Despite Microsoft releasing Windows 11 just three years ago, rumors about Windows 12 are already everywhere. According to the latest reports, the company is set to unveil the new version of the popular operating system in the second half of 2024. This move is likely to declare Windows 11 officially outdated, marking the end for older versions. In line with this decision, numerous companies have already discontinued support for older Windows versions. Now, Now, Steam does the same thing by cutting support for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1. Here are the details…

Game Over for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 on Steam, Time to Upgrade!

In March 2023, Steam, the world’s largest online game store, announced that it would stop supporting certain operating systems. Starting from January 1 2024, Steam will no longer be compatible with Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1. Users are required to switch to a computer operating on Windows 10, Windows 11, or the upcoming Windows 12.

Although the announcement surprised everyone at the time, it wasn’t taken too seriously since there was still a nine-month deadline. However, time has swiftly passed, and now there is less than 15 days remaining before the deadline. According to Steam’s Hardware and Software Survey in November 2023, only 1% of Steam users are still using older versions of Windows.

While this number may not seem high at first glance, it’s worth noting that the estimated total number of Steam users as of December 2023 is 1.2 billion. In this case, 1% of Steam’s total users accounts for approximately 12 million people. If you’re still using older versions like Windows 7 because of nostalgia, habit, financial constraints, or other reasons, and you love playing games, it’s a good idea to upgrade to the latest version as soon as you can.

This is especially important if you want to continue enjoying your favorite games without any disruptions. For example, PUBG: Battlegrounds recently announced that it won’t be playable on older Windows versions. This serves as a clear indication that there won’t be any delays from Steam’s end.

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Microsoft has ended the free upgrade path from Windows 7/8 to Windows 10/11, though upgrading from 10 to 11 remains free. This means people with older systems will now have to pay if they want to upgrade.

End of Free Upgrades: Microsoft Closes Upgrade Path from Windows 7/8 to Windows 10/11

Previously, some users tried to get permanent activation during the upgrade, but tools like HWIDGEN and MAS for activating systems will no longer work, as Microsoft has blocked such requests from their servers. However, computers already using Windows 10/11 through these activations will stay active; Microsoft is not taking back those licenses.

For now, Windows 11 version 22H2 can still be activated on virtual machines, but the newer Canary build is not accepting activation requests.

Microsoft is also working on a lighter, web-focused Windows 12 aiming for the education market, trying to rival Chrome OS. It’s supposed to be a simpler version of Windows, and it’s expected to come out in 2024. This variant won’t replace standard Windows but will be an alternative for simpler, educational devices. It will feature AI integration and focus heavily on web experiences, especially with Microsoft Edge.

In addition, Microsoft has introduced a big update for Windows 11, adding Copilot, a new AI assistant. Copilot will be in a sidebar and can help users with various tasks like searching for recipes and planning trips. The update also gives File Explorer a new look, adds a handwriting feature called Ink Anywhere, and brings enhancements to the Snipping tool and RGB lighting control. Plus, Microsoft 365 users can get Copilot for $30 a month, which will help them with their work tasks.

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(Via)

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The Colorfly i108W is the first 4G tablet for young people that uses the Windows 8. Although using Windows in the table it not as good as in the computer, it is still good for watching movies, playing games, or working. According to reports, it costs 1699 RMB.

The Colorfly i108W 4G has support for China Mobile 4G (TD-LTE) and high-speed internet. It has a downstream speed of 100Mbps and upstream speed of 10Mbps, which is 7x higher than the download speed for 3G internet. It uses a single China Mobile 4G SIM card which gives it internet speed that is as high as with a Baizhao broadband.

When it comes to appearance, the Colorfly i108W 4G sports an aerospace grade aluminium case. Its thickness is less than 9.5mm. As for its core specs, the Colorfly i108W 4G has the 22nm Intel BayTrail-T Z3735F quad-core processor with a frequency of 1.8GHz (three times as fast as its predecessor), a 3D GPU, 2GB DDR3L RAM which could be used for things such as large-scale games, and 32GB ROM. The Colorfly i108W 4G also comes with a screen that has a resolution of 1920 x 1200 and 224PPi. It also uses the FocalTech FT5506 touch screen chip and has a 2mp/5mp HD dual-camera.

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The Kingsing W8 tablet has been announced, featuring an 8 inch 800 x 1280 resolution IPS LCD screen. The touch screen is 5 touch capacitive, recognising up to five touches at a time. It has a quad-core Intel Baytrail-T processor (1.8GHz) and Intel HD graphics. There are 2MP front and rear cameras, good enough for the budget market. In terms of memory, you get a reasonable 1GB of RAM, 16GB ROM, expandable via SDHC/SDXC. There are also stereo speakers.

