transition period Archives

AppWizard

April 1, 2025

Eidos Montréal is cutting 75 jobs

Eidos Montréal has announced a reduction in its workforce, resulting in 75 employees facing redundancy. The layoffs are part of the conclusion of one of its operational mandates and are not a reflection of the employees' skills or dedication. The company stated it lacks the capacity to reallocate these employees to other projects. Eidos Montréal is committed to supporting the affected employees during their transition. This announcement follows a similar layoff of 17 employees at Crystal Dynamics, another studio under the Embracer Group, highlighting ongoing adjustments in the gaming sector.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

Amazon is closing its Android app store

Amazon will close its Android app store on August 20, 2025. Developers can no longer submit new applications but can submit updates for existing apps until the closure date. In-app purchases have been disabled for customers in Japan, while users in other regions can continue using the app store until it closes. Amazon cannot guarantee the functionality of apps downloaded from the store after the closure. Subscriptions purchased through the app store can still be managed within the app or via the website. Amazon Coins will no longer be available for purchase, and unused Coins will be refunded after the store's closure. The app store will still operate on Amazon's proprietary devices, including Fire TV and Fire Tablet.

Winsage

November 10, 2024

Microsoft Windows Mail and Calendar Apps to Stop Working After This Date..

Microsoft has announced that its Windows Mail, Calendar, and People applications will stop functioning after December 31, 2024, as part of a strategy to encourage users to transition to the new Outlook for Windows. The Windows Mail apps will no longer support email communication after this date. Microsoft is providing a migration pathway for users to export their emails, contacts, and calendar events to Outlook before the deadline. Users are encouraged to familiarize themselves with Outlook, which is being promoted as a free solution, although some users have expressed concerns about its performance.

Winsage

October 14, 2024

Countdown begins to end of Windows 10: PC users have three lifelines, and just 365 days to make a decision

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, affecting 62.7% of the 1.6 billion Windows-based PCs globally. Users with compatible devices can upgrade to Windows 11 for free, but Windows 11 has minimum requirements including a 64-bit processor, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, TPM 2.0, and Secure Boot. Microsoft advises users to buy new PCs if their current devices do not meet these requirements. An optional Extended Security Updates (ESUs) subscription plan will be available for Windows 10 users, with pricing for businesses starting at £48.19 for the first year. Continuing to use Windows 10 after the end of support poses risks of increased vulnerability to viruses and malware. Windows 11 features a redesigned interface, enhanced Snap functionality, and an AI assistant named Copilot.

Tech Optimizer

September 25, 2024

Kaspersky Exits U.S., Automatically Replaces Software With UltraAV, Raising Concerns

Kaspersky is withdrawing from the U.S. market and transitioning its users to UltraAV as of September 19, 2024, ahead of its official exit at the end of the month. A software update was rolled out to ensure continuous protection during this transition. Some users reported that their Kaspersky software was automatically uninstalled and replaced by UltraAV without prior notification, although UltraAV stated that notifications were sent to users starting September 5. UltraAV, a U.S.-based company under the Pango Group, has over 25 million active users and aims to provide comparable protection to Kaspersky while offering additional features such as identity theft protection and fraud alerts. The transition follows the Biden administration's announcement regarding Kaspersky's ban from selling or updating antivirus software in the U.S.

AppWizard

September 19, 2024

Google TV Freeplay gets a redesigned app with favorite channels, more [Gallery]

Google TV has expanded its Freeplay offerings by introducing new free channels and a redesigned app experience. The updated app features an organized channel guide that allows users to sort content by categories such as recently watched and popular selections, along with a "Favorites" section for easy access to preferred channels. The rollout of the new design began recently, but users may experience inconsistencies during the transition, with some devices displaying the Freeplay icon and others retaining the "Free Channels" label. Additionally, Google TV is preparing to release a new streaming device.

Winsage

August 3, 2024

Microsoft releases the new Outlook for Windows for anyone who wants it, including commercial customers

Microsoft has officially rolled out the "new Outlook for Windows," making it available for both commercial and personal users. The new Outlook remains an opt-in experience, allowing organizations to transition smoothly before it becomes the default. It integrates with Microsoft services like Teams, Loop, and OneDrive, enhancing its functionality as a productivity tool. Users can set their working hours and locations for better coordination with colleagues. The update includes AI-powered features such as email summaries, text suggestions, and assistance with replies to improve user experience.

Tech Optimizer

June 21, 2024

Kaspersky Antivirus Sales Banned In The US Over Russia Ties: Here’s What We Need To Know

Kaspersky Lab expressed disappointment in the US decision to ban its software, attributing it to geopolitical tensions. The ban will start on September 29, with a 100-day transition period for businesses to find alternative solutions. The Commerce Department will entity list two Russian units and one UK-based unit of Kaspersky Lab.

Tech Optimizer

June 20, 2024

US bans Russia’s Kaspersky antivirus software

The US Commerce Department has banned Kaspersky from selling its antivirus products in the United States due to national security concerns, citing potential risks associated with the company's ties to the Russian government.

AppWizard

April 3, 2024

Google’s graveyard keeps growing, Google Podcasts is the latest victim

Google Podcasts will no longer be available after April 2, with a grace period until July to export subscriptions. This decision is part of Google's strategy to consolidate its podcasting services under the YouTube brand.