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Microsoft's wins, fails, and WTF moments of 2024
Winsage
December 28, 2024

Microsoft’s wins, fails, and WTF moments of 2024

In 2024, Microsoft made significant advancements and faced challenges. The Surface Pro 11th Edition, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite, showed improved compatibility with applications like Slack and Google Drive. The Microsoft Recall feature encountered skepticism due to delays and privacy concerns. The Windows 11 2024 Update confused users with multiple release channels and contradictory hardware requirements. The Surface Laptop 7 received praise for its battery life and design. Game Pass evolved into a complex array of tiers, complicating user experience. The Surface Studio 2+ was discontinued, disappointing fans. Microsoft’s Copilot initiative faced challenges, and the HoloLens 2 quietly exited the commercial market. Flight Simulator 2024 struggled with technical issues at launch. Microsoft integrated generative AI into core applications like Paint and Photos. The Windows95Man Paperclip emerged as a cultural phenomenon.
Microsoft adds new camera features to Windows 11
Winsage
December 27, 2024

Microsoft adds new camera features to Windows 11

Microsoft has enhanced the camera capabilities within Windows 11, introducing features such as adjustable brightness and contrast settings, camera resolution and frame rate adjustments, and the ability for multiple applications to access the camera simultaneously. These updates aim to improve user experience and productivity, although their availability may vary by camera model. Beta testers can access these features by downloading version 26120.2702 from the Windows 11 Dev channel.
Minecraft end-of-year trailer celebrates incredible player achievements in 2024
AppWizard
December 26, 2024

Minecraft end-of-year trailer celebrates incredible player achievements in 2024

Minecraft's end-of-year trailer for 2024 showcases player accomplishments, highlighting features like trial chambers, bundles, and the Pale Garden biome. The game has over 170 million active players, who have explored more than 85 million biomes, crafted over a million pieces of wolf armor, tamed over a million wolves, and defeated 20 million breeze mobs. Players have collected over 44 million items from the Armadillo mob, opened 24 million regular vaults and four million ominous vaults, and gathered over 53 million eyeblossom flowers in the Pale Garden biome. Additionally, players have crafted two million maces and shattered over 300 billion blocks. The upcoming year will introduce a new format of game drops, promising fresh experiences and innovations.
Windows Central Tech Awards 2024 — Ranking the top PCs, tools, accessories, and software innovations of the year
Winsage
December 24, 2024

Windows Central Tech Awards 2024 — Ranking the top PCs, tools, accessories, and software innovations of the year

This year has seen significant advancements in consumer technology, particularly in artificial intelligence, highlighted by Microsoft's Copilot+ PC initiative in collaboration with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite processor, introducing fanless, battery-efficient laptops to the Windows ecosystem. AI companies like OpenAI have expanded their offerings, prompting competitors such as Google, xAI, and Facebook to enhance their products. New brands like XREAL have emerged, while established companies like ASUS have innovated with dual-screen laptops. Accessory manufacturers have also improved their products. The Windows Central Tech Awards for 2024 recognize standout devices and features across various categories, including Tech Innovator of the Year, Best Processor, Best Overall Laptop, Best Keyboard, Best Pre-Built Gaming PC, Best Mini PC, Best Gaming Laptop, Best Gaming Headset, Best Tech Accessory, Best Monitor, Best Gaming Input, Best Gaming Hardware, Best Desktop All-in-One, Best Budget Laptop, Best Business Laptop, Best Mobile App for Windows Users, Best Windows Feature, Best Mouse, and Best Windows PC App. Looking ahead to 2025, advancements in AI, robotics, cloud computing, and potential breakthroughs in 6G and quantum computing are anticipated, with Microsoft focusing on AI server technology acquisitions and developments in PC gaming handhelds and new Xbox hardware.
4 Minecraft armor tiers that should be in the game
AppWizard
December 24, 2024

4 Minecraft armor tiers that should be in the game

Minecraft players constantly seek better tools and armor, with the community open to new innovations beyond the existing Diamond and Netherite sets. Four proposed armor sets include: 1. Bone Armor: Crafted from bones and leather, it enhances mobility and attack capabilities rather than protection, allowing for quicker strikes and increased speed. 2. Prismarine Armor: Made from prismarine shards and turtle scutes, it promotes underwater exploration, offering enhanced swimming speed and mining capabilities, while utilizing a Turtle Shell for breathing underwater. 3. Enderite Armor: A powerful armor set crafted from a rare ore found in the End dimension, requiring a unique crafting process. It could grant abilities like teleportation after a fall and would be essential if the End receives new content. 4. Slime Armor: This whimsical armor allows players to bounce back from falls, negating fall damage, and could feature a sticky mechanic that reduces mobility while protecting against knockback. It aims to introduce fun gameplay mechanics.
Microsoft Windows IoT for Client Systems: A Historical Journey and Today's Latest Innovations
Winsage
December 23, 2024

