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Xbox's Bold Bet: Windows as the Ultimate Gaming Platform

2025-06-18

Xbox's Bold Bet: Windows as the Ultimate Gaming Platform

Xbox's latest video showcased a multi-year partnership with AMD for next-gen hardware, but the real bombshell? Xbox is pushing Windows as the number one gaming platform. This marks a huge shift, embracing Windows' versatility to create a cross-device experience. The Xbox Ally X handheld, running Windows, exemplifies this. While future Xbox hardware is still expected, the focus is shifting to a platform-agnostic ecosystem, potentially transforming any gaming PC into an Xbox experience. This could be a game-changer, benefiting PC gamers significantly.

(www.pcworld.com)

Game Gaming Platform

Google's Gemini: Chrome's New AI Copilot

2025-05-21

Google's Gemini: Chrome's New AI Copilot

Google quietly launched Gemini, its AI assistant for Chrome, mirroring Microsoft's Copilot in Edge. Initially, Gemini summarizes web pages, answers questions, and creates personalized quizzes based on webpage content. Future plans include multi-tab support, website navigation, and task automation. Currently, access is limited to Google AI Pro and Google Ultra subscribers, with early access for Chrome Beta, Dev, and Canary users.

(www.pcworld.com)

AI

Windows 7's 30-Second Startup Bug: A Simple Coding Error?

2025-05-01

Windows 7's 30-Second Startup Bug: A Simple Coding Error?

Remember Windows 7? While a triumph for Microsoft, a quirky bug plagued some users: a 30-second startup delay when using a single-color wallpaper. A recent blog post reveals the culprit: a simple coding error. The system waited for a message confirming the background image was ready, a message only sent if a complex bitmap was used—not a single color. Adding insult to injury, a group policy setting to hide desktop icons compounded the issue due to its placement in the code. The fix, deployed months later, highlights the surprising ways seemingly minor programming oversights can cause major headaches.

(www.pcworld.com)

Development coding error system startup

Microsoft Office's Startup Boost: Faster Launch, Slower PC?

2025-05-01

Microsoft Office's Startup Boost: Faster Launch, Slower PC?

Microsoft is introducing a new "Startup Boost" feature for Office, pre-loading apps like Word and Excel when Windows starts to speed up their launch times. However, this could slow down overall computer performance. The feature will only be enabled on PCs with at least 8GB of RAM and 5GB of free disk space. While users can disable it in Word's settings or Task Scheduler, the move raises questions about whether Microsoft should prioritize improving Office's efficiency instead of relying on pre-loading. The update will initially roll out to Word in mid-May and later to other Office applications.

(www.pcworld.com)

Tech Startup Boost

Google Sunsets Nest Protect and Nest x Yale Lock, Partners with Third-Parties

2025-03-30

Google Sunsets Nest Protect and Nest x Yale Lock, Partners with Third-Parties

Google announced it's discontinuing the Nest Protect smoke alarm and Nest x Yale smart lock, ending its manufacturing in these categories. While exiting these hardware markets, Google is partnering with First Alert and Yale to offer replacements. The First Alert SC5 smoke alarm will succeed the Nest Protect, while the Yale Smart Lock with Matter supports the Matter protocol, integrating with Google Home, Alexa, and Apple Home. Although existing products will continue to function, users are encouraged to replace the Nest Protect due to its CO sensor's 10-year lifespan. This signifies a shift in Google's smart home strategy, focusing on software and platform partnerships.

(www.pcworld.com)

Tech

Nvidia Sells RTX 5080/5090 GPUs From a Food Truck at GTC

2025-03-20

Nvidia Sells RTX 5080/5090 GPUs From a Food Truck at GTC

Nvidia is selling its highly sought-after RTX 5080 and 5090 graphics cards from a pop-up food truck at its GPU Technology Conference (GTC). Only available to GTC attendees, the limited stock (1000 of each model) is sold in small batches at unpredictable times. While primarily targeting developers and professionals, the scarcity and high demand likely mean some cards will quickly reappear on resale markets.

(www.pcworld.com)

Tech

PCIe 7.0 Spec Nears Completion, But When Will It Hit PCs?

2025-03-19

PCIe 7.0 Spec Nears Completion, But When Will It Hit PCs?

The PCI-SIG announced that the PCIe 7.0 specification is nearing completion, with a final release expected later this year. The spec boasts a data transfer rate of 128 GT/s, resulting in a bidirectional bandwidth of 512 GB/s (x16 configuration). However, PCIe 7.0 is initially not targeted at the PC market, but rather cloud computing, 800Gb Ethernet, and AI. While PCIe 6.0 was approved in 2022, it's still absent from widespread PC adoption, highlighting the years-long process between specification and real-world implementation.

(www.pcworld.com)

Tech High-Speed Interface

Microsoft Locks AI Features in Notepad and Paint Behind Microsoft 365 Paywall

2025-03-16

Microsoft Locks AI Features in Notepad and Paint Behind Microsoft 365 Paywall

Microsoft has announced that several new features in Notepad and Paint, such as AI text rewriting in Notepad and AI image generation in Paint, will be restricted to Microsoft 365 subscribers. Previously, Windows Insiders could use these features for free, but Microsoft is now putting them behind a paywall. This means even core Windows apps like Notepad and Paint now require a paid subscription to unlock advanced AI capabilities. The move has sparked some controversy, as Notepad and Paint have historically been free components of Windows.

