XAMI

In context: Windows 10 is turning five this year, and to celebrate the occasion, Microsoft has released a comprehensive list of all the user-recommended features they’ve added. It’s easy to take these little upgrades for granted, but Microsoft has truly made Windows 10 a lot more comfortable since launch. Here are the five most interesting features, because five is my favorite number. If your favorite happens to be six, head to Microsoft’s blog post to see the rest. Emoji Emojis are a wonderfully unnecessary staple modern communication. Not only do you get the benefit of being able to skimp on typing in casual scenarios, but emoji in Windows also means you can integrate them into your professional world. If you want to sound less passive-aggressive in a work email, just add something accurate to how you feel. For example, a message to tech support: “Hey Jack, I was wondering if you got my email yesterday ? My computer’s stopped working, and I can’t do anything until it’s fixed ?.” Or if you want to sound more passive-aggressive, “Jack, it’s been a week since you said I’d have a replacement desktop and I’ve had to work from my phone since. Can you get it to me today? ? ☠” The emoji panel is activated by pressing Windows and the period key. It has a kaomoji section too, which are the adorable little faces that come from Japan. (◕‿◕) Your Phone App The Your Phone app is one of Microsoft’s most practical updates. Through a companion smartphone app, Your Phone can display a phone's text messages, calls, recent images, and live notifications on a PC. Screenshot Screenshotting on PC has always been terrible compared to the smartphone experience, but Microsoft has definitely improved things in the past few years. The old Windows key + PrtSc command could only shoot the whole screen, but the new Windows key + Shift + S brings up the options to select a portion of the screen using a rectangular or freehand tool. Xbox Game Bar The Xbox Game Bar is an essential, regardless of whether you have an Xbox or play games. The Performance tab is the fastest way to see CPU, GPU, and RAM utilization and FPS. The Audio tab lets you adjust the relative volume of different applications, so you can put a stop to egregiously loud system notifications that interrupt your music. The Control tab is also the easiest way to check the time without interrupting a full-screen video or game. The bar is activated by pressing Windows key + G. Mouse Options Microsoft is adding the option to adjust the size and color of the mouse pointer and text cursor. The feature is technically to help users who have trouble spotting their mouse, but if you want to go full gamer, you could web browse with a giant red crosshairs too. This feature is still rolling out, but will be under the Ease of Access tab in Settings soon. Microsoft still has some work to do, like giving Windows 10 a workable search feature, but the smaller upgrades are nonetheless appreciated. Isaiah, M. (2020, February 01). Microsoft wants you to know they've improved Windows 10 lately. Retrieved from https://www.techspot.com/news/83821-microsoft-wants-you-know-theyve-improved-windows-10.html

Name game: All Stars 12 Bundle - (Various games) Price: $1.99 USD $114.92 (-98%) GET $114.92 WORTH OF GAMES The Testament of Sherlock Holmes - $19.99 Medieval Kingdom Wars - $19.99 Devil Daggers - $4.99 River City Ransom: Underground - $19.99 Eador. Imperium - $19.99 Tales from Candlekeep: Tomb of Annihilation - $15.99 Yet Another Zombie Defense HD - $3.99 Republique - $9.99 Link store: Store Link! Offer ends up after 18 Days.

Name game: Rain World Price: $3.99 USD $19.99 (-80%) Link store: Store Link! Offer ends up after 23 hours. Requirements: Minimum: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS: Windows 7 64-bit Processor: Dual Core 2.4 Ghz Memory: 2 GB RAM Recommended: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system

Name game: Outward Price: $14.99 USD $39.99 (-63%) Link store: Store Link! Offer ends up after 46 hours. Requirements: Minimum: OS: Windows 7 (64 Bit) / 8 (64 Bit) / 10 (64 Bit) Processor: Intel Core i5-750 or equivalent Memory: 4 GB RAM Graphics: Nvidia GTS 450 or equivalent Storage: 15 GB available space Recommended: OS: Windows 7 (64 Bit) / 8 (64 Bit) / 10 (64 Bit) Processor: Intel Core i5-2400 or equivalent Memory: 8 GB RAM Graphics: Nvidia GTX 960 or equivalent Storage: 15 GB available space

