Latest news with #upgrade
Forbes
4 days ago
- Forbes
Microsoft Confirms Windows Upgrade Choice—100 Day Deadline Nears
Users must act now as deadline nears. The awkwardness of Microsoft's multiple emergency updates to resolve failed installs continues, with yet another warning of a Windows 11 flaw. But the bigger issue remains the stubborn Windows 10 user base. With little more than 100 days to upgrade or lose support, Microsoft confirms another upgrade choice for those 700 million users. That new update warning, per Windows Latest, is that 'Windows 11 KB5063060 is failing to install due to errors like 0x800f0922, 0x80070002, 0x80070306, and 0x800f0991.' Those issue are hitting PC gamers hardest. You do have the option to uninstall the update, or just await the inevitable fix. Desktop Windows Version Market Share Worldwide (June 2024 to June 2025) After several months of steady upgrades from Windows 10 to Windows 11, last month's data was a setback with those upgrades flatlining, leaving 50% of the user base at risk. The good news for Microsoft and the cybersecurity industry is that June has been much better — thus far. It now looks as though upgrades are accelerating, which is critical. And now, Microsoft is making the transition much easier. Last month, the Windows-maker confirmed 'we're beginning the rollout of a new PC-to-PC migration experience in Windows,' which means 'you will be able to transfer your files and settings from your old PC to the new one during the PC setup process.' Microsoft said this data migration process would rollout 'in phases for a smooth experience,' and now it's turning up on user devices. For the 250-million-plus PC owners who need to upgrade their hardware as a Windows 11 upgrade is not possible given its hardware hurdles, this is a game-changer. 'What if you can't upgrade to Windows 11 because you own an unsupported PC?' Windows Latest says. 'You can use a new Windows Migration feature, which comes with a free 'PC to PC' transfer feature.' This sits within the existing Windows Backup tool, and 'while it's not exactly a new app… it is getting [this] Migration tool.' PC to PC migration tool This forthcoming update was spotted by @phantomofearth on X: 'Unsurprisingly, Windows Migration is coming to Windows 10 to make it easier to move to 11 as we get closer to EoL. The migration flow in the Backup app is hidden in today's RP CU (19045.6029), can be enabled with feature ID 56242779.' Windows Latest says that while 'this is visible in Windows 10 Build 19045.6029, but is hidden,' they 'forced it on, [albeit] it warns that the feature is in internal testing, so it's not supposed to work for regular consumers just yet.' When it is, it will be a good option for hundreds of millions of users with little more than 100 days to upgrade.
Android Authority
6 days ago
- Android Authority
5 reasons why buying the latest flagship is not always a good idea
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority That brand new flagship phone you have your eyes on sure does look appealing, doesn't it? It's often touted as the best on offer, featuring the fastest chipset, cameras that can perform miracles in all lighting conditions, and a design that turns heads. But don't let your emotions run the show. Take a step back, relax, and truly consider whether you need it before you reach for your wallet. Chances are, buying the latest flagship might be a mistake. Here are five reasons why. Do you usually buy the latest and greatest flagship? 0 votes Yes, always. NaN % No, I usually get an older model. NaN % No, I prefer mid-range phones. NaN % Reason 1: It's usually a minor upgrade Joe Maring / Android Authority The days when every new flagship smartphone represented a monumental leap over its predecessor are largely behind us. The latest Galaxies and iPhones, while polished, are often only marginally better than previous models in terms of raw specifications and features. Sure, there are various improvements highlighted on paper, but you likely won't notice a slightly faster chipset when simply scrolling through your Instagram feed or browsing the web. Battery life isn't generally much better either, and for most users, it's hard to distinguish between a photo snapped with this year's model versus last year's. It's not just about internal specs and features, though. Design, too, doesn't seem to change all that much year over year. A new color here and there, perhaps a slightly redesigned camera module, and that's often the extent of it. While companies could innovate more in this area, most prefer to play it safe, opting for iterative refinements rather than revolutionary overhauls. So, if you own last year's flagship and are contemplating an upgrade to the absolute latest model, I'd argue it's generally not worth it. Unless you're a true power user who absolutely needs to stay on the bleeding edge of technology at all times, you're better off sticking with what you have. And if you're currently using an older phone, buying last year's flagship is often the smarter option. You get 90% of the latest model's capabilities for a lot less money. Reason 2: You likely don't need it anyway Ryan Haines / Android Authority I've already touched on how buying last year's flagship can save you money, but even that might be overkill for some. The biggest mistake I see people make is buying 'too much phone.' Just because something is marketed as 'the best' doesn't automatically mean it's the best for you. You should always make a purchase