Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations

Microsoft has improved the Windows 11 search feature in the latest Windows Insider preview build.

Windows 11 gets completely revamped search without ads

Microsoft is responding to the criticism and is fundamentally overhauling the search feature in Windows 11. In the latest Windows Insider preview version, the search box no longer displays ads, and is designed to find local search results, such as settings, apps, and files, much more reliably, rather than falling back on a web search.

Hannes Brecher, 13 Jul 2026 22:17

Review verdict for Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 7 - A serious rival for the X1 Carbon?

The new Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 7 combines a lighter 14-inch chassis with good business performance. Our review unit is equipped with an AMD Ryzen AI 7 PRO 450 processor, 64 GB RAM as well as a matte IPS touchscreen.

Andreas Osthoff, 13 Jul 2026 00:07

The Surface Pro 2026 is still a good convertible, but Microsoft only uses the slowest Snapdragon X2 Elite

Microsoft only updates the CPU of the Surface Pro OLED with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 chips. However, you only get the slowest version of the Snapdragon X2 Elite with a comparatively slow GPU, which is not much faster than the Snapdragon X2 Plus.

Andreas Osthoff, 12 Jul 2026 23:27

Microsoft Surface Pro OLED and Surface Laptop 13.8 2026

Microsoft's new Surface devices are a big disappointment for private customers

Microsoft once again only offers ARM versions of its Surface devices for private customers, while business customers have access to much more powerful hardware, 5G modules and additional display options.

Andreas Osthoff, 12 Jul 2026 00:42

Worldwide PC shipments fell for the first time in over two years.

PC shipments fall for the first time in two years

Global PC shipments fell nearly 5% in Q2 2026, ending nine consecutive quarters of growth. Apple bucked the trend with higher shipments and market share, while IDC warned that further declines and industry consolidation are likely.

Jacob Fisher, 11 Jul 2026 02:26

The Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 8 and the Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 4.

Lenovo launches first Wildcat Lake ThinkPads with up to 32 GB DDR5

The first ThinkPads with Intel's more affordable Wildcat Lake series are here. For that purpose, Lenovo updates the Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 8 and Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 4 with the new Intel Core 3 series CPUs.

Benjamin Herzig, 10 Jul 2026 14:34

Lenovo Yoga 7a 14 Gen 11 weighs 1.4 kg (3.04 lbs.).

Deal | 2026 Lenovo Yoga 7 OLED laptop with long battery life falls below $1,000 after 42% off

The Lenovo Yoga 7a 2-in-1 convertible laptop has been discounted by more than $500 at Best Buy. The Yoga 7a on sale is the latest model that Lenove debuted at CES 2026 with the AMD Ryzen AI 400 series APUs, a 1200p OLED display, and more.

Fawad Murtaza, 10 Jul 2026 13:03

Review verdict for Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 - Powerful and efficient allrounder

The new Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2026) combines a compact 14-inch chassis with Intel's Panther Lake CPU and Nvidia's GeForce RTX 5070 Ti. This combination offers better gaming performance with improved battery runtimes.

Andreas Osthoff, 10 Jul 2026 00:24

Lenovo's new ThinkPad T14s Gen 7 is lighter than ever, but the performance stagnates

The ThinkPad T14s is a premium business laptop, which is sitting right between the regular ThinkPad T14 and the business flagship X1 Carbon. The new Gen 7 model is lighter than before, but the overall level of performance did not really change.

Andreas Osthoff, 08 Jul 2026 22:40

Steam Machine can now run Windows with official Valve drivers

Valve's new Steam Machine drivers for Windows are now made official. The set includes drivers for all major components, and their release is in line with Valve's PC-first approach to gaming hardware.

Daniel Zlatev, 07 Jul 2026 14:29

Review verdict for MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ - The fastest gaming handheld we tested

MSI's Claw 8 EX AI+ is the first device with Intel's dedicated handheld SoC, which easily beats the competition. The combination of the Arc G3 Extreme CPU and the Arc B390 iGPU reaches a completely new level of performance. Even AMD's current Ryzen Z2 Extreme does not stand a chance in a direct performance comparison.

