marketing Archives

Winsage

June 28, 2025

Microsoft’s sketchy Win 10 vs Win 11 performance claims pit a 9-year-old PC against a modern machine to claim 2.3X gain

Microsoft is discontinuing support for Windows 10 in October and is encouraging users to transition to Windows 11, highlighting the risks of unsupported systems that will no longer receive security updates. Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft's Executive Vice President, claims that PCs running Windows 11 can be up to 2.3 times faster than those running Windows 10, based on benchmarking tests comparing older Windows 10 PCs with newer Windows 11 machines. The performance metrics come from tests conducted in December 2024 using the Geekbench 6 Multi-Core measurement tool. Windows 11 is also noted for its security advantages, including features like TPM 2.0 and Smart App Control, and a reported 62 percent reduction in security incidents. For users not ready to upgrade, Microsoft offers an Extended Security Updates subscription for Windows 10 PCs.

BetaBeacon

June 27, 2025

WhizKid World: The #1 Educational Android Game for Kids in 2025 (Free Download)

WhizKid World is a top educational Android game for kids in 2025. It offers offline play, zero ads or distractions, and curriculum-based learning. It provides age-appropriate content for preschoolers and toddlers, with activities tailored to different developmental stages.

AppWizard

June 26, 2025

This month 25 years ago in PC gaming, our biggest concerns were pro gaming, moral panics about violent games… and we still thought Halo was a PC exclusive

In June 2000, PC Gamer UK highlighted the emerging world of esports, featuring professional gamers Amir Haleem and Sujoy Roy, who had earned significant prize money and were considering transitioning to full-time gaming careers. The magazine suggested that gaming could become a viable profession, drawing parallels to sports figures like David Beckham. By 2025, Haleem became CEO of a blockchain company, while Roy led partnerships at OG esports, reflecting the evolution of professional gaming careers amid ongoing concerns about sustainability and burnout. The 2000 Channel 4 Dispatches documentary 'Video Nasties' sparked debates about violent video games, claiming they could influence players' perceptions of real-world situations. Anticipation for Team Fortress 2 was high, with promises of innovative gameplay elements, while Bungie's Halo was initially expected as a PC-exclusive but was designed for console controls. The summer of 2000 saw few notable game releases, with The Longest Journey receiving modest reviews. Additionally, Bluetooth technology was beginning to gain traction in the market, although its use in competitive gaming was met with skepticism.

Winsage

June 25, 2025

Microsoft opens a free tier for Windows 10 extended updates

Microsoft is introducing new enrollment options for its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program as Windows 10 approaches its end of life. Users can enroll by utilizing Windows Backup to sync settings to the cloud at no cost, redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or paying a fee with local pricing variations. The Windows Backup app stores data on Microsoft OneDrive, which offers limited free storage, necessitating the purchase of additional storage for larger files. Users can subscribe to Microsoft 365 for extra OneDrive space and updates. Businesses can subscribe to ESU for a fee per device, covering security updates for one year, renewable annually for up to three years. Windows 10 devices accessing Windows 11 Cloud PCs through Windows 365 or Virtual Machines will receive ESU at no additional cost.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Microsoft extends free Windows 10 security updates into 2026, with strings attached

Microsoft is integrating Microsoft Accounts more prominently in Windows 11, encouraging users to migrate from Windows 10. The Windows Backup feature aids users in transitioning to a new Windows 11 PC, with a temporary grace period for Windows 10 users. Yusuf Medhi, Microsoft’s Consumer Chief Marketing Officer, emphasized the ease of using Windows Backup for transferring data and settings. Users with a Microsoft Account can also earn points through the Microsoft Rewards program to enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. Signing in with a Microsoft Account is necessary for ESU enrollment, and users must log back in if they reset or reinstall Windows on a new device. Once enrolled, a Windows 10 PC continues to receive security updates even if the user signs out of their Microsoft Account or stops using Windows Backup.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Microsoft makes Windows 10 extended security updates free, but there’s a catch

Microsoft is offering a year of free security updates for Windows 10, requiring users to activate Windows Backup, which syncs settings and folders to the cloud via OneDrive. Users with extensive local files may need to purchase additional OneDrive storage. Alternatively, users can pay a fee or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Reward points for the updates. An enrollment wizard will be introduced in July to assist users in selecting their preferred option. Extended security updates will be available until October 13, 2026, and businesses can purchase up to three years of updates. The offer also extends to Windows 10 devices accessing Windows 11 Cloud PCs through Windows 365 and Virtual Machines. Microsoft is encouraging users to transition to Windows 11, as approximately 37 percent of Steam users still operate on Windows 10, with increased notifications expected as the end of support deadline approaches.