decision based on your genuine needs, not solely on what's the hottest and most powerful gadget on the market. Mid-range phones are more than capable enough for the average user these days. The truth is that mid-range phones these days are more than capable enough for the average user. When friends and family ask me for recommendations on which phone to buy, I usually suggest something like the Google Pixel 9a or a Samsung Galaxy A56. Both offer plenty of power for everyday tasks, great cameras, long software support, and an attractive design. You won't experience any lag when doing basic things like browsing the web, checking social media, using generative AI tools like ChatGPT, or watching videos. Playing the most graphically demanding games or running complex on-device AI may be more of an issue, but that's not something everyone cares about. Therefore, always buy what you need. If you need a car to get to the grocery store twice a week and to the doctor occasionally, you wouldn't buy the latest $100,000 luxury BMW. While it would certainly get the job done, it's a colossal waste of money. Similarly, if you're an average smartphone user who doesn't play demanding games, isn't a professional photographer or camera nerd, and relies primarily on cloud storage rather than needing massive amounts of on-device storage, don't grab the 1TB Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra just because it's the most premium option available. A capable mid-ranger will perfectly address all your needs without breaking the bank. Reason 3: Cost and depreciation Ryan Whitwam / Android Authority A high-end phone inevitably comes with a high-end price tag. And that's before you account for the essential accessories like a case, screen protector, and possibly even a charger that you'll likely buy with it. I've already highlighted how opting for last year's model or a mid-ranger can save you money upfront. But in addition to that initial outlay, you also have to consider the resale value, especially if you plan on selling or trading it in for a newer model down the line. If you're simply passing it down to a younger sibling, then this concern is less pressing. New phones tend to depreciate more rapidly than older ones. If you're buying a brand-new phone at full retail price, its value will drop considerably within the first year alone. People are generally unwilling to pay close to the original retail price for a used flagship, as most would rather spend a bit more for a brand-new device. What's more, phones frequently go on sale multiple times per year, further driving down the price of used models. Older phones, especially when you manage to get a good deal on them, tend to hold their value much better. So, when the time comes to sell, you'll lose significantly less money than you would if you bought a new flagship and sold it after a few years. It's a similar system to cars: when you drive a new one off the lot, its value immediately drops significantly. But when you buy a used car, the depreciation happens at a much slower rate. Reason 4: Software updates keep the phone fresh Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority The length of software support for smartphones is quite impressive these days, although this does depend on the manufacturer. In the Android world, Google and Samsung are leading the pack, often offering up to seven years of both OS and security updates. Your old phone will likely still be up-to-date for years to come. This prolonged support means your older phone will still be up-to-date for years to come, making the argument for buying the latest one solely for its great software experience less compelling. Sure, there are often new software features introduced exclusively on newer models, but a lot of times, these features are eventually released as part of an update to older, still-supported phones. It doesn't always happen for every single feature, but it's quite common for many of the most impactful ones. So, even if you buy last year's Galaxy S phone instead of the absolute latest one, the core software experience will be, and will remain, more or less the same for years to come — sans a few niche features that generally aren't important enough to justify spending hundreds of extra dollars. Reason 5: The unknown factor Alex Walker-Todd / Android Authority When a new phone is announced, the company behind it often makes it sound like it just invented something magical. However, as with almost any brand-new product, potential issues are always a possibility. From screen defects and overheating to various software bugs, the experience of using a brand-new phone isn't always as smooth as we'd all like. To mitigate this, it's sometimes advisable to wait a few months before buying a new phone. Keep an eye on reviews and user reports that highlight potential issues with a specific device to see if the purchase is truly worth it. But another excellent reason to consider an older model is simply that all the details are already available. The manufacturer has likely already shipped out patches that fixed initial software issues and addressed any manufacturing glitches that might have caused hardware defects. Therefore, you're less likely to experience widespread issues with an older phone model than with a brand-new one — especially if you buy it right at launch. Are there any other reasons why you think buying the latest flagship is not always a good idea? Let me know in the comments — I'd love to hear your thoughts.
