software support Archives

Winsage

May 25, 2026

Thousands of Windows machines are being replaced in schools with MacBook Neo and iPads

The Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) has acquired over 4,500 MacBook Neo units for students in 8th grade and above, planning to phase out more than 30,000 existing devices. The initiative aims to create a unified Apple-centric ecosystem to enhance collaboration and efficiency in classrooms. The rollout will initially focus on older students, with iPads and existing MacBook Airs serving other grade levels. This move positions Apple to compete against Chromebooks and budget Windows laptops in the educational market. Intel is also working on Project Firefly to keep Windows competitive by offering sub-0 Windows laptops. KCPS's initiative provides Apple an opportunity to showcase its devices in real-world classroom settings, focusing on practical aspects like battery performance and support costs. The success of this transition will depend on managing repair, training, and management expenses as older machines are phased out, potentially influencing other educational institutions to consider the MacBook Neo.

AppWizard

May 23, 2026

I hated multitasking on my Pixel — until I tried Android 17’s app bubbles

Software experience significantly influences smartphone appeal, with Google's Pixel series noted for its seamless interface. The recent Android 17 introduces features like app memory limits, enhanced controls, and improved location transparency, leading to the installation of its beta version on the Google Pixel 10a. A poll on multitasking preferences revealed that 17% prefer split screen, 57% switch between apps, and 27% barely multitask. The introduction of the bubbles feature in Android 17 enhances multitasking by allowing users to pin up to five apps simultaneously, facilitating quick access and seamless transitions between tasks. The user's setup includes Instagram, WhatsApp, Chrome, Slack, and YouTube Music, promoting a balanced work-life integration. The Pixel 10a is characterized by a flush camera design, good performance and battery life, strong cameras, and a promise of excellent software support. It features the Tensor G4 chip, a vibrant 120Hz display, and is priced at .99, with a commitment to seven years of software updates.

Winsage

April 25, 2026

In France they “buried” Windows 10 at the Microsoft office

On April 24, a protest organized by environmental and consumer advocacy groups took place outside the Microsoft France office in Paris to oppose the company's decision to discontinue support for the Windows 10 operating system. Activists claim this could lead to the obsolescence of approximately 300 million computers worldwide, resulting in 58 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions and significant depletion of raw materials. Consumers may face an average cost of €600 for new devices if they upgrade. Experts warn users must choose between expensive new hardware or risking financial fraud due to lack of security updates. The organization Halte à l'Obsolescence Programmée is gathering signatures for a petition advocating for a mandatory 15-year software support period. Public advocacy previously convinced Microsoft to extend its software update releases by an additional 12 months. The protest aims to raise awareness and apply pressure until the end of October.

Winsage

January 26, 2026

Your first Windows on ARM gaming laptop may be a Lenovo Legion

Lenovo is potentially leading the transition of Windows on ARM gaming laptops to mainstream offerings, with indications of a new Legion 7 model featuring NVIDIA’s N1X designation. The naming conventions of Lenovo's products suggest a broader strategy, as recent discoveries show multiple models with N1 and N1X tags across various product families. The Legion 7, a 15-inch model, stands out as it signifies a commitment to high performance. However, challenges remain regarding Windows gaming on ARM, particularly in terms of driver compatibility and performance across major titles. The significance of the Legion branding suggests confidence in the gaming experience on this platform. Confirmation of specifications and performance benchmarks will be crucial to validate the capabilities of the N1X model. For those prioritizing compatibility, conventional Windows gaming machines are still recommended, but potential buyers should monitor for Legion 7 N1X listings and details.

Winsage

January 4, 2026

End of Windows 11 SE likely in 2026: See what it means for schools

Microsoft has confirmed that support for Windows 11 SE will end in 2026. Windows 11 SE was launched in 2021 to cater to younger students and aimed to compete with Chromebooks by providing a secure and cost-effective solution for schools. It featured restrictions to minimize distractions, allowing only IT administrators to install applications. The last release of Windows 11 SE was version 24H2, and complete support, including security patches, will conclude on October 13, 2026. Microsoft has advised schools to transition to standard versions of Windows 11, which may require additional funding for device upgrades or replacements.

