Microsoft Edge 134 brings significant performance enhancements across the board. Startup is faster thanks to Profile Guided Optimization (PGO) and a more efficient browser process initialization. Sleeping tabs, now enabled by default, reduce memory usage by 83% and CPU usage by 32% compared to discarded tabs. The browser also optimizes resource allocation for active tabs, improving performance even with many tabs open. Further enhancements include improved video playback performance, faster page loading from browser history, and reduced input latency. These changes result in a smoother, more responsive browsing experience with less resource consumption.
A vulnerability (CVE-2024-8176) was discovered in libexpat, a popular XML parsing library, stemming from excessive recursion during the processing of deeply nested XML documents. This could lead to denial-of-service attacks by crashing the parser due to stack exhaustion. The issue was exacerbated by internal optimizations meant to improve performance, inadvertently increasing the recursion depth. The vulnerability affected all versions of expat prior to 2.7.0, and users are strongly encouraged to update. The fix involves limiting the recursion depth and implementing a simpler, less recursion-heavy approach to parsing these nested structures, prioritizing stability over the potentially marginal performance gains of the previous optimization.
Several Hacker News commenters discussed the implications of the expat vulnerability (CVE-2024-8176). Some expressed surprise that such a deeply embedded library like expat could still have these types of vulnerabilities, highlighting the difficulty of achieving perfect security even in mature codebases. Others pointed out that while the vulnerability allows for denial-of-service, achieving remote code execution would likely be very difficult due to the nature of the bug and its typical usage. A few commenters discussed the trade-offs between security and performance, with some suggesting that the potential for stack exhaustion might be an acceptable risk in certain applications. The potential impact of this vulnerability on various software that utilizes expat was also a topic of discussion, particularly in the context of XML parsing in web browsers and other critical systems. Finally, some commenters praised the detailed write-up by the author, appreciating the clear explanation of the vulnerability and its underlying cause.
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4950 (Beta Channel) brings several fixes and improvements. Key changes include resolving an explorer.exe crash, improving Narrator performance with large amounts of text, fixing an issue affecting the reliability of Start menu badges, and addressing problems with app defaults and searchindexer.exe crashes. This build also removes the previously available live captions settings within Quick Settings, directing users to the full settings page instead. While this build doesn't introduce new features, it focuses on stability and bug fixes for a smoother user experience.
Hacker News users discuss the new features in the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build, mostly focusing on practical improvements rather than revolutionary changes. Several commenters express appreciation for the return of ungrouped taskbar icons, viewing it as a positive step back from a less popular design choice. Some discuss the new screen recording feature in Snipping Tool, noting its basic functionality and comparing it to existing third-party options. Others mention the addition of a native VPN status indicator in the system tray, considering it a welcome, if overdue, feature. A few comments also touch on more technical aspects, such as the performance improvements and changes to Windows Ink. Overall, the sentiment seems to be one of cautious optimism, with users appreciating the iterative improvements but remaining somewhat reserved about the overall direction of Windows 11.
Pi-hole v6.0 is a significant update focusing on enhanced user experience and maintainability. It features a redesigned web interface with improved navigation, accessibility, and dark mode support. Under the hood, the admin console now uses Vue 3 and the API utilizes PHP 8.1, modernizing the codebase for future development. FTL, the DNS engine, also received updates improving performance and security, including DNSSEC validation enhancements and optimized memory management. While this version brings no major new features, the focus is on refining the existing Pi-hole experience and laying the groundwork for future innovation.
Hacker News users generally expressed excitement about Pi-hole v6, praising its improved interface and easier setup, particularly for IPv6. Some users questioned the necessity of blocking ads at the DNS level, citing browser-based solutions and the potential for breakage of legitimate content. Others discussed alternative solutions like NextDNS, highlighting its cloud-based nature and advanced features, while some defended Pi-hole's local control and privacy benefits. A few users raised technical points, including discussions of DHCPv6 and unique privacy addresses. Some expressed concerns about the increasing complexity of Pi-hole, hoping it wouldn't become bloated with features. Finally, there was some debate about the ethics and effectiveness of ad blocking in general.
