long-term strategy Archives

Winsage

December 30, 2025

Microsoft’s change to Appxsvc may slow some Windows 11 PCs

Microsoft is modifying core system settings for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 by enabling the AppX Deployment Service (Appxsvc) to launch automatically upon boot-up, transitioning from a manual trigger system. This change was confirmed in the December 2025 "Patch Tuesday" update (KB5072033) for both Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025. The Appxsvc will now remain active in the background from the moment the computer powers on, regardless of Microsoft Store access, to enhance system stability and minimize app installation failures or update glitches. Microsoft warns against manually reverting this setting, as it could lead to malfunctions in Store apps and essential services. Analysts suggest this move aligns with a strategy for updating Microsoft Store apps directly through Windows Update.

AppWizard

December 29, 2025

CD Projekt Sells DRM-Free PC Storefront GOG to Original Co-Founder for $25.2 Million, Insists It’s Financially Stable

CD Projekt has sold its DRM-free PC storefront, GOG, to co-founder Michał Kiciński for 90.7 million Polish złoty (approximately .2 million). Kiciński, who co-founded GOG in 2008 and holds a 10% stake in CD Projekt, will lead GOG independently while maintaining its DRM-free philosophy. A distribution agreement between CD Projekt and GOG has been established for future collaboration, including the release of upcoming CD Projekt Red titles on the GOG platform. CD Projekt aims to focus on video game development, including The Witcher 4 and Cyberpunk 2, following the sale. GOG has remained financially stable and continues to attract gamers with its mission. CD Projekt previously employed 1,335 staff.

Winsage

November 21, 2025

As Windows turns 40, Microsoft faces an AI backlash

Microsoft is transforming Windows into an "agentic OS" by integrating advanced AI capabilities, as announced at the Ignite conference. The reception has been mixed, with users expressing concerns similar to those after the release of Windows 8. Windows chief Pavan Davuluri faced criticism on social media regarding the initiative, with users calling for a return to simpler interfaces like Windows 7. Despite acknowledging user pain points, many feel that the focus on AI features overshadows necessary improvements. The integration of AI tools like Copilot has received mixed reviews, with reports of unreliability. CEO Satya Nadella envisions a shift towards AI agents performing tasks, while also emphasizing the need for user control over their experience. Microsoft aims to balance innovation with user preferences, allowing users to opt-in to AI features at their own pace. Recent developments include a hotfix driver from Nvidia for Windows 11 performance issues, the return of a calendar feature to Windows 11, integration of Google's AI models into GitHub Copilot, and enhancements in security and performance for Windows and Office applications.

AppWizard

November 20, 2025

After just a week, Black Ops 7 has given up campaign-gating its new extraction mode Endgame

Treyarch has introduced Black Ops 7 as the most expansive installment in the Call of Duty franchise, featuring a new PvE extraction mode called Endgame, which is linked to the co-op campaign. Initially designed to encourage narrative engagement, Endgame will be made accessible to all players just a week after launch, indicating that player engagement with the campaign may not have met expectations. The campaign has received mixed reactions, and Treyarch has implemented incentives like XP rewards and four-player co-op gameplay to attract players. Starting November 21, players can access Endgame without completing all campaign missions, although initial gameplay reveals a repetitive start. Players who unlock Endgame before its wider release will receive additional rewards, including double XP tokens and GobbleGums for Zombies. The decision to make Endgame available to all suggests a shift in Treyarch's expectations regarding player engagement.

AppWizard

November 13, 2025

Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu on Arattai app dropping out of top 100 list: ‘I literally told our employees…’ – The Times of India

Sridhar Vembu, CEO of Zoho Corporation, addressed the decline of the company's messaging app, Arattai, from the top 100 apps list, viewing it as a normal part of business evolution rather than a setback. He emphasized the importance of a long-term perspective in business, asserting that successful companies endure fluctuations. Vembu stated that Zoho has invested a decade in developing messaging technology, making the recent ranking drop insignificant. He mentioned the company's commitment to rolling out frequent updates for Arattai and highlighted the necessity of credible competition in the messaging app market to keep monopolistic entities accountable.