Microsoft’s decision to cease support for the Windows 10 operating system could result in the disposal of approximately 240 million personal computers (PCs), potentially contributing to a significant increase in landfill waste, according to a report by Canalys Research. <o:p></o:p>

The electronic waste generated from these PCs is estimated to weigh around 480 million kilograms, equivalent to the weight of 320,000 cars.<o:p></o:p>

While many PCs could remain functional for years beyond the end of OS support, Canalys Research has raised concerns about the potential low demand for devices lacking security updates. Microsoft plans to offer security updates for Windows 10 devices until October 2028, with an undisclosed annual cost. <o:p></o:p>

However, if the pricing structure follows past trends, transitioning to newer PCs may become more cost-effective, leading to a higher number of older PCs being discarded.<o:p></o:p>

Microsoft aims to discontinue support for Windows 10 by October 2025, prompting a potential surge in electronic waste. <o:p></o:p>

The upcoming generation, Windows 11, expected to introduce advanced artificial intelligence technology to PCs, could potentially revitalise the stagnant PC market. Despite inquiries, Microsoft has not responded to requests for comments on the environmental impact of disposing of Windows 11-incompatible devices.<o:p></o:p>

Canalys Research emphasises the importance of recycling hard drives from personal computers and data storage servers. These recycled hard drives can provide materials for electric vehicle motors and renewable power generation. <o:p></o:p>

Noveon Magnetics Chief Commercial Officer Peter Afiuny highlighted the positive impact of repurposing end-of-life computers, turning them into magnets that power sustainable technologies like electric vehicles and wind turbines.<o:p></o:p>

Afiuny noted that hard drives are often discarded prematurely, contributing to an excess of rare earth magnetic material waste. In contrast, battery recycling firm Redwood Materials emphasised the near-infinite recyclability of batteries, recovering essential metals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and copper. This recycling process helps address environmental concerns by reducing the environmental impact of discarded batteries.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

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Microsoft’s decision to cease support for the Windows 10 operating system could result in the disposal of approximately 240 million personal computers (PCs), potentially contributing to a significant increase in landfill waste, according to a report by Canalys Research.

Microsoft’s decision to cease support for the Windows 10 operating system could result in the disposal of approximately 240 million personal computers (PCs), potentially contributing to a significant increase in landfill waste, according to a report by Canalys Research. The electronic waste generated from these PCs is estimated to weigh around 480 million kilograms, equivalent to the weight of 320,000 cars. While many PCs could remain functional for years beyond the end of OS support, Canalys Research has raised concerns about the potential low demand for devices lacking security updates. Microsoft plans to offer security updates for Windows 10 devices until October 2028, with an undisclosed annual cost. However, if the pricing structure follows past trends, transitioning to newer PCs may become more cost-effective, leading to a higher number of older PCs being discarded. Microsoft aims to discontinue support for Windows 10 by October 2025, prompting a potential surge in electronic waste. The upcoming generation, Windows 11, expected to introduce advanced artificial intelligence technology to PCs, could potentially revitalise the stagnant PC market. Despite inquiries, Microsoft has not responded to requests for comments on the environmental impact of disposing of Windows 11-incompatible devices. Canalys Research emphasises the importance of recycling hard drives from personal computers and data storage servers. These recycled hard drives can provide materials for electric vehicle motors and renewable power generation. Noveon Magnetics Chief Commercial Officer Peter Afiuny highlighted the positive impact of repurposing end-of-life computers, turning them into magnets that power sustainable technologies like electric vehicles and wind turbines. Afiuny noted that hard drives are often discarded prematurely, contributing to an excess of rare earth magnetic material waste. In contrast, battery recycling firm Redwood Materials emphasised the near-infinite recyclability of batteries, recovering essential metals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and copper. This recycling process helps address environmental concerns by reducing the environmental impact of discarded batteries. (With inputs from Reuters)

Microsoft's Windows 10 end-of-support plan may lead to massive PC disposal

Microsoft unveiled Windows 10 S, a streamlined version of its popular operating system, geared toward low-cost laptops for students, as it tries to take share from Google&#39;s Chrome OS-run computers.

As Microsoft explains, &quot;Windows 10 S is a specific configuration of Windows 10 Pro that offers a familiar, productive Windows experience that&rsquo;s streamlined for security and performance.&quot;

The company said the Surface laptop integrated with Windows 10 S is priced at $999 onwards and will be available for pre-order starting Tuesday. It will be available from June 15.
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The new version of the operating system comes days after Microsoft reported third-quarter revenue that came in below Wall Street&#39;s estimate, as sales of its Surface tablets and laptops slumped in the face of revamped competition.

Windows 10 S, compatible on mobiles and desktops, has a simple login app that allows schools to create logs on any devices in a few moments, Microsoft said at an education conference in New York.

