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AppWizard
June 11, 2025
Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto Online has 20 million monthly active players as of April 2025, its highest engagement since June 2022. Many of these players also engage with other popular games, particularly Fortnite, Roblox, Call of Duty, and Minecraft, with an 11% overlap of GTA Online players with Minecraft. Despite its large user base, there has been a 19% decline in average playtime among gamers who play both GTA Online and Minecraft on PlayStation. This trend suggests that player engagement with GTA Online can fluctuate based on the popularity of competing titles.
AppWizard
June 11, 2025
The SAG-AFTRA performers' union has reached a tentative agreement with major video game companies, including Activision, EA, and Epic Games, regarding its interactive media contract. This agreement is set for review and approval by SAG-AFTRA's board. Video game performers have been on strike since July 2024, advocating for protections related to artificial intelligence in game development. The agreement includes important A.I. guardrails to protect performers' interests. Fran Drescher, president of SAG-AFTRA, emphasized the strength and resolve of the performers and noted that the progress achieved is a result of their collective efforts. The union plans to begin preparations for future negotiations following the ratification of this agreement.
Tech Optimizer
June 10, 2025
Norton 360 Deluxe is a comprehensive antivirus solution that offers extensive security features, including protection against botnets, brute force attacks, and vulnerabilities related to file and print sharing. It provides webcam protection, secure application sandboxing, and a Safe Search feature for risky websites. Users can create a rescue disk for emergencies. Scanning capabilities include quick scans, full scans, targeted folder scans, and a pre-boot deep scan, with the full scan completing in about four minutes. Parental controls allow management of screen time and website access across devices, while the included VPN can disable internet access if a compromised site is visited. Performance testing showed that Norton 360 Deluxe efficiently processed 927,000 files in about four minutes on various devices, significantly outperforming competitors like Bitdefender and McAfee. The Startup Scan feature is thorough but takes longer. The VPN maintained download speeds without noticeable degradation. Additional features include privacy monitoring tools, performance checks for outdated software, junk file removal, and limited cloud backup support for Windows devices. The user-friendly interface highlights key features and includes a search function for easy navigation. Norton provides 24/7 support through online chat and phone, with no email support available. The initial interaction with the virtual agent was efficient, followed by prompt human support.
Tech Optimizer
June 10, 2025
Databricks acquired Neon for billion, which specializes in serverless PostgreSQL services and claims that 80% of its databases are generated by AI. This acquisition aims to integrate Neon's architecture into the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform. Snowflake acquired Crunchy Data for [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: In recent weeks, the landscape of database technology has witnessed significant shifts as both Snowflake and Databricks have strategically utilized their acquisition funds to enhance their offerings in the PostgreSQL domain. Databricks Acquires Neon In May, Databricks, known for its data lake solutions built around Apache Spark, made headlines by acquiring Neon for a reported billion in equity. Neon specializes in serverless PostgreSQL services and has made a remarkable claim that 80 percent of the databases it provisions are generated automatically by AI agents rather than human intervention. This acquisition is poised to integrate Neon's innovative architecture into the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform, enabling developers and enterprise teams to efficiently construct and deploy AI-driven systems. Snowflake's Purchase of Crunchy Data Following this, at the beginning of the month, Snowflake, a prominent player in the cloud data warehouse sector, announced its acquisition of Crunchy Data for 0 million. Crunchy Data is recognized for providing PostgreSQL clusters that support both transactional and analytical systems across various environments, including managed cloud services, Kubernetes deployments, and on-premises solutions. Snowflake plans to leverage this acquisition to develop "Snowflake Postgres," allowing users to run any Postgres-dependent application directly on its data and analytics platform. Strategic Insights from Industry Leaders Databricks CEO and co-founder Ali Ghodsi articulated