price hike Archives

Winsage

December 31, 2025

Microsoft in 2025: year in review

In 2025, Microsoft faced challenges including a slow migration to Windows 11 after the end of Windows 10, with many users opting to stay on the older system due to free Extended Security Updates. The anticipated rush to Windows 11 did not occur, partly because many older PCs did not meet the new system requirements. Microsoft increased its focus on AI integration in Windows 11, but this initiative faced backlash from users concerned about unnecessary features and existing bugs. The annual upgrade brought only minor improvements, and persistent bugs continued to affect user experience, particularly for gamers, who faced disruptions amid rising competition from platforms like SteamOS. Additionally, a significant price increase for Xbox Game Pass led to subscriber cancellations, although revenue remained high. Xbox console sales dropped by 70% year-on-year, while the Surface hardware division did not achieve the same success as the previous year, with new devices failing to generate excitement.

AppWizard

December 15, 2025

Half Life 3 Steam Machine rumors just won’t go away, with high RAM prices now somehow connected

Valve initially intended to unveil Half-Life 3 alongside the Steam Machine, but rising RAM prices led to a change in plans. The Steam Machine, powered by SteamOS, has generated hype, but lacks a confirmed release date or pricing. Insider sources suggest that Half-Life 3 could still be a launch title for the Steam Machine, though delays are attributed to increased PC RAM prices due to AI data centers consuming supply. This price surge has affected the tech industry, leading to speculation about potential delays or price increases for gaming products. Experts suggest Valve may separate the launches of the Steam Machine and Half-Life 3, as the success of the game appears independent of the hardware's debut. There are currently no definitive hints or leaks confirming the development of Half-Life 3.

AppWizard

December 4, 2025

AMD Radeon graphics card prices could soon skyrocket following a similar CPU scare

AMD graphics card prices are expected to rise due to increasing RAM costs. Reports indicate that AMD has communicated a price increase for graphics cards with 8GB and 16GB VRAM configurations. The suggested price increase is approximately 10% for both types. AMD's business model involves selling GPUs and VRAM together, meaning any cost increases are passed on to consumers. Additionally, AMD has informed partners of a second price increase across its entire product line, though the timing is unclear. No new AMD products are expected to launch until 2027, suggesting a prolonged absence from the market.

AppWizard

November 18, 2025

AMD graphics card prices rumored to rise, so get this Radeon RX 9070 XT at $599 while you can

Consumers may soon face higher prices for AMD graphics cards due to a surge in DRAM prices affecting the tech industry. AMD GPUs, particularly the RX 9070 XT, have often sold for more than their MSRP, with the ASRock Challenger Radeon RX 9070 XT being one of the few options available at its MSRP of 9. Reports indicate that AMD is expected to implement another price increase, impacting the next shipment of GPUs and VRAM supplied to board partners. The burden of the price hike is likely to fall on gamers.

AppWizard

November 14, 2025

Todoist price hike: Here are the best alternatives to switch to if you want to save money

Todoist is implementing a price increase, raising the monthly subscription by 40% and the annual plan by 25%. Users on Pro Legacy plans, who signed up before June 2022, will not be affected by the price hike. A poll indicates that 92% of users are considering switching to a competing app. Alternatives to Todoist include: - TickTick: Priced at .99 annually, offers features like custom lists, filters, tags, a built-in calendar, Pomodoro timer, and habit tracker. - Notion: Free and serves as an all-in-one workspace, though it requires setup for task management. - Microsoft To Do: A free app that supports natural language input and offers straightforward task management. - Tasks.org: An open-source, ad-free app that prioritizes user privacy and allows for task creation, due dates, reminders, and tagging, but does not support natural language input.

AppWizard

November 9, 2025

Before Titan Quest 2 gets a permanent price hike, you can grab the rare singleplayer-friendly Diablo-like on sale

Titan Quest 2 is currently in early access and offers a hack-and-slash adventure inspired by Greek mythology, reminiscent of classic games like Diablo and Path of Exile. It is available for .99 during a promotional period before a price increase on November 11. The game has introduced new regions and bosses since its launch, appealing to players seeking a simpler gaming experience without complex mechanics. The original Titan Quest is also on sale. Titan Quest 2 can be purchased on Steam.

AppWizard

October 14, 2025

Xbox PC Game Pass has significantly lost what little value it had to gamers

Recent changes to Xbox Game Pass have led to dissatisfaction among subscribers, particularly due to a price increase for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate from .99 to .99, and for PC Game Pass from .99 to .49. While Xbox Game Pass Ultimate has added enhancements like more day-one releases and Ubisoft and EA classics, PC Game Pass has seen little change in its core offerings despite the price hike. Many users feel the value of PC Game Pass has diminished, especially as it lacks new Ubisoft titles as day-one releases. PC Game Pass has often been viewed as a secondary feature within the Xbox ecosystem, with a focus on console players, leaving PC gamers feeling undervalued. Alternatives like Steam and the Epic Games Store offer better options for PC players, making it difficult for PC Game Pass to retain long-term subscribers. Overall, the relevance of PC Game Pass is declining, and it is perceived as an ancillary component rather than a vital part of the gaming experience.

AppWizard

October 9, 2025

If you loved Baldur’s Gate 3, the DnD games that started it all are now on Game Pass

Baldur's Gate 1 and 2 are now available on Game Pass, enhancing accessibility for new gamers. Microsoft recently increased Game Pass subscription prices, which now limits day-one new releases to the premium tier at .99 / £22.99 per month. The price hike has led some players to reconsider their subscriptions, with fees rising by up to / £8. October's offerings include the Baldur's Gate games, Supermarket Simulator, and upcoming titles like The Casting of Frank Stone and Ninja Gaiden 4. The games are available for Premium and Ultimate subscribers as of October 9.

AppWizard

October 8, 2025

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate price hike delayed in some regions

Microsoft has announced a temporary delay in the planned price increase for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate in Germany, Ireland, South Korea, Poland, and India. The anticipated 50 percent hike will apply only to new subscribers, while current members will continue to renew at their existing price for now. Kari Perez, the Xbox communications chief, stated that advance notice would be provided before any price adjustments take effect. The decision is influenced by local legislation regarding subscription pricing.

AppWizard

October 3, 2025

As Game Pass prices get laughably high, Microsoft is reportedly spinning up a free version of Xbox Cloud Gaming—but of course you’ll have to sit through ads

Microsoft has increased the price of its Xbox Game Pass by up to 50%. The company is also testing a free, ad-supported version of Xbox Cloud Gaming, with a public beta and full launch expected in the coming months. Subscribers to the Essential and Premium tiers will face longer wait times and lower resolution streaming under the new pricing structure. It is unclear if PC-only Game Pass subscribers will have access to the ad-supported Cloud Gaming option. Additionally, self-hosting Sunshine on a gaming PC and using Moonlight for streaming is presented as an alternative for those wanting to stream games they own without advertisements.