Microsoft is preparing to send reminders to Windows 8.1 users that support will end on January 10th 2023. The software giant will start sending notifications to existing Windows 8.1 devices next month, as a first reminder leading up to the January 2023 support cutoff. The notifications will be similar to ones Microsoft has used in the past to remind Windows 7 users about end of support dates. Microsoft originally sunset Windows 8 support in 2016, but the Windows 8.1 update will cease support fully in January 2023. Microsoft will not be offering an Extended Security Update (ESU) programme for Windows 8.1, so businesses won’t be able to pay for additional security patches and will have to upgrade or accept the risk of running software without security updates. Windows 8.1 was largely a big fix for the reception to Windows 8. Microsoft attempted to modernise Windows in the face of iPad competition, and ended up alienating many of its loyal customers instead. Windows 8.1 users will now need to decide whether to upgrade their operating system or buy a new PC.

Xiaomi announces to launch the budget friendly versions of Poco F4 and X4 GT

Xiaomi has announced the Poco F4 and Poco X4 GT, offering global versions of budget-oriented devices previously released in China. The €399 (about $418) Poco F4 comes with a Snapdragon 870 processor, an OLED screen with fast refresh rate, and stabilised main camera. The performance-focused Poco X4 GT will cost €379 (about $398) includes a MediaTek Dimensity 8100 chipset, 6.6-inch 144Hz LCD, and high-capacity battery, also with fast wired charging. The Poco F4’s 870 processor is carried over from the Poco F3, and it’s a capable flagship-ish chipset with 5G support. The Poco F4’s OLED 6.67-inch screen offers up to 120Hz refresh rate and 1080p resolution. Its 64-megapixel main rear camera includes optical stabilisation – an uncommon feature in non-flagship devices – and it’s complemented by an 8-megapixel ultrawide and 2-megapixel macro. There’s a 4,500mAh battery that supports 67W fast charging with the included charger. The Poco X4 GT is geared more toward gaming, starting with 8GB of RAM, and it opts for a fast 144Hz LCD. The X4 features a similar rear imaging array led by a 64-megapixel camera, but it lacks optical stabilisation.