukraine. Max, which is compared to China's WeChat, integrates social media, messaging, and access to government services. President Putin has called Max a "secure" alternative, but EU officials have expressed skepticism, seeing it as part of a strategy to create a "digital iron curtain" in Russia amidst ongoing international sanctions.
Why most AI projects fail: It’s infrastructure and people
Tech Optimizer
July 6, 2026

Why most AI projects fail: It’s infrastructure and people

AI technology faces significant criticism for its low success rates in delivering business results, with studies indicating a 95% failure rate for enterprise AI solutions and only 9% of organizations in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa achieving measurable outcomes from AI initiatives. Four main shortcomings hinder the transition of AI prototypes to production: 1. Deployment Flexibility: Prototyping environments often lack the necessary flexibility for large-scale production deployment, particularly in regulated sectors. 2. Data Sovereignty: Production transitions can complicate data sovereignty at enterprise and regional levels. 3. Reliability: High availability is crucial for production environments, but vendor-managed platforms may not guarantee seamless upgrades or hardware swaps without downtime. 4. Disconnect in Tool Selection: Developers often choose tools for prototyping without considering production implications, leading to difficulties in scaling. The shortage of database administrators (DBAs) is exacerbated by the increasing use of AI tools, with 84% of developers utilizing them according to a 2025 survey. To address these challenges, Merrick suggests leveraging AI DBA agents to support human DBAs and improve database management efficiency. He emphasizes the need for both robust data infrastructure and enhanced operational support to improve the success rates of AI prototypes.
EDB Postgres AI Launch: Shifting To Autonomous, Sovereign Data For The AI Era
Tech Optimizer
June 26, 2026

EDB Postgres AI Launch: Shifting To Autonomous, Sovereign Data For The AI Era

EnterpriseDB (EDB) introduced the EDB Postgres AI (EDB PG AI) platform on June 23, 2026, designed for AI applications to operate directly on live data rather than outdated copies from cloud data lakes. The platform allows organizations to host AI models, live data, and enterprise regulations within their infrastructure, reducing vendor lock-in and protecting regulated data. The EDB PG AI platform features a self-optimizing system that transforms PostgreSQL into an autonomous database, monitoring over 200 metrics for automated tuning and scaling. EDB claims performance troubleshooting can be up to 10 times faster, with issues resolved in minutes instead of the traditional 60 to 90 minutes. It also includes a converged query interface that integrates various data types into a unified engine, enabling AI agents to access authorized live data. An agent governance framework will be introduced in late 2026 to address risks associated with AI operations. EDB collaborates with IBM Power for a robust AI-ready infrastructure and integrates Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform for enhanced management capabilities.
EDB launches agentic Postgres AI with governance tools
Tech Optimizer
June 26, 2026

EDB launches agentic Postgres AI with governance tools

EDB has introduced new features for its Postgres AI platform, including an agentic database and converged analytics capabilities, allowing enterprises to run AI agents alongside transactional workloads on a unified PostgreSQL foundation. The platform includes governance tools that position control mechanisms at the data layer and integrates AI processing with operational data, enabling businesses to connect live records with AI systems without transferring sensitive information. The agentic database can monitor over 200 metrics, identify issues, suggest changes, and apply fixes automatically based on user-defined policies. It consolidates various data types through a single SQL interface, significantly accelerating database tuning processes and enhancing application performance. EDB has also expanded its analytics capabilities with a zero-ETL architecture for real-time analysis and large-scale warehousing. EDB PG AI for ClickHouse targets real-time analysis, while EDB PG AI for WarehousePG focuses on historical analysis at petabyte scale. The platform claims up to 30 times faster query performance compared to legacy systems and improved scaling efficiency. EDB's platform integrates vector search and retrieval for AI agents, demonstrating lower query latency and higher retrieval accuracy than competitors. NTT East is using EDB PG AI for AI-driven network operations, while the governance feature manages agent access at the data querying point using native Postgres roles and row-level security. The platform can be deployed on-premises, in hybrid environments, or across cloud infrastructures, with partnerships including Dell, IBM, Nvidia, Red Hat, and Supermicro.
5 apps you should use instead of Google Password Manager
AppWizard
June 21, 2026

