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How and why we built Managed PostgreSQL for AI workloads
Tech Optimizer
October 10, 2026

How and why we built Managed PostgreSQL for AI workloads

The Nebius Managed PostgreSQL team developed a solution for AI workloads using CloudNativePG and Kubernetes, resulting in improved backup and restore times by transitioning from Barman to WAL-G, reducing a 1.5 TB backup duration from over a day to two hours. Since its launch in 2025, the service supports hundreds of production clusters and manages tens of tebibytes of data. Key features include high availability, point-in-time recovery, automated failover, compressed and encrypted backups, rapid restoration, connection pooling, and strict synchronous replication for zero data loss. Kubernetes and CloudNativePG were chosen for their advantages, including out-of-the-box features and open-source distribution. Each cloud project has a separate MK8s cluster for customer isolation and security. Persistent data is stored on fault-tolerant SSD drives, enabling swift instance migration during failures. Regular physical backups are archived, allowing restoration within a seven-day window with a single click. The transition from Barman to WAL-G addressed slow backup and restoration times and resource control limitations. With WAL-G, backups and restorations for a 1.5 TB cluster improved to two hours and one hour, respectively. PgBouncer was implemented to manage database connections effectively, reducing connection storms during peak AI workload traffic. Two vector search extensions, pgvector and pgvectorscale, are available to cater to different memory and dataset needs. Benchmarking showed that Nebius performs competitively with AWS at a lower cost. The infrastructure integrates cloud engineering principles with specialized expertise to meet AI workload demands.
Dynamic Nvidia DLSS upscaling in Gears of War: E-Day is ace, and I wish more PC games took this approach
AppWizard
October 8, 2026

Dynamic Nvidia DLSS upscaling in Gears of War: E-Day is ace, and I wish more PC games took this approach

Nvidia DLSS upscaling is favored by the author, but the release of Gears of War: E-Day has changed their perspective on its use. The game features a dynamic upscaling option that works with a customizable frame rate target, enhancing image quality and performance management. Dynamic resolution scaling is common in console games but less so on PC, where options often lack customization for specific performance metrics. Gears of War: E-Day allows players to switch between upscalers like Nvidia DLSS 4.5, AMD FSR 4.1, and Intel XeSS 2, with the author typically using DLSS in Performance mode on a 4K setup. Testing on a system with a Ryzen 7 9800X3D and GeForce RTX 5090, the game averages 77fps at maximum settings, being 97.8% GPU bound. Transitioning to dynamic DLSS with a target of 60fps results in an average of 64fps and an average resolution scale of 61%, with an 11% increase in pixel count but an 18.4% decrease in performance. VRAM usage increases by nearly 3GB. The author prefers prioritizing sharpness and visual enhancements over smoothness, ensuring consistent 60fps gameplay and allowing users with less powerful graphics cards to enable frame generation without latency concerns. The author hopes more games will adopt similar configurability in the future.
VPN threat protection vs. dedicated antivirus: Are VPNs really enough?
Tech Optimizer
October 7, 2026

VPN threat protection vs. dedicated antivirus: Are VPNs really enough?

Many VPN providers are now offering additional security features such as malware detection, malicious link checkers, and ad blockers, alongside their primary function of encrypting internet traffic. Notable VPNs like NordVPN and Surfshark have integrated real-time malware protection, with NordVPN becoming the first VPN to receive certification as a reliable anti-phishing tool in 2024. Surfshark's Surfshark One package offers comprehensive real-time protection from viruses and malware. Other VPNs, such as Avira and CyberGhost, utilize shared infrastructures for antivirus capabilities, which can lead to delays in updates and inconsistent platform support. Microsoft Defender has improved significantly, blocking 95.5% of live threats according to AV-Comparatives, while Apple employs multiple defenses in macOS, including Gatekeeper and XProtect, to manage malware threats. Avast Free Antivirus has achieved a perfect 100% block rate in recent testing but comes with limitations compared to paid antivirus suites like Norton 360 Deluxe and Bitdefender Total Security, which offer additional features such as password managers and identity monitoring. A layered approach to digital security, combining a VPN, free antivirus, and built-in OS-level security, is recommended for effective protection. Relying solely on one layer leaves potential gaps, as a VPN cannot detect existing malware, and free antivirus solutions may lack advanced features. Users managing sensitive data or frequent financial transactions should consider investing in premium antivirus suites for enhanced security.
Steam sale deep cut alert: this ARPG originally developed for Nokia N-Gage is brilliant on Deck
AppWizard
October 6, 2026

