storage solutions Archives

AppWizard

September 2, 2026

Developer uses Claude Code to debloat Android smart TV for ‘unbelievable’ performance upgrade — TV now smoother than it was new as autonomous agent deactivates apps, shortens animations, all without root access

A developer, Mert Cobanov, optimized his smart TV using Claude Code, resulting in improved performance that surpasses its original state. He connected to his Android TV via ADB, deactivated unnecessary applications, and installed FLauncher without root access. Cobanov has created a website, "Clean up your Android TV," which provides a four-step process for others to achieve similar results. The process allows for reversibility, ensuring nothing is permanently uninstalled, and includes instructions for restoring specific apps if needed.

AppWizard

August 19, 2026

Google Photos could soon let you keep your phone awake all night for a good reason

Google Photos will introduce an "Overnight backup" feature to improve media backup on Android devices, addressing issues caused by background restrictions like Doze mode. Users must keep the app open, connect their device to a charger, and keep the phone unlocked while the screen dims to black during uploads. The feature aims to provide a reliable backup solution for large volumes of media. Users will receive guidance through the process, including reminders to stay on the app and keep the device charged. They can choose to use Wi-Fi or mobile data for backups, with Wi-Fi as the default. The app will alert users if their device overheats during the process and will notify free-tier users nearing storage limits. The feature is not yet available but reflects Google’s commitment to enhancing user experience.

Winsage

August 2, 2026

Microsoft Weekly: Xbox outage, fake Windows apps, new Windows 11 updates, and more

Microsoft has released two Cumulative Update Previews: KB5101681 for Windows 11, which includes calendar-based Windows Update pausing, a quieter Widgets experience, and enhanced accessibility features; and KB5101684 for Windows 10, which introduces Voice Isolation for Voice Access and new precision touchpad gesture controls. The company reported a record billion quarter for fiscal year 2026, with an 18% year-over-year increase, and Azure's annual revenue surpassed billion for the first time. Microsoft 365 Copilot's paid seat count exceeded 30 million. Xbox experienced a significant outage due to a failure in a shared licensing service, but services have since been restored. The Windows Insider Program released two Future Platforms builds that include features like Voice Isolation and a new scheduling system for updates. Wintoys transitioned to .NET 10 and Windows App SDK 2.3.1, while Notepad, Calculator, Clock, and Media Player received minor updates. Excel's July update added Power BI support and eliminated the AutoSave requirement. Microsoft confirmed its presence at Gamescom 2026, celebrating Xbox's 25th anniversary with 140 gaming stations and 25 playable titles. Double Fine laid off 23 employees, and Ubisoft canceled Project Maverick but is developing a new project. Xbox console owners can unlock PC versions of select games on Ubisoft Connect at no extra cost. Gears of War: E-Day introduced a new 12-player Horde Siege mode.

AppWizard

July 31, 2026

Gamers compress 80TB map of Minecraft’s oldest anarchy server down to a 15TB download — custom .zvcr compression format and 28 bots map 1 million blocks on infamous 2b2t server

A group of Minecraft enthusiasts has mapped the entire 2b2t server, resulting in a 15TB download that unpacks to an 80TB archive. The project, known as the 2b2tplace preservation project, began in 2024 and concluded in April 2026 after 22 months of work using 28 bot accounts to document over one million blocks across the Overworld, Nether, and End dimensions. The team developed a custom compression format called .zvcr to manage the large dataset, differing from the traditional .mca format.

AppWizard

July 31, 2026

Gamers compress 80TB map of Minecraft’s oldest anarchy server down to a 15TB download

A team of Minecraft enthusiasts has mapped the entire 2b2t server, resulting in a 15TB compressed download that can expand to an 80TB archive. The project, known as the 2b2tplace preservation initiative, began in 2024 and concluded in April 2026 after 22 months of work using 28 bot accounts to map over one million blocks across the Overworld, Nether, and End dimensions. The team developed a custom compression format (.zvcr) to achieve an 81.25% space savings, allowing the data to be stored more efficiently. The 2b2t server, which has been operational since 2010, is known for its lack of rules and moderation, fostering a unique anarchic environment. Despite preservation efforts, concerns exist among players about the server drifting from its original spirit.

