AllYouCanTech

Microsoft to Restrict Extended Windows 10 Security Updates to Under Three Years for Users

### Windows 10 End of Support: Implications for Users and Organizations

As the support period for Windows 10 draws to a close, users must make significant choices about their operating systems’ futures. Microsoft has officially communicated that the majority of Windows 10 PCs will cease receiving security updates by **October 2025**, signaling the conclusion of a significant chapter for one of the company’s most prevalent operating systems. Nevertheless, the way forward varies considerably for businesses, educational institutions, and individual users.

#### Extended Security Updates for Organizations and Schools

For businesses and academic establishments, Microsoft is extending a helping hand via **Extended Security Updates (ESU)**. This initiative offers up to three additional years of essential security updates, allowing organizations to safely use Windows 10 until **2028**. However, this service comes with a price tag. The cost for these updates escalates yearly, starting at **$61 per PC** in the initial year and increasing consistently thereafter. The rising expenses aim to motivate organizations to transition to **Windows 11** sooner.

This prolonged support is vital for organizations and schools with extensive computer fleets that may not yet be prepared for an upgrade. The extra time assists them in strategizing and budgeting for a seamless shift to new hardware and software while maintaining security.

#### Limited Alternatives for Individual Users

Regrettably, individual users face fewer options. Microsoft has made it clear that consumers will only be able to obtain a **single year** of extended security updates for their Windows 10 PCs, at a cost of **$30 per PC**. This option will become accessible as the end of support approaches in 2025, providing users with additional time to get ready. However, after the single year, no further updates will be available, leaving users at risk if they continue to rely on Windows 10 past **2026**.

For many, the $30 fee may appear to be a reasonable substitute for purchasing a new computer, especially if their current device remains operational. Nevertheless, it also implies that those wanting to prolong their Windows 10 experience until 2028 will need to look into alternative solutions, as Microsoft is clearly advocating for a transition to Windows 11.

#### Continued Support for Microsoft Defender Antivirus

A positive aspect for individual users is that **Microsoft Defender Antivirus** will keep receiving definition updates until **at least October 2028**. This ensures that even if your Windows 10 PC stops receiving full security updates, it will still benefit from the latest antivirus definitions, offering some degree of protection against malware and other threats.

However, depending solely on antivirus updates is not a complete security measure. Without regular security patches for the operating system, weaknesses will remain, potentially exposing users to exploits.

#### The Drive Toward Windows 11

Throughout its announcements, Microsoft has consistently indicated that its primary objective is to motivate users to upgrade to **Windows 11**. The company has been emphasizing the advantages of the newer operating system, encompassing enhanced security features, superior performance, and a better user experience. For users with computers that meet the hardware specifications for Windows 11, upgrading offers a direct solution to the end-of-support issue.

For those with older devices that do not officially qualify for Windows 11, alternative routes still exist. Microsoft has not prevented users from installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware, although some limitations apply. Users may miss updates, and there could be performance and compatibility challenges. Nevertheless, for tech-savvy users willing to take the plunge, this could be a practical method for prolonging the utility of their older machines.

In fact, numerous users have already been operating Windows 11 on unsupported PCs for several years. **Ars Technica** recently shared a guide on installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware, complete with insights from those who have successfully done so. Although not officially backed by Microsoft, this workaround serves as an alternative for those not ready to purchase new hardware but still wishing to utilize a supported operating system.

#### Conclusion: Strategizing for the Future

As the clock ticks toward October 2025, both organizations and individual users must begin strategizing for the future of their Windows 10 devices. For organizations, the Extended Security Updates program provides a temporary fix, yet the climbing costs underline that transitioning to Windows 11 is the ultimate aim. For individual users, the choices are more constrained, offering only a single year of extended support with no evident pathway beyond 2026.

Ultimately, the end of support for Windows 10 serves as a reminder that technology is ever-evolving, and remaining current is crucial for preserving security and performance. Whether you decide to upgrade to Windows 11, investigate alternative operating systems, or seek ways to extend the lifespan of your existing hardware, now is the opportune moment to start planning for a post-Windows 10 environment.

OpenAI Unveils ChatGPT Featuring Built-in Search Capabilities, Going Head-to-Head with Google

# OpenAI’s ChatGPT with Search: A Revolutionary Change in Web Searching

The realm of online search is experiencing a major transformation, as established search engines like Google encounter growing scrutiny for providing content that is more about SEO optimization and AI-generated spam than genuine relevance. In reaction to this, OpenAI has rolled out a novel feature for its AI assistant, ChatGPT, that stands to change how individuals interact with the web: **ChatGPT with Search**. This groundbreaking tool presents a new option to standard search engines, aimed at simplifying the search process by incorporating AI-driven web search directly into dialogues.

