Top Technology Developments This Week

This week, the world of technology witnessed significant and diverse developments, ranging from the end of support for a popular operating system and the launch of new devices with powerful processors, to innovations in the world of gaming and extended reality.

End of Windows 10 Support: Extended Security Update Options

Official support for the Windows 10 operating system, used by millions worldwide, ended on October 14, 2025. After this date, the system will no longer receive free feature updates, bug fixes, or security patches. This decision sparked widespread debate due to its potential security implications, especially since many users cannot upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware requirements, or do not wish to purchase a new device.

Fortunately, Microsoft now offers multiple options for affected users to obtain Extended Security Updates (ESU) until October 13, 2026. These updates do not include feature enhancements or regular bug fixes but focus solely on critical security aspects to protect against vulnerabilities.

• Free One-Year Updates: Users can receive free one-year extended security updates by syncing their computer settings with the cloud using a Microsoft account and enabling Windows Backup. This may require purchasing additional OneDrive storage if backup files exceed the free 5 GB capacity.
• Microsoft Rewards Points Redemption: 1000 Microsoft Rewards points can be redeemed for one year of security updates.
• One-Time Purchase: The Extended Security Updates package is available for a one-time price of $30 USD (or local currency equivalent) to provide security support until October 2026.
• Additional Options: ESU updates are provided at no additional cost for Windows 10 virtual machines in certain services and for Windows 365 Cloud PCs. Microsoft has also made free ESU updates available to Windows 10 users in the European Economic Area (EEA) until October 2026.

Sources: Microsoft، CNET، Windows Central، The Verge

AI-Powered Windows 11 Updates and Copilot Assistant

This same week, Microsoft unveiled new and improved capabilities for Windows 11, with a strong focus on artificial intelligence and its digital assistant, Copilot. Microsoft asserts that these updates will not be exclusive to Copilot+ PCs, but will make "every Windows 11 device an AI PC, with Copilot at the core of every experience." Among the most prominent of these changes is the new voice control, where users can activate the feature and say "Hey Copilot" to start issuing commands as soon as the microphone icon appears on the screen. Additionally, Copilot Vision has been globally launched, analyzing on-screen content to help users accomplish tasks and provide solutions to various problems, thereby enhancing system interaction efficiency.

Exciting Developments in the World of Pokémon Gaming with Pokémon Legends: Z-A

In the world of gaming, the Pokémon series saw a notable evolution with the reveal of the new title "Pokémon Legends: Z-A." Amidst previous accusations of stagnation, this new installment aims to rekindle interest in the series and deliver a unique experience. New features include advanced combat mechanics closer to the anime world, and an immersive exploration experience (although Lumiose City might feel limited after long hours of play). The game also promises what might be the most engaging story yet, with hints at excellent classic Gamecube games like XD: Gale of Darkness and Colosseum, known for their deep narratives and innovative gameplay. Despite some challenges, such as intermittent difficulty in battles, Legends: Z-A demonstrates the ability to reinvent the familiar style to offer something new and distinct.

Samsung Unveils New Extended Reality Headset with Android XR

In the field of extended reality, Samsung announced its intention to unveil a consumer-focused extended reality headset, which will run on Android XR. The official announcement will be made on October 21 during an event titled "World Wide Open." Although the full specifications of the headset have not yet been revealed, Samsung has been showcasing a prototype called "Moohan" for some time, and initial demonstrations have been generally positive. Interested individuals can pre-register to purchase the headset now to receive a $100 USD credit for other Samsung gear upon completing the purchase, suggesting that "Moohan" will not be the least expensive option upon its launch.

Review of the Asus ROG Ally X Handheld Gaming Device: Windows 11 Power at Your Fingertips

This week also saw a detailed review of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X handheld gaming device (and its non-X sibling). The review revealed that the device is not a traditional portable Xbox console, but rather a powerful handheld gaming PC running Windows 11. While it doesn't solve all the challenges associated with running Windows 11 on handhelds, it features innovative hardware and software options, marking a significant step towards improving the experience. The review concluded that "while it may be the best premium handheld on the market, its high price and the feeling that the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X still fails to deliver a truly console-like experience make it a niche product in an increasingly competitive market, and simply branding it with the Xbox label won't be enough to make it significantly stand out."

Apple Updates: MacBook Pro with M5 Chip and AI-Enhanced iPad Pro

In Apple news, the company updated the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the new and powerful M5 chip, a move anticipated by those following the rumors. This update is good news for creators and professionals who have been awaiting an upgrade for their older Pro devices. However, fans of the larger 16-inch model will have to wait a bit longer, as the more powerful M5 Pro and M5 Max chips do not appear ready yet. Thanks to the new chip and faster SSD storage, in addition to the same reliable design, the MacBook Pro M5 may be the optimal and safe choice many have been waiting for.

Finally, Apple unveiled the new iPad M5. As expected, Apple introduced its fastest and most advanced chip, the M5, and as it did with the M4 chip, one of the primary beneficiaries of this faster chip is Apple's powerful and ultra-thin iPad Pro. The fundamental difference this time lies in the intense focus on artificial intelligence, and how the faster neural engine and neural AI accelerators in each GPU core will drive generative AI operations, mostly through supporting local execution of third-party models. Aside from this major processor change, there appear to be no other changes to the 11-inch or 13-inch iPad Pro models. Even the prices remained the same, which might be the best news for consumers.