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Microsoft brags Copilot key has main character energy on Windows 11, but you can soon remap it
Winsage
July 3, 2026

Microsoft brags Copilot key has main character energy on Windows 11, but you can soon remap it

Microsoft promoted the Copilot key on social media, branding it as a button with “main character energy,” despite acknowledging that it has negatively impacted productivity for some users. The company plans to allow remapping of the key in an upcoming Windows 11 update. User reactions to the promotion were largely critical, with many expressing dissatisfaction and calling for the removal of the Copilot key. Microsoft had previously admitted that the key caused disruptions in productivity and accessibility workflows. Additionally, only 3.3% of Microsoft 365 users are paying for Copilot, indicating low adoption. Microsoft has distanced its flagship products from the Copilot branding and users have reported preferring alternatives like ChatGPT and Claude over Copilot.
Gemini Omni is 'like Nano Banana for video' and I couldn't believe the results
AppWizard
July 2, 2026

Gemini Omni is ‘like Nano Banana for video’ and I couldn’t believe the results

Gemini Omni is a video-generation tool launched at Google I/O 2026, part of the June Pixel Drop, designed for creating multimedia content through conversational prompts. It is available on any smartphone with the appropriate Google AI subscription, offering a free version with limited access and more extensive features for subscribers of Google AI Plus, Pro, and Ultra. Users can create videos by uploading photos or videos and selecting aspect ratios, with the app providing suggestions for prompts. Gemini Omni replaces the Veo models within the Gemini app, although Veo remains available in other Google products. The app includes exclusive features like Screen Reactions and Bubbles for Pixel 10 users.
From monolith to Lakebase to LTAP: rethinking the database from storage up
Tech Optimizer
July 2, 2026

From monolith to Lakebase to LTAP: rethinking the database from storage up

Sixteen years ago, the author began their PhD at UC Berkeley and was advised to focus on analytics rather than OLTP databases, which were considered solved. This led to the creation of Apache Spark and Databricks. However, during the development of Databricks, it was found that OLTP databases were not solved problems; they were difficult to scale and fragile. This realization led to the development of Lakebase, a serverless Postgres database designed with modern technology. Lakebase architecture separates the write-ahead log (WAL) and data files into independent, scalable services. The WAL is externalized to a service called SafeKeeper, which uses Paxos-based replication for durability, while data files are managed by PageServer, which stores them in cloud object storage. This design addresses challenges such as data loss, scaling, and performance interference between transactional and analytical workloads. Lakebase maintains compatibility with Postgres, offers unlimited storage, serverless compute, durable writes, and simpler high availability. It also introduces LTAP (Lake Transactional/Analytical Processing), which allows both transactional and analytical processing to operate on a single data copy in real time, eliminating the need for separate data copies and reducing costs. LTAP utilizes a unified storage layer that allows data to be materialized in both row and columnar formats, optimizing it for both transactional and analytical workloads. The system ensures that analytics can access the most current data without affecting transactional performance by using a log sequence number (LSN) to retrieve the latest changes. Unlike traditional CDC approaches, LTAP requires no explicit table replication, as all data is stored in a single governed copy. This architecture circumvents common issues faced by hybrid transactional/analytical processing (HTAP) systems, such as incomplete feature sets, lack of ecosystem support, and performance contention. The Lakebase architecture has unlocked capabilities like unlimited storage, elastic compute, durable writes, and instant branching, with ongoing developments anticipated in the future.
silver Android smartphone
Tech Optimizer
July 2, 2026

From monolith to Lakebase to LTAP: rethinking the database from storage up

Sixteen years ago, the author began their PhD at UC Berkeley, where they were advised to focus on analytics rather than OLTP databases, which were considered a solved problem. However, upon developing Databricks, they found that OLTP databases were cumbersome, challenging to scale, and fragile. This led to the creation of Lakebase, a serverless Postgres database designed to address these issues by externalizing the write-ahead log (WAL) and data files into independent services. Lakebase architecture separates the WAL into a distributed service called SafeKeeper and data files into another service called PageServer, allowing for improved durability, scalability, and performance. This architecture eliminates data loss risks associated with disk failures and misconfigurations, simplifies high availability, and allows for elastic compute resources. Lakebase also introduces LTAP (Lake Transactional/Analytical Processing), which enables transactions and analytics to operate on a single data copy in real-time, avoiding the need for separate data copies and reducing costs. The system retains Postgres's ACID semantics while storing data in open columnar formats, making it accessible to both transactional and analytical engines without the delays and complexities of traditional replication methods. The architecture allows for unlimited storage, serverless compute, and instant branching, while ensuring that analytics can read the most current transactional data without affecting transactional workloads. LTAP aims to unify transactional and analytical processing by leveraging distinct compute engines for each workload while integrating at the storage layer.
Minecraft on Bedrock finally gets Closed Captions, a decade after Java Edition
AppWizard
July 2, 2026

