AMD CPUs are still impacted by a 20-year-old Linux workaround
Modern CPUs from AMD should soon be faster on Linux-based operating systems
Software
Noteworthy software updates, industry and its key players.
AV1 codec version 3.5 greatly improves CPU encoding performance
In a nutshell: Google just released AV1 3.5, the newest version of the video-encoding technology, which threatens to be a major player in the content and media industry. The codec now has much more efficient CPU encoding, and hardware support is growing too.
Latest Nvidia GeForce Experience update fixes Windows 11 22H2 game performance issues
And adds support for RTX 4000 cards
Project Caviar: Google is promoting new royalty-free audio and video codecs
After AV1, Google is now working on a Dolby (Atmos and Vision) contender
Facebook users are suing Meta for tracking them through a loophole on iOS
Meta insists that there is no merit behind the claims
The Windows 11 22H2 update is killing Nvidia gaming performance, causing BSOD for some users
It wouldn't be a Windows update without unexpected issues
Firefox 105 promises better performance in Windows and Linux
Firefox 105 brings improved handling of low-memory situations in Windows and Linux systems. In macOS, touchpad scrolling is more accurate and accessible.
Python affected by 15-year-old bug that keeps on giving
In brief: The Python programming language is being impacted by security issue programmers have know about for a while. Trellix researchers recently rediscovered a bug, highlighting the risk for hundreds of thousands of software projects and creating patches for tens of thousands of them.
New LibreOffice version released on the Mac App Store, for a fee
The Document Foundation will make these affluent Apple users pay for free software
Telegram is a feature-rich messaging alternative to WhatsApp
Telegram lets you create group chats with up to 200k members, share media files up to 2GB each, and all your messages are stored in the cloud, so you can easily access them from anywhere.
The Rust programming language will join the Linux kernel
Rust has matured enough and will be welcomed in Linux 6.1 if all goes well
Microsoft rolls out Windows 11 22H2 update with new Start menu, gaming, and security features
In a nutshell: Microsoft has started rolling out the Windows 11 2022 update, also known as the 22H2 update, in over 190 countries. It introduces several upgrades and new features to the company's most recent operating system, including an updated Start menu, better search, and a revamped File Explorer. Microsoft is also adding improved security and gaming-focused tools to the OS.
Nvidia makes modding ray tracing into classic games easier with RTX Remix, starting with Portal
Something to look forward to: Recent mods and official re-releases show that the latest ray tracing techniques can fundamentally change the look of decades-old PC games. Nvidia's upcoming RTX Remix promises to help modders bring the technology to many more classics, beginning with a remastered version of Portal this fall.
Nvidia DLSS 3 will provide up to four times more FPS, exclusive to RTX 40 series
Coming to over 30 games starting next month
Manage your Git repositories with GitHub Desktop
GitHub Desktop is the official GitHub desktop client to streamline your development workflow on Windows and Mac. It's open-source, too.
Microsoft 365 automatic app updates finally become relatively seamless
"Click-To-Run" promises four-second updates that you won't even notice most of the time
iPhone 14 buyers will have a day-one patch to download
Mainly just bug fixes for the iPhone 14 Pro Max camera
Arduino IDE 2.0 brings autocompletion, code navigation, and live debugger
After a long beta, Arduino IDE 2.0 is now out with a more modern editor, a responsive interface and faster compilation time for a better overall user experience.
Apple's in-app purchase prices have increased 40% year-over-year
Why it matters: The average price of an in-app purchase (IAP) on the Apple App Store has increased by a whopping 40% year-over-year in July, compared to a more modest rise of 9% on the Google Play Store. App intelligence firm Apptopia believes this is largely due to privacy changes from Apple.
Audacity is free audio software for multi-track recording and editing
Audacity features a large number of effects and preset EQ curves with real-time preview and multiple format export. The auto-duck feature lets you mix different audio tracks or voiceovers for recording a proper podcast.
AI-generated images are drawing bans from some art communities
AI can generate art exponentially faster than a human
Apple iOS 16 and watchOS 9 are now available
Highly anticipated: Apple's latest operating systems for the iPhone and Apple Watch are now readily available. Of course, you don't have to buy a new Apple device to enjoy most of the features on either new system software. However, keep in mind that, as always, compatibility is limited. For iPhone users, iOS 16 supports iPhone 8 and later. Apple Watch customers need to have a Series 4 or newer for watchOS 9.
Splatoon 3 has smashed video game launch records in Japan
In context: The popular Nintendo shooter franchise recently launched its third iteration, drawing immense hype and excitement from gamers, especially in Japan, where Splatoon 3 has managed to outsell (by a lot) previous chart leaders. Nintendo has not commented on sales figures in other regions so far however.
Winamp 5.9 final is available for download
Winamp is back after a four-year hiatus. Version 5.9 improves Windows 11 support, adds https and high resolution playback among many other underlying changes.
Google increases minimum phone spec requirements for Android 13
From 512MB to 2GB in three years