Good news for Windows 10 users! Microsoft will continue sending regular updates until the operating system reaches its end of life in October 2025. Here’s the best part: these updates will be smaller in size, resulting in faster downloads and installations.

Windows 10 is using techniques from Windows 11 for more efficient packaging

While Windows 10 doesn’t have many new features coming its way, Microsoft is taking steps to streamline the update process. They’re borrowing a technique from Windows 11 that involves more efficient packaging and removing unnecessary elements from the update package. This will significantly reduce the file size without compromising on the core functionality or security patches.

Think of it as a more optimized way to deliver the essential updates you need. Windows 10 users will continue to receive the monthly Latest Cumulative Update (LCU) but in a smaller package.

If you’re sticking with Windows 10 for now, make sure your PC has the Windows 10 July 23, 2023 update (KB5028244) installed. Additionally, download and install the Servicing Stack Update (SSU) KB5031539 to ensure compatibility with these new, optimized updates.

RELATED:

• Microsoft is testing ads disguised as “Recommendations” in Windows 11
• Microsoft ends support for Android apps on Windows 11
• Get $100 OFF on Xiaomi 14 Pro at Giztop (1TB Variant)
• Lenovo Legion Y700 2024: Latest Gaming Tablet with Enhanced Display now available at Giztop
• REDMAGIC Magnetic VC Cooler 5 Pro now available at a discounted price at GeekWills
• 6 Amazing One UI 6.1 AI Features You Can’t Ignore

(VIA)

The post Microsoft Windows 10 Updates will Get Smaller in Size, Company is Streamlining the Update Process appeared first on Gizmochina.

Microsoft has recently taken a significant step in phasing out its Windows 10 Mobile platform by quietly shutting down the core functionalities of its Microsoft Store app store on this platform. This closure signifies the end of an era for Windows 10 Mobile and the classic generation of Windows Phone systems. The Lumia 950 series was the first to feature Windows 10 back in 2015.

Windows 10 Mobile App Store’s homepage is apparently not accessible

Users have reported that the store’s homepage is no longer accessible, and the pages designated for app downloads and updates fail to load correctly. Additionally, the app details page is experiencing intermittent issues. This decline in functionality follows Microsoft’s decision in December 2019 to end support for all Windows 10 Mobile devices, a move paralleled by the closure of the Windows Phone 8.1 store in the same period.

Despite the termination of device support, the Microsoft Store app store remained operational for a time. Microsoft had assured users that while the operating system would not receive further updates, the app store would continue to function, leaving the app and software support to the discretion of developers and OEMs.

An important feature of Windows 10 Mobile is its support for sideloading, allowing users to install applications outside of the Microsoft Store. This capability remains a vital alternative for users, especially in the wake of the store’s malfunction. Intriguingly, some users have reported that the store resumes normal function upon installing the latest offline package, suggesting a potential workaround for accessing the store’s services.

Microsoft has shifted its primary focus away from mobile platforms and is now concentrating on AI and the PC market. There have been rumors suggesting that the company is actively working on the development of Windows 12. Recently, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella made a significant statement, acknowledging that discontinuing Windows Phone was a mistake.

Despite the PC market being a lucrative area for Microsoft, the mobile device market is still expanding and evolving, especially with the emergence of new products like foldable devices. Many smartphone companies joined the market relatively late but have achieved success through perseverance. While Microsoft entered the smartphone arena somewhat belatedly, it was during the early days of smartphones, and thus, missed out on this opportunity.

RELATED:

• Microsoft reverses course, plans to release standalone Office 2024
• Microsoft briefly restricted its employees from using ChatGPT due to security issues
• Microsoft to Give Xbox Game Makers the Power to Create Games Like Never Before
• Xiaomi 14 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro: Specs Comparison
• Xiaomi 14 vs iPhone 15: Specs Comparison
• Best Baby Monitors of 2023: Wyze, Nanit, Eufy and more

(Via)

The post Microsoft appears to quietly close Windows 10 Mobile App Store appeared first on Gizmochina.

Microsoft recently announced the discontinuation of three older services in Windows as part of its long-term strategy to enhance the operating system. This decision aligns with the company’s commitment to removing outdated features and services that no longer align with their vision while consistently introducing new enhancements. Here are the details…

Microsoft Phasing Out Outdated Features for Improved Windows

The three services being removed are Computer Browser, Web Client (WebDAV), and Remote Mailslot, as outlined in an online document tracking deprecated Windows features. This information was shared by @XenoPanther on Twitter. Although each of these services once served specific functions, they have become outdated and present security risks.

The Computer Browser service, including its associated driver and device location protocol, is considered insecure. Initially disabled by default with the removal of Server Message Block version 1 (SMB1) in Windows 10, this move aimed to bolster security within the operating system.

The WebDAV API, an HTTP extension introduced with Windows Vista, is no longer started by default in current Windows versions, reflecting a shift away from its use due to the emergence of newer technologies.

Lastly, Remote Mailslots, an Inter-Process Communication (IPC) protocol introduced with MS-DOS, is considered severely outdated and insecure. A high-ranking Microsoft executive earlier this year described this protocol as “disgusting” and emphasized the urgent need for its removal. While these features are marked for discontinuation, it’s important to note that they haven’t been completely removed yet. They will persist in Windows for now, but Microsoft will not invest in these services or actively update them.

The gradual phasing out of these old services is anticipated in a future version of Windows, although Microsoft has not provided a specific timeline for this transition at the moment.

RELATED:

• Best Baby Monitors of 2023: Wyze, Nanit, Eufy and more
• Xiaomi 14 Pro Full Review: Maybe It Should be Named as Xiaomi 14 Plus
• Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Xiaomi 14 Pro: Specs Comparison
• Alleged Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro Specs Surface Online
• Xiaomi 14 vs Xiaomi 14 Pro: Specs Comparison

The post Microsoft Announces Discontinuation of Three Windows Services for Enhanced Security appeared first on Gizmochina.

We are now way past Windows 10, and even Microsoft has confirmed that it will no longer receive any major updates. The 22H2 version was supposed to be the final feature update for the popular operating system. However, it seems Microsoft can’t help but bring new features to Windows 10, as it is now getting a surprise change in File Explorer.

As Neowin reports, Microsoft recently released a non-security update for Windows 10 that includes a Windows Backup app and a new button in File Explorer for backing up files to OneDrive. The new Windows Backup app is a simplified version of the previous backup tool in Windows 10. It makes it easier to back up your files to a local drive or to OneDrive.

The outlet notes the new button in File Explorer makes it easy to back up your documents, pictures, downloads, and other files to OneDrive. When you click the button, OneDrive will automatically back up the selected files to the cloud.

Microsoft has yet to officially announce the new “Start backup” button. However, Neowin has discovered a workaround. You can enable this feature on your Windows 10 PC by downloading ViVeTool from GitHub. Before that, ensure that you’ve enrolled in the OneDrive Insider Preview program and downloaded Windows 10 KB5029331.

Microsoft notes the highlights of this month’s non-security update include:

• New! This update improves how Windows detects your location. This helps to give you better weather, news, and traffic information.
• New! This update expands the roll out of notification badging for Microsoft accounts on the Start menu. A Microsoft account is what connects Windows to your Microsoft apps. The account backs up all your data and helps you to manage your subscriptions. You can also add extra security steps to keep you from being locked out of your account. This feature gives you quick access to important account-related notifications.
• This update supports daylight saving time (DST) changes in Israel.
• This update addresses an issue that affects the display of the search box.
• This update addresses an issue that affects settings. They do not sync even if you turn on the toggle on the Windows backup page in the Settings app.

RELATED:

• How to Remove Words from Predictive Text on iPhone
• YouTube is Taking Steps to Earn Revenue From AI-Generated Music
• Adobe Express brings AI-powered tools with Adobe Firefly
• AI is being Used to Ban Books in a School District in the United States
• Microsoft and Japan Partner to Bring AI to the Government: Efficient or Dangerous?

The post Windows 10 gets new changes in File Explorer with surprise update appeared first on Gizmochina.

A common and often overlooked feature on Windows is now causing debates as a significant number of Windows 11 and Windows 10 users are facing an unexpected issue with the “Update and Shut Down” option. Instead of powering down the system after applying updates, the operating system reboots and returns to the login screen, causing confusion and frustration among affected users.

Reports of this behavior have surfaced on various platforms, including Reddit and the Feedback Hub, indicating that the problem is not isolated to a few individuals. This inconsistency is inconvenient, especially for those trying to disconnect devices or save power overnight. The expectation that “Update and Shut Down” should lead to a complete shutdown is logical, but the current behavior leaves systems at the login screen instead.

The Role of Fast Startup Feature in ‘Update and Shut Down’ Misbehavior

A former Microsoft developer offered insights into potential reasons behind this behavior. One possible cause is the Fast Startup feature, which is meant to accelerate boot times. During the shutdown process, Fast Startup stores system data to a file, inadvertently triggering a restart during update installation instead of a full shutdown.

Additionally, if a system hasn’t been updated for a while or a previous update was incomplete, Windows 10 or 11 might require a restart to finalize the installation. Consequently, selecting “Update and Shut Down” may not deliver the expected outcome, leading to a reboot instead.