Name game: DOOM Price: $5.39 USD $19.99 (-73%) Link store: Store Link! Offer ends up after 4 Days. Requirements: Minimum: OS: Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit versions) Processor: Intel Core i5-2400/AMD FX-8320 or better Memory: 8 GB RAM Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 670 2GB/AMD Radeon HD 7870 2GB or better Storage: 55 GB available space Additional Notes: Requires Steam activation and broadband internet connection for Multiplayer and SnapMap Recommended: OS: Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit versions) Processor: Intel Core i7-3770/AMD FX-8350 or better Memory: 8 GB RAM Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 970 4GB/AMD Radeon R9 290 4GB or better Storage: 55 GB available space Additional Notes: Requires Steam activation and broadband internet connection for Multiplayer and SnapMap

What just happened? After reporting a record-setting quarter, Apple has released software updates for its devices today, with several fixes and improvements in iOS/iPadOS 13.3.1 for the iPhone/iPad, alongside minor updates to other operating systems, including macOS Catalina, tvOS and watchOS. The company also issued a security update for older devices running iOS 12. Apple landed in hot waters last month when its U1 ultra-wideband chip on newer iPhones was found to be tracking users' location despite related services being entirely disabled in settings. The latest iOS update adds a new toggle that lets users disable location tracking of the U1 chip. The complete list of bug fixes and improvements under iOS 13.3.1 are below: Fixes an issue in Communication Limits that could allow a contact to be added without entering the Screen Time passcode Adds a setting to control the use of location services by the U1 Ultra Wideband chip Addresses an issue that could cause a momentary delay before editing a Deep Fusion photo taken on iPhone 11 or iPhone 11 Pro Resolves an issue with Mail that could cause remote images to load even when the “Load Remote Images” setting is disabled Fixes an issue that could cause multiple undo dialogs to appear in Mail Addresses an issue where FaceTime could use the rear facing ultra-wide camera instead of the wide camera Resolves an issue where push notifications could fail to be delivered over Wi-Fi Addresses a CarPlay issue that could cause distorted sound when making phone calls in certain vehicles Introduces support for Indian English Siri voices for HomePod iPadOS 13.3.1 update sees a similar list, albeit narrowed down to fixes for Communication Limits, Mail, push notifications delivery over Wi-Fi and the addition of Indian English Siri voices for the HomePod. Apple's macOS Catalina jumps to version 10.15.3 and is meant to bring "stability, reliability, and security" improvements to Mac owners. The release notes mention the following tweaks: Optimizes gamma handling of low gray levels on Pro Display XDR for SDR workflows when using macOS Improves multi-stream video editing performance for HEVC and H.264-encoded 4K video on the MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019) Additionally, the company also pushed the watchOS 6.1.2 update, which "provides important security updates and is recommended for all users" and tvOS 13.3.1 update for the fourth- and fifth-gen Apple TV models containing bug fixes and minor improvements. Owners of iPhones (6 and earlier), the iPad (mini 3 and earlier) as well as iPod touch sixth-gen have also received an update for iOS 12, with version 12.4.5 bringing "important security updates" recommended for all users. The update further highlights Apple's impressive software support for older devices, a trend that would seem to continue as part of its next major iOS iteration. Humza, A. (2020, January 29). Apple releases iOS 13.3.1 with fixes for location tracking, Screen Time, Mail app and more. Retrieved from https://www.techspot.com/news/83766-apple-releases-ios-1331-fixes-location-tracking-screen.html

In context: PC enthusiasts love to customize and tweak their rigs through overclocking, part swapping, case modding, or even the addition of fancy RGB lighting. Now, NZXT wants to give them yet another way to make their machines their own with its latest line of liquid CPU coolers. NZXT today announced multiple additions to its "Kraken" CPU cooler roster, all of which fall into the new X-3 and Z-3 product line-ups. The Z-3 series promises to offer the most "visually appealing" and "highest performing" all-in-one (AIO) coolers on the market. Though we can't vouch for the latter claim without testing the devices ourselves, NZXT certainly seems to have achieved the former. Both of the company's new Z-3 AIOs -- the 280mm Kraken Z63 ($250) and the 360mm Kraken Z73 ($280) -- feature a new, fully customizable LCD screen instead of the already-impressive "infinity mirror" logo and light ring design we've seen in the past. The screens have been built directly into the Z73 and Z63's water blocks, and they can display just about anything you want. You can add GIFs, static images, system details (such as your CPU temperature), and more. You do have to use NZXT's often-finicky "CAM" software to make these adjustments, but that's probably a small price to pay for some customization fanatics. NZXT's cheaper X-3 series AIOs don't have the customizable LCD screens that their pricier cousins do, but all of the company's new coolers feature Aer P radiator fans, which were designed for silent "liquid-cooling perfection." The X-3 line-up consists of the 240mm Kraken X53 ($130), the 280mm X63 ($150), and the 360mm X73 ($180). If you want to snag any of the coolers mentioned above, you can do so now. All X-3 and Z-3-series AIOs are available for purchase on Amazon or NZXT's website. Cohen, C. (2020, January 28). NZXT's latest AIO CPU coolers include customizable LCD screens. Retrieved from https://www.techspot.com/news/83759-nzxt-latest-aio-cpu-coolers-include-customizable-lcd.html

