Category: 4. Technology

IIS Express experiences compatibility issues on Windows 11 when TLS 1.3 is used, especially when client certificates are involved.

The problem affects developers who use the lightweight web server to test and validate applications locally. Microsoft has acknowledged the bug, but it is unlikely that a structural solution will be found anytime soon.

TLS 1.3 offers better security and performance than its predecessor TLS 1.2, but omits an important feature: renegotiation. This functionality was used by servers such as IIS Express to request a client certificate only after the initial handshake. Because TLS 1.3 does not support this mechanism, IIS Express crashes with mTLS configurations. For Windows 11 versions prior to 24H2 and for Windows Server 2022, this results in a broken connection with the error message ERR_CONNECTION_RESET. On Windows 11 24H2 and Windows Server 2025, this is accompanied by an HTTP 500 error with the code 0x80070032, which simply means “not supported.”

Three temporary solutions

Microsoft points to three temporary solutions that developers can apply. Disabling TLS 1.3 via the Windows registry is the most direct route, although this affects all applications on the system and falls back to TLS 1.2. Another option is to modify the http.sys binding via the netsh command, which requests the client certificate during the initial handshake. Removing the client certificate requirement from the configuration is also an option, but this is mainly suitable for development environments.

According to reports from Neowin, a Microsoft employee has indicated that they do not know whether an official fix will ever be released and, if so, what it would look like. In theory, TLS 1.3 does have an alternative method, namely post-handshake client authentication, but this is not supported by most browsers. In addition, IIS and IIS Express are based on the Windows http.sys kernel driver. This layer handles the TLS negotiation entirely before IIS itself comes into play, which means that the problem actually lies in the architecture of the underlying system.

The likelihood of developers finding a permanent solution in the near future therefore seems slim. For the time being, they will have to rely on workarounds that are more or less suitable depending on the situation. Anyone who wants to continue using TLS 1.3 in combination with IIS Express will therefore have to make compromises.

The Mega Evolution expansion for the Pokémon Trading Card Game is one of the most anticipated sets in years. With fan favourites like Mega Lucario ex and Mega Gardevoir ex confirmed, hype is driving preorder frenzies across every major retailer.

The U.S. release date is September 26, 2025, while Europe, the Middle East, and Africa will see the set two weeks later on October 10, 2025.

Finding sealed products like these at a fair price is already a challenge. Some stores are holding MSRP, others are inflating prices, and secondary marketplaces have their own dynamics to keep in mind, too.

While we can maybe expect products from this set to be joining Pokémon TCG deals further down the line, huge initial demand will definitely see certain cards become price juggernauts among upcoming crashers and climbers.

To make navigating the preorder chaos as easy as possible, here’s the complete breakdown of where to secure your Mega Evolution boxes, bundles, and packs before launch.

Elite Trainer Box (ETB)

The ETB is the centrepiece of the Mega Evolution set, featuring either Mega Lucario or Mega Gardevoir designs. Each box includes 9 booster packs, card sleeves, dice, and other useful accessories like damage-counter dice and a competition-legal coin-flip die.

• TCGPlayer: Resale prices are already well above retail, averaging $99–$103. Pokémon Center exclusive versions (different art) are listed around $370 and sell out quickly.
• Best Buy: Lists ETBs at $49.99 (MSRP), though stock rotates between “Coming Soon” and “Sold Out.”
• Walmart: Preorders currently not available, but may be back in stock irregularly — but usually slightly above MSRP at listings around $59.99 when in stock.
• Amazon: Currently one listing available at $144.99. Third-party sellers tend to inflate these further, with early listings hitting double MSRP.

For collectors who must have the ETB, Best Buy and Walmart are worth constant refreshing. If reliability matters more, TCGplayer is the most straightforward (though costly) option.

Booster Box (36 packs)

On August 31, Linus Torvalds announced the fourth release candidate of Linux 6.17 via the Linux kernel mailing list. According to the developer, the commit numbers and diffstat are entirely in line with expectations. The cycle has also proceeded without surprises so far.

Nevertheless, there are a few notable changes, according to Neowin, including a correction for the Intel idpf network driver and improvements in the handling of system registers within arm64 KVM.

Torvalds (photo) emphasizes that most of the code changes are minor, often no more than a few lines. The log files contain updates for HID drivers, GPU and DRM components, network functionality, and various file systems. An earlier change in virtio was also reversed. Nothing will change for users yet; the code is available on kernel.org and at this stage is mainly aimed at developers who actively contribute to testing.

In addition to the regular fixes, there are some broader developments visible. Bcachefs is now marked as externally maintained, which means that new functionality will no longer be added in-tree. Furthermore, a bug in the TSC logic on older Intel Pentium 4 Prescott processors has been fixed. New hardware is also supported, such as the Logitech G PRO 2 LIGHTSPEED mouse, the Wacom Art Pen 2, the ELECON M-DT2DR8K, and the Lenovo Legion Go.

Final release coming soon

The schedule for Linux 6.17 therefore remains largely on track. Torvalds indicates that the success of the release depends on extensive test results from the community. When developers identify problems early on, the kernel can stabilize more quickly and delays in the further process are less likely.

The final release is expected to be available in late September or early October, although the development cycle remains unpredictable. In our previous post about Linux 6.16, we already pointed out the possibility that vacation periods and personal schedules could throw a wrench in the works, but for now, the new version appears to be on track and without any major obstacles.