This issue isn’t exclusive to Windows 11 and 10, as users have also reported encountering it in Windows 7 and 8. While there is no official confirmation from Microsoft regarding future fixes, improvements in the command’s wording could be expected to alleviate the confusion surrounding the feature.

In the meantime, users are advised to be cautious when using the “Update and Shut Down” option and consider manual restarts if a complete shutdown is necessary.

RELATED:

• Windows Copilot: The AI Assistant That’s Changing the Way We Use Our Computers
• Latest Apple Music Update for Windows Brings Scrolling Lyrics
• Microsoft is finally bringing Windows Vista-like gadgets to Windows 11 desktop
• Best smartwatch for Running 2023 – Garmin, Apple, Polar & more
• Best Docks for Mac 2023 – Anker, Belkin, Baseus & More

(Via)

The post Windows 10 and 11 users facing inconsistent ‘Update and Shut Down’ issue appeared first on Gizmochina.

The era of Windows 10 is coming to an end, as Microsoft recently confirmed that the upcoming 22H2 version will be the final feature update for the popular operating system. According to the tech giant, all editions of Windows 10 22H2, including Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education, Pro Education, Workstation Pro, and IoT Enterprise, will end support on October 14, 2025.

Over 73% of Windows PCs are still Running Windows 10

Jason Leznek, principal product manager for Windows servicing and delivery at Microsoft, emphasized the importance of transitioning to Windows 11, which will receive ongoing feature updates. He recommended users make the move as soon as possible to benefit from the latest features and security updates. Despite this advice, Valve‘s March 2023 survey and StatCounter’s Windows market share statistics indicate that over 73% of Windows PCs still use Windows 10 today.

While the end of feature updates for Windows 10 might seem like bad news, Microsoft assures users that all versions will receive monthly security updates until October 14, 2025. Additionally, Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) releases will continue to receive updates according to their specific lifecycle. Windows 10 LTSC editions, for instance, will end mainstream support in January 2027, except for IoT Enterprise, which will receive support until January 2032.

In a separate announcement, Microsoft also revealed its plan to release the long-term support version of Windows 11 in the second half of 2024. The new version will include Windows 11 Enterprise Edition LTSC and Windows 11 Internet of Things Enterprise Edition LTSC, the first LTSC version of Windows 11 with a support cycle of up to 5 years.

RELATED:

• Apple iMessages are finally making their way to Windows 11
• New Windows update allows the use of ChatGPT on Windows 11 without opening your browser
• Realme Narzo N55 Becomes Best Selling Smartphone On The First Day Of Sale On Amazon

(Via)

The post Microsoft Confirms Windows 10 22H2 as Final Update: What it means for Users appeared first on Gizmochina.

After a long wait of five years, Microsoft has finally fixed a bug in Windows Defender that was causing high CPU usage when Firefox was open. The issue had been affecting users since May 2018, and was not limited to Windows 11, but also prevalent on Windows 10 systems. Here are the details…

Microsoft fixes 5 year old Windows Defender bug that affected Firefox’s performance

The problem arose when Firefox was running, leading Windows Defender’s Antimalware Service Executable (Msmpeng.exe) to act up, causing a significant increase in CPU usage. Users reported that their PCs would lag while using the browser, and the issue was found to be limited to Firefox, as it did not affect other browsers like Chrome and Edge.

Investigations revealed that Windows Defender’s real-time protection was the root cause, invoking VirtualProtect multiple times. Mozilla’s engineers worked with Microsoft’s team to address the problem, eventually concluding that the calls to VirtualProtect were abnormally high, leading to the performance issue. Disabling JIT in about:config mitigated the problem but did not completely solve the CPU usage issue.

Microsoft addressed the bug by releasing a beta version of Defender’s engine (1.1.20200.2), which was tested and later pushed to the stable channel of the antivirus definitions. A comparison graph shared by Mozilla engineer Yannis Juglaret shows a nearly 75% reduction in CPU usage as a result of the fix.

The bug was patched in the March 2023 update (released on April 4th), which bumps the app’s version number to 4.18.2302.x and updates the engine to version 1.1.20200.4. The fix is also being deployed for Windows 7 and 8.1 users, even though they were not affected by the problem.

To check if you have the latest version of the DLL, go to C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Definition Updates, open the folder with a long alphanumeric name, right-click on mpengine.dll, select Properties, switch to the Details tab, and check the product version, which should be 1.1.20200.4. While this patch only applies to Windows Defender, some users have reported similar issues with other antivirus programs like Norton Antivirus. Mozilla is already working on additional improvements to address the issue with other security applications.

RELATED:

• Best Smart Light Bulbs 2023
• Microsoft accidentally confirms upcoming Windows 11 22H2 Moment 3 Update
• Xiaomi needs to fix its smartphone portfolio in India
• Microsoft Edge Brings DALL-E-Powered AI Image Creator to Your Desktop
• Xiaomi Granted Patent for Unique Foldable Phone and Camera Technology

(via)

The post Microsoft Fixes 5-Year-Old Windows Defender Bug Affecting Firefox’s Performance appeared first on Gizmochina.

After announcing the closed beta back in 2022, Google has now officially released the open beta of its “Google Play Games for PC” desktop application for Windows 10 and Windows 11, promising “bigger, bolder experiences of mobile games on Google’s gaming platform for PC”.

According to the service’s official landing page, “Google Play Games” is a PC application that lets you browse, download, and play select popular mobile games on a Windows desktop or laptop. Besides enjoying your favourite Android games on a PC, you’ll have keyboard and mouse access, seamless sync across devices, and integration with Google Play Points.

Besides the original 3 regions listed in the limited beta (Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan), Google Play Games beta has officially been rolled out to more countries and regions worldwide. The open beta has been expanded to 10 more countries, which are respectively Australia, Brazil, Canada, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and the United States. Anyone in these regions with an eligible account can download the beta directly from the Google Play Games for PC page. 

Google has outlined several minimum requirements to download Google Play Games on PC, and they are as follows:

• OS: Windows 10 (v2004)
• Storage: Solid state drive (SSD) with 10 GB of available storage space
• Graphics: IntelⓇ UHD Graphics 630 GPU or comparable
• Processor: 4 CPU physical cores
• Memory: 8 GB of RAM
• Windows admin account
• Hardware virtualization must be turned on

Google clarifies that currently, over 100 games are available across the beta regions. The company is adding games to the service on a regular basis, so it encourages users to check back often to see what’s new.

In addition to the gaming hub service, Google Play Games also offers users to earn rewards as they play. As stated, with Google Play Points, you’ll earn points on everything you buy with Google Play Games, including in-app items and subscriptions. You can rack up and redeem Play Points on your PC through the same process you use on your mobile device.

As for an official release, Google has stated that the official release date of the service will vary according to the region, and the company is looking to expand the service to more regions later this year. And for availability on macOS, Google commented that Google Play Games is not yet available for Mac.

RELATED:

• Google Pixel Buds App Reveals Incoming Spatial Audio With Head Tracking Update For The Buds Pro
• YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki Is Stepping Down; Neal Mohan To Take Over
• Google’s AI Chatbot Bard Causes $100 Billion Loss with Wrong James Webb Answer

(Source)

The post Android Games Now Playable on Windows 10 and 11: Here’s How appeared first on Gizmochina.

Ads in every aspect of our daily lives. We encounter ads while watching YouTube videos, browsing social media, and even on the interface of our phones. This is because it is a crucial source of revenue for companies. Advertising is the primary income for companies such as Google, Meta, Twitter, and many others. Microsoft wants a piece of the cake too. Unfortunately, doesn’t implement a correct method for this The company is showing some users unskippable full-screen ads for Microsoft 365 trials. Here are the details…

Microsoft is displaying unskippable full-screen Microsoft 365 trial ads to some users

Microsoft is showing some users unskippable full-screen ads for Microsoft 365 trials. The ad is displayed to users as soon as Windows 10 boots up, hindering them from accessing the desktop until they are unwillingly forced to accept the free trial. If there was an option to skip, the issue would not be as severe. However, users were upset because there was no visible way to bypass it.

Selecting “No, thanks” would still redirect them to a page confirming payment, requiring them to initiate the trial or face a charge of $109 per month after the trial period ends. This was seen as intrusive and lacking in consent by some users. While it is possible that the behavior is just a bug, as other similar ads have had working skip buttons, users have found a workaround by disconnecting from the internet during the setup process.

Unfortunately, Mocrosoft has not yet made a statement on the issue. However, after the reactions from users, it is expected that this application will be abandoned, error or not.

RELATED:

• Microsoft Integrates ChatGPT with Teams Premium to Make Meetings AI-Powered
• Windows 11 Dev Build 25284 Adds Phone Link Widget for Easier Phone Access
• Microsoft Hosted A Private Concert For Its Execs In Davos, Before Announcing 10000 Job Cuts:…
• Scam Alert: Microsoft’s VALL-E Can Replicate Any Voice In Three Seconds
• Microsoft Xbox Series S Price Hiked Up in India Again

(via)

The post Microsoft’s Unskippable Microsoft 365 Trial Ad Draws Criticism from Windows Users appeared first on Gizmochina.