5 apps you should use instead of Google Password Manager

Google Password Manager is easy to set up but can be restrictive in sharing vaults, exporting data, and transitioning to different platforms, leading users to seek third-party password managers for better flexibility and control. A recent poll indicated the reasons users consider alternatives: 34% for more privacy and security, 22% for better cross-platform support, 18% for more control over data, 6% for advanced features, 3% for better sharing options, and 17% would not switch. Bitwarden is recommended for its open-source nature, independent audits, and a free tier with no limits on devices or passwords. The premium plan is priced attractively, and a family plan is available. 1Password offers a polished interface and features like a Watchtower tool and Travel Mode, with a 14-day trial available before an annual subscription. Proton Pass is known for its privacy reputation, has a generous free tier, and offers a Pass Plus plan with additional features. NordPass provides an intuitive experience with a straightforward migration process, but its free tier is limited to one active device, while the premium plan is competitively priced. KeePassXC is a free and open-source tool that allows local storage of encrypted vaults, prioritizing data sovereignty and security, though its complexity may deter casual users.
Microsoft’s AI strategy feels like a beta test — at the expense of Windows and Office
Winsage
June 20, 2026

Microsoft’s AI strategy feels like a beta test — at the expense of Windows and Office

Microsoft has shifted its focus towards generative AI, beginning with its investment in OpenAI in 2019. CEO Satya Nadella has indicated a departure from the company's traditional software-centric vision, emphasizing the need for transformation in light of the AI revolution. The adoption of Windows 11 has been slow, with a survey showing that 30% of HP PCs still run Windows 10, which will reach the end of support on October 14, 2025. Organizations like The Restart Project are helping users transition to Windows 11, while critics argue that Microsoft's upgrade requirements lead to premature obsolescence of functional PCs. Microsoft has launched the Windows K2 program to address user feedback and is exploring an agentic AI operating system. In response to potential EU antitrust fines, Microsoft has unbundled Teams from Office 365, offering a lower-cost option without the collaboration tool. This move has led to a lawsuit from Salesforce, alleging anticompetitive practices. Alternatives like LibreOffice and Euro-Office are emerging, but experts believe they pose limited immediate threats. Additionally, the French government plans to shift from Windows to Linux and replace Microsoft Teams with a domestic platform by 2027. Microsoft's AI initiatives have faced challenges, including backlash over the automatic installation of the Copilot AI app, which was temporarily suspended due to user complaints. Shareholders have filed a class action lawsuit, claiming the company overstated Copilot's success and failed to disclose a revenue decline in Azure. Analysts warn that continued investment in AI without meeting expectations may lead to significant challenges for Microsoft. Reports suggest that Azure was rushed to market, resulting in talent loss and performance issues.
silver Android smartphone
Tech Optimizer
June 20, 2026

EDB Reports Growing Adoption of Postgres AI as Enterprises Build Sovereign AI Foundations

EnterpriseDB (EDB) reported increased global adoption of its EDB Postgres AI (EDB PG AI) platform for managing mission-critical workloads. Research by MIT Technology Review Insights found that organizations prioritizing AI and data sovereignty achieve five times the return on investment. The Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK) migrated 15 core systems to EDB PG AI, reducing licensing costs and enhancing operational flexibility. Shinhan EZ Insurance transitioned its core system to the public cloud using EDB PG AI, achieving 24/7 service and scalability for AI workloads. Other companies like MNTN, Euronext FX, and Kyobo Book Centre are also leveraging EDB PG AI for various applications. EDB has received industry recognition, including being named among the most innovative companies in data and awarded for its data management solutions. EDB PG AI integrates transactional, analytical, and AI workloads, providing a secure and scalable platform for enterprises.
Search