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PCs under $500 to "disappear by 2028" predicts analyst. Apparently water's wet, too.
AppWizard
March 2, 2026

PCs under $500 to “disappear by 2028” predicts analyst. Apparently water’s wet, too.

Gartner predicts that the sub-0 entry-level PC segment will disappear by 2028 due to a 130% increase in memory and SSD costs, contributing to a 17% rise in PC prices by 2025. This situation is expected to result in a 10.4% decline in PC shipments this year, the first contraction in over a decade. Consumers are anticipated to keep their devices longer, with business users holding onto PCs for 15% longer and consumers for 20% longer by the end of 2026. The report indicates that elevated RAM and SSD prices will persist longer than expected, influenced by broader inflation trends. Additionally, the anticipated 50% market penetration of AI PCs is now expected to be delayed until 2028.
Windows 11, not AI, kick-started the PC upgrade cycle
Winsage
January 20, 2026

Windows 11, not AI, kick-started the PC upgrade cycle

The global PC market saw a 9.3 percent increase in shipments in the fourth quarter of 2025, resulting in an annual growth of 9.1 percent, according to Gartner. This rebound is mainly due to corporate IT departments upgrading aging hardware rather than consumer demand or interest in AI devices. The transition is driven by the shift to Windows 11, as businesses must replace machines that do not meet new hardware requirements. A report from Context indicates that buyers prioritize price, battery life, and performance over AI functionalities. Lenovo led the market with approximately 19.4 million units shipped, followed by HP with around 15.4 million and Dell at 11.7 million. The upgrades are primarily motivated by compliance with Windows 11 deadlines and security mandates, rather than excitement for new technologies.
Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin is upset with Microsoft, calls Windows boot process ‘dystopian’ - The Times of India
Winsage
December 29, 2025

Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin is upset with Microsoft, calls Windows boot process ‘dystopian’ – The Times of India

Vitalik Buterin expressed concerns about Microsoft's requirement for internet connectivity during the installation of Windows, calling the experience “dystopian.” He encountered a barrier while trying to boot into Windows to install Linux, as it required an internet connection to communicate with Microsoft’s servers. This commentary was in response to a post on X that suggested corporations are increasingly eliminating personal computer ownership, which could lead to a societal shift towards radical political ideologies. Buterin's remarks reflect unease regarding the power dynamics between consumers and corporations in the tech industry. In contrast, another user on X, known as ‘iRish,’ argued that most users may not share these concerns and that Microsoft is catering to the majority rather than tech-savvy individuals.
Game platform Steam to end support for system 32-bit Windows
Winsage
December 24, 2025

Game platform Steam to end support for system 32-bit Windows

Valve has announced the end of support for 32-bit Windows operating systems on its Steam platform, transitioning to a native 64-bit architecture to improve security and performance. Support for the 32-bit client will continue until January 1, 2026, after which it will no longer receive updates or security fixes. Users on 32-bit systems may experience a decline in service quality and access to new features. The decision is driven by memory limitations of 32-bit systems, which can only address a maximum of 4 GB of RAM, and the enhanced security capabilities of 64-bit systems. The latest Steam update also includes support for the Nintendo Switch 2 controller, compatibility with GameCube Adapters in Wii-U mode, and improvements to "Gyro Modes" along with various bug fixes. Users are encouraged to upgrade to 64-bit systems to avoid service disruptions.
The 20 Best Xbox 360 Games of All Time
AppWizard
November 22, 2025

The 20 Best Xbox 360 Games of All Time

Microsoft transformed the Xbox brand from a traditional gaming console into a multifaceted platform emphasizing software accessibility across various devices, with the Game Pass subscription model allowing users to access a vast library of games on mobile phones and rival consoles. The Xbox 360 was launched on November 22, 2005, a year ahead of competitors, and became the most advanced console for a year despite technical challenges like the Red Ring of Death. Strategic partnerships and a diverse range of titles, including blockbuster franchises like Halo and Gears of War, contributed to its success. The Xbox 360's architecture resembled that of a personal computer, providing a technological edge over the PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii. Innovations such as Xbox Live and Xbox Live Arcade distinguished the console, making it a hub for competitive and indie gaming. The Xbox 360 remains the best-selling device in the Xbox lineup, with defining titles including Perfect Dark Zero, Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts, Dead or Alive 4, Viva Piñata, Fable II, Ninja Gaiden II, Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition, Fez, and Oblivion, highlighting its lasting legacy in gaming culture.
Poor designs and plagiarism accusations: Forty years ago, Windows got off to a rocky start
Winsage
November 20, 2025

