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Europa Universalis 2's launch was a desperate gambit for Paradox's survival: 'It needs to be done so it's sold in the US market before Christmas, because we need the money else we cannot pay people'
AppWizard
October 26, 2025

Europa Universalis 2’s launch was a desperate gambit for Paradox’s survival: ‘It needs to be done so it’s sold in the US market before Christmas, because we need the money else we cannot pay people’

Europa Universalis was developed under significant pressure, with tight deadlines and a focus on survival. Johan Andersson, the lead developer, noted that the team quickly generated ideas for Europa Universalis 2 to ensure its release before Christmas to secure funding. The original game allowed players to select from a limited number of scenarios, which led to interest in broader gameplay. Henrik Fåhraeus, a mod maker who proposed making any country playable, was hired as a content designer for the sequel and later became chief creative officer at Paradox Interactive. Upon its release, Europa Universalis 2 received good reviews, but distribution was initially limited to Germany, affecting its audience reach. Despite challenges, a dedicated community formed around the game, with fans ordering it from Germany to play.
Americans Put Off New PCs as Inflation Bites - Market Slips 2% in Q2
Winsage
September 18, 2025

Americans Put Off New PCs as Inflation Bites – Market Slips 2% in Q2

Groceries, gas, and rent are prioritized over new laptops in the US, impacting the PC market. Shipments declined by 1.4% year-on-year to 18.6 million units in Q2 2025. Inflation persists, with food prices up 3% and shelter costs at 4.3%, limiting discretionary spending. Many households are delaying PC purchases until their devices fail. In contrast, commercial demand grew by 4% as businesses upgrade systems in response to the Windows 10 end-of-support deadline and increasing AI adoption, which has more than doubled in the last two years. Apple achieved 15.5% year-on-year growth, while Lenovo grew by 5.1%. HP and Dell saw declines of 4.8% and 3.5%, respectively. Overall shipments in 2025 are projected to reach 71 million units, driven by commercial demand, while consumer demand is expected to shrink by nearly 4%. Government shipments are forecasted to grow by 9.9% this year, while education PCs are expected to remain flat in 2025 but surge nearly 10% in 2027. The market is projected to peak at 73.5 million units in 2026 before declining to approximately 70.8 million in 2027.
HP, Dell say 50% of PCs still run Windows 10 and unlikely to upgrade soon
Winsage
September 5, 2025

HP, Dell say 50% of PCs still run Windows 10 and unlikely to upgrade soon

Microsoft's deadline for Windows 10 is approaching in less than two months. Only half of Windows PCs have upgraded to Windows 11, with the other half hesitant to do so. Windows 11 accounts for about half of global installations, while Windows 10 gained market share in August. Large enterprises are expected to prioritize upgrading to Windows 11, while small businesses are likely to delay upgrades. Rising PC prices and the impact of import tariffs are making consumers cautious about new purchases. Microsoft is extending security updates for Windows 10 with additional requirements for users.
Linux breaks a new record for US market share as people presumably flee Windows for its open-source rival
Winsage
July 19, 2025

Linux breaks a new record for US market share as people presumably flee Windows for its open-source rival

Microsoft is encouraging users to transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 as the end-of-life deadline for Windows 10 approaches. Despite this, many users remain loyal to Windows 10, leading Microsoft to offer extended support options for a fee. This situation has prompted some Windows 10 users to explore alternative operating systems, contributing to Linux achieving over 5% market share in the US for the first time, according to StatCounter. Linux's market share has increased by approximately 1.30% over the past year, coinciding with a decline of over 2% for Windows.
Microsoft’s Bad News—15 Million Windows Users Now At Risk
Winsage
December 3, 2024

Microsoft’s Bad News—15 Million Windows Users Now At Risk

Microsoft is trying to persuade its 800 million Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11 before the end-of-support deadline in October 2024. Recent statistics show a stall in Windows 11 upgrades, with about 10 to 15 million users (roughly 1%) not transitioning. Global market share for Windows 10 has increased from 61% to 62%, while Windows 11 has decreased from over 35.5% to below 35%. In the US, Windows 10 rose from 58% to 61%, and Windows 11 fell from nearly 40% to below 37%. This shift follows Microsoft's announcement of a 12-month extended support option for Windows 10 users. Approximately 400 million users lack the necessary hardware to upgrade, and many are delaying upgrades due to the limited availability of AI features and the belief that better hardware options will emerge. The uptake of the extended support option will influence future trends, and the shift indicates that 10 to 15 million users may be exposed to security risks.
Almost three years after launch, the Steam Deck is finally getting an official release in Australia
AppWizard
October 11, 2024

Almost three years after launch, the Steam Deck is finally getting an official release in Australia

Valve announced that the Steam Deck will officially launch in Australia, with pre-orders starting in mid-November and immediate shipping promised. Three models will be available: a 256GB LCD model priced at 9, a 512GB OLED model at 9, and a 1TB OLED model at ,049. These prices are competitive compared to other handheld devices. Previously, Australian gamers accessed the Steam Deck through gray imports, which had challenges like inflated prices and lack of support. The official launch aims to provide a more secure purchasing process. New Zealand will not be included in this initial launch, but availability is hoped for next year. The OLED Steam Deck has received positive reviews, with one reviewer calling it the best console ever owned.
Antivirus Software Kaspersky Automatically Switching to UltraAV - CIO News
Tech Optimizer
October 1, 2024

Antivirus Software Kaspersky Automatically Switching to UltraAV – CIO News

Kaspersky antivirus software users in the United States will transition to UltraAV due to Kaspersky's exit from the US market following Department of Commerce sanctions. Kaspersky has communicated this change via email, ensuring a seamless transition for eligible users. The transition will occur in phases to maintain protection, and UltraAV's software includes features like a password manager, VPN, and identity theft protection for up to 20 devices (excluding iOS). Users will receive instructions for account activation, with no changes to invoicing or pricing. Notifications about the transition began on September 5, and Kaspersky support will end after September 30.
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