Windows 10 was released in the year 2015. At the time of its launch, it was one of the biggest Windows overhauls. The upgrade brought forth a refreshed UI, a new Start Menu, and Direct X 12 support. Eight years later, Microsoft is finally planning to stop selling Windows 10 licenses to users before the end of January 2023. 

Microsoft is the biggest PC Operating System manufacturer in the market. In 2021, the company unveiled Windows 11, the latest addition to its OS lineup. Windows 11 introduced a newer design, Android app integration and better virtual desktop support. Recent notices posted on the Windows 10 pages on Microsoft’s official website indicate that the company will not allow users to download Windows 10 digitally after January. However, Microsoft will continue to provide support for Windows 10 for some more years. 

By not selling Windows 10 license keys anymore, Microsoft wants to ensure that more new users get on Windows 11 as they start using new PCs. There is a catch, though. Those who are interested in purchasing licensed copies of Windows 10 after January 31, 2023, can do so by contacting third-party retailers. They are bound to have existing stores of Windows 10 licenses. OEM copies of Windows 10 are also purchasable via Amazon. If you are looking to build a PC with Windows 10, it might be useful to stock up on license keys for future use. 

For those who don’t have a specific preference for their operating system, Windows 11 is a great choice since it will receive security updates for an extended amount of time. Windows 11 is also optimized to support games and allow the integration of Android applications within the OS, making it a great dynamic environment for a variety of tasks. Regardless, both Windows 10 and Windows 11 are very capable operating systems; keep in mind that Windows 10 licenses will become more expensive as time goes by.

RELATED:

• Surface Duo 3 Could be Microsoft’s First Foldable Display Phone, Surface Phone Could be in Works
• How to Install Windows 11 on Xiaomi Pad 5
• Microsoft Xbox Series S Price Hiked Up in India Again

(Source, Via)

The post Microsoft To Stop the Sale of Windows 10 License Keys Soon appeared first on Gizmochina.

Microsoft released the ISO file for Windows 11 beta two months after making it available to the members of the Windows Insiders program. So, now’s the time if you wanted to clean install Windows 11 and check out the new features before anyone else.

So you may ask what the benefit of an ISO file is? Well, first, you can clean install Windows 11 on a virtual machine before installing Windows 10 on your system. Second, you can run Windows 11 on pretty much every compatible device just by installing it like early versions of Windows.

You will need to register for the Windows Insider program to download the ISO file for Windows 11. You can head over to Windows Insider’s official website and register yourself for free today. 

The ISO file comes with a build number 22000.132. However, the latest version of the operating system is Build 22000.160, so you might need to update your system after installing the ISO file. The new ISO brings a new OOBE (out of box experience), which introduces a new setup processor and the ability to rename your PC during the installation. The new ISO also shows the estimated time left for the software installation.

The new build does miss out on some features. There’s still no support for Android apps, and the Amazon App Store is still missing. However, these features are expected to roll out in the coming months.

The next generation of Windows comes with some compatibility hiccups, which has been a topic of debate for some time now. The major outrage is about the need for having TMP 2.0 supported CPUs, leaving a huge number of old PCs in the dark. Windows 11 is scheduled to release as a free upgrade for every Windows 10 user later this year.

RECOMMENDED

• Microsoft makes it harder to switch default Edge browser in Windows 11
• Microsoft Windows 11 receives new Snipping tool and app updates
• Windows 11 on Microsoft’s Lumia 950 XL smartphone gets a new Dialer

The post Windows 11 Insider Preview ISO is now available to download for everyone appeared first on Gizmochina.

Microsoft pushed the Insider’s preview build yesterday, and it has made developers go ahead and experiment with their systems. Keeping aside the usual PCs, a developer went ahead and installed the latest Windows 11 software on a half a decade old Microsoft Lumia 950 XL smartphone, a phone favorite among Windows developers. 

I got asked to make a video of Windows 11 on the Lumia 950 XL, so here you go:

A (very) quick (and rushed) look at Windows 11 running on a Lumia 950 XL after a day of workhttps://t.co/ziYixQCOZ7

— Gustave Monce (@gus33000) June 29, 2021

The developer Gustave Monce successfully installed Windows 11 preview build on the Lumia 950 XL. Not to forget that the handset is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon series chipset and does have ARM-based support. In a video shared by the developer, the smartphone runs the full version of Windows 11 without major issues. 

The video further shows the smartphone did lag a bit while opening certain apps, but as compared to the older Windows 10, it had no issues running the latest software. This shows the compatibility of the latest software skin from Microsoft and also paves the way for more ARM-based devices to run the new OS. 

As of now, Microsoft has confirmed that the all-new Windows 11 can run on newer computers – those running Intel 8th generation chipsets and AMD Zen 2 chipsets or higher, and on Qualcomm 7 and 8 Series devices. It also supports ARM-based devices including smartphones and other ARM-based gadgets. 

In related news, users have also managed to run Windows 11 on ARM-based Raspberry Pi 4. It was based on a Broadcom processor, which is already compatible with Windows 10. Interestingly, users reported that the latest Windows 11 was faster than  Windows 10 OS. 

Related: 

• Microsoft clarifies Minimum System requirements for Windows 11, Removes PC Health Check tool
• Windows 10X spotted running on a Nokia Lumia 950 XL
• Microsoft brings Android apps to Windows 11 through Amazon Appstore
• Microsoft reveals Windows 10 support will end Oct. 2025, new proof Windows 11 is…
• Microsoft patents Logo shaped under-display camera tech for Surface devices

The post Windows 11 spotted running on half a decade old Microsoft Lumia 950 XL appeared first on Gizmochina.

Microsoft has scheduled June 24 as the date for the unveiling of a new version of Windows. While it didn’t officially reveal what the new version will be called, there are speculations it will launch as Windows 11. Now, an updated support page for Windows 10 lends credence to those speculations.

A support life cycle page for Windows 10 that was recently updated has revealed that support for the operating system will end on October 14, 2025. That is about 3 months after its 10th anniversary. It has been reported that the support page mentions Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro (including Pro Education and Pro for Workstations).

This new development has led to the belief that the new version of Windows that will be unveiled next week will definitely not launch as Windows 10. While the name is still unconfirmed, Microsoft is expected to continue the numerical naming scheme, so Windows 11 seems logical.

The new version of Windows should come with changes in the user interface as well as lots of new features, some of which were expected to launch with the now-canceled Windows 10X.

RELATED:

• Microsoft’s Your Phone App extends its multi-app multitasking feature to more Samsung devices
• Apple announces iOS 15 with improvements to Facetime, Apple Maps, and a few other tweaks
• Google Chrome OS stable update releases will shift to a 4-week cycle in Q4

The post Microsoft reveals Windows 10 support will end Oct. 2025, new proof Windows 11 is coming appeared first on Gizmochina.

It has been six years since Microsoft first announced Windows 10. The operating system has received several updates that bring new features since then but Microsoft has stuck to the same name. Come June 24, the tech giant will announce a new version of Windows.

Yes, a new version of Windows is coming at the end of the month according to a quoted tweet by Yusuf Mehdi, the Corporate Vice President, Modern Life, Search & Devices Group, at Microsoft. The executive quoted a tweet by the official Windows account that said there will be an event on June 24. While the original tweet didn’t say what the launch is for, a teaser video included hints at it being related to the Windows operating system. However, it is Mr. Mehdi that lets the cat out of the bag when he reveals that it is for a new version of Windows.

I haven’t been this excited for a new version of @Windows since Windows 95! Although I don’t remember the box being that big. Make sure you save the date for June 24! #MicrosoftEvent https://t.co/j80Sh9rwos pic.twitter.com/XgfEI2qxqG

— Yusuf Mehdi (@yusuf_i_mehdi) June 2, 2021

It has been reported that Microsoft has also sent out invites for the event and that CEO, Satya Nadella, as well as Chief Product Officer, Panos Panay, will be presenting at the event.

There are speculations that this new version will launch as Windows 11 citing the teaser in the tweet above and the fact that the event is scheduled for 11 AM. Regardless of what it will be called, the new version is expected to come with visual changes such as new icons, an imprved file explorer, and improved Bluetooth audio support. We should also see some of the features that were said to have been taken from the now killed Windows 10X operating system.

We are excited for this new version of Windows and can’t wait to see what Microsoft has in store for us.

RELATED:

• Microsoft’s Your Phone App extends its multi-app multitasking feature to more Samsung devices
• Microsoft to finally remove Adobe Flash from Windows 10 in July 2021
• Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 arrives in India in AMD and Intel variants, starts at Rs 1,02,999

The post Microsoft to unveil a new version of Windows on June 24 appeared first on Gizmochina.

Microsoft has launched the Surface Laptop 4 in India. The new notebooks have arrived in two screen options such as 13.5-inch and 15-inch. Both models carry support for a 3:2 aspect ratio. These notebooks are powered by AMD Ryzen 5 / Ryzen 7 and 11^th generation Intel Core i5 / i7 processors.