AppWizard

July 16, 2026

This PC gamer turned old SSDs into gorgeous physical cartridges for Steam games

Sony has shifted away from disc-based gaming, sparking discussions about the future of physical game releases. A PC gamer, Jibril-sama, has created a cartridge-based gaming experience using repurposed 2.5-inch SSDs for storage, which connect to a PC via a SATA dock. He developed a script that allows users to access and launch games on Steam automatically when the SSD is connected. This setup has been demonstrated on Linux but is likely adaptable for Windows. The Reddit community has reacted positively, sharing ideas for creating tangible Steam game libraries. However, concerns exist about the reliability of second-hand SSDs for long-term storage due to potential data loss.

AppWizard

July 15, 2026

PC gamer made “physical copies” of Steam games – they launch from SSD cartridges

Sony has decided not to release PlayStation games on discs, reigniting discussions about the value of physical game copies. A tech enthusiast named Jibril-sama has created "Steam Game Cartridges," which use affordable 2.5-inch SSD drives to store game distributions. Each mini-SSD has a capacity of 128 GB and can be programmed to open and launch games on Steam automatically. Jibril-sama repurposed used cartridges, transforming them into stylish storage solutions that resemble physical game copies for the Nintendo Switch. This approach addresses limited SSD space while appealing to gamers' nostalgia for physical media.

Winsage

July 5, 2026

The Curious Case of Windows 11 Pro for Workstations, Essentially Windows 11 “Pro Max”

Windows 11 Pro for Workstations, available since 2021, is a successor to Windows 10 Pro for Workstations. It focuses on performance and efficiency, lacking consumer bloat such as sponsored shortcuts. Key features include support for the Resilient File System (ReFS), which enhances fault-tolerant storage, and the ability to support up to four CPU sockets and a maximum memory capacity of 6 TB. Networking capabilities include support for SMB Direct client and RDMA, which improve performance for clustered AI inferencing setups. It also supports NVDIMM-N for enhanced workstation applications. Unlike Windows Server, it does not include a native NVMe SSD driver. Windows 11 Pro for Workstations is not available for direct purchase by end-users; it can only be obtained through OEM channels or the Windows for Business channel.

Tech Optimizer

June 25, 2026

The database storage problem is solved. Here’s what comes next.

Postgres has been a reliable transactional database for three decades, used for managing customer records and financial transactions. Innovations in the Postgres ecosystem are now focused on minimizing data movement rather than just data storage. The challenge of interoperability is becoming crucial, as organizations seek to share operational data seamlessly across various systems without creating additional copies or pipelines. Many organizations are spending as much effort on data movement as on data storage. Postgres is increasingly viewed as the authoritative system for critical information, and its role is evolving to facilitate better interaction with operational data. Technologies like logical replication and change data capture are enhancing Postgres's integration within data ecosystems. The rise of AI has highlighted the need for real-time access to operational data and has prompted organizations to reconsider the necessity of maintaining multiple copies of the same data. The database industry is shifting focus from optimizing storage to enabling effortless data sharing across systems. Postgres continues to adapt to new workloads and architectural patterns, maintaining its reputation as a stable foundation for operational data while expanding its capabilities through innovative extensions.

Tech Optimizer

June 24, 2026

EDB converges analytics on Postgres to support AI agents

EDB's per-core pricing model offers predictable costs compared to consumption-based cloud data platforms, aiding organizations in budgeting. However, predictable billing does not guarantee lower costs, as high-speed operational data processing requires more expensive hardware than lakehouse storage solutions. EDB's architecture, built on a unified Postgres-Iceberg foundation, streamlines data governance by reducing the need for multiple specialized data stores, leading to fewer platforms to manage and enhancing operational efficiency and data governance protocols.