workflow Archives

AppWizard

June 17, 2026

Pixel phones just got the biggest multitasking upgrade in years — here’s how to use it

The app bubbles feature in Android 17 is now available to all users, enhancing multitasking on devices like the Google Pixel 10a. Users can create app bubbles by long-pressing an app in the app drawer and selecting the Bubble option, allowing for up to five app bubbles at a time. This feature helps users manage multiple tasks more efficiently, as it allows for quick access to frequently used apps such as Slack, Gmail, YouTube, and Instagram. The setup can be customized based on personal usage habits, making it easy to integrate into daily routines.

AppWizard

June 15, 2026

How to Use Meta AI on Meta Apps

Meta AI is integrated into WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger, providing functionalities like chat, search, image generation, and automated customer support through the Meta Business Agent. Its availability varies by country, account type, app version, and language. Users should be aware that seeing a colleague's blue Meta AI ring in WhatsApp while they do not may indicate a rollout flag on Meta's end rather than an app malfunction. Meta AI can answer queries, suggest ideas, generate images from prompts, clarify messages, assist with searches, and support customer interactions for business accounts. It is linked to the Llama model family, including Llama 2 and Llama 3. To use Meta AI on WhatsApp, users need to update the app and can start a chat by locating the Meta AI button or circle. They can ask practical questions, request image generation, and utilize it in group chats. On Instagram, it enhances DMs and search functions, allowing users to create AI chats for content ideas and captions. In Messenger, there is an "Ask Meta AI" bar for direct interactions. Users can also utilize Meta AI on Facebook for search and content discovery. The Meta Business Agent is a version of Meta AI for businesses, providing 24/7 responses to customer inquiries. It can be set up in Meta Business Suite or WhatsApp Business. Privacy measures should be considered, as users cannot entirely disable Meta AI and should avoid sharing sensitive information in chats. For better responses, users should provide context and constraints in their prompts and consider training in prompt design and AI risk management for professional use.

Winsage

June 15, 2026

Microsoft released the Windows 11 Secure Boot update for all PCs, how to verify yours

Microsoft has expanded the rollout of the Secure Boot 2023 certificate update to more Windows 11 and Windows 10 devices with the June 2026 Patch Tuesday update (KB5094126). This update aims to ensure that most supported consumer PCs are classified as high confidence, meaning necessary certificates are either installed or will be applied automatically. Secure Boot is a firmware security feature that verifies the software attempting to load during the startup process, blocking unauthorized software. The certificates supporting Secure Boot, issued in 2011, are expiring in stages starting June 24, 2026, prompting Microsoft to deploy replacement certificates. Most home users do not need to take manual action as the updates will occur automatically via Windows Update. Users can check their Secure Boot certificate status in the Windows Security app. A yellow warning indicates pending compatibility data, while a red alert suggests a firmware incompatibility requiring a BIOS update. Multiple reboots during the update process are normal, and a new SecureBoot folder in Windows is for staging cryptographic files. Older PCs may experience longer update times, and some may not receive updates due to firmware issues. HP users should check for BIOS updates if encountering BitLocker recovery loops. IT administrators should monitor device classifications and manually initiate updates for devices not in the high confidence category. Devices with Secure Boot disabled cannot receive updates, leaving them vulnerable. The expiration of the Microsoft Corporation KEK CA 2011 certificate on June 24 does not immediately affect device functionality, but it limits Microsoft's ability to sign new bootkit blacklist updates.

AppWizard

June 14, 2026

‘I try to play as a completionist and leave no stone unturned and no enemy unkilled’: Returnal director Harry Krueger talks Deus Ex, Resident Evil, and the arcade classic that inspired Housemarque’s best games

Harry Krueger began his journey in PC gaming with Quake 3: Arena and later became a programmer at Housemarque, working on games like Outland and Resogun. He served as Game Director for Nex Machina in 2017 and Returnal in 2021, which won four BAFTAs in 2022, including Best Game. He has logged over 200 hours in Tetris Effect, which he appreciates for its simplicity and finesse. Ikaruga is a game he holds dear, describing it as influential and comforting. Krueger uses PureRef, an image collection tool, for organizing his creative process. His desktop is relatively tidy, with project-related files organized, though he admits to having some clutter.

Tech Optimizer

June 14, 2026

Automate Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL major or minor version upgrade using AWS Systems Manager and Amazon EC2

Managing upgrades for the Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible Edition can be labor-intensive and error-prone when done manually. Automating Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL upgrades can reduce manual effort by up to 80% and minimize downtime risks through consistent procedures. The automation solution uses AWS Systems Manager, Amazon EC2, and AWS Secrets Manager, structured around two modules: PREUPGRADE for readiness checks and UPGRADE for the actual upgrade process. The solution identifies upgrade candidates using database tags, creates safety backups with Copy-on-Write clones, manages the upgrade process with minimal human intervention, and offers real-time monitoring and email notifications. The workflow includes logging into the Systems Manager console, downloading the upgrade script, identifying Aurora PostgreSQL clusters based on tags, retrieving credentials from AWS Secrets Manager, executing pre-upgrade checks or upgrades, uploading log files to Amazon S3, and sending email notifications via Amazon SNS. Prerequisites include familiarity with the Aurora upgrade process, appropriate IAM permissions, creating a maintenance user, setting up AWS Secrets Manager, tagging Aurora clusters, creating an S3 bucket, and configuring an SNS topic for notifications. Implementation steps involve reviewing setup instructions, uploading the upgrade script to S3, creating an AWS Systems Manager automation document, executing the automation document, and monitoring the upgrade process through logs generated during pre-upgrade and upgrade phases. The logs provide detailed information on tasks performed, including replication slot status and configuration backups. After testing, it is recommended to clean up resources to avoid future charges.

