tech giant Archives

Winsage

April 20, 2025

Microsoft’s Free Upgrade Offer—Bad News For 240 Million Windows Users

Microsoft is encouraging approximately 240 million PC owners to recycle outdated devices, as they will not qualify for a free upgrade to Windows 11 without new hardware. The company emphasizes the importance of the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, a security chip that determines eligibility for the upgrade and protects sensitive data. TPM 2.0 offers several security benefits, including data encryption, verification of trusted software, detection of physical tampering, and support for advanced security features in Windows 11. Currently, around 240 million PCs are estimated to be ineligible for the upgrade, which may hinder the adoption of Windows 11 and leave many devices vulnerable to cyber threats.

Winsage

April 19, 2025

Microsoft «kills a feature that protected «older» versions of Windows 11 — and no one knows why

Microsoft will discontinue support for virtualization-based security enclaves (VBS enclaves) in Windows 11 versions 23H2 and 22H2, as well as in Windows Server versions 2022, 2019, and 2016. Support for VBS enclaves will only be retained in Windows 11 version 24H2 and later, and in Windows Server 2025 and later. VBS enclaves enhance memory operation security by creating virtual trust levels within a Trusted Execution Environment. Microsoft previously addressed a privilege escalation vulnerability within VBS enclaves (CVE-2025-21370) and plans to integrate the Rust programming language into the Windows kernel starting with Windows 11 version 23H2 in 2024.

AppWizard

April 19, 2025

Rebellion’s CEO says ‘it looks like we want to do more Atomfall’ but it will depend on whether the studio can ‘find the resources to do it’

Rebellion's open-world shooter, Atomfall, launched in March and has attracted two million players, exceeding initial estimates. CEO Jason Kingsley noted that the game's success has led to discussions about expanding it into a series. Atomfall's availability on Microsoft's Game Pass significantly contributed to its success by enhancing discoverability and providing financial assurance. Kingsley mentioned that while the performance is encouraging, the decision for a sequel depends on resource availability. He emphasized the importance of aligning creative ambitions with budgetary constraints, stating that they cannot afford to spend 200 million on game development. Kingsley acknowledged that Atomfall has superficial similarities to other titles, particularly Fallout, and struggles to differentiate itself.

Winsage

April 18, 2025

Microsoft makes Windows 11 24H2 more secure but not how you’d think

Microsoft is deprecating support for Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) enclaves in Windows 11 23H2 and earlier versions as it transitions users to Windows 11 24H2, which retains support for VBS enclaves. Windows 11 24H2 enhances security and is essential for developers to ensure their applications function correctly and securely. Windows 11 23H2 will reach the end of its support lifecycle on November 11, 2025, after which Microsoft will stop providing security updates. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 to maintain access to security features and receive updates.

Winsage

April 17, 2025

March, April Windows 11 updates cause BSOD pain for users

Microsoft has reported that two recent updates for Windows 11 24H2, specifically the April cumulative update KB5055523 and the March preview update KB5053656, are causing blue screen crashes with the error code 0x18B (SECUREKERNELERROR) after installation and reboot. There is currently no permanent solution, but Microsoft is working on a workaround using a Known Issue Rollback (KIR) that will automatically apply to personal or unmanaged devices through Windows Update. IT departments will need to manually download a Group Policy .msi file to implement the rollback. Affected machines will require a restart to complete the process.

AppWizard

April 17, 2025

Google’s Gemini Live with camera and screen share comes to all Android app users

Google's Gemini Live feature is now available to all users of the Gemini app on Android, having previously been exclusive to Advanced plan subscribers. This tool allows users to use AI through their camera or by sharing their screen, providing instant insights for various tasks. At the Google Cloud Next ‘25 event, the company introduced the Gemini update, which includes camera and screen-sharing capabilities, enabling users to ask questions, receive voice-guided assistance, record and analyze conversations, brainstorm ideas, look up content, and identify objects. The official Gemini app account announced the rollout of this feature to all Android users, encouraging downloads of the app.

AppWizard

April 16, 2025

The Google Home app seemingly has a few small changes for its UI in the works

Google is enhancing its Home app to simplify smart device management with user interface modifications. Upcoming updates will include a dedicated QR scanner in the Devices tab and a search bar in the Favorites section. In December, Google began a Public Preview test for the "Help me create" feature, which uses Gemini AI to help users automate their smart home systems by defining a Starter, Condition, and Action. Additionally, a separate Public Preview test for "Gemini in Assistant" aims to improve responses for Nest devices, allowing users to interrupt or request clarification from the Assistant.

Winsage

April 16, 2025

Windows 11 upgrades sneak past admin blockades

Microsoft has acknowledged that some users are receiving unsolicited invitations to upgrade to Windows 11, despite configurations in Intune meant to prevent this. The issue is attributed to a "recent service change" that has exposed a latent code problem affecting a subset of users. Affected users are prompted to upgrade regardless of IT restrictions, and those who have upgraded can manually roll back to the previous version. Microsoft has advised administrators to pause Windows Feature Updates temporarily and has announced that a targeted code fix is being deployed to resolve the issue. This incident is reminiscent of a previous Windows Server 2025 error in November 2024, which involved a mistaken release as a security update.

Winsage

April 16, 2025

Microsoft: Some devices offered Windows 11 upgrades despite Intune blocks

Microsoft is addressing an issue where some Windows devices are prompted to upgrade to Windows 11 despite Intune policies preventing such upgrades, a problem attributed to a "latent code issue" since April 12. A targeted code fix is being deployed, and users are advised to pause Windows feature updates via Intune until the resolution is fully rolled out. Users who upgraded to Windows 11 inadvertently will need to manually revert to their previous version. Additionally, in November 2024, certain Windows Server 2019 and 2022 devices were upgraded to Windows Server 2025 without user consent, and Microsoft acknowledged the problem but did not provide guidance on reverting these upgrades. Microsoft has also resolved an issue with prompts for upgrading to Windows Server 2025, clarifying that notifications were intended only for those seeking in-place upgrades.

AppWizard

April 16, 2025

Google hit with antitrust order in Japan over preinstalled Android apps

Japan's Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) has issued a cease-and-desist order against Google for violating the nation's anti-monopoly law by requiring smartphone manufacturers to preinstall its applications on Android devices. This practice has been in place since at least July 2020 and has hindered competition by making it difficult for rival search engines and browsers to gain a foothold on Android devices sold in Japan. The JFTC found that Google's contracts incentivized manufacturers to set Google Chrome as the default browser and not preinstall competing applications, affecting around 80 percent of Android smartphones in Japan. The JFTC classified these actions as violations of the Antimonopoly Act and mandated Google to stop these practices, develop compliance guidelines, and appoint an independent third party to oversee adherence to the order. Non-compliance could result in significant financial penalties. Google expressed disappointment but indicated a willingness to collaborate with the JFTC.