Andreas Osthoff, 06 Jul 2026 21:00

The performance of the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ with the Arc G3 Extreme is excellent, but who wants to pay $1799 for a handheld?

Computer prices continue to increase and new gaming handhelds are also affected. MSI's new gaming handheld Claw 8 EX AI+ with Intel's new Arc G3 Extreme chip offers very good performance figures, but we are not sure there are sufficient potential buyers considering the high price of $1799.

Andreas Osthoff, 05 Jul 2026 15:56

Ayaneo promises to release a new small-sized Windows handheld soon.

Ayaneo teases two new gaming handhelds with global releases lined up

Ayaneo has returned with teasers for two new gaming handhelds. While one is a new Konkr-branded device, the other is a return to Ayaneo's Windows handheld series that promises to offer a small form factor experience.

Alex Alderson, 04 Jul 2026 03:03

ThinkBook or ThinkPad? We compare two popular 14-inch Lenovo laptops

We recently tested two 14-inch Lenovo laptops with Intel Panther Lake - the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 7 and the Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G9 IPL. Here are the most important differences!

Benjamin Herzig, 03 Jul 2026 11:43

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ with Intel Arc G3 Extreme

Intel's Arc G3 Extreme is often more than 50 % faster than AMD's Ryzen Z2 Extreme at 35 Watts

Intel's new gaming handheld processor Arc G3 Extreme with the Arc B390 iGPU reaches a new performance level and easily beats AMD's counterpart Ryzen Z2 Extreme at 35 Watts.

Andreas Osthoff, 02 Jul 2026 12:35

The official Microsoft Windows 11 product branding.

Windows 11 update speeds up File Explorer launch times

Microsoft launches Windows 11 update KB5095093, delivering a major speed boost to File Explorer by cleaning up the Home tab layout and fixing BITS shutdown lag.

Darryl Linington, 01 Jul 2026 15:14

The 2026 Asus ROG Zepyhrus G14 is a better allrounder with Intel's Panther Lake CPU

Asus updated its compact gaming/multimedia laptop ROG Zephyrus G14 for 2026 at some areas including the switch to a new Panther Lake mobile processor from Intel. Thanks to improved efficiency numbers, the battery runtimes are much better than before.

Andreas Osthoff, 28 Jun 2026 17:57

Microsoft is extending security updates for Windows 10 by another year.

Microsoft quietly extends Windows 10 security update support to 2027

Microsoft has extended Windows 10 Extended Security Updates through October 12, 2027, giving enrolled users an additional year of security patch coverage after mainstream support ends. The move offers a reprieve for millions of users delaying Windows 11 upgrades amid rising hardware costs.

Jacob Fisher, 27 Jun 2026 18:19

Microsoft deployed the KB5095093 cumulative update preview for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 on June 23, 2026.

Windows 11 KB5095093 Preview adds Point-in-time restore

Microsoft launches Windows 11 optional preview update KB5095093 for versions 24H2 and 25H2, introducing Point-in-time restore and a Recycle Bin display patch.

Darryl Linington, 25 Jun 2026 15:54

MSI listened to criticism and improved the software of the new MSI Claw 8 EX AI+

The hardware is one thing, but the software is just as important for an enjoyable user experience with a gaming handheld. MSI improved the software of the new Claw 8 EX AI+ significantly and the new quick settings menu in particular is very convincing.

Andreas Osthoff, 25 Jun 2026 01:23

Onexplayer 3 pricing officially confirmed

The Onexplayer 3 has launched on Indiegogo, featuring an Intel Arc G3 Extreme, an 8.8-inch 144Hz AMOLED display, and a modular design that works as a handheld, tablet or mini laptop. Its high-end specs and 85Wh battery position it against premium Windows gaming handhelds.

Jacob Fisher, 24 Jun 2026 19:27

Microsoft has initiated a multi-stage firmware update to phase out aging cryptographic keys across global PC networks.

Windows Secure Boot security deadline arrives today

Microsoft's legacy Secure Boot certificate expires today, June 24, 2026. The mandatory firmware key rotation impacts upcoming Windows updates and system security.