the vision behind the Neon acquisition, emphasizing the intent to attract not only startups but also enterprise customers. He noted that approximately 70 percent of their clientele operates legacy databases that are costly and stagnant. Ghodsi highlighted the eagerness of enterprises to transition to modern solutions that align with the demands of the AI era, revealing that extensive discussions over the past six months confirmed strong interest in the acquisition. Henry Cook, a senior director analyst at Gartner, remarked on the implications of these acquisitions for both Snowflake and Databricks. He pointed out that their historical focus on analytical systems positions them well to penetrate the operational and transactional market over time. Cook noted a growing trend towards the integration of transactional and analytical systems, where transactional data feeds into analytical frameworks, allowing for real-time insights and feedback. This evolution could enable users to create applications that blend both analytical and transactional functionalities. Impact on the PostgreSQL Community For the PostgreSQL community, these developments signify a promising expansion of choices and support for the open-source database. Robin Schumacher, a senior research director and analyst at Gartner, highlighted the challenges faced by data warehouse and analytic vendors attempting to enter the operational database management system (DBMS) market. While companies like Teradata and Vertica have struggled, Snowflake's introduction of Unistore has seen limited traction. Schumacher believes that the trust associated with PostgreSQL could provide both Snowflake and Databricks a unique opportunity to succeed where others have faltered." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] million, known for providing PostgreSQL clusters for various environments, to develop "Snowflake Postgres" for running Postgres-dependent applications on its platform. Databricks CEO Ali Ghodsi noted the intent to attract enterprise customers transitioning from legacy databases. Gartner's Henry Cook mentioned the potential for integrating transactional and analytical systems, while Robin Schumacher highlighted the opportunities for Snowflake and Databricks in the PostgreSQL community amidst challenges faced by other vendors.
AppWizard
June 10, 2025
The PC Gaming Show 2025 featured a variety of game trailers, announcements, and interviews. Key highlights include: - Ambrosia Sky: A narrative-driven game with stunning visuals. - Far Far West: An immersive world filled with adventure. - Dungeons & Dragons Neverwinter Nights 2: Enhanced Edition: An enhanced version of the classic RPG. - Fresh Tracks: A rhythm game with combat and heavy metal music, featuring voice work from Peter Stormare. - Terminull Brigade: An action roguelike with contrasting aesthetic styles. - Ratatan: A roguelike rhythm game with online co-op for up to four players. - Moomintroll: A whimsical game based on its source material. - Necesse: A procedurally generated world supporting hundreds of players. - Den of Wolves: A four-player co-op heist FPS set in a techno-thriller future. - All Systems Dance: A rhythm and strategy game about toppling a tech billionaire, entering early access in August. - Spooky Express: A puzzle game set in a Halloween-themed amusement park. - The Rogue Prince of Persia: A fast-paced action game returning with a new trailer. - Enginefall: A survival and crafting game set on trains, releasing in 2026. - EVE Frontier: A hardcore space survival MMO with a Founders Access program. - SkyRig: A game promising an engaging experience in a unique setting. - Kaizen: A Factory Story: A factory management puzzle game with a demo available soon. - Dawn Apart: A space colonization and factory simulation game arriving on Steam later this year. - Modulus: A factory simulation game with intricate mechanics. - Generation Exile: A game about rebuilding society on a generation ship. - The Alters: A sci-fi survival game from the developers of Frostpunk. - Pathfinder: Abomination Vaults: A fantasy RPG with magic and combat specialists. - Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault: A game combining store management with action. - Barotrauma: Home and Harbor: An expansion of underwater survival mechanics. - No, I'm Not a Human: A game where players navigate a world that only allows humans. - Botsu: A playful sports game with ragdoll physics. - No More Room in Hell 2: Updates and new content promised for summer. - Farever: A game with unique gameplay mechanics. - Mandrake: A fresh take on familiar genres. - Pizza Bandit: A quirky third-person shooter combining pizza cooking and alien shooting. - Demonschool: A game with an engaging narrative. - The Last Caretaker: A survival shooter with a unique aesthetic. - Railborn: A game developing intriguing gameplay