There’s built-in Wi-fi support 802.11b/g/n+BT 4.0 and 3G  (WCDMA/EVDO/TD-SCDMA).  The battery is a 4500 mAh li-ion, giving an acceptable 6-8 hours of usage time. Measuring 207.5mm x 122.6 x 10mm, it comes with the usual accessories, a Micro USB cable and a power adaptor.  The Windows 8 operating system speaks for itself, and the device supports multiple languages, Flash 11 and HTML5. These are the pictures released of the KingSing W8 tablet.

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Intel is giving out free CPUs to tablets based on Intel 64-bit BayTrail-T series processor. Onda V975i, as the first model to hit the market, is now open for orders at a price tag of 1,000 RMB (160$). It is reported that the model will be upgradable to Windows 8 starting this May.

Onda V975 has 2G RAM memory, 32G ROM, and 64-bit IntelBayTrail-TZ3735 quadra core processor to ensure a smooth run of Android 4.4 OS. It adopts a 9.7 inch 2K display.
In addition to OndaV975 and V819i, some other China-made tablets based on the 64-bit Intel processor, such as Tai-Dian X98 3G, will also support Windows 8.

The free installment of Windows 8 on smaller tablets from Microsoft and the free chipsets from Intel both seem to indicate that Windows 8 tablets will become mainstream in the next half year.

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While we are know about the Windows 8.1 Update 1 has been released for a several weeks, is now there is a leaked information about the Windows 9 and Windows 10 features.

According to Russian whistleblower, Wzor has been unveiled the WIndows 9 and Windows 10 features, and Windows 10 is saying as the “complete cloud-based operating system.”

Windows 8.1 (update 2) or also known as Windows 8.2
According to Wzor, the upcoming Windows 8.1 update 2 will be released in mid-September this year, this Windows 8.1 update 2 is also called as Windows 8.2, and Windows 8.2 will also bring back the Start button.

Windows 9
In Windows 9 parts of the application system will be upgraded to the next generation of Modern interface, but it is unclear what will evolve into concrete. In addition, for non-touch screen devices and server versions Windows 9 system still retains the Start button, related to settings, but the touch versions of Windows, the start button will has a change, but we don’t have any detail about what and how the “change” is. And according to information, the Windows 9 will be free but we don’t know about the terms of “free” in this category.

Windows 10
According to rumor, the Windows 10 is also called as “Windows Cloud” since the all Windows 10 function wil mbe achieved through the network connection. When you are using offline mode, this operating system will be like Windows Starter edition with only has veru basic features, it’s seems look like Google Chrome OS.

So what do you think?

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Nokia is ready to release their new phablet device, the Nokia Lumia 1320 in Chinese market, while the Chinese MIIT website has been showing the new Nokia Lumia 1320 phablet device International version ehich is also known sa Public Version in China.

The new Nokia Lumia 1320 is the Windows Phone device that has 6 inch screen size with 720 HD display, the phone ispowered by Qualcomm Snapdragon that can running on 1,7GHz clock-speed and sports with 1GB of RAM.

The phone is also has 5 megapixel main camera and front facing VGA camera , this phone is also has microUSB, FM Radion, GPS, Bluetooth connectivity, 3.5mm audio jack and running Windows Phone 8 operating system.

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Consumer Electronic Show (CES) 2013 is the biggest IT exhibition which held at las Vegas every years, Lenovo as one of the Chinese computer manufacturer has been join at that even which helds from Januari 8th – 11th, 2013.

Lenovo unveiled ThinkPad and Ideapad lineup which running Windows 8 operating system, these devices will be released after months. These products fully demonstrate by Lenovo’s R&D.

One of the most creative is Lenovo ThinkVision which packs with  13.3 inches the mobile portable display ThinkVision LT1432p, able compatible with all Lenovo device via wireless, USB or Micro-USB connection acts as these devices Screen.

ThinkVision LT1432p

The ThinkPad Helix  
Helix has a 11.6-inch full high-definition resolution of 400 lumens Windows 8 touch screen, the highest optional Core i7 processor, 8GB memory and 256GB of SSD. But when you put the tablet to the keyboard dock that will be combined together, the hinge at a special cooling system will allow Intel processor overclocking, you really want to “fly”.

