Field notes from the edge.
What our engineers learned this week. Hands-on technical deep-dives, postmortems, and strategy frameworks.
AIWhat customers value most in Microsoft Databases—from reliability to AI readiness
Microsoft Databases received multiple 2026 PeerSpot Customer Choice/Tech Leader recognitions across SQL Server, Azure SQL Database, Azure Database for PostgreSQL, and Azure Cosmos DB. Customer feedback consistently highlights five key themes: reliability, scalability, operational simplicity, developer productivity, and AI readiness. These recognitions validate Microsoft's database portfolio as ent
AIPerplexity's tokenmaxxing Model Council gives you multiple bot perspectives
Perplexity has expanded its Model Council feature to its Computer platform, allowing users to configure multi-model queries using 2-8 AI models that work independently before synthesizing their conclusions. The enhanced service, available across multiple pricing tiers, uses usage-based billing where credits range from less than a penny for simple queries to potentially significant costs for comple
AIFirefox 152 understands “Sssh!”
Firefox 152 introduces enhanced tab audio management with quick mute commands, experimental JPEG XL support, and improved tab-sharing capabilities across devices. The release comes as Google Chrome continues phasing out Manifest V2 extensions, potentially disadvantaging ad-blocking functionality. Mozilla's rapid release cycle and new public roadmap demonstrate active development commitment to main
AIAnthropic, now atop the AI bubble, files for its IPO
Anthropic has filed confidentially for an IPO following a $65 billion Series H funding round that valued the company at $965 billion, surpassing OpenAI's $852 billion valuation. While the company reportedly approaches its first quarter of operating profit and generates strong revenue despite a smaller user base than OpenAI, the actual financial health remains uncertain until public disclosure. The
AIMicrosoft Excel champ proves he still has the formula
Competitive Microsoft Excel has evolved into an esports-style competition, with the latest tournament in Amsterdam featuring a €12,500 prize pool and multiple event formats. Reigning champion Diarmuid Early of Ireland dominated the competition, winning three trophies and securing direct seeding to the 2026 World Championship semifinals in Las Vegas. The growing Excel esports circuit highlights the