The Surface Laptop 4 has a 3:2 PixelSense touchscreen display. It offers up to 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of SSD storage. The notebook runs on Windows 10 and comes with support Window Hello face recognition.

The notebook has a decent keyboard, which is flanked with a large-sized trackpad with gestures support. The company claims that the Intel variant offers up to 17 hours of battery life, whereas the AMD edition can last for up to 19 hours. Other features of the laptop include an HD front camera, Omnisonic speakers with Dolby Atmos support, a studio microphone array, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-A, USB-C, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

RELATED:

• China accuses ByteDance, LinkedIn, Microsoft & others of improperly collecting user data
• Microsoft confirms that it has pulled the plug on Windows 10X
• Microsoft Surface Duo sale offers the dual display device for 50% off

The post Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 arrives in India in AMD and Intel variants, starts at Rs 1,02,999 appeared first on Gizmochina.

Microsoft has made multiple attempts at launching a lite version of Windows but they either failed or didn’t pick up, or in the case of Windows 10X, never got to launch. The tech giant has revealed that the much-awaited version of Windows that is supposed to take on Chrome OS has now been canceled.

In a statement released by the company for the Windows 10 May 2021 update, John Cable, the vice president, Windows Servicing and Delivery, said Windows 10X will not make it to market but some of its key foundational technology will be integrated into Windows and other products.

“Instead of bringing a product called Windows 10X to market in 2021 like we originally intended, we are leveraging learnings from our journey thus far and accelerating the integration of key foundational 10X technology into other parts of Windows and products at the company,”

He goes on to say that the technology of Windows 10X can be useful in more ways and should not be limited to a category of users which is why it took the decision not to launch the product anymore.

Some of the features of Windows 10X are said to be integrated into Windows Insider preview builds. These include “Microsoft Defender Application Guard, an enhanced Voice Typing experience, and a modernized touch keyboard with optimized key sizing, sounds, colors, and animations”.

Windows 10X was originally supposed to come bundled with dual-screen devices such as the delayed Surface Neo. However, Microsoft said it was shifting the target to single-screen laptops. There are speculations that the Surface Neo may eventually be canceled.

RELATED:

• Microsoft Surface Duo sale offers the dual-display device for 50% off
• Microsoft to finally remove Adobe Flash from Windows 10 in July 2021
• ASUS Zenfone 8 will receive at least two major OS upgrades

The post Microsoft confirms that it has pulled the plug on Windows 10X appeared first on Gizmochina.

Microsoft is set to start the complete removal of the Adobe Flash from Windows 10 in this summer. The company will roll out a Windows 10 update for the “Removal of Adobe Flash Player,” which would permanently remove Flash as a part of the operating system.

According to TheVerge report, the new update will become mandatory in July 2021 and will mark the update to Windows 10 version 21H1 that is expected to start rolling this month. Notably, the update that removes Adobe Flash will also be arriving for older Windows versions as well, This includes Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012, and Windows Embedded 8 Standard. The tech giant also announced the timeline in an update to a blog post.

Similar to its OS, Microsoft has already been working on removing Flash support from its Microsoft Edge browser with an update that many users would have received an installed automatically. Now, the company will be removing the feature that arrives along with Windows itself. Although, the firm announced in an update note that it will not remove a version of Adobe Flash Player that is installed manually for third party sources.

For those unaware, Adobe Flash has already been facing its end for a few years now, with major browsers the end of support for the software. Interestingly, Adobe themselves have stopped supporting the legacy format at the end of last year. But with the interesting of preserving internet history, the Internet Archive has offered backups for thousands of old Flash games and animations.

RELATED:

• Microsoft’s new Modern hardware for PCs include headphones, speaker, and a webcam
• Adobe Photoshop Express and Lightroom add lens correction profiles for Huawei P40 Pro and a plethora of Apple devices
• Adobe officially ends support for Flash, recommends uninstallation
• Top stories from last week: ZTE and Sony announce new flagships, TCL’s new foldable concept phone is lit, Microsoft has a new Surface Laptop, and more

The post Microsoft to finally remove Adobe Flash from Windows 10 in July 2021 appeared first on Gizmochina.

Samsung and Microsoft are long time partners. Recently, they had extended the partnership for further digital transformation in real estate and property management. Now, Samsung is bringing its services to Microsoft’s Windows 10 platform as a report by ALumia says Quick Share, Samsung Free, and Samsung O are coming to the Microsoft store.

Samsung’s Quick Share is an answer to Apple’s AirDrop. It allows seamless sharing of Photos, Videos, and Documents across devices. Now, this App is reportedly appearing on Microsoft Store for a few. Although it is yet to reach everyone, users who have One UI 2.0 and above on Galaxy devices can enjoy this feature.

Once available, you can use the Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth, or Samsung’s SmartThings platform(eligible ones) to share content from Phone to Laptop/Desktop.

In addition to the Quick Share, Windows 10 users will also get other apps like SamsungFree and Samsung O. Here, the Samsung Free was formerly called Samsung Daily. It is like a one-stop-shop for News, TV, and Play.

For the TV section, the App will reportedly show exclusive content that is available on the Samsung TV Plus. For the unware, this video rental service launched in 2016. However, it made the service and expanded to more galaxy phones last year.

The Samsung TV Plus includes a collection of Documentaries, and other entertainment services from over 150 channels. That said, the SamsungFree will also have a News section(News from Various sources compiled), and a Play section(Free Games).

That said, the Samsung O for Windows 10 is currently a mystery. The report says that this could be a clone app of some kind. This service is said to roll out on the Microsoft Store in a few days and let’s wait to find out what it brings to the Windows’ table.

RELATED:

• Samsung Galaxy A12 Indian variant’s details leaked, likely to launch in next few days
• Samsung Galaxy S21 FE tipped to be in the works, Key Specs revealed
• Samsung Display to setup new production line for notebook OLED panels

(via)

The post Samsung’s Quick Share along with Samsung ‘Free’ and ‘O’ coming to Windows 10 soon: Report appeared first on Gizmochina.

The Microsoft Your Phone app has become useful too for many Windows 10 users by allowing them to pair their Android devices with PCs. Unfortunately, the amount of compatible devices on the list is still limited so LG has rolled out its own Windows 10 app to pair your LG handset with your PC.

According to a Softpedia report, LG is launching the new Windows 10 app as its mobile phone isn’t on the compatible list for the Microsoft Your Phone app, which supports devices like Samsung flagship handset. In other words, the South Korean tech giant isn’t waiting for Microsoft to bring its devices in the compatibility list but and is launching its own service, which will allow users to sync their smartphone with Windows 10 that is already live in the Microsoft Store at the moment.

The new app is called Virtoo, which utilizes Bluetooth to pair your PC with your smartphone. This also enabled the PC to gain access to certain smartphone functionalities directly from the computer. As per official notes, “Virtoo by LG is a smartphone app for LG PC users. It allows a Bluetooth connection between a smartphone and a PC to enable users to use various smartphone functions on the PC. Use Virtoo by LG to enjoy a more comfortable computing environment.”

Keep in mind, however, that not every LG handset model will be supported and not all features will be available for everybody. Meaning, there will be some limitations despite the company launching its own dedicated app to sync Windows 10 devices. Although, the new app will allow users to send messages from their PCs, access to the media stored on the phone, make calls, and even all contacts and allow screen mirroring as well.

RELATED:

• LG’s profit in 2020 hit a record high but the mobile phone arm fails to rebound
• LG & Qualcomm partners to jointly develop a 5G in-vehicle platform
• Samsung, LG, and TCL’s competition will intensify in 2021 over MiniLED TVs

The post LG rolls out Windows 10 app to pair your smartphone with PCs appeared first on Gizmochina.

Earlier this year, Apple announced that the company will be launching its ARM-based Apple Silicon. Recently, with the launch of new Apple M1-chipset powered Mac devices, the company officially started the transition process from Intel to Apple Silicon.

Now, as per the report from Bloomberg News, Microsoft is also following the lead of Apple and is reportedly working on its own ARM-based chipset. The company is developing the new chip with Windows 10 support and is mainly for the data centers but is also expected to power Surface devices.

The Redmond-based tech giant is currently using Intel-based processors for the majority of its Azure cloud services. Also, the company’s Surface devices lineup is powered by Intel processors. But now, it seems that Microsoft is ready to move on.

The company recently worked with AMD and Qualcomm for designing custom chips for the Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Pro X, underlining the fact that Intel could get replaced soon. But similar to the process of Apple, it is likely to happen in a phased manner.

Microsoft is reportedly working on offering devices with ARM-based chipset for quite some time now and is also improving its support for Windows 10 operating system. However, unlike Apple, the company has a much wider footprint of technology.

EDITOR’S PICK: Chinese chipset maker SMIC says ban by the U.S. will affect advanced chip development

Its product is used by different manufacturers and is powered by different chipsets. Thus, whatever Microsoft creates need to have wider compatibility and be universal. It will be interesting to see the development in this area.

Apart from Apple and Microsoft, Amazon also possesses a threat to Intel as well as AMD. The eCommerce giant, which is also the leading cloud infrastructure provider with AWS, has its own ARM-based Graviton2 processors.