IdeaPad Yoga 11S
The IdeaPad Yoga 11S uses a resolution of 1366 x 768 in a 11-inch screen display, a maximum brightness of 300nit Intel Core i3 processor, 4GB of memory and 128GB of SSD product sells for $ 799, Lenovo will Offering formally launched in June this year. Of course, you can pay an additional fee to upgrade configuration, such as increase the memory to 8GB, 256GB of SSD.

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Lenovo has a product that used as a flagship product named Thinkpad X1 Carbon, specification and its quality is good enough. However, with the presence of the Windows 8 operating system, Lenovo unveiled a new variant of the Thinkpad X1 Carbon named Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Touch.

The new Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon Touch user interface that has been optimized for Windows 8 is more suited for touch screens operation. Lenovo’s new Ultrabook has a 14-inch screen with a resolution of 1600x900px capactive type with 10 point multi-touch capability.

As the name implies, solid ultrabook is made of carbon fiber material that brings strength, endurance and strength as aluminum but with a weight is very light.

This laptop powered by Intel Ivy Bridge Core i7, with memory up to 8GB RAM and Intel HD integrated graphics. For capacity, comes with a 128 GB to 256 GB SSD capacity.

Ultrabook XI Carbon Touch is the first Ultrabook to be optimized for Microsoft Lync a solution from Microsoft for enterprise communications where ultrabook comes ahead 720p HD camera and dual array microphone that can be used in video chat and voice quality.

“Microsoft Lync is an enterprise-ready unified communications platform. Lync connects people everywhere, on Windows 8 and other devices, as part of their everyday productivity experience. Lync provides a consistent, single client experience for presence, instant messaging, voice, video and a great meeting experience. Lync 2013 users can connect to anyone on Skype, enabling rich communication with hundreds of millions of people around the world”

Output audio or sound of this ultrabook also uses Dolby Home Theater V4 technology. For connectivity, this laptop supports Bluetooth, USB 3.0, USB 2.0 ports are always on, Mini DisplayPort, 4 in 1 SD card reader, backlit keyboard progressive with island style keys, and multi-gesture touchpad glass.

Lenovo RapidCharge feature that promises 5 hours of battery endurance with just a charge for 35 minutes. For security, this ultrabook is equipped with an integrated fingerprint reader, Trusted Platform Module, and BIOS encryption.

With a thickness of only 17 mm and weighing 3.4 pounds, Lenovo confidently say that ultrabook Thindpad Touch X1 Carbon is the lightest 14-inch Ultrabook in the world.

There are two models on the market, the first is priced at $ 1499 which X1CARBON TOUCH UPGRADE1 SAP models with Core i5-3427U and 4GB of RAM, while the second model costs $ 1649 named X1CARBON TOUCH UPGRADE2 SAP already using Core i7-3667U processor with 8GB of memory.

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Microsoft has just announced the presence of Windows 8 to the public a few months ago. As with any other new product, the operating system has drawn praise as well as criticism.

One fairly sharp criticism coming from the American Internet entrepreneur and a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Phillip Greenspun. He recently highlighted the renewal feature in Windows 8.

Criticism aimed specifically optimized for Windows 8 on a tablet computer. He mentioned that the OS is not capable of learning from a four-year Android or iOS have been present had breezed five years ago.

“The only device that is just as confusing, what I remember is the BlackBerry PlayBook,” Greenspun wrote in his blog, as quoted from Know Your Mobile,

“Suppose you are an expert user of Windows NT/XP/Vista/7, iPad expert users and expert users of an Android phone, you will not know how to use Windows 8,” he added

Even so, Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 8 has been installed 40 million times since its launch. Which means that the operating system is quite successful. So what do you think?

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Incursions Windows tablet will likely soon begin, not only OEM manufacturer of the device, but the company also Chinese-based manufacturers has been made their debut by making Windows 8-based tablet devices.

After some time we review the existence of tablet from Chinese manufacturer running Windows 8 operating system, now other companies have followed a similar move, the manufacturer named Qiangshen Electronic based in Senzhen it has introduced a new tablet called QZPad.

Unfortunately, as of this writing there are no details on the tablet device, but we estimate that the tablet is packed with a dual-core processor but the slope could not confirm whether the device will be running the operating system Windows 8 or Windows 8 RT, will most likely come also with 2GB – 4GB.

But if you look at the shape, the body of the device that actually looks like the iPad, it has a sleek body made of metal with a camera on the front and rear, there is no information about the date of its release. So let’s wait and see.

