NewApp Digest
search bot

hardware sales

Should You Cancel Xbox Game Pass? Everything to Know on the Price Hikes and New Features
AppWizard
October 13, 2025

Should You Cancel Xbox Game Pass? Everything to Know on the Price Hikes and New Features

Microsoft overhauled the Xbox Game Pass structure on October 1, transitioning from four tiers to a new framework with the Core tier rebranded as Essential and Standard as Premium, while Ultimate retained its name. The Essential tier's monthly fee remains at .99, but Premium increased by 25% to .99, the PC-only plan rose by 38% to .49, and Ultimate saw a 50% increase to .99. Despite these price hikes, Microsoft introduced enhancements such as cloud gaming across all tiers, an expanded library for Essential (from 25 to over 50 games) and Premium (from around 50 to over 200 games), and Ultimate subscribers gaining access to over 400 games and day-one releases. The changes have led to a surge in cancellations among users, causing the membership site to crash.
Windows 11 tops AI as main driver for PC sales
Winsage
October 9, 2025

Windows 11 tops AI as main driver for PC sales

The increase in personal computer sales with AI capabilities is primarily driven by the refresh of Windows 11, not a significant shift towards AI-focused hardware. The end of support for Windows 10 on October 14 is a key factor motivating hardware upgrades. Kieran Jessop from Omdia notes that while AI-enabled PCs are gaining traction, most consumers prioritize traditional performance metrics such as battery life and software compatibility. He predicts a modest growth rate of about 1.1% for global PC shipments over the next four years, with a continuing need for hardware refreshes as many users still operate on outdated systems. Approximately half of the global install base consists of devices over six years old that do not meet Windows 11 requirements, and rising costs for Extended Security Updates will likely push enterprises to invest in new devices.
Windows 10 end of life driving sales
Winsage
October 9, 2025

Windows 10 end of life driving sales

Hardware sales are increasing in both commercial and consumer markets as the end of support for Windows 10 approaches on October 14. Analyst reports indicate a notable rise in the European consumer PC market during the third quarter, driven by the need to upgrade before the deadline and the demand for AI-capable devices. Sales of laptops and desktops are expanding, with many devices featuring AI capabilities. Executives from Microsoft and Dell highlighted the end of life support and the rise of AI devices as key opportunities for channel partners to boost sales. Despite the impending deadline, many customers have not yet transitioned from Windows 10, presenting an opportunity for education on the importance of upgrading. The end of support poses risks such as increased cyber vulnerabilities and productivity disruptions for organizations with numerous devices. Experts suggest that businesses should focus on comprehensive technology upgrades that align with long-term goals, ensuring security, compliance, and agility.
GPU sales skyrocketed 27% last quarter — tariff jitters sparked an odd gaming hardware spending surge in Q2 '25
Winsage
September 19, 2025

GPU sales skyrocketed 27% last quarter — tariff jitters sparked an odd gaming hardware spending surge in Q2 ’25

In 2025, there has been an unexpected surge in CPU and GPU shipments, contrary to the typical summer lull in PC hardware sales. This increase is attributed to fears of new U.S. import tariffs, leading both manufacturers and consumers to purchase proactively. The client PC industry experienced a "panic-build quarter," with retailers and consumers, especially gamers, rushing to secure hardware before potential price hikes. Discrete desktop graphics cards saw a 27% rise quarter-over-quarter and a 22% increase year-over-year, driven by new offerings from major vendors. Nvidia captured a 94% share of the add-in board market. This surge is atypical for the second quarter, which usually sees a decline, and is influenced by the threat of tariffs, prompting consumers to buy now to avoid higher future costs. JPR termed this phenomenon "buying ahead of tariffs," warning that it could lead to weaker performance in Q3 and Q4. The buying frenzy coincided with the launch of Nvidia's Blackwell cards and AMD's RDNA 4 GPUs, with flagship GPUs experiencing rising prices and shortages. The current consumer behavior reflects panic buying rather than natural growth, raising questions about the sustainability of this momentum as the year progresses.
Windows 11 responsible as PC gaming hardware sales surge by 35%, research concludes
Winsage
September 19, 2025