Minecraft on Bedrock finally gets Closed Captions, a decade after Java Edition

Mojang has officially introduced closed caption support to Minecraft Bedrock Edition after testing it through preview builds. This feature aims to create a more inclusive gaming environment for players who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Players can activate closed captions by navigating to Settings > Accessibility > Gameplay, where they can customize the visibility duration, on-screen positioning, and select which sounds to display. The game will provide descriptions of nearby sounds and directional cues for sound sources. Mojang acknowledges potential issues with incorrect sound displays and encourages player feedback for improvements.
'Pure old-school Windows': Ex-Microsoft engineer shrinks down Notepad to 2.5 kilobytes with 'no bloat, no telemetry, no nonsense'
Winsage
July 1, 2026

‘Pure old-school Windows’: Ex-Microsoft engineer shrinks down Notepad to 2.5 kilobytes with ‘no bloat, no telemetry, no nonsense’

A former Microsoft software engineer, Dave Plummer, has launched TinyRetroPad, a minimalist text editing application designed as an alternative to the increasingly complex Notepad. TinyRetroPad is a fork of Tiny Editor, which was based on Plummer's earlier project, HelloAssembly. The application aims to provide a simple and efficient user experience, reminiscent of earlier Windows versions, by utilizing existing Windows components to maintain a small footprint. Users have expressed dissatisfaction with Notepad's growing complexity, prompting a search for lightweight alternatives. TinyRetroPad offers a compact interface without unnecessary features or telemetry.
Mid-week Android app deals and freebies: Clank!, Dune, Raiders of the North Sea, more
AppWizard
July 1, 2026

Mid-week Android app deals and freebies: Clank!, Dune, Raiders of the North Sea, more

Mid-week shopping deals for Android enthusiasts include discounts on various games and apps such as Clank!, Dune: Imperium Digital, Munchkin, Raiders of the North Sea, HEAVEN SEEKER, The Isle of Cats, The Fox in the Forest, and Wings of Glory. Additionally, hardware markdowns feature the Galaxy S26 Ultra models at [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: Your mid-week shopping spree is set to delight Android enthusiasts with an enticing array of game and app deals. Featured titles include the engaging Clank!, the strategic Dune: Imperium Digital, the whimsical Munchkin, and the adventurous Raiders of the North Sea. Other noteworthy mentions are HEAVEN SEEKER, The Isle of Cats, The Fox in the Forest, and Wings of Glory, each promising hours of entertainment. In addition to these digital treasures, there's a significant markdown on hardware as well. The Galaxy S26 Ultra models are now available at a remarkable 0 off, while the Galaxy Watch Ultra can be snagged for over 50% less than its regular price. For those looking to enhance their viewing experience, the Google TV Streamer 4K is currently listed at one of its lowest prices to date. Today’s highlight Android app price drops: Clank! - Dive into a world of strategy and adventure. Dune: Imperium Digital - Experience the epic saga of Dune in a digital format. Munchkin - A fun twist on classic role-playing games. Raiders of the North Sea - Embark on a Viking adventure. HEAVEN SEEKER - Explore celestial realms. The Isle of Cats - A family-friendly game of strategy and cat rescue. The Fox in the Forest - A two-player trick-taking game with a fairy tale twist. Wings of Glory - Engage in aerial combat with historical aircraft. More Android app price drops still live: Game Title 1 - Description of the game. Game Title 2 - Description of the game. Game Title 3 - Description of the game. Game Title 4 - Description of the game. Game Title 5 - Description of the game. Game Title 6 - Description of the game. Game Title 7 - Description of the game. Game Title 8 - Description of the game. Game Title 9 - Description of the game. Game Title 10 - Description of the game. As the week unfolds, these deals present a splendid opportunity for both gamers and tech aficionados to enhance their digital collections and devices at attractive prices. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] off, the Galaxy Watch Ultra at over 50% off, and the Google TV Streamer 4K at one of its lowest prices.
Former Microsoft engineer shrinks Notepad down to size
Winsage
July 1, 2026

Former Microsoft engineer shrinks Notepad down to size

Dave Plummer, a former Microsoft engineer, has created TinyRetroPad, a minimalist text editor that is only 2.5 kilobytes in size. It aims to provide a simple text editing experience, reminiscent of older software like Notepad, which has become bloated over time with unnecessary features. TinyRetroPad includes essential functions such as Open and Save As dialogs, font selection, and printing capabilities, while using assembly language and the RICHEDIT50W from the WinAPI. The application requires more system resources to run effectively but focuses on maintaining lean code and binaries.
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