strategic planning Archives

Winsage

January 16, 2026

Microsoft Ends Windows Server 2008 Support on January 13, 2026

Microsoft has officially ceased all support for Windows Server 2008 as of January 13, 2026, including paid extended security updates. This end-of-life scenario poses significant security risks for organizations still using the outdated operating system, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks. The transition away from Windows Server 2008 requires careful planning, as many organizations face challenges in migrating legacy applications to modern systems. The lack of ongoing patches means that any new vulnerabilities will remain unaddressed, potentially leading to data breaches and compliance failures, particularly in regulated sectors like healthcare and finance. Microsoft has encouraged migration to Azure, offering incentives for early adopters, but the transition can be complex and costly. The end of support also affects global supply chains and compatibility with newer software applications. Organizations are advised to conduct audits of their software portfolios and consider hybrid environments to enhance flexibility and security.

AppWizard

January 13, 2026

If I could change one thing in Arc Raiders this year, I’d abolish late spawns

The author completed their Expedition by acquiring the last Ion Sputter and reflected on their experiences in Stella Montis. They noted that late spawns in Arc Raiders, while previously a minor inconvenience, have become a significant hurdle due to the game's focus on Expeditions and resource collection. Specifically, late spawns drastically reduce the chances of obtaining necessary items like Ion Sputters and Frequency Modulation Boxes. The introduction of aggression-based matchmaking has further complicated resource gathering. The author argues that late spawns disrupt strategic planning and introduce randomness, making it difficult to achieve specific objectives. They suggest that if the game continues to emphasize resource pursuit, the late spawn mechanics should be reconsidered to align with other extraction shooters.

Winsage

January 5, 2026

Microsoft Ends Windows 11 SE Support in 2026 Amid Low Adoption

Microsoft will conclude support for Windows 11 SE in 2026, ceasing security updates and feature enhancements after October 2026. Launched in late 2021 for K-8 classrooms, Windows 11 SE struggled with adoption due to hardware limitations and competition from alternatives like Google’s Chrome OS. The final feature release for SE will be Windows 11 version 24H2. Schools will face challenges in transitioning to new systems, as devices running SE may become vulnerable to cyber threats without ongoing support. Microsoft is shifting its focus to integrating educational tools into its main operating system rather than maintaining a separate edition. The end of support for Windows 11 SE may accelerate hardware refresh cycles in schools, posing financial burdens on underfunded districts.

Winsage

December 23, 2025

Epic Games Holiday Sale 2025 slashes up to 75% prices on top PC games: Top deals, free titles, rewards and more

Epic Games' Holiday Sale will take place from December 11, 2025, to January 8, 2026, featuring discounts of up to 75% on various PC and mobile titles. Notable games on sale include Battlefield 6, Borderlands 4, EA SPORTS FC 26, and REMATCH. Free games will be available, starting with Hogwarts Legacy, which can be claimed until December 18, 2025. Players who log two hours in Hogwarts Legacy will receive a Fortnite cosmetic item. The sale will also offer Epic Rewards at a boosted rate of 20% for eligible purchases made using Epic's payment system. Additionally, the gifting feature will allow users to send games or add-ons to friends. Discounts will also be available on the Epic Games Store mobile platform.

AppWizard

December 11, 2025

Minecraft – Official Mounts of Mayhem Launch Trailer

The Mounts of Mayhem update for Minecraft introduces a new mount for players to navigate landscapes and combat undead foes. This mount is equipped with a new tiered weapon, the spear, which delivers significant damage and encourages precision and speed in attacks. The update enhances gameplay by providing dynamic combat scenarios and strategic planning against enemies.

AppWizard

November 29, 2025

Silksong devs felt they didn’t ‘have a lot of control’ over its release date and sympathize with all the games that were delayed to avoid it: ‘To some extent that probably is unfortunate’

Team Cherry announced the release date of Hollow Knight: Silksong, prompting several studios to reconsider their launch schedules. Steam experienced significant disruptions during the game's initial hours, indicating its immense popularity. Eight games, including Demonschool and Baby Steps, shifted their release dates in response to Silksong's launch. The announcement of Silksong's release was sudden, catching many developers off guard. The impact of Silksong's release on other games is debated, but the delays allowed developers extra time to refine their products. The gaming community is also anticipating the release of Grand Theft Auto 6 in November, which may similarly affect the release schedules of upcoming titles.

AppWizard

November 25, 2025

Stellaris Infernals brings the heat to the strategy game’s universe, and I can’t wait to burn it all down

The Stellaris Infernals Species Pack introduces new playable alien races adapted to volcanic worlds, including bird-like, crocodilian, and insectoid forms. It features a new Crisis Path with the Galactic Hyperthermia mechanic, allowing players to terraform stars into red giants and create Entropy Conduits. The DLC also adds four new Civics focused on fire and heat, such as the Fire Cult and Scorched World Heralds. The new species possess the Thermophilic trait, thriving on hot planets and consuming alloys instead of traditional food sources, but they struggle on Arctic worlds. The DLC is available for purchase on Steam.

BetaBeacon

November 20, 2025

15 free Android games to play on your phone or tablet | – The Times of India

- Free Fire MAX is a battle royale game with enhanced graphics and multiplayer mode. - Ludo King is a modern version of the classic board game Ludo, with simple controls and vibrant graphics. - Pizza Ready! is a casual simulation game where players manage a pizza restaurant. - Hunter Assassin is a stealth-based action game that requires strategic thinking and quick reflexes. - FPS Strike Ops: Modern Arena is a first-person shooter with tactical missions and realistic maps. - Among Us is a social deduction game where players work together to identify impostors. - Moba Legends: 5v5! is a mobile MOBA game with team battles and unique heroes. - Indian Bikes Driving 3D is a motorcycle simulation game with challenging routes and missions. - Subway Princess Runner is an endless runner game with colorful graphics and fast-paced gameplay. - Six Clash Cricket offers a casual cricket experience with simple controls. - Real Driving: Vehicle and Park is a driving simulator focusing on precision and control. - Carrom Pool: Disc Game brings the classic carrom board game to mobile devices with multiplayer options. - Temple Run 2 is an endless runner game with fast-paced gameplay and engaging graphics. - Truck Games - Driving School lets players operate various trucks in realistic simulation environments. - Extreme Car Driving Simulator provides an open-world experience for driving enthusiasts.

AppWizard

November 20, 2025

Poke Genie -Remote Raid IV PvP For Android

Poke Genie has a rating of 4.7 stars and over 10 million downloads. It offers features such as an IV Checker, Remote Raid Coordinator, PvP IV Calculator, Name Generator, Battle Simulator, Moveset Ranking, Pokedex, Type Effectiveness Tool, Scan Organizer, and Power Up/Purification Simulator. The app does not require logins and operates using screenshots and screen recordings, complying with Niantic’s terms of service. It is a fan-made third-party app popular among Pokémon Go players.