Several major Microsoft products will reach their end of support during 2020, with Office 2010, Visual Studio 2010, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 (including 2008R2), and multiple Windows 10 versions including 1803 and 1903 being some of the most important ones.
For products that have reached their end of support, Microsoft stops providing bug fixes for issues that are discovered, security fixes for newly found vulnerabilities, or technical support.
Customers who still use end of service software are advised by Redmond to upgrade as soon as possible to the latest on-premise or cloud version to keep their systems secure and bug-free.
The Extended Security Update program
However, as Microsoft says on its support website, “For customers requiring more time to move to the latest product, the Extended Security Update (ESU) program is available for certain legacy products as a last resort option.
The ESU program provides security updates only for up to 3 years, after the End of Support date. Contact your account manager, partner or device manufacturer for more information.”
A list of some of the most prominent Microsoft software products reaching end of support this year and links to more details for each of them is available in the table below:
End of support Modern Policy and Fixed Policy products
“Modern Lifecycle Policy covers products and services that are serviced and supported continuously” according to Redmond’s support site with the company providing a minimum of 12 months’ notification before ending support if no replacement product or service is available.
These are the most important products covered by a Modern Lifecycle Policy that will be retired in 2020.
Products (Modern Policy)
Retirement
Azure Container Service Windows Analytics
January 31, 2020
Windows 10, version 1709 (Enterprise, Education, IoT Enterprise) Windows 10, version 1809 (Home, Pro, Pro for Workstation, IoT Core) Windows Server version 1809 (Datacenter Core, Standard Core)
April 14, 2020
Windows 10, version 1803 (Enterprise, Education, IoT Enterprise)
November 10, 2020
Windows 10, version 1903 (Enterprise, Home, Pro, Pro for Workstations, IoT Enterprise) Windows Server, version 1903 (Datacenter, Standard, IoT Enterprise)
December 8, 2020
According to Microsoft, a very long list of products governed by the company’s Fixed Policy will also reach their end of support in 2020.
“Fixed Lifecycle Policy applies to many products currently available through retail purchase or volume licensing,” says Microsoft.
This policy provides customers with at least 10 years of support (a minimum of 5 years of Mainstream Support followed by 5 years of Extended Support), with some exceptions.
Below, you can find a list of some of the most significant Microsoft products with a Fixed Policy reaching end of life this year.
Product (Fixed Policy)
End of Support
Hyper-V Server 2008 Hyper-V Server 2008 R2 Windows 7 Windows Server 2008 R2 Windows Server 2008
January 14, 2020
Internet Explorer 10
January 31, 2020
Visual Studio Team Foundation Server 2010 Visual Studio 2010 (all editions)
July 14, 2020
System Center Service Manager 2010
September 8, 2020
Access 2010 Excel 2010 Excel Home and Student 2010 Office 2010 (all editions) Project Server 2010 SharePoint Foundation 2010 SharePoint Server 2010 SharePoint Server 2010 Service Pack 2 System Center Data Protection Manager 2010 Word 2010 Office Home & Business 2016 for Mac Office Home & Student 2016 for Mac Office Standard 2016 for Mac
October 13, 2020
Products moving to Extended Support
Besides the long list of products being retired, there are also many of them that will move to Extended Support from Mainstream Support in 2020.
“Extended Support lasts for a minimum of 5 years and includes security updates at no cost, and paid non-security updates and support,” says Microsoft.
“Additionally, Microsoft will not accept requests for design changes or new features during the Extended Support phase.”
A list of some of the more important software products moving into Extended Support is available in the table embedded below.
Product
End of Mainstream Support
Cloud Platform System
April 14, 2020
Exchange Server 2010 (all editions) Exchange Server 2016 (Enterprise, Standard) Office Home and Business 2016 Office Home and Student 2016 Office Professional 2016 Office Professional Plus 2016 Office Standard 2016 Skype for Business 2016 Visio Professional 2016 Visio Standard 2016 Visual Studio 2015 (all editions) Visual Studio 2015 Update 3 Windows 10 Enterprise 2015 LTSB Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2015 LTSB Windows Defender Antivirus for Windows 10 Windows Defender Exploit Guard
A complete list of end of support deadlines and related migration information for all Microsoft products is available on the Search product lifecycle page.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
