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Oh no, not another one! Databricks buys Electric
Tech Optimizer
August 18, 2026

Oh no, not another one! Databricks buys Electric

Databricks has acquired Electric, the developer of PGLite and the Electric Sync Engine, to enhance its Postgres capabilities for lakehouse and edge environments. PGLite offers lightweight Postgres instances for low-latency access, while the Electric Sync Engine enables real-time synchronization of distributed state to a central Lakebase. Electric was founded in September 2021 and has raised funding from various investors. Its flagship product, PGLite, has seen a rise in weekly downloads from 1 million to 13 million. Electric also offers open-source products including Electric Agents, Electric Streams, and Electric Sync. Databricks previously acquired Neon in May 2022 to support serverless Postgres solutions. The integration of Electric's technology aims to enhance collaboration and scalability for agentic applications.
Microsoft disables Windows 11's new "Ask Copilot" Taskbar feature to "incorporate feedback" as it pivots to unified Copilot app
Winsage
August 18, 2026

Microsoft disables Windows 11’s new “Ask Copilot” Taskbar feature to “incorporate feedback” as it pivots to unified Copilot app

Microsoft has updated the Windows 11 Taskbar, integrating Copilot into the search experience. The feature, initially called "Ask Copilot," allows users to interact with Copilot while accessing traditional app and file searches. It has been gradually rolled out in a preview format to select users, primarily in commercial settings using Microsoft 365 Copilot. A consumer version is also in development, but the Ask Copilot feature has been temporarily removed to update the experience based on user feedback. Users will revert to the traditional Windows Search experience automatically during this transition. The Windows Search functionality is being redesigned for improved accuracy and speed. The Ask Copilot search pane includes a chat box for interactions with Copilot and shortcut buttons for Copilot Vision, but the full rollout of Ask Copilot will require further refinement.
Pixel Screenshots finally gets the missing organization tools it should have launched with
AppWizard
August 18, 2026

Pixel Screenshots finally gets the missing organization tools it should have launched with

Google has updated the Pixel Screenshots app to version 1.26.281.05, introducing new organizational features that allow users to filter screenshots by date range and source app. The update enables users to filter screenshots using quick presets or custom selections, sort by source app, and combine multiple filters in a single search. A tooltip highlights the new filtering options, and a filter icon is available for easy access. The ability to filter by source app enhances the app's usability, making it a more effective organizational tool.
Minecraft workshops build understanding of cityscapes before atomic bombings
AppWizard
August 18, 2026

Minecraft workshops build understanding of cityscapes before atomic bombings

A graduate student from the University of Tokyo, Misaki Katayama, has been leading two-day workshops since 2023 that allow fourth- to sixth-grade elementary school students to explore the historical landscapes of Hiroshima and Nagasaki before the atomic bombings of August 1945. Using Minecraft, students reconstruct the cities with the help of historical maps, photographs, and video footage, fostering engagement, creativity, and reflection on the impact of nuclear warfare.
Microsoft is working on a major WinRE enhancement for IT admins in Windows 11
Winsage
August 18, 2026

Microsoft is working on a major WinRE enhancement for IT admins in Windows 11

Microsoft has introduced updates in Windows 11 Insider Preview builds, including the removal of the Drag Tray experience and the discontinuation of the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) tool. The Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) has been upgraded to improve connectivity options, allowing users to automatically utilize eligible saved Wi-Fi profiles, including those with certificate-based authentication. Previously, WinRE's networking capabilities were limited, requiring manual connections for certain networks. This enhancement is currently being rolled out to Windows 11 Beta Insiders and is expected to be available to broader Windows 11 version 26H2 users later this year.
I found an Android magnifier app for my aging eyes that beats camera zoom
AppWizard
August 18, 2026

I found an Android magnifier app for my aging eyes that beats camera zoom

The Magnifier + Flashlight app has over 10 million downloads and a 4.9-star rating from nearly 250,000 reviews on the Google Play Store. It functions as a digital magnifying glass, allowing users to enlarge text and images. Key features include the ability to freeze images on the screen, a color inversion option for easier reading, and a flashlight feature for low-light conditions. The app has been tested in various settings, successfully helping users read small print on medicine bottles, nutrition labels, and signs. While it lacks a reference window found in the built-in Google Magnifier, it is free to use with ads, and a paid ad-free version is available for .99 per year.
Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3: Google brings new customization options and security
AppWizard
August 18, 2026

Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3: Google brings new customization options and security

Google has released the third beta of Android 17 QPR2, build number CP41.260731.005.A2, for testing on Pixel devices including the Pixel 6a, Pixel 7 series, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet. Key features include enhanced theming options with an expanded color selection tool, an app lock feature accessible by long-pressing an app icon, and customization options for quick settings allowing users to rearrange elements. The lock screen has improved blur effects, and security enhancements include new restrictions on programmatic call forwarding and a confirmation dialog for manually entered codes. The beta also addresses several bugs, including display errors and device restarts. The update is available for Pixel 6 to Pixel 10 Pro XL models, and users can enroll in the Android Beta Program for installation. A subsequent update is expected in September.
Heads up, Fallout 4 and Skyrim players: New updates are incoming, so it's time to tend to your mods
AppWizard
August 18, 2026

Heads up, Fallout 4 and Skyrim players: New updates are incoming, so it’s time to tend to your mods

Bethesda Game Studios has advised Fallout 4 players to log into their game saves or manually save their mod load order before an upcoming patch on August 18th, which will focus on general Creations improvements. The studio reassured players that they will be able to re-download their entire Creations list in one go after the update. The community has responded with mixed feelings, expressing both appreciation for ongoing support and concerns about potential issues with updates, while some fans wish for more focus on Elder Scrolls 6.
Windows 11 is fully removing a legacy tool that malware and ransomware have abused for years, meet WMIC
Winsage
August 17, 2026

Windows 11 is fully removing a legacy tool that malware and ransomware have abused for years, meet WMIC

Microsoft is removing the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) from Windows 11 to enhance security by eliminating a tool that has been exploited by malware and ransomware. WMIC will not be included in Windows 11 versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H2, with complete removal scheduled for the August 2026 Patch Tuesday update. The decision to remove WMIC is based on the availability of more secure alternatives like PowerShell. WMIC has been a vector for attacks, allowing threat actors to disable antivirus solutions and access sensitive data. Microsoft has phased out WMIC since 2021, encouraging users to transition to modern tools while continuing to support the underlying Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) infrastructure.
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