user dissatisfaction Archives

Winsage

July 30, 2025

Windows 10’s forced updates: A history of disastrous consequences

The transition to Windows 10 marked the end of Windows 7 and was initially celebrated by Microsoft, but users soon faced numerous problems due to mandatory updates. Issues included boot loops, the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), and data loss, leading Microsoft to delay a major feature upgrade by over six months. In August 2015, a major update caused widespread reboot loops due to corrupted user profiles, requiring complex fixes. The October 2018 update infamously deleted user files and introduced various bugs, taking nearly six months for Microsoft to resolve. In March 2020, another update caused boot hangs and BSODs, prompting many users to uninstall it. In May 2023, a security update bricked PCs and caused connectivity issues. The October 2020 updates led to installation errors, system slowdowns, and compatibility problems. In October 2021, Windows 10 users were encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11, facing hardware compatibility issues. The forced updates have resulted in significant user dissatisfaction, though the option to pause updates has provided some relief.

AppWizard

July 3, 2025

5 reasons why Google’s Pixel software is better than Samsung’s One UI

63% of respondents in a recent poll prefer Google’s Pixel UI over Samsung’s One UI, which received 37% support. Users favor Google’s camera app for its intuitive design and image processing capabilities, finding it easier for everyday photography compared to Samsung’s more complex camera app. Google’s Pixel UI is appreciated for its simplicity, offering a single app for each function, while Samsung’s devices often come with multiple pre-loaded applications, leading to a cluttered interface. Users find Samsung’s One UI settings overwhelming, whereas Pixel UI provides a clean layout for quick adjustments. Unique features like Now Playing and Call Screen on Pixel devices enhance user experience, and Google’s speed in rolling out software updates is faster and more reliable than Samsung’s, contributing to user trust in the Pixel ecosystem.

Winsage

June 28, 2025

Mercedes-AMG Might Be Having a Windows Vista Moment With These Four-Cylinder Hybrids

Microsoft's Windows Vista, released in 2007, faced significant user dissatisfaction due to performance issues, compatibility problems, and crashes, despite its advanced features. Similarly, Mercedes-AMG's introduction of four-cylinder plug-in hybrid vehicles has led to discontent among enthusiasts, who miss the auditory excitement typical of high-performance cars. Reports indicate that Mercedes is shifting back to inline-sixes and V8 engines due to this disconnect with traditional customers. The four-cylinder AMG models, launched in 2022, may have a short legacy, with fewer than 100,000 units sold. AMG's boss, Michael Schiebe, acknowledged the need for better communication about the technology to customers and salespeople. The criticisms of the new models highlight a lack of the expected sound experience that performance car enthusiasts value.

Winsage

June 27, 2025

This city is dumping Microsoft Office and Windows for OnlyOffice and Linux

Lyon, the third-largest city in France, is transitioning from Microsoft’s Windows and Office suite to open-source alternatives such as Linux, OnlyOffice, NextCloud, and PostgreSQL. This move is part of a broader strategy among European governments to enhance digital sovereignty and reduce reliance on American technology firms due to concerns over data security and autonomy. The city is developing a collaborative suite called Territoire Numérique Ouvert in partnership with regional digital organizations, which will be hosted in local data centers. The migration process is already underway, with municipal workstations moving from Windows to Linux and Microsoft Office being replaced by OnlyOffice. Lyon expects direct cost savings from this migration, including extending the lifespan of municipal hardware and reducing electronic waste. Over 50% of public contracts related to this project have been awarded to firms within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, all to French companies. Training for approximately 10,000 civil servants began in June 2025 as part of the transition to Linux.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Microsoft Offers Free Windows 10 Extended Security Updates — Under One Condition

Microsoft is phasing out Windows 10 in October 2025, and users will lose security support unless they opt for an annual extended security update. However, Microsoft has introduced a free alternative that allows users to maintain security updates by activating cloud backup linked to their OneDrive accounts. As of May 2025, Windows 10 accounts for over 53% of installations. Users with a Microsoft account receive 5GB of free OneDrive storage, which may be insufficient for backup needs, potentially requiring a subscription for additional storage. Starting in July 2025, Microsoft will launch a sign-up wizard for the Extended Security Updates program, providing updates until October 13, 2026, with businesses able to purchase up to three additional years of updates. The transition to Windows 11 has been challenging, with many users reluctant to upgrade due to hardware issues and unpopular decisions.