## The Diminishing Effectiveness of Traditional Search Engines

For many years, Google Search has been the primary resource for locating information online. However, its reliability has decreased, with users often facing subpar, SEO-optimized content that favors sensationalism over meaningfulness. Furthermore, the emergence of AI-generated spam has only worsened the quality of search outcomes. A recent

Russia Levies Substantial Penalty on Google to Curb YouTube Limitations

# Russia Imposes an Unpayable Fine of 2 Undecillion Rubles on Google Due to YouTube Restrictions

In a development that has drawn worldwide focus, Russia has levied an extraordinary fine against Google, totaling an unbelievable 2 undecillion rubles. This fine, equivalent to around $20,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000, far exceeds the financial capacity of any organization to pay and surpasses the total global GDP, estimated at $110 trillion. This penalty is part of Russia’s persistent campaign to compel Google to revoke bans on state-run and pro-Kremlin YouTube channels.

## Background of the Fine

This fine originates from multiple legal confrontations between Google and Russian media entities, notably state-sponsored news channels such as Tsargrad and RIA FAN. These outlets filed lawsuits against Google after their YouTube channels faced restrictions, prompting Russian courts in 2020 to start imposing daily fines of 100,000 rubles on the tech company. The penalties have since doubled weekly, culminating in the current astronomical amount of 2 undecillion rubles.

Reports from RBC and *The Moscow Times* indicate that the fine has been accruing for years due to Google’s non-compliance with Russian court rulings. The Kremlin has concentrated its efforts on persuading YouTube to restore the blocked channels, which feature significant state-run broadcasters like Channel One and Zvezda, along with RT (formerly Russia Today), a media source recognized for its pro-Kremlin perspective.

## Kremlin’s Reaction: “I Cannot Even Say This Figure”

In response to inquiries regarding the fine, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged the absurdity of the amount. “While it is a concretely stated figure, I cannot even pronounce this number. It is, instead, packed with symbolism,” Peskov informed reporters. He stressed that the fine should act as a wake-up call for Google to rectify the situation and eliminate the restrictions on Russian broadcasters.

Peskov also remarked that the court orders validate the claims made by Russian media bodies against Google. “Google should not hinder the activities of our broadcasters, and Google is indeed doing this,” he asserted, reiterating the Kremlin’s viewpoint that the tech entity is unjustly censoring Russian content.

## Google’s Legal Challenges in Russia

Following Russia’s incursion into Ukraine in 2022, Google has adopted a robust stance against Russian state-affiliated media. The firm has blocked more than 1,000 YouTube channels and eliminated upwards of 5.5 million videos, many associated with pro-Kremlin propaganda or disinformation regarding the war in Ukraine. This situation has led to a series of legal confrontations between Google and Russian authorities.

In a recent submission to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Google’s parent company, Alphabet, acknowledged its ongoing legal conflicts in Russia. The filing indicated that civil rulings, including accumulating fines, have been imposed on the business due to disagreements over account terminations, which include those tied to sanctioned organizations. However, Alphabet declared that it does not expect these legal challenges to result in a “material adverse effect” on its operations.

## Russia’s Wider Campaign for Information Control

The penalty against Google forms part of a larger initiative by the Russian government to manage the flow of information within its realm. Since the onset of the Ukraine conflict, Russia has tightened its control over both domestic and foreign media organizations. In March 2022, the independent news outlet *The Moscow Times* moved its operations to Amsterdam in reaction to a new Russian law that significantly limited media coverage of the conflict.

Google has also encountered escalating demands from Russian officials. In July 2022, Russia fined the company more than $370 million for non-compliance with censorship requests, including orders to omit content that Russia characterized as “fake news” regarding the war. In retaliation, Google paused ad sales in Russia, blocked app sales on the Play Store, and ultimately relocated most of its workforce out of the country.

In August 2024, Google took another notable action by terminating all AdSense accounts in Russia, citing “ongoing developments” in the country. This decision heightened the tensions between the tech giant and the Kremlin.

## The Outlook for Google in Russia

With its Russian subsidiary declaring bankruptcy in 2022 and the Kremlin persistently enforcing unmanageable fines, Google’s prospects in Russia appear increasingly tenuous. The company’s refusal to acquiesce to Russian censorship demands has positioned it as a target of the government’s legal and financial mechanisms, and the situation indicates no signs of resolution.

