Microsoft Offers ESU Program for Windows 10 as Support Deadline Looms
Microsoft is offering a new program called Extended Security Updates (ESU) to allow businesses and consumers to continue receiving security updates for Windows 10 after its official support deadline in October 2025. The program will be available at a cost, with business customers paying significantly more than education and consumer users. Microsoft had previously confirmed that it plans to offer a version of this program for consumers, but waited six additional months to provide details on how the program would work.
The high cost of ESU subscriptions may prompt businesses to upgrade to Windows 11, which is likely part of Microsoft's strategy to promote its newer operating system.
What will be the long-term implications of Microsoft's decision to offer a consumer version of the ESU program, and will it set a precedent for other companies in the tech industry?
Microsoft is updating its commercial cloud contracts to improve data protection for European Union institutions, following an investigation by the EU's data watchdog that found previous deals failed to meet EU law. The changes aim to increase Microsoft's data protection responsibilities and provide greater transparency for customers. By implementing these new provisions, Microsoft seeks to enhance trust with public sector and enterprise customers in the region.
The move reflects a growing recognition among tech giants of the need to balance business interests with regulatory demands on data privacy, setting a potentially significant precedent for the industry.
Will Microsoft's updated terms be sufficient to address concerns about data protection in the EU, or will further action be needed from regulators and lawmakers?
While Microsoft's efforts seem to be paying off, the company's pushy approach to getting users to switch to Windows 11 has sparked debate among tech enthusiasts. On one hand, it appears that the company is successfully winning over users from Windows 10. On the other hand, some critics argue that Microsoft is being overly aggressive in its marketing efforts.
The ongoing competition between Microsoft and rival operating systems like Chrome OS highlights the evolving landscape of personal computing, where flexibility and customization are increasingly important to users.
Will Microsoft's continued emphasis on cloud-based security features, such as Smart App Control, ultimately lead to a shift away from traditional software licensing models in the PC industry?
Microsoft has updated its support document for Windows 11 24H2 to include a broader range of compatible Intel processors, including several 8th, 9th, and 10th-generation models that were previously excluded. This update allows original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) building new Windows 11 devices to use these older processors, as long as their motherboards meet the required TPM 2.0 specification. The company's decision to expand support for these older CPUs may help alleviate compatibility issues for OEMs, but it also leaves individual users and custom PC builders with limited options.
As the pace of technological change accelerates, companies like Microsoft are increasingly forced to navigate the fine line between supporting legacy systems and pushing for innovation through new hardware standards.
What implications will this shift in support policies have on the wider ecosystem of Windows 11 developers, from software vendors to individual users?
Windows 11 Pro is offering a limited-time discount of $14.97 until March 30, allowing gamers to upgrade their performance and enjoy faster load times, enhanced visuals, and smoother gameplay. The operating system's DirectStorage feature reduces loading times by sending game data directly to the GPU, while Auto HDR enhances graphics with sharper, more vivid images. DirectX 12 Ultimate enables ray tracing and advanced rendering for a next-gen gaming experience.
This deeply discounted upgrade could be a major turning point for PC gamers who have been holding back due to outdated hardware or slow performance.
Will Microsoft continue to offer such significant discounts on its operating system in the future, potentially democratizing access to high-performance computing for more gamers?
Broadcom has released patches for three critical vulnerabilities in its VMware products, which are already being exploited in the wild. The bugs were described as VM escape flaws and affect all supported versions of VMware ESX, vSphere, Cloud Foundation, and Telco Cloud Platform. These issues were deemed severe enough to warrant immediate attention from users, who are urged to apply the fixes as soon as possible.
The emphasis on timely patching highlights the evolving nature of cybersecurity threats, where vulnerabilities can be rapidly exploited before solutions are available.
How will this incident influence the broader discussion around vendor responsibility and the accountability of large corporations in addressing security concerns that affect their customers?
Microsoft has announced that it will retire its Skype service on May 5, shifting focus towards its free version of Teams. Users can transition to Teams by signing in with their Skype credentials, allowing them to access existing chats and contacts. Microsoft will continue to support paid options and subscriptions until April 3.