Winsage

June 17, 2025

These 5 missing Windows 11 features are the most wanted among users

Microsoft's Feedback Hub was created to collect user suggestions for improving Windows 11. Five highly requested features identified by users include: 1. The ability to move the taskbar to the top or side of the screen, which has received 24,046 votes. 2. The option to completely disable recommendations in the Start menu, as users want to hide them permanently. 3. The ability to change the default search engine in Windows 11, which currently defaults to Bing and Microsoft Edge, with no plans for broader availability beyond the European Economic Area. 4. A reduction in Windows 11’s system requirements to allow it to run on older hardware, as many users cannot upgrade from Windows 10 due to current requirements like TPM 2.0. 5. More options for taskbar icons to optimize space, as the existing "never combine" mode has inconsistent behavior that frustrates users.

AppWizard

June 16, 2025

WhatsApp to start showing more adverts in messaging app

WhatsApp is launching three new advertising features to enhance user engagement without compromising private conversations. The platform will not use the encrypted content of users' messages for ads but will utilize data such as location, language, and ad interactions. Users linked to Facebook or Instagram will see personalized ads in a section called Updates at the bottom of the app. Businesses can promote their channels, attract followers, and offer subscription-based access, with WhatsApp taking a 10% commission on these fees. Firms can also use status updates for ads that direct users to chats. Concerns exist about potential user backlash if the app becomes cluttered with ads, particularly in regions like the UK and Europe. WhatsApp's head, Will Cathcart, reassured users that those who use the app solely for messaging will not be affected by the ad features. While the Updates section may not be popular in the UK, it has received a better response in other areas.

AppWizard

April 23, 2025

Instagram launches new video creation app Edits to rival TikTok

Meta has launched a new app called Edits, designed to simplify video creation and editing for smartphone users. The app allows users to craft and share videos across various social platforms, although it will not serve as a social media feed. Edits includes features like an "inspiration tab" for trending content and audio, as well as an "ideas" space to encourage creativity. The app aims to consolidate the video production process into a single platform, addressing the complexities of using multiple applications. This initiative follows Meta's previous efforts to adapt to changes in social media dynamics, including the launch of Threads in response to user dissatisfaction with Twitter's management.

Winsage

April 18, 2025

TranslucentTB is the best free program I use to make Windows 11 look even better

Windows 11 has limited customization options for the taskbar compared to previous versions, leading to user dissatisfaction. TranslucentTB is a free application that allows users to customize the taskbar's transparency and color independently from other elements, offering various effects such as Mica and Acrylic. Users can eliminate the taskbar's border and adjust transparency levels for a personalized appearance. The app also enables different transparency effects and colors based on specific scenarios, such as when no windows are open or when the Start menu is accessed. TranslucentTB is available on the Microsoft Store.

Winsage

April 16, 2025

TOS 6 in public preview for ARM shows we’re going to see many more NAS

Tailscale simplifies remote access to self-hosted services for home lab enthusiasts by eliminating the complexities of port forwarding and CGNAT issues. Nintendo's Switch 2 pricing strategy has faced backlash, while Sony has raised PlayStation 5 prices in Europe for both digital and disc editions. Microsoft removed the seconds display from the Windows 10 taskbar clock, prompting user dissatisfaction as part of a strategy to encourage upgrades to Windows 11. Windows 11 is set to receive a redesigned Start menu with features based on user feedback, although the implementation delay raises concerns. Google's phone app has improved spam filtering, particularly noted in regions like Portugal, despite occasional notification delays. Nvidia's upcoming RTX 5060 series shows promising thermal performance, but pricing details are still unclear. Beginners in 3D printing can benefit from using tree supports for intricate models to enhance the printing process. Discussions around effective backup strategies are crucial for data security, especially highlighted by World Backup Day. The General Purpose Media Interface (GPMI) introduced at CES 2025 may change A/V connectivity standards, particularly in China, while its adoption in Western markets is uncertain. The PocketCloud NAS features a docking station with an M.2 SSD slot, allowing for versatile data storage solutions.