Poor designs and plagiarism accusations: Forty years ago, Windows got off to a rocky start

In the early 1980s, the concept of a graphical interface was still a visionary dream, as computers were primarily navigated through text commands. Microsoft, with its MS-DOS software, was a leader in this text-based era. Bill Gates recognized the need for user-friendly computers, leading to the development of Windows, first introduced in 1983 and officially launched on November 20, 1985. Prior to this, elements of graphical interfaces had been conceptualized in the 1960s by Douglas Engelbart's team and realized in 1973 by Xerox with its Alto computer. The Alto's graphical interface inspired developers, including Gates and Steve Jobs. However, the initial reception of Windows was not successful, indicating challenges for Microsoft in redefining personal computing.
Happy birthday, Windows! 40 years of operating system history and still going strong.
Winsage
November 20, 2025

Happy birthday, Windows! 40 years of operating system history and still going strong.

On November 20, 1985, Microsoft launched Windows 1.0, marking a significant milestone in personal computing. This software transformed the user experience by introducing a graphical user interface that used windows, icons, and mouse control, moving away from command line interfaces. Windows 1.0 was not a standalone operating system but a graphical overlay on MS-DOS, functioning as a 16-bit shell called MS-DOS Executive. It was initially released in the United States at a price of approximately 0. The interface featured non-overlapping tiled windows and required users to navigate primarily with a mouse. It included applications such as Paintbrush, Notepad, Write, Calculator, a clock, and Cardfile. The hardware requirements included an Intel 8086 or 8088 processor, at least 256 kilobytes of RAM, a graphics card, and two double-sided floppy disk drives or a hard drive. The initial reception was mixed, with critics noting its slow interface, poor compatibility with DOS programs, and limited application selection compared to competitors like Apple.
Best Laptops to Get the Most Out of AI
Winsage
November 15, 2025

Best Laptops to Get the Most Out of AI

Consumers are now prioritizing speed, extended battery life, and intelligent features powered by artificial intelligence in personal computers. Copilot+ PCs are equipped with advanced Neural Processing Units (NPUs), offering performance up to five times faster than a typical Windows laptop from five years ago. They provide up to 22 hours of video playback, making them suitable for professionals who need long-lasting battery life. Additionally, these PCs integrate AI capabilities within the Windows 11 environment to enhance productivity and creativity.
2025 Antivirus Trends, Statistics, and Market Report
Tech Optimizer
October 29, 2025

2025 Antivirus Trends, Statistics, and Market Report

In 2025, approximately 66 percent of U.S. adults use antivirus software, with 25 percent using it on both business and personal devices and 41 percent using it only on personal devices. This leaves 34 percent of Americans without antivirus protection. About 169 million Americans actively employ antivirus software, but there is a 20 percentage point gap between the 85 percent who believe antivirus is essential and the 66 percent who use it. Protection levels vary by device type: 63 percent of personal computer owners use real-time antivirus software, 25 percent of smartphone owners do, and only 22 percent of tablet owners utilize antivirus protection. Among personal computer users, 69 percent of Windows users have antivirus software compared to 37 percent of macOS users. Antivirus adoption increases with age, with 73 percent of users aged 60 and older using antivirus on PCs, compared to 51 percent of those aged 18-29. The antivirus market has shifted toward free solutions, with free antivirus usage rising to 61 percent in 2025 from 52 percent in 2024, while paid subscription usage decreased from 44 percent to 36 percent. Free antivirus tools have improved significantly, but they often lack advanced features necessary for high-risk users.
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