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Microsoft moves to end pirated Windows activations
Winsage
July 27, 2026

Microsoft moves to end pirated Windows activations

Microsoft is introducing the KMS Hardware Secured system to enhance Windows licensing security by making unauthorized activation methods more difficult. This system will use TPM-based attestation to authenticate the server managing activation requests, ensuring only legitimate devices are recognized. Readiness notifications for Windows Server 2025 will begin in August 2026, allowing administrators to prepare for the transition to TPM-based attestation, which is expected to become a requirement for KMS activation in a future Windows Server release. This initiative targets corporate clients using Windows volume licensing to complicate unauthorized activation. Additionally, Microsoft plans to reduce its workforce by approximately 4,800 positions, or nearly 2.1% of its global staff, as part of a corporate transformation strategy.
Rockstar co-founder says 'I don't know if I personally care' if games release on disc, adds 'I love physical media'
AppWizard
July 27, 2026

Rockstar co-founder says ‘I don’t know if I personally care’ if games release on disc, adds ‘I love physical media’

The installation of World of Warcraft on a family laptop required multiple discs, reflecting a time when gaming relied heavily on physical media. Today, the gaming industry has shifted towards digital formats, with major companies like PlayStation phasing out disc production. Industry figures such as Ubisoft's Yves Guillemot and Rockstar co-founder Dan Houser have commented on this transition, with Houser noting the benefits of digital distribution, including the ability to update games post-launch. Grand Theft Auto writer Jeffrey Crawford "Lazlow" Jones expressed nostalgia for physical discs while also valuing the convenience of digital downloads. The ongoing discussion about physical versus digital gaming highlights a cultural shift in entertainment engagement.
One of the best shooters around just got a barely recognizable second episode, and it's only $12
AppWizard
July 27, 2026

One of the best shooters around just got a barely recognizable second episode, and it’s only $12

New Blood has released the second episode, Shadow of Death, for their game Fallen Aces, which is currently on sale until August 8. The game features a blend of stealth, slapstick combat, and a pulpy narrative, and introduces the Mateba Model 6 Unica firearm. New Blood has a history of gradually expanding their games and launching them at lower prices, with Fallen Aces now available at a reduced rate.
How do you feel about AI videogame music?
AppWizard
July 26, 2026

How do you feel about AI videogame music?

Generative AI has become increasingly integrated into game development, evolving from basic applications to the creation of entire games with minimal human involvement. This shift raises concerns about the impact on human creativity and artistic expression. In the realm of videogame music, while generative AI has not fully taken over, its influence is growing, with AI-generated rearrangements of game scores appearing on platforms like YouTube and accusations against Spotify for including AI tracks in playlists. This situation prompts questions about how gamers perceive AI-generated music and its effect on their experience. The emotional depth provided by human composers is viewed as irreplaceable by some, leading to concerns about the dilution of artistry in the gaming industry.
Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator are getting some more base map reworks — just in time for their console release?
AppWizard
July 25, 2026

Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator are getting some more base map reworks — just in time for their console release?

SCS Software is working on upcoming downloadable content (DLC) and significant base map reworks for Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator. For American Truck Simulator, Nevada will be reworked to revitalize existing locations, introduce new ones, and expand the road network, including new segments of US-95 and additional depots. Euro Truck Simulator 2 will see a transformation in the UK, with new locations such as Inverness, Stonehenge, and Leeds, along with a revamped EuroTunnel. Both games are anticipated to be released on console platforms, with progress being made, although a specific release date has not been provided. SCS Software will participate in Gamescom 2026, showcasing their largest booth to date and partnering with Thrustmaster and Volvo, but details on the console versions remain undisclosed.
Conceived in a secure military facility, this Jedi Knight fansite has been running consistently for almost 30 years: 'It looks really close to what it did back in 1998'
AppWizard
July 25, 2026

Conceived in a secure military facility, this Jedi Knight fansite has been running consistently for almost 30 years: ‘It looks really close to what it did back in 1998’

In the late 1990s, the internet saw a surge in websites, including those dedicated to PC gaming. The Massassi Temple, a website for Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces 2, was founded by Brian E. Lozier in early 1998. Lozier created the site to share tutorials and support fellow modders after discovering a community of modders while exploring other gaming websites. He learned programming to build the site, which has remained active due to the dedication of its community, despite challenges like the dotcom bubble burst and the failure of some games. The site hosts a vast collection of Jedi Knight content, including mods and multiplayer maps, and serves as a hub for ongoing support and development. Lozier has stepped away from the site multiple times but continues to return to ensure its survival. He aims to create a permanent archive of community contributions and reflects on the evolution of the internet and the shift toward corporate dominance.
Microsoft finally lets you fix the worst key on your keyboard
Winsage
July 24, 2026

Microsoft finally lets you fix the worst key on your keyboard

The Copilot key on Windows PCs can now be remapped to function as the Context menu key or the Right Ctrl key with the latest update to Windows 11. Users also have the option to disable the key entirely. Microsoft has provided documentation on how to remap the key under the Bluetooth & devices section. Some users have reported inconsistent availability of the remapping option, which may require enabling a specific feature ID. Additionally, Microsoft’s PowerToys offers a keyboard manager utility for broader key remapping options.
I completely reimagined my videos with Video Remix in Google Photos — here's how you can, too
AppWizard
July 24, 2026

I completely reimagined my videos with Video Remix in Google Photos — here’s how you can, too

Google has introduced an AI model called Gemini Omni in the Create tab of the Google Photos app, featuring a tool named Video Remix. This allows users to transform 10-second video clips into new creations using various templates. The feature enhances existing content but has limitations, such as not generating remixes for videos with faces of minors. For creating new video content, the Omni model in the Gemini app is preferred, while Video Remix is more convenient for minor modifications. Users can access Video Remix through a subscription to Google AI, and purchasing a Google Pixel 10 Pro includes a complimentary year of Google AI Pro.
How we pushed CDC into Postgres, and turned replication into clockwork
Tech Optimizer
July 24, 2026

How we pushed CDC into Postgres, and turned replication into clockwork

Making data from transactional databases accessible to analytical databases is essential in modern data architecture, but it faces challenges such as fragile tooling, high costs, and complex operations. Snowflake has developed a Postgres service that addresses these issues by reimagining Postgres replication. Postgres is a strong operational database, but its change data capture (CDC) capabilities need improvement. Many data pipelines are fragile due to complexities in managing continuous data flow, schema changes, snapshots, and failures. To enhance user experience with Snowflake Postgres, a complete reinvention of the replication process was necessary. A new feature called data mirroring is in public preview, allowing resilient data replication into Snowflake with low cost, minimal lag, and transactional consistency. This feature directly pushes changes from Postgres into Apache Iceberg™ tables in transactional batches, which are then automatically applied to Snowflake tables without extra infrastructure. Change data capture records changes from a transactional database for replay on another system, primarily using logical decoding in Postgres. This method decodes WAL records into logical operations, but the client bears the responsibility for subsequent steps like backfilling, managing schema changes, and handling failures. Built-in logical replication in Postgres only addresses some complexities. A limitation of logical decoding is that the external system does not recognize the state of Postgres, making it difficult to detect schema changes or correlate snapshots with changes. The solution is to push changes from Postgres into a data lake, specifically into Iceberg tables using compressed Parquet format, with object stores like Amazon S3 as the destination. The mirroring process uses a new Postgres extension called snowflake_cdc, which continuously pushes batches of changes into per-table change logs and a meta log. This extension understands the Postgres environment, coordinating schema changes and complex transactions while ensuring alignment between snapshots and changes.
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