decision Archives

Winsage

November 8, 2024

“Don’t kill Android (WSA) in Windows 11” is now a top feedback, but will Microsoft listen?

Microsoft will discontinue the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) in 2025, along with the removal of the Amazon Appstore from the Microsoft Store. Many users rely on WSA for accessing Android applications not available on Windows, leading to significant disappointment among them. A post on the Feedback Hub advocating for WSA has received nearly 700 upvotes, indicating user frustration. WSA is seen as essential for both daily tasks and for developers testing Android applications. The decision to discontinue WSA is linked to the financial performance of the Microsoft Store and a lack of support from Google. Initially, WSA was only available in the United States, which limited its user base.

Winsage

November 8, 2024

Microsoft tests emulator to bring support for x64 apps and games to Windows on Arm: What it means for users

Microsoft is testing a significant update for systems using Qualcomm's Arm-based processors, introduced in the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build. This update includes a tool that enhances Copilot Plus PCs with Snapdragon X Elite or X Plus processors through its Prism emulation layer, allowing a wider range of x64 applications and games to run on these devices. The update aims to enable high-demand games like Starfield and Helldivers 2 on Arm-based Windows devices and is currently being trialed by Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel. The update improves the usability of 64-bit x86 software, providing access to processor extensions like AVX and AVX2, enhancing performance and compatibility. However, 32-bit software will still face limitations. Many applications, including Photoshop, Hulu, and Chrome, have transitioned to native ARM64 versions, while others rely on emulation. Adobe has re-enabled Premiere Pro for Windows 11 ARM devices powered by the Snapdragon X chip, allowing it to run under emulation after previously disabling it due to performance issues. Premiere Pro is now available within the Creative Cloud app, although performance may not match that of Intel or AMD-based machines. A native ARM version of Premiere Pro is in development, but no release date has been announced. Photoshop is currently the only Adobe application available natively for Windows on ARM, while other applications like After Effects are expected to gain support through emulation. Adobe's move aligns with its commitment to enhance its Creative Suite for Windows on ARM, and competitors like DaVinci Resolve are also working on native ARM versions of their software. Microsoft's Clipchamp has already been established as an ARM-native solution.

AppWizard

November 8, 2024

Sega sells Amplitude Studios

Sega has divested from Amplitude Studios, confirmed in their financial report for the six months ending September 30th. Amplitude Studios underwent a management buyout, regaining independence after being acquired by Sega in 2016. Sega reported an extraordinary loss of approximately ¥5.9 billion (.7 million) for the second quarter due to this divestiture, part of a broader restructuring that included layoffs at Creative Assembly and the separation from Canadian developer Relic. For the six months ending September 30th, 2024, Sega reported a 4.5 percent decline in net sales to ¥211.7 billion (.4 billion) and an 18.1 percent decrease in operating income to ¥32.8 billion (4.9 million). Amplitude Studios expressed enthusiasm about their independence and commitment to their core values of creativity, innovation, and community collaboration.

AppWizard

November 7, 2024

the AI of ASI Alliance that learns and adapts on Minecraft

The ASI Alliance has introduced AIRIS, an AI system that learns autonomously within Minecraft, representing a significant step towards artificial general intelligence (AGI). AIRIS, which stands for Autonomous Intelligent Reinforcement Inferred Symbolism, is designed to adapt independently in a virtual environment, showcasing dynamic learning capabilities. Developed in collaboration with partners like SingularityNET, Fetch.ai, and Ocean Data, AIRIS utilizes a robust infrastructure to efficiently store and process information. It features real-time environmental adaptation, allowing it to navigate complex terrains and develop its own rules based on observations. AIRIS also aims to cultivate advanced interaction skills, including construction and object creation, potentially enabling collaborative tasks with other agents. The ultimate goal is to apply AIRIS in real-world scenarios, such as autonomous robots and intelligent assistants, across various sectors requiring adaptive learning and problem-solving abilities.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

Windows 11’s market share hits all-time high — Microsoft’s $30 extended support charge beyond Windows 10’s imminent death won’t cut it

Windows 11 has captured a market share of 35.55% as of October 2024, while Windows 10 holds 60.97%. Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. The International Data Corporation (IDC) reported a 3% growth in global PC shipments in Q2 2024, with approximately 64.9 million units sold. Microsoft has introduced an Extended Security Update (ESU) program for Windows 10 users, allowing them to extend support for an additional year at a cost. A public interest petition has been initiated urging Microsoft to reconsider the end of support for Windows 10.

AppWizard

November 7, 2024

Google is ending Android Auto support for older phones. Here’s why (and the simple fix)

As of this week, Android Auto has officially ceased support for smartphones operating on Android 8. Users with Android 8 devices are receiving notifications that their phones no longer support Android Auto, and to maintain functionality, an upgrade to Android 9 or later is essential. The integration of Android Auto into the operating system starting from Android 9 eliminates the need for a standalone app, and it is possible that the Android Auto app may be removed from the Play Store. Approximately 5% of Android users are still on version 8, and while some have attempted to sideload older versions of the app, this method has not been effective. Upgrading to a newer smartphone is the most viable solution, with budget-friendly options available, such as the CMF Phone 1 from Nothing, retailing around 0.

AppWizard

November 7, 2024

Take-Two has sold Private Division

Take-Two Interactive has divested its indie publishing label, Private Division, as part of a strategic refocus on larger-scale projects. The sale price and new ownership details are undisclosed, but CEO Strauss Zelnick indicated that more information will be revealed soon. The decision aligns with Take-Two's commitment to its core and mobile businesses, aiming to create sequels to established franchises and develop new intellectual properties. The projects handled by Private Division were deemed too small to fit with Take-Two's ambitions. Private Division was established in December 2017 and has supported independent developers successfully.

BetaBeacon

November 6, 2024

EA axes seven more of its games with Frontline Command 20 and Deer Hunter on the chopping block

Seven older EA mobile games, including Blood & Glory: Immortals, Contract Killer: Sniper, Deer Hunter Classic, Dino Hunter: Deadly Shores, Eternity Warriors 4, Frontline Commando 2, and Frontline Commando: D-Day, are set to be shut down on January 29th. EA's decision to close these games indicates a trend of the company disregarding its mobile game catalogue.

AppWizard

November 6, 2024

Don’t Nod staff to strike

Workers at the French video game developer Don't Nod are set to strike on Friday, November 8th, at 2 PM, organized by the STJV union. The strike is in response to a restructuring plan that puts 69 employees at risk of redundancy. Employees are demanding the withdrawal of the redundancy plan, greater representation in decision-making, and the presence of CEO Oskar Guilbert during negotiations. They expressed their frustrations in a letter to leadership, stating that failures are due to negligent acts and bad decisions from management.

AppWizard

November 6, 2024

The StarCraft Games Have Officially Joined PC Game Pass

StarCraft: Remastered and StarCraft II: Campaign Collection are now available on PC Game Pass. The original StarCraft was released on March 31, 1998, and became a cornerstone of the real-time strategy genre. The remastered version was released by Blizzard in 2017. The announcement was made via the official StarCraft Twitter account and Xbox Wire. Currently, these games are exclusively available on PC Game Pass, marking a significant step in the integration of Activision Blizzard titles into Xbox’s services.