NewApp Digest
search bot

views

I tried the new Google Photos Android app redesign, and now I want it in every Google app
AppWizard
July 11, 2026

I tried the new Google Photos Android app redesign, and now I want it in every Google app

Google has started rolling out a design update for the Google Photos app on Android, changing the navigation bar from a ribbon-style format to a floating pill shape. This new design includes a circular button for search functionality and offers a more intuitive user experience. The navigation bar remains fixed during scrolling, allowing for more screen space and reducing confusion. Users can access three main views: Photos, Collections, and Create. While this update enhances the app's aesthetic and functionality, it diverges from Google's Material 3 Expressive guidelines regarding the recommended number of in-app destinations. Other Google applications still use the older ribbon-style design.
Windows Market Share Is Falling
Winsage
July 10, 2026

Windows Market Share Is Falling

StatCounter reports a decline in Windows usage this year, while OSX is rising, aided by the budget-friendly Neo. Linux is also gaining popularity, though specific distributions are not identified. Gamers are increasingly moving away from Windows, influenced by Microsoft's mixed reception of its AI features and the rise of alternatives like Bazzite, SteamOS, and the Proton compatibility layer.
Microsoft Teams removal shows why we shouldn't get too excited about preview features
Winsage
July 9, 2026

Microsoft Teams removal shows why we shouldn’t get too excited about preview features

Microsoft has paused the development of two anticipated minimized views for Teams meetings, originally expected to roll out in May 2026. The Expanded view was designed to show up to four participant videos, while the Compact view aimed to provide quick access to meeting controls. The future of these features remains uncertain, with questions about potential changes or cancellation.
PostgreSQL Extensions Are an Architecture Decision, Not an Afterthought
Tech Optimizer
July 8, 2026

PostgreSQL Extensions Are an Architecture Decision, Not an Afterthought

A common issue in database migrations is the unplanned accumulation of extensions in PostgreSQL, leading to extension sprawl. Teams often install extensions without documenting the rationale, resulting in a complex web of dependencies that complicates future upgrades and removals. The installation process involves PostgreSQL accessing a control file that details the extension's version and dependencies, which can lead to multiple extensions being installed unintentionally. Upgrading and removing extensions are often neglected, causing risks such as the loss of dependent objects. Extensions typically default to the public schema, which can become cluttered; relocating them to dedicated schemas can improve organization. Trusted Language Extensions (TLE) allow non-privileged users to utilize procedural languages in managed databases without needing superuser access. Key extensions recommended for use include pg_stat_statements, pg_trgm, hstore, citext, and PostGIS, each serving specific use cases. Proper governance is essential for managing extensions, including documenting their purpose, ownership, and dependencies, to prevent operational surprises.
Chat Control 1.0: EU Council forces messenger scans via fast-track
AppWizard
July 7, 2026

Chat Control 1.0: EU Council forces messenger scans via fast-track

Member states of the European Union are seeking to reinstate a previously expired regulation concerning the monitoring of encrypted communications, known as Chat Control 2.0, which mandates suspicionless scanning of encrypted messages. The Council of Ministers has proposed to reactivate a transitional regulation that allowed voluntary monitoring by technology companies, which lapsed on April 3. This move aims to close a legal gap and pressure Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to act quickly. The expiration of the previous regulation is viewed as untenable, as it is deemed crucial for identifying at-risk children and combating illegal content online. Critics argue that the approach undermines democratic oversight and lacks transparency. The draft regulation is set to be discussed as an urgent matter just before the summer recess, with potential voting occurring when many MEPs may be absent. The regulation requires that any processed content and traffic data be deleted within twelve months unless a specific suspicion is confirmed.
From monolith to Lakebase to LTAP: rethinking the database from storage up
Tech Optimizer
July 2, 2026

