Upgrade Archives

Tech Optimizer

September 28, 2026

What Is Happening with PostgreSQL 19?

Postgres 19 is experiencing delays in its release schedule, with Beta 4 scheduled for September 24, 2026. The development team is prioritizing quality over timelines, leading to the reversion of 53 significant features during the beta phase. Notable feature reversions include SQL Property Graph Queries, ALTER TABLE MERGE/SPLIT PARTITION(S), UPDATE/DELETE FOR PORTION OF, GROUP BY ALL, a change to default TOAST compression, nontext output formats for pg_dumpall, JSON_TABLE ON ERROR cascading, fast defaults for domains with nonvolatile constraints, logical replication database-specific snapshots, nested query tracking, and online data checksums. The majority of these reversions are due to design flaws, incorrect results, or compatibility issues. There are also at-risk features identified, including RI fast-path FK checks, REPACK / REPACK CONCURRENTLY, and Postgres_fdw statistics import. Despite these challenges, promising features such as pg_plan_advice, parallel autovacuum, ON CONFLICT DO SELECT, and logical replication enhancements are still anticipated in PG19. AI tools are being utilized in the development process to identify bugs and create test cases. Postgres 18 remains a reliable upgrade target, while features like property graphs and GROUP BY ALL are now planned for PG20.

Winsage

September 28, 2026

Windows 11 26H2 releases any day now, and here’s who gets it and when

Windows 11 26H2 is expected to begin public rollout around the week of September 28 or early October. Microsoft has released evaluation ISOs for enterprise users to assess compatibility before broader deployment. The release of these ISOs indicates that the public rollout is imminent. Windows 11 26H2 is built on the same platform as versions 24H2 and 25H2, which allows for a smoother upgrade experience. Support for Windows 11 25H2 ends on October 12, 2027, and for 24H2 even sooner, prompting the introduction of 26H2 to provide users with a new support window. Windows 11 26H2 will be available as an optional feature update and will take about five minutes to install for users with up-to-date systems running 24H2 or 25H2. Eligibility for the update includes any PC currently running Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2. The rollout is expected to occur on a Tuesday, with potential dates of September 29 or October 6. Not all eligible PCs will receive the update simultaneously, and users can manually check for updates or download ISOs as needed.

AppWizard

September 27, 2026

F-Droid 2.0 Released After 10 years With Major Redesign to Transform Open-Source Android App Discovery

F-Droid has released version 2.0 of its official Android app, marking the most substantial update in a decade after over a year of development and 14 test builds. The app has been reconstructed using Kotlin and Jetpack Compose, aligning it with Android’s Material Design principles and improving maintenance and feature expansion. Navigation is simplified into three sections: Discover, Search, and My Apps. The Discover section showcases new apps, updates, and popular downloads, while categories have been refined for easier access to specific software types. The search functionality has been enhanced to allow users to filter by application names, descriptions, categories, and languages. F-Droid 2.0 now automatically checks for and installs updates, with manual controls still available. Recent changes in the Android platform enable smoother installation experiences for alternative app stores. Privacy features have been updated, but the F-Droid Privileged Extension is not supported in this version, and the app-wiping capability has not returned.

AppWizard

September 27, 2026

Between 70 and 80% of Blood Bowl 3 games were solo

A significant majority of players engage with Blood Bowl 3 in solo mode, with 70 to 80% of games played in the Eternal Leagues being solo endeavors. The game is set to transition to Warhammer Blood Bowl, which will feature a more sophisticated AI and a revamped user interface. The new version will be available as a free upgrade for existing owners of Blood Bowl 3 and is scheduled for release by the end of the year.

AppWizard

September 26, 2026

Google Messages gets a major gesture and menu refresh

Google Messages is introducing refined gestures to enhance user experience on Android. Long-pressing a message now opens a floating menu with shortcuts for actions like copying, starring, or replying. Users can select specific text snippets instead of copying entire messages. Swiping left reveals message timestamps and encryption statuses, while swiping right allows for instant replies. The long-press menu replaces the top toolbar, providing quick access to functions such as Reply, Forward, Copy, Star, Delete, Select more, and Info. For images, options like Save and Remix are available. The text copying feature allows selection of portions of text, extending to images, videos, links, files, locations, and contact cards. Tapping a message reveals read receipts and timestamps briefly appear after a tap. These features are part of recent builds of Google Messages, including version 2026091003RC02, but the rollout is server-side, so not all devices will receive the updates at the same time.

