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The Surface you know and love (or hate) is dead — Microsoft's Windows hardware enters a new era
Winsage
February 20, 2025

The Surface you know and love (or hate) is dead — Microsoft’s Windows hardware enters a new era

The Surface division at Microsoft has experienced significant internal changes over the past 18 months, including the departure of Panos Panay and new leadership. This has led to a strategic refocusing of the Surface portfolio, moving away from experimental hardware designs to more conventional offerings aimed at a broader audience. The company has discontinued extravagant devices like the Surface Studio and Surface Duo, favoring products that resonate with business customers and general consumers. Last year, Microsoft introduced AI-powered Windows computers known as Copilot+ PCs, which emphasize continuity and refinement of established designs rather than radical innovations. The Copilot+ PC initiative has allowed Windows on Arm to demonstrate its viability, with Snapdragon chips competing effectively in the Windows ecosystem. Surface continues to play a crucial role in shaping the Windows ecosystem, but with a more cautious approach that prioritizes ecosystem health over creating new markets. Future form factor experimentation will likely be delegated to OEM partners, while Microsoft focuses on transitioning users to Windows 11 and promoting Copilot+ PCs. Stakeholders can expect a steady stream of sensible Surface devices and incremental updates in the near future.
More classic Call of Duty PC games hit Microsoft Store, hinting at Game Pass launch
AppWizard
December 17, 2024

More classic Call of Duty PC games hit Microsoft Store, hinting at Game Pass launch

Microsoft has added the PC versions of three Call of Duty titles—Call of Duty, Call of Duty 2, and Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare—to the Microsoft Store. Additionally, four more Call of Duty titles—Call of Duty: Ghosts, Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Call of Duty: WWII, and Call of Duty: Black Ops III—have also appeared on the Microsoft Store. The pricing for these games is consistent with market rates, and the store pages indicate that cross-platform multiplayer is not supported. Xbox Achievements and cloud saves are available, but Xbox Play Anywhere is not included. There is speculation about a potential influx of Call of Duty games in the Xbox Game Pass library for 2024.
Microsoft resurrects Windows Recall for upcoming preview
Winsage
August 23, 2024

Microsoft resurrects Windows Recall for upcoming preview

Microsoft is testing its Windows Recall technology with Windows Insiders to address security and privacy concerns that arose during its initial unveiling at Microsoft Build 2024. The technology captures snapshots of a user's Windows desktop at regular intervals, allowing users to search through past activities. However, it faced backlash due to privacy implications, leading Microsoft to retract the broader release and focus on a limited rollout to Insiders. The company aims to gather user feedback before a full-scale launch on all Copilot+ PCs. Microsoft has indicated plans to incorporate "just in time" decryption and requires users to have a Copilot+ PC for testing.
Microsoft stopped nagging some Windows 10 users with full-screen Windows 11 ads
Winsage
August 15, 2024

Microsoft stopped nagging some Windows 10 users with full-screen Windows 11 ads

Microsoft plans to broaden Windows 11 upgrades for eligible Windows 10 users as support for Windows 10 nears its end. Initially, the strategy involved displaying full-screen ads to promote the upgrade, which faced significant backlash. In response, Microsoft announced it would stop these intrusive ads on eligible Windows 10 devices with the April 2024 security update. However, a specific timeline for the Windows 11 upgrade for non-managed domain-joined devices is still unclear. Regular users may still encounter prominent Windows 11 advertisements when restarting their machines.
Helldivers 2 CEO goes straight to the tap, asks the Reddit think tank for ideas on how to use their oodles of in-game resources
AppWizard
August 3, 2024

Helldivers 2 CEO goes straight to the tap, asks the Reddit think tank for ideas on how to use their oodles of in-game resources

Helldivers 2 has faced popularity challenges post-launch, including server overloads and review bombing. Arrowhead is focusing on comprehensive updates, with the next update titled "The Escalation of Freedom" scheduled for next week. The new CEO is engaging the community for feedback through platforms like Reddit, aiming to formalize this process into structured surveys. While he welcomes suggestions, he cautions that not all will be implemented. One notable suggestion from a player involves allowing resource donations for community-wide modifiers. Other ideas include weapon attachments and features inspired by MMORPGs to create a sustainable economic model. The CEO also shared a playful idea about mission unlocks inspired by Goldeneye 64, which was not pursued.
Relaxing gardening simulator The Garden Path is the breath of fresh air I've been in desperate need of
AppWizard
July 30, 2024

Relaxing gardening simulator The Garden Path is the breath of fresh air I’ve been in desperate need of

The Garden Path is a gardening simulator designed for short, fulfilling gameplay sessions, contrasting with traditional farming simulators. Players explore a vibrant map to unlock whimsical characters with vegetable-themed heads by completing tasks that earn stars, which form constellations. Interactions with these characters lead to new quests that are light-hearted and enjoyable. The game features no time constraints, allowing players to progress at their own pace, fostering appreciation for its environmental design and soundscape. An innovative fishing mechanic requires players to whistle to attract fish in a 4x4 grid. The game operates on a real-world clock, with a year spanning 28 days and seasonal changes affecting foragables. The visual design is hand-crafted, with visible brush strokes and watercolor-like characters, creating an immersive experience.
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