obsolescence Archives

Winsage

April 19, 2025

Surface Hub v1 has less than six months of support left

Microsoft is ending support for the Surface Hub v1 and Surface Hub 2S, with the last security updates for Windows 10 Team edition scheduled for October 14. The original Surface Hub v1 will be unsupported after October 2025, while users are encouraged to transition to the Surface Hub 3. Launched in 2015, the Surface Hub shipped 2,000 units in its first nine months, priced at ,999 for the 84-inch version. The device is becoming obsolete as Microsoft discontinues support for Microsoft Teams, prompting users to consider alternative uses for the Surface Hub v1.

Winsage

April 4, 2025

Microsoft wants you to trade in your Windows 10 PC, here’s what you can get for one

Microsoft is set to discontinue support for Windows 10, prompting users to decide whether to upgrade to Windows 11. To assist with the financial burden of upgrading, Microsoft suggests trading in Windows 10 PCs. The trade-in value of a PC depends on factors such as CPU generation, RAM, storage, and GPU presence. For 7th-generation Intel CPUs, basic workstations sold for around 0, gaming PCs up to 0, and mid-range systems averaged around 0, leading to an average trade-in value of approximately 0. This amount may not cover the cost of a new Windows 11 workstation, which starts at 9, half of a refurbished workstation averaging 0, or even the 9.99 price of a Windows 11 Home license. Selling a Windows 10 machine may not provide sufficient funds for an upgrade, suggesting that repurposing the device with a different operating system could be a viable alternative.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Windows OS On A Pixel Watch! PHD Student Achieves The Impossible! News24 –

A PhD student named Gustave Monce, along with a small team, successfully ran the Windows operating system on a Pixel Watch through the WOA project. The process involved examining a rooted boot image, modifying the stock UEFI, altering the ACPI table, and patching various files to enable the watch to run Windows PE. Despite the extensive work, the project faced challenges due to the Pixel Watch's internal architecture, which was designed for its native OS. Additionally, old iPads can be repurposed as e-readers by downloading e-book reader applications or, for a more ambitious project, by booting them with a Raspberry Pi or another Linux-based operating system.

Winsage

March 12, 2025

Months before millions of PCs will get stuck on Windows 10, Google makes its case for running ChromeOS to use Microsoft 365

Google has outlined five key ways in which ChromeOS enhances the Microsoft 365 experience for organizations: 1. Microsoft 365 applications are accessible to ChromeOS users, providing a desktop-like user experience. 2. ChromeOS devices can automatically log into Microsoft 365 applications using Single Sign-On (SSO) powered by Microsoft EntraID and other providers. 3. Integration of Microsoft OneDrive with the ChromeOS Files app is seamless. 4. ChromeOS devices can utilize OneDrive storage exclusively, ensuring no local data is retained on the device. 5. These features are easily configurable for IT administrators through the Google Admin console. Google's ChromeOS Flex allows users to run ChromeOS on existing PCs without additional costs, providing a secure, cloud-based operating system as an alternative to unsupported versions of Windows. This approach aims to refresh functional devices that cannot run Windows 11. ChromeOS is particularly suited for users who primarily need to perform basic tasks like web browsing and accessing Office applications.

Winsage

February 28, 2025

Windows 12 won’t be the savior Windows 10 users are hoping for

Windows 10 will be retired on October 12, 2025, and will no longer receive security updates, fixes, or technical support. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11, which currently holds a 36.6% share of the Windows desktop market, while Windows 10 has a 60.3% share. Microsoft has invested nearly a billion dollars into OpenAI since 2019, integrating AI features into the Windows ecosystem. Windows 11 has stringent hardware requirements, including the need for Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 chips, leading to concerns about obsolescence and potential future requirements for Windows 12 that may demand AI-capable PCs. Despite its flaws, Windows 11 may be seen as a more manageable option compared to the anticipated challenges of Windows 12.

Winsage

February 12, 2025

Microsoft issues Windows 11 alert and says to ‘roll back to Windows 10’ now

Windows 10 will reach its end of life on October 14, 2025, after which Microsoft will stop providing free updates and security patches. Users can transition to Windows 11 by purchasing a new laptop with it pre-installed, opting for Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for older machines, or upgrading existing devices. Windows 11 has specific system requirements, including a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0. Microsoft warns that installing Windows 11 on incompatible hardware will result in a watermark and operational issues. A PC Health Check tool is available to assess device compatibility with Windows 11. The minimum requirements for running Windows 11 include a 1 GHz processor with 2 or more cores, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot, TPM 2.0, a DirectX 12 compatible graphics card, and a high-definition display.

Winsage

February 5, 2025

Here’s How You Can Get Windows 11 For Free—If You Act Now

Windows 10 will reach the end of security support on October 14, meaning users will no longer receive free software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes. Microsoft is encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11, which is designed to meet current security needs. To facilitate this transition, Microsoft is offering a free upgrade to eligible Windows 10 users. Recent statistics show a 2.5% increase in the migration from Windows 10 to Windows 11 in January. Users can check their device's eligibility for the upgrade by going to Settings > Windows Update and selecting the Check for updates option.

Winsage

December 27, 2024

End of Windows 10: Microsoft will phase out your computer by 2025

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 in October 2025, meaning it will no longer receive free security updates. To upgrade to Windows 11, a computer must support TPM 2.0, which many older devices lack. A report indicates that about one in five computers could be left behind due to this requirement, particularly those purchased before 2021. Users should check if their device supports TPM 2.0 and consider budgeting for a new computer if it does not.

Winsage

December 20, 2024

Windows 10 Support Ends In 2025, Should You Spend Big On A Windows AI Laptop?

Microsoft will end official support for Windows 10 in October 2025, prompting users to consider upgrading their systems, especially if their current PCs cannot transition to Windows 11. Only systems with TPM 2.0 security technology will qualify for a free upgrade to Windows 11, which has received criticism for complicating the upgrade process. Windows 11 features a new user interface and incorporates AI tools for enhanced functionality. The tech industry is shifting towards AI technology, with new processors like Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite and Intel's Lunar Lake promising improved battery efficiency. However, AI PCs often exceed Rs 1 lakh, posing challenges in markets like India, where average laptop prices are around Rs 60,000. Qualcomm is working on making AI features more accessible at around Rs 80,000. While investing in a Windows AI laptop may be tempting, it might be wise to wait until 2025 for a broader range of options at various price points.

Winsage

December 9, 2024

Computer owner shares frustration after seeing concerning message on Windows laptop: ‘I will not be buying a new one’

Microsoft will end free security updates for Windows 10 in October, prompting concerns among users about the need to purchase new devices, especially as the company promotes Windows 11. Users have expressed frustration over "programmed obsolescence," which forces consumers to buy new models more frequently. The financial impact of planned obsolescence can reach approximately ,000 over a consumer's lifetime, contributing to significant environmental issues, including the generation of over 68 million tons of e-waste in 2022, with only 22% recycled properly. Some users are considering alternatives like Linux to avoid the costs of new computers. Companies like Staples and Redwood Materials offer recycling programs for e-waste.