The shift from Skype to Teams reflects the evolving nature of remote communication, where services that prioritize simplicity, integration, and security are gaining traction.
What implications will this move have for the broader video conferencing market, particularly in the context of emerging technologies like AI-powered virtual assistants?
Honor has announced a commitment to providing seven years of Android OS and security updates to its latest Magic series devices, including the Honor Magic 7 Pro. This move brings the burgeoning smartphone manufacturer in line with Apple, Samsung, and Google, all of which provide seven years of software and security updates to their respective flagship smartphones. Previously, Honor handsets were typically supported with five years of updates.
The long-term commitment to update support by Honor underscores the industry's shift towards prioritizing user experience and device longevity, particularly in a market where consumers are increasingly investing heavily in their mobile devices.
How will the extended update cycle impact the role of traditional carriers in maintaining device performance and security, now that manufacturers are taking on more responsibility?
Microsoft has implemented a patch to its Windows Copilot, preventing the AI assistant from inadvertently facilitating the activation of unlicensed copies of its operating system. The update addresses previous concerns that Copilot was recommending third-party tools and methods to bypass Microsoft's licensing system, reinforcing the importance of using legitimate software. While this move showcases Microsoft's commitment to refining its AI capabilities, unauthorized activation methods for Windows 11 remain available online, albeit no longer promoted by Copilot.
This update highlights the ongoing challenges technology companies face in balancing innovation with the need to protect their intellectual property and combat piracy in an increasingly digital landscape.
What further measures could Microsoft take to ensure that its AI tools promote legal compliance while still providing effective support to users?
The OnePlus Open is receiving a software update that enhances its camera features with customizable watermarks, allowing users to personalize their photos and videos. The update also includes a security patch level boosted to February 2025, indicating ongoing support for the device. Furthermore, the firmware remains based on Android 15, despite being two generations behind new flagships.
This update highlights the importance of software maintenance in keeping premium devices relevant, even if they lack hardware upgrades.
As the technology landscape continues to evolve, how will consumers prioritize features and performance when deciding between newer and older models?
Microsoft has confirmed that its Windows drivers and software are being exploited by hackers through zero-day attacks, allowing them to escalate privileges and potentially drop ransomware on affected machines. The company patched five flaws in a kernel-level driver for Paragon Partition Manager, which were apparently found in BioNTdrv.sys, a piece of software used by the partition manager. Users are urged to apply updates as soon as possible to secure their systems.
This vulnerability highlights the importance of keeping software and drivers up-to-date, as outdated components can provide entry points for attackers.
What measures can individuals take to protect themselves from such attacks, and how can organizations ensure that their defenses against ransomware are robust?
Microsoft is testing new features for Windows 11 that include app recommendations in the Start menu and suggested files in File Explorer, aimed at enhancing user experience. The Start menu will now suggest apps typically used together, while File Explorer will display relevant files based on user activity, although these changes will not be available in the European Economic Area for now. While some users may find these recommendations helpful, others may view them as unnecessary clutter in the interface.
This initiative reflects Microsoft's ongoing commitment to improving user experience in Windows 11, indicating a potential shift towards more personalized interactions within the operating system.
How will user feedback on these new features influence Microsoft's future updates and the overall design of Windows 11?
Mozilla's Thunderbird mail app has transitioned to a new desktop release channel that will provide monthly updates, aligning its release schedule with that of Firefox. The latest version, Thunderbird 136, includes security enhancements, closing at least 11 vulnerabilities, and aims to encourage users to adopt this new release channel for improved features and stability. Additionally, the long-term support version, Thunderbird 128 ESR, will continue to receive security updates until September 2025, catering to users who prefer a more stable experience.
This strategic shift towards a monthly update cycle reflects a broader trend in software development, emphasizing the importance of regular improvements and security in an increasingly digital workspace.