Name game: Supraland Price: $9.99 USD $19.99 (-50%) Link store: Store Link! Offer ends up after 38 hours. Requirements: Minimum: OS: Windows 7 Processor: Intel Core2Duo 2.66GHz Memory: 4 GB RAM Graphics: GTX 780 Storage: 3 GB available space Recommended: OS: Windows 10 Memory: 4 GB RAM Graphics: GTX 1050ti Storage: 3 GB available space

Facepalm: It’s been almost two weeks since Microsoft officially ended its extended support for Windows 7, but the Redmond firm is introducing another free update for the OS that fixes a bug it introduced in the final public updates. As reported by The Verge, one of Microsoft’s final free Windows 7 updates—KB4534310—is causing wallpaper problems for some users. After installation, an image can display as black when set to Stretch. The issue only appears to affect stretched wallpapers, fit, fill, tile, or center options still work normally. Microsoft had initially said that the fix would only be available to organizations who pay the expensive Extended Security Updates (ESUs), but it has now decided to offer it for free to everyone running Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1. While the bug isn’t exactly a major one, the fact Microsoft introduced it just as the company stopped supporting non-paying Windows 7 users is a bad look. Pushing out the fix to everyone will help avoid some negative PR. ESUs aren’t cheap. During the first year, those using Windows 7 Enterprise will pay $25 per machine. This doubles to $50 in the second year and goes up to $100 for the third year. It’s even more expensive for those using Windows 7 Pro. ESUs for this version start at $50 before going up to $100 in year two and $200 during year three. Many businesses have been slow to migrate from Windows 7 to Windows 10, including the German government, which has to pay Microsoft around $886,000 for ESUs. In other Windows 7 news, the Free Software Foundation is demanding that the OS be released as free software. Rob, T. (20250, January 27). Microsoft issuing free Windows 7 fix after introducing bug in final updates. Retrieved from https://www.techspot.com/news/83729-microsoft-issuing-free-windows-7-fix-after-introducing.html

Name game: Pathfinder: Kingmaker Explorer Edition Price: $14.99 USD $39.99 (-63%) Link store: Store Link! Offer ends up after 20 hours. Requirements: Minimum: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS: Windows 7 64-bit or newer Processor: Intel Celeron 1037U @ 1.80GHz Memory: 4 GB RAM Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 3000 Storage: 30 GB available space Sound Card: DirectX Compatible Sound Card Recommended: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS: Windows 7 64-bit or newer Processor: Intel Core i7 CPU 920 @ 2.67GHz Memory: 8 GB RAM Graphics: ATI Radeon HD 5770 or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M Storage: 30 GB available space Sound Card: DirectX Compatible Sound Card