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After losing against Apple in court, Samsung seems to secretly preparing a tablet device with Windows 8 operating system. Their new tablet device will be shown at the event Internationale FunkAusstellung Berlin (IFA), an electronics exhibition in Berlin which will be held next week.

At that event, Samsung will introducing a tablet with a Windows 8 OS. It is merely an introduction. because the new Microsoft’s Windows 8 operating system will be officially launched next month.

Based on rumor, the Samsung’s Windows 8 tablet will has concept like Microsoft Surface. In addition to the keyboard dock and also a stylus like on the Galaxy Note.

Quoted from Phone Arena, Samsung’s Windows 8 tablet would eventually packs with 11-inch screen size display. It would be the biggest tablet with a landscape screen on the Samsung tablet lines. and those tablet has a tagline “ready to be smart?”

On the IFA 2012. Samsung not just shown the Windows 8 tablet device, moreover, Samsung also will launch Galaxy Note 2 tablet device which packs with Android OS, so let’s wait and see.

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Computer and laptop manufacturers from China, Lenovo decided to come into tablet hybrid market by setting up a IdeaPad Yoga, this device is powered by the Nvidia Tegra 3 processor.

Lenovo made this hybrid tablet comes in 2 versions, the Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga with ARM-based processor with Nvidia Tegra 3 quad-core and IdeaPad Yoga with x86-based which will be powered by Intel processors.

The Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga with ARM-based is claimed to be longer battery life, even several sources, the Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga is powered by the Nvidia Tegra 3 has 2X battery life compared to Intel-based Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga.

This Chinese manufacturers was reportedly formed a partnership with Nvidia Tegra processor quad-core 3 is the main engine for Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga tablet hybrid that will be using the Windows RT operating system.

Windows RT operating system is Windows 8 editions are optimized for ARM-based devices that will only support the view Modern UI (formerly called the Metro Style) and the application of Microsoft’s online application store.

Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga brings the tablet design that carries a hybrid mode includes a laptop with a keyboard like most notebook and tablet mode by twisting and folding screens that cover the keyboard, and be a tablet style form-factor.

Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga is a tablet hybrid which powered by Nvidia Tegra 3 quad-core and reinforced with ULP GeForce graphics (Ultra Low Power) with 8Gb of RAM memory and storage capacity of SSD (Solid State Drive) with 256GB capacity.

Until now, there is no mention of Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga release date, but some sources say that the IdeaPad Yoga will be launched shortly after the Windows 8 OS was launched on October 26th.

As reported from the Internet, the price of ARM-based Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga is also unknown, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga with Intel-based processor is expected to be USD $ 1,199 price tag.

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Windows 8 has been completed by Microsoft and will be marketed late September 2012. The world’s largest software vendor announced that several major computer manufacturers ready to launch a Windows 8 RT-based device.

According to Microsoft, a vendor who has made for making tablets and PCs that use Windows 8 RT with ARM processor is Asus, Dell, Lenovo and Samsung.

In a blog posting on Building Windows 8, Mike Angiulo as Vice President of Microsoft’s Ecosystem and Planning team still has not mentioned what kind of products that have been prepared by the vendor. The price is also not revealed.

While the possibility of release shortly after Windows 8 available on the market. Angiulo inform some tablet and laptop Windows 8 RT will be made in a variety of form factors. Either in the form of additional keyboard or can be separated.

“Some of the Windows RT PC will come up with a full keyboard and touchpad solution, whether it be split, a dock or a traditional clamshell,” said Angiulo. He also added that some of the Windows RT will be thinner and lighter than Apple iPad. Windows 8 tablet was intended to shake the dominance of Apple devices.

Windows 8 is designed to run equally well on PC or tablet. While Windows 8 RT is a special version for ARM processors, processors commonly used in tablet PC’s devices.

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Seen at Computex Taipei in June this year a friend that is not difficult to find in this exhibition, many first-line Tablet PC manufacturers have demonstrated its latest Windows 8 Tablet PC, but Android Tablet PC is new Acer introduced two The quad-core Android tablets. Can be predicted that Windows 8 Tablet PC in the second half will play a leading role, Windows Tablet PC will be ushered in an explosive growth.

And now the Android tablet market competition is very intense, prices are getting lower and lower, the profit is less and less. Ma Xinghai, as General Manager of HKC said, nearly 2000, Shenzhen called on the name of a flat business but profitable business of less than 10%, which is an unprecedented industry, from heaven to hell, only 2 years time. go or quit!. The statement may make people feel a bit exaggerated, but the fact that the situation just like that.