Microsoft said it has also tied up with companies such as Acer, Asus, Dell, Futijsu, Toshiba, HP, and Samsung to offer a range of Windows 10 computers for students priced from $189.

The company also introduced a new code-builder addition to its Minecraft education edition to help students learn coding skills through the popular game. The new edition of Minecraft will be available from the new school year.

(Reuters)

It is priced at $999 onwards and will be available from June 15

Microsoft unveiled Windows 10 S, a streamlined version of its popular operating system, geared toward low-cost laptops for students, as it tries to take share from Google's Chrome OS-run computers. As Microsoft explains, "Windows 10 S is a specific configuration of Windows 10 Pro that offers a familiar, productive Windows experience that’s streamlined for security and performance." The company said the Surface laptop integrated with Windows 10 S is priced at $999 onwards and will be available for pre-order starting Tuesday. It will be available from June 15. The new version of the operating system comes days after Microsoft reported third-quarter revenue that came in below Wall Street's estimate, as sales of its Surface tablets and laptops slumped in the face of revamped competition. Windows 10 S, compatible on mobiles and desktops, has a simple login app that allows schools to create logs on any devices in a few moments, Microsoft said at an education conference in New York. Microsoft said it has also tied up with companies such as Acer, Asus, Dell, Futijsu, Toshiba, HP, and Samsung to offer a range of Windows 10 computers for students priced from $189. The company also introduced a new code-builder addition to its Minecraft education edition to help students learn coding skills through the popular game. The new edition of Minecraft will be available from the new school year. (Reuters)

Microsoft unveils Windows 10 S-powered Surface Laptop

It&rsquo;s time for Windows users to rejoice. Microsoft has finally started to roll out the much-awaited Windows 10 Creators Update as a free upgrade to customers around the world. The new Windows update was announced to the world last year, but it is going to be available to users from April 11.

The Windows 10 Creators Update lets mobile devices scan an object on all sides so it can rotate 360 degrees in a photograph. It also allows for three-dimensional graphics in Microsoft&#39;s popular PowerPoint presentation software, and a new &ldquo;Paint 3D&rdquo; application allows edits in 3D simulations.

The new Paint 3D app in the Creators Update also lets users create 3D objects from scratch, allows them to change colours, stamp textures and turn a 2D picture into a 3D work of art.

But like every coin has two sides, the new Windows upgrade has its own limits too. The upgrade is only for Windows 10 users. While more than 400 million devices run on windows 10, far more computers still have Windows 7 installed. This means the new update will not bring any changes for majority of windows users.
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But the fact is that we can&rsquo;t take away from Microsoft what gives it a first-mover advantage. The upgrade puts Microsoft at the forefront of mass-market 3D technology. And it has the potential to please average users and intensive gamers alike.

The Windows 10 Creators Update is believed to enable immersive experiences that blur the lines between the physical and virtual worlds.

According to Microsoft, companies like Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo will start selling the world&rsquo;s first Windows mixed reality-enabled headsets with the Creators update later this year. Prices for these headsets will start at $299.

If your windows 10 machine has settings set to auto-download, your PC will be automatically upgraded to the new software. Otherwise, you can go to settings on your computer and check for updates.

(WION)

The new Windows update was announced to the world last year, but it is going to be available to users from April 11

It’s time for Windows users to rejoice. Microsoft has finally started to roll out the much-awaited Windows 10 Creators Update as a free upgrade to customers around the world. The new Windows update was announced to the world last year, but it is going to be available to users from April 11. The Windows 10 Creators Update lets mobile devices scan an object on all sides so it can rotate 360 degrees in a photograph. It also allows for three-dimensional graphics in Microsoft's popular PowerPoint presentation software, and a new “Paint 3D” application allows edits in 3D simulations. The new Paint 3D app in the Creators Update also lets users create 3D objects from scratch, allows them to change colours, stamp textures and turn a 2D picture into a 3D work of art. But like every coin has two sides, the new Windows upgrade has its own limits too. The upgrade is only for Windows 10 users. While more than 400 million devices run on windows 10, far more computers still have Windows 7 installed. This means the new update will not bring any changes for majority of windows users. But the fact is that we can’t take away from Microsoft what gives it a first-mover advantage. The upgrade puts Microsoft at the forefront of mass-market 3D technology. And it has the potential to please average users and intensive gamers alike. The Windows 10 Creators Update is believed to enable immersive experiences that blur the lines between the physical and virtual worlds. According to Microsoft, companies like Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo will start selling the world’s first Windows mixed reality-enabled headsets with the Creators update later this year. Prices for these headsets will start at $299. If your windows 10 machine has settings set to auto-download, your PC will be automatically upgraded to the new software. Otherwise, you can go to settings on your computer and check for updates. (WION)

Microsoft?s much-awaited Windows 10 Creators Update is finally here

The French data protection authority on Wednesday ordered Microsoft Corp to stop collecting excessive data on users of its Windows 10 operating system and serving them personalised ads without their consent. 
 