News.com.au
7 days ago
- News.com.au
Thai Airways business class review: I found the friendliest flight attendants in the sky
I feel like I've just been reunited with a long-lost dear friend. She's standing inside the door of a Thai Airways plane, dressed head-to-toe in a stunning purple and gold Ruean Ton and sporting the warmest smile I've ever seen on a stranger. 'Welcome aboard, Mr Molloy,' she smiles, gently escorting me to my seat in the pointy end of the Airbus A350-900. As we walk and I settle into my temporary home in the sky, we chat about how beautiful the weather is in Sydney at the moment, where I'm headed – Copenhagen via Bangkok – and the flight time, which is a touch under 22 hours. I don't know this person, but she is so effortlessly personable and kind that it feels like I do. Moments later, I'm approached by another delightful member of the cabin crew, carrying a tray of juices and water. 'Thank you for joining us, Mr Molloy,' she gushes, as though I'm bestowing some kind of honour on the airline. In reality, I'm on a work trip and I've scored an upgrade, otherwise I'd probably be down the other end of the plane – a million miles from this slice of nirvana I find myself in. 'Could I possibly have a glass of bubbles?' I ask, trying my luck. It's not the standard offering right before takeoff, but she nods gently, smiles and floats away, returning moments later with a flute of Laurent-Perrier. Over the years, I've been lucky to fly long-haul a lot, and on a dozen or so different airlines. Some have been bad, most good, but very few great. I don't know it for sure just yet, but this one is about to fall into the latter category. Sure, the business offering on big-name carriers like Emirates and Qatar is flashier, but the Thai Airways experience still punches above its weight. The business cabin on this aircraft is a one-two-one configuration, meaning everyone has direct aisle access. On the first leg of my trip, I'm in a window seat, which offers a bit more privacy. The middle seats have a raiseable partition separating you from your next-door neighbour. The cabin is bathed in lavender and gold tones, which is a nod to the official colours of Thailand, while seat pods have wood accents for an extra touch of class. Cabin mood lighting in dazzling shades of purple, orange and pink mixes perfectly with the subtle scent of aromatherapy lingering in the air. The seat is a lie-flat bed measuring just under 190 centimetres when fully extended and it comes with a soft pillow and warm blanket for bedtime. When it comes to reclining, passengers are in full control of its orientation from start to finish, offering a host of combinations to get your head, neck, back, legs and lumber positioning just right. I'm using much of my flying time to Europe to smash out some writing, so I'm impressed by the size and orientation of the fold-out tray table. There's room for my laptop, dictaphone and notebook, and handy USB and power outlets in proximity. Dotted throughout my pod are a few storage nooks and cubbies to stash my belongings, including my shoes, which I swap for a pair of supplied cotton slippers. There's a large screen offering 150 movies and 200 television shows, absorbed via noise cancelling headphones. In-flight Wi-Fi is available on most services for a charge, but I'm choosing to disconnect from the ground for a while. The amenities kit, a beloved staple of business class flying, is one of the best I've seen. Even the satchel itself is beautiful – a silk pouch made by the famed brand Jim Thompson, named after the American art enthusiast credited with reviving Thailand's silk industry in the 1950s onwards. Inside are a selection of high-end Erb cosmetics including an intense hydration hand cream, moisturising lip balm, and aromatherapy relaxation oil. There's also a toothbrush and toothpaste, eye mask, earplugs, warm socks, and a biodegradable shoehorn. And as a preview of the delicious treats to come, I'm gifted a KanVela chocolate bar. Once we're at our cruising altitude and settled in, the first meal of my journey is served – and it's spectacular. An amuse bouche of chilli and lime