update Archives

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Samsung’s alleged ‘Auto DeX’ leak is an Android Auto variant you might see

Samsung is reportedly developing a new feature called "Auto DeX" as an alternative to Android Auto, designed to work on smartphones in vehicles that may not support traditional automotive software. The user interface, shared by a tipster, includes an off-center box for primary content, a "Brief" tile, a music application, and dual app bars for ease of use while driving. "Auto DeX" may be inspired by Samsung's existing DeX technology and is expected to be compatible with One UI 7 and 8, particularly for the Galaxy S25 series and the latest foldable devices. The feature is still in early development and has not yet entered internal testing. This development recalls Google's discontinued Android Auto for phone screens, which allowed access to features directly from smartphones. Additionally, Samsung is working on its own version of Android's earthquake alerts.

Tech Optimizer

July 9, 2025

Query Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL using Amazon Bedrock Knowledge Bases structured data

Amazon Bedrock Knowledge Bases has introduced a fully managed Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) feature that connects large language models (LLMs) with internal data sources, enhancing the relevance and accuracy of responses by integrating contextual information from private datasets. During AWS re:Invent 2024, it was announced that this feature now supports natural language querying for structured data retrieval from Amazon Redshift and Amazon SageMaker Lakehouse, allowing generative AI applications to access both structured and unstructured data sources. The system converts user queries into SQL queries using natural language processing, enabling data retrieval without requiring users to know SQL syntax. Amazon Bedrock Knowledge Bases currently supports structured data retrieval from Amazon Redshift and SageMaker Lakehouse. Although direct support for Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible is not available, users can utilize zero-ETL integration between Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible and Amazon Redshift to make their data accessible. This integration replicates Aurora PostgreSQL tables to Amazon Redshift in near real-time, simplifying data management. To enable natural language querying of structured application data stored in Aurora, organizations can set up an Aurora PostgreSQL database, create a schema with interconnected tables (products, customers, and orders), and populate these tables with sample data while maintaining referential integrity. Subsequently, they can establish zero-ETL integration with Amazon Redshift, which involves creating a Redshift Serverless workgroup and mapping the database for synchronization. Once the zero-ETL integration is verified, organizations can create an Amazon Bedrock knowledge base for natural language querying. This requires granting appropriate permissions to the Amazon Bedrock Knowledge Bases AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) role and ensuring the knowledge base is synchronized with Amazon Redshift. After setting up the knowledge base, users can execute natural language queries, which are translated into SQL and processed to generate human-readable responses. Examples of queries include counting unique customers and identifying customers who have purchased the most products. Finally, it is recommended to clean up resources after use to avoid ongoing charges.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Modder behind the ‘Swiss army knife of PC gaming’ deletes their 20 year-old Steam account with anti-Valve manifesto: ‘By the end of my bitter dealings with Valve… there was zero hope’

Kaldaien, the creator of the graphics and performance enhancement tool Special K, has deleted their Steam account after two decades, citing frustrations with Steam's update policies and the platform's evolution since 2002. They criticized Steam for becoming bloated and complicating software compatibility, making older games unplayable due to updated requirements. Kaldaien expressed concerns about the diminishing freedom for gamers to purchase from various sources and criticized the Steam Input API for obstructing access to alternative input options. Despite being a Steamworks partner, they felt unresponsive to Valve and noted that some issues stem from developers' choices rather than Steam itself. Kaldaien's experiences highlight the concentration of power in Valve's hands and raise questions about the long-term implications for gamers reliant on a single platform.

Winsage

July 9, 2025

New Windows 11 update delivers a host of new features and fixes – here are 4 things I’m looking forward to

Windows 11's July update includes several new features and fixes, particularly benefiting gamers by resolving issues with mouse cursor behavior when Alt-Tabbing and addressing app freezes and display resets during full-screen gameplay. The update automatically resizes taskbar icons to fit more applications, with an option to disable this feature. Accessibility improvements include the ability to add custom words to the Voice Access dictionary and a new privacy feature for the Narrator tool that blackens the display while reading aloud. For European users, the update allows the chosen default browser to be linked to all file types, reducing unexpected launches of Microsoft Edge. Additionally, a new PC-to-PC migration feature is being introduced in the Windows Backup app to facilitate file and installation transfers over a shared network, with a full rollout expected before the end of Windows 10 support in October 2025.

