tech landscape Archives

Winsage

January 16, 2026

Microsoft Ends Windows Server 2008 Support on January 13, 2026

Microsoft has officially ceased all support for Windows Server 2008 as of January 13, 2026, including paid extended security updates. This end-of-life scenario poses significant security risks for organizations still using the outdated operating system, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks. The transition away from Windows Server 2008 requires careful planning, as many organizations face challenges in migrating legacy applications to modern systems. The lack of ongoing patches means that any new vulnerabilities will remain unaddressed, potentially leading to data breaches and compliance failures, particularly in regulated sectors like healthcare and finance. Microsoft has encouraged migration to Azure, offering incentives for early adopters, but the transition can be complex and costly. The end of support also affects global supply chains and compatibility with newer software applications. Organizations are advised to conduct audits of their software portfolios and consider hybrid environments to enhance flexibility and security.

Winsage

January 6, 2026

Windows 11 Trails Older OS Versions in ThinkPad X220 Speed Tests

Windows 11 has been tested on a Lenovo ThinkPad X220, revealing it to perform poorly compared to its predecessors, particularly Windows 8.1, which excelled in benchmarks for boot times and application launches. The test involved various Windows versions (XP, Vista, 7, 8.1, 10, and 11) on the same aging hardware, highlighting that Windows 11 consistently finished last in most categories. The ThinkPad X220 does not meet Windows 11’s minimum requirements, lacking essential components like TPM 2.0 and a compatible processor, which may have skewed the results. Critics argue that using outdated hardware for testing is not representative, suggesting that a fair comparison would involve flagship devices from each generation. Windows 11's architecture is designed for modern multicore CPUs and SSDs, which may struggle on older hardware. Additionally, Windows 11 has heavier overheads due to advanced security features, which consume resources that older operating systems do not. User feedback indicates frustration with Windows 11's performance on legacy hardware compared to leaner alternatives like Linux. Despite Microsoft promoting optimizations in Windows 11, these did not manifest in the ThinkPad test, and the findings raise concerns for businesses considering upgrades as Windows 10 approaches its end-of-support date in 2025.

AppWizard

January 5, 2026

Asus’ leaked new gaming glasses let you carry a 171-inch, 240Hz display in your pocket

Asus is introducing the Asus ROG Xreal R1 AR gaming glasses, which are the first-ever 240Hz gaming glasses, providing a viewing experience equivalent to a 171-inch screen from four meters away. They feature a vision-filling display, portable design, and a higher refresh rate with a distinctive ROG aesthetic. The glasses include "optical engines" for simultaneous real-world and projected display experiences, with outer lenses that use electrochromic technology to enhance contrast and image quality. Each arm has a Bose speaker system for audio without earbuds, and connectivity options include a USB cable, two HDMI 2.0 ports, one DisplayPort 1.4, and two USB-C inputs. They have a 57-degree field of view, covering up to 95% of the focused viewing area, but the resolution is capped at 1080p. A now-removed webpage suggested a launch in the first half of 2026, with a price range similar to current Xreal glasses, which start at 9.

Winsage

January 2, 2026

Remember when setting up a Windows PC didn’t feel like harassment?

A prominent software company has acquired a well-regarded startup known for its artificial intelligence solutions to enhance its product offerings and expand its market reach. The acquisition aims to integrate advanced technologies, improve user experiences, and foster innovation through collaboration. Initial market reactions have been positive, with a modest increase in stock prices for the acquiring company. The integration is expected to lead to more intelligent software solutions, broader market reach, and accelerated product development timelines.

Winsage

January 1, 2026

Windows Reborn: Microsoft Moves Copilot into the Kernel, Launching the Era of the AI-Native OS

Microsoft is transitioning its Windows operating system to an "AI-native" platform, embedding AI capabilities directly into the Windows kernel, marking a significant architectural shift not seen in three decades. This new approach, called the "Agentic OS," allows AI to manage files, system settings, and workflows proactively. The updated kernel, partially rewritten in Rust, includes a new NPU-aware scheduler that treats the Neural Processing Unit as a primary resource. Microsoft has introduced "Agent Workspace" and "Agent Accounts" for autonomous agents, ensuring actions are logged and audited for compliance. Communication between agents and the system is facilitated by the Model Context Protocol (MCP). Hardware requirements for the new OS have increased, with benchmarks set for NPUs achieving 80 to 100 TOPS. Major PC manufacturers are adjusting their portfolios to accommodate "Agentic PCs." The competitive landscape is evolving, with companies like Alphabet and Apple developing their own AI-native platforms. The introduction of the AI-native kernel raises privacy and security concerns, with Microsoft implementing measures to restrict third-party access to the kernel. Future updates may include "self-healing" capabilities and "Cross-Device Agency," leading to a more integrated personal AI experience.

