Apple Archives

Winsage

April 23, 2025

When Microsoft made the Windows as a Service pivot

Former Microsoft engineer Dave Plummer discussed the company's shift from paid upgrades to a Windows as a Service model, highlighting the challenges faced after the success of Windows 7 and the disappointing reception of Windows 8. He noted that Microsoft made Windows 10 available as a free upgrade for users of Windows 7, 8, and 8.1, which allowed the company to gather valuable telemetry data while introducing users to subscription services. However, the telemetry raised privacy concerns among users, as it included advertising and upsell mechanisms. Plummer expressed a desire for a version of Windows Pro without telemetry and advertising, indicating he would pay for such a product. He also mentioned that the transition to a service model helped address piracy by offering free upgrades to users with non-genuine copies of Windows.

AppWizard

April 23, 2025

Samsung Wallet’s installment payments and tap-to-send features show up in the app

Samsung Wallet is testing two new features: 'Buy Now, Pay Later' (BNPL) and 'Tap to Transfer,' with a potential launch in the U.S. The BNPL feature, powered by Splitit, allows users to split payments for purchases using Visa or Mastercard without a credit check, though activation may require approval and could incur fees. The 'Tap to Transfer' feature enables peer-to-peer money transfers by tapping an NFC-compatible device, allowing immediate fund transfers to the recipient's bank account linked to their debit card. Both features are currently in testing and may prioritize a U.S. launch.

Winsage

April 22, 2025

An iPad can’t run macOS, but it can run… Windows 11?

A developer has successfully run an unofficial version of Windows 11, called Tiny11, on an iPad Air with an M2 processor. Tiny11 is a lightweight variant of Windows 11 that requires only 8GB of storage and can operate on systems that do not meet the official minimum requirements. It was demonstrated to work on the iPad Air, although it faces challenges such as delays in booting and program launches. Tiny11 is designed to be a stripped-down version of Windows 11, omitting many applications and services, and it does not require a Microsoft account. However, it remains an unofficial software, and users are advised to be cautious due to potential security vulnerabilities and usability issues.

Winsage

April 22, 2025

5 things the Surface Pro 12 needs to finally beat the Apple iPad Pro in 2025

The Surface Pro 11 has been praised as an excellent 2-in-1 device, but there are areas for improvement. Microsoft is set to release the Surface Pro 12 later this year, expected to feature Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 SoC, which promises enhanced performance similar to Apple's M4 chip. Key improvements anticipated include more uniform bezels, a reduction in thickness, and a lighter design to enhance usability as a 2-in-1 device. There is also a desire for 5G models to be available at launch, as previous releases have seen delays. Consumers are calling for both Snapdragon and Intel options to have the same features, addressing the current disparity. Additionally, there is a request for the return of vibrant colors, particularly red, to the Surface Pro lineup.

Winsage

April 21, 2025

Microsoft is finally making the Start menu better — now fix these 5 things, too

Users have expressed frustration with the restrictive Start menu in Windows 11 compared to Windows 10, prompting some to seek third-party solutions. A newly discovered Start menu design is larger, allows immediate access to the full list of applications, and offers the option to remove the Recommended section. Microsoft's inclusion of Clipchamp as a video editing tool is seen as a step forward, but it lacks features compared to Apple’s iMovie and operates as a web-based application. Widgets in Windows 11 are not well-received due to their isolated interface, and integrating them onto the desktop could improve accessibility. The gaming experience on Windows remains subpar, particularly in navigation with a gamepad, and Windows Search directs users to Bing and Edge, limiting browser choices. The initial setup process for Windows 11 is cumbersome, with numerous prompts for Microsoft services, leading to a frustrating experience.

BetaBeacon

April 18, 2025

These Android and iPhone applications are free for a limited time

Various Android and iOS apps and games are currently available for free for a limited time in honor of Easter.

AppWizard

April 18, 2025

Rhode Island ‘Minecraft’ Moviegoers Slashed By Kids With Knives

Four male teenagers, aged 14 to 16, have been charged following a violent altercation outside Apple Cinemas in Warwick, Rhode Island, on April 15. The incident began when the teenagers became agitated during a screening of A Minecraft Movie and followed three adults to their vehicle, where they attacked them with knives, resulting in two adults being slashed. The injuries were not life-threatening. The suspects were apprehended by police, and the weapons used were recovered. The teenagers are in custody at the Rhode Island State Training School, awaiting a Family Court appearance. One victim suffered a laceration to the triceps, and another had a cut to the forehead.

BetaBeacon

April 18, 2025

Order a Retroid Pocket Mini? We’ve got bad news

Due to the tariff and trade war between the U.S. and China, Retroid's Pocket Flip 2 and Pocket Classic shipments to the U.S. have been affected, with some colors not arriving in time to be shipped.

AppWizard

April 17, 2025

What is the Minecraft movie ‘Chicken Jockey’ trend? Georgia movie theater is a victim

A new trend called the "Chicken Jockey" trend has emerged among moviegoers in the U.S. and U.K. during screenings of "A Minecraft Movie." The Chicken Jockey is a character from Minecraft, depicted as a baby zombie riding a chicken, and is featured in a fight club scene in the film. When Jack Black's character exclaims "Chicken Jockey," audiences erupt in unison, leading to chaotic behavior such as standing, shouting, throwing popcorn and soda, shooting off fireworks, and dancing with live chickens. One notable instance of this trend occurred at The Springs Cinema & Taphouse in Sandy Springs, Georgia, where the theater shared footage of the aftermath on social media and contacted law enforcement due to the chaos. Theater employee Alexi Alvear described the cleanup as taking three hours. Director Jared Hass found the antics amusing and emphasized the joy audiences are experiencing. Jack Black humorously requested no throwing of popcorn during a surprise appearance. "A Minecraft Movie" currently holds a 46% rating from Rotten Tomatoes' critics and an 87% audience score, with a Metascore of 46 and an IMDb rating of 6 out of 10. The film has generated over 0 million against a production budget of 0 million. It is expected to stream on Max, with the earliest streaming date potentially around May 19, depending on box office performance. Pre-orders for digital copies are available on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV.

AppWizard

April 17, 2025

Four teens arrested, accused of slashing two adults after ‘Minecraft’ movie

Four teenagers were apprehended at the Apple Cinemas in Warwick, Rhode Island, following an altercation during a screening of "A Minecraft Movie." The police were called after reports of a disturbance, and upon arrival, they found a chaotic scene with two injured adults, one bleeding. The adults had been disrupted by a loud group of teenagers and were assaulted after confronting them. One victim reported being stabbed by a teenager in a black hoodie. Both injured men were taken to Kent Hospital for treatment. The suspects, aged 14 to 16, were taken into custody and transferred to the Rhode Island Training School, facing charges including felony assault and disorderly conduct.