Microsoft's strategy Archives

Winsage

July 3, 2025

Confused by a mysterious update that’s suddenly appeared on your Windows 10 PC? Don’t panic – here’s what you need to know

Windows 10 PCs are receiving an update identified as KB5001716, which is part of Microsoft's strategy to prepare users for the eventual end of Windows 10. This update is being rolled out to PCs running Windows 10 versions 22H2 and 21H2, with the latter already having reached its end of support. Users may receive notifications about issues that could affect Windows Update's ability to keep their devices secure, including alerts that their version of Windows is nearing the end of its support lifecycle. The official end of Windows 10 is set for October of this year. Microsoft is managing notifications to minimize disruption to users. If users experience issues with the update, they can resolve it by uninstalling the existing KB5001716 from Windows Update.

AppWizard

June 24, 2025

Steam games come to the Xbox app in latest beta

Microsoft is integrating PC games into the Xbox PC app, starting with access to the Steam library. The updated Xbox app, available through the “Insider Hub” program, allows users to see games from supported PC storefronts in their library. However, some users have reported issues with the app not recognizing their Steam games. Microsoft plans to integrate additional PC storefronts in the future. This development coincides with the upcoming launch of the ROG Xbox Ally, a handheld gaming device running Windows 11, which aims to compete with the Steam Deck. This move reflects Microsoft's strategy to focus on software and services over hardware sales.

AppWizard

June 24, 2025

Microsoft tests Xbox app with Battle.net integration — updated app brings third-party game library aggregation

Microsoft is testing a new Xbox app for PC among Xbox Insiders, which will aggregate installed games from various third-party storefronts into a single interface. This feature will debut with the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X handhelds later this year. The initiative is part of Microsoft's strategy to transition Xbox from a console-centric brand to a service-oriented platform, aligning with the Game Pass initiative for both Xbox and PC users. Microsoft is optimizing Windows 11 for third-party handheld devices instead of developing its own Xbox handheld. While a widespread launch of the aggregated library feature has not been announced, initial rollout with the ROG Ally handhelds is expected during the holiday season, with broader support potentially arriving by the end of this year or in 2026.

Winsage

June 22, 2025

Ready to ditch Windows? ‘End of 10’ makes converting your PC to Linux easier than ever

Support for Windows 10 will cease on October 14, 2025. Microsoft's strategy encourages users to buy new computers. Linux is recognized for its speed and security. The End of 10 campaign provides resources and support for users transitioning from Windows 10 to Linux, offering links to local PC shops and user groups. The campaign outlines five reasons to consider upgrading to Linux: cost-effectiveness, lack of intrusive ads or privacy concerns, environmentally friendly options, community support, and enhanced user control. End of 10 maintains a calendar of events for user support across various countries and is supported by a group of contributors. Public communication channels are available, and the initiative encourages collaboration with Free and Open Source Software communities.

Winsage

June 16, 2025

‘End of 10’ offers hope and support to Windows 10 users who can’t upgrade their PCs

Support for Windows 10 will cease on October 14, 2025. Microsoft encourages users to purchase new hardware, while the End of 10 campaign proposes transitioning to Linux as an alternative. The campaign provides resources for users, including links to local PC shops and user groups, a guide on installing Linux, and a calendar of events for assistance. The initiative emphasizes cost-effective solutions, lack of intrusive ads or data tracking, environmental friendliness, community support, and user control. It is supported by a collaborative group dedicated to helping Windows 10 users navigate their options.