Although the new chipsets based on ARM architecture offer better performance, longer battery life, and are cheaper, they still have a smaller market share and the majority of the market is dominated by Intel and AMD.

UP NEXT: Upcoming OPPO Reno5 Pro+ confirmed to feature Sony IMX766 50MP camera

The post Microsoft is reportedly working on its own ARM-based chipset appeared first on Gizmochina.

Thanks to Nokia’s licensing agreements, the Nokia brand name is not only found on phones but also on TVs, streaming boxes, and now, laptops. Technically, Nokia laptops are not new as there was a netbook called the Nokia Booklet 3G that was announced back in 2009. This new computer coming out soon is the Nokia PureBook X14 and it has been spotted on Flipkart ahead of its launch.

The listing has now been deleted but Tushar Mehta of XDA-Developers was able to get screenshots. Details provided by the listing reveal the Nokia PureBook X14 will have a 14-inch FHD LED display with side bezels that measure 4.8mm in thickness. It is powered by an Intel 10th Gen Core-i5 processor paired with 8GB of RAM and 512GB NVMe SSD storage.

Nokia's upcoming notebook is already listed on Flipkart with a price of Rs 90k.

It comes with:
• 10th Gen Intel i5
• 512GB NVMe SSD
• 8GB RAM
• 14" Full HD LED display pic.twitter.com/LBVN8lhsGO

— Tushar Mehta (@thetymonbay) December 12, 2020

For connectivity, there are two USB 3 ports, one USB 2.0 port, one USB-C port, an ethernet port, an HDMI port, a microphone+audio jack combo port, and a barrel-type charging port. The notebook supports 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi and also has Bluetooth 5.1, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos. The PureBook X14 will be available in Matte Black and will run Windows 10 Home out of the box.

EDITOR’S PICK: Nokia 5.4 full specifications leak online ahead of launch

The listing also states that one of the selling points of the laptop is its weight. With its magnesium-aluminum alloy body, the Nokia PureBook X14’s weight is just 1.1 kilograms.

Coming to the price, the Nokia PureBook X14 will cost a pretty penny. The Flipkart listing shows that the price tag is INR 90,000 (~$1,220). That is nearly double the INR 54,999 (~$745) price of the Mi Notebook 14 Horizon which has an Intel 10th Gen Core i7 processor, NVIDIA MX350 graphics card, 8GB RAM, and 512GB NVMe SSD storage.

There is still no official release date but we won’t be surprised if it launches this week. We also expect to see more models, hopefully, more affordable ones, in the near future.

UP NEXT: New Nokia phone to debut on December 15 in China

The post Nokia PureBook X14 listing appears on Flipkart with a heavy price tag appeared first on Gizmochina.

Apple’s newly launched Mac devices powered by the company’s new ARM-based M1 chipset have been well received. Everyone, including Apple fanboys and skeptics, are surprised by the performance improvements offered by this new Apple Silicon-powered devices.

However, one of the drawbacks of the new devices is the ability to run the Windows operating system and even Apple’s official method to do so, using Bootcamp, isn’t possible at this time. This is because the Windows OS is built for x86 chipsets while the new Apple M1 is based on ARM.

But surprisingly, a developer named Alexander Graf has managed to successfully run virtualized Windows 10 on ARM on the new M1-powered MacBook. He used a modified version of QEMU, open-source virtualization and machine emulation software, to run an Insider Preview of Windows 10 ARM. He also utilized Apple’s own Hypervisor framework which is designed for virtualization purposes.

Who said Windows wouldn't run well on #AppleSilicon? It's pretty snappy here . #QEMU patches for reference: https://t.co/qLQpZgBIqI pic.twitter.com/G1Usx4TcvL

— Alexander Graf (@_AlexGraf) November 26, 2020

EDITOR’S PICK: Magfaster Magnetic Touchpad Introduced by Kickstarter offers Seamless Wireless Charging

Alexander Graf is claiming snappy and smooth performance of the Windows operating system on his MacBook but other users who tried to replicate the same have reported some issues. There were issues related to connectivity, which now seems to have been fixed.

This is a really interesting development and we expect more such work to keep surfacing online until we get an official solution, either from Apple or Microsoft.

Another interesting outcome is performance. The benchmark result of the Windows 10 ARM running on the Apple M1-powered MacBooks indicates that it is performing better than Microsoft’s own Surface Pro X. Based on the scores, it seems that the M1 is about 60% to 85% faster than the fastest Windows on ARM devices available right now.

UP NEXT: Realme Ace flagship smartphone powered by Snapdragon 875 and superfast charging revealed to be in the works

The post Apple M1-powered MacBook successfully runs Windows 10 appeared first on Gizmochina.

Microsoft is having a second attempt at bringing Android apps to Windows 10. The first attempt was in 2015 and was called Project Astoria which would bring support for Android apps to Windows 10 Mobile but was eventually canceled in 2018. This second attempt has been dubbed “Project Latte” and its goal is to bring Android apps to Windows 10 as early as next year.

A report by Windows Central says that the new project will most likely be powered by Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). When it goes live, developers will be able to bring their apps to Windows 10 easily “with little to no code changes”. The apps will be packaged as MSIX, Windows app package format before they are submitted to the Microsoft Store.

If Microsoft succeeds, the Windows app store should get several thousand more apps. However, the question of how the apps will look on Windows considering that the screen size of the average computer is way bigger than that of the average phone.

The source also mentions that Project Latte may also not support Play Services as Google doesn’t allow Play Services to be installed on devices that are not powered by Android or Chrome OS. So for apps that require Play Services may have to remove that requirement for their Windows version.

If Microsoft succeeds with Project Latte, it will make Windows a platform with support for several types of app packages including PWA, UWP, Win32, and Linux. It should also make devices powered by Windows 10 on Arm more alluring to consumers.

Microsoft is expected to announce the project next year and release it as part of the fall 2021 Windows 10 update.

UP NEXT: Microsoft may bring Xbox games to smart TVs as early as next year

The post Microsoft’s “Project Latte” wants to bring Android apps to Windows 10 by Fall 2021 appeared first on Gizmochina.

Working on systems that offer seamless operation helps one increase focus and productivity. DERE R9 Pro Notebook is one such device packed with a host of features and comes in a pocket-friendly price range of $299.99. This device can currently be purchased at a discounted rate of $277.99 by using a coupon code.

DERE R9 Pro Notebook runs on a 2.5GHz Intel Celeron J4115 Quad-core processor that offers smooth functioning. Microsoft Windows 10 provides the latest features and layout for optimal use. The device has 8GB RAM and 128GB SSD for uninterrupted multitasking and convenient storage.

The DERE R9 Pro notebook boasts a 15.6-inch IPS LCD screen with 1920x1080p resolution to offer HD viewing. The screen has a 170-degree wide perspective and 5mm bezel to provide an immersive experience. Featuring a sleek border on the keyboard and a large touchpad with a swift response, this device enables convenient typing for added efficiency.

Boasting a 5000mAh battery with 7.2V output, this notebook can last for up to 8 hours while working and up to 72 hours on standby mode. The device weighs just 1.5kgs, offering convenient portability. Inputs like USB 3.0, HDMI, audio, RJ45 LAN interface, and a TF/SD card slot allow multiple connectivity options to share and receive data or network. The decent quality of speakers and the camera further add to its versatility. It also features wireless connections like 2.4G WiFi and BlueTooth.

Interested readers can buy DERE R9 Pro Notebook at a discounted price of $277.99 by adding “DERER9” as the voucher code; however, the offer is available until 14th October only. To purchase the device, click here.

The post Grab $22 Off on Dere R9 PRO Notebook Till 14th October appeared first on Gizmochina.

Microsoft has today announced a partnership with Qualcomm under which the company will extend the App Assure with FastTrack testing platform to developers working on developing apps to run well on ARM-based Windows 10.

The App Assure with FastTrack program from Microsoft is available to qualify developers or customers without any cost. For those who are unaware, App Assure is a program designed to help customers, developers, and independent software vendors address application compatibility issues.

EDITOR’S PICK: NVIDIA to acquire Arm Holdings for $40 billion from SoftBank

With this Microsoft and Qualcomm partnership, it seems that the focus will now be on engaging software vendors to come with a version that’s compatible with Windows 10 running on Snapdragon compute platform.

Keith Kressin, SVP & GM, Computing & Edge Cloud, Qualcomm, said: “The future of mobile computing is powerful, thin and light PCs equipped with 4G/5G connectivity, and offer multi-day battery life… We are pleased that the expansion of Microsoft’s App Assure program will help ensure great user experiences across Snapdragon-powered Windows laptops and 2-in-1s.”

This is a major development from Microsoft and Qualcomm given that more PCs are planning to move towards ARM-based chipsets. However, app compatibility issues remain one of the biggest roadblocks but this could help to address those issues.

UP NEXT: Realme executive teases smartphone with under-display camera technology

The post Microsoft partners with Qualcomm to help developers make ARM-compatible apps for Windows 10 appeared first on Gizmochina.

Microsoft has recently rolled out two emergency updates that fix certain security flaws in its Windows 10 and Windows Server operating systems. This update arrives just two weeks earlier than its regular Tuesday Patch cycle.