From monolith to Lakebase to LTAP: rethinking the database from storage up

Sixteen years ago, the author began their PhD at UC Berkeley and was advised to focus on analytics rather than OLTP databases, which were considered solved. This led to the creation of Apache Spark and Databricks. However, during the development of Databricks, it was found that OLTP databases were not solved problems; they were difficult to scale and fragile. This realization led to the development of Lakebase, a serverless Postgres database designed with modern technology. Lakebase architecture separates the write-ahead log (WAL) and data files into independent, scalable services. The WAL is externalized to a service called SafeKeeper, which uses Paxos-based replication for durability, while data files are managed by PageServer, which stores them in cloud object storage. This design addresses challenges such as data loss, scaling, and performance interference between transactional and analytical workloads. Lakebase maintains compatibility with Postgres, offers unlimited storage, serverless compute, durable writes, and simpler high availability. It also introduces LTAP (Lake Transactional/Analytical Processing), which allows both transactional and analytical processing to operate on a single data copy in real time, eliminating the need for separate data copies and reducing costs. LTAP utilizes a unified storage layer that allows data to be materialized in both row and columnar formats, optimizing it for both transactional and analytical workloads. The system ensures that analytics can access the most current data without affecting transactional performance by using a log sequence number (LSN) to retrieve the latest changes. Unlike traditional CDC approaches, LTAP requires no explicit table replication, as all data is stored in a single governed copy. This architecture circumvents common issues faced by hybrid transactional/analytical processing (HTAP) systems, such as incomplete feature sets, lack of ecosystem support, and performance contention. The Lakebase architecture has unlocked capabilities like unlimited storage, elastic compute, durable writes, and instant branching, with ongoing developments anticipated in the future.
'The problem with Windows machines is that they have Windows on them': Microsoft clearly faces an uphill struggle as it defends Windows 11 laptops, firing shots at MacBook Neo
Winsage
July 2, 2026

‘The problem with Windows machines is that they have Windows on them’: Microsoft clearly faces an uphill struggle as it defends Windows 11 laptops, firing shots at MacBook Neo

A viral video on X showcased the MacBook Neo's superiority over a generic Windows laptop, specifically an HP Victus gaming model, which raised questions about the fairness of the comparison. Microsoft responded by highlighting the Dell XPS 13's features and competitive pricing, especially as Apple increased the MacBook Neo's price. However, Microsoft is facing challenges with its Surface lineup, including price hikes and rumors of discontinuing more affordable models like the Surface Go 4 and Surface Laptop Go 3. Reports indicate that these devices are becoming harder to find, and the Surface Laptop Go 3 has been replaced by a more expensive model. Additionally, public sentiment on platforms like Reddit reflects skepticism towards Windows laptops, with concerns about Windows updates and overall reliability persisting despite improvements in Windows 11.
silver Android smartphone
Tech Optimizer
July 2, 2026

From monolith to Lakebase to LTAP: rethinking the database from storage up

Sixteen years ago, the author began their PhD at UC Berkeley, where they were advised to focus on analytics rather than OLTP databases, which were considered a solved problem. However, upon developing Databricks, they found that OLTP databases were cumbersome, challenging to scale, and fragile. This led to the creation of Lakebase, a serverless Postgres database designed to address these issues by externalizing the write-ahead log (WAL) and data files into independent services. Lakebase architecture separates the WAL into a distributed service called SafeKeeper and data files into another service called PageServer, allowing for improved durability, scalability, and performance. This architecture eliminates data loss risks associated with disk failures and misconfigurations, simplifies high availability, and allows for elastic compute resources. Lakebase also introduces LTAP (Lake Transactional/Analytical Processing), which enables transactions and analytics to operate on a single data copy in real-time, avoiding the need for separate data copies and reducing costs. The system retains Postgres's ACID semantics while storing data in open columnar formats, making it accessible to both transactional and analytical engines without the delays and complexities of traditional replication methods. The architecture allows for unlimited storage, serverless compute, and instant branching, while ensuring that analytics can read the most current transactional data without affecting transactional workloads. LTAP aims to unify transactional and analytical processing by leveraging distinct compute engines for each workload while integrating at the storage layer.
Search