strategy Archives

Winsage

May 7, 2025

Windows 10 support is ending — but End of 10 wants you to switch to Linux

Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, meaning users will no longer receive feature updates or security patches. A grassroots movement called "End of 10" is advocating for users to switch to Linux instead of upgrading to Windows 11, which has stringent hardware requirements that many older PCs do not meet. The movement highlights the benefits of Linux, such as operating without ads or telemetry, reducing e-waste, and being a free, open-source alternative. There are 240 million PCs that may not be able to upgrade to Windows 11. The End of 10 movement provides resources and support for users interested in transitioning to Linux, with a directory of shops and tech collectives primarily located in Germany.

Winsage

May 7, 2025

Microsoft Offers Free Windows Upgrade To Stop 60% Of Attacks

Microsoft will cease to provide feature or security updates for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Users upgrading to Windows 11 report a 62% reduction in security incidents. PCs must have a compatible TPM 2.0 module to upgrade to Windows 11 for free, but at least 240 million PCs may not meet these requirements. Microsoft is increasing communication about the upgrade, and Windows 11 usage has surpassed that of Windows 10 in the U.S. for the first time.

Winsage

May 7, 2025

Microsoft moved the goalposts before. Could it happen again?

Retired Microsoft engineer Dave Plummer has expressed concerns about the hardware requirements for Windows 11, questioning whether they are genuinely for security or a sales strategy. He noted that many PCs excluded from compatibility due to the lack of TPM 2.0 or modern CPUs are not necessarily old or underpowered. Plummer highlighted that Microsoft's history of discontinuing support for older operating systems, like Windows XP and 7, was typically based on security and compatibility challenges. He warned that future versions of Windows could impose even stricter hardware demands, potentially leaving many functional PCs unable to upgrade. Additionally, he pointed out the ambiguity behind Microsoft's refusal to allow users to opt out of security enhancements if they lack the necessary hardware, raising concerns about potential e-waste. Many users are hesitant to transition to Windows 11, and while hardware compatibility is a factor, it is part of a broader decision-making process. Microsoft’s shift towards a subscription model and the introduction of new hardware requirements suggest a significant evolution in Windows.

Winsage

May 7, 2025

An AI-driven ‘Fix it’ button is just what Windows needs

Microsoft is introducing a branding transformation with new Windows AI features in the latest Surface Laptop and Surface Pro, focusing on user experience enhancement through an advanced NPU in Copilot+ PCs. A key feature is the "agentic AI" in the Windows 11 Settings menu, which can autonomously research, troubleshoot, and resolve PC issues. For example, it can adjust screen brightness or text size based on user needs. The system includes a "Fix it" button that offers solutions for common problems, such as activating dark mode to reduce eye strain. This AI-driven approach aims to improve user satisfaction by providing straightforward solutions to specific issues.

TrendTechie

May 7, 2025

Новую Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era слили на торренты за несколько месяцев до релиза

A playable build of Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era has been released by an enthusiast named TigerTheGreat. This version is translated into Russian and allows players to battle AI opponents. It is available in a Portable format, requiring no installation, and occupies approximately 6 GB of disk space. Currently, players can only challenge bots, and many game modes are inaccessible. The official early access release is expected in the summer of 2025.

AppWizard

May 7, 2025

Minecraft officially kills support for VR

Microsoft has discontinued support for virtual reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR) in Minecraft with the release of Bedrock Edition version 1.21.80. This decision is part of a broader strategy to phase out its MR technology. Players can still use the Vivecraft mod to play Minecraft on Oculus or Windows MR devices, but this requires the original PC Java version of the game. Microsoft announced that VR/MR support would end after March 2025 and assured players that updates for the non-VR version would continue, along with access to Marketplace purchases.

AppWizard

May 7, 2025

‘He’s very good at finding really cool people’: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s director found its composer on Soundcloud and lead writer on Reddit

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 features a soundtrack composed by Lorien Testard, who created 154 tracks totaling over eight hours of music. The soundtrack has surpassed 1.5 million streams and was the number one selling album on Bandcamp last week. Testard was discovered by the game's director, Guillaume Broche, through Soundcloud. Lead writer Jennifer Svedberg-Yen initially auditioned for a voice acting role after responding to a Reddit post by Broche and later transitioned to her current role. Broche credits the Covid-19 pandemic for helping him find talented individuals online, allowing the game to compete with larger-budget titles despite having a mostly junior team.

BetaBeacon

May 7, 2025

Grab These Apps for iOS & Android While They’re Free!

Free Android apps and games are currently available for a short time. Some of the free Android apps include IPTV Smart Player Pro, Reminder Pro, Equalizer & Bass Booster Pro, Countdown Widgets, and Color wheel. Free Android games include Cytus 2, Cartoon Craft, Water Color Sort - Premium, Mini Crossword, and Crafterok - Lords of Survival.

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

Rockstar just revealed more about GTA 6—but left PC gamers hanging

Grand Theft Auto 6 is now scheduled for release on May 26, 2026, after being delayed from its original 2025 launch. A new trailer was released, garnering over 1.5 million likes within two hours, and the dedicated game page briefly crashed due to high traffic. The trailer introduces characters Jason and Lucia, who become involved in criminal activities after Lucia is released from prison. The game is set in Leonida, a parody of Florida, featuring locations such as Leonida Keys, Grassivers, Port Gellhorn, Mount Kalaga, and Ambrosia. Currently, GTA 6 will launch exclusively on PS5 and Xbox Series consoles, with no confirmed PC release date. Speculation suggests a potential two-year wait for PC gamers, similar to the release pattern of GTA 5. Pricing details for the game remain unconfirmed, but it is expected to be higher than traditional new title prices due to its estimated budget nearing a billion dollars.

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

Xbox Games The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, Minecraft, and Forza Horizon 5 Top Sony’s PS5 Sales Charts

Microsoft's multiplatform gaming strategy is showing strong results, with its titles dominating sales charts on the PlayStation Store in April 2025. In the U.S. and Canada, Microsoft games such as The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, Minecraft, and Forza Horizon 5 occupied the top three positions in the non-free-to-play download chart for PS5. Europe also saw success with Forza Horizon 5 leading, followed by The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered and Minecraft. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, launched on Game Pass, also appeared on both charts, alongside other Microsoft-owned titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, emphasized that this strategy is a calculated business move to enhance revenue, especially following the acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Discussions about transitioning Halo to other platforms have been ongoing, reflecting on the financial implications of exclusivity. While there may be pushback from Xbox fans regarding the dilution of brand identity, the focus remains on aligning with long-term business goals and evolving with the gaming audience.