AppWizard

June 24, 2025

Xbox App For PC Now Integrates Your Steam Games

The Xbox App on PC is integrating purchased games from various storefronts, including Steam, currently available only to Xbox Insider program members. This update transforms the Xbox App into a universal launcher for titles from multiple PC gaming storefronts. Microsoft aims to position Xbox as a universal gaming hub in response to competition, with the PlayStation 5 selling 61.7 million units compared to the Xbox Series consoles' 28.3 million units as of September 2024. Microsoft plans a next-generation gaming platform covering consoles, handheld devices, PCs, and cloud gaming. There is speculation about an Xbox-branded Meta Quest 3S headset, and Xbox President Sarah Bond highlighted collaboration between the Xbox division and the Windows team to make Windows the top gaming platform. Future Xbox iterations may resemble gaming PCs, as indicated by the Asus ROG Xbox Ally handheld introduction.

Winsage

June 22, 2025

With 114 days left until Windows 10 support is ditched, Windows 11 enjoys a last-minute surge in upgrades

Microsoft plans to discontinue support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, despite a strong preference for it among users. As of June 2025, Windows 10's market share dropped from 66% to 49%, while Windows 11's share increased from 29% to over 47%. The gap between the two operating systems has narrowed to 1%. Microsoft has implemented full-screen reminders to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11, branding 2025 as the "year of the Windows 11 PC refresh." Windows 11 adoption has increased, but many PCs are unable to upgrade due to stringent minimum system requirements, which include a 64-bit processor, at least 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot, and TPM version 2.0. Microsoft introduced a new category of Windows 11 PCs called Copilot+ PCs, which feature advanced capabilities and security measures. Starting October 14, 2025, users on Windows 10 will not receive free updates, leaving them vulnerable to security risks. Users whose PCs do not meet the requirements for Windows 11 can either buy new machines or subscribe to the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for continued support. Enterprise users will pay £48 for the first year of ESU, increasing to £192 for the third year, while consumers can access it for £24 for an additional year. Some users are exploring alternatives like Linux or ChromeOS Flex for older hardware.

AppWizard

June 21, 2025

“Jaws” Turns 50, “Frozen” Stage Musical, “Minecraft” At Home: Here’s What To Watch This Weekend

“K-Pop Demon Hunters” is an animated film on Netflix featuring a girl group that also serves as demon hunters, with talents including Arden Cho and Ahn Hyo-seop. “Frozen: The Hit Broadway Musical” on Disney+ is a musical adaptation of the film, featuring original songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, and includes a puppeteered Olaf. “A Minecraft Movie” on HBO Max, starring Jason Momoa and Jack Black, has grossed nearly a billion dollars at the box office, aided by a viral TikTok meme and interactive screenings. “28 Years Later,” directed by Danny Boyle and featuring Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Jodie Comer, revives the zombie genre. “Jaws,” celebrating its 50th anniversary on Peacock, is a classic thriller that established summer blockbusters and key marketing strategies in the film industry.

AppWizard

June 21, 2025

Stream It Or Skip It: ‘A Minecraft Movie’ on HBO Max, a baffling…

A Minecraft Movie is now available for streaming on HBO Max and various VOD platforms, including Amazon Prime Video. The film, inspired by the best-selling video game, has become a cultural phenomenon in 2025, grossing an impressive 0 million globally. Jack Black stars as Steve, a former doorknob salesman who discovers a cube-shaped orb that transports him to the Overworld of Minecraft. He creates a sanctuary but is captured by Piglins, prompting him to send his wolf companion, Dennis, back to protect the orb. The orb eventually reaches Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison, played by Jason Momoa, who is trying to revive his vintage video game shop. The plot also involves siblings Henry and Natalie, who arrive in Chuglass, Idaho, and get caught up in Garrett's quest while learning about mining and crafting. The film features quirky humor and offbeat character interactions reminiscent of director Jared Hess's previous works. Jennifer Coolidge plays a spacey school vice principal, adding comedic value to the film. Audience reactions vary, with younger viewers enjoying its chaotic energy and meme-inspired humor, while some find it perplexing. Despite visual shortcomings and a sometimes haphazard plot, the film elicits laughter and joy, contributing to its cultural impact.