(www.pcworld.com)

Tech

Windows 11 Insider Build Gets Paint Copilot Button

2025-02-03

Windows 11 Insider Build Gets Paint Copilot Button

A new Windows 11 Insider build (26120.3073) introduces a Copilot button in Microsoft Paint, streamlining access to generative AI features like Cocreator, Image Creator, Generative Erase, and Remove Background. These features already existed, but the button improves workflow. The update also includes cloud photo search (Copilot+ PCs only) and bug fixes for the Taskbar, System Tray, and File Explorer. This is a preview for Insiders; availability for the stable Windows 11 release is unannounced.

(www.pcworld.com)

Development

EA Origin Shutdown: Secure Your Games!

2025-01-25

EA Origin Shutdown: Secure Your Games!

EA is shutting down its Origin platform on April 17, 2025. All Origin users must migrate to the EA app to keep playing and preserve their game data. While the transition is relatively straightforward, it requires a 64-bit system, potentially necessitating an upgrade for some users. Alternatively, players can add their games to their Steam library to avoid using the EA app entirely.

(www.pcworld.com)

Game

ThinkPad's Iconic TrackPoint is Gone (From Some Models)

2025-01-19

ThinkPad's Iconic TrackPoint is Gone (From Some Models)

Lenovo has removed the iconic TrackPoint from its new ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition laptops. While the TrackPoint will remain in other ThinkPad models, this decision marks a significant shift. Lenovo argues the TrackPoint, a legacy design, doesn't resonate with all demographics in a predominantly touchpad world. The new Aura Edition laptops boast Intel's Lunar Lake processors, premium OLED displays, and local AI powered by Meta's Llama 3.0, aiming for broader market appeal.

(www.pcworld.com)

Hardware

Microsoft Forces Windows 11 24H2 Update

2025-01-17

Microsoft Forces Windows 11 24H2 Update

Microsoft has begun forcefully pushing the Windows 11 2024 Update (version 24H2), a significant update that can take up to two hours to install. This affects devices running Home and Pro editions of Windows 11, versions 23H2 and 22H2, excluding those managed by IT departments. The update includes support for features like USB4 80Gbps and Bluetooth LE Audio, but users should schedule ample time to avoid interruptions.

(www.pcworld.com)

Tech Windows 11 update forced update

USB Gets a Much-Needed Logo Overhaul: Speed is King

2025-01-13

The USB Implementor Forum (USB-IF) has unveiled a new labeling scheme for USB docking stations and cables, aiming to simplify the confusing speed designations that plagued consumers. Previously, terms like "USB 3.2 Gen 2" were unhelpful. The new system clearly displays transfer speeds, such as "USB 80Gbps" or "USB 40Gbps." This clarity extends to USB4 and USB4v2, simplifying branding and removing the "USB4v2" designation. The updated logos also appear on cables, specifying data transfer rates and power delivery capabilities. This change promises a more user-friendly experience, making it easier for consumers to select appropriate USB devices and cables.

(www.pcworld.com)

Hardware Speed

SteamOS's Rise: A Threat to Microsoft's PC Gaming Dominance

2025-01-09

The success of the Steam Deck is no accident; it demonstrates that Windows isn't the optimal choice for handheld gaming. SteamOS-powered handhelds, with their excellent compatibility and competitive pricing, are gradually eating into Windows' market share. More significantly, SteamOS is opening up to more hardware partners, suggesting a potential expansion into gaming laptops and even desktops, posing a serious threat to Microsoft's Windows operating system. Microsoft's heavy investment in gaming is challenged by Windows 11 update issues and shortcomings in its overall gaming ecosystem.

(www.pcworld.com)

Game PC gaming

Bing Masquerades as Google: A Desperate Move by Microsoft?

2025-01-07

Bing Masquerades as Google: A Desperate Move by Microsoft?

In a surprising move to boost Bing's usage, Microsoft has implemented a deceptive tactic. When users search for "Google" in the Bing search bar, they are presented with a nearly identical replica of the Google search page. This is seen as a desperate attempt by Microsoft to compete with Google's overwhelming dominance in the search engine market. While Bing has seen some growth in desktop search, Google still holds a commanding lead in mobile search. While this might temporarily increase Bing's user base, this deceptive practice could ultimately damage Bing's reputation in the long run.

(www.pcworld.com)

Tech Search Engine

HDMI 2.2 Arrives: 96Gbps Bandwidth, Ultra96 Cable Required

2025-01-06

HDMI 2.2 Arrives: 96Gbps Bandwidth, Ultra96 Cable Required

At CES 2025, the HDMI Forum announced HDMI 2.2 and its accompanying Ultra96 cable, boasting a groundbreaking 96Gbps bandwidth—double that of HDMI 2.1. This allows for higher resolutions, faster refresh rates, and improved audio-video synchronization. While the connector remains the same, a new Ultra96 cable is necessary to harness the full potential. Targeting demanding applications like AR/VR/MR, large-scale digital signage, and medical imaging, widespread adoption of HDMI 2.2 and Ultra96 cables will take time despite the specification's release.

(www.pcworld.com)

Hardware

PCWorld's Hardware Guru, Gordon Mah Ung, Passes Away at 58

2024-12-25

PCWorld's Hardware Guru, Gordon Mah Ung, Passes Away at 58

PCWorld mourns the passing of Gordon Mah Ung, executive editor and renowned hardware journalist, who died over the weekend at age 58 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. With over 25 years of experience covering computer technology, Ung's rigorous reporting, unique personality, and commitment to journalistic standards touched countless lives. He led hardware coverage at Maximum PC for 16 years and hosted the popular video podcast, The Full Nerd. His passion for PC tech, humor, and occasional outbursts of righteous anger made him a legend. His death leaves a void in the industry and among PC enthusiasts.

(www.pcworld.com)

Hardware hardware journalist