WTF?! The Free Software Foundation (FSF), the same group behind the 2009-era Windows 7 "sins" campaign that encouraged users to throw Windows 7 in the trash, has now started another initiative -- one that demands Windows 7 be opened up as free software. The FSF has launched the "Upcycle Windows 7" petition, and if the opening paragraph doesn't persuade Microsoft to open source Windows 7, then I don't know what will. "On January 14th, Windows 7 reached its official 'end-of-life,' bringing an end to its updates as well as its ten years of poisoning education, invading privacy, and threatening user security. The end of Windows 7's lifecycle gives Microsoft the perfect opportunity to undo past wrongs, and to upcycle it instead," the petition reads. Yikes. At any rate, most users probably agree that Windows 7 already undid Microsoft's past wrongs, being absolved for the sins of Windows Vista. Hey, maybe the FSF should ask for Windows Vista instead. You know, shoot for the moon and land in the stars kind of thing. Something's better than nothing. Moving on, the FSF has demanded that Microsoft release Windows 7 as free software for the community to "study and improve." The petition goes on to cite a precedent for this in the form of Microsoft's Calculator app being on GitHub, and claims Microsoft has "nothing to lose" by releasing an operating system that has reached end of life. Except, Microsoft kind of does have something to lose. While Windows 7 is in EOL status, and that means no more free updates and patches for consumers, it isn't technically unsupported. There's still hundreds of millions of Windows 7 machines, no shortage of which are business or enterprise customers that will be paying for extended support. Microsoft offers the privilege of paid extended support for Windows 7 through January 10, 2023. For instance, the German government will be paying Microsoft $886,000 for one year's worth of extended support for 33,000 Windows 7 machines. Joining Germany is Ireland, as Ireland's Health Service Executive has agreed to pay Microsoft roughly €1.1M ($1.2M) in extended support fees for 2020, and will be paying for extended support though at least 2021, for no less than 46,000 Windows 7 PCs. Those are just two recent examples. Then there's the not insignificant fact that much of the codebase in Windows 7 lives on in Windows 10. In other words, the chance of seeing Windows 7 in a GitHub repo anytime soon is unlikely, to say the least. Eric, H. (2020, January 25). Free Software Foundation 'demands' Windows 7 be released as free software. Retrieved from https://www.techspot.com/news/83721-free-software-foundation-demands-windows-7-released-free.html

Name game: Tropico 5 Price: $2.79 USD $19.99 (-86%) Link store: Store Link! Offer ends up after 45 hours. Requirements: Minimum: OS: Windows Vista SP2, Windows 7, Windows 8 Processor: 2 GHz Dual Core CPU Memory: 4 GB RAM Graphics: GeForce 400 or higher, AMD Radeon HD 4000 or higher, Intel HD 4000 or higher (DirectX 11 hardware support required) DirectX: Version 11 Storage: 4 GB available space Sound Card: DirectX compatible Recommended: OS: Windows 7 (64 bit), Windows 8 (64 bit) Processor: 2.5 GHz Quad Core CPU Memory: 8 GB RAM Graphics: GeForce 500 or higher, AMD Radeon HD 5000 or higher DirectX: Version 11 Network: Broadband Internet connection Storage: 4 GB available space

Why it matters: With dual-screen devices set to bring the next evolution in mobile computing, developer adoption and support remains a key factor in driving the industry forward. Towards that end, Microsoft has announced the preview SDKs for its dual-screen Surface Duo and laid out ideas for optimizing app experiences on foldable devices. The tech community has received a few updates from Microsoft regarding the company's upcoming foldables: The Windows 10X-powered Surface Neo and the smaller Android-powered Surface Duo. The company's developer documentation on creating apps for dual-screen devices includes the preview SDK for the Surface Duo (coming soon for Mac OS), letting developers test their apps on the new emulator integrated into Android Studio for simulating "postures, gestures, hinge angle, mimicking the seam between the two screens, and more." For the Surface Neo and devices that'll run Windows 10X, a new Microsoft Emulator will be shipped to developers, alongside "new APIs for dual-screen support, documentation, and code samples," through Insider builds. The emulator will support both UWP and Win32 apps in single- and dual-screen scenarios. Microsoft's five app patterns for dual-screen devices (top) and recommendations for spanning apps across various modes (bottom) Microsoft also laid out new web standards for dual-screen devices as well as UX design patterns depicting app behavior and spanning across device orientation and layout. The company said that it's working on improvements to React Native and Xamarin frameworks for cross-platform developers. In addition to this, the company also announced the Microsoft 365 Developer Day. The online event will take place on February 11 at 8:30 AM PDT, and dive into more details about the aforementioned updates. Humza, A. (2020, January 23). Microsoft releases preview SDK for the Surface Duo, envisions Windows 10X on foldables. Retrieved from https://www.techspot.com/news/83673-microsoft-releases-preview-sdk-surface-duo-envisions-windows.html

Name game: Baldur's Gate Pac Price: $14.99 USD $59.97 (-75%) Link store: Store Link! Offer ends up after 38 hours.