tech Archives

AppWizard

June 24, 2026

Mid-week Android app deals and freebies: Google Play Mega Game Sale from $0.10, and more

A variety of Android game and app deals are available during Day 2 of Prime Day, featuring titles such as Planet of Lana, Incredibox, Same Room Same Day: Premium, Murders on Budapest, Argo’s Choice: Offline Game, Charlie in Underworld, Skel, Defense, and 7Days. The Google Play Mega Game Sale has launched, offering many games at discounted prices. Pixel smartphones are also discounted, with the Pixel 10 and 10 Pro XL starting at 4 (up to 5 off) and the Pixel 10a at a record low of 9. Additionally, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is available with savings of nearly 0 on new devices and up to 8 on open-box options from Best Buy.

AppWizard

June 24, 2026

Pixel testers are getting Android 17 QPR1 Beta 5: this is what’s important

Google has released Android 17 QPR1 Beta 5, which includes the June security patch and fixes for disappearing widgets. The update is available for enrolled Pixel devices with the build number vCP31.260608.007. It addresses issues related to the Game Dashboard, download functionalities, and camera corrections. Despite these improvements, Pixel users have reported problems with 5G connectivity and display performance. The previous Beta 4 introduced May's security enhancements and a new feature called Screen Reactions for content creators. Users experiencing issues are encouraged to report them through the Issue Tracker.

AppWizard

June 24, 2026

Government’s homegrown messaging app ‘NepaConnect’ appears on google play store

A government-developed messaging application named NepaConnect has been launched on the Google Play Store, aiming to provide a secure internal communications platform for state officials in Nepal. The initiative, disclosed by Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle, involves the creation of a sovereign digital infrastructure with a team of around 80 technical professionals. NepaConnect features include encrypted communication, document sharing, secure file storage, location sharing, voice messaging, document scanning, meeting scheduling, AI integration, status feeds, and ride-management services. The app is designed to centralize various workplace functions and reduce reliance on foreign communication platforms. However, details about its security standards, encryption protocols, and overall transparency remain limited. Currently, the application is in early development stages, with some features incomplete or non-functional. The future success of NepaConnect will depend on factors such as cybersecurity, user adoption, and the government's ability to encourage civil servants to switch from existing platforms.

Winsage

June 24, 2026

Windows 11 just got a major upgrade to PC recovery, and it finally protects your personal files

Microsoft has rolled out the point-in-time restore feature for all Windows 11 users, including those on Enterprise, Pro, and Home editions. This feature automatically generates restore points, allowing users to revert their systems to a previous state quickly, improving system recovery times from hours to minutes. Users need to have Windows 11 version 26H2 installed to utilize this feature.

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.

AppWizard

June 23, 2026

Prime Day Android app deals and freebies: Last Game, Friend of a Slime, True Skate, Undergrave, more

The 2026 Amazon Prime Day sale features significant discounts on various Android games and apps, including The Last Game, Friend of a Slime: Survivors, Cytus II, Bloons TD 6, Paths & Danger, True Skate, Undergrave - Tactical Roguelike, Icewind Dale: Enhanced Edition, and Evoland 2. Discounts are also available on Google Pixel devices, with the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10a at reduced prices, as well as Samsung Galaxy S26 and S26 Ultra devices. Additionally, TCL NXTPAPER Android tablets are starting at a low price.

Winsage

June 23, 2026

Why is Windows 11 so disliked by programmers – and can Microsoft do anything to change things?

Windows is experiencing a decline in favor among developers, with many preferring macOS and Linux for coding. Although nearly half of developers (49.5%) primarily work on Windows, this is often due to organizational mandates rather than personal preference. Developers interviewed did not select Windows as their preferred environment, citing concerns about Microsoft's developer experience, cumbersome tools, and security issues. The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) allows developers to run Linux environments on Windows 11, addressing some compatibility issues. However, there is a consensus that Microsoft should enhance WSL and align Windows more closely with Linux to attract more developers. Critics also point to the intrusive nature of ads and upselling in Windows 11 as detracting from the developer experience.

AppWizard

June 23, 2026

Reviewing Infdev+: Minecraft’s Most Ambitious Mod (ft. Yoniko)

A new feature on a leading video-sharing platform allows users to access content without the need for immediate account sign-ins, integrating a passive sign-in option. This aims to streamline the user experience and cater to the demand for instant access to videos, potentially increasing viewership and engagement metrics.

AppWizard

June 22, 2026

The Steam Machine is the most ambitious game console I’ve ever played

The Steam Machine retails starting at ,049 without a gamepad and ,128 bundled with one. Its performance does not significantly exceed that of the 5.5-year-old PS5, which offers sharper visuals in certain games. The Steam Machine operates more like a console than previous iterations, featuring a compact design and compatibility with modern gamepads. Valve claims to sell its components at cost, having negotiated with suppliers during a memory supply crisis. Users have reported technical issues, such as problems with the Steam Controller, sound output, and game downloads. The device requires manual adjustments for settings, lacks user-friendly configurations, and has questionable reliability with its sleep function. Valve plans to support AMD’s FSR 4 upscaling and is working on graphics driver updates. The Steam Machine is positioned as a versatile gaming and computing solution, but its limitations highlight the need for further refinement.

Tech Optimizer

June 22, 2026

How British Columbia’s Time Zone Changes Affect Postgres Systems

A new initiative has been launched to enhance user experience across various platforms by focusing on user-centric design, accessibility enhancements, and cross-platform compatibility. Developers are encouraged to adopt best practices, and user feedback will be integral to future updates. Community engagement is prioritized through workshops and forums, and partnerships with educational institutions are being explored to train a new generation of developers.