Microsoft's strategy Archives

Winsage

July 25, 2025

Microsoft Windows AI Upgrade—2 Reasons To Change Your Browser

Microsoft is encouraging Windows users to switch from Google Chrome to its Edge browser by promoting its integration with Windows and highlighting AI-powered tools, productivity enhancements, and security features. A key feature in this campaign is Recall, which captures screenshots and indexes content for easy retrieval. Recall has faced privacy concerns, leading to improvements in its relaunch, including better redaction of sensitive information. Brave has responded by disabling Recall by default for its users and implementing measures to ensure its tabs are treated as private, preventing Recall from capturing their content. Currently, Brave holds just under 2% of the desktop browser market, while Chrome has nearly 70%.

AppWizard

July 16, 2025

You can now stream select Xbox games you own to PC, no Xbox required—but there’s a catch

Xbox enthusiasts can stream select titles on PC through the Xbox PC app, currently available to Xbox Insiders with a Game Pass Ultimate subscription. This feature allows subscribers to stream their owned titles, including over 250 games, some of which are not part of the Xbox Game Pass catalog. The streaming does not require an Xbox console, as games are accessed directly from Microsoft's cloud servers. This capability is part of Microsoft's strategy to enhance game streaming, known as Project Lapland, and aims to expand the library of supported games.

AppWizard

July 16, 2025

Microsoft Tests Streaming Xbox Games on PC

Microsoft's Xbox division is testing a new feature that allows users to stream their personally owned games through the Xbox PC app, eliminating lengthy installations. This feature is currently available to Xbox Insiders with a Game Pass Ultimate subscription and enables players to access their game libraries on Windows devices using cloud technology. The app manages processing on remote servers, conserving local storage and reducing download times. This initiative is part of Microsoft's strategy to unify its gaming ecosystem and respond to competition from services like Nvidia's GeForce Now and Amazon's Luna. The feature aims to democratize access to games without requiring a subscription for owned titles. Challenges include reliance on internet connectivity and privacy concerns regarding cloud data management. If successful, this could lead to broader integration across Xbox platforms, including smart TVs. Feedback from Insiders will influence the rollout pace.

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.

Microsoft’s strategy