Microsoft fully unveiled its Surface Laptop Ultra this week. While we've known about the PC for months, we lacked key details and were not able to review the Surface Laptop Ultra until recently.

That all changed when Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Microsoft Windows lead Pavan Davuluri, and NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang took the stage to showcase the first wave of RTX Spark laptops.

Microsoft and other PC makers like HP and Lenovo launched the first laptops powered by NVIDIA's new superchip, and initial impressions are quite promising.

With hardware from OEMs impressing reviewers and NVIDIA's chip delivering on many of its promises, attention shifts toward the operating system running on those laptops.

Biggest News of the Week

Microsoft published a massive blog post this week highlighting improvements to Windows 11.

While there are genuinely nice additions to Windows 11, the focus of Microsoft’s blog post took a specific angle that made me ask a question: “Is Windows 11 a selling point?”

After breaking down the new Search experience, sped up File Explorer, expanded customization options, and other features, Microsoft took the opportunity to promote PC sales.

Microsoft said:

"A new PC is a meaningful purchase, and the value should show up in more than a spec sheet. A modern Windows 11 PC brings together responsive everyday performance with more intuitive, connected and personal experiences, all supported by hardware designed for how you interact, create and play, from touch, pen and tactile feedback to immersive gaming experiences. The reason to upgrade is not just one feature; it is how all these experiences work together to make more of your day feel effortless."

Using Windows 11 as a sales tool indicates that Microsoft thinks the operating system is a selling point.

The vast majority of changes and upgrades will also ship to pre-existing PCs, so the entire premise is a bit odd. But that’s probably a post for another day. My main focus is that Microsoft heard feedback, made changes, and is now using those changes to sell PCs.

When rounding up reviews of the Surface Laptop Ultra, I noticed that several experts compared the laptop to a MacBook Pro. As much as it may pain some Windows enthusiasts to admit, the MacBook Pro is the gold standard for laptops in the eyes of many.

With Microsoft copying and competing with the MacBook Pro on the hardware side of things, the remaining question is if Windows 11 compares favorably to macOS.

A significant number of developers use Macs, and Microsoft wants to compete in that space. The Surface Laptop Ultra has the design and AI power to get devs to take a closer look. The question is whether Windows 11 will keep those devs around or drive them away.

Shopping with Sean

You knew my shopping suggestion of the week would be the Surface Laptop Ultra. This is the most powerful Surface in years, and arguably the most exciting in just as long.

Just make sure that you're the target audience for the Surface Laptop Ultra before spending thousands of dollars. Our Senior Editor does a great job breaking down the strengths and weaknesses of the PC in his Surface Laptop Ultra review. There, he also makes it clear who the laptop is for and who should just admire the device from afar.

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

On Windows 11, Microsoft is overhauling the Windows Search feature to make it faster, more accurate, and more useful. The experience will go beyond finding apps, files, and settings by letting users perform common tasks directly from the Taskbar. At the same time, upcoming improvements will add file previews, richer web results, and Copilot integration.

The redesigned Search experience is in development, but a preview is already rolling out through the Windows Insider Program, with more features planned for later this year and a deeper integration with the Start menu planned for 2027.

Here's what you need to know about the new Windows 11 Search experience.

What is the new Windows 11 Search experience?

The traditional Windows Search experience has been designed primarily to find apps, files, settings, and web results. However, its performance and ability to understand search queries have always been questionable.

The new Windows Search experience addresses these limitations with a redesigned interface built on WinUI 3, which Microsoft says improves performance and reduces memory usage. It also improves search accuracy by better matching typos and synonyms.

Beyond finding things, the new Search lets you perform certain actions directly from the Search box in the Taskbar. For example, you can type "switch to dark mode," "turn on Bluetooth," or "mute" to change a setting or adjust your computer without opening another app or navigating through additional screens.

Microsoft is also working on richer file previews, more detailed search results, and inline web answers that let you find information without leaving the experience. The company also plans to integrate Copilot into the experience, allowing users to ask questions and view answers directly in the Search interface before opening the Copilot app to expand the conversation.

What can you do with the new Windows Search?

The new Windows Search retains the core functionality of the legacy experience, letting you find apps, files, settings, and web results, but it also introduces new capabilities.