The National Commission on Information and Liberty (CNIL) said the US company had three months to stop tracking browsing by users so that Windows apps and third-party apps can offer them targeted advertising without their consent, failing which it could initiate a sanctions procedure. 
 
A number of EU data protection authorities created a contact group to investigate Microsoft&#39;s Windows 10 operating system following its launch in July 2015, the French privacy watchdog said. 
 
The action against Microsoft taken by the CNIL was to ask the tech-giant to stop collecting users&#39; information then used for advertising without their consent. 
 
Microsoft processes information on all the apps downloaded and installed on Windows by a user and the time spent on each one to identify problems and improve its products. However the CNIL said it considered this to be excessive since the data &quot;are not necessary for the operation of the service&quot;. 
 
The French watchdog also said that Microsoft puts advertising cookies on users&#39; terminals without properly informing them beforehand or giving them a chance to opt out. 
 
&quot;It has been decided to make the formal notice public due to, among other reasons, the seriousness of the breaches and the number of individuals concerned (more than ten million Windows users on French territory),&quot; the CNIL said in a statement. 
 
&quot;The purpose of the notice is not to prohibit any advertising on the company&rsquo;s services but, rather, to enable users to make their choice freely, having been properly informed of their rights.&quot; 
 
While the fines that can currently be levied by European data protection authorities are paltry compared to the revenues of big US tech companies, a new European Union data protection law set to enter into force in two years provides for fines of up to 4 per cent of a company&#39;s annual global turnover. 
 
David Heiner, vice-president and deputy general counsel for Microsoft, said the company would work closely with the CNIL over the next few months to understand its concerns fully and &quot;to work toward solutions that it will find acceptable.&quot; 
 
The CNIL also said Microsoft was still illegally transferring data to the United States using the Safe Harbour framework, which was struck down by the top EU court in October on concerns about mass US surveillance practices. 
 
Companies have had to rely on alternative legal structures such as &quot;standard contractual clauses&quot; to move data across the Atlantic in line with tough EU data transferral rules. 
 
Heiner said Microsoft relied on a variety of legal mechanisms for transferring data from Europe to the United States, including standard contractual clauses. 
 
A new EU-US data transfer pact will be open to companies as of August 1 and Microsoft has said it will sign up to it. 
 
(Reuters)

Firm had three months to stop tracking browsing by users, failing which National Commission on Information and Liberty could initiate action

The French data protection authority on Wednesday ordered Microsoft Corp to stop collecting excessive data on users of its Windows 10 operating system and serving them personalised ads without their consent. The National Commission on Information and Liberty (CNIL) said the US company had three months to stop tracking browsing by users so that Windows apps and third-party apps can offer them targeted advertising without their consent, failing which it could initiate a sanctions procedure. A number of EU data protection authorities created a contact group to investigate Microsoft's Windows 10 operating system following its launch in July 2015, the French privacy watchdog said. The action against Microsoft taken by the CNIL was to ask the tech-giant to stop collecting users' information then used for advertising without their consent. Microsoft processes information on all the apps downloaded and installed on Windows by a user and the time spent on each one to identify problems and improve its products. However the CNIL said it considered this to be excessive since the data "are not necessary for the operation of the service". The French watchdog also said that Microsoft puts advertising cookies on users' terminals without properly informing them beforehand or giving them a chance to opt out. "It has been decided to make the formal notice public due to, among other reasons, the seriousness of the breaches and the number of individuals concerned (more than ten million Windows users on French territory)," the CNIL said in a statement. "The purpose of the notice is not to prohibit any advertising on the company’s services but, rather, to enable users to make their choice freely, having been properly informed of their rights." While the fines that can currently be levied by European data protection authorities are paltry compared to the revenues of big US tech companies, a new European Union data protection law set to enter into force in two years provides for fines of up to 4 per cent of a company's annual global turnover. David Heiner, vice-president and deputy general counsel for Microsoft, said the company would work closely with the CNIL over the next few months to understand its concerns fully and "to work toward solutions that it will find acceptable." The CNIL also said Microsoft was still illegally transferring data to the United States using the Safe Harbour framework, which was struck down by the top EU court in October on concerns about mass US surveillance practices. Companies have had to rely on alternative legal structures such as "standard contractual clauses" to move data across the Atlantic in line with tough EU data transferral rules. Heiner said Microsoft relied on a variety of legal mechanisms for transferring data from Europe to the United States, including standard contractual clauses. A new EU-US data transfer pact will be open to companies as of August 1 and Microsoft has said it will sign up to it. (Reuters)

France orders Microsoft to stop collecting excessive user data without consent

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