Winsage

September 25, 2026

Confused? Your Windows 10 PC still works, but the clock is running out

A customer visited a service center with a functional Dell laptop running Windows 10, which lost mainstream support from Microsoft in October 2022. While the laptop still operates, Microsoft no longer patches security vulnerabilities for Windows 10 unless specific actions are taken. Users have three options: 1. Upgrade to Windows 11 for free if the PC meets requirements, which can be checked with the "PC Health Check" app. 2. Purchase a new or refurbished PC, especially if the current device is six or seven years old. 3. Enroll in extended security updates through methods such as syncing with a Microsoft account, redeeming rewards points, or paying a fee, valid until October 2027. There has been an increase in scams related to Windows 10, with fraudulent popups and calls misleading users about their operating system's status. Microsoft will not contact users unexpectedly regarding expired systems. Users should check their PC's eligibility for Windows 11 using the "PC Health Check" app and seek professional help if needed.

Tech Optimizer

September 25, 2026

We Tested 10 Best Antivirus Software for 2026

Cybersecurity threats are on the rise, with Verizon’s 2026 Data Breach Investigations Report indicating that 48% of breaches involve ransomware and 31% arise from software vulnerabilities. A review of leading antivirus programs assessed their effectiveness against various threats. Top antivirus software includes: - Bitdefender: Best overall, effective against various threats, perfect score from AV-TEST. - Norton 360: Best all-in-one suite, includes VPN and parental controls, perfect score from AV-TEST. - McAfee+ Premium: Best for families, unlimited device coverage, full marks from AV-TEST. - Malwarebytes: Best for simple protection, user-friendly interface, rated 5.5/6 by AV-TEST. - ESET NOD32: Best for advanced users, lightweight and fast, includes Gamer Mode. - Avast: Best free option, offers various scanning options, straightforward upgrade path. - Microsoft Defender: Built-in for Windows, essential protection, perfect score from AV-TEST. - Intego ONE: Best for Mac users, includes firewall and VPN. - Surfshark Antivirus: Combines antivirus and VPN services, real-time protection. - TotalAV: Best for beginners, combines antivirus with web security tools. The evaluation process included lab data from AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives, hands-on experience, and criteria such as malware protection, false positives, system performance impact, phishing protection, ease of use, platform coverage, additional security features, and pricing. Key metrics from antivirus lab tests include protection scores, false positives, and performance impact. The choice between antivirus software and internet security suites depends on individual needs. Antivirus software remains necessary, especially for Windows PCs, to complement other security measures.

Winsage

September 25, 2026

Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro editions reach end of updates on October 13, 2026 — here’s what you must do

Microsoft announced that the Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 version 24H2 will stop receiving updates after October 13, 2026. The Enterprise and Education editions of Windows 11 24H2 will continue to be supported until October 12, 2027. Windows 11 SE will also reach its end of support in October 2026, with no feature updates after 24H2. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 version 25H2 to extend their support window until October 2027. The upgrade requires Windows 11 version 24H2 and a specific cumulative update. If users do not upgrade, Microsoft will automatically push the 25H2 update to unmanaged Home and Pro devices.

AppWizard

September 25, 2026

F-Droid app store thumbs its nose at Google’s dev crackdown

F-Droid has released version 2.0 of its Android app, marking its most significant upgrade in a decade. The update features a modern interface, improved app discovery, enhanced search functionality, and a streamlined user experience. The app now uses Kotlin and Jetpack Compose for its UI, allowing for quicker future improvements. However, F-Droid faces challenges due to Google's upcoming developer registration requirements set to take effect in August 2025, which could threaten its existence and that of other independent app distribution sources. The new version includes a redesigned Discover screen, automatic app updates, and benefits from the European Union’s Digital Markets Act. Despite these enhancements, the F-Droid team is concerned about the potential impact of Google's policies on their platform.

BetaBeacon

September 24, 2026

Android Auto may finally give GameSnacks the full screen treatment

Google is preparing a full-screen GameSnacks experience for Android Auto by removing the navigation rail from both the GameSnacks menu and games themselves, making it consistent with other Android Auto games.