AppWizard

December 29, 2025

Android Central’s Best of 2025 Awards: The best phones, smartwatches, tablets, apps, and more

The OnePlus 15 was named Best Android Phone, featuring a fast chip, three-day battery life, and a 165Hz display. The Google Pixel 10 Pro won Best Camera with its Gemini-powered photo system. The Nothing's CMF Phone 2 Pro was recognized as the best budget option. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 was awarded Best Foldable Device, while the Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 was named Best Flip Phone. Samsung was recognized as the most improved brand. The Google Pixel Watch 4 won Best Smartwatch, and the Oura Ring 4 was the top smart ring. The Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 was the best smart glasses, with the Oakley Meta Vanguard for athletes and the Xreal One Pro as Best XR Glasses. Marvel's Deadpool VR won Best Single-Player VR, and Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked was Best Multiplayer VR Game. The Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 was the Best Chromebook, and the OnePlus Pad 3 was the best tablet. The Amazon Kindle Scribe was awarded Best E-Reader. Spotify was named Best Music Streaming Service, and Netflix was Best Video Streaming Service. The Gemini app won Best Android App, and Pokémon TCG Pocket was Best Android Game. Spigen was recognized as Best Phone Case Manufacturer, Anker was the top charging brand, Sony WH-1000XM6 won Best Wireless Headphones, and Apple AirPods Pro 3 were the best earbuds.

Winsage

December 29, 2025

Windows on Arm had another good year

The tech landscape is expected to see significant advancements in chips and software by 2026, particularly with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X series enhancing Arm-based Windows laptops. The Snapdragon X chips improved performance and battery life, making Windows on Arm laptops more viable, especially in Microsoft’s Surface Laptop and Surface Pro lines. However, challenges with app compatibility persisted, limiting users to simplified versions of software like Adobe Lightroom. In 2025, software enhancements allowed more creative applications to run natively or through improved emulation, including Adobe Premiere Pro and a functioning version of Lightroom Classic on lower-end Snapdragon X Plus chips. Gaming options improved with advancements in emulator technology, and compatibility for Epic's Easy Anti-Cheat was established. The Xbox game launcher expanded to support local installations on Arm devices. Despite the growing appeal of Windows on Arm laptops, traditional x86 options remain dominant for gaming. The first generation of Snapdragon X chips set new benchmarks for battery life, but competition from Intel’s Lunar Lake and AMD’s Strix Point chips is emerging. Nvidia is rumored to be developing an Arm-based chip for Alienware laptops, indicating a competitive landscape. The gap between x86 and Arm Windows laptops is narrowing, with Arm laptops becoming more accessible, though x86 systems are likely to remain preferred for gamers. Microsoft’s evolution of Windows into an “agentic OS” raises questions about the future of Windows laptops.

Tech Optimizer

December 25, 2025

Bernardo Quintero Uncovers Creator of Virus Málaga and Cybersecurity Legacy | Ukraine news

Bernardo Quintero sought to find the programmer behind the Virus Málaga, which had a significant impact on his life and career in cybersecurity. The virus, initially a piece of malware, sparked Quintero's interest in the field and led to the creation of VirusTotal, which was acquired by Google in 2012. This acquisition helped elevate Málaga as a tech hub in Europe. Quintero revisited the virus code and discovered a clue linking it to a programmer named Enrique, who was affectionately known as Kiki. He learned from Antonio Astorga, a source who passed away, that the virus contained a hidden message against the Basque terrorist group ETA. Astorga's legacy continues through his son, Serhiy, who has aspirations in cybersecurity and quantum computing.

Winsage

December 24, 2025

Microsoft is not rewriting Windows in Rust

Microsoft Distinguished Engineer Galen Hunt expressed a personal aspiration to phase out C and C++ from Microsoft's codebase by 2030, proposing Rust as a potential successor. He clarified that this initiative is a research project aimed at making language migration possible, not a corporate directive. Hunt emphasized that Rust may not be the final destination in this migration journey.

Winsage

December 24, 2025

“My goal is to eliminate every line of C and C++ from Microsoft by 2030” — Microsoft bets on AI to finally modernize Windows

Microsoft is planning to replace C and C++ with Rust across its codebases by 2030, as stated by engineer Galen Hunt. The company aims to eliminate every line of C and C++ using artificial intelligence and advanced algorithms, targeting a goal of “1 engineer, 1 month, 1 million lines of code.” Microsoft has developed a code processing infrastructure to support this initiative, which is already operational for various code understanding challenges. In 2023, Microsoft began rewriting parts of the Windows Kernel using Rust due to vulnerabilities associated with C and C++. The new role advertised by Hunt is part of the Future of Scalable Software Engineering group within Microsoft CoreAI, indicating a significant investment in modernizing Microsoft's code for enhanced security and efficiency.