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Microsoft Ends Windows 11 SE Support in 2026 Amid Low Adoption
Winsage
January 5, 2026

Microsoft Ends Windows 11 SE Support in 2026 Amid Low Adoption

Microsoft will conclude support for Windows 11 SE in 2026, ceasing security updates and feature enhancements after October 2026. Launched in late 2021 for K-8 classrooms, Windows 11 SE struggled with adoption due to hardware limitations and competition from alternatives like Google’s Chrome OS. The final feature release for SE will be Windows 11 version 24H2. Schools will face challenges in transitioning to new systems, as devices running SE may become vulnerable to cyber threats without ongoing support. Microsoft is shifting its focus to integrating educational tools into its main operating system rather than maintaining a separate edition. The end of support for Windows 11 SE may accelerate hardware refresh cycles in schools, posing financial burdens on underfunded districts.
Microsoft Bets on Windows as AI Agent Hub to Revive Dominance
Winsage
January 5, 2026

Microsoft Bets on Windows as AI Agent Hub to Revive Dominance

Microsoft Corp. is redefining its Windows operating system as a central hub for artificial intelligence agents, aiming to create an ecosystem where AI can autonomously manage tasks and integrate into user workflows. This strategy, announced in 2025, seeks to attract developers by providing tools like Agent 365 for proactive task management. However, challenges related to privacy, security, and user trust persist, as AI agents require extensive access to personal data. Microsoft is embedding AI agents at the OS level, allowing third-party developers to deploy agents that interact with Windows features. The company’s ecosystem includes Azure AI Foundry and Copilot Studio, which support agent development. Despite having 1.4 billion devices, Microsoft faces competition from Apple and Google, and must navigate privacy concerns and regulatory scrutiny. The success of this initiative depends on developer adoption and user acceptance, with potential risks of job displacement and over-reliance on automation.
Google’s Android Automotive Adds PIN-Lock for App Privacy
AppWizard
December 30, 2025

Google’s Android Automotive Adds PIN-Lock for App Privacy

Google has introduced the Sensitive App Protection feature in Android Automotive, allowing users to lock individual applications with a PIN to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information in shared vehicles. This feature aims to enhance privacy amidst the rise of ride-sharing and car-sharing services, addressing concerns about unauthorized app usage by valets and other users. Sensitive App Protection is applicable to family cars and rental vehicles, ensuring that protected apps remain inaccessible without the PIN, even in restricted modes. The feature is designed to improve user privacy in connected cars, coinciding with increasing regulatory scrutiny regarding data handling. User adoption will depend on awareness and ease of use, with early feedback being generally positive. Critics note that while PIN-locking is beneficial, it does not fully address vulnerabilities related to data transmission over unsecured networks. Google plans to transition to the Gemini AI platform, which may enhance security features further. Regulatory bodies are monitoring these developments closely, and ethical considerations regarding access to privacy features for different user demographics are being discussed.
SSDs on some Windows machines with BitLocker enabled are about twice as fast thanks to BitLocker hardware acceleration.
Winsage
December 26, 2025

SSDs on some Windows machines with BitLocker enabled are about twice as fast thanks to BitLocker hardware acceleration.

Windows 11 Pro has introduced a hardware-accelerated version of BitLocker, enhancing storage encryption without compromising performance. This update allows compatible devices to maintain storage read and write speeds similar to when BitLocker is disabled. The hardware-accelerated BitLocker utilizes the encryption processor in the System on Chip (SoC) to streamline encryption and decryption processes. It is available on devices with a supported built-in encryption processor and uses the XTS-AES-256 encryption algorithm. Users can check if hardware BitLocker is enabled by executing the command manage-bde -status in the command prompt. Performance metrics indicate that CPU cycles during storage access remain consistent with machines that have BitLocker disabled, and benchmarks show that hardware BitLocker can double sequential read and random write speeds. The integration of the XTS-AES-256 encryption processor into Intel's upcoming third-generation Core Ultra processor, Panther Lake, suggests future advancements for hardware-accelerated BitLocker.
Game platform Steam to end support for system 32-bit Windows
Winsage
December 24, 2025

Game platform Steam to end support for system 32-bit Windows

Valve has announced the end of support for 32-bit Windows operating systems on its Steam platform, transitioning to a native 64-bit architecture to improve security and performance. Support for the 32-bit client will continue until January 1, 2026, after which it will no longer receive updates or security fixes. Users on 32-bit systems may experience a decline in service quality and access to new features. The decision is driven by memory limitations of 32-bit systems, which can only address a maximum of 4 GB of RAM, and the enhanced security capabilities of 64-bit systems. The latest Steam update also includes support for the Nintendo Switch 2 controller, compatibility with GameCube Adapters in Wii-U mode, and improvements to "Gyro Modes" along with various bug fixes. Users are encouraged to upgrade to 64-bit systems to avoid service disruptions.
Your Windows on ARM laptop could someday play real PC games
Winsage
December 4, 2025

Your Windows on ARM laptop could someday play real PC games

The Lisuan 7G106 is the first discrete graphics card to operate on Windows on ARM, successfully executing the 3DMark Time Spy benchmark. This marks a significant milestone for the ARM ecosystem, confirming real discrete GPU driver support. The demonstration indicates essential rendering, driver, and API support are operational, suggesting potential for ARM PCs to cater to gaming laptops and high-performance desktops. This development challenges major graphics companies like NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel to consider entering the Windows on ARM market. While the Lisuan GPU is not yet market-ready, it serves as a crucial proof-of-concept for future advancements in ARM computing.
Google experts tell the US DOJ selling its ad tech business would be impossible
AppWizard
November 24, 2025

Google experts tell the US DOJ selling its ad tech business would be impossible

Closing arguments in the remedies trial concerning the U.S. Department of Justice's case against Google's advertising technology business concluded on November 21. A federal judge is deliberating on how to address Google's two identified monopolies in this sector, following a ruling in April 2025 that declared Google holds two illegal monopolies within the advertising technology realm. The DOJ is advocating for the divestiture of Google's ad marketplace platform, AdX, which Google argues may present significant technological challenges. Judge Leonie Brinkema has acknowledged the urgency of the situation while recognizing the complexities introduced by Google's anticipated appeals. Google has presented expert testimonies highlighting the difficulties of breaking up its ad tech business, while the DOJ argues that such a breakup is necessary for a more competitive environment. The court's decision could have broader implications for the advertising technology landscape and digital competition.
GenAI is emerging, and it could make the phone's form factor feel irrelevant
AppWizard
October 23, 2025

GenAI is emerging, and it could make the phone’s form factor feel irrelevant

The consumer technology landscape is shifting towards prioritizing artificial intelligence (AI) experiences over traditional hardware specifications, redefining consumer engagement with devices. Companies are focusing on user experiences enabled by AI, such as Samsung's collaboration with Perplexity for information access through televisions. Tech giants like Google and Motorola are highlighting AI functionalities in their marketing, while Nothing is investing in AI-native devices. The introduction of GenAI into premium smartphones has brought features like real-time image editing and personalized content generation. IDC predicts that users will soon interact with personalized AI across various devices, facilitating seamless transitions between them. AI-powered devices, such as the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses, offer hands-free assistance, enhancing user convenience. Consumers are looking for features that save time and improve convenience, and companies that successfully leverage AI for tangible benefits are likely to lead the market.
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