Will the push for monthly updates result in a significant increase in user adoption of Thunderbird, or could it alienate users who prefer the stability of extended support releases?
The global eSIM market has experienced significant growth, with shipments reaching 503 million units in 2024, representing a 35% year-on-year increase. This surge in demand is attributed to the increasing adoption of eSIMs for international travel, resulting in a 56% rise in eSIM profile downloads. The improved economic landscape and advancements in smartphone technology have also contributed to the growth of eSIM sales.
As eSIM technology continues to expand into new use-cases, it's essential to prioritize industry-wide collaboration to ensure that deployments are reliable, consistent, and trustworthy.
What role will emerging technologies like IoT and smart cities play in driving demand for eSIMs, and how will this impact the mobile network infrastructure in the coming years?
Microsoft has introduced the Windows 365 Disaster Recovery Plus (DRP) option, which significantly enhances data recovery capabilities with recovery times up to eight times quicker than the previous Cross-region Disaster Recovery (CRDR) solution. This new offering allows users to select their preferred geographic region for data sovereignty while providing access to a temporary Cloud PC during outages, although it does not preserve applications or data. The enhanced service aims to mitigate data loss risks and improve operational efficiency for organizations relying on Cloud PCs.
The introduction of Disaster Recovery Plus reflects Microsoft's commitment to addressing the growing demand for robust data protection solutions in an increasingly digital business landscape.
How will the competitive landscape for cloud services evolve as companies prioritize disaster recovery capabilities in their offerings?
Samsung has confirmed that the highly anticipated One UI 7 update will launch in April, following a pre-release phase that began with the Galaxy S25 series. This update, based on Android 15, introduces several new features, including the Now Bar for notifications and revamped UI aesthetics, while also addressing user concerns about adaptive charging options. As the update rolls out, users of various Galaxy devices will finally gain access to improvements that have been long awaited, although they may soon find themselves facing another major Android update shortly thereafter.
The staggered release strategy employed by Samsung reflects a broader industry trend where manufacturers balance innovation with user experience, often resulting in a delayed rollout compared to competitors.
How will Samsung's update strategy influence user loyalty and the overall perception of its software in a rapidly evolving smartphone market?
Microsoft Corp. has scaled back its commitments to cloud computing provider CoreWeave due to ongoing delivery issues and missed deadlines, according to a report from the Financial Times. This development comes as CoreWeave prepares for an initial public offering that could raise approximately $4 billion, with Microsoft being its largest customer, accounting for 62% of its revenue in 2024. The implications of Microsoft's decision could significantly impact CoreWeave’s financial stability and market valuation as it approaches its IPO.
This situation highlights the precariousness of startup relationships with major tech companies, where performance and reliability are critical for survival and growth in a competitive landscape.
How might CoreWeave's IPO and its relationship with Microsoft evolve in light of these recent challenges, and what does this mean for the future of the cloud computing market?
Microsoft is closing down Skype, the video-calling service it bought for $8.5 billion in 2011. The tech giant said Friday it will retire Skype in May and shift some of its services to Microsoft Teams, its flagship videoconferencing platform. Skype users will be able to use their existing accounts to log into Teams.
As Skype disappears from the online landscape, companies must now reassess their communication strategies, potentially leading to a renewed focus on collaboration tools that offer more robust features and seamless integrations.
Will Microsoft's decision to retire Skype signal a broader shift in the tech industry away from legacy brands and towards newer platforms that prioritize user experience over established market presence?
Microsoft has responded to the CMA’s Provision Decision Report by arguing that British customers haven’t submitted that many complaints. The tech giant has issued a 101-page official response tackling all aspects of the probe, even asserting that the body has overreacted. Microsoft claims that it is being unfairly targeted and accused of preventing its rivals from competing effectively for UK customers.
This exchange highlights the tension between innovation and regulatory oversight in the tech industry, where companies must balance their pursuit of growth with the need to avoid antitrust laws.
How will the CMA's investigation into Microsoft's dominance of the cloud market impact the future of competition in the tech sector?