For example, you can perform certain actions directly from the Search box, such as switching to Dark mode, enabling Bluetooth, adjusting the volume, or arranging windows on the screen.

In future updates, Windows Search will add inline file previews and richer web results, including information cards for queries related to weather, stock prices, and other topics.

Microsoft is also working on Copilot integration, allowing Search to recognize questions that could benefit from a more detailed answer and display an AI-generated response directly in the interface. Selecting the response can then open the Copilot app for further assistance.

How do you enable the new Windows Search experience?

The new Windows Search experience is still under development and is currently available to Insiders in the Experimental channel for versions 26H2 and 26H1. To try it, your computer must be running build 26340.9616 for version 26H2 or build 28120.3181 for version 26H1 or a later release.

If the feature doesn't appear after installing the latest preview build, Microsoft says you can enable it manually by navigating to Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program > Feature flags. After enabling the feature, restart your computer to apply the changes.

Does the new Windows Search require a Copilot+ PC or an NPU?

No. When I asked Microsoft whether the new Windows Search experience would be limited to devices with an NPU, the company explained that its inline actions use a small machine-learning (ML) model that runs locally on the computer's main processor. The model interprets the user's request and matches it to the appropriate action.

Microsoft also clarified that this isn't generative AI powered by a small language model (SLM) or a large language model (LLM). As a result, the feature doesn't require an NPU and will be available on computers without one.

Can Windows Search perform actions on a connected phone?

Not yet, but Microsoft is working on a new capability that will let users send text messages directly from Windows Search on computers connected to a phone through the Phone Link and Link to Windows apps.

Will the new Windows Search replace Start menu search?

Microsoft plans to bring the new Windows Search experience to the Start menu in 2027. For now, the Start menu continues to use the existing Search experience while the company keeps working on the new design. Microsoft hasn't explicitly confirmed whether the new experience will completely replace the current Search interface.

In the past, the company also worked on a similar feature called "Ask Copilot," which users could enable or disable through Taskbar settings. However, the current version of Windows 11 doesn't offer an option to turn off the new Search experience and continue using the legacy version on the Taskbar.

Does the new Windows Search use AI to perform actions?

The new Windows Search doesn't use AI to perform actions. This isn't generative AI. Instead, it uses a small ML model to match the user's intent to the action. As a result, the feature doesn't require an NPU and will be available on computers without one.

What improvements are coming to Windows Search?

The new version of Windows Search will include a new interface design that's significantly smaller than the legacy version. However, it'll include inline previews and richer file details, making it easier to identify documents, presentations, and photos without opening them.

Search will also display richer web results, including information about weather, stock prices, and general questions, directly in the interface.

Microsoft is also adding filters to help users narrow search results by category, such as files. In addition, the company plans to integrate Copilot into Taskbar Search, letting users get AI-generated answers inline and open the Copilot app for a more detailed conversation.

Will the new Windows Search integrate with Copilot?

Yes. Microsoft is working on integrating Copilot into the new Windows Search experience. The planned capability will let users ask questions and see AI-generated answers directly in the Search interface. Selecting an answer can open the Copilot app for further interaction.

The company says the opt-in experience will begin rolling out to select markets later this year.

When will the new Windows Search experience be available?

Microsoft began rolling out the new Windows Search experience to Insiders in the Experimental channel for versions 26H2 and 26H1 on October 7, 2026.

The company plans to introduce richer search results and other improvements later this year, with Copilot integration initially rolling out as an opt-in feature in select markets.

Microsoft also plans to bring the new Search experience to the Start menu in 2027. The company hasn't announced a general availability date for all Windows 11 users.

Windows Central's Take

I like that Microsoft is taking a more cautious approach to AI with the new Windows Search. The core experience isn't being powered by Copilot, and the inline actions use a small machine learning model running locally on the CPU rather than generative AI. The company is also making Copilot integration optional, which is the right approach for this type of feature. I want the operating system to be more useful without making AI feel like a requirement to get things done.

We'll have to wait to see how well Search performs in everyday use, especially when finding files and settings. Microsoft has redesigned core experiences before, and a cleaner interface doesn't mean much if results aren't reliable or users lose control. If the company can improve Search while keeping Copilot optional and avoiding unnecessary clutter, this could be a significant improvement.

