rewards program Archives

Winsage

November 13, 2025

Microsoft’s Edge Incentive: Bribing Users with Gift Cards to Abandon Chrome

Microsoft is offering Microsoft Rewards points to Windows users who search for Chrome on Bing but choose to try Edge instead. This initiative began in late 2025 as part of Microsoft's efforts to increase Edge's market presence. Users can accumulate points that are redeemable for gift cards, with reports indicating an incentive of 1,300 points for trying Edge. Edge currently holds a market share of around 5-10%, significantly trailing Chrome, which has over 65% market share. Despite mixed user sentiment regarding Microsoft's campaigns, the company continues to promote Edge's features, such as resource efficiency and built-in tools like Copilot AI and coupon finders. Regulatory scrutiny exists around Microsoft's tactics, with concerns about potential anti-competitive behavior.

Winsage

November 11, 2025

‘Real Cash Value’—How Windows Users Get Microsoft’s Free New Offer

Microsoft is offering Rewards points to Chrome users who switch to its Edge browser, allowing them to earn 1,300 points redeemable for gift cards, including Amazon. This promotion appears when users search for "Chrome" on Bing. The Browser Choice Alliance, representing various browsers, has criticized this initiative, claiming it employs manipulative tactics to encourage users to adopt Edge, including forced resets and misleading prompts. They argue that Microsoft is prioritizing financial incentives over fair competition and manipulating the default browser selection process. Chrome holds a 78% market share, while Edge has nearly 9%. Microsoft has not publicly responded to these criticisms.

BetaBeacon

November 6, 2025

Nintendo’s new Store mobile app will let you shop Switch games, earn rewards, and keep up on news

Nintendo has launched an official store app for Android and iOS users in the US, allowing them to browse and purchase a variety of Nintendo products. Users can earn rewards by checking in at physical Nintendo stores or events. The app is available in the US, Canada, the UK, and parts of Europe, and offers features such as staying updated on Nintendo news and reviewing play activity. Transactions must be finalized through the eShop product page on the user's default browser.

AppWizard

October 13, 2025

Should You Cancel Xbox Game Pass? Everything to Know on the Price Hikes and New Features

Microsoft overhauled the Xbox Game Pass structure on October 1, transitioning from four tiers to a new framework with the Core tier rebranded as Essential and Standard as Premium, while Ultimate retained its name. The Essential tier's monthly fee remains at .99, but Premium increased by 25% to .99, the PC-only plan rose by 38% to .49, and Ultimate saw a 50% increase to .99. Despite these price hikes, Microsoft introduced enhancements such as cloud gaming across all tiers, an expanded library for Essential (from 25 to over 50 games) and Premium (from around 50 to over 200 games), and Ultimate subscribers gaining access to over 400 games and day-one releases. The changes have led to a surge in cancellations among users, causing the membership site to crash.

AppWizard

September 16, 2025

Android users can unlock new rewards with Google’s revamped Play Points

Google is enhancing its Play Points rewards program in the U.K., introducing new prizes and items for users to redeem. Collaborations with Android, YouTube, Chrome, and developers will bring new apparel and accessories. In November, the revamped Diamond Valley mini-game will launch, allowing players to collect diamonds for prizes. The program, initially launched in the U.S. in June 2024, has expanded to Korea and Japan, and now U.K. users can participate. Last year's updates included a weekly rewards system for Gold, Platinum, and Diamond-level users, offering prizes like Pixel devices and gaming gear.

Winsage

September 16, 2025

Your Windows 10 PC is reaching its end in 30 days. Here are your options

Windows 10 version 22H2 will reach end of servicing on October 14, 2025, which includes all editions such as Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise. This date also marks the end of support for Windows 10 2015 LTSB and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSB 2015. After this deadline, users will no longer receive monthly security updates or previews. Microsoft offers an Extended Security Update (ESU) program for home users to extend support for an additional year through various methods: activating Windows Backup for free, redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards Points, or paying to extend support in non-US countries. An unofficial method involves using UpDownTool to switch to Windows 10 LTSC 2021, which will receive updates until 2032. Users can also consider switching to Linux distributions or Chromebooks as alternatives to Windows 11.

Winsage

September 15, 2025

How to use Windows 10 ESU to keep getting updates after October 2025

The end of support for Windows 10 is on October 14, 2025, after which Microsoft will cease updates, security patches, and technical support. Users can enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program to receive critical security updates until October 13, 2026. The ESU program is available to everyday consumers and offers three enrollment options: free (for backing up files to OneDrive), Microsoft Rewards (redeeming points), and paid. Users can register up to ten computers linked to the same Microsoft account, provided they are running Windows 10 version 22H2 and are fully updated. Enrollment steps include checking for updates in Settings, selecting an enrollment option, and following on-screen instructions. Microsoft Defender Antivirus updates will continue until 2028, while Microsoft 365 applications will receive updates without new features after Windows 10 support ends. The option to enroll may roll out gradually, and upgrading to Windows 11 is recommended for ongoing support and updates.

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.

AppWizard

July 26, 2025

Green Man Gaming’s 2025 Summer Sale Is Now Live

Green Man Gaming has launched its Summer Sale, offering substantial discounts on thousands of PC games until August 8. Joining the GMG XP rewards program allows members to access exclusive discounts and accumulate points for further deals. Featured deals include Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 for .59, Red Dead Redemption II: Ultimate Edition, Indiana Jones And the Great Circle, and Alan Wake II. Other notable discounts include Patapon 1+2 Replay for .49, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Deluxe Edition, Stellar Blade, Yakuza: Like A Dragon, Deux Ex Collection for .49, and Marvel's Midnight Suns: Legendary Edition. The sale also includes discounted preorders for titles like Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, Borderlands 4, Digimon Time Stranger, and Sonic Racing Crossworlds. All games purchased are delivered as official keys compatible with platforms such as Steam and the Epic Game Store.

AppWizard

July 18, 2025

Civilization 6 Platinum Edition goes free to kick off Epic’s 2025 Summer Sale

The Epic Games Store's 2025 Summer Sale has launched, featuring discounted titles and a free giveaway of the Civilization 6 Platinum Edition, which includes the base game, the Rise and Fall and Gathering Storm expansions, and six DLC packs. The Platinum Edition is available for free until July 24, while the sale runs until August 1. Other discounted games include It Takes Two, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Alan Wake Remastered, Far Cry 5, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak, and Titanfall 2 Ultimate Edition. The Epic Rewards program allows users to earn rewards on purchases that can be used for future discounts.