Winsage

June 9, 2025

Why the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X have Valve in their sights, not Nintendo

Microsoft has announced its first Xbox co-branded handheld devices, the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X, in collaboration with Asus, set to launch in the holiday season of 2025. Pricing details are not yet available. The Xbox Ally is designed as a generalist device, while the Xbox Ally X targets high-performance gamers, both powered by AMD processors and equipped with Windows 11. They feature Xbox-branded buttons, a gaming interface, and access to Xbox Game Pass, along with the ability to stream console libraries via Xbox Cloud Gaming and Remote Play. The user interface is similar to that of Xbox consoles, with ergonomic grips inspired by Xbox controllers. Accessibility features from Xbox and Windows will be included, and the Xbox Play Anywhere initiative will allow games to function across PC, console, and cloud platforms. The launch will occur in multiple countries, including the US, UK, Japan, and several European nations, with plans to expand to additional territories. The devices aim to provide a unified gaming library for users with both PC and Xbox consoles, enhancing the existing ecosystem. The introduction of Windows 11 is highlighted as a key feature, offering access to games not available elsewhere. The ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X are positioned to compete with existing handhelds like the Steam Deck, with a focus on appealing to both console and PC gamers. Sales of Windows PC handhelds reached approximately 1.2 million units by the end of 2024.

Winsage

June 6, 2025

Microsoft’s latest campaign to push Windows 10 users to Windows 11 has a sinister feel to it

Microsoft is urging users to transition to Windows 11 as support for Windows 10 will officially end on October 14, 2025. The company emphasizes the importance of upgrading to Windows 11 or purchasing a new PC to "stay on the right side of risk" due to the cessation of security updates for Windows 10. A promotional video on the official Windows YouTube channel highlights these points and encourages users to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro PCs with Intel vPro technology. The messaging has received mixed reactions, with some users expressing discomfort with its tone.

Winsage

May 22, 2025

Can Microsoft Turn PC And Cloud Dominance Into AI Supremacy?

Microsoft is advancing an "agentic" future in enterprise computing by leveraging its strengths in Windows PCs and Azure cloud. At Build 2025, executives presented a vision of an "open agentic web" where intelligent software agents operate across devices and applications. Currently, 15 million developers use GitHub Copilot, and 90% of Fortune 500 firms have developed AI agents using Microsoft tools. GitHub Copilot is evolving into a proactive coding agent capable of performing complex development tasks autonomously. Azure AI Foundry is introduced as a unified environment for AI applications, hosting over 1,900 AI models and enabling enterprises to select optimal models for their needs. Windows is transforming into an AI platform with features like AI-driven shortcuts and local AI model access. The Model Context Protocol (MCP) and NLWeb are central to Microsoft's strategy, promoting openness and interoperability among AI agents. Copilot Tuning allows organizations to customize AI agents for specific business contexts, while Copilot Studio supports multi-agent orchestration. Microsoft's integrated AI approach contrasts with competitors like Google and Amazon, positioning it as a leader in providing comprehensive AI solutions.

Winsage

May 15, 2025

3 reasons Windows 11 is the best advertisement Linux ever had

Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 support for installation, creating compatibility issues for users with older hardware, even if the hardware is otherwise capable of running the OS. Many users are still on Windows 10 as the support deadline approaches, with some considering Linux as an alternative since it does not impose TPM 2.0 restrictions. Linux distributions can be installed on machines lacking TPM 2.0, allowing users to retain their existing hardware. Older CPUs, typically from Intel's 7th generation or earlier, are often incompatible with Windows 11 but can run Linux efficiently, sometimes improving application performance. Linux offers more customization and less bloat compared to Windows, appealing to users frustrated with Windows 11's limitations. The shift to Windows 11 has prompted some users to explore Linux as a viable alternative.

Winsage

May 12, 2025

Microsoft makes another pitch for React Native in confusing world of Windows desktop development

Microsoft is advocating for the use of React Native to simplify Windows desktop development, promoting it as a viable solution for building native applications. React Native, originally developed by Facebook, allows code written in JavaScript to be rendered natively on iOS and Android, and Microsoft aims to extend these benefits to Windows. The company is addressing developer confusion by providing guidance and resources for integrating React Native into Windows development. Microsoft is also investing in enhancing React Native's capabilities for Windows, including performance improvements and library expansions, to attract and retain developers.

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