Month: September 2023
Been putting off that free Windows 11 or 10 upgrade? Windows 7 and 8 diehards need to move fast
The free upgrade loophole that has been in place for pretty much forever is now being closed by Microsoft.
Microsoft just implemented something we never thought we’d see the software giant do – namely closing the loophole allowing for Windows 7 and 8 users to upgrade to Windows 10 or 11 at no cost.
We need to rewind time considerably to return to the start of this particular story, all the way back to when Windows 10 was first launched, and Windows 7 and 8 users were allowed a free upgrade to the new OS.
That freebie offer only lasted for a year after the launch of Windows 10, officially, but even after the deadline expired, it actually remained in place.
In short, anyone with a valid Windows 7 or 8 key could still upgrade their PC to Windows 10 just fine (and by extension, Windows 11 too, when that emerged – assuming the various additional system requirements were met including TPM).
Essentially, this was a loophole Microsoft never bothered to close – until now, because as Windows Central spotted, the company just made an official announcement that this unofficial upgrade path is now blocked (with a caveat).
The software giant said: “Microsoft’s free upgrade offer for Windows 10 / 11 ended July 29, 2016. The installation path to obtain the Windows 7 / 8 free upgrade is now removed as well. Upgrades to Windows 11 from Windows 10 are still free.”
However, as Windows Central points out, it’s important to note that technically, an upgrade is still possible as we write this. This change has just been applied with Windows 11 preview builds for now, but it will come through to the release version of the OS before long, no doubt.
So, if you do want to avail yourself of a free upgrade from Windows 7 or 8, you better move sharpish. It may even no longer be possible by the time you read this.
Analysis: An unexpected development
This is something we didn’t believe would ever happen, frankly, simply because the free upgrade has remained in place, on the sly, for so long. As Microsoft points out, the offer officially expired in mid-2016, over seven years ago – yes, seven years.
So, we just figured, like many others, that Microsoft was happy enough to let Windows 7 and 8 users continue to upgrade at no expense. Our presumption was that bolstered adoption figures for newer versions of Windows were to be welcomed. Apparently, this is no longer a concern for Microsoft (if it ever was – but we can’t imagine why the loophole remained open if it wasn’t).
Anyhow, as we observed above, act quickly if you have been holding off an upgrade, but intend to make the move. You may not have long at all left to pull the trigger.
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You can now get a cheaper AMC Plus subscription but you’ll have to put up with ads
If you don’t mind advertising, AMC has just massively cut the cost of its streaming service and you can save on the ad-free version if you pay annually.
How much would you pay to watch The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon? Is nine bucks too much? How about five? Because it, and AMC Plus’ other shows, just got a whole lot more affordable with the introduction of a new, ad-supported version of AMC Plus.
Instead of the $8.99 a month you’d pay for the normal service, the ad-supported tier is just $4.99 a month. How much advertising are we talking about? AMC says not much: five ads an hour, plus sponsored bits over the credits, ad-break trivia and other ways for people to try and sell you stuff.
And unlike some ad-supported services *cough* Freevee *cough* there’s the same content selection as the full paid streaming service. When you consider that AMC Plus includes Shudder, Sundance Now, IFC Films Unlimited, BBC America and Sundance TV too, that’s a lot of TV for not a lot of money.
Why is AMC offering a cheaper AMC Plus?
It’s all about numbers. Some people simply won’t pay the full price for another subscription to the best streaming services when they’re already paying for plenty. But if you drop the price low enough in exchange for not-too-much advertising, you can tempt many of those people to subscribe. And the more people you can tempt, of course, the more money you can make from advertising.
The new tier means that AMC is now a player in the fast-growing FAST (Free, Ad-Supported Television) sector, and it claims to have “dozens of advertisers” signed on. It’s also focusing more on niche markets than trying to be all things to all genders. Speaking to Wall Street in recent weeks, CEO Kristin Dolan said that AMC Plus was “more targeted towards specific genres and specific types of subscribers”. That targeting, along with not paying too much for programming in order to keep costs low, appears to be paying off.
If you’d rather not pay full price for AMC PLus but don’t want the ads either, there is another option: an annual subscription. That saves 20% on the usual pay monthly price, so instead of $8.99 a month it works out as roughly $6.99. There isn’t currently an annual option for the ad-supported tier.
Those prices are for subscribing directly with AMC, but many TV providers offer it as part of a bundle and you can also add a subscription through Apple TV Plus, Amazon or Roku. It’s worth keeping your eye out for deals: from time to time these services offer discounts that could cut the cost of the ad-free tier too.
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Cyberpunk 2077’s rough launch didn’t deter CD Projekt Red from moving forward to make the game better, says director
CD Projekt Red never thought about quitting development on Cyberpunk 2077 despite its disastrous launch.
Despite its disastrous launch, CD Projekt Red never thought about quitting development on Cyberpunk 2077.