What are your thoughts about the new Search for Windows 11? Let me know in the comments.

More resources

Explore more in-depth how-to guides, troubleshooting advice, and essential tips to get the most out of Windows 11 and 10. Start browsing here:

• Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
• Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

Lenovo's Pro 9n is the first RTX Spark laptop that I've been able to sit down and use as I normally would at work and at home, following several brief stints with the new class of PCs at Computex and IFA.

Lenovo is aiming its 15.3-inch Pro 9n directly at creators handling demanding 3D rendering and video editing tasks. Its 2.5K OLED display with Pantone color validation, its four Dolby Atmos speakers, its pen-enabled haptic touchpad, and its newfound RTX performance all play into this direction.

Of course, thanks to NVIDIA's RTX Spark chip, it's also suited for local AI workflows, software development, and gaming.

I received the new RTX Spark-powered Lenovo Pro 9n laptop a couple of days ahead of the review embargo. I've been using it steadily since then to get some early first impressions before I start harassing it with benchmarking software. Here's what I've learned so far.

This hands-on was made possible by a review sample provided by Lenovo. The company had no input on the content of this article, nor did it see the article before it was published.

Lenovo Pro 9n: What's in the box?

The Yoga 9n laptop comes packaged — in a fully recyclable box — with a fairly compact 140W USB-C power adapter.

I haven't actually had to use it yet at the time of writing this portion, as all the downloads and puttering around I've done so far on the PC have only sapped the battery to about 35%. I talk about battery life, good and bad, in more detail below.

Lenovo also bundles the Yoga Pen (Gen 2) with each laptop. It's designed to work with the new pen-enabled haptic touchpad (which Lenovo calls a Force Pad), giving users plenty of space to sketch, draw, design, and write.

Lenovo Pro 9n early impressions — 3 things I already love

Lenovo's Pro 9n already has several features that stand out to me after a couple of days of use. I've rounded them up here to give you an idea of what we're working with.

I've also included some of the more concerning things I've noticed, which you'll definitely want to check out if you're thinking about buying this laptop.

Let's start with the good stuff.

Battery life seems solid ... most of the time

Battery life falls into both categories: What I like and what I'm worried about.

First impressions are very good. As mentioned, the laptop is sitting at about 35% after a day of downloads and tinkering around. That's with the PC adjusting its own power profile depending on the task at hand.

If you aren't hammering the hardware and are instead browsing the web, streaming video, answering email, etc., I'm confident that the laptop will deliver awesome battery life for day-to-day tasks.

I explain the flipside to the battery segment below.

Inking on the haptic touchpad

The Pro 9n's display accepts touch input, but it does not work with the Yoga Pen (Gen 2). Instead, the Pro 9n's new haptic touchpad measuring about 3.74 x 5.9 inches (95mm x 150mm) is pen-enabled.

As someone who rarely uses an active pen on any laptop that's not at least a convertible (allowing me to rotate the display around for tablet mode), I love this change.

The oversized touchpad provides plenty of space to work, and the feel and sound of the pen nib on the surface come out natural. The pen has 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity thanks to AES 3.0, far more than I'm used to.

Lining up the touchpad area and the on-screen canvas takes a bit of guesswork, but I'll try it in more apps between now and my full review.

Display quality is outstanding

The Yoga 9n's 15.3-inch display uses a "PureSight Pro" OLED panel with X-Rite Pantone calibration, ensuring it's ready for specialized design work requiring accurate color reproduction.

It might be the slim bezels, or it might be the 2560x1600 resolution; in any case, it feels a lot larger than 15.3 inches.

I haven't tested it with a colorimeter yet, but Lenovo says the screen can hit 1,100 nits peak brightness with HDR enabled. I'd wager that's about right, because this thing gets very bright and I've had only minor issues with glare.

It's super smooth too, thanks to a 165Hz variable refresh rate that can automatically lower or raise depending on what you're doing. Lenovo wanted to deliver a screen for creators, and it certainly seems like it achieved its goal.

Lenovo Pro 9n early impressions — 3 things I like less

Admittedly, these three aspects I like less could turn out to be nothingburgers once I've spent more time with the PC. In any case, here they are, including more information about battery life.

A rather plain design

The Lenovo Pro 9n's design is not exactly inspiring.