According to Microsoft, the flaws had not been publicly revealed so its chances of exploitation were low, but regardless, the company hurried to patch the vulnerabilities that affected both platforms rather than waiting for the July 14 update cycle. The security flaws in question have been labeled as CVE-2020-1425 and CVE-2020-1457, which allow exploiters to execute arbitrary code and take control of the affected computer.

Editor’s Pick: Apple tests macOS on an iPhone, enables desktop experience through Docking: Report

Apparently, these flaws existed due to the way Windows Codecs Library handles objects in memory. In other words, a potential attacker could hack into a system by using a crafted image file that would need to launch on the targeted computer. The company also revealed the list of the versions of operating systems that suffered from this issue, which includes:

• Windows 10 version 1709
• Windows 10 version 1803
• Windows 10 version 1809
• Windows 10 version 1903
• Windows 10 version 1909
• Windows 10 version 2004
• Windows Server 2019
• Windows Server version 1803
• Windows Server version 1903
• Windows Server version 1909
• Windows Server version 2004

The security flaws were first reported to the company by Trend Micro Zero Day Initiative security researcher Abdul-Aziz Hariri. Users can now download the update from the Microsoft Store in the forms of patches that will update the Windows Media Codec. Although, these updates have been sent out automatically as well.

UP NEXT: Honor 30 Youth Edition to feature AI Speed Capture, enables detailed movement shots

(Via)

The post Microsoft rolls out emergency updates to fix Security flaws on Windows 10 appeared first on Gizmochina.

A few years ago, developers figured out a way to get a full Windows 10 operating system running on a Lumia 950 and 950 XL smartphones. Over the years, the development of Windows 10 ARM port has picked up and made some steady progress.

Now, developers working on the project says that the team has managed to get Windows 10 Build 19041 (20H1) work on the Lumia smartphone. Currently, ARM64, ARM, and x86 apps can run with Windows 10 ARM on Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL devices.

As of now, this is limited to just these two devices. Although the developers are working on a port for Android smartphones, so far the development has not expanded to non-Lumia devices. it’s worth noting that developers have started working on a port for Android flagship smartphones.

EDITOR’S PICK: ZTE President Xu Ziyang confirms launch of 5nm chipset next year; 7nm chipset in production

Coming back to Windows 10 on ARM for Lumia, most of the sensors, including a light sensor, accelerometer, and gyroscope, among others are working. The “MobileShell” app is available on Microsoft Store for devices running Windows 10 on Lumia which brings back navigation, status bar, and notification toast integration.

Further, it has got support for the cellular networks through “WOA Dialer”, but the connectivity may not be available for working for all, depending on the region. There’s also support for “Chat” and SMS, but MMS functionality is not yet supported.

With the development of Windows OS on ARM picking up pace, we expect a breakthrough for the Android port in the near future. Meanwhile, there are reports claiming that Apple could be ditching Intel for ARM for its upcoming MacBook.

UP NEXT: Zhiyun Smooth X smartphone gimbal launched to ensure smooth video creation for $59.99

(Source, Via)

The post Windows 10 ARM project running on Lumia 950 keeps making progress appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google Chrome is notorious for RAM consumption, especially on Windows since its early days. Thankfully, it is going to get a fix after these many years. The latest Windows 10 May 2020 (20H1) update brings new segment heap memory improvements. Win32 applications like Google Chrome that make use of it will able to reduce their overall memory usage.

The new ‘SegmentHeap’ value introduced by Microsoft for developers in the latest Windows 10 update is a modern heap implementation. According to the Redmond-based company, it will “will generally reduce your overall memory usage” on machines running Windows 10 version 2004 or newer.

The software giant also confirmed that it has already started using this new SegmentHeap value its latest Chromium-based Edge browser. It also mentions that memory usage has bee reduced by 27% as per early tests on Windows 10 May 2020 update.

In the same manner, developers of Google Chrome can also make similar changes to benefit from this new implementation. Fortunately, a comment has been recently spotted on Chromium Gerrit, which reveals the changes to follow soon.

According to it, the new segment heap instead of legacy heap “could save hundreds of MB in the browser and Network Service utility processes”.

Having said that, it is not sure when it will be implemented in the Google Chrome stable channel.

UP NEXT: Google Chrome dominates browser market in 2020, Microsoft Edge gains ground

(Via)

The post Google Chrome on Windows 10 might soon consume less memory appeared first on Gizmochina.

We recently reported about Windows 10 for ARM-based system was flashed on the Xiaomi Mi 6 smartphone. Now, just a day after that, the same operating system has now been successfully flashed on Samsung Galaxy S8.

With the success of getting it installed on the Snapdragon 835-powered smartphone, one of the main developers of the project, Evisio0n seems to have achieved an important milestone which will make way for the project to expand to other flagships.

EDITOR’S PICK: Honor 30 Pro+ Telephoto 30x zoom features teased by the company just hours before the phone’s official launch

However, do note that this Galaxy S8 tweak is still in early stage of development and some of the key features are not yet working, including touch, cameras, and some sensors. While it is running Windows 10 operating system, it’s practically not usable for smartphones at this point in time but some developers are exploring dual-boot options.

In one of the early demos related to this, Qualcomm had showcased the Windows 10 operating system running on a device powered by Snapdragon 820 SoC. The processor was packed in a Windows 10 notebook, which is impressive considering it was powered by a mobile chipset. This laptop could run games like World of Tanks, play 4K videos, run MS Office 2019 and all the essential functions.

UP NEXT: OPPO Ace2 5G launched with Snapdragon 865, 65W Wired & 40W Fast Wireless Charging

(Via)

The post After Mi 6, Samsung Galaxy S8 successfully flashed with Windows 10 appeared first on Gizmochina.

Smartphone enthusiasts have always been keen on tweaking with their handsets. This interest can be in the form of flashing different customs ROMs to even a full fledged Microsoft Windows operating system. Now, the Xiaomi Mi 6 runs the latter, as it operates on the x64 ARM based system for Windows 10.

After successfully flashing the OS, users are met with the keyboard input selection screen once the device begins operating on Windows 10 system. Notably, Windows 10 x64 ARM system isn’t a cut down or smaller version of the popular operating system and can run similar to the desktop version. In other words, it can run .exe files and is equipped with features that can be found in the regular software as well.

Editor’s Pick: Don’t update your Mi A3 to Android 10; Xiaomi pulls back the update for the third time

In one of the early demos, Qualcomm had showcased the Windows 10 using the Snapdragon 820 SoC. The processor was found in a Windows 10 notebook, which is impressive considering it was powered by a mobile chipset. This laptop could run games like World of Tanks, play 4K videos, run MS Office 2019 and all the essential functions, similar to Intel’s entry level i3 Processor family.

This again goes to show just how far enthusiasts will go to tweak and test devices. It is currently unknown just how well the operating system works on the handset or how stable it actually is, but it is still an impressive feat nonetheless.

UP NEXT: Google takes the Android distribution chart off the web but here’s the latest data

(Via)

The post Xiaomi Mi 6 is successful in running Windows 10 x64 ARM System appeared first on Gizmochina.

Microsoft launched the Surface Go Windows tablet in July of 2018. The new Surface lineup was not updated last year. But it is sure getting a successor this year dubbed as Surface Go 2, that too within a few weeks from now, claims MSPoweruser.

Microsoft Surface lineup of convertibles is popular among business people, artists, and even some developers. The Redmond tech giant introduced a tablet in the series called Surface Go with support for stylus and keyboard in mid-2018. 

Though it was released as a competitor to Apple iPads, the king of tablets, it was no close to it in terms of specifications and power. Instead, it focussed on providing the power of the Windows 10 operating system in hands to a niche audience. And it seems to be worked out for Microsoft, at least in the US as they are sold out in the region.

This is why the speculations have begun and even the insiders are suggesting the launch of a new model called Surface Go 2. In February, a benchmark even confirmed the existence of this device powered by the 8th gen Intel Core m3-8100Y dual-core processor. This CPU will not bring much difference in terms of performance but will be at least better than the Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y CPU present in the original Surface Go.

Further, just like its predecessor, the Microsoft Surface Go 2 could start at $399 and go up to $650 for the high-end model with LTE. As for availability, it is possible the company might start taking orders in May itself.

UP NEXT: Microsoft Surface Neo and Windows 10X won’t get launched this year

(Source)

The post Microsoft Surface Go 2 may Launch in a Few Weeks from Now appeared first on Gizmochina.

CHUWI announces AeroBook Pro multimedia laptop with 4K display and Intel Core i5 processor paired with 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD storage. The notebook will be available on the crowdfunding platform Indiegogo for a price tag of $599.

Just recently, CHUWI launched HeroBook Pro office laptop priced at $239 and now the company has already come up with another model. This particular laptop called AeroBook Pro is targeted at media-consuming users. The main highlight of this computer is its 15.6-inches 4K display with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels. The panel also happens to support 10-bit HDR content as well as covers 100% of sRGB color gamut. With over 1.07 billion colors and 282 PPI, the screen can achieve a maximum brightness of up to 340 nits.