Windows 11 responsible as PC gaming hardware sales surge by 35%, research concludes

Recent surveys from Steam indicate that the percentage of users still on Windows 10 has decreased from nearly half in February to 35% today, coinciding with the end of support for Windows 10 on October 14. Jon Peddie Research (JPR) reports a 35% growth in the PC gaming hardware market in 2025, reaching a valuation of .4 billion, driven by consumers upgrading their hardware for Windows 11. Many gamers are purchasing new prebuilt systems due to the need for CPU, motherboard, and RAM upgrades. The DIY gaming community is also building new computers instead of retrofitting existing setups. JPR anticipates a 13% decline in entry-level PC gaming over the next five years. While Windows 10 will still function, the lack of technical support and updates makes upgrading advisable, especially for those with older hardware. Additionally, there has been an increase in Steam users exploring Linux alternatives, with Valve's SteamOS being the leading Linux-based operating system on the platform.
Today's Android app deals and freebies: Doom & Destiny Worlds, Nerd Survivors, Skel and Defense, more
AppWizard
August 25, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Doom & Destiny Worlds, Nerd Survivors, Skel and Defense, more

This afternoon, there are app and game deals for Android enthusiasts, including Doom & Destiny Worlds, Nerd Survivors, Skel and Defense, and Front Armies [RTS]. The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is available at a [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: This afternoon presents a delightful opportunity for Android enthusiasts, with a selection of app and game deals that are sure to pique interest. Among the standout titles are Doom & Destiny Worlds, Nerd Survivors, Skel and Defense, and Front Armies [RTS]. Each of these games offers a unique experience, catering to a variety of gaming preferences. As you explore these enticing offers, don't overlook the significant discounts available on hardware. The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is currently available at an impressive 0 off, making it an attractive option for those in the market for a premium tablet. Additionally, Google’s TV Streamer (4K) is on sale, providing a chance to enhance your viewing experience at a reduced price. For smartphone aficionados, there’s a 0 discount on the unlocked Galaxy S25 Ultra, while the HP OmniBook X Flip 2-in-1 touchscreen Copilot+ PC is also seeing a new all-time low price. For those looking to upgrade their mobile devices, pre-ordering directly from the Google Store comes with enticing benefits. You can secure a FREE credit when pre-ordering select phones, including a noteworthy 0 credit on the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold. More Android app deals still live: Doom & Destiny Worlds Nerd Survivors Skel and Defense Front Armies [RTS] These deals present an excellent opportunity to enhance both your gaming library and tech arsenal, ensuring that you stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of mobile technology." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] discount, Google's TV Streamer (4K) is on sale, the unlocked Galaxy S25 Ultra has a [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: This afternoon presents a delightful opportunity for Android enthusiasts, with a selection of app and game deals that are sure to pique interest. Among the standout titles are Doom & Destiny Worlds, Nerd Survivors, Skel and Defense, and Front Armies [RTS]. Each of these games offers a unique experience, catering to a variety of gaming preferences. As you explore these enticing offers, don't overlook the significant discounts available on hardware. The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is currently available at an impressive 0 off, making it an attractive option for those in the market for a premium tablet. Additionally, Google’s TV Streamer (4K) is on sale, providing a chance to enhance your viewing experience at a reduced price. For smartphone aficionados, there’s a 0 discount on the unlocked Galaxy S25 Ultra, while the HP OmniBook X Flip 2-in-1 touchscreen Copilot+ PC is also seeing a new all-time low price. For those looking to upgrade their mobile devices, pre-ordering directly from the Google Store comes with enticing benefits. You can secure a FREE credit when pre-ordering select phones, including a noteworthy 0 credit on the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold. More Android app deals still live: Doom & Destiny Worlds Nerd Survivors Skel and Defense Front Armies [RTS] These deals present an excellent opportunity to enhance both your gaming library and tech arsenal, ensuring that you stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of mobile technology." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] discount, and the HP OmniBook X Flip 2-in-1 touchscreen Copilot+ PC is at an all-time low price. Pre-ordering select phones from the Google Store offers a FREE credit, including a [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: This afternoon presents a delightful opportunity for Android enthusiasts, with a selection of app and game deals that are sure to pique interest. Among the standout titles are Doom & Destiny Worlds, Nerd Survivors, Skel and Defense, and Front Armies [RTS]. Each of these games offers a unique experience, catering to a variety of gaming preferences. As you explore these enticing offers, don't overlook the significant discounts available on hardware. The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is currently available at an impressive 0 off, making it an attractive option for those in the market for a premium tablet. Additionally, Google’s TV Streamer (4K) is on sale, providing a chance to enhance your viewing experience at a reduced price. For smartphone aficionados, there’s a 0 discount on the unlocked Galaxy S25 Ultra, while the HP OmniBook X Flip 2-in-1 touchscreen Copilot+ PC is also seeing a new all-time low price. For those looking to upgrade their mobile devices, pre-ordering directly from the Google Store comes with enticing benefits. You can secure a FREE credit when pre-ordering select phones, including a noteworthy 0 credit on the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold. More Android app deals still live: Doom & Destiny Worlds Nerd Survivors Skel and Defense Front Armies [RTS] These deals present an excellent opportunity to enhance both your gaming library and tech arsenal, ensuring that you stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of mobile technology." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] credit on the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
New report suggests that there are 3 million fewer PC gamers in Japan than 10 years ago, despite the market having at least tripled in size
AppWizard
August 15, 2025