This isn't just an issue I have with Lenovo's RTX Spark PC; it's largely the same across the entire product catalog, including ASUS, Dell, HP, MSI, and Surface. I imagine second-gen devices will receive a bit more flair, especially as brands branch out into more focused approaches.

In Lenovo's case, with such an emphasis on modern creators, the plain design doesn't quite sit right. Let me know in the comments section below if you disagree with me or have more to add on the subject.

I will say that the laptop is super sleek and not nearly as heavy as I was expecting. It only weighs about 3.6 pounds (1.6kg), and it's well balanced. Port selection is also quite good, with dual Thunderbolt 4, dual USB-A, HDMI 2.1, SD card reader, and 3.5mm audio jack.

Will it overheat?

The first few hours with the Lenovo Pro 9n involved some noticeably hot surfaces, but that seems to have abated now that it's all set up and finished downloading/installing updates.

Playing games causes heat to rise, especially when the AC adapter is plugged in, and it will be interesting to monitor actual temperatures and whether or not the dual-fan system can keep up with sustained heavy loads.

Battery life ... again

As noted, battery life seems great when you aren't pushing the system with anything too demanding.

I need a lot more time with the laptop to get a better idea of how efficient it can be, and I am concerned about how long the battery will last when the PC is under heavy load, for AI work or for gaming.

I gave The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt Remastered a brief play last night, and what I saw was not exactly inspiring. I was getting about 10 minutes of gaming from each 10% of battery, with NVIDIA's Multi Frame Generation turned on and off.

Final thoughts on the Lenovo Pro 9n before a full review

Lenovo's Pro 9n has a lot to unpack, and I feel like I've barely scratched the surface of what this new class of PC can do. First impressions are generally positive, although, as noted, there are some concerns about battery life and heat.

Do you have any questions that need answering regarding the Lenovo Pro 9n or the RTX Spark platform in general? Drop them in the comments section below, and I'll do my best to address them in my full review.

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

This PC case from Thermaltake isn't a brand-new release; it's already been on sale for a little while. But hanging out at the SimRacing Expo in Frankfurt, I stumbled across it for the first time and instantly fell in love.

It's called the Retro 360, and for obvious reasons. Thermaltake has fully embraced beige nostalgia, with a PC case that looks the part while still being suitable out of the box for modern hardware.

I've long considered the idea of putting my PC into a classic case, but being terminally lazy, I think I've just found the solution. A PC case that's built for modern hardware (and that shows it off) while having an aesthetic that reminds me of some of the earliest Windows PCs I used.

I think that's what makes it for me. I love the retro styling, and I love that it doesn't need modifying to fit my RTX 5090 inside it properly.

The CD ROM and floppy drive impressions on the front of the case are just that. Inside the Retro 360 there is no capacity to install an optical drive at all; it's just for show. But you can also substitute it for Thermaltake's 6-inch display panel if you like your retro look with a modern twist.

It supports ATX motherboards, including those with rear-facing connectors, and up to a 360 mm radiator in either the roof or at the side of the motherboard. There's also space for three 120 mm fans above the PSU compartment, sucking air in from the bottom, and another pair of 120 mm or 140 mm fans mounted to the front panel.

It's not a particularly large PC case, but it has serious capacity for cooling. And large GPUs.

The other bonus over an actual retro case is that the front panel IO is all modern, too, without having to retrofit anything. In this case, USB-C 3.2 and USB Type A 3.0.

Another retro-themed bit of kit you can add into your modern but old-school-looking PC build is Thermaltake's Retro 360 Ultra AIO cooler. It matches the beigeness of the PC case on the fans and the radiator and has a CRT-style LCD display that sits atop your CPU.

The display can be customized with just about whatever moving imagery you want using the companion software. But it has to be something retro, right?

All in all, I just love the mix of old and new. Thermaltake PC cases have often stood out to me (and I have owned some in the past) as products where the visual appeal matters as much as the features.

It hits the right mark without trying to do too much and is designed to easily house the latest and greatest hardware. The price point is also as enticing as the design.

The Retro 360 Case comes in at $89.99, which is perfectly reasonable for all this beige goodness. There's also a slightly smaller version, the Retro 260, for microATX and miniITX builds. This one also costs a reasonable $79.99.

