subscription fee

Winsage
April 29, 2025
Microsoft has introduced a subscription model for no-reboot security "hotpatch" updates, which will be available for Windows 11 Enterprise, version 24H2, and Windows Server 2025. Users must operate on Windows Server 2025 Standard or Datacenter, connected to Azure Arc, to access these updates. Starting July 1, 2025, there will be a charge of [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: In the realm of operating systems, security updates are paramount, especially when they pertain to software utilized by billions globally. However, Microsoft has recently found itself in a challenging spotlight following a controversial Windows security patch that inadvertently introduced a mysterious folder, sparking a wave of confusion and concern among users. Social media commentators hastily advised users to delete this folder, only for Microsoft to counter with a warning that such actions could leave systems vulnerable to attacks. This incident has now unveiled a broader issue within the Windows security update framework, particularly surrounding the introduction of a subscription model for no-reboot security “hotpatch” updates. What Is Windows Hotpatching, And Who Needs To Pay The .50 A Month Fee? As previously reported, Microsoft is advancing towards a system where hotpatching will eliminate the need for users to reboot their Windows systems after a security update. This innovative feature allows security fixes to be downloaded and installed seamlessly in the background, integrating directly into the in-memory code of processes that are already running. Initially, this functionality is set to be available for a specific segment of users: those operating Windows 11 Enterprise, version 24H2, on x64 (AMD/Intel) CPU devices managed through Microsoft Intune. Recent confirmations from Janine Patrick, Windows Server product marketing manager, and Artem Pronichkin, a senior program manager at Microsoft, indicate that the hotpatching system for Windows Server 2025, which has been in preview since 2024, will transition to a subscription-only model starting July 1. To utilize the no-reboot hotpatch security updates, users must operate on “Windows Server 2025 Standard or Datacenter,” with an essential requirement of being connected to Azure Arc. The noteworthy and contentious aspect of this announcement is the introduction of a subscription fee for the Hotpatch service. While hotpatching has long been available for Windows Server Datacenter: Azure Edition at no cost, users of Windows Server 2025 will incur a charge of .50 per CPU core each month for these security updates. Microsoft emphasizes that while hotpatching will significantly reduce the frequency of required reboots—approximately four times a year for baseline updates—this new approach aims to alleviate the traditional inconveniences associated with Patch Tuesday." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].50 per CPU core each month for the hotpatch service, which aims to reduce the frequency of required reboots to approximately four times a year for baseline updates.
AppWizard
March 5, 2025
Smartphones now offer the ability to capture RAW photos, which retain all sensor data in an uncompressed format, ideal for editing. Google Pixel devices can capture both RAW and processed JPEG images. To enable RAW capture on Google Pixel, access the camera app, go to Settings, select the Pro tab, and toggle on the RAW/JPEG option. Editing applications like Adobe Lightroom can be used to fine-tune RAW images. ZeroCam is an app that allows users to capture photos without filtering or post-processing, focusing on simplicity with a single shutter button. It offers a trial period, after which it requires a minimal subscription fee. Camera FV-5 Lite provides manual adjustments for ISO, shutter speed, and white balance, allowing for greater control over images. It includes features like burst photo mode and automatic exposure bracketing, with some functionalities available only in the paid version. The Blackmagic Camera app is designed for videographers, offering professional controls such as an RGB histogram and image stabilization, and is compatible with recent flagship devices from brands like Samsung, Google, and OnePlus.
Winsage
February 25, 2025
The free desktop versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are currently being tested in India, featuring advertisements and limitations compared to the paid Microsoft 365 subscription. This ad-supported version includes persistent banner ads and 15-second video ads, and requires users to store documents exclusively in OneDrive, disabling local file storage. The free version lacks several features found in the paid versions: Word does not include drawing and design tools or line spacing options; Excel does not support add-ins, pivot tables, or macros; and PowerPoint is missing dictation and custom slide shows. Microsoft has stated that there are no plans to launch a free, ad-supported version of the desktop apps, despite the current testing phase.
AppWizard
February 19, 2025
Obsidian Entertainment's Avowed is a first-person fantasy adventure game set in the Living Lands, where players act as an envoy investigating a plague. The game features a flexible combat system that allows various playstyles, including spells, shields, bows, and firearms. Players can form relationships with diverse companions whose narratives evolve based on player choices. Avowed is available on PC Game Pass from launch day, allowing subscribers to access it without additional fees. The monthly subscription fee is .95 AUD, and members can purchase Premium Skin Packs for .95, which include companion skins, a digital artbook, and the original soundtrack.
Winsage
February 7, 2025
On February 5, 2025, Microsoft raised the annual subscription fee for Microsoft 365 from to 9.99. The Microsoft Office 2024 Home and Business edition is currently available at a promotional price of .97, down from 9.99, but this offer is time-sensitive and ends on February 23 at 11:59 p.m. PT. The standalone license includes essential applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote, with features such as Focus Mode in Word and Data Insights in Excel. Security updates for the lifetime license will cease in 2029. Customers can inquire about the deal at Support@stackcommerce.com. Prices are subject to change.
Search