Darryl Linington, 24 Jun 2026 13:02

The 2026 ROG Zephyrus G14 is an improvement, but the 2025 model for $600 less is still a very good option

We just reviewed the updated 2026 Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 and it is an improvement, but also $600 more expensive than the comparable 2025 unit. As long as you can accept the disadvantages like the darker OLED screen or shorter batter life, we recommend you get the old model as long as it is available.

Andreas Osthoff, 22 Jun 2026 20:12

Project Helix Xbox console shown in living room

Xbox co-founder says Project Helix aims to lure console gamers to Windows PCs

A former Microsoft executive doesn’t envision the Xbox brand dying. Instead, with Project Helix, the company will encourage more supporters to embrace Windows PCs. The success of the new Xbox console may depend on whether it proves as gamer-friendly as the Steam Machine.

Adam Corsetti, 22 Jun 2026 17:54

Official promotional banner from Microsoft announcing the upcoming Windows 11 version 26H2.

Windows 11 version 26H2: Microsoft details rollout strategy

Windows 11 version 26H2 enters the Experimental channel as Microsoft focuses on low-disruption enablement packages for IT deployment.

Darryl Linington, 22 Jun 2026 13:41

Microsoft Copilot will be automatically downloaded again soon.

Microsoft Copilot is (once again) being installed automatically, but not on all Windows 11 PCs

The Microsoft 365 Copilot AI chatbot is once again being forcibly installed on millions of Windows 11 computers. For now, at least, Microsoft is sparing users in the EU, likely due to competition law.

Hannes Brecher, 22 Jun 2026 12:55

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is now $2.99 at Steam.

Deal | Witcher 3: Wild Hunt now 90% off at Steam

Steam is now offering The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt at a 90% discount, bringing the acclaimed RPG down to $2.99. Released in 2015, the choice-driven fantasy epic remains popular to this day and is considered by some to be one of the best RPGs of all time.

Jacob Fisher, 21 Jun 2026 23:54

Xbox Handheld logo appears, as a portable new console could join Project Helix

A fan spotted an unfamiliar Xbox Handheld logo on official game sites, including Gears of War: E-Day. The graphic may signal that a title runs smoothly on a Windows gaming handheld. Or it will become essential to a rumored new mobile Xbox console arriving after Project Helix.

Adam Corsetti, 21 Jun 2026 01:32

The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 2026 is still the most powerful 14-inch gaming laptop thanks to the RTX 5070 Ti

The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is the only compact gaming/multimedia laptop, which is available with the powerful Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti. This is a noticeable advantage over rivals like the Razer Blade 14, which are limited to the RTX 5070.

Andreas Osthoff, 20 Jun 2026 18:09

A Windows 11 desktop displaying a Smart App Control security warning alongside the Windows Security icon.

Windows 11 update KB5095051 breaks Microsoft Office integration

Microsoft confirms parallel enterprise flaws in Windows 11 KB5095051, including broken OLE automation, a deployment media error, and a Recycle Bin glitch.

Darryl Linington, 19 Jun 2026 15:01

The new Dell XPS 13 2026 weighs just 1 kg (2.2 lbs.).

New Dell XPS 13 gives MacBook Neo run for its money as 8 GB RAM concerns seem overblown

The Dell XPS 13 (2026) is now available to buy. From our early impressions, the new XPS 13 offers an outstanding value thanks to its high-res and colorful 120 Hz display, good performance, and excellent build quality, all for just $699. The MacBook Neo finally has a worthy competitor.

Fawad Murtaza, 18 Jun 2026 11:36

The Windows Security app dashboard showing the Security at a glance menu.

How to check if your PC is Secure Boot ready

Learn how to check if your PC is ready for Microsoft's Secure Boot certificate update using official built-in tools like the Windows Security app.

Darryl Linington, 18 Jun 2026 10:00

ChatGPT has fallen below 50% market share for the first time.

ChatGPT now controls less than 50% of the AI assistant market

ChatGPT’s share of the AI assistant market has fallen below 50% for the first time, as rivals Google Gemini and Anthropic Claude gain ground. The report suggests users are increasingly willing to switch platforms based on trust, integration and productivity strengths.

