memo Archives

Winsage

April 27, 2026

Windows Wrap: Microsoft finally remembers why Windows enthusiasts matter

Microsoft is revitalizing Windows 11 by rebooting the Windows Insider Program to better engage with user feedback and improve the operating system. The company aims to address bugs and enhance quality, signaling a shift in its approach. Recent developments indicate a renewed enthusiasm for the program, which has historically played a significant role in shaping user experiences and technology careers. Additionally, Surface enthusiasts are creating their own accessories through 3D printing due to unmet demands from Microsoft.

Winsage

April 27, 2026

“The work we’re doing together remains ambitious”: OpenAI ends Microsoft exclusivity in a tone that doesn’t match last week’s leaked memo

Microsoft and OpenAI have redefined their partnership, ending Microsoft's exclusivity with OpenAI. Microsoft will continue as OpenAI's primary cloud partner, with products launching on Azure first, but OpenAI can now collaborate with other cloud providers if necessary. Key points include: - Microsoft retains its primary cloud partner status, with OpenAI products debuting on Azure unless Microsoft cannot meet capabilities. - OpenAI can distribute products across any cloud platform. - Microsoft's license to OpenAI's intellectual property is non-exclusive and extends through 2032. - Microsoft will no longer share revenue with OpenAI, while OpenAI will continue payments to Microsoft until 2030, capped at a predetermined total. - Microsoft remains a major shareholder in OpenAI. The partnership has faced challenges, including CEO Sam Altman's brief dismissal in late 2023, which displeased Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. OpenAI's revenue chief acknowledged Microsoft's foundational support while indicating constraints on OpenAI's engagement with enterprise demands. Both companies are committed to ongoing collaboration amidst growing competition in the AI landscape.

AppWizard

April 27, 2026

Microsoft Lowers the Price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate And PC Game Pass, But What’s Next For Xbox?

Under CEO Asha Sharma, Xbox has reduced the price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate from .99 to .99 and PC Game Pass from .99 to .99. The removal of day-one access to Call of Duty is part of this strategy, which aims to address consumer concerns and enhance the service's value. Microsoft reportedly faced a 0 million loss due to including Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 in Game Pass, prompting these price adjustments. Sharma's initiatives include a partnership with Discord, the introduction of Xbox Game Pass: Starter Edition, and plans for a Family Plan. The company is also focusing on improving the Xbox app for PC gaming and reevaluating its approach to exclusives. Frequent updates and player feedback will be prioritized as Xbox prepares for the next generation of consoles, referred to as Project Helix.

Winsage

April 27, 2026

Windows Wrap: Windows 11 is getting its spark back

Microsoft is revitalizing the Windows Insider Program to reconnect with its user base and enhance Windows 11. The program, which previously fostered community engagement and innovation, is being rebooted to prioritize user feedback and improve quality. Significant updates to Windows 11 have been announced, and there is a push to recognize the contributions of Insiders. Additionally, Surface enthusiasts are creating their own accessories through 3-D printing due to a lack of official offerings from Microsoft.

AppWizard

April 25, 2026

Xbox admits its PC gaming presence is not strong enough

Microsoft is retiring the term "Microsoft Gaming," which was introduced in 2022, and will revert to using the Xbox brand as the primary identifier for all gaming-related endeavors. A memo from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and chief content officer Matt Booty, released on April 23, acknowledges that the company's presence in the PC gaming market is lacking. The memo outlines a strategy focused on "flexible pricing," being "open to all creators," and increasing "daily active players," but lacks specific commitments or timelines. It highlights Windows as a crucial battleground for gaming, noting that it now represents more players and hours, amidst competition from platforms like Steam. The memo also reflects on Microsoft's historical challenges in executing a competitive PC gaming ecosystem and coincides with an announcement of an early-retirement buyout program for employees as the company reallocates resources toward AI initiatives.

Winsage

April 24, 2026

Microsoft tackles quality control issues. Just kidding, it’s encouraging experienced workers to leave

Microsoft is implementing a voluntary buyout scheme for a segment of its U.S. workforce, targeting employees at the senior director level and below who have a combined age and tenure of 70 years or more. Approximately 7 percent of the workforce, nearly 9,000 individuals, could be eligible for this program, which aims to allow voluntary exits instead of mandatory layoffs. The company has previously laid off 9,000 employees in July 2025, and concerns have arisen about losing experienced talent that is crucial for improving the quality of Windows. Microsoft has invested heavily in artificial intelligence, but its stock price has declined over 20 percent in the past six months. The potential loss of valuable employees due to buyouts could hinder the company's ability to address ongoing quality challenges.

AppWizard

April 23, 2026

Xbox Game Pass report claims you’ll be able to pick which features you pay for

Xbox is exploring a new Game Pass subscription model that allows users to customize their experience by selecting specific features and content packages, potentially lowering their monthly fees. Subscribers could exclude certain elements, like Fortnite Crew or Xbox Cloud Gaming, to reduce costs. The model may also introduce alternative subscriptions and perks, such as Minecraft Realm or World of Warcraft, with pricing adjustments based on user modifications. Gamers might select genres of interest, focusing on specific packages. Microsoft insiders suggest this personalized approach is part of a long-term goal to attract a broader audience. Recently, Microsoft announced price reductions for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass, while noting that Call of Duty will no longer be available on the service from day one. An internal memo indicated that Game Pass had become too expensive for players, prompting a reevaluation. Despite the absence of Call of Duty at launch, major titles like Forza Horizon 6, Fable 4, and Subnautica 2 are expected to be released in 2026.

AppWizard

April 23, 2026

Call of Duty games coming to Xbox Game Pass on day one lasted all of two releases as Microsoft announces big changes and a welcome price cut

Xbox has reduced the prices of its Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass services. The monthly fee for Game Pass Ultimate decreased from .99 to .99, and the cost of PC Game Pass was adjusted from .99 to .99. New titles in the Call of Duty franchise will no longer be available on the platform at launch but will be accessible approximately one year after their initial release. Existing Call of Duty titles, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, will remain available to subscribers.

AppWizard

April 21, 2026

Microsoft just made Game Pass cheaper, and it’s all thanks to Call of Duty

Microsoft has reduced the monthly subscription price for Game Pass Ultimate from .99 to .99 and for PC Game Pass from .99 to .99. New releases of the Call of Duty franchise will no longer be available on the subscription service at launch, but will be added the following holiday season. Existing Call of Duty titles will remain accessible on the service.

AppWizard

April 14, 2026

Xbox Game Pass is too expensive, new Xbox boss reportedly says: ‘we need a better value equation’

Asha Sharma, the new head of Xbox, expressed concerns in an internal memo that the pricing structure of the Game Pass subscription service is "too expensive" for players. She emphasized the need to reassess the subscription model to deliver better value and indicated plans to evolve Game Pass into a more flexible system, which will require time for testing. The discussion follows mixed financial outcomes, with former Bethesda VP Pete Hines noting that Game Pass has negatively impacted retail revenue. Additionally, Xbox is realigning its focus on console hardware integrity and may discontinue the 'This is an Xbox' marketing campaign as part of a broader strategic pivot, including a renewed market push with Project Helix.