BetaBeacon

July 9, 2025

Google is turning Circle to Search into the game guru you never knew you needed

Google has introduced a new gaming help feature to Circle to Search, allowing players to access tips and information about the game they are playing to progress and overcome challenges.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Minecraft Celebrates James Gunn’s Big DCU Launch With Five Free Superman Skins

A new Superman skin pack is available for Minecraft, featuring characters like Superman, Lois Lane, Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, and Mr. Terrific, accessible for free from the Minecraft Marketplace. This release coincides with the upcoming Superman film by James Gunn, set to premiere on July 11, which stars David Corenswet as Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. The film has received positive reviews, with one critic rating it 8/10. Additionally, Minecraft has introduced new features, including copper golems, copper tools, and armor, along with a graphical enhancement called the Vibrant Visuals update.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Researchers Warn: This Android Animation Glitch Lets Apps Spy, Snap, and Steal… Undetected

A technique for Android devices called TapTrap allows malicious applications to intercept user taps without requiring special permissions. It uses transparent screen transitions to mislead users into triggering hidden actions. Devices running Android versions 15 and 16 are particularly vulnerable. TapTrap operates by overlaying a nearly transparent screen on top of another application, making it appear as if users are interacting with one app while their taps are registered by the hidden screen. A study of around 100,000 Android applications revealed that approximately 76 percent contained screens vulnerable to TapTrap. The researchers successfully executed the attack on a Google Pixel 8a running Android 16. Google has acknowledged the issue and plans to include a fix in a future software update, but no specific timeline has been provided. Users can enhance their security by disabling animations in their system settings.

Winsage

July 9, 2025

After 4 years, Windows 11 finally beats Windows 10

Four years after its launch, Windows 11 has surpassed Windows 10 as the most widely used version of Windows, with 52% of users on Windows 11 compared to 44.59% on Windows 10. Six months prior, Windows 11 had only 35% market share. The shift in user adoption has been influenced by Microsoft's announcement of an end date for Windows 10 support in October 2025 and the introduction of the Windows Backup for Organizations tool, which has facilitated upgrades for businesses. Despite appealing upgrades, users have expressed frustrations with certain features, such as the right-click menu, which some find less intuitive. Microsoft is rolling out updates to improve user experience, including enabling USB-C ports on certified PCs and introducing new AI features.

Winsage

July 9, 2025

Windows 11 could get AI-powered dynamic wallpapers – I just hope Microsoft doesn’t kill off this idea

Microsoft is revisiting the idea of AI-driven dynamic wallpapers for Windows 11, as indicated by leaker PhantomOfEarth, who noted signs of this feature in the operating system's preview builds. The proposed system would allow backgrounds to automatically update based on user preferences. Previous attempts at dynamic wallpapers were explored but ultimately abandoned, and while elements for live wallpapers were included in Windows 11 23H2, they were removed in 24H2. The incorporation of AI into wallpaper functionality could lead to backgrounds that adapt based on time of day or user behavior. However, there are concerns about the potential impact on system resources, particularly for lower-spec machines, which would have the option to disable dynamic wallpapers.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Google Pixel July 2025 Update Brings Android 16 Fixes: Pixel 6a Gets Battery Controls, Pixel 9 Series Sees Wi-Fi and App Improvements

Google has begun rolling out the July 2025 update for Android 16, specifically for Pixel devices, with the build number BP2A.250705.008. This over-the-air (OTA) update focuses on bug fixes and performance enhancements, particularly for network connectivity and app rendering. The Pixel 6a is now part of the Google Battery Performance Programme, which aims to improve battery longevity and safety by introducing background controls that limit charging speed and capacity after around 400 charge cycles. Users may qualify for free repairs, partial refunds, or trade-in bonuses for battery-related issues. The Pixel 9 and Pixel 8 series receive performance enhancements, especially in app visuals and Wi-Fi stability. The Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series see general stability improvements, while the Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold experience app optimization for display orientation. Notably, the update does not include the July Android security patch or a list of Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs). The update is available for the Google Pixel 9, 8, 7, 6, 6a, Fold, and Tablet.