Jacob Fisher, 18 Jun 2026 03:25

Asus launches affordable business laptop with Ryzen AI 5 330, 16GB DDR5 RAM

Asus has launched the Dawn 7S Ryzen Edition in China at 6,999 Yuan (around $965), a business-focused laptop powered by the AMD Ryzen AI 5 330 with a 50 TOPS NPU, 16GB DDR5 RAM expandable to 96GB, a 1TB SSD, WiFi 7, and a 70Wh battery with 65W fast charging, with global availability yet to be confirmed.

Antony Muchiri, 17 Jun 2026 11:15

We tested Linux on the new Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Gen 5 AMD

Lenovo's ThinkPads offer support for Linux out of the box and some models can also be purchased with Linux. We tested the current ThinkPad T16 Gen 5 with Linux and checked the support of functions and features.

Andreas Osthoff, 16 Jun 2026 17:14

The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is eye-wateringly expensive.

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ price is so high it can buy an RTX 5060 gaming laptop while leaving plenty for handheld console

The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is the first handheld gaming console to use the Intel Arc G3 Extreme SoC. This makes the Claw 8 EX AI+ the most powerful portable console on the market, as the Arc G3 Extreme features the impressive Arc B390 iGPU. However, it also makes the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ super expensive.

Fawad Murtaza, 16 Jun 2026 14:38

Asus Xbox ROG Ally and Ally X handheld gaming consoles boot directly into Xbox mode.

Windows 11 Xbox mode reportedly uses less RAM vs stock Windows 11 but it doesn't result in more gaming performance

Windows 11 users can now log directly into a new "Xbox mode". Xbox mode replaces Windows 11's normal UI with a controller-friendly UI that can integrate multiple game stores like Steam and Epic. Xbox mode also frees up some resources to improve gaming performance. However, the end result is rather disappointing.

Fawad Murtaza, 16 Jun 2026 11:33

Baseus Spacemate RD1 Pro front and back.

Baseus launches Spacemate RD1 Pro 15 port docking station with 160W output, Qi2.2 wireless charging

Baseus has launched a successor to the RD1 11-in-1 docking station from a couple of years ago. The Pro model offers 15 connectivity options for a heftier price tag.

Vineet Washington, 15 Jun 2026 18:03

DualSense PS5 controller seen in front of PC monitor

DualSense PS5 controller gains haptics over Bluetooth on PC, closing gap with Xbox

With DSX v3.2 Beta 01, the DualSense PS5 controller forces fewer compromises on PC users. Advanced haptic feedback is now possible over Bluetooth for more immersive gameplay. Despite Sony supporting the PC with new accessories, third-party software is necessary to activate the feature.

Adam Corsetti, 13 Jun 2026 21:55

Ex-PlayStation boss hints Xbox consoles will die, with Microsoft prioritizing Windows

A former PlayStation executive expects that Microsoft will dramatically rethink its hardware strategy. Already optimizing Windows for gaming, it could abandon conventional Xbox consoles. Project Helix looks like another step toward this transition, but the memory shortage may spell doom for the hybrid.

Adam Corsetti, 13 Jun 2026 03:39

Acer initially showed the Swift Go 16 AI at CES 2026.

Deal | 2026 OLED laptop at great price: Acer Swift Go 16 AI with superb battery life and latest Intel CPU is 30% off

The Acer Swift Go 16 AI, which was launched earlier this year, is enjoying a big 30% discount at Best Buy. The laptop weighs only 1.4 kg (3 lbs.), carries a 16-inch OLED panel with touch input, and is built around the Core Ultra 5 322 SoC.

Fawad Murtaza, 12 Jun 2026 11:24

The Youyeetoo K1's Intel N100 compute module connects to its carrier board via a SO-DIMM-style edge connector

Youyeetoo K1: palm-sized modular PC pairs a swappable Intel N100 module with SATA, eDP and 27 GPIO pins from $210

Most mini PCs are sealed appliances whose processor dies with the board. The Youyeetoo K1 takes a different route: its Intel N100 brain sits on a small compute module that slots into a carrier board like a stick of RAM, paired with an unusually long list of I/O including dual Gigabit Ethernet, eDP, MIPI and GPIO headers.

Anmol Dubey, 11 Jun 2026 22:51

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