processing Archives

Winsage

August 17, 2025

4 reasons I’m sticking with Windows 10 — even after support ends

Many users are considering staying with Windows 10 as support for it ends on October 14, 2025. Windows 10 is seen as a practical choice for older devices that cannot run Windows 11 due to hardware requirements. It offers extensive customization options for the user interface, including a flexible Start menu and Taskbar, which contrasts with the more restricted customization in Windows 11. Windows 10 has limited AI integration, allowing users to maintain control over their systems, while Windows 11 increasingly incorporates AI features that may require specialized hardware. Windows 10 is viewed as stable and familiar, with users appreciating its reliability compared to Windows 11, which still faces bugs and stability issues. Users can opt for the Extended Security Update (ESU) program for continued security updates until October 2026 for a fee or by redeeming points from Microsoft Rewards. Enrollment in the ESU program requires a Microsoft account and can be done through the Windows Update settings.

Winsage

August 16, 2025

Windows 12 Rumors: Sorting Facts from Fiction

Windows 12 is generating excitement among users, with anticipated features including a redesigned interface with AI capabilities, accelerated startup times, enhanced cloud service integration, improved multitasking tools, and gaming upgrades. Industry experts speculate a potential launch in late 2025, specifically between September and December. The integration of Microsoft's Copilot is expected to enhance productivity through intelligent task optimization and personalized settings. Windows 12 may also include enhanced Snap Layouts, dynamic widgets, and floating taskbars. Cloud storage will play a significant role, providing seamless file access and faster app updates. Gaming improvements may feature DirectStorage 2.0 and AI-enhanced graphics. Users may need to upgrade their hardware to support these new features. While the release date and features remain unconfirmed by Microsoft, the updates are expected to build on Windows 11 rather than overhaul it completely.

Winsage

August 16, 2025

Microsoft prepares AI-driven overhaul for Windows 12

Windows 12 will introduce ambient computing, allowing devices to be more attuned to environments and user activities, moving beyond traditional input methods. It will feature artificial intelligence for contextual assistance and multimodal interaction, enabling users to communicate through natural voice commands. The visual interface will transform with proactive AI agents assisting users. Windows 12 will utilize a hybrid approach of local processing and cloud computing. Privacy concerns arise due to the need for continuous monitoring and access to personal data, prompting demands for transparency and control over data usage.

AppWizard

August 16, 2025

Ice Cube swaps fighting aliens with the power of Amazon Prime in War of the Worlds for processing Minecraft insurance claims in bizarre new commercial

Ice Cube is the face of a Minecraft commercial, where he humorously introduces himself and promotes the idea of filing "Cube Claims" for in-game mishaps. The commercial features clips of players dying in the game and Ice Cube's playful commentary about insurance. This venture follows his recent role in Amazon's adaptation of H.G. Wells' War of the Worlds, which received a poor reception with a 3% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Winsage

August 15, 2025

Microsoft’s Windows future is built on AI, voice, cloud, and context

Pavan Davuluri, head of Windows + Devices at Microsoft, discussed the integration of artificial intelligence, voice interaction, and cloud computing in Windows. He introduced Windows 365 Link, a device for seamless access to Windows 365, emphasizing a streamlined user experience. The hybrid computing model, first mentioned by CEO Satya Nadella, is central to Microsoft's strategy, with features like Copilot enhancing productivity. Davuluri noted a revival of voice interaction in Windows, with advancements in multimodal computing and features like Copilot Vision for conversational user interaction. He acknowledged uncertainty about the future of Microsoft's Surface devices but emphasized a commitment to hardware innovation.

AppWizard

August 15, 2025

PayPal pulls Steam support for most currencies

Valve has announced that PayPal is no longer facilitating transactions on its Steam platform in numerous countries due to its acquiring bank ceasing to process Steam transactions in various currencies. Currently, Valve can only accept PayPal payments in Euros, Canadian Dollars, British Pounds, Japanese Yen, Australian Dollars, and US Dollars. Valve hopes to reinstate PayPal for additional currencies in the future and is exploring alternative payment methods. The withdrawal of PayPal's support is linked to content available on the platform and follows a campaign by the anti-pornography group Collective Shout, which has targeted platforms like Steam over their NSFW game content.

AppWizard

August 15, 2025

Google Messages can now blur nude images on Android

Google is rolling out Sensitive Content Warnings in its Messages app for Android, a feature that detects and blurs images containing nudity. This feature is available only to users signed into a Google Account. When an image is blurred, users can access a resource page, block the sender, return to the main screen, or choose to view the image. A warning will also appear when users attempt to send or forward a nude image, requiring acknowledgment before sending. For supervised users, such as minors, the feature is enabled by default, while unsupervised teens can disable it. Adults must opt in to use it. The feature processes images locally on the device, ensuring no identifiable data is sent to Google servers, although it may misclassify images or fail to detect nudity.

AppWizard

August 14, 2025

Steam games no longer purchasable with PayPal in most countries — Valve offers no timeline for a potential fix

Steam's payment system has faced a significant disruption, affecting millions of players globally. The PayPal payment option is unavailable for users in many regions, except for transactions in Euros, British Pounds, Japanese Yen, Australian Dollars, Canadian Dollars, or U.S. Dollars. This issue began in early July 2025 and was confirmed by Valve to be due to a decision by one of PayPal's acquiring banks to stop processing Steam transactions for certain currencies. Users are now advised to use alternative payment methods or Steam Wallet codes. Valve has stated that the problem is related to currency issues and not tied to recent controversies regarding adult content. The timeline for restoring PayPal support remains uncertain.

AppWizard

August 13, 2025

Gemini on Android may soon support the full range of Canvas creation options (APK teardown)

Google Gemini introduced Canvas, a feature for enhancing document handling that allows users to create outputs like apps, audio overviews, and infographics from documents. Google is working to extend this functionality to the Gemini mobile app, integrating more web features into the mobile experience. The latest beta version of the Google app for Android includes changes aimed at bringing Gemini Canvas web features to the mobile app, allowing users to create outputs such as web pages and quizzes directly within the app. An upcoming user interface update is expected to streamline access to these functionalities. The timeline for the public rollout of these features is uncertain, and an APK teardown suggests potential future features may not all be released.

AppWizard

August 12, 2025

“The Timeline Is Uncertain” — Steam and PayPal Divorce, and Valve Says It’s All About Money

Valve's Steam platform is currently facing issues with PayPal transactions, affecting users' ability to make purchases in certain currencies. As of early July 2025, PayPal's acquiring bank has stopped processing transactions for currencies beyond six designated ones: EUR, CAD, GBP, JPY, AUD, and USD. Valve has communicated a hope to reinstate PayPal support for other currencies in the future but has not provided a specific timeline. Users are advised to explore alternative payment methods or use Steam Wallet codes. The situation has raised speculation about a potential link to Valve's recent game censorship policies, but no concrete evidence supports this connection. Users can still purchase games using credit or debit cards, bank transfers, and local payment methods, as well as redeeming Steam Wallet codes.