New report suggests that there are 3 million fewer PC gamers in Japan than 10 years ago, despite the market having at least tripled in size

Japan's gaming market is experiencing unprecedented growth, with the overall market projected to reach 2,396.1 billion yen in 2024, up from 2,317.6 billion yen in 2023. The PC gaming market is estimated at 265.3 billion yen for 2024. The number of overall gamers in Japan is 54.753 million in 2024, an increase from 48.55 million in 2014. However, the number of PC gamers is 14.52 million in 2024, down from 17.49 million in 2014, despite the PC gaming sector tripling in size from 2020 to 2024 based on software sales. Prices for pre-built PCs in Japan have increased by 40% since 2019, with graphics card prices rising over 300%. There is a noted decline in the popularity of inexpensive and free browser games as mobile gaming gains traction.
Microsoft Tests Streaming Xbox Games on PC
AppWizard
July 16, 2025

Microsoft Tests Streaming Xbox Games on PC

Microsoft's Xbox division is testing a new feature that allows users to stream their personally owned games through the Xbox PC app, eliminating lengthy installations. This feature is currently available to Xbox Insiders with a Game Pass Ultimate subscription and enables players to access their game libraries on Windows devices using cloud technology. The app manages processing on remote servers, conserving local storage and reducing download times. This initiative is part of Microsoft's strategy to unify its gaming ecosystem and respond to competition from services like Nvidia's GeForce Now and Amazon's Luna. The feature aims to democratize access to games without requiring a subscription for owned titles. Challenges include reliance on internet connectivity and privacy concerns regarding cloud data management. If successful, this could lead to broader integration across Xbox platforms, including smart TVs. Feedback from Insiders will influence the rollout pace.
Xbox's 'Stream your own game' feature now extends to PC
AppWizard
July 16, 2025

Xbox’s ‘Stream your own game’ feature now extends to PC

Xbox's "Stream your own game" feature allows users to stream supported games directly from the cloud to their PCs, bypassing the need for a console. Access is limited to Xbox Insiders with a Game Pass Ultimate subscription. The feature has been rolled out across various devices, including Xbox consoles, smart TVs, browser platforms, and Meta Quest headsets. Microsoft currently offers over 250 supported games, including titles like Baldur's Gate 3, Star Wars Outlaws, Cyberpunk 2077, and Hogwarts Legacy. Users must own digital versions of games to stream them, and the service is available only in the 28 countries where Xbox Cloud Gaming operates. Joining the Xbox Insider program is required to access this feature, but it is free of charge.
Search