Tech Optimizer

June 14, 2026

Neon vs Supabase 2026: $1B Deal, Scale-to-Zero

Neon and Supabase are two managed PostgreSQL platforms with distinct approaches. Neon adopts a serverless architecture that separates storage and compute, allowing databases to scale to zero when idle and enabling rapid database branching. Supabase, in contrast, provides a comprehensive backend-as-a-service that includes authentication, file storage, real-time subscriptions, and edge functions, all built around PostgreSQL. In 2025, Databricks acquired Neon for approximately billion, motivated by the observation that around 80% of databases created on Neon were generated by AI agents. Post-acquisition, users experienced reduced storage costs and improved pricing structures, although concerns arose regarding Neon's independence. Neon features instant database branching and a scale-to-zero capability, while Supabase offers a fully integrated backend with built-in authentication and storage. Neon operates on a usage-based pricing model, whereas Supabase has a flat-tier pricing structure. Both platforms support the pgvector extension for AI applications, but Supabase is fully open-source and allows for self-hosting, unlike Neon. The developer community recognizes Supabase for its ease of use and rapid application development capabilities, while Neon is praised for its innovative serverless features and cost efficiency. Migration between the two platforms is simplified due to their shared PostgreSQL foundation.

Winsage

June 13, 2026

I tried Microsoft’s new AI-powered Terminal, and it is a surprisingly different experience

Windows 11 has introduced a new command-line tool called "Intelligent Terminal," which is a fork of the open-source Windows Terminal project and integrates an AI agent, specifically GitHub Copilot by default. Users must manually download and install the Intelligent Terminal, which retains the familiar Windows Terminal interface but adds a side panel for AI interaction. Upon first launch, users select an Agent Client Protocol (ACP) compatible agent, with options to enable features like automatic error detection and session management. The Intelligent Terminal offers two main experiences: agent chat and agent management. The agent chat pane allows users to inquire about errors and receive assistance, while the agent management pane tracks active and past agent sessions. Users can also utilize other agents like Claude Code, Google Gemini, and OpenAI Codex, provided they are installed locally. The Command Palette is enhanced with AI actions, allowing users to initiate tasks without interrupting their workflow. Users can customize terminal and agent settings, including pane position and error detection features. Adjustments require saving to apply changes.

Winsage

June 12, 2026

Still on Windows 10? This $13 upgrade to Windows 11 Pro offers better security, AI features, and more

Upgrade to Microsoft Windows 11 Pro for .97 (MSRP 9) until June 14. Windows 11 Pro features a redesigned interface, improved multitasking capabilities, enterprise-grade security functionalities like BitLocker encryption and Windows Hello, and includes Windows Copilot AI for task automation and assistance.

Winsage

June 12, 2026

Popular Windows 11 file manager Files gets improved tags, layouts, and new OneDrive icon

Files, a third-party file manager for Windows 11, has been updated to version 4.1.3, introducing several enhancements: - A "View size" button for each folder allows users to calculate folder sizes easily without changing settings. - File selection is retained when switching between different layouts. - Tag management has been streamlined, allowing users to remove tags via the context menu, toolbar, or Command Palette. - The OneDrive icon has been updated to reflect the current version from the OneDrive executable. - Bug fixes include resolving issues with tar archive extraction, crashes on the Signatures page, ensuring the Play action for single media files, correcting Smart Extract functions, addressing tag search issues, refreshing thumbnails, and displaying previously hidden BitLocker-locked drives. - A new Tree View sidebar feature is planned for future updates, enabling navigation of folders in an expandable hierarchy. Files can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store (paid version) or accessed through its official website (free version).

Tech Optimizer

June 11, 2026

Avast One: Security and privacy suite under the microscope

Avast One is the flagship consumer security suite from Avast (Gen Digital), combining antivirus, firewall, VPN, and privacy utilities into a single subscription for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It offers four primary areas: device security, online privacy, identity protection, and performance tools. Device security includes real-time antivirus, Web Shield, Mail Shield, and Ransomware Shield. The online privacy component features a full VPN service with bank-grade encryption and a no-logs policy. Identity protection includes data breach monitoring and, in some markets, credit monitoring. Performance tools assist with disk cleanup and system optimization. Avast One has three plan tiers: Avast One Essential (free), Avast One Individual (paid, supports multiple devices), and Avast One Family (paid, supports up to 30 devices). Pricing varies based on promotions, with Avast One Individual typically around per year and Avast One Family ranging from to 0 per year. The suite can be downloaded directly from Avast's website, with installers available for various platforms. Avast One includes automatic updates and is designed to operate lightly on modern hardware, with options to minimize system impact during scans. Customer support includes self-help documentation, community forums, and direct support for paying customers. Avast One aims to appeal to both non-technical users and power users, providing a user-friendly interface while allowing for advanced configurations. The product is positioned as a comprehensive solution for households looking to secure multiple devices with a single subscription.