manufacturers Archives

AppWizard

March 8, 2025

Good News! Google Starts Rolling Out Native Linux Terminal to Android Devices

Google has introduced a native Linux Terminal app for Android, leveraging the Android Virtualization Framework to run a local virtual machine powered by Debian. The app is currently being rolled out to select Google Pixel devices as part of the March Pixel Drop and requires a 500 MB download to set up. Users must enable developer mode to access the app, which allows them to adjust storage, configure network settings, and recover the virtual machine's storage partition.

AppWizard

March 6, 2025

Console Game Sales Projected To Leave PC Games In The Dust By 2030

The console gaming market is projected to grow to an impressive billion by 2030, a 52% increase from billion in 2023. Key players in this expansion include Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo, leveraging advancements like AI and hybrid gaming devices. In contrast, spending on PC gaming software is declining, with console game sales potentially doubling those of PC games by 2030. The mobile gaming sector is expected to reach sales nearing 0 billion by 2030, significantly outpacing both console and PC platforms. Console games currently generate significantly less revenue than mobile games, which produce 2.5 times more earnings. Cloud gaming is gaining traction due to GPU challenges and advancements in technology, while VR and AR gaming remain niche.

Tech Optimizer

March 6, 2025

CCI dismisses complaint against Microsoft

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has dismissed a complaint against Microsoft regarding the bundling of Microsoft Defender with the Windows operating system, stating there was no prima facie case of contravention of fair competition standards. The CCI's order, dated March 3, indicates that users are not required to use Microsoft Defender exclusively and that OEMs can pre-install alternative antivirus software. The CCI compared Microsoft's practices to those of other operating systems like macOS and ChromeOS, concluding there was no violation of the Competition Act. The regulator noted that the antivirus market remains competitive, with many established players thriving despite Microsoft's software.

Winsage

March 5, 2025

Microsoft updates Windows 11 CPU support for OEM systems to include 8th to 10th Gen Intel CPUs

In mid-February 2025, Microsoft updated its support documentation regarding Intel processors' compatibility with Windows 11 24H2, adding several models from the 8th, 9th, and 10th generations that were previously excluded. These processors, introduced about eight years ago, can still perform adequately if their motherboards meet the TPM 2.0 requirement. Microsoft confirmed that these Intel CPU models meet the minimum system requirements for Windows 11 and indicated that future processor generations meeting similar principles will also be considered supported. Although the three Intel generations have not been reinstated on the official list, systems using these processors will not be rendered obsolete or stop receiving updates. Manufacturers are advised against using these older processors in new systems running Windows 11. An official list of supported CPUs for non-OEM or custom PC builders is not available, but builders should refer to Microsoft’s Windows 11 System Requirements, which require a CPU operating at 1 GHz or faster with two or more cores. It is possible to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware by adjusting certain registry values, but this may result in missing system and security updates. Users can also continue using Windows 10 for ongoing security updates or consider transitioning to a Linux operating system.

Winsage

March 4, 2025

CCI Dismisses Antitrust Complaint Against Microsoft Over Windows Defender

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) investigated an antitrust complaint against Microsoft regarding its bundling of Microsoft Defender with the Windows operating system. The complaint, made by an anonymous informant, claimed that this practice hindered independent antivirus software developers. Key concerns included access to APIs, integration pathways, and default settings that limited third-party antivirus solutions. Microsoft defended its practices by stating that Defender is part of Windows at no extra cost and that users can install third-party antivirus programs, which can be set as the default. The CCI found no merit in the allegations, concluding there was insufficient evidence of anti-competitive behavior and that users have the freedom to choose their antivirus solutions.

Tech Optimizer

March 4, 2025

CCI Rejects Complaint Against Microsoft Over Bundled Antivirus

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) reviewed a complaint regarding Microsoft's bundling of its Defender antivirus software with the Windows operating system. The CCI found insufficient evidence to support claims of market foreclosure or coercion, concluding that there was no prima facie violation of competition norms. The investigation focused on the antivirus software sector for Windows OS in India and the broader desktop and laptop security software market. The CCI noted that users are not required to use Microsoft Defender, as OEMs can install alternative antivirus solutions. Other operating systems also include built-in antivirus features, indicating no compulsion to use Microsoft Defender. The CCI found no breach of Section 4(2)(a)(i) of the Competition Act and determined that the antivirus solutions market remains competitive, with various established players thriving.

Tech Optimizer

March 4, 2025

CCI Dismisses antitrust complaint against Microsoft over bundled antivirus software

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) dismissed an antitrust complaint against Microsoft regarding the bundling of Microsoft Defender antivirus with Windows operating systems, citing a lack of prima facie evidence of anti-competitive behavior. The complaint claimed that Microsoft's practices marginalized third-party antivirus providers and created barriers to entry for competing software developers. Microsoft defended its actions by stating that Defender is a built-in feature for user security and that users can install alternative antivirus solutions. The CCI concluded that Microsoft’s integration of Defender does not impose unfair conditions on users or hinder competition, as alternative antivirus software remains available and competitors continue to thrive. The commission found no violation of Section 4 of the Competition Act and closed the case, granting confidentiality to the informant and certain documents for three years.

AppWizard

March 4, 2025

Expensive hardware and poor optimization has PC gaming in a dangerous place

PC gaming is facing challenges as the costs of high-performance hardware rise, making it less accessible compared to consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X, which offer similar capabilities at lower prices. The trend of releasing unpolished games has led to performance issues for PC gamers, further diminishing the appeal of PC gaming. As the disparity in gaming experiences between PCs and consoles grows, the need for PC gaming to become more accessible to a broader audience is becoming critical for its future viability.

Winsage

March 3, 2025

Temporary PC production surge amid tariff concerns; Windows on Arm loses momentum

PC manufacturers are exercising caution due to a production ramp-up that began at the end of 2024, which is speculated to be influenced by Trump-era tariffs rather than a genuine increase in consumer demand. They are particularly wary of the Windows on Arm platform due to complex market dynamics, challenges in technological adaptation, and the need for strategic planning to remain agile in a changing landscape.