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The Surface you know and love (or hate) is dead — Microsoft's Windows hardware enters a new era
Winsage
February 20, 2025

The Surface you know and love (or hate) is dead — Microsoft’s Windows hardware enters a new era

The Surface division at Microsoft has experienced significant internal changes over the past 18 months, including the departure of Panos Panay and new leadership. This has led to a strategic refocusing of the Surface portfolio, moving away from experimental hardware designs to more conventional offerings aimed at a broader audience. The company has discontinued extravagant devices like the Surface Studio and Surface Duo, favoring products that resonate with business customers and general consumers. Last year, Microsoft introduced AI-powered Windows computers known as Copilot+ PCs, which emphasize continuity and refinement of established designs rather than radical innovations. The Copilot+ PC initiative has allowed Windows on Arm to demonstrate its viability, with Snapdragon chips competing effectively in the Windows ecosystem. Surface continues to play a crucial role in shaping the Windows ecosystem, but with a more cautious approach that prioritizes ecosystem health over creating new markets. Future form factor experimentation will likely be delegated to OEM partners, while Microsoft focuses on transitioning users to Windows 11 and promoting Copilot+ PCs. Stakeholders can expect a steady stream of sensible Surface devices and incremental updates in the near future.
Renegade Project turns your Arm-powered smartphone into a Windows 11 PC
Winsage
December 10, 2024

Renegade Project turns your Arm-powered smartphone into a Windows 11 PC

Microsoft has stepped away from the mobile arena, but a community is exploring running Windows on smartphones. It is now possible to install Windows 11 on select modern smartphones with Arm architecture through the Renegade Project, which provides specialized UEFI firmware for devices powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon SoCs. This firmware allows users to switch between various operating systems, including Windows. The installation process is complex and requires specific tools and configurations. Supported devices include the Nokia Lumia 950, 950 XL, Surface Duo, and Duo 2. A Reddit user successfully installed Windows 11 on a Xiaomi POCO X3 Pro, experiencing some touchscreen glitches but overall smooth performance. However, drawbacks include poor battery life of about 2.5 hours, lack of fast-charging support, and overheating issues. Microsoft’s last mobile OS, Windows 10 Mobile, was released in 2015, with official support ending on January 14, 2020.
The Surface Studio is dead? — Microsoft ends production on $4,500 Surface Studio 2+ as stock dwindles
Winsage
December 7, 2024

The Surface Studio is dead? — Microsoft ends production on $4,500 Surface Studio 2+ as stock dwindles

Microsoft has officially concluded production of the Surface Studio 2+, its all-in-one desktop PC for creative professionals and commercial users, with no plans to replenish stock. The Surface Studio 2+ had a starting price of ,500 and was known for its touchscreen display and innovative hinge design. The discontinuation aligns with Microsoft's strategy to streamline its Surface offerings in 2023, which also included the Surface Duo 3 and Surface Earbuds 2. There are no immediate plans for a successor, as rumors suggest a potential Surface Studio 3 was shelved. The Surface Studio series targeted a specialized audience and faced challenges due to its high price and last-generation specifications. Microsoft's current focus is shifting towards more mainstream products, with anticipated updates for the Surface Pro, Laptop, Laptop Go, and Laptop Studio expected in 2025.
No need to pay $50 per year for these incredible wallpapers
Winsage
October 14, 2024

No need to pay $50 per year for these incredible wallpapers

Microsoft celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Windows Insider Program, which was launched in 2014 and has played a key role in the development of Windows 10 and Windows 11. The program has millions of participants who provide feedback on Windows and Microsoft applications. In recognition of the anniversary, Microsoft released two new wallpapers for download. The importance of the Insider community was highlighted when a lack of feedback during the rollout of Windows Recall led to significant issues. Microsoft plans to involve the Windows Insider Program in the reintroduction of Windows Recall to gather feedback before its general availability. Additionally, Microsoft continues its tradition of sharing free wallpapers, offering a variety of themes for users.
The Surface Duo is dead — Microsoft pulls plug on $1,500 Surface Duo 2 after just one Android OS upgrade
Winsage
October 8, 2024

The Surface Duo is dead — Microsoft pulls plug on $1,500 Surface Duo 2 after just one Android OS upgrade

The Surface Duo 2 will no longer receive updates or support from Microsoft after October 21, marking the end of its lifecycle. Launched in October 2021, it received only one major Android OS update, despite its premium price of ,500. The original Surface Duo received updates to Android 11 and Android 12L before its support ended last year. Microsoft has no plans to revive the Surface Duo brand or introduce new Android hardware. This is the second time Microsoft has exited the smartphone market, following the discontinuation of Windows Phone and Lumia devices in 2017.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold gains one of the Galaxy Z Fold's best features
AppWizard
September 4, 2024

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold gains one of the Galaxy Z Fold’s best features

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold introduces an app pair functionality that allows users to save two applications running side-by-side as a shortcut on their home screen for easier multitasking. Users can create this shortcut by accessing the recents menu and selecting the “Save app pair” option. This feature is not new, as it was first introduced by Samsung in 2017 and has since been adopted by other brands like Microsoft and OnePlus. The inclusion of app pair capabilities in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold reflects advancements in Android 15 and indicates potential for wider adoption in future foldable devices.
Best Windows apps this week
Winsage
July 5, 2024

Best Windows apps this week

- Discounts on new or notably improved Windows apps include Microsoft PowerToys, Winaero Tweaker, and WOA Device Manager. - Microsoft PowerToys version 0.82 brings improvements and fixes crashes and a memory leak. - Winaero Tweaker offers new options such as removing ads from Recommended in Start menu and enabling Ribbon mode in File Explorer. - WOA Device Manager helps install Windows on certain Android devices, particularly Microsoft Surface Duo, but is a highly technical process.
Here’s what the Windows Phone would look like if it still existed in 2024 | Digital Trends
Winsage
June 25, 2024

Here’s what the Windows Phone would look like if it still existed in 2024 | Digital Trends

Proloy Karmakar created a mock-up of what a Windows phone might look like in 2024, featuring a modernized interface inspired by Windows 11, new app icons, widgets, and default Microsoft apps. The mock-up includes a dedicated Copilot app and suggests a focus on productivity, multitasking, stylus features, and gaming capabilities, potentially allowing for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate streaming.
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