Under the hood, the AeroBook Pro is powered by an Intel Core i5 6287U processor which can attain a clock speed of up to 3.5GHz. The processor is further paired with 8GB DDR4 dual-channel RAM and 256GB SATA-based SSD. The laptop also comes with an additional M.2 PCIe SSD slot to further expand the storage if needed. For graphics, the notebook features an Intel Iris 550 graphics clocked at 1100MHz. Despite being made of metal, the laptop measures 15.9mm in thickness and weighs only 1530g.

Last but not least, the CHUWI AeroBook Pro runs Windows 10 Home out of the box and is backed by a 60Wh battery with up to 8 hours of video playback. It can be ordered for $599 on Indiegogo from next week.

Buy CHUWI AeroBook Pro for $599

UP NEXT: Huawei laptops to see 100% growth in 2020 after Global Windows laptop market surges: Ming-Chi Kuo

The post CHUWI announces AeroBook Pro with 4K HDR display for $599 appeared first on Gizmochina.

CHUWI is well-known for its laptop lineup ranging across different price segments. Recently, the company launched an entry-level office laptop dubbed as HeroBook Pro. If you are in the market for laptops in this segment, it is worth looking at as it has got everything you need for a cheaper price than the competitors.

CHUWI HeroBook Pro Specifications

Under the hood, the HeroBook Pro by CHUWI features an Intel N4000 Celeron Gemini Lake processor with a maximum operating frequency of 2.6 GHz. The graphics on the laptop is handled by an integrated Intel UHD Graphics 600 GPU. This combo consumes less power and performs well for office work at the same time. As for the display, the laptop comes with a 14.1-inch IPS LCD panel with 1080p (FHD) resolution and an anti-glare layer. The device as a whole weighs only 1.39 Kg and hence it is extremely portable.

CHUWI HeroBook Pro

1 of 6

The CHUWI HeroBook Pro features a full-size keyboard and a large trackpad with multi-touch gestures support. The laptop is available in only one variant with 8GB LPDDR4 RAM and 256GB SSD. However, the storage on the device can be expanded up to 512 GB if needed via TF (microSD) card. The ports and the connectivity options on the laptop include 1 x USB Type-A 3.0, 1 x USB Type-A 2.0, mini HD port, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

The laptop runs Windows 10 out of the box and gets its juice from a 38 Wh battery with up to 9 hours battery life and 24W fast charging support.

CHUWI HeroBook Pro Price and Availability

The entry-level CHUWI HeroBook Pro office laptop retails for only $239, which is a bargain when compared to products from other companies. If interested, you can buy it from the official website of CHUWI whose link has been mentioned below.

Buy CHUWI HeroBook Pro for $239

The post CHUWI HeroBook Pro office laptop is a bang for your buck appeared first on Gizmochina.

Huawei had announced the 2020 MateBook D 14 and the D 15 in Shanghai back in November 2019. Both devices have just launched in the United Kingdom. Contrary to the Chinese launch, the laptops will be available in a single configuration and color choice in the UK.

According to Huawei, the MateBook D 14 and D 15 offer greater performance, robust build quality, and a chic design. The laptops are also considerably lighter than the predecessor. The D14 is priced significantly higher than the MateBook D15, due to its ultra-portability and the fact that it packs a larger battery and more internal storage.

2020 Huawei MateBook D Series Specifications and Features

Both the Huawei MateBook D 14 and the D 15 flaunt Full HD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and an aspect ratio of 16:9. While the D 14 sports a 14-inch display, the D 15 flaunts a 15.6-inch screen. The laptops sport a screen-to-body ratio of 84 percent and 87 percent respectively. The laptops are designed to open up to 178-degree.

Both the MateBook D14 and D 15 draw power from a 12nm AMD Ryzen 5 3500U processor with AMD Radeon Vega 8 graphics. Both devices sport 8GB of DDR4 dual-channel RAM and flaunt 512 GB and 256 GB of storage respectively. Huawei has introduced its new Shark Fin 2.0 cooling setup that offers better performance than its predecessor.

Editor’s Pick: Huawei applies for a patent for the Mate X2, design similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Fold

While the MateBook D 14 is powered by a 56Wh battery the D 15 draws power from a 42Wh unit. Both laptops support 65W charging and come with a USB Type-C charger. Connectivity options include an HDMI port, a USB Type-C port, two full-sized USB 2.0 ports, a USB 3.0 port, and a 3.5mm headphone port.

File transfer between Huawei smartphones is made easy with the OneHop interface that connects to brand smartphones at a single tap and starts file transfer instantly. Users can also control their Huawei smartphones from the new MateBook D, or share clipboards using OneHop.

The Huawei MateBook D 14 measures 322.5 x 214.8 x 15.9 mm and flaunts a 4.8 mm display. The MateBook D 15 measures 357.8 x 229.9 x 16.9 mm and sports a 5.3 mm display.

2020 Huawei MateBook D Series price and availability

Huawei launched the MateBook D 14 at £649. While the MateBook D 15 is priced at £599. Both laptops run on Windows 10 and are scheduled to arrive in the UK on February 21. Huawei is yet to announce the prices and a tentative launch date globally.

UP NEXT: Huawei and few other Chinese firms continue operating production lines despite Coronavirus Outbreak

The post Huawei’s 2020 MateBook D 14, MateBook D 15 with Windows 10 goes official in the UK appeared first on Gizmochina.

Microsoft has officially announced that it is dropping support of Windows 7. This comes nearly 11 years after the extremely popular operating system was first launched in New York City. The OS came as a suitable fix for the failed Windows Vista which was released before it and indeed, it turned out to be a worthy replacement bringing on board a new taskbar, Aero window management, file libraries, and much more.

Windows 7 went on to amass so much popularity that even the Windows 8 found no place near it. Even the Windows 10 had to wait for nearly 4 years before it could surpass the market share of Windows 7. Available data from Netmarketshare shows that millions of PCs worldwide are still running Windows 7 with the operating system running on 26 percent of all PCs.

EDITOR’S PICK: Xiaomi’s Aqara officially unveils its range of smart home products in the US

Microsoft even had to try to get people to upgrade to Windows 10 free of charge. While that might have helped Windows 10 gain prominence over 7, there are still tens of millions of PCs still running Windows 7. Those PCs will now be left vulnerable to exploits and security vulnerabilities. From today (Wednesday), a full-screen notification will appear for Windows 7 users warning that systems are now out of support.

Businesses and education Windows 7 users will be able to pay for extended security updates, but it could be a costly venture for some. Extended updates for Windows 7 Enterprise is approximately $25 per machine, and the cost doubles to $50 per device in 2021 and again to $100 in 2022. Windows 7 Pro users will be hit the hardest as extended security updates start at $50 per machine and will jump to $100 in 2021 and $200 in 2022. These costs will naturally vary depending on the volume of PCs in use at a business, but they’re still going to be substantial for larger firms. Windows 7 customers with active Windows 10 subscriptions will get a free year of post-retirement updates.

UP NEXT: First Samples from the 108MP Mi Mix Alpha is here & we are not impressed!

The post Microsoft finally pulls the plug on Windows 7; will no longer provide support appeared first on Gizmochina.

As the Christmas holiday is over and schools, as well as universities, open their doors for the Spring semester, XIDU is offering some of the best deals since Black Friday. Back to School activity is usually held at the end of the summer but the Chinese manufacturer is holding a mid-season BtS activity for two of its best laptops so that being a student can become a little easier. So, until January 31st, XIDU PhilBook Pro and PhilPad are offered at the lowest price for 2020 while customers can also take advantage of many $30 for other products too.

XIDU PhilBook Pro

One of the best features of the PhilBook Pro is its 2560×1440 IPS display. Such a resolution on an 11.6″ panel means higher ppi and incredible clarity. And if you think that a high resolution like this is ideal just for photos and videos, you should reconsider as higher resolution means crisper details for office work as well as gaming. Besides, the panel is supplied by Sharp and that takes care of high quality.

The design of the PhilBook Pro adopts the 360° flexible hinge featured by a double torque technology and offers an ideal mix of flexibility and quality so users can easily open the lid with only one hand yet have enough torque for a wobble-free touch experience. The hinge transforms the laptop into a tablet in no time or you can use it in tent mode, according to your liking. In addition, it is an ultra-light device thanks to the aluminum-alloy body and small size.

As for the hardware performance, the device comes with an Intel J3355 4-core 2.0GHz CPU backed by 6GB of RAM and 128GB SSD. That means stable and fluid performance in everyday tasks as well as low power consumption and many hours of use on a single charge.

XIDU PhilPad

In addition to the laptop lineup, XIDU is also offering 2in1 tablets. XIDU PhilPad is one of those models and it’s a business-class Tablet PC designed for those who need a powerful and, most importantly, mobile tool for daily work outside the office or at home.

The PhilPad features a metal body and it can be transformed into a laptop using the detachable keyboard. The device sports a generous 13.3″ multitouch IPS 2K (2560×1440) display and is powered by an Intel E3950 quad-core CPU backed by 6GB of DDR3 RAM and 128GB SSD. The storage space can be further expanded with up to 256GB more via the TF card slot.

