boycott Archives

Winsage

October 17, 2025

I Will Go Down Swinging Against Windows 11

On October 14, Microsoft officially ceased security support for Windows 10. Over 42 percent of Windows users are still on Windows 10, raising concerns about e-waste and operational challenges for institutions like schools. Users can extend Windows' security support for another year for free or for a fee. The transition to Windows 11 has been met with frustration due to technical challenges and the integration of AI, which some users find unappealing. There are ethical considerations regarding Microsoft's actions, particularly in light of the ongoing boycott by BDS.

AppWizard

October 2, 2025

Microsoft reveal massive Game Pass Ultimate and PC Pass price hike, concede that price hikes are “never fun”

Microsoft is increasing the monthly fees for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to .99 (a 50% increase) and for PC Game Pass to .99 (approximately a 40% rise). The Xbox Game Pass Core is being rebranded to Xbox Game Pass Essential at .99 per month, offering around 50 games, while the Standard plan is now Xbox Game Pass Premium at .99 per month with about 200 games. Ultimate subscribers will gain access to Ubisoft games through Ubisoft Plus Classics and improved cloud gaming features. Microsoft reported record earnings from Game Pass, generating .6 billion last year, with an overall revenue increase of 18% to .4 billion. The company is also facing a consumer boycott related to its partnerships with the Israeli military and has announced plans to block Israeli military access to certain services.

AppWizard

August 27, 2025

Spotify makes bid to become an everything app with in-app messaging

Spotify has introduced an in-app messaging feature designed to enhance social connectivity while prioritizing user privacy. Users can only message those with whom they have previously shared content, and they can control who can message them or disable the feature through privacy settings. Spotify has expanded its social features by allowing comments on podcasts and may introduce song commenting in the future. The platform faces challenges, including a partnership with music publisher Kobalt amid protests from songwriters over reduced royalties, leading some artists to leave the platform. The messaging feature allows users to share tracks directly with friends or potential romantic interests.

AppWizard

August 15, 2025

Arkane STJV members demand Microsoft halt support for Israel

Members of Arkane Studios, part of the French union STJV, have called on Microsoft to stop its support for Israel, aligning with the Boycott, Divest and Sanction (BDS) movement and the No Azure for Apartheid campaign advocating for Palestinian rights. The BDS movement, established in 2005, aims to discourage corporate engagement with Israel, particularly following Microsoft's services to the Israeli military. Over 2,000 employees from Microsoft's gaming division signed a petition against the company's support for Israel. The STJV expressed that Microsoft should not be complicit in what they termed a genocide and emphasized the responsibility of tech workers to ensure their technologies do not facilitate oppression. They also raised concerns about the impact of Microsoft's actions on the viability of Xbox Games and their job security.