tech Archives

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Google to block sideloading of apps from unverified developers on Android devices from next year: All you need to know

Google will implement a developer verification program for Android app installations starting next year, requiring all developers to be verified by Google to install apps on certified Android devices. This new requirement extends to third-party app developers and will apply to smartphones with pre-installed Google Services, excluding custom ROMs and certain Chinese devices. Developers distributing apps outside the Play Store must register on a new Android Developer Console for verification. Testing begins in October, with access for all developers by March 2026, and the rollout starts in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand in September 2026, potentially expanding globally in 2027. Google cites internal data showing sideloaded apps pose a significantly higher risk of malware and aims to establish developer identity to reduce this risk. The changes may also be influenced by a recent antitrust ruling related to third-party app stores.

Tech Optimizer

August 26, 2025

How we loaded a petabyte into PostgreSQL before New Year — and what happened next

A team decided to test PostgreSQL's capabilities with a one-petabyte database, setting a challenge for December 10, with a report due by January 20. They initially sought cloud storage but found no provider could meet their requirement for a single chunk of storage, leading them to rent physical servers. They used Shardman, a distributed database engine, to manage the database across seven servers. They employed the YCSB benchmark for performance testing and faced various challenges, including data loading issues and hardware problems. By January 15, they reached 863 terabytes of data generation, falling short of their petabyte goal, and documented their findings for future reference.

Winsage

August 26, 2025

Jump Start Me Up

Windows 95 celebrates its 30th anniversary, remembered for its launch event featuring Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer. The Hackster community has created innovative projects inspired by the OS, including: 1. Retro Handheld PC by Changliang Li: A handheld device made from 90s components that runs Windows 95 and offers a retro gaming experience. 2. Windows Wrist Watch 2.0 by Michael Darby: A watch powered by a Raspberry Pi 3 that displays Windows 95 on a HyperPixel 4.0 screen. 3. Windows 95-Themed Vape by Jason Gin: A vape modified to feature Windows 95 graphics, referencing the OS's infamous Blue Screen of Death and hardware issues.

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Poll: Do you like the new Google dialer?

Google has redesigned its Phone app with the Material 3 Expressive design and introduced the Calling Cards feature. User feedback is mixed: 43% support the changes, 33% appreciate some aspects, 17% dislike it, and 7% are indifferent. Positive reactions highlight larger buttons, a vibrant aesthetic, and full-screen contact photos, while criticisms include lag in speakerphone activation, complicated navigation, and changes to call answering gestures. Some users prefer the previous version, viewing the updates as unnecessary.

AppWizard

August 25, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Doom & Destiny Worlds, Nerd Survivors, Skel and Defense, more

This afternoon, there are app and game deals for Android enthusiasts, including Doom & Destiny Worlds, Nerd Survivors, Skel and Defense, and Front Armies [RTS]. The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is available at a [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: This afternoon presents a delightful opportunity for Android enthusiasts, with a selection of app and game deals that are sure to pique interest. Among the standout titles are Doom & Destiny Worlds, Nerd Survivors, Skel and Defense, and Front Armies [RTS]. Each of these games offers a unique experience, catering to a variety of gaming preferences. As you explore these enticing offers, don't overlook the significant discounts available on hardware. The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is currently available at an impressive 0 off, making it an attractive option for those in the market for a premium tablet. Additionally, Google’s TV Streamer (4K) is on sale, providing a chance to enhance your viewing experience at a reduced price. For smartphone aficionados, there’s a 0 discount on the unlocked Galaxy S25 Ultra, while the HP OmniBook X Flip 2-in-1 touchscreen Copilot+ PC is also seeing a new all-time low price. For those looking to upgrade their mobile devices, pre-ordering directly from the Google Store comes with enticing benefits. You can secure a FREE credit when pre-ordering select phones, including a noteworthy 0 credit on the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold. More Android app deals still live: Doom & Destiny Worlds Nerd Survivors Skel and Defense Front Armies [RTS] These deals present an excellent opportunity to enhance both your gaming library and tech arsenal, ensuring that you stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of mobile technology." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] discount, Google's TV Streamer (4K) is on sale, the unlocked Galaxy S25 Ultra has a [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: This afternoon presents a delightful opportunity for Android enthusiasts, with a selection of app and game deals that are sure to pique interest. Among the standout titles are Doom & Destiny Worlds, Nerd Survivors, Skel and Defense, and Front Armies [RTS]. Each of these games offers a unique experience, catering to a variety of gaming preferences. As you explore these enticing offers, don't overlook the significant discounts available on hardware. The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is currently available at an impressive 0 off, making it an attractive option for those in the market for a premium tablet. Additionally, Google’s TV Streamer (4K) is on sale, providing a chance to enhance your viewing experience at a reduced price. For smartphone aficionados, there’s a 0 discount on the unlocked Galaxy S25 Ultra, while the HP OmniBook X Flip 2-in-1 touchscreen Copilot+ PC is also seeing a new all-time low price. For those looking to upgrade their mobile devices, pre-ordering directly from the Google Store comes with enticing benefits. You can secure a FREE credit when pre-ordering select phones, including a noteworthy 0 credit on the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold. More Android app deals still live: Doom & Destiny Worlds Nerd Survivors Skel and Defense Front Armies [RTS] These deals present an excellent opportunity to enhance both your gaming library and tech arsenal, ensuring that you stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of mobile technology." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] discount, and the HP OmniBook X Flip 2-in-1 touchscreen Copilot+ PC is at an all-time low price. Pre-ordering select phones from the Google Store offers a FREE credit, including a [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: This afternoon presents a delightful opportunity for Android enthusiasts, with a selection of app and game deals that are sure to pique interest. Among the standout titles are Doom & Destiny Worlds, Nerd Survivors, Skel and Defense, and Front Armies [RTS]. Each of these games offers a unique experience, catering to a variety of gaming preferences. As you explore these enticing offers, don't overlook the significant discounts available on hardware. The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is currently available at an impressive 0 off, making it an attractive option for those in the market for a premium tablet. Additionally, Google’s TV Streamer (4K) is on sale, providing a chance to enhance your viewing experience at a reduced price. For smartphone aficionados, there’s a 0 discount on the unlocked Galaxy S25 Ultra, while the HP OmniBook X Flip 2-in-1 touchscreen Copilot+ PC is also seeing a new all-time low price. For those looking to upgrade their mobile devices, pre-ordering directly from the Google Store comes with enticing benefits. You can secure a FREE credit when pre-ordering select phones, including a noteworthy 0 credit on the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold. More Android app deals still live: Doom & Destiny Worlds Nerd Survivors Skel and Defense Front Armies [RTS] These deals present an excellent opportunity to enhance both your gaming library and tech arsenal, ensuring that you stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of mobile technology." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] credit on the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