With an ankle injury to Dominic Solanke now looking potentially more serious than first suggested and Richarlison seemingly made out of spun sugar, hopes and dreams, Tottenham Hotspur are now looking for reinforcements at the forward position. Towards that, Cartilage Free Captain can EXCLUSIVELY reveal that Fabio Paratici and Daniel Levy have sanctioned a stunning approach for Arsenal striker Bukayo Saka.

A source close to both parties said Spurs are initially offering Alfie Whiteman, a ham sandwich and unlimited free stadium karting tickets to give Saka an out; work continues on personal terms, with Spurs reportedly willing to put him on weekly wages similar to that of “fellow promising talent” Pape Matar Sarr.

Reached on his cellphone while chugging a quintuple espresso and snorting a line of adderall, Paratici said this move was intend to both strengthen Tottenham and also give Saka an escape hatch from the dreadful tactics of Mikael Arteta.

“Bukayo Saka is an outstanding young player, and we at Tottenham Hotspur feel a player of his obvious skills and caliber deserves to be on a team that wins in Europe. I have no further comment at this time.”

— Fabio Paratici, probably

When it was pointed out that Saka is an Arsenal player born and bred having come up through their academy, Paratici is said to have quipped “Well, so was Harry Kane and that didn’t matter much, did it? Anyway, COYS.”

More updates as this story develops.

Sonicware’s Lofi-12 XT first landed in 2023, itself an update to the company’s Liven Lofi-12 that had launched a year previously. Both machines share a similar ethos – reviving the crunchy, low-bitrate sound of samplers from the ‘80s and ‘90s within compact, modernised instruments that offered easier and more flexible sound shaping than the machines that inspired them.

The Lofi-12 XT expanded on the concept with longer sample times, increased connectivity and more hands-on performance features, all while keeping the price around the relatively-affordable £/$400 mark. Now the capabilities of the XT model have been expanded further via a substantial v1.5 firmware update.

As broadcasters and producers deploy IP, cloud and artificial intelligence technologies to more efficiently produce and deliver content to multiple different platforms, KVM systems are helping them revamp their operations and tap into the benefits of newer technologies.

In the process, KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) systems, originally conceived of as a simple way to control multiple computers, are undergoing a rapid transformation, adding capabilities and tools designed to help producers and broadcasters manage increasingly large operations, handle higher-resolution content, control large remote productions and oversee complex arrays of devices, networks and processes relying on IP and cloud workflows.

Faysal Bank has introduced a financing plan for the Nothing Phone 2a (12 GB RAM / 256 GB storage) through its online outlet Faysal Digimall, allowing customers to purchase via installments with a promotional zero-profit option for the first three months and extending up to 48 months.

The retail price for the phone is set at Rs. 144,990.

Pricing and EMI Details

Here is the installment breakdown based on payment duration:

Tenure	Monthly Installment (PKR)
3 Months @ 0%	48,300
6 Months	27,484
12 Months	14,973
24 Months	9,345
36 Months	6,923
48 Months	5,917

 

As the table shows, the 0% profit applies only to the 3-month tenure.

Key Benefits

• Each purchase includes CMF Buds at no added cost.
• All units are PTA-approved
• Customers receive free shipping across the country.

The offer is available exclusively to Faysal Bank credit card holders.

How to Apply

Prospective buyers can apply through Faysal Digimall using the following options:

• Online Portal
• Contact Faysal Bank at 111‑06 06 06 for assistance

Applicants are encouraged to review the full Terms & Conditions on the site before submitting a request.

Broadband  |  2025-09-01

Synch, a leading provider of mission-critical communication and incident management solutions, has announced the release of Synch 6.6, marking another significant advancement in the company’s mission to make frontline operations faster, safer, and easier to manage.

With this latest version, Synch introduces a suite of updates across its Admin, Dispatcher, Android, and iOS platforms. The enhancements are designed to help organizations streamline operations, reduce information overload, and strengthen situational awareness during high-pressure events.

Reducing Noise and Streamlining Incidents

One of the key improvements in Synch 6.6 is the ability for dispatchers to merge duplicate incidents, a frequent challenge in fast-paced environments. By consolidating overlapping reports, teams can focus on core priorities without distraction.

Smarter Resolution and Knowledge Capture

Admins can now define customized incident resolution reasons, ensuring that valuable insights are retained when events are closed. This structured approach creates a growing knowledge base that organizations can use to refine response strategies and improve decision-making over time.

Sharper Mapping and Faster Reach

Synch has enhanced its incident mapping by introducing clear, square-shaped icons that are color-coded by priority and status. This provides dispatchers with instant visual clarity, particularly when multiple critical events unfold simultaneously. In addition, the company has upgraded its Splash Alerts, allowing urgent, on-screen messages — with optional audio alarms — to be sent to multiple groups in just a few clicks, ensuring vital information reaches the right teams immediately.

Empowering Safe Workers and Compliance

Building on its Safe Worker features, Synch 6.6 introduces a new SOS widget that gives frontline staff direct access to an emergency panic button from their device home screen. Organizations also benefit from improved transcript capabilities across platforms, simplifying documentation, playback, and compliance reporting.

Additional Operational Enhancements

The release also includes auto-incident creation, streamlined group management, expanded admin control through a new Incidents tab, and bulk user update options. Mobile users gain improved notification visibility, with full message history accessible directly from the notification drawer.

With over 80 bug fixes and performance improvements, Synch 6.6 delivers a more stable, reliable, and responsive platform.

By combining advanced technology with user-focused design, Synch continues to position itself as a trusted partner for organizations operating in demanding environments.

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