consumer sentiment Archives

Winsage

January 6, 2026

Windows 11 Trails Older OS Versions in ThinkPad X220 Speed Tests

Windows 11 has been tested on a Lenovo ThinkPad X220, revealing it to perform poorly compared to its predecessors, particularly Windows 8.1, which excelled in benchmarks for boot times and application launches. The test involved various Windows versions (XP, Vista, 7, 8.1, 10, and 11) on the same aging hardware, highlighting that Windows 11 consistently finished last in most categories. The ThinkPad X220 does not meet Windows 11’s minimum requirements, lacking essential components like TPM 2.0 and a compatible processor, which may have skewed the results. Critics argue that using outdated hardware for testing is not representative, suggesting that a fair comparison would involve flagship devices from each generation. Windows 11's architecture is designed for modern multicore CPUs and SSDs, which may struggle on older hardware. Additionally, Windows 11 has heavier overheads due to advanced security features, which consume resources that older operating systems do not. User feedback indicates frustration with Windows 11's performance on legacy hardware compared to leaner alternatives like Linux. Despite Microsoft promoting optimizations in Windows 11, these did not manifest in the ThinkPad test, and the findings raise concerns for businesses considering upgrades as Windows 10 approaches its end-of-support date in 2025.

AppWizard

November 26, 2025

Opinion: No, The Novelty of PlayStation Games on PC Has Not Worn Off

Alinea Analytics analyzed the performance of PlayStation games on PC, suggesting that the novelty of these titles has faded and that all major franchises have already been released on the platform. However, several significant titles, including Gran Turismo 7, Demon’s Souls, Bloodborne, The Last of Us Part II, and The Order: 1886, are still not available on PC. Many PC gamers also own PlayStation consoles and prefer to buy games for immediate access rather than waiting for PC ports. The quality of PC ports has been inconsistent, with some titles facing backlash due to technical issues, while others have been successful. The requirement for a PSN account to access certain games created barriers for players in regions without PSN, affecting sales. Long wait times for PC releases and the temptation of piracy also impact game performance on Steam. Despite misconceptions, single-player games can succeed on PC, as evidenced by titles like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Hades. The discussion around PlayStation games on PC is more about strategic release decisions and quality rather than a decline in novelty.

AppWizard

October 8, 2025

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate price hike delayed in some regions

Microsoft has announced a temporary delay in the planned price increase for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate in Germany, Ireland, South Korea, Poland, and India. The anticipated 50 percent hike will apply only to new subscribers, while current members will continue to renew at their existing price for now. Kari Perez, the Xbox communications chief, stated that advance notice would be provided before any price adjustments take effect. The decision is influenced by local legislation regarding subscription pricing.

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Report: The Majority of Top-Played Games Cost $20 or Less

Recent insights from Ampere Analysis reveal that 55% of the top 150 games on Steam have an average sales price (ASP) of or less, indicating a shift towards budget-friendly gaming. AA releases, priced between and , attract 18% of players, while only 3% of the top games have an ASP exceeding . The only game priced above is Split Fiction, which has an ASP of .72 but retails at a more accessible price in the United States.

Winsage

June 23, 2025

Windows 11 migration shows surprising surge for some businesses – but for once, desktop is leading the way

Desktop shipments to businesses increased by 22%, accounting for 17% of total enterprise PC sales, as companies prepare for the end of support for Windows 10. In contrast, overall PC shipments for consumers rose by only 9%. Canalys reported that during the first four months of 2025, overall PC shipments rose by an average of 9%, with desktops increasing by 8% and notebooks by 10%. Windows 11 adoption is currently at 43%, while Windows 10 stands at 53%. IDC forecasts a potential contraction in the global PC market due to stabilization from the migration to Windows 11 and expected worsening macroeconomic conditions.

AppWizard

March 27, 2025

What you need to know about One UI 7: Software is hard

Samsung initially aimed to deliver the One UI 7 update to eligible Galaxy S phones by Q1 2025, but this timeline will not be met, with a new expected arrival date in April. The recent launch of the Galaxy S25, which includes the update, has added to user frustration. Users have formed distinct groups in response to the situation: some vow to stop purchasing Samsung devices, others rationalize the delays by blaming Google, and some remain indifferent as long as their devices function properly. The situation highlights issues in communication and transparency from Samsung regarding software updates.

Winsage

December 2, 2024

Windows 11 market share falls despite Microsoft ad blitz

Windows 11's market share has decreased from 35.6 percent in October to 34.9 percent in November, while Windows 10's market share has increased to 61.8 percent. In the U.S., Windows 11's market share has declined by over 3 percent, indicating a shift in consumer sentiment towards Windows 10. Microsoft's strategy of promoting Windows 11 through full-screen advertisements on Windows 10 devices has not led to increased adoption rates. Windows 11's stringent hardware requirements have left many Windows 10 devices ineligible for an upgrade, discouraging users from transitioning to the new operating system. Reports indicate that some users have reverted to previous versions of Windows due to dissatisfaction with Windows 11.