Steam sale deep cut alert: this ARPG originally developed for Nokia N-Gage is brilliant on Deck

Xanadu Next, developed by Nihon Falcom for the Nokia N-Gage, is a spin-off of the 1985 game Xanadu: Dragon Slayer 2. It has recently been re-released on Steam during the Autumn sale. The game features an isometric view and a metroidvania structure, with gameplay involving exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. Players can upgrade and trade in a central village, while the world outside offers interconnected areas reminiscent of Dark Souls. The game is available at a 70% discount but lacks comprehensive controller support, requiring some tasks to be done with a mouse. Players have reported success running it on the Steam Deck despite it being marked as unsupported.
Does antivirus software still slow down your PC in 2026? We tested the top security software to find out
Tech Optimizer
October 4, 2026

Does antivirus software still slow down your PC in 2026? We tested the top security software to find out

Modern antivirus solutions have evolved to integrate seamlessly into daily computing without causing slowdowns, allowing users to maintain speed while ensuring security. Contemporary antivirus software utilizes behavioral analysis and cloud-based threat intelligence to minimize resource consumption during scans. Recent testing assessed the impact of various antivirus suites on gaming performance and internet speeds, revealing that Bitdefender had negligible drops in download and upload speeds during scans, while Malwarebytes showed a significant decline in upload performance. Avast experienced the most considerable degradation in download speeds, and McAfee unexpectedly increased upload speeds during scans. Overall, advancements in antivirus technology mean that running security software no longer requires sacrificing performance.
Your old phone isn't useless: 4 smart ways to get more life out of it
AppWizard
October 2, 2026

Your old phone isn’t useless: 4 smart ways to get more life out of it

Phone upgrades often lead to replacing devices every couple of years, but old phones still hold value. Users typically choose to deal with their old phones in the following ways: 26% sell or trade it in, 26% hand it down to family or friends, 42% turn it into a dedicated gadget, and 5% let it sit in a drawer. Old phones can be kept as second devices for personal and work separation, used as an Android Auto display, or serve as a backup phone for emergencies. They can also be repurposed into gadgets like dash cams, security cameras, music players, e-readers, universal remotes, or PC companions. Additionally, they can replace webcams, act as second screens, or provide portable storage. If repurposing isn’t appealing, selling the phone is a practical option, with a strong market for used phones on platforms like SellCell, Swappa, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace. Trading it in may yield better benefits, especially with retailer promotions, and donating it to charity is another option.
Top 5 Proxy vs VPN for Android App Developers Tools to Secure Test Builds
AppWizard
October 1, 2026

Top 5 Proxy vs VPN for Android App Developers Tools to Secure Test Builds

In Android app development, maintaining connectivity, security, and debugging capabilities is crucial. When connecting to a London edge server, all requests must be visible to QA teams, but using a consumer VPN can hinder debugging proxies. A debugging proxy allows developers to inspect request headers and modify data by terminating TLS on their workstation. In contrast, a VPN creates an encrypted tunnel for all device traffic but prevents debugging proxies from intercepting packets. TorGuard is a hybrid solution that combines a VPN with SOCKS5 and V2Ray endpoints, allowing for traffic encryption and application-specific proxying. mitmproxy is an open-source tool that enables scripted request manipulation and can intercept various traffic types. Tailscale uses a WireGuard-based mesh network to provide stable private IPs for devices without needing port forwarding. HTTP Toolkit offers a rootless interception method for Android, directing traffic to a laptop without complex configurations. WireGuard is a high-speed self-hosted VPN that encrypts packets but does not allow for inspection. To inspect traffic while changing geographic egress, developers can run mitmproxy on a laptop and connect it to a VPN, ensuring the proxy is closest to the app. For debugging Android HTTPS traffic, a proxy is preferred for reading or rewriting requests, while a VPN is better for changing exit IPs or encrypted routing. SOCKS5 masks IP addresses but does not encrypt traffic.
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