Winsage

October 31, 2025

AMD kills Windows 10 support in its latest Adrenalin update — Battlefield 6 picks up bug fixes and optimizations

On October 29, AMD released the Adrenalin software update version 25.10.2 for Radeon graphics, which includes support for games like Battlefield 6 and Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2, both using DirectX 12. The update supports AMD Ryzen AI 5 330's integrated Radeon 820M graphics, expands Vulkan support, and includes various bug fixes. It is compatible with Windows 10 and requires Windows 11 version 21H2 or later. The update limits new game support to AMD's Radeon RX 7000 and RX 9000 GPUs, dropping support for older RDNA 1 and RDNA 2 graphics cards. The update also introduces "Work Graphs" support for Radeon RX 9000 GPUs, enhancing GPU autonomy. Fixed issues include crashes in several games and stuttering with VR headsets, while known issues persist with Battlefield 6 and other titles. The driver is available for download from the AMD website.

Winsage

October 12, 2025

Windows 10: When you should update and what it means for you

Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, meaning devices will no longer receive security updates. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 at no cost, but not all devices will meet the upgrade requirements. As of July 2025, approximately 43% of over 1.4 billion Windows devices were still using Windows 10, with around 21 million users in the UK. A quarter of these users plan to continue using Windows 10 after support ends, while one in seven are considering new devices. Users can either upgrade to Windows 11 or enroll in a program for Extended Security Updates (ESU) for an additional 12 months, which requires having the latest version of Windows 10 and a Microsoft account. ESU will not include technical support or additional software updates. The lack of security updates will increase vulnerability to cyber threats, and businesses may struggle with regulatory compliance.

Winsage

October 6, 2025

Microsoft warns of critical vulnerability as Windows 10 support deadline nears

Microsoft has alerted users to a critical security vulnerability affecting up to 400 million Windows PCs, particularly as the deadline for security updates for Windows 10 approaches. Windows 10 is currently operational on 41% of personal computers, with 400 million unable to upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware requirements. This situation poses significant cybersecurity risks, as many users will be left with unpatched systems after the October 14 deadline. Additionally, around 140 million PCs are still running Windows 7, which was retired in 2020. Windows 10 users can either enroll in Microsoft's Extended Security Update program or upgrade to Windows 11 if their hardware allows. For those unable to upgrade, alternatives like Linux or Chrome OS are suggested.

Tech Optimizer

September 30, 2025

Windows 10 Updates End in October: What It Means for Users

Microsoft will cease updates for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. As a result, Windows 10 devices will become more vulnerable to security threats due to the lack of updates and security patches. Microsoft is encouraging users to transition to Windows 11, but many older computers may not be compatible with the new operating system. Approximately 650 million people worldwide are still using Windows 10, with an estimated 400 million devices potentially unable to upgrade to Windows 11. Microsoft offers "Extended Security Updates" for a fee for those unable to upgrade. Experts warn that the absence of updates will increase the risk of cyberattacks, and many software vendors may discontinue support for applications reliant on updated system features. Users are advised to check their PCs for Windows 11 compatibility and consider options such as extended updates, hardware upgrades, or switching to Linux.

AppWizard

September 14, 2025

This app takes my Nothing Phone’s Glyph lights to the next level

Nothing transitioned from its original Glyph Interface to the Glyph Matrix with the Phone 3, receiving mixed initial impressions. The Glyph Matrix featured an LED-filled circle that seemed more novelty than functionality. The introduction of the Glyphify app enhanced the capabilities of the Nothing Phone 3 and earlier models, introducing a feature called Glyph Dial, which allows users to navigate their ten closest contacts easily. Glyphify also includes a game called Ball Maze, providing a whimsical distraction. The app enriches the user experience by transforming audio clips into light displays for the Phone 2 and Phone 3a, allowing users to create custom ringtones with light shows through Glyphify Studio. There is a desire for similar features to be adapted for the Phone 3.