In the box, you’ll also get a stylus and the mentioned keyboard, as well as a licensed Windows 10 operating system, a powerful power supply for fast charging and a nice bonus: branded protective film pre-applied on the display.

So, if you’re looking for a best-value laptop or 2in1 tablet, make sure to visit the XIDU Official Store to catch the Back-to-School promotion for up to 30% off discount.

What’s more, there are big discounts on the rest of the platforms that XIDU is present. Visit Amazon US, UK, FR, ES, IT stores as well as Aliexpress to learn more. For coupons on all of the company’s products, look here.

The post XIDU Back-to-School mid-season sales are on, offering discount for PhilBook Pro and PhilPad appeared first on Gizmochina.

Chuwi is starting the new year on the… right foot as they’ve already announced several new devices that will hit the market soon. Today, they updated their website and one more new device appeared: Chuwi Hi10 X. The new member of the Hi10 tablet series comes with upgraded hardware so it’s more up-to-date with today’s standards.

Hardware configuration upgrade

The Hi10 X comes equipped with the Intel N4100 CPU that is manufactured using the 14nm process and its highest frequency reaches up to 2.4GHz. Thanks to the new CPU and 9th Gen UHD Graphics 600 GPU, the device can be used in a variety of scenes for different purposes and it can decode 4K video smoothly.

1 of 2

The overall performance has improved by 100% compared with the previous Atom Z8350. In addition, the new CPU uses less power than the previous model for even more hours of use on a single charge. What’s more, the N4100 is backed by 6GB of LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB SSD so that the Hi10 X can run fast and deal with multitasking efficiently. Of course, it supports storage expansion via the TF slot (up to 128GB).

Chuwi Hi10 X performance

According to the CPU-Z information, Intel N4100 has a single-thread score of 126.3 and a multi-thread score of 486.9, which is much better than Atom Z8350. Also, in the GeekBench 4 test, the scores of Intel N4100 are twice better than Atom Z8350 with a single-core score of 1730, a multi-core score of 5244 and openCL score of 12500.

1 of 4

In other benchmark software such as CineBench R15, Intel N4100 also performs well with a performance boost of nearly 100% more.

So, the new model is improved in all aspects as far as performance is concerned thus being suitable for more tasks. The rest of the specs include a 10.1″ FHD IPS display, dual USB Type-C interface, full metal body, etc. To check out all the details of the best Hi10 series tablet to date, you can visit the product page.

The post New Chuwi Hi10 X 2in1 tablet with more power will hit the market soon appeared first on Gizmochina.

Huawei announced new MateBook D computers last month. The manufacturer did say the computers ship with Windows 10 out of the box but it appears the Windows edition has not been available for purchase.

Huawei took to Weibo this morning to announce that the Windows edition of the MateBook D is coming soon and also revealed details about availability.

According to the details on the poster, the Windows edition of the MateBook D will be available in both AMD (Ryzen) and Intel options.

The Ryzen variant is already available for pre-order starting today and will be available for purchase on January 1, 2020. The Intel version will not be up for pre-order until 10 AM on January 3, 2020, and will then go on sale at midnight on January 9, 2020. The pre-order and sales apply to both the MateBook D 15 and the MateBook D 14.

Below are the available configurations for the Ryzen Edition and their respective prices:

MateBook D 15 Ryzen 5 3500U 8GB RAM + 256GB SSD + 1TB HDD = ¥3999 (~$573)

MateBook D 15 Ryzen 5 3500U 16GB RAM + 256GB SSD + 1TB HDD = ¥4299 (~$615)

MateBook D 14 Ryzen 5 3500U 8GB RAM + 512GB SSD = ¥3999 (~$573)

MateBook D 14 Ryzen 5 3500U 16GB RAM + 512GB SSD = ¥4299 (~$615)

The MateBook D has a Full HD display with thin bezels and a screen-to-body-ratio of 87%. It has a fingerprint scanner buried underneath the power button while the webcam is hidden between the function keys.

For connectivity, it has 2 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x USB 3.0 ports, 1 x HDMI port, 1 audio + microphone combo port, and 1 x USB Type-C port that serves as the charging port. It has a 42Wh (56Wh for the MateBook D 14) battery with support for 65W fast charge, so it can charge from 0 to 70% in 1 hour. It also has Bluetooth 5.0 but no NFC.

UP NEXT: Honor MagicBook Pro now comes in Starfish Blue

The post Huawei MateBook D to get Windows Edition; pre-orders begin today appeared first on Gizmochina.

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year” is part of a Christmas song lyrics and it is a wonderful time indeed. And it’s also a perfect time to get yourself that tablet or laptop you wanted to all year. Chuwi is making some of the most cost-effective products out there and below are their recommendations for 2019. Apart from that, they are also hosting a Christmas Giveaway Event and the prizes include 3 x UBook 2-in-1 tablets that worth $1200.

UBook Pro 2-in-1 versatile tablet

The UBook Pro sports a 12.3″ 3:2 IPS display and is powered by the Intel 8100Y/N4100 CPU together with 8GB of RAM and 256GB SSD. Featuring a U-shaped kickstand, the device is a versatile 2-in-1 tablet, which is more suitable for students and office workers. It can be transformed into a laptop in no time thanks to the detachable magnetic keyboard and Stylus.

Chuwi UBook cost-effective 2-in-1 tablet

The UBook is a very compact 2in1 tablet thanks to its 11.6″ IPS display that has an aspect ratio of 16:9. Inside lies the Intel N4100 CPU backed by 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD. It preserves the main hardware advantages of the Pro version. Even the U-shaped kickstand is there. Definitely a choice to consider if looking for something well-priced and with a balanced performance.

AeroBook: portable full-screen laptop

The AeroBook is a 13.3″ laptop with an IPS paned and is even more powerful from the UBook duo as it sports the Intel 6Y30 combined with 8GB of RAM and 256GB SSD. The display’s borders are very narrow at just 7mm and the screen/body ratio reaches 80%. Also, the combination of the fully-laminated display panel with the full-metal body makes it very light as it weighs at only 1.26kg. A perfect all-around machine for office work or media consumption.

Chuwi Hi10 X, the mysterious new product

Together with the Christmas recommendations from Chuwi, information for a new device surfaced. It’s allegedly called Chuwi Hi10X and will also be on sale during the Christmas deals. It just appeared on the company’s official website and compared to the Hi10 Air it received a generous performance bump. It comes with Intel N4100 backed by 6GB of RAM and 128GB SSD, double USB Type-C interface, 10.1″ screen, and full-metal body. The Hi10X performs adequately in all situations and it can be turned into a laptop with the help of the metal detachable keyboard.

So, these are the recommendations from Chuwi. Don’t forget to participate in the Giveaway activity! For more information, visit their official website.

The post Chuwi laptop recommendations for Christmas and Giveaway appeared first on Gizmochina.

Huawei announced the new MateBook D series of notebooks alongside the new MatePad Pro and Sound X speakers earlier today in China. The MateBook D came with Windows 10 pre-installed, which might have surprised a lot of readers. So it turns out that the U.S. commerce department has recently approved some licenses to trade with Huawei, including the one requested by Microsoft.

The Redmond giant revealed in a statement to Bloomberg a couple of days back that it has been granted a license to “export mass-market software” to Huawei. While the company didn’t elaborate on the term ‘mass-market’, we now know that it includes Microsoft’s Windows 10 platform.

Prior to this, Huawei pre-installed Deepin Linux on its MateBook models as a replacement to Windows 10. The telecommunications giant wasn’t allowed to use Windows 10 on its MateBook models ever since it was added to the U.S. government’s Entity List. So it was selling cheaper versions of its MateBook laptops running Deepin Linux onboard. Despite the advantages of having a Linux setup, Windows as a platform doesn’t have viable replacements. So getting the supply for Windows 10 back on its notebook models should come as a huge reprieve for the company.

Editor’s Pick: Huawei sues French critics who suggested the company’s China state ties

The U.S. commerce department reportedly got around 290 requests for a license to trade with Huawei last week. Unfortunately, only a handful of these requests are expected to be approved. We have no word on which other companies have been granted licenses apart from Microsoft.

To recall, Microsoft’s President Brad Smith, was vocal about how the U.S. ban on Huawei was both unfair and un-American. Microsoft had reportedly approached the Trump administration to talk about the ban but would often get vague replies like, “Well, if you knew what we knew, you would agree with us”.

Microsoft’s license to trade with Huawei is a step forward. However, the company’s struggle is far from over. There are still companies like Google who are barred from selling its software to the Chinese giant. And Google is very important for Huawei, who is currently the world’s second-largest smartphone manufacturer. In fact, it could have even surpassed Samsung by this year-end to become world number one. But without Google services onboard, Huawei smartphones are essentially Dead on Arrival (DOA) in the international markets.

So it’s extremely important for Huawei to get access to Google services as soon as possible. Unfortunately, given the current situation, we don’t know if that’ll happen anytime in the near future.

UP NEXT: Huawei MatePad Pro vs Apple iPad Pro: What’s going to be your pick?

(Source)

The post MateBook D comes with Windows 10 pre-installed as Microsoft gets License to trade with Huawei appeared first on Gizmochina.