Welcome back to another edition of Tech News! Today, we have a lot to cover, from the latest updates on Windows market share to AMD’s struggles in the gaming market. Let’s dive right in!
First up, Windows 10’s global market share has risen to 70% of desktop systems, while Windows 11 has fallen to under 26%, its lowest market share since last September. It seems that many Windows users took a peek at the future with Windows 11 and didn’t like what they saw, especially with all the baked-in ads. Microsoft’s focus on security, as evidenced by a leaked memo from CEO Satya Nadella, may be impacting their priorities, as recent updates to both Windows 10 and 11 have caused issues for customers.
Speaking of struggles, AMD revealed in their Q1 earnings report that sales of their gaming products, including desktop Radeon graphics cards, have declined by 48% compared to last year. This decline includes a 33% drop from Q4 2023. While AMD has managed to deliver impressive performance with chips like those in the Steam Deck, their strategy for desktop GPUs seems to be falling short compared to Nvidia.
But there is hope on the horizon, as reliable leaker Kepler suggests that AMD’s next-gen RDNA 4 GPUs will feature a brand new ray tracing system, offering a significant improvement over previous iterations. This news could turn things around for AMD in the gaming market.
On the Apple front, the tech giant’s overall Q2 revenue is down 4% to $9.75 billion compared to last year. Despite this, Apple’s stock has risen, thanks in part to a $110 billion share buyback, the largest in US history. Apple is also making changes to its App Store fees, skipping controversial core technology fees for developers of free iOS apps in the EU.
In other news, Intel is reportedly changing its processor naming scheme once again, with the upcoming Alder Lake S desktop lineup featuring new Core Ultra processors. Nintendo continues its crackdown on emulator and flash cartridge sellers, while hackers are finding unique ways to compromise routers.
And finally, Boston Dynamics has given its Spot robot dog a friendly new look with muppet-like eyes and sparkly fur, adding a touch of whimsy to the otherwise unsettling robot.
That’s all for today’s Tech News roundup. Be sure to join us again next week for more updates and insights into the ever-evolving world of technology. Until then, stay informed and stay curious!