What you need to know
- Several Internet Games are losing support on older versions of Windows.
- Titles include backgammon, checkers, spades, and hearts.
- Support ends on July 31, 2019 for Windows XP and ME and on January 22, 2020 for Windows 7.
Many classic Internet Games will lose support over the next six months on older versions of Windows. Microsoft announced the end of support dates in a forum post (via MSPU).
The following games will stop working after support ends:
- Internet Backgammon (XP/ME, 7)
- Internet Checkers (XP/ME, 7)
- Internet Spades (XP/ME, 7)
- Internet Hearts (XP/ME)
- Internet Reversi (XP/ME)
- MSN Go (7)"
Internet Games on Windows XP and Windows ME devices will stop being supported on July 31, 2019. Internet Games on Windows 7 devices will lose support on January 22, 2020.
After these games lose support, they will no longer work at all. Microsoft's post states that "the time has come for us, along with our hardware and software partners, to invest our resources towards more recent technologies so that we can continue to deliver great new experiences."
While these specific versions of the game won't be playable, there are offline versions of most of these games available on most devices.
Portable (and affordable) power accessories we love
Each and every one of these charging gadgets will keep your favorite gear and gadgets going for longer, and none of them costs more than $30.
VisionTek 8,000 mAh micro-USB power bank ($13 at Dell)
This compact dual-output powerbank can speedily recharge any and all your devices, thanks to a two-amp "fast charge feature," using its micro-USB out port. Its simple design includes an LED indicator, and it costs about as much as a single ticket to the movies.
Panasonic eneloop AA batteries (From $13 at Dell)
Panasonic's rechargeable batteries are among the best available, and just a couple of them will keep your favorite remote, mice or other peripherals powered up when you need them. They're also eco. And the company's affordable charger fits and charges both AA and AAA batteries at the same time.
Belkin Qi Wireless Charging Pad ($30 at Dell)
This unobtrusive Qi wireless charging pad looks good (and kind of like a UFO …) and easily charges all your Qi-compatible device up to 5W. Its LED indicator lights up when you're charging. And it costs just $30.
