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Surface and Windows 10 News Recap
In the bustling corridors of Microsoft’s newsroom, the month of April brought a vibrant tapestry of updates and whispers of future innovations. The tech behemoth continues to navigate through the intricate dance of software support, hardware excitement, and the ever-evolving landscape of AI and gaming.
Cost of Windows 10 Support
The clock is ticking for Windows 10 as it approaches its end of support in October 2025. For businesses clinging to the familiar OS, Microsoft unveiled the price tag for extended security updates – a steep per device for the first year post-support, doubling yearly thereafter. The move has stirred the pot, especially among those with devices ineligible for a Windows 11 upgrade due to stringent system requirements.
Upgrading to Windows 11
Speaking of upgrades, Microsoft offered a glimmer of hope for certain PCs previously barred from stepping into Windows 11 territory. A pesky bug that affected machines with 11th Gen Core processors has been squashed, lifting the compatibility hold and opening a window of opportunity for those systems to embrace the latest OS.
Ads in Windows 11
Windows 11, on its journey to enhance user experience, is set to introduce a new character to its narrative: advertisements. The OS will curate a selection of ads within the Recommended section of the Start menu come May 2024, adding to its existing array of promotional content.
Surface
Looking ahead, the Surface saga is set to continue with the anticipated debut of the Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6. Both devices are expected to harness the power of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite processor, with a grand unveiling poised for the May 20 Surface event, coinciding with the Build 2024 conference.
Apple LLM Beats GPT-4
In the AI arena, Apple is sharpening its tools with the ReALM model, poised to elevate Siri to new heights of intelligence. While the largest ReALM model reportedly outshines OpenAI’s GPT-4, the real test will come when Siri faces the practical challenges of the world outside Apple’s research labs.
AI May End Humanity
AI’s potential to reshape our future isn’t all rosy, with some experts sounding the alarm about its existential risks. While some, like Roman Yampolskiy, signal a near-certain doomsday, others like Elon Musk offer a more conservative estimate, urging further exploration despite the ominous predictions.
Xbox Takes Over PlayStation Store
Over in the gaming universe, Microsoft’s Xbox titles, including Call of Duty and Overwatch 2, briefly reigned supreme in the PlayStation Store’s charts. This surprising turn of events speaks volumes about Microsoft’s strategic gameplay in the console wars.
Fallout TV Show
The Fallout franchise enjoyed a resurgence, thanks to its television adaptation on Prime Video. With millions tuning in, the post-apocalyptic series not only secured a second season but also sparked renewed interest in its gaming counterparts, Fallout 4 and Fallout 76.
Minecraft April Fool’s Joke
Mahjong’s April Fool’s jest, the “Poisonous Potato Update,” had Minecraft enthusiasts clamoring for more. Though a prank, it stirred the stagnant waters of content updates, leaving players yearning for fresh experiences in the beloved block-building realm.
Xbox Handheld
The handheld gaming sector could soon witness a newcomer, with Microsoft probing the market’s pulse. A survey exploring consumer motivations and preferences suggests the tech giant might be contemplating a portable device to rival the likes of Steam Deck and ROG Ally.
Editorials
When it comes to the tech world, passion often fuels the conversation. Our editorial team delved into diverse topics, from integrating Steam into the Xbox ecosystem to the unyielding allure of Minecraft.
Reviews
April’s tech treasures, such as the sleek ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 12), underwent rigorous scrutiny by our experts. With scores soaring high, these gadgets prove their mettle in the competitive tech landscape.
Deals
Deals continue to dazzle consumers, with some April discounts still in effect. While prices may have nudged upward, the allure of a good bargain remains, offering savvy shoppers another chance to snag their favorite tech at a steal.
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