AppWizard

August 25, 2025

Google Android Developer Identity Verification Policy 2026 – News and Statistics

Google will require all developers distributing Android applications outside of the Play Store to undergo identity verification starting globally in 2026. This policy aims to reduce malware threats and enhance user data protection. The verification process will begin with an early access program in October 2025, followed by mandatory verification in March 2026, initially enforced in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, with a wider rollout expected in 2027. Developers must provide their legal name, address, email, and phone number. Google will also create a separate account type for student and hobbyist developers. The Play Store has required developer verification since 2023.

Winsage

August 25, 2025

Microsoft slowly rolls out a button allowing Windows 10 users to refuse Windows 11

Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, and has introduced an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program that allows individual users to pay for continued security updates. A new feature will soon appear in the Windows Update section of the Settings menu to facilitate enrollment in the ESU program, which will be accessible to all users before the end-of-life date. Users can still enroll in the ESU program for a year after the support ends, even if they see the enrollment button after the deadline. Standard users will need to pay annually for these updates, but there are alternatives to access ESU, such as syncing settings to OneDrive or using Microsoft Rewards points.

Winsage

August 24, 2025

Microsoft confirms latest Windows 11 update is tanking streaming app performance

Microsoft's August 2025 Patch has introduced over 100 vulnerabilities, including a zero-day exploit affecting Windows Kerberos. Users have reported significant performance declines in streaming applications, particularly OBS and NDI Tools, characterized by severe lag and stuttering during streaming sessions when using the NDI protocol. Microsoft acknowledged that these issues arise after installing the update, specifically noting that severe stuttering, lag, and choppy audio/video may occur when using NDI for streaming or transferring audio/video feeds between PCs. The NDI team confirmed a drop in traffic linked to the Reliable User Datagram Protocol (RUDP), which is the default communication method for NDI, with performance degradation observed exclusively with RUDP connections. Microsoft has suggested potential workarounds, but a definitive fix may take time to implement.

Winsage

August 24, 2025

On This Day in 1995, Microsoft Debuted Windows 95, Complete With Music Composed by Brian Eno

On August 24, 1995, Microsoft unveiled Windows 95, a significant operating system in the Windows 9x family. The startup sound for Windows 95, known as “The Microsoft Sound,” was created by musician Brian Eno, who was approached by Microsoft in 1994. Eno produced a six-second audio clip that replaced the previous Windows 3.1 sound and also served as the shutdown audio. He created eighty-four variations before finalizing the sound, which was designed to be inspiring and universally appealing. The sound's cultural significance led to its preservation by the Library of Congress in 2025.

Winsage

August 24, 2025

Microsoft’s Windows 95 release was 30 years ago today, the first time software was a pop culture smash

Microsoft launched Windows 95 to the public three decades ago, marking a significant moment in tech history with a midnight launch event that attracted large crowds. The operating system combined Microsoft’s DOS and Windows products, introducing a new user interface featuring the Start Button. The official system requirements included an Intel 386DX processor, 4MB of RAM, a VGA display, and 55MB of hard drive space, with recommended specifications for enhanced features being a 486 or better CPU and 8MB of RAM. Windows 95 was packaged in a box with 13 to 15 floppy disks, and consumers could purchase a full installation or an upgrade from Windows 3.1, with a CD version also available. The launch price was , which is approximately 0 today, and on its first day, it generated million in sales, with one million copies shipped by the fourth day. By its one-year anniversary, Microsoft had shipped 40 million units globally. Windows 95 also influenced gaming, with 10 of the 11 top PC game publishers adopting it, and it coincided with the rise of web browsers optimized for the platform.