price increase

Winsage
December 31, 2025
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 20, 2025
The 256GB LCD model of the Steam Deck is set to be discontinued, with production officially ceased by Valve. Once sold out, the next available option, the OLED model, will see a price increase from £349 to £479. Some regions are already showing the LCD model as "Out of stock." The discontinuation may be due to rising RAM and storage costs.
AppWizard
December 18, 2025
The AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D is expected to have a price point higher than its predecessor, the 9800X3D, with leaks suggesting a price of .09, which is a [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: Recent leaks concerning the AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D price have stirred the pot among tech enthusiasts, revealing a price point that exceeds that of its predecessor, the 9800X3D. While the increase may not be drastic, it does dampen expectations for those hoping for a more affordable entry into AMD's latest offerings. Price Insights and Comparisons The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D has established itself as the premier gaming CPU, thanks to its advanced Zen 5 architecture, eight-core design, and the innovative 3D V-Cache technology that significantly enhances gaming performance. The upcoming 9850X3D is anticipated to maintain these core features while offering a modest boost in clock speed, which is expected to yield slight improvements in gaming performance. However, the latest leaks suggest that consumers will need to pay an additional for this incremental upgrade. Two primary sources have emerged for these price leaks, both linked to the well-known tech leaker @momo_us on X. The first comes from SHI, a US-based IT infrastructure company, while the second is a Swiss retailer named Orderflow. According to Orderflow, the price in USD is projected to be 3.09, marking a .09 increase over the 9800X3D's launch MSRP of 9. The other source indicates a price of 473.55 Swiss francs, translating to an even steeper 6.34 USD. This price increase represents approximately a 15% rise based on the MSRP, which is significantly higher than the anticipated 5% improvement in clock speed associated with the new chip. Previous leaks suggest that the 9850X3D will achieve a peak clock speed of 5.6GHz, a step up from the 5.2GHz of its predecessor. For context, the AMD 9950X boasts a higher peak clock speed of 5.7GHz and features double the cores at 16. However, it lacks the additional 3D V-Cache chip that characterizes the X3D models, resulting in noticeably slower gaming performance compared to the 9800X3D. AMD is aware that a segment of gamers is willing to invest in the highest frame rates, making the 9850X3D an appealing option for this demographic. Despite the intriguing pricing leaks, it is essential to approach this information with caution. AMD has yet to provide any official confirmation, and there is a possibility that the prices mentioned are merely placeholders, not indicative of actual market values. Therefore, it may be wise to temper expectations for a sub-0 price tag. On a brighter note, the current pricing for the 9800X3D remains relatively stable, available for 5 in the US and £398.90 in the UK. While still a premium product, it stands out as one upgrade that has not been significantly impacted by the ongoing DRAM price fluctuations affecting other sectors of the industry." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].09 increase over the 9800X3D's launch MSRP of 9. This represents approximately a 15% rise based on the MSRP. The 9850X3D is anticipated to maintain the core features of the 9800X3D while offering a modest boost in clock speed to 5.6GHz, compared to the 5.2GHz of the 9800X3D. The current price for the 9800X3D is stable at 9 in the US and £398.90 in the UK.
AppWizard
December 4, 2025
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
December 3, 2025
Microsoft is set to release a variety of games on Xbox Game Pass in December 2025, with many transitioning from the Ultimate tier to the Premium tier. The games include: - December 2: Lost Records: Bloom & Rage (Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass) - December 3: Monster Train 2 (Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass) - December 3: Spray Paint Simulator (Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass) - December 4: 33 Immortals (Game Preview) (Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass) - December 4: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass) - December 4: Routine (Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass) - December 9: A Game About Digging A Hole (Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass) - December 9: Death Howl (Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass) - December 9: Dome Keeper (Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass) - December 10: Mortal Kombat 1 (Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass) - December 11: Bratz: Rhythm & Style (Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass) Routine is exclusively available to Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers. The subscription pricing is as follows: - Xbox Game Pass Ultimate – .99/month - Xbox Game Pass Premium – .99/month - Xbox Game Pass Essential – .99/month - PC Game Pass – .49/month New games recently added include CloverPit, Marvel Cosmic Invasion, Total Chaos, and Young Suns, with the latter being a Day One title on Ultimate and PC Game Pass. The Essential tier has also added Stellaris, World War Z: Aftermath, and Medieval Dynasty.
AppWizard
December 3, 2025
AMD is rumored to be planning a price increase for its Ryzen CPUs, with changes expected to take effect at midnight on December 1, 2025. This increase is said to be related to AMD's suppliers and may not immediately affect retail prices. The Ryzen 9000 series and some older AMD CPUs are expected to be impacted. Current prices for models like the Ryzen 7 9800X3D remain low, and consumers are advised to take advantage of existing deals before potential price hikes occur.
Tech Optimizer
December 2, 2025
Many consumers are concerned about online data safety during Cyber Monday shopping. Antivirus software is crucial for maintaining a virus-free environment, and a VPN service can enhance privacy. Surfshark is offering a Cyber Monday promotion that includes antivirus software, allowing customers to secure a two-year subscription to Surfshark One for a reduced price, along with three complimentary months. This package includes Surfshark VPN, Antivirus, Search, Alert, and Alternative ID products. An upgraded option, Surfshark One Plus, includes additional features like Incogni, a data removal service, also available at a discounted rate. CNET's Attila Tomaschek praised Surfshark for its speed, extensive server network, and user-friendly interface. Surfshark recently raised prices by 33% but has improved services, including faster speeds. The current promotion offers an 88% discount on the Surfshark One deal, making it significantly cheaper than the standard price for 27 months. This promotion allows consumers to secure premium privacy protection at a reduced price.
AppWizard
November 30, 2025
Mount and Blade 2: Bannerlord's DLC, War Sails, was released on November 26 after a delay from June. It is the first major paid content since the game left early access three years ago. The DLC has received mixed reviews, with over 1,000 reviews in four days, contrasting with the base game's 93,000 'very positive' reviews. Players have criticized the DLC for being perceived as overpriced and lacking substantial content compared to free mods. Some players appreciated the ship customization and enjoyed the Nord troops, while others expressed disappointment with the stealth system. The DLC is currently priced at .49 or £18.89, with a price increase scheduled after December 10.
AppWizard
November 26, 2025
Plex is requiring Roku users to have either a Remote Watch Pass or a Plex Pass for remote streaming starting this week, with plans to extend similar requirements to Android TV, Fire TV, and Apple TV by 2026. Users need a Plex Pass or Remote Watch Pass to access a Plex server outside its home network, although server owners can bypass this fee by subscribing to a Plex Pass. The Plex Pass is available for a monthly, yearly, or one-time lifetime fee, while the Remote Watch Pass is offered on a monthly or annual basis.
AppWizard
November 19, 2025
A recent 50% price increase for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate has prompted Microsoft and Epic Games to integrate Fortnite Crew into the service, offering in-game benefits and monthly V-Bucks. Fortnite has also joined Xbox Play Anywhere, allowing access through the Xbox app on Windows 11, but some users are facing issues due to a delayed update causing a version mismatch. Sources indicate that the problem is with Epic Games, and a resolution is expected soon. Microsoft is working on improving the Microsoft Store's user interface and addressing ongoing technical challenges. The inclusion of popular titles like Roblox, Minecraft, and Fortnite suggests a positive future for Microsoft's gaming platform, although there are still hurdles to overcome for new users.
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