Windows 10… LIVES

Microsoft offers free Windows 10 extended updates in the EEA after consumer group pressure, while new Xbox handhelds are expensive and console sales are declining.

• Microsoft reversed its Windows 10 update policy in Europe due to consumer pressure.

• Xbox handhelds are pricey, and console sales are declining for Microsoft.

• AI advancements enable body-agnostic robots and proactive information delivery.

Microsoft has extended free Windows 10 security updates for a year to users in the European Economic Area, a policy change influenced by consumer rights groups citing the Digital Markets Act. Concurrently, Microsoft's new ROG Xbox Ally handhelds are confirmed with high prices, raising questions about their value proposition amidst reports of declining Xbox console sales from major retailers. Meanwhile, advancements in AI demonstrate body-agnostic robot capabilities and proactive content delivery systems from OpenAI.

Windows 10 Extended Updates

• 00:00:17 Microsoft is offering a year of free extended Windows 10 updates to users in the European Economic Area, requiring only a Microsoft account sign-in every 60 days. This policy differs from outside the EEA, where users must pay $30, use 1,000 Microsoft reward points, or enable Windows backup and sync to OneDrive, potentially necessitating additional cloud storage purchases. This concession followed a stern letter from Euro Consumers, who argued Microsoft's initial policy might violate the Digital Markets Act and noted the unusually fast phasing out of Windows 10.

Xbox Handhelds & Sales

• 00:01:52 Microsoft has officially confirmed pricing for the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, with the vanilla version starting at $600 USD and the Ally X, featuring the Ryzen Z2 Extreme, at $1,000, making it one of the most expensive mainstream handhelds. The value proposition is questioned as cheaper alternatives offer similar specs and access to the 'Xboxified' Windows UI. This release coincides with reports of declining Xbox console sales, with Costco and Canadian outlet WB Games reportedly removing or selling off their existing Xbox inventory.

Advanced AI & Robotics

• 00:03:01 Companies like Skilled AI and Google DeepMind are showcasing robots with body-agnostic capabilities, allowing them to adapt and function across different physical forms, even after significant damage. Skilled AI demonstrates its 'skilled brain technology' by having robots re-learn movement after being dismembered, while DeepMind has a robot search the web to complete physical tasks like sorting waste according to specific regulations. OpenAI also launched ChatGPT Pulse, a feature proactively delivering updates based on user interests, aiming to foster dependency on AI that anticipates user needs.

Tech Industry News Bits

• 00:06:29 Almost all OnePlus phones are vulnerable to a permission bypass exploit, allowing installed apps to access SMS data without user consent, though older OxygenOS 11 devices are protected. Amazon agreed to a $2.5 billion settlement with the FTC for intentionally making Prime subscription cancellations difficult, including a $1 billion civil penalty and $1.5 billion in refunds for affected customers. Additionally, Doug Bowser, President and COO of Nintendo of America, is stepping down after six years, with 20-year veteran Devon Pritchard taking his place.