Why AI-assisted coding is the 3D printing of the software world [Q&A]
Just as 3D printing has revolutionized prototyping but not (yet) replaced mass production, coding assistants are accelerating high-fidelity prototypes and rapid iteration -- but not replacing the role of humans and teamwork.
We spoke to Jeremiah Stone, CTO at SnapLogic, to discuss how in order to unlock the transformative power of AI-assisted coding, organizations need to think holistically when it comes to its application, create robust documentation, and empower the right people. As with 3D printing, the magic isn’t in the tool itself; it’s in how skillfully you put it to work.
BleachBit 6 arrives with deeper browser cleaning and a long-awaited cookie manager
BleachBit 6 brings a long list of changes to the long-running cleanup tool, adding deeper browser cleaning, a new cookie manager, and a large batch of interface tweaks. This release stacks more than 100 improvements and fixes, making it the biggest update in years.
BleachBit is a free, open-source alternative to CCleaner and removes temporary files, browser caches, logs, and leftover data that builds up over time. It also includes secure file shredding tools that overwrite data so deleted files can’t be recovered using standard methods.
OWC launches MacDrive 12 with encrypted APFS support for Windows systems
At NAB 2026, Other World Computing (OWC) announced MacDrive 12, a new version of its Windows software that provides access to Mac-formatted drives. You can read and write Mac disks directly within Windows and the new version gains support for HFS+, APFS, and encrypted APFS volumes, along with SoftRAID and Apple RAID formats.
MacDrive 12 can mount Mac disks directly in Windows Explorer, allowing files to be opened, copied, and saved, and this version now lets you read and write encrypted APFS volumes while keeping the original file system protections in place.
New security agent helps fight software supply chain attacks
As businesses increasingly rely on AI systems to write code, choose dependencies from open source repositories, and ship updates, the software supply chain is emerging as the most critical and least well-defended attack surface.
In multiple attacks over the past year, a single compromised developer credential has been used to publish malicious versions of legitimate packages, triggering cascading compromises across thousands of downstream organizations.
Ashampoo WinOptimizer 2026 usually sells for $30 but you can get it for free
Ashampoo WinOptimizer 2026 is a Windows cleanup and maintenance suite that usually sells for $30, but BetaNews readers can snap it up for free. This is the full version, so you’re getting all the included tools without time or usage limitations.
The software focuses on keeping Windows systems clean and responsive. Temporary files, leftover installer data, and outdated links can accumulate over months of use, and the program removes that clutter for you, so you don't need to worry about manual cleanup.
New agentic platform helps deliver quality software
The need for businesses to deliver software faster puts testing and quality control under the spotlight. Leapwork is addressing this with the launch of its Continuous Validation Platform, an all-new, fully agentic offering that helps enterprises ship software faster and trust every release.
According to a recent Leapwork study, 88 percent of software development professionals say AI is a priority for their organization and 65 percent said they currently use or are exploring the use of AI for one or more testing activities. Meanwhile, quality assurance and validation is rising from 25-35 percent of software budgets to 35-40 percent in the AI era.
Ashampoo’s screenshot and screen video tool Snap Pro 26 now includes Live Edit
Ashampoo has launched Snap Pro 26, a new, speedier version of its Windows screen capture software that introduces a new Live Edit feature, along with faster startup, lower memory use, and changes to the toolbar and properties bar.
Live Edit lets you draw arrows, add text, and highlight areas directly on the desktop before taking a screenshot. The screen stays active during the process, so windows can be moved or content adjusted without redoing the capture.
Ashampoo Backup Pro 26 usually sells for $60 but you can get it for free
Ashampoo Backup Pro 26 is a Windows backup and recovery program that usually sells for $60, but for a limited time it's entirely free for BetaNews readers. The offer runs from April 1 through April 30, giving users access to the full version without paying a penny.
The software protects files and entire systems by creating backups that can be restored after malware infections, hardware failures, or corrupted operating systems. You can choose to back up individual files, selected folders, or full disk partitions depending on what data you want to protect.