Then the face of this opportunity of Windows 8 Tablet PC, a large number of domestic Tablet PC manufacturers will act it? Apparently, Lenovo and other first-tier suppliers have already started the layout, a variety of Windows 8 Tablet PC had also already been exposed, I believe that will be available beginning after August 26, Windows 8 officially released to the market.

Other domestic small and medium brands? Do you follow up? X86-based Windows Tablet PC because of high costs and barriers to entry, so the majority of small and medium brands temporarily should not set foot. And into the Windows RT version of the Tablet PC market is relatively easy. Microsoft Windows 8 specify only Intel, AMD, NVIDIA, Qualcomm Electronics and Texas Instruments that big 5 chip makers today. That is want to do Windows RT version of the Tablet PC is only NVIDIA, Qualcomm and Texas Instruments.

Many small and medium-sized brands, three-chip solution is relatively small flat-panel manufacturers, the majority of the whole blog, crystal morning, Rockchip and other micro’s program. If you choose the former means that the hardware cost as well as R&D costs increase, coupled with Windows RT licensing issues, so for them to do Windows RT version of the Tablet PC also there are certain risks, so many manufacturers are still Select the sidelines. Of course, there are some ready to eat crab. Xiaobian learned that the former Road, digital already launched Windows 8 Tablet PC program. The original Tao Digital Marketing Director Li Feng said: “At present the company’s strategy to focus on Windows 8 body up and down the whole to prepare for the new product.” It seems the original tract has been determine to do Windows8 Tablet PC.

Smart Devices may be in the second half to push Windows 8 Tablet PC is also based on the ARM architecture Windows RT system. Wisdom from the end of last year launched all new Texas Instruments chip, have a more in-depth cooperation with Texas Instruments, the chip maker Texas Instruments is also specified by Microsoft, after Texas Instruments in Taipei computer show also has been demonstrated based on the the OMAP4 program Windows Tablet PC. So the wisdom in this regard has been accounted for little advantage. I believe in addition to the original Road and Smart Devices, there are still many domestic small and medium-sized flat-panel manufacturers have begun to the Windows 8.

Point of view, Windows 8 is a general trend, the market and consumer expectations is so high. Of course, how to market performance and now can not draw a conclusion. In the domestic market, the price factor is always a very important issue. Now the front line of the vendors are still waiting for Microsoft Surface flat pricing, speculation that the minimum selling price of the Surface may be different with New Apple’siPad will be about $ 530 proce tag. Of course, Microsoft also directly to the Surface price given to the lowest, lower than Apple’s New iPad to compete directly with Apple. But that would destroy the rules of the game will have a huge impact to the entire PC industry, which will also allow other brands negative response. To this end, Acer chairman JT Wang has announced that Microsoft launched Surface unwise. While its internal team issue such doubts: “If Microsoft decides to enter the field of hardware manufacturers, we will only take what measures? Continue to rely on Microsoft, chose to cooperate with other alternative?” And manufacturers of this idea is certainly more than Acer One series.

Personally think that Microsoft launched Surface purpose should not be directly with the other first-tier flat-panel manufacturers to compete, but to set a benchmark for other first-tier flat-panel manufacturers to set aside under a certain space. If the foreign media as previously forecast the Surface lowest pricing around $ 530, then, then the first-line brand of the Windows 8 tablet pricing may be around $ 430. Our domestic small and medium-sized brand flat panel manufacturers in order to do Windows RT flat, prices must be controlled at less than $ 400 (about 2550 yuan), will have a larger market. Of course, now part of the price are still speculation that the specific funeral, after October 26, we waited to see the outcome.

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Samsung, Toshiba, Asus, Acer, many flat-panel manufacturers in the recent Computex Taipei show its latest Windows Tablet PC. Hewlett-Packard, Dell, Lenovo was earlier announced that it will launch Windows 8 Tablet PC with Microsoft Windows 8 time to market to determine.

I believe that many Windows Tablet PC will debut in November. According to foreign media reports, Huawei plans to launch Windows 8 Tablet PC.
Previously CEO of Huawei company, Yu Chengdong announced at his microblogging account that Huawei quad-core tablet the MediaPad 10FHD will be held in late August, listed price will be lower than 3000 yuan!

The latest plans to launch Windows 8 Tablet PC will become the successor of this product, and will probably adopt a similar configuration, may be equipped with Windows RT system. Of course, it could also adopt Intel quad-core processors run Windows 8 system.

At the same time, Huawei is likely to support LTE network version of Windows Tablet PC for the U.S. market. Believe that after a few months will be Windows 8 system tablet moment of force.

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