research Archives

Winsage

July 29, 2025

Microsoft mysteriously offered a Windows 11 upgrade to this unsupported Windows 10 PC — despite it failing to meet the “non-negotiable” TPM 2.0 requirement

Microsoft launched Windows 11 in 2021, facing criticism for its minimum system requirements and design flaws compared to Windows 10. Windows 11 recently surpassed Windows 10, capturing a 50.88% share of the desktop operating system market. An unusual incident reported by BornCity indicated that Microsoft offered an upgrade to Windows 11 for unsupported hardware, despite its strict requirement for a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 for security. Microsoft has not changed its requirements and continues to promote Windows 11, especially as support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. Users can enroll in the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates program for a fee or sync settings with a Microsoft Account for an additional year of free updates. The Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) has petitioned Microsoft to reconsider ending support for Windows 10, warning of potential increases in discarded computers, but Microsoft has shown little inclination to reverse its decision or relax Windows 11's hardware requirements.

Winsage

July 29, 2025

Microsoft dubs latest Windows 11 release “most reliable version of Windows yet” — PCs that upgrade will see an improved experience compared to Windows 10

Microsoft announced that Windows 11 version 24H2 is the most reliable version of Windows to date, with unexpected restarts reduced by 24% compared to Windows 10. The update includes a redesigned Black Screen of Death (BSOD) and a new feature called Quick Machine Recovery to assist users with troubleshooting issues. Mainstream support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, after which users will not receive automatic security updates. Microsoft offers an extended security updates program for an additional year. A new PC transfer feature has been introduced to facilitate migration from Windows 10 to Windows 11. Windows 11 version 25H2 will be built on the same platform as version 24H2, ensuring compatibility and stability. Users are encouraged to upgrade to version 24H2 for enhanced reliability and to prepare for version 25H2.

AppWizard

July 28, 2025

Alert for Android users: Experts say these apps could be spying on you

A comprehensive investigation by Which? and Hexiosec analyzed 20 popular Android applications, revealing that all request permissions that could compromise user privacy. The Xiaomi Home app had the highest number of permission requests at 91, followed by Samsung SmartThings with 82, Facebook with 69, and WhatsApp with 66. While some permissions are necessary for functionality, the excessive requests raise concerns about digital surveillance. TikTok faced scrutiny for its audio recording and device file access requests, while Temu was criticized for excessive promotional emails linked to its location access. Amazon defended its camera access requests as enhancing user experience, and Meta stated that its apps do not use the microphone without user involvement. The investigation highlights the trade-off between free services and the collection of personal data.

AppWizard

July 27, 2025

These fanmade reload animations for Abiotic Factor are so good the game’s own art director praises them: ‘You absolutely nailed the vibe I was going for’

Abiotic Factor, a Half-Life-inspired survival game, launched its 1.0 version and received an 'Overwhelmingly Positive' rating on Steam, along with a score of 92 from a reviewer who praised it as one of the greatest survival crafting games. The game features intricate survival systems and an expansive tech tree. Art director Connor Moran acknowledged a fan, Hoider, for creating reload animations that enhance the game's firearm mechanics. Hoider's animations reflect the character's progression from a cautious scientist to a skilled survivor. Moran expressed admiration for Hoider's work, highlighting the positive interaction between developers and fans in the gaming community.

Winsage

July 27, 2025

Windows 10 support ending: Action required for OHIO devices

Beginning October 14, 2025, Microsoft will cease support for most versions of Windows 10, prompting the Ohio University Office of Information Technology (OIT) to restrict access for OHIO-managed systems running unsupported versions. This affects all versions of Windows 10 prior to version 22H2, which is eligible for the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. The ESU program provides paid access to critical security updates for older operating systems after official support ends. OIT plans to restrict access for all Windows 10 systems, including those with ESU, by October 2026 and no later than October 2028, when the ESU program concludes.

Winsage

July 25, 2025

Windows 11 migration could be the perfect time to get an AI PC

Recent research indicates a significant shift in the IT landscape as businesses transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11, coinciding with the emergence of AI PCs. A study by Dell reveals that 80% of UK businesses are migrating to Windows 11, viewing it as a strategic opportunity to adopt AI-ready PCs. 71% of IT decision-makers believe this transition allows for upgrades to more powerful AI PCs. Nearly half of respondents recognize AI PCs for their advanced security features (47%) and enhanced productivity (44%), while 64% consider AI-capable hardware essential for future operations. Security breaches motivate 46% of IT leaders to refresh their PC fleets, surpassing the 42% updating due to Windows 10 end of support. Challenges include software compatibility (45%), hardware compatibility (34%), and potential operational disruptions (32%), with 20% of businesses yet to start their transition. Additionally, 62% of IT decision-makers prefer a Copilot+ PC over traditional models, driven by benefits like longer battery life and superior performance.