Ashampoo Home Design 11 gives homeowners a clearer way to plan big changes
Ashampoo has rolled out Home Design 11 and Home Design Pro 11, the latest versions of its home planning software that allow homeowners to design floor plans and interiors, and visualize full properties in 3D. Both new versions cover everyday renovation ideas and more advanced building plans, providing a simple way to test layouts and concepts ahead of making real-world changes.
Creating floor plans starts with placing walls and defining spaces in 2D, and switching to a 3D view brings those layouts to life in a way that's easier to understand than flat drawings. Walking through a virtual room often reveals spacing issues that might not be so obvious on paper, especially when faced with tight hallways or larger pieces of furniture.
Pentesting is prioritized but only 32 percent of attack surfaces are tested
While 95 percent of organizations say they rank pentesting as a top priority, they are currently testing only 32 percent of their global attack surface on average according to a new study.
The report from Synack with research by Omida surveyed 200 US security leaders to understand how organizations are adopting agentic AI to overcome the scalability limits of traditional, manual pentesting.
AppControl update adds new features to its PC activity timeline tool
AppControl, a Windows utility that tracks system activity in real time and over time, has received its first updates, improving the free tool’s stability, expanding language support, and introducing new usability features. We wrote about the tool's launch last month, and it continues to build on its goal of showing users exactly what their PC is doing and why in an easy to understand way.
The software records CPU, GPU, memory, disk, and temperature activity on a continuous timeline, letting users scroll back and see what caused spikes or slowdowns. It also tracks access to privacy-sensitive hardware like webcams, microphones, and location services, presenting that information in plain language instead of technical process names.
Ashampoo’s Photo Optimizer Pro 26 focuses on faster edits and smaller photo files
Ashampoo has released Photo Optimizer Pro 26, the latest version of its image editing software. This new iteration introduces compression tools, additional creative LUT filters, expanded RAW support, and interface tweaks, offering greater control over image quality and file size.
As always, the software focuses on speedy photo corrections that require little manual input. The program can automatically analyze images and adjust their color, contrast, and exposure with a single click. If you prefer more control, the software includes tools for perspective correction, cropping, watermarking, and artistic effects.
New tool aims to speed up pentesting without risking safety
Autonomous testing tools promise efficiency but can introduce security risks and inaccuracies in production environments. On the other hand traditional gateway tools force testers into manual workflows, limiting scalability.
To address this threat exposure specialist Terra Security is introducing Terra Portal, an agentic gateway that serves as an execution layer for pentesters to direct and oversee AI-driven testing in live production environments.
MyParticularNotes brings context-aware notes directly to the apps you use
MyParticularNotes is a new open source Windows app that links notes to applications. When you launch a program, like Word, or Chrome for example, it will display the relevant note for it. The tool runs locally, encrypts stored notes, and keeps everything on the system, offering a neat way to attach reminders or information directly to the apps you already use.
Instead of keeping a single list of notes, the program connects each note to a specific application. Using the Windows User32 API, the program reads the foreground process name to identify the app in use. When you switch programs, the note linked to the new app will appear, replacing the previous one. The API check runs several times a second so updates happen almost immediately.
Continuous testing tool delivers ‘self-securing’ software
Traditional penetration testing relies on manual or point-in-time assessments, often delivered weeks after software has already shipped. In a recent survey of 500 security and engineering leaders conducted by Aikido, 76 percent report deploying significant production changes weekly or faster, yet only 21 percent validate security on every release.
Meanwhile, 85 percent report that security findings are outdated by the time final reports are delivered. Today’s launch of Aikido Infinite aims to change this. It’s a continuous AI penetration testing solution that autonomously validates and remediates vulnerabilities.
BetaNews, your source for breaking tech news, reviews, and in-depth reporting since 1998.
Regional iGaming Content
© 1998-2026 BetaNews, Inc. All Rights Reserved. About Us - Privacy Policy - Cookie Policy - Sitemap.