sync

Winsage
July 7, 2025
Windows 11 has surpassed Windows 10 in user adoption, with a market share of 52 percent compared to Windows 10's 44.59 percent, according to Stat Counter data. Windows 11 is currently in use on over 400 million devices, taking two years to reach this milestone, while Windows 10 achieved it in one year. The slower adoption of Windows 11 is attributed to its stringent hardware requirements. Microsoft will offer a complimentary year of security updates for users who enable Windows Backup and sync their Documents folder to OneDrive, while others can pay a fee or use Microsoft Reward points for the same benefit. The end-of-support date for Windows 10 is October 14th.
Winsage
July 7, 2025
As of July, Windows 11 has surpassed Windows 10 in global market share, claiming 52% compared to Windows 10's 44.59%. Microsoft has changed the extended support program for Windows 10, allowing users to sync their PC settings to the cloud using the Windows Backup app to receive an additional year of security updates at no cost. This option provides users more time to decide on upgrading to Windows 11, particularly for those with PCs that do not meet its system requirements. Users are cautioned against remaining on Windows 10 without security updates due to potential vulnerabilities. There is speculation that Microsoft may extend support options further in response to concerns about older PCs.
Winsage
July 7, 2025
Windows 11 has a market share of 52% as of July 2025, up from 47.98% in June. Windows 10's market share has decreased from 48.76% to 44.59% during the same period. Since January, Windows 11's share has increased by 15.35 percentage points from 36.65%. The end of support for Windows 10 is set for October 14, 2025. Microsoft has introduced an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for consumers that offers one year of free security updates. A new enrollment wizard for the Windows 10 ESU program will be rolled out this month. For organizations, the ESU program costs per device for one year, with annual price increases for up to three years of support. Windows 11 version 25H2 is anticipated to be released in October, with new features gradually rolled out to version 24H2 through enablement packages.
Winsage
July 4, 2025
Windows 10 will reach its end-of-life support on October 14, 2025, prompting backlash from users and a petition from the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) urging Microsoft to reconsider its decision. Microsoft will provide free security updates beyond the end-of-life date, but only under specific conditions, leading to concerns about accessibility due to stringent system requirements. PIRG argues that the updates will not sufficiently address the needs of the estimated 400 million Windows 10 PCs unable to upgrade to Windows 11. Users have limited options, including syncing settings to the cloud, redeeming Microsoft Reward points, or paying for extended security updates (ESU). While Microsoft has made some concessions, such as offering ESU for individuals and affordable pricing for educational institutions, it has not committed to extending Windows 10 support or easing Windows 11's hardware requirements. Windows 11 is gaining market share, reaching 47.73% in June, while Windows 10 holds 48.92%. Microsoft is promoting Windows 11 and its AI-enhanced features, claiming significant performance improvements. Additionally, a movement called End of 10 is encouraging users to switch to Linux as Windows 10's end-of-life approaches, highlighting benefits like the absence of ads and telemetry tracking.
Winsage
July 2, 2025
Microsoft has introduced alternatives to the fee for extended support for Windows 10, including the option to pay for an additional year of security updates and using the Windows Backup app to sync settings to OneDrive. However, the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) argues that these measures are insufficient to address the e-waste crisis, as the hardware requirements for Windows 11 may render millions of functional PCs obsolete by October 2025. PIRG's Lucas Rockett Gutterman stated that Microsoft's options are unlikely to help the estimated 400 million Windows 10 PCs that cannot upgrade to Windows 11. He called for longer-term support for Windows 10 or relaxed hardware requirements for Windows 11. Currently, businesses have access to a three-year extended security update program, while consumers only have one year. The disparity raises concerns about the environmental impact of discarding usable devices. Gutterman suggested that one additional year of support, even if fee-based, could help consumers, and proposed exploring a non-paying option like ad-supported Windows 10 to fund continued security updates.
Winsage
July 1, 2025
Microsoft's initiatives to transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 have faced criticism from privacy advocates regarding the environmental impact of obsolete PCs. The company announced that the first year of Extended Security Updates (ESU) would be free for individual consumers, but users must either sync their settings to the cloud or redeem Microsoft Rewards points to qualify. Lucas Rockett Gutterman from PIRG criticized the limited options, noting that many Windows 10 PCs cannot upgrade to Windows 11. While Microsoft has made some concessions, such as affordable pricing for schools, it has not committed to extending support for Windows 10 or easing hardware requirements for Windows 11. In 2023, PIRG petitioned Microsoft to extend Windows 10's life, as support for many editions ends in October 2025. Commercial customers will still incur fees for ESU, which are expected to increase in subsequent years. ControlUp's Windows 11 Readiness Report indicates that 50 percent of enterprise Windows endpoints have not migrated to Windows 11, a decrease from over 82 percent the previous year. Migration rates vary by sector, with healthcare lagging behind.
AppWizard
June 28, 2025
In 2012, Mojang began developing a Lego-themed spin-off of Minecraft called Brickcraft, which was ultimately canceled due to Lego's brand restrictions. Recently, a version of Brickcraft from June 28, 2012, was discovered and made available to players by Omniarchive. The project faced significant challenges, including disagreements over design elements, such as the inclusion of scratches on Lego bricks, which Lego opposed. Markus "Notch" Persson decided to halt the project due to frustrations with Lego's rules. Brickcraft was intended to feature expansive biomes and engaging gameplay similar to Minecraft, but it was never completed.
BetaBeacon
June 28, 2025
Google Contacts app version 4.55 may soon allow users to use images as contact photos and calling cards, potentially linking a user's profile image to a dynamic call screen. The feature could support full-screen images, custom fonts, and cloud synchronization for easy management across devices. This new feature aims to enhance the visual appeal of Android phone calls by allowing users to personalize their call displays with images and text. However, Google has not confirmed the existence of calling cards yet.
Winsage
June 28, 2025
Transitioning from Windows to Linux can be challenging due to the variety of distributions available. Users often experiment with different options using virtual machines or dual-boot setups. Ubuntu is a popular choice, especially within the Windows Subsystem for Linux and Hyper-V, but Zorin OS is highlighted as a more seamless alternative for users familiar with Windows. Zorin OS provides a desktop experience similar to Windows, making it user-friendly for new Linux users. It allows customization of the taskbar's position, reminiscent of earlier Windows versions. Zorin OS also supports running Windows applications through preconfigured Wine and Bottles, simplifying the process compared to Ubuntu. Zorin OS performs well on older hardware, with its Lite version using the XFCE desktop environment to enhance responsiveness, unlike Ubuntu, which can be sluggish on legacy systems. Zorin Connect enables integration with Android devices, allowing users to sync notifications and control their desktop from mobile devices. Zorin OS is noted for its minimalist approach, optimizing resource usage and avoiding unnecessary applications, particularly in its Lite version. The author currently prefers Zorin OS over Ubuntu Core for its user-friendly design and performance but remains open to exploring other Linux distributions.
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