While the 2 undecillion ruble fine is clearly a symbolic gesture, it highlights the widening divide between Russia and Western technology corporations like Google. As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the Kremlin is likely to persist in its attempts to control the discourse within Russia, even as it encounters rising opposition from global platforms such as YouTube.

For the time being, Google

Over 500 Amazon Staff Members Challenge “Non-Data-Driven” Rationale for 5-Day Return-to-Office Directive

### Amazon Employees Rally Against Return-to-Office Directive: Rising Discontent

In a notable turn of events, over 500 Amazon staff members have allegedly signed a letter directed to Amazon Web Services (AWS) CEO Matt Garman, voicing their anger and disappointment regarding Amazon’s upcoming return-to-office (RTO) directive. Set to launch in 2025, this policy will mandate employees to be in the office five days a week, stripping away the current allowance for remote work two days a week. This decision has ignited fury among the workforce, many of whom believe the move disregards their needs and experiences.

#### Alteration in Amazon’s Work Culture

Amazon’s announcement regarding the stricter RTO policy was made public in September 2024. At that time, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy defended the decision by claiming that working in the office would enable employees to “learn, model, practice, and strengthen our culture.” Nevertheless, this justification has not been well received by a considerable segment of the workforce.

In correspondence to Garman, employees articulated their disappointment concerning both the policy and its justification. A report from *Reuters* indicates that the letter condemned Garman’s remarks during a company-wide meeting, where he asserted that “9 out of 10 employees” he consulted backed the five-day in-office requirement. Employees labeled this claim as “misaligned with the experiences of many employees” and accused Garman of “misrepresenting the realities of employment at Amazon.”

The letter additionally expressed, “We were dismayed to hear the non-evidence-based justification you provided for implementing a five-day in-office mandate.” Employees contended that the decision lacked transparency and was unsupported by independent data or research, which they believe damages the trust between the organization and its staff.

#### An Increasing Trend of Worker Pushback

Amazon is not alone in facing opposition from employees concerning return-to-office requirements. Throughout the tech sector and beyond, workers are increasingly raising concerns regarding the ramifications of such policies on their work-life balance, productivity, and overall well-being. However, given Amazon’s massive scale—approximately 1.5 million employees globally as of 2023—this particular protest carries significant weight. The consequences of this internal dispute may influence how other organizations formulate RTO policies in the future.

The letter from Amazon employees also showcased personal accounts from 12 anonymous individuals, detailing the difficulties that the five-day in-office policy would entail. These included health issues, family obligations, and challenges experienced by marginalized groups, particularly those caring for children. The letter contended that the new policy is at odds with Amazon’s leadership principle of aspiring to be “Earth’s Best Employer.”

#### Amazon’s Reaction and Employee Issues

In response to the letter, an Amazon spokesperson informed *Reuters* that the company provides various support benefits, including commuter assistance, elder care, and subsidized parking fees. However, these incentives appear to fall short of addressing the fundamental issues raised by employees, especially those related to the flexibility of remote work.

Amazon leaders have consistently supported the RTO policy, stressing the importance of in-person collaboration and productivity. During the same company-wide meeting, Garman reportedly informed employees that the earlier three-day in-office arrangement was inadequate because employees were not in the office simultaneously, which hindered teamwork. “We didn’t really accomplish anything; we didn’t get to work together and learn from each other,” Garman remarked.

Nevertheless, many employees contend that the new policy will exacerbate rather than resolve issues. Some workers have voiced concerns over the personal sacrifices they may need to make, such as relocating to other states or compelling their partners to resign from their jobs. Others fear a dip in their productivity, as remote work has permitted them to manage their professional and personal responsibilities more effectively.

One employee reportedly summed up the feelings of many by stating, “I used to be proud of my work and excited about my future here. I don’t feel that anymore.”

#### The Danger of Losing Talent

Amazon’s uncompromising approach to the RTO policy could lead to significant consequences for its workforce. Numerous employees have already indicated their intent to leave the company as a result of the new mandate. A poll conducted earlier in 2024 revealed that 91% of Amazon employees were dissatisfied with the termination of remote work. The company risks losing valuable personnel, especially senior staff who may be less inclined to adhere to the new directive.

