longevity

Winsage
July 29, 2025
Microsoft is extending Windows 11 upgrades to computers that do not meet its official minimum requirements, prompting confusion among users. Reports indicate that users are receiving upgrade prompts despite lacking essential components like TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, or a modern processor. This change raises questions about whether Microsoft is relaxing its compatibility standards or if it is a technical oversight. Users are advised to exercise caution before upgrading unsupported machines, as this may lead to issues such as failed installations, unreliable performance, and lack of future security updates or customer support.
AppWizard
July 28, 2025
Super Mario Bros. Remastered, a fan-made remake of the 1985 NES classic, will launch on September 13, 2025. Created by YouTube creator JoeMama, it features high-resolution graphics, widescreen support, improved physics, enhanced sound effects, and chiptune music. The game includes extensive customization options, allowing players to alter visuals and audio, as well as a built-in Level Editor for designing custom levels. It also incorporates classic titles like The Lost Levels and Super Mario Bros. Special, all benefiting from visual and audio upgrades. The development team is not using original assets to navigate legal issues, requiring players to supply their own NES ROM.
Winsage
July 27, 2025
The Consumers’ Association in the Netherlands is urging Microsoft to extend support for Windows 10 users by providing free updates for an additional year, particularly for devices that cannot upgrade to Windows 11. This affects approximately 2 million computers in the Netherlands, mainly those manufactured in 2017 or earlier. The organization emphasizes the importance of avoiding financial burdens on consumers seeking essential security updates and highlights concerns about accessibility and longevity of software support for users with older systems.
AppWizard
July 26, 2025
The PC market share for game sales is expanding, prompting Microsoft to consider integrating PC storefronts into the next Xbox. Valve may enter the console market, leveraging its expertise in digital distribution. A potential Valve console could be inspired by the Steam Deck, offering standardized hardware and compatibility with various games. This console could consolidate PC, PlayStation, and Xbox games, providing access to indie titles and making PC gaming more accessible for casual gamers. While Valve's success with Steam raises questions about the necessity of a dedicated console, the company has shown interest in exploring new hardware opportunities, as evidenced by its successful VR headset and handheld gaming device.
AppWizard
July 24, 2025
Killing Floor 3 is a cooperative and solo action horror first-person shooter developed and published by Tripwire Interactive. It is priced at .99 in the U.S. and £34.99 in the U.K. Players combat waves of bioengineered monsters called "zeds" using various weapons, with matches consisting of five waves followed by a boss fight. Players can replenish ammo and health and upgrade weapons between rounds. The game features a new gore system called M.E.A.T., allowing for dismemberment of enemies. There are six unique strategists with distinct skills, and team composition is important for multiplayer sessions. Difficulty levels include Normal, Hard, and 'Hell on Earth,' each offering varying challenges. Progression can slow down after ten hours, and optional story missions provide around four hours of content. Tripwire has announced plans for post-launch content, including new weapons, mods, maps, zeds, and characters.
AppWizard
July 21, 2025
Artificial intelligence has become integral to daily life, especially with the introduction of ChatGPT. Plaud has launched the Note and NotePin devices aimed at recording conversations, meetings, and notes, which can be transcribed via the Plaud app. The NotePin is a compact device that offers various wearing options, though only the pin and clip are included; additional accessories cost extra. It has a standby time of up to 40 days and 20 hours of continuous recording, with a two-hour recharge time. The NotePin retails at 9, with a subscription model for additional AI features costing 0 per year for the AI Pro plan and 0 annually for the AI Unlimited tier. The recording and transcription features are functional but not exceptional, with delays due to cloud processing. The Plaud app provides detailed transcriptions, speaker identification, and a mind map of dialogues. However, devices like the Google Recorder app on Pixel phones offer more efficient on-device processing, making them a more appealing choice for recording and transcription.
AppWizard
July 21, 2025
Yves Guillemot, CEO of Ubisoft, discussed the challenges of service-based games during an investor meeting, stating that "nothing is eternal" in the gaming industry. He addressed concerns from shareholders about the Stop Killing Games petition, which calls for the continued availability of purchased games. Guillemot mentioned that Ubisoft is working on solutions to lessen the impact of game deprecation on players, citing The Crew's availability for offline play as an example. He also noted a promotional event in September 2024 for The Crew 2. Guillemot acknowledged that the issue of game longevity is not unique to Ubisoft and that all video game publishers face similar challenges. He explained that as technology evolves, software can become obsolete, leading to the discontinuation of services. He emphasized Ubisoft's commitment to ensuring a positive experience for players amid these industry changes.
Winsage
July 19, 2025
Microsoft will discontinue its Movies & TV digital storefront on Xbox consoles and Windows devices on July 18, 2025, ending the ability to purchase new movies and TV shows through the Microsoft Store. Users will still have access to previously purchased content via the Movies & TV application on their devices. The closure will affect new entertainment content acquisitions on Microsoft.com and the Microsoft Store on Windows and Xbox, but users can continue to enjoy their existing digital libraries. The refund policy for movies and TV shows will remain unchanged, with purchases being ineligible for refunds. Content portability options are available through Movies Anywhere for U.S. residents, but direct migration to alternative services is largely unavailable. Third-party entertainment services will continue to be available on Microsoft's platforms for new content purchases. The Movies & TV storefront has been operational since 2015, evolving from earlier services. Microsoft will maintain server infrastructure for existing content libraries and provide ongoing support for previously purchased content. Content licensing agreements will dictate the availability of purchased titles.
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