That’s according to Cyberpunk 2077 director Gabe Amatangelo, who took on the role in May 2021, who said in an interview with PC Gamer that the team never planned to stop working on the game before the release of update 2.0 – a patch that has come to completely overhaul the original game.
“Part of my conversation at the beginning with my boss and the board was: I believe in the team, I believe in this IP, but I want to do it right. And I’m going to need the support to do that,” Amatangelo said. “And they’re like, yes, you have the support.”
Cyberpunk 2077 launched in December 2020 to considerable criticism, mainly due to the game’s bad performance on every available platform, unless you had a high-end PC. The game was received so negatively that Sony even removed it from the PlayStation store and offered full refunds to players.
It wasn’t until February 2022, that CD Projekt Red released patch 1.5, which introduced significant enhancements to the game for current-gen consoles. Amatangelo said that 1.5 and the following updates were the groundwork that eventually culminated in 2.0.
“The groundwork we laid in 1.5, and 1.6 was all culminating in the plan in 2.0,” he explained. “It was mapped out. Loosely mapped out, and it got more refined over time, but it was mapped out.
“You can see some of it with the slight AI improvements in 1.5 – that was built upon to get to 2.0. The [thinking was] ‘what are the gaps, and how do we fill those gaps to do the complete experience that hopefully everyone imagined and wants to play?'”
Along with the release of the game’s expansion, Phantom Liberty, update 2.0 has been received incredibly well despite its rough launch and has essentially made Cyberpunk 2077 into a completely new game; the RPG even saw a massive boost in players on Steam shortly after the DLC’s release.
CD Projekt Red has also confirmed that no matter how well Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty and patch 2.0 have been received, they will be the final major updates to the game as the developer shifts its focus towards a sequel.
Looking for something to play? Check out our picks for the best RPGs, as well as our essential guide to every upcoming game of 2023.
European Space Agency opens proposal call for lunar mission tech
The European Space Agency (ESA) is enabling tech companies to take part in its Terrae Novae exploration programme, calling for proposals for small missions to the Moon. Sending the first European astronaut to explore the Moon’s surface stands at the core of the Terrae Novae 2030+ strategy. It further aims to boost Europe’s presence in low-Earth orbit and participate in the first human mission to Mars. Small lunar missions form a recent addition to the strategy, “focusing on closing technology gaps and expanding our scientific knowledge of both the Moon and Mars,” said Xavier Barbier, ESA engineer, leading the call…This story continues at The Next Web
The European Space Agency (ESA) is enabling tech companies to take part in its Terrae Novae exploration programme, calling for proposals for small missions to the Moon. Sending the first European astronaut to explore the Moon’s surface stands at the core of the Terrae Novae 2030+ strategy. It further aims to boost Europe’s presence in low-Earth orbit and participate in the first human mission to Mars. Small lunar missions form a recent addition to the strategy, “focusing on closing technology gaps and expanding our scientific knowledge of both the Moon and Mars,” said Xavier Barbier, ESA engineer, leading the call…
This story continues at The Next Web
Best T-Mobile Phones for 2023 – CNET
Handpicked by CNET editors, these are the best phones available from T-Mobile.
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Should You Upgrade to the iPhone 15? How It Compares to Older iPhones – CNET
If you have an iPhone 12 or earlier, there’s a lot to gain from the iPhone 15.
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How does ERP Helps to improve Business Operations?
In the contemporary digital landscape, businesses concept intricate provocations that demand efficient and streamlined operations. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems
The post How does ERP Helps to improve Business Operations? appeared first on ReadWrite.
In the contemporary digital landscape, businesses concept intricate provocations that demand efficient and streamlined operations. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems have emerged as a game-changer, revolutionizing the way organizations manage their processes, data, and resources. By integrating diverse functions into a unified system, ERP plays a pivotal role in improving business operations, driving productivity, and fostering growth.
Nowadays, ERP performs a supreme vocation in evolving to address the changing needs of businesses and keep up with technological advancements leverage cloud computing, mobile technologies, advanced analytics, integration with emerging technologies, collaboration features, and enhanced security to meet the evolving needs of businesses and enable efficient, data-driven operations.
In this blog, we seek into the transformative power of ERP and its ramification on organizations.
Revolutionize Business: Embrace the Power of ERP:
Embracing the power of ERP can revolutionize your business by streamlining operations, enabling data-driven decision-making, enhancing collaboration, improving customer experience, optimizing resource management, ensuring compliance, and providing a competitive advantage. ERP is a transformative tool that empowers organizations to achieve growth, innovation, and success in the modern business landscape.
In the ever-changing and fiercely competitive business landscape of today, embracing the transformative capabilities of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is crucial. By adopting ERP, organizations can unlock a plethora of benefits, attaining real-time insights and revolutionizing their operations.
1. Streamlined Processes for Operational Excellence:
Efficient business processes are the foundation of operational excellence. ERP plays a pivotal role in streamlining processes across departments, eliminating redundancies, and improving overall efficiency. By automating repetitive tasks, standardizing workflows, and centralizing information, ERP simplifies operations and saves valuable time and resources.
