marketplace

Winsage
July 25, 2025
Dell and Intel are promoting the upgrade of PC fleets from Windows 10 to Windows 11 as a strategic opportunity for businesses to prepare for artificial intelligence (AI). Their "Windows 11 & AI PC Readiness Report" suggests that this is an ideal time for organizations to improve productivity, collaboration, and security with AI-ready PCs. A survey indicated that 80 percent of UK businesses plan to transition to Windows 11 by October 14, when support for Windows 10 ends. However, there are concerns about software and hardware compatibility, as well as the high costs associated with AI PCs, which may deter buyers. The report shows that 62 percent of IT decision-makers prefer Copilot+ AI PCs, while 64 percent believe it is critical to acquire new PCs capable of running AI applications. Despite claims of enhanced productivity with AI PCs, a study found that employees using such systems were less productive than those with traditional hardware.
AppWizard
July 25, 2025
The Facer app has integrated Wear OS 6 as of July 24, introducing Watch Face Format (WFF) faces that enhance battery efficiency and support Always-On Display modes. The update includes the "Rosetta Stone" tool, allowing creators to design watch faces compatible with both WFF and Apple Watches. Facer has launched a social feature called "Looks" for users to share their watch styles. The Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic now support custom watch faces, with a dedicated storefront for easy access. WFF-compatible faces include designs from popular franchises like Fallout, Star Trek, and NASA. Facer offers a limited-time promo for new Premium members at .99 for the first year. The app aims to support future Wear OS 6 devices, including the Pixel Watch 4, while other applications like WatchMaker and TIMEFLIK are also becoming compatible with Wear OS 6.
AppWizard
July 25, 2025
A coalition of five digital rights and privacy organizations has filed a complaint against Google under the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), alleging that the company restricts user autonomy on Android devices by making it difficult to remove or disable pre-installed applications like Google Search, Chrome, and Maps. The complaint claims that Google, designated as a ‘gatekeeper’ under the DMA, fails to comply with legal obligations to allow users to uninstall default services easily. Users reportedly face hidden settings, complicated instructions, and misleading warnings when trying to disable Google apps, which the coalition argues are designed to keep users reliant on Google's services. The European Commission has received the complaint and will review it as part of its enforcement process for the DMA, which allows for fines up to 10% of a company's global annual revenue and mandates changes in business practices for compliance.
Winsage
July 23, 2025
As Windows 11 support ends, many Windows 10 PCs and laptops lacking compatibility with the new operating system are expected to enter the resale market or be given away. This situation creates opportunities to repurpose these devices for various uses, including: 1. Installing a Linux distribution to cater to business and personal needs, with options like Ubuntu, Fedora, and MX Linux for older hardware. 2. Running ChromeOS Flex for a lightweight experience focused on web browsing and cloud applications. 3. Installing a thin-client OS to access virtual desktops, maximizing existing hardware for businesses transitioning to virtual environments. 4. Converting the device into a media server using software like Plex or Jellyfin for centralized media storage and streaming. 5. Recycling the device responsibly through manufacturer or retailer e-waste programs, ensuring safe processing and potential donation of usable parts. Before recycling, it is important to securely wipe or destroy personal data on the hard drive.
AppWizard
July 23, 2025
Russia's deputy head of President Putin’s administration, Maxim Oreshkin, stated that foreign messaging applications will not be banned as long as they comply with Russian laws, which include registration and measures to prevent fraud. He emphasized the development of a domestic messaging app called Max, created by VK, which aims to integrate with Russia's banking system. Oreshkin encouraged entrepreneurs to create user-friendly services for competitive advantage. His comments followed reports of Telegram seeking to align with Russian regulations by filing for registration with Roskomnadzor, although its founder, Pavel Durov, denied claims of exiting the Russian market.
AppWizard
July 22, 2025
Mojang and Microsoft are collaborating with The Smurfs for a crossover in Minecraft, teased through a social media post featuring a pixelated Smurf and a mushroom emoji. The announcement is linked to the upcoming Smurfs film set for release in 2025. Expected additions to Minecraft include skins and costumes based on Smurfs characters, new mobs or NPCs like Papa Smurf and Smurfette, a themed world or map featuring a Smurf village, and size-shifting mechanics for gameplay. Players hope the update will be available on both Minecraft Java and Bedrock editions and accessible on the Minecraft Marketplace. Previous collaborations with films have included themed content, suggesting a similar approach for this crossover. The Minecraft content is anticipated to release shortly after the Smurfs movie in mid-July 2025.
Winsage
July 22, 2025
Microsoft Corp. has exited the transactional video-on-demand (TVOD) sector after nearly two decades. Users will still have access to their owned digital content on Windows and Xbox devices. The company launched the “Zune Video Marketplace” in 2006, which evolved into Xbox Video in 2012 and was rebranded as the Microsoft Movies & TV Store in 2015. The platform generated approximately billion in revenue through 2024. This decision follows the departure of Dametra Johnson-Marletti, who was a key figure in Microsoft's digital gaming sales division.
AppWizard
July 20, 2025
A free RPG, Seraph: In the Darkness, will be removed from Steam on July 24, leaving PC users with a limited time to claim it for free. The game, launched on March 6, has received a “Mixed” rating on Steam based on 739 user reviews and is speculated to be exiting the marketplace due to financial challenges. The developer, Seraph Studio, and publisher, Cherry Credits, have not provided reasons for the shutdown or information on refunds, offline mode, or the future of the game. Compatibility with the Steam Deck is currently marked as “Unknown.”
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.
AppWizard
July 19, 2025
Valve has clarified that certain games on its Steam platform have been removed due to potential violations of rules and standards set by payment processors and their related card networks and banks. Over 100 games marked as "retired" from Valve's storefront in two days, many of which contain adult content. The removals are part of a broader initiative to ensure compliance with banking standards. The impact on developers remains unclear, but the rapid pace of removals suggests many creators may be affected.
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