prawn skewers with goats cheese and onion jam on crackers, followed by smoked salmon and chive crème fraiche with a mixed salad. For the main course, I select the braised beef short ribs with porcini mushroom, serviced with horseradish mashed potatoes. A basket of breads makes its way through the cabin and I opt for a garlic loaf, which is warm and buttery. For dessert, I'm blown away by a raspberry and coconut mousse dome with caramel crunchy pearls. Throughout the flight, there are a range of snacks and drinks on offer, and it seems like the cabin crew can read my mind. Just as I start to think about ice cream or a packet of chips, someone appears to check if I need anything. Magic. The second meal a few hours out from Bangkok is just as tasty as the first. In a sign of how basic I am, I skip past the duck breast and hoisin crispy pork belly bao buns and go for the lamb shepherd's pie, which has one of the fluffiest mashed potato tops I've encountered. It's accompanied by fresh fruit, more bread, and finished with a jaw-dropping white chocolate brownie with crème anglaise. I've absolutely gorged myself silly and before I know it, it's time to prepare for landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. The transit is an absolute breeze, with friendly ground staff on hand to point me in the direction of the Royal Orchid Prestige Lounge, where I can freshen up before my next flight. I'm on the ground for three-and-a-bit hours before it's time to make my way to the gate. The Bangkok to Copenhagen services is on an older Boeing 777 and the business class fit out is a more dated style. But it's still fairly comfortable – and the service is just as top-notch. I can barely keep my eyes open given I've not yet slept and I'm slipping in a food coma, so my memories of the 11-hour journey are a little hazy. I'm asleep for the vast majority of it, which means I can jump-start my whirlwind trip to Europe with ease. Thai Airways flies twice daily from Sydney and Melbourne to Bangkok, and once daily from Perth, with connections to Europe and beyond.
Bloomberg
13-06-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Apple Sets Plans for Delayed Siri Launch in 2026
Apple is targeting spring 2026 for the release of its delayed Siri upgrade, as the iPhone maker works to turn around its AI efforts. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman joins Caroline Hyde on 'Bloomberg Tech.' (Source: Bloomberg)
BBC News
11-06-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Work to start on £36m Southampton Outdoor Sports Centre upgrade
Work is due to start on Monday on a £36m upgrade to a leisure and sports park, a council has buildings, pitches and a skatepark are planned for the 150-acre (60ha) Southampton Outdoor Sports Centre, with completion scheduled for early park's outdoor artificial ski slope will also be transformed, with new lifts and a ski councillor Toqeer Kataria, in charge of leisure, said the project would improve activity levels and create jobs. He said: "I am delighted that the works to the Outdoor Sports Centre project are about to start."The new state-of-the-art facilities will also significantly help improve health inequalities often felt by our most deprived communities." The sports centre opened in 1938 with the objective of promoting health, the government previously allocated £20m from the Levelling Up Fund towards the scheme in February 2024, when the total cost was put at £ additional £6m was allocated from council resources earlier this year, according to the Local Democracy Reporting buildings on the site will include The Hub, incorporating a gym, cafe, and "two covered netball and tennis courts", the council said. An athletics track grandstand, a skatepark and three new artificial grass football pitches will also be added.A bike park with obstacles and ramps will be retained, but a long-disused boating lake will existing facilities will be affected by the work, with updates on closures due from contractor Morgan site also includes a mini-funfair, the Children's Pleasure Park, which is temporarily closed. You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