Integration of Functions: ERP integrates various business functions such as finance, sales, manufacturing, and supply chain management. This integration eliminates silos, ensures smooth information flow, and promotes cross-functional collaboration.
Automation and Efficiency: ERP automates manual and repetitive tasks, reducing errors and saving valuable time. By streamlining workflows, organizations achieve operational efficiency, optimize resource utilization, and minimize costs.
2. Centralized Data Management for Informed Decision-Making:
Organizations often struggle with data scattered across disparate systems and departments. This decentralized approach hampers collaboration, creates data inconsistencies, and inhibits efficient decision-making. Centralized data management is the key to overcoming these challenges. This enables organizations to make informed, proactive, and strategic decisions that drive business success in today’s fast-paced and data-centric environment.
Unified Data Repository: ERP provides a centralized database that consolidates data from different departments. This centralization eliminates data inconsistencies, enhances data accuracy, and enables real-time access to critical information.
Reporting and Analytics: ERP’s reporting and analytics capabilities offer valuable insights into business performance. By analysing key performance indicators (KPIs) and trends, organizations gain actionable intelligence for informed decision-making and strategic planning.
3. Collaboration and Communication:
Collaboration and communication form the backbone of successful teamwork and efficient business operations. By breaking down silos and enabling effective information sharing, organizations can enhance productivity, accelerate decision-making, and foster a culture of innovation.
Improved Collaboration: ERP fosters collaboration by providing a unified platform for employees to share information, collaborate on projects, and streamline workflows. Enhanced collaboration strengthens interdepartmental coordination and teamwork.
Efficient Communication: With ERP, employees have access to real-time, accurate information, enabling effective communication and prompt decision-making.
4. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Integration:
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, with integrated best Customer Relationship Management (CRM) functionalities, provide organizations with a powerful tool such as Microsoft dynamic 365 to enhance customer engagement, improve satisfaction, and drive business growth. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of CRM integration within ERP and how it helps organizations build and maintain successful customer relationships.
Personalized Customer Service: ERP with integrated CRM functionalities allows organizations to manage customer interactions, preferences, and purchase history. This data-driven approach enables personalized customer service, enhances customer satisfaction, and strengthens customer relationships.
Streamlined Sales Processes: ERP simplifies the sales cycle by automating order management, tracking customer interactions, and streamlining sales operations. This results in faster order fulfilment, improved sales efficiency, and increased customer loyalty.
5. Supply Chain Optimization:
An optimized supply chain ensures efficient resource allocation, minimizes costs, reduces lead times, and enhances customer satisfaction. By optimizing supply chain operations, organizations can effectively manage inventory, logistics, and production, leading to improved efficiency and profitability.
Efficient Inventory Management: ERP streamlines inventory control, demand planning, and procurement processes. Real-time visibility into inventory levels and demand enables organizations to optimize inventory, minimize stockouts, and reduce carrying costs.
Enhanced Supply Chain Visibility: ERP provides end-to-end visibility into the supply chain, enabling proactive management of logistics, production, and distribution. Organizations can respond quickly to changes, improve lead times, and meet customer demands effectively.
6. Compliance and Risk Management:
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems play a crucial role in enabling organizations to navigate compliance challenges and mitigate risks effectively. Compliance with regulations, standards, and internal policies is essential for organizations to maintain trust, avoid legal repercussions, and protect their reputation. Effective risk management is equally critical in identifying and mitigating potential threats that could impact an organization’s operations, financial stability, or data security.
Regulatory Compliance: ERP systems include built-in controls and workflows that ensure compliance with industry regulations and financial reporting standards. This reduces the risk of non-compliance, penalties, and reputational damage.
Risk Mitigation: ERP aids in risk management by identifying potential risks, enhancing data security, and enabling proactive risk mitigation strategies. Organizations can monitor and manage risks efficiently within a centralized system.
Final Thoughts:
ERP is the catalyst that unlocks success in ever changing and fiercely competitive business arena. It empowers organizations to optimize operations, utilize resources efficiently, deliver exceptional customer experiences, and adapt to the ever-changing market dynamics. By embracing ERP, organizations position themselves as leaders, equipped with the tools and capabilities to thrive in the digital era. z
The transformative power of ERP propels organizations towards operational excellence and ensures they stay ahead of the curve in the relentless pursuit of success. Embracing ERP is not just a strategic move; it is the cornerstone of success in the digital era, setting organizations on a path of continuous growth, resilience, and unparalleled achievements.
So, take the leap and harness the transformative power of ERP. Witness the evolution of your business operations and embark on a journey towards unparalleled success!
The post How does ERP Helps to improve Business Operations? appeared first on ReadWrite.
Mortgage Refinance Rates on Sept. 29, 2023: Rates Move Up – CNET
Several important refinance rates advanced this week. If you haven’t locked in a rate yet, now’s a good time to assess your options.
Several important refinance rates advanced this week. If you haven’t locked in a rate yet, now’s a good time to assess your options.