Microsoft Windows IoT for Client Systems: A Historical Journey and Today’s Latest Innovations

Microsoft's Windows Embedded and Windows IoT products began in 1999 with Windows NT Embedded, codenamed Impala. Windows XP Embedded, known as Mantis, expanded toolkit capabilities with tools like Target Designer and Component Designer. Windows Embedded POSReady 2009 catered to the point-of-sale sector, maintaining a consistent kernel across consumer and embedded versions. Windows CE supported mobile devices with various architectures and reached its end of support in 2023. Windows Embedded 7 Standard and Windows 7 for Embedded Systems required special licensing agreements. Windows Embedded Standard 8 did not succeed in the industrial market, while Windows 10 IoT Enterprise, launched in 2015, introduced LTSB/LTSC options with a decade of security updates. A tiered licensing structure was introduced for Windows 10 IoT Enterprise, accommodating different CPU performances. The Base license allowed Windows 10 IoT Enterprise on industrial Arm devices, specifically the NXP i.MX8 family. Windows 11 21H2 established the General Availability Channel for IoT, with Windows 11 IoT Enterprise 2024 LTSC set to debut in May 2024. Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC supports Arm Qualcomm CPUs and introduces features like USB 4.0 and Wi-Fi 6/7 support, along with a commitment to 10 years of security updates. Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2021 LTSC will remain supported until 2031.
6 reasons I’m excited for the future of PC gaming
AppWizard
December 22, 2024

6 reasons I’m excited for the future of PC gaming

PC gaming has experienced a surge in popularity, with both established studios and indie developers producing exceptional titles. Linux gaming has improved significantly, particularly with Valve's Proton compatibility layer allowing Windows games to run on Linux without requiring ports. Handheld devices like the Steam Deck have transformed gaming by enabling play on the go. The distinction between PC and console gaming is diminishing, with more console titles being ported to PC and subscription services like Xbox Game Pass providing access to console games on PCs. Display technology has evolved, offering monitors with vibrant colors and high refresh rates, enhancing the gaming experience. Apple Silicon has made Macs more viable for gaming, allowing demanding games to run smoothly, although more game ports are needed. There is a growing focus on accessibility in gaming, with studios prioritizing features for inclusivity. Despite concerns about rising graphics card prices, the PC gaming platform remains strong, supported by millions of users on platforms like Steam and Epic Games.
The Best PC Games to Play in 2025
AppWizard
December 22, 2024

The Best PC Games to Play in 2025

The PC gaming landscape in 2025 will feature major AAA releases such as Grand Theft Auto VI, Avowed, Assetto Corsa Evo, Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, Frostpunk 2, and Indika. Technological advancements like ray tracing and DLSS will enhance graphical quality and performance, while cloud gaming services will offer new ways to access games. Players can expect a variety of genres, including RPGs, FPS, simulation, and strategy, each with unique pros and cons. The most anticipated games include Grand Theft Auto VI, Avowed, Assetto Corsa Evo, Stalker 2, Frostpunk 2, Indika, Death Stranding 2, Homeworld 3, Broken Roads, and Pacific Drive. Popular PC-exclusive titles include Valorant, League of Legends, Crusader Kings III, and Factorio. The most played PC games currently are Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, PUBG: Battlegrounds, Apex Legends, Grand Theft Auto V, Baldur’s Gate 3, Naraka: Bladepoint, Team Fortress 2, Rust, and Cyberpunk 2077. Counter-Strike 2 has the highest concurrent player count on Steam.
Windows Central Game Awards 2024 — Showcasing the best Xbox and PC games of the year
AppWizard
December 20, 2024

Windows Central Game Awards 2024 — Showcasing the best Xbox and PC games of the year

In 2024, the gaming landscape has seen significant developments, including impressive game releases on Xbox and PC despite industry layoffs. Indie games have gained popularity for their innovative concepts, while established franchises have reinvented themselves. Xbox Game Pass subscriptions have increased, indicating a growing interest in PC and cloud gaming. Speculation about new hardware from Microsoft, including a potential Xbox handheld device, has generated excitement for the future. The contributions of various professionals in game development have been recognized as vital to the industry's progress.
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