consumers

Winsage
May 30, 2025
Microsoft has introduced a "unified future for app updates" through a new Windows Update orchestration platform, aiming to streamline the update process for applications, drivers, and components on personal computers. This initiative addresses the fragmented nature of traditional app and driver updates, which often burden IT administrators. In late 2024, Microsoft began testing a feature allowing the Microsoft Store to update applications not hosted on its servers, transforming it into a "one-stop shop for all app updates." The new orchestration platform supports apps and components not listed in the Microsoft Store, enhancing the update experience alongside improvements to the Microsoft Store and the Windows Package Manager.
AppWizard
May 28, 2025
Meredith Whittaker, president of Signal, emphasized the need for enhanced personal data protection and criticized major tech companies for their pervasive data collection practices with minimal oversight. She called for structural reforms to regulate user data management and highlighted that a few tech giants dominate data collection without adequate transparency. Whittaker advocated for comprehensive regulations to safeguard user privacy and protect free speech, reflecting growing concerns among consumers and privacy advocates about the balance between technology and individual rights.
BetaBeacon
May 28, 2025
Google's success is driven by its hardware platforms Android and Chromebooks, which generate revenue through targeted ads. Samsung's strength lies in hardware, not software, making it unlikely to save Android XR from failure. The success of Android XR will depend on consumer interest in AR/VR products, which currently seems low.
Winsage
May 28, 2025
Microsoft has initiated a limited public preview of Windows Backup for Organizations to simplify the backup and restoration of device settings for enterprise customers, facilitating the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11. The company is developing a unified orchestration platform to manage all operating system and software updates, addressing issues related to the current fragmented update process. This platform will be built on the Windows Update stack and provide an API for developers to integrate their applications. Benefits include eco-conscious scheduling, a centralized notification system, holistic update history, streamlined troubleshooting, easier management for IT administrators, and support for common app types. The orchestrator is currently in early development and available only as a private preview, with a focus on enterprises, although a consumer-oriented solution may be possible in the future.
Tech Optimizer
May 28, 2025
M&S shoppers are being urged to enhance their online security following a cyber attack that disrupted customer services. The retailer has acknowledged ongoing challenges, stating they cannot process online orders while stores remain open. Sensitive customer information, including phone numbers, email addresses, and order histories, was compromised in the breach. Security expert Luis Corrons from Norton recommends activating two-step verification for online accounts, being cautious about stored personal and payment information, deleting unused accounts, using strong passwords, and keeping devices and software updated to improve security. He emphasizes that cyber threats are increasingly targeting human behavior and that these security measures are essential for digital safety.
Winsage
May 27, 2025
Lenovo's Legion Go S gaming handheld is the first device from the manufacturer to support both Windows and SteamOS. The SteamOS Edition has been recently released, allowing for performance comparisons with the Windows version. Both versions have identical specifications, including an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor, 16GB of RAM, and an 8-inch 1200p display. The SteamOS version performs 5-15 percent faster in running games and has superior battery life, outperforming the Windows edition significantly in both low-power and demanding games. The base launch price of the SteamOS Edition is 9, influenced by import taxes, while the Windows version retails for 9. More powerful configurations are available for 9 and 9 for SteamOS and Windows versions, respectively, but the SteamOS variant is labeled as “Coming Soon” at Best Buy.
AppWizard
May 27, 2025
Brands are increasingly required to engage with customers in digital spaces, with platforms like Roblox attracting 90 million daily active users. 56% of Gen Z prioritize styling their avatars over their own appearance, highlighting the need for brands to adapt to virtual environments. The gaming sector provides opportunities for product testing using digital twin technology, allowing brands to simulate scenarios and analyze data for trend forecasting. Retailers like Temu, Shein, and TikTok are rapidly creating products in response to trends, necessitating a shift from traditional six-month development cycles to real-time supply chains. Demand spikes can arise from various sources, and without a robust Order Management System (OMS), businesses risk losing sales. Accurate, real-time inventory visibility is crucial for managing demand spikes and anticipating future needs. Nike has launched Nikeland on Roblox for product testing and consumer engagement, while Snapchat offers AR features for virtual try-ons, allowing brands to gauge interest before physical launches. The intersection of gaming and commerce presents unique opportunities for innovative consumer engagement.
Winsage
May 27, 2025
Windows 10 support will cease for most users on October 14, 2025. Windows 10 version 22H2 will also reach its end-of-life on this date. Windows 10 version 21H2 has already reached its end-of-life as of June 11, 2024. Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESU) for organizations transitioning to Windows 11, with individual consumers able to secure up to one additional year of support and organizations up to three years at increasing costs. The Microsoft Volume Licensing Program starts at per device in the first year, escalating to 0 in the second year and 0 in the third year. Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 will remain supported until January 13, 2032. Windows 11 22H2 is supported until October 8, 2024, Windows 11 23H2 until November 11, 2025, and Windows 11 24H2 until October 13, 2026. Extended Security Updates for Windows 11 could extend support until 2029. Windows 11 24H2 Enterprise offers support until October 12, 2027, while IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024 has updates until October 10, 2034. The support timelines indicate a need for quicker transitions to new Windows systems.
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