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Tech Optimizer
February 22, 2025
Mindbody utilizes a cloud-based platform for the fitness and wellness industry, offering services such as client booking, scheduling, payments, marketing, and analytics. Their email marketing platform is built on an Aurora PostgreSQL cluster, currently at version 13.8, with a size of approximately 17 TB and a workload distribution of 80% reads and 20% writes. Mindbody faced scaling and performance challenges due to architectural limitations and increasing data demands, leading to all workloads being directed to the writer node. The average BufferCacheHitRatio was below 80%, indicating frequent disk access rather than cache hits, contributing to higher query latencies and I/O costs. To address these issues, Mindbody adopted Aurora Optimized Reads, which enhances caching capacity and improves latency and throughput for I/O-intensive workloads. Transitioning required upgrading the database cluster to version 14.9 or higher, and extensive testing was conducted in a proof-of-concept environment. The upgrade process involved a blue/green deployment strategy to minimize production disruption. After implementing Aurora Optimized Reads, Mindbody experienced significant performance improvements, including a 50% reduction in average daily CPU utilization and a 90% reduction in ReadIOPS. The AuroraOptimizedReadsCacheHitRatio indicated that 85% of read requests were served from the optimized cache. Cost analysis revealed a 23% reduction in monthly Aurora costs post-transition, with potential for further savings by downsizing instances.
AppWizard
February 22, 2025
Rockstar Games will release a complimentary update for Grand Theft Auto V on PC on March 4, enhancing the game with features previously exclusive to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. The update includes access to new vehicles and performance upgrades at Hao’s Special Works, improved animal encounters, the option to purchase a GTA+ Membership, and significant graphics improvements with faster loading times. The game will utilize modern hardware capabilities, recognizing SSDs and DirectStorage for quicker load times, and will support AMD FSR1, FSR3, and NVIDIA DLSS 3 for enhanced visual fidelity.
Winsage
February 21, 2025
Microsoft has released two test builds of Windows 11: Insider Preview Build 22635.4950 (KB5052078) in the Beta Channel and Insider Preview Build 26120.3291 (KB5052080) as an optional release in both Beta and Dev Channels. Build 26120.3291 introduces a semantic search capability, allowing searches by descriptive terms, but is limited to Qualcomm-powered Snapdragon PCs. Users of the Recall feature will lose all saved snapshots during the upgrade process. Build 22635.4950 tests a new Share interface that simplifies file sharing through a drag-and-drop mechanism. The Start menu will receive new configuration options, including a grid view and a "categories" view for app organization. These updates will be available to Windows Insiders receiving updates for Windows 11, version 24H2.
Winsage
February 21, 2025
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4950 (KB5052078) has been released to the Beta Channel for Insiders not upgrading to version 24H2. This update includes new features such as a drag tray for easier file sharing, and two new views (grid and category) in the Start menu. Improvements include enhanced text scaling support in File Explorer, fixes for taskbar app window previews, and corrections for Japanese name formatting in Settings. Known issues involve delays in app icon appearances in the Start menu and slow closing of File Explorer for some users. Insiders can enable a toggle for immediate updates via Settings > Windows Update. Features may change or not be released based on testing and feedback.
AppWizard
February 21, 2025
Rockstar will launch the next-gen update of Grand Theft Auto Online for PC on March 5, 2025, at no cost to players. The update requires players to have SSD storage with 105 GB of available space and compatibility with Direct-Storage technology. Support for the older version of Grand Theft Auto Online will continue, and players can choose between the old and new versions. The update includes quality-of-life improvements, new content, support for AMD FSR1, FSR3, Nvidia DLSS 3, ray-traced shadows and reflections, ambient occlusion, global illumination, new vehicles, a revamped landing page, a Career Progress feature, and enhanced audio support through Dolby Atmos. Players can transfer their progress between the old and new versions.
AppWizard
February 21, 2025
Minecraft has released a collaboration with Dungeons & Dragons called "A New Quest DLC," featuring characters Katra and Vaer in the Forgotten Realms. Players can explore iconic locations like Icewind Dale and engage in various quests. The combat system allows for spellcasting and strategic encounters. Character customization is available, enabling players to choose their class and upgrade stats. Additionally, players can obtain a free Dragon Mask from the Dressing Room, enhancing character aesthetics.
Winsage
February 21, 2025
Mozilla has extended support for Firefox 115 ESR on unsupported versions of Windows, including Windows 7, 8, and 8.1, until March 2025. Initially set to end support in September 2024, Mozilla reassessed the situation due to the continued presence of users on Windows 7 and decided to extend support for an additional six months. Mozilla plans to reassess its support strategy in August of this year. Meanwhile, the latest versions of Firefox, including version 135 on the Release Channel and version 128 on the Extended Support Release Channel, are available for users on newer operating systems.
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