evolution of technology Archives

Winsage

April 11, 2025

Windows Weekly 927: Up to Stuff

Leo, Richard, and Paul discussed Microsoft's recent innovations, including the Windows 11 Feature Tracker, insights from Microsoft Build, advancements in consumer AI, and updates from the gaming sector, particularly Xbox. A new free newsletter offers three time-saving tips every Friday, and subscribers receive complimentary copies of Paul Thurrott's Windows 11 and Windows 10 Field Guides. The Windows 11 Feature Tracker aims to be a comprehensive resource and may evolve into a web app or wiki. The Windows Insider Program's Beta build for 23H2 introduces changes to file new tabs and new windows, while a nostalgic taskbar icon scaling feature is returning in the Dev and Beta (24H2) versions. Intel has discontinued its Unison app and service. The Build session catalog emphasizes AI developments, with sessions covering Windows Copilot Runtime and productivity enhancements. Microsoft unveiled new Copilot features at a consumer AI event, including web actions and memory personalization, and integrated Copilot Search into Bing. Concerns about AI's impact on human intelligence were discussed, particularly in relation to a Twitter debate on Microsoft's AI demo of Quake II. Microsoft announced an Xbox Games Showcase for June, with updates to the Edge Game Assist feature and GTA V available on Game Pass starting April 15. The Nintendo Switch 2 will support ray tracing and DLSS, though its release is delayed due to tariff challenges. Apple Music for Windows now supports Dolby Atmos, and notable software includes Notion, Typora/iA Writer, and Proton Pass. This week's RunAs Radio episode focuses on Application Risk in Security Copilot. The Heart Cut #02 from the East London Liquor Company is recommended for a unique tasting experience.

Winsage

April 9, 2025

Koto crafts bold 50th anniversary identity for Microsoft, celebrating its past and future

Global design studio Koto has created a new identity for Microsoft's 50th anniversary, celebrating the company's influence and legacy while recognizing current innovators. The campaign is centered around the phrase "Change Needs Makers," emphasizing the contributions of individuals behind Microsoft's software and cultural innovations, especially in the context of AI. Koto's design strategy includes three storytelling structures: "Worlds," which showcases technology's potential; "Iconic Moments," highlighting significant achievements; and "Then & Now," contrasting different eras of the company. The visual identity features a 50th-anniversary logo inspired by the original Windows design, modernized with 3D elements, and uses Segoe Sans Display typography along with a vibrant palette of gradients. The campaign aims to connect Microsoft's past, present, and future, focusing on continuous innovation and inviting the next generation to shape what comes next. Koto has previously developed identities for brands like Google Gemini, Netflix, and Venmo.

Winsage

April 3, 2025

‘We coded day and night for the two months to create the software we had said already existed’: The history of Microsoft reminds me how far we’ve come in just 50 years

Tomorrow, April 4, 2025, Microsoft celebrates its 50th anniversary. Bill Gates has released a downloadable PDF of the original source code that started the company, which was initially named 'Micro-Soft'. The original code was created for the Altair 8800 using a teleprinter. Gates and Paul Allen developed the Altair BASIC interpreter, their first product, which aimed to democratize computing. They worked for two months to create the software after promising MITS a product that did not yet exist. Their collaborative effort laid the foundation for significant technological advancements over the past five decades.

Winsage

April 3, 2025

Microsoft at 50: how adaptability under Nadella is paying off

Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft fifty years ago to sell a version of the Basic computer language for the Altair. Microsoft has evolved from its initial focus on PC software to commanding a vast network of global data centers and recently investing in generative AI. The company faced challenges from the rise of the internet and smartphones, which shifted focus away from PCs, leading to stagnation in its stock price. Satya Nadella became CEO in 2014 and shifted Microsoft towards a cloud-first strategy, embracing open-source software and partnering with OpenAI for exclusive access to AI models. Under his leadership, Microsoft has adapted to changes in the tech landscape, although the impact of generative AI remains uncertain. Since Nadella's appointment, Microsoft's stock price has increased tenfold, raising its market value to nearly .8 trillion.

Winsage

October 31, 2024

Microsoft offers Windows 10 users a year of security updates for $30

Windows 10 will reach the end of support on October 14, 2025, with no further critical security updates provided. Microsoft has introduced an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for personal users, allowing them to pay an annual fee for an additional year of security updates, bug fixes, and technical support. This program is a first for individual users, as previous ESU offerings were only available for commercial clients, who can purchase up to three years of support. Microsoft will also provide security intelligence updates for Defender Antivirus on Windows 10 until at least October 2028. The company encourages users to transition to Windows 11.

Winsage

October 18, 2024

Master Windows 10 Clipboard: Tips for Thai Users | HP® Tech Takes – Thailand

The Windows 10 clipboard is a cloud-based system that allows users to store up to 25 text or image items for future use. It features the ability to "pin" frequently used items for quick access and requires users to remain logged into the same Microsoft account on all devices for full functionality. To enable the clipboard, users can go to Settings > System > Clipboard and toggle Clipboard History to "on." Syncing across devices can be activated in the same menu. Clearing clipboard history can be done by locating Clear Clipboard data in the Clipboard settings. The clipboard retains shortcuts like Ctrl + C for copying and Ctrl + V for pasting, and users can access clipboard items by pressing Windows key + V. Common troubleshooting tips include ensuring clipboard history is enabled and confirming compatibility of copied items. Windows 11 users have access to similar features. Security risks include the potential exposure of sensitive information, so it is advised to avoid copying confidential data and regularly clear clipboard history. The HP Z1 G9 Tower Business Desktop PC Workstation is recommended for professionals in Thailand, featuring an Intel® Core™ i5-13500 processor, 8 GB of memory, and versatile storage options.

AppWizard

September 6, 2024

This case against TikTok might spur the Section 230 reform we desperately need

Section 230 of the Telecommunications Decency Act, enacted in 1996, allows platforms to operate while enabling user expression. The Third Circuit US Court of Appeals recently ruled that ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, could be held accountable for distributing harmful content, stemming from a case where a 10-year-old girl died after participating in a dangerous trend on TikTok. The ruling arose from a lawsuit by the girl's mother for negligence and wrongful death. The court's decision suggests that Section 230 does not fully protect publishers from consequences related to harmful content distribution. This highlights the distinction between a publisher, which shares user-generated content, and a distributor, which amplifies content through algorithms. There are calls for reform of Section 230 to ensure tech companies are accountable for their content distribution, emphasizing the need for better content moderation practices without stifling free expression.

AppWizard

July 23, 2024

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6, Z Fold6 to Google Messages as default messaging app

Samsung has chosen Google Messages over their own messaging app for new Galaxy models in the U.S. The change is limited to the U.S. versions of the Galaxy Z Flip6, Z Fold6, and newer models, while European and Canadian models will retain Samsung Messages. The collaboration between Google and Samsung is growing, emphasizing the evolution of technology and user experience in the mobile industry.

Winsage

July 12, 2024

If you’re still running Windows 7, you really need to upgrade — at least to Windows 10

Windows 7 is no longer supported by Microsoft, leaving users vulnerable to security threats. Upgrading to a newer operating system, such as Windows 10, is essential for better performance, new features, and security patches.