A new custom firmware for the PlayStation Portable, called PSP-CFW 6.61 PRO-C Infinity 2, allows the 20-year-old handheld console to connect to modern WPA2 Wi-Fi networks. Previously limited to the outdated WEP encryption, the PSP can now access most current Wi-Fi networks, opening up possibilities for online gaming and other internet-based features on original hardware. This update builds upon existing custom firmware, adding improved compatibility and stability while retaining previous functionality like ISO loading and plugin support.
Hacker News users generally expressed excitement about the WPA2 patch for the PSP, praising the developer for their dedication and skill in reverse-engineering the system. Several commenters reminisced about their experiences with the handheld console and discussed its unique place in gaming history. Some questioned the practical applications given the availability of faster internet on modern devices, while others pointed out the benefits for preservation and playing online games on original hardware. A few highlighted the technical challenges involved in the process, appreciating the developer's deep understanding of the PSP's architecture. The potential for further development, such as implementing WPA3 support, was also mentioned.
Newsweek reports that Google Calendar has stopped automatically displaying certain US cultural events like Pride Month, Black History Month, and Holocaust Remembrance Day in the main calendar view for some users. While these events are still accessible within other calendar layers, like the "Interesting Calendars" section, the change has sparked concern and frustration among users who relied on the prominent reminders. Google has not officially commented on the reason for the removal or whether it is a temporary glitch or a permanent change.
HN commenters were largely skeptical of the Newsweek article, pointing out that the events still appeared on their calendars and suggesting user error or a temporary glitch as more likely explanations than intentional removal. Several suggested checking calendar settings, specifically "Browse interesting calendars" under "Other calendars," to ensure the specialized calendars are enabled. Some questioned Newsweek's journalistic integrity and the sensationalist framing of the headline. A few commenters expressed general frustration with Google's frequent, unannounced changes to their products and services. There was also discussion about the effectiveness and potential annoyance of these awareness calendars, with some finding them useful reminders while others viewing them as intrusive or performative.
Summary of Comments ( 54 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43674159
Hacker News users generally expressed skepticism towards Microsoft's performance claims about Edge 134. Several commenters questioned the methodology and benchmarks used, pointing out the lack of specifics and the potential for cherry-picked results. Some suggested that perceived performance improvements might be due to disabling features or aggressive caching. Others noted that while benchmarks might show improvements, real-world performance, particularly memory usage, remains a concern for Edge. A few users offered anecdotal evidence, with some reporting positive experiences and others experiencing continued performance issues. The overall sentiment leans towards cautious observation rather than outright acceptance of Microsoft's claims.
The Hacker News post titled "Significant performance improvements with Edge 134" linking to a Windows blog post about Edge browser performance has generated several comments discussing various aspects of the browser and its performance claims.
Several commenters express skepticism about Microsoft's performance claims, pointing out that benchmarks presented by browser vendors should be taken with a grain of salt. They suggest that real-world performance and individual user experience can vary significantly. Some also mention the importance of considering factors beyond synthetic benchmarks, such as extensions used and specific website optimizations.
One commenter questions the methodology used in the benchmarks, specifically regarding the choice of competitors and the specific tests performed. They highlight the potential for bias when a vendor performs their own benchmarking and publishes the results. The commenter implies a desire for more transparent and independently verifiable performance comparisons.
Another thread of discussion revolves around the perception of Edge as "Chrome but worse." Commenters debate whether Edge offers any tangible benefits over Chrome, given their shared Chromium base. Some users express satisfaction with Edge, citing specific features or performance improvements they have experienced. Others argue that Edge primarily serves as a means for Microsoft to collect user data and promote its services.
A few commenters discuss the broader browser landscape, touching on topics such as the dominance of Chromium-based browsers and the challenges faced by alternative browsers like Firefox. They lament the lack of true competition and innovation in the browser market.
Some technical details about Edge's specific optimizations are discussed, including Sleeping Tabs and startup boost. Commenters share anecdotal experiences with these features and their impact on performance. However, there isn't in-depth technical analysis of the claimed improvements within the comments.
Finally, there's a brief discussion about the relevance of browser performance in modern hardware. Some commenters argue that with powerful CPUs and ample RAM, the performance differences between browsers are negligible for most users. Others contend that browser performance remains important, especially for users with lower-end hardware or specific use cases like intensive web applications.