AppWizard

July 25, 2025

18 Best Horror Games for PC, Ranked

In the realm of PC gaming, horror titles have a distinct presence, offering a wide variety of games that often surpass those on consoles. The text highlights several notable horror games exclusive to the PC platform, avoiding mainstream franchises. 1. DEAD LETTER DEPT. - A typing game where data entry leads to a chilling narrative involving junk mail and madness. 2. Mad Father - An RPG-maker horror game featuring complex puzzles and a narrative about a girl's dark family secrets. 3. The Midnight Scenes: The Nanny - A side-scrolling adventure inspired by The Twilight Zone, focusing on the mystery of a missing nanny. 4. Home Safety Hotline - Players act as a hotline operator, solving bizarre home infestation queries with a mix of mystery and humor. 5. Yume Nikki - A dreamlike exploration game with abstract imagery and no clear objectives, allowing for personal interpretation. 6. The Cat Lady - A high-contrast side-scroller exploring themes of vulnerability and darkness with a striking visual style. 7. IT STEALS - A horror game where players navigate a labyrinth while avoiding a relentless pursuer. 8. Fear & Hunger - A turn-based horror game known for its difficulty and grotesque imagery, where every choice matters. 9. Lost in Vivo - Players search for a lost dog in a terrifying sewer system filled with Lovecraftian creatures. 10. Cry of Fear - A survival horror game set in a disturbing world following a car accident, featuring immersive sound design. 11. Sanitarium - A point-and-click horror game where an amnesiac explores a surreal landscape to uncover their dark past. 12. I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream - Based on a short story, players confront their fears in an existential nightmare controlled by a supercomputer. 13. Look Outside - An RPG where players survive cosmic horrors in an apartment building over 15 days, combining narrative and turn-based combat. 14. FAITH: The Unholy Trinity - A minimalist 8-bit horror game that creates despair through atmospheric sound and art design. 15. Imscared - Players solve puzzles while avoiding a lurking threat, utilizing the PC environment for immersion. 16. SCP: Containment Breach - A free horror game where players navigate a facility filled with monstrous entities, featuring multiple endings. 17. Penumbra: Black Plague - Players explore an abandoned research facility, combining puzzles with a gripping narrative. 18. Amnesia: The Bunker - A survival horror game where players manage limited resources while facing a relentless threat.

Winsage

July 24, 2025

IT buyers are investing in AI PCs — with no clue how to use them

The adoption of AI-powered personal computers is expected to increase significantly in the coming year, driven by Qualcomm's announcement of new AI chips for affordable models priced around 0. Despite the slower evolution of AI software compared to hardware, the relevance of AI in computing is growing, with many applications utilizing AI hardware or neural processing units (NPUs). Microsoft has introduced Copilot+ PCs to promote generative AI tools and encourage the acquisition of Windows 11-compatible hardware. Major chip manufacturers like Intel, Qualcomm, and AMD are developing processors with AI capabilities for these PCs, indicating a shift in the computing landscape.

Winsage

July 24, 2025

SMEs need channel help moving off Windows 10

71% of IT decision-makers view the transition to Windows 11 as an opportunity to enhance PC infrastructure. 64% of UK decision-makers consider the ability to run AI applications as critical for their organizations. Currently, 20% of customers have not started transitioning from Windows 10, 25% have completed the migration, and 44% are working towards the October end-of-life support deadline. Small firms are particularly lagging in this transition. Analysts predict a global PC market growth of 5.8% in 2025, with total shipments expected to reach 272 million units, following a 9% growth in Q1 and a 7.4% year-on-year improvement in Q2.

AppWizard

July 24, 2025

Over 250 malicious apps found targeting Android users in worrying attack – here’s how to stay safe

Researchers from Zimperium zLabs have discovered an extortion scheme involving over 250 fraudulent dating applications targeting Android users. These apps request extensive permissions to steal sensitive personal files, threatening victims with the release of their private information unless they comply with extortion demands. Many of the associated domains have been indexed by search engines, making it difficult for users to identify the apps as fraudulent. None of the identified apps were available on the official Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Users are advised to be cautious when downloading apps from unfamiliar sources, review permissions regularly, and consider installing mobile security solutions.