Despite these apprehensions, Amazon seems ready to face the repercussions of its decision. Garman reportedly reminded employees during the all-hands meeting that “there are other companies around” for those who disagree with the policy. This comment has been interpreted by some as an indication that Amazon is prepared to let employees depart if they do not align with the new work guidelines.

#### The Larger Consequences

Amazon’s RTO policy and the employee backlash it has incited underline a wider discussion about the future of work. The COVID-19

Pixel Phones Set to Get Specialized Weather Application Featuring AI Integration in 2024

# Google’s Updated Weather Application for Pixel Devices: AI Summaries, Yet No Frog

Google has historically been recognized for its aim to “organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.” Nonetheless, Android users have frequently found themselves without a comprehensive weather application, an unexpected gap considering the significance of weather updates in day-to-day activities. Although Android devices incorporated weather widgets and fundamental weather details, they often fell short in depth and functionality compared to Apple’s weather app, which featured the widely acclaimed Dark Sky service.

With the introduction of Android 15 and the Pixel 6 and later models, Google has finally taken steps to remedy this oversight by launching a dedicated weather app simply called “Weather.” Debuting alongside the Pixel 9 series, this app offers a variety of features, including AI-generated weather summaries, customizable layouts, and real-time precipitation predictions. However, for enthusiasts of the classic Google Weather Frog, there’s some discouraging news: the cherished frog is noticeably absent in this latest version.

## A Long-Expected Weather Application

For years, Android users depended on a basic weather widget displaying vital weather information, usually featuring a cheerful frog to depict the current conditions. This frog became a beloved character, even making its way into one of Google’s New Year’s doodles. Despite its popularity, the widget struggled to compete with Apple’s weather app, which gained popularity after acquiring Dark Sky, known for its minute-by-minute precipitation forecasts. After Apple discontinued Dark Sky’s Android version, countless Android users were left on the lookout for a suitable alternative.

Google’s new Weather application seeks to bridge this gap. Available to Pixel 6 and modern devices operating on Android 15, the app provides a richer and more personalized weather experience. Although it lacks the playful frog, it introduces innovative features like AI-driven weather reports.

## AI-Driven Weather Summaries

A standout aspect of the new Weather application is its AI-driven weather summaries. These summaries offer a brief and familiar snapshot of the day’s weather, giving recommendations like “Cold and rainy day, grab your umbrella and secure your hat!” The AI-generated summaries aim to be informative yet conversational, making it easier for users to grasp the weather at a glance.

Nevertheless, these AI summaries come with constraints. Currently, the app is pending an update to “Gemini Nano,” which could enhance the AI-generated content. Until that arrives, users will have to utilize the existing version of the summaries.

## Customization Features

One of the most attractive features of the new Weather application is its customization possibilities. Users can adjust the order of the data shown on their weather screen, allowing them to highlight the information they consider most important. For instance, you can elevate the UV index, humidity, sunrise/sunset times, and wind conditions in the display.

That said, there are some trade-offs. The app’s data widgets are substantial, requiring users to scroll to view the entire day’s weather details. Furthermore, certain elements, such as the AI summary and the 10-day forecast, remain fixed at the top of the screen and cannot be rearranged. While this may be disappointing for some users, the ability to customize other facets of the app is a welcomed enhancement.

## Real-Time Precipitation Predictions

The Weather application also features real-time precipitation forecasts, a function that was greatly missed after the discontinuation of Dark Sky on Android. The app offers “Nowcasting” precipitation forecasts, such as “Rain will continue for 2 hours” or “Light rain expected in 10 minutes.” This feature is especially beneficial for individuals who need to arrange their day around shifting weather patterns.

Alongside precipitation forecasts, the app features weather radar specific to your location, allowing you to observe the movement of weather systems in real time. This capability is particularly useful for monitoring storms or other significant weather occurrences.

## Absent Features and User Feedback

While the new Weather application offers various enhancements, it is not devoid of drawbacks. One notable omission is pollen data, which is only provided in select countries like the UK, Germany, France, and Italy. For users in other regions, this could be a considerable disadvantage, particularly for those with allergies.

Another area of concern is the app’s integration with other Google services. For instance, the “At a Glance” widget on Pixel devices still directs users to the weather summary within the Google app instead of the new Weather application. Additionally, users are unable to view the weather for a location without adding it to their saved locations list, a feature that has frustrated many.

Perhaps the most significant grievance is that the app does not show up in the app lists on some phones, restricting access to it solely as a widget. This has caused confusion among users who anticipate using the app like other standalone apps on their devices.

## No Frog, No Enjoyment?

For numerous users,