Sony has introduced a new beta program aimed at streamlining the process for gamers to participate in testing updates and features for the PS5 and PC. By signing up just once, players can express their interest in accessing various beta tests, including games, new console features, and enhancements to the PlayStation App. This initiative represents a significant shift from previous beta sign-up processes, which required multiple registrations for different tests.
This move could enhance community engagement by making it easier for players to contribute feedback on new features and improvements, potentially leading to a better overall gaming experience.
What implications will this beta program have on the quality and speed of updates released for the PS5 in the future?
FragPunk, an upcoming first-person shooter, has received a last-minute console delay due to unexpected technical challenges in optimization and adaptation. The game, previously set to release on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S on March 7, will now take longer to arrive on console platforms. Console players will receive compensation for their pre-orders, including rewards gained via engagement and a full refund.
This delay highlights the challenges of translating complex gaming experiences from PC to consoles, where hardware and software constraints can be a major hurdle.
How will this technical challenge affect the broader gaming industry's approach to developing console versions of games, particularly in terms of development time and resources?
The release of Intel's Arrow Lake platform for business laptops marks a significant shift towards more efficient mobile workstation designs, addressing the frustrations of customers who had to wait two years for updates. The new CPUs are poised to deliver improved performance and power efficiency, allowing businesses to upgrade their existing fleets without compromising on capabilities. With the introduction of special vPro versions with enhanced management and security features, Intel is targeting large corporate customers.
As mobile workstations become increasingly essential for professionals, the timely adoption of these new CPUs will be a significant factor in determining which companies can maintain competitiveness in an evolving industry landscape.
What implications might this shift towards more efficient mobile workstations have on the role of traditional PC manufacturers versus specialized workstation vendors?
The iPhone 16e, Apple's latest entry-level model, is now available for free to new customers who sign up for a Visible+ plan and switch to the carrier's services. The phone features a refreshed design, improved cameras, and increased storage capacity compared to its predecessor. This offer is only available through March 14, 2025, or while supplies last.
By offering a free iPhone 16e with a Visible+ plan, Apple is effectively reducing the barrier to entry for new customers, potentially increasing sales and market share in a competitive smartphone market.
How will this promotional strategy impact Apple's long-term business model, particularly in light of the rising competition from Chinese brands and the growing trend of affordable flagship alternatives?
Hackers are exploiting Microsoft Teams and other legitimate Windows tools to launch sophisticated attacks on corporate networks, employing social engineering tactics to gain access to remote desktop solutions. Once inside, they sideload flawed .DLL files that enable the installation of BackConnect, a remote access tool that allows persistent control over compromised devices. This emerging threat highlights the urgent need for businesses to enhance their cybersecurity measures, particularly through employee education and the implementation of multi-factor authentication.
The use of familiar tools for malicious purposes points to a concerning trend in cybersecurity, where attackers leverage trust in legitimate software to bypass traditional defenses, ultimately challenging the efficacy of current security protocols.
What innovative strategies can organizations adopt to combat the evolving tactics of cybercriminals in an increasingly digital workplace?
Microsoft's AI assistant Copilot will no longer provide guidance on how to activate pirated versions of Windows 11. The update aims to curb digital piracy by ensuring users are aware that it is both illegal and against Microsoft's user agreement. As a result, if asked about pirating software, Copilot now responds that it cannot assist with such actions.
This move highlights the evolving relationship between technology companies and piracy, where AI-powered tools must be reined in to prevent exploitation.
Will this update lead to increased scrutiny on other tech giants' AI policies, forcing them to reassess their approaches to combating digital piracy?
PlayStation Plus subscribers are officially receiving compensation following the PlayStation Network outage last month. The almost 24-hour outage, which prevented online gaming, has been addressed by Sony. Members should now see the compensation added to their PlayStation accounts as of March 4, five days of service will be automatically added to their expiry date.
The sudden shift in favor of customers from companies can lead to changes in the way we value and prioritize customer loyalty programs.
How will this new trend influence the future of subscription-based services across various industries?