elements. - Voyagers of Nera: A vibrant world exploration game. - ICARUS: Great Hunts: A DLC expanding the PvE survival experience. - Garbage Country: A tower defense game in a post-apocalyptic setting. - DarkSwitch: A fast-paced action game. - Spirit X Strike: A game with a dynamic combo system. - Worship: Players act as a cult leader. - Stars of Icarus: Building anticipation among fans. - 007 First Light: Behind-the-scenes look at the new game from IO Interactive. - goblinAmerica: A psychedelic FPS experience. - EverSiege: Untold Ages: Continuing to develop unique gameplay mechanics. - PIGFACE: A gritty assassination sandbox FPS. - TerraTech Legion: Expanding its universe with new features. - Paralives: Showcasing life simulation features. - Lost Rift: A survival and extraction shooter. - Hell Clock: A dark action RPG. - Militsioner: An immersive sim under constant surveillance. - Arcane Eats: A cooking simulation with deckbuilding. - Guntouchables: A co-op roguelike emphasizing action. - Ultrakill: Showcasing impressive level design. - Stario Haven Tower: A city-building game in the sky. - Dispatch: Managing a team of former supervillains. - Wheel World: An open world exploration game. - FBC Firebreak: A cooperative shooter set in the Oldest House. - Anno 117: Pax Romana: Launching on November 17, allowing city management. - Baby Steps: A unique twist on the power fantasy. - Warhammer 40K: Darktide: New class addition. - Endless Legend 2: Early access on August 7, 2025. - Berserk or Die: A chaotic retro-style battlefield game. - Mycopunk: A co-op FPS with humorous gameplay. - Blippo+: Navigating an alien TV network. - Morbid Metal: Controlling multiple characters simultaneously. - Love Eternal: A psychological horror experience. - Bus Bound: Cozy gameplay mechanics. - Atmosfar: Early access in 2026 for a serene survival experience. - Void/Breaker: Engaging gameplay with destructible environments. - Grave Seasons: Unique gameplay mechanics. - Eyes of Hellfire: Dark themes and engaging narrative. - Deadwire: Fast-paced action with a top-down perspective. - Dinkum: Life simulation and exploration. - Abyssus: A cooperative FPS adventure releasing on August 12. - Ascendant: Chaotic multiplayer shooting experiences. - Mewgenics: An endless cat breeding RPG releasing on February 10, 2026. - Dead Reset: Developing intriguing gameplay mechanics. - Bernband: Showcasing unique gameplay elements. - Wanderburg: A captivating world to explore. - Void Martyrs: A grimdark narrative. - CloverPit: Combining slot machine mechanics with action gameplay. - Eclipsium: Haunting visuals and atmosphere. - Trash Goblin: Transitioned to a full story campaign. - Whiskerwood: A whimsical city-building experience. - Outbound: A cozy camper van simulation. - Capy Castaway: An exploration adventure aiming for release in 2026.
AppWizard
June 9, 2025
The premiere event for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach took place at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles, hosted by Geoff Keighley. The event featured a glimpse of an early boss fight with a character named Neil and introduced new gameplay elements, including a tar cannon and a blood boomerang. The panel discussion included Hideo Kojima and actors like Troy Baker, who expressed admiration for Kojima's work, but some attendees felt overwhelmed by the praise. Despite the event's aim to generate excitement, it left some viewers feeling underwhelmed and cautious about the game's release.
Winsage
June 9, 2025
The ROG Xbox Ally X is a handheld console with a 7-inch display, set to launch during the holiday season. It weighs 715 g (1.58 lbs), making it the heaviest handheld on the market. The console operates on Windows and comes pre-loaded with Steam, Battle.net, and Discord. Despite its impressive features and graphics, concerns about its ergonomics and comfort during prolonged use were raised after a short gameplay session. Feedback from other attendees indicated that some found the device comfortable, likening it to an Xbox controller.
AppWizard
June 8, 2025
Blue Isle Studios has announced the upcoming launch of "Guardians of the Wild Sky," an open-world survival crafting game for PC via Steam, set to release this summer. Players will explore a vibrant world filled with magical creatures called Guardians, who assist them in their adventures. The game features a vast environment with unique floating biomes, allowing players to sail on airships and construct various structures. Key features include capturing and bonding with Guardians, a comprehensive breeding system, a robust crafting system for tools and items, and the ability to face challenges from Cultists and ancient beasts. The game offers both solo and cooperative multiplayer modes for up to five players, with customizable server options.
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