The Retro 360 AI cooler is a little more at $149.99 and is compatible with AMD AM4 and AM5 sockets and a whole bunch of Intel ones. But doesn't it just look the absolute business?

Were it not for the business of getting a PC case onto a plane, I'd be going home with one. But I'm pretty positive I just found the new PC case I've been looking for.

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

It has been 23 years since Infinity Ward dropped the first Call of Duty title; more than 25 games later, CoD fans are all seated with bated breath and waiting for the conclusion of one of gaming's most popular franchises.

For those who pre-ordered Modern Warfare 4, early campaign access is available now.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is both a swan song and a rebirth for Infinity Ward, as the title is the first to release under new studio leadership, Jack O'Hara and Mark Grigsby, while also serving as the finale for the subseries' rebooted plotline that kicked off with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2020).

I had an opportunity to play the campaign for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 in advance, and while I plan to hold off on an official review score until the full game is available, I do have some early thoughts — spoiler-free, of course.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Campaign Impressions — Story, setting, and art

It only takes 5 days — and a few extra years, but we're not counting — to change the world. While the events leading up to the story for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 have culminated over a few years of time, the latest campaign takes place over the course of just 5 chaotic days.

Before diving too deep into Modern Warfare 4, it would be a good idea to refresh yourself on the lore of the MW trilogy up until this point.

The reboot of the subseries kicked off in 2019, centering Task Force 141 — Captain John Price, Lieutenant Simon "Ghost" Riley, Sergeant Kyle "Gaz" Garrick, and Sergeant Johnny "Soap" MacTavish — and their hush-hush global counter-terrorism efforts. Their efforts introduce us to a variety of interesting characters, including cartel leader "El Sin Nombre", Valeria Garza, and founder of the Urzikstan Liberation Force, Farah Karim.

I'm going to be a little reductive for brevity here, but ultimately the squad finds themselves chasing down the series antagonist, Vladimir Makarov, but their hunt turns personal after Makarov kills Soap in the finale of Sledgehammer Games' Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2023).

In my review for Modern Warfare 3 (2023), I remarked that the final act of the campaign, which included MacTavish's abrupt demise, felt rushed. It was a seemingly unnecessary death at the end of the story that did nothing to push things forward.

3 years later, I realize that I wasn't entirely correct. The ending was rushed, yes, but Soap's death kicked off an avalanche of global events. The beginning of Modern Warfare 4 shows us a squad of more green soldiers than we've become accustomed to seeing in Modern Warfare.

We begin with a group of military conscripts, South Korean soldiers serving their mandatory enlistment alongside American Marines, Corporal Joseph Dunn and First Lieutenant Reggie West, in Seoul.

West has introduced the squad to Wu-Tang Clan's classic, "C.R.E.A.M.," and we start the game with some playful banter between music beats that sets up who our would-be heroes actually are.

The scene is decidedly cinematic, feeling more like the cold open to a movie than the opening sequence of the fourth installment to a subseries of a two-decade-old franchise. We spend some time with the younger squad as they plan a hazing of one of their newbies before they are faced with an explosive and unexpected attack.

We ultimately help the squad make their way through the rapidly deteriorating city, fighting through a night-shrouded urban battleground against threats from a mysteriously enhanced North Korean invasion.

From this opener, we're then transported back in time to just 5 days before North Korea's attacks on South Korea and reunited with Captain Price, who we learn has continued his hunt for Makarov to avenge Soap's death.

Price chases Makarov through a nightclub and eventually into a snowy alleyway where the two engage in hand-to-hand combat. Shortly after this, Price is captured and taken to Makarov's accomplice — El Sin Nombre, herself. She makes Price an offer he can't refuse: a means to go straight to the top of the food chain and take down the Archer, the "head of the snake" for the terrorist organization.

Price's trust in Valeria comes at a cost, however, and he is then considered AWOL by CIA Watcher, Kate Laswell, who has no choice but to send what remains of Task Force 141 to capture or kill their own Captain, friend, and mentor. This story beat sets up a recurring theme of loyalty and betrayal that threads together all of the various subplots over the 5-day timeline.

Infinity Ward's Modern Warfare reboot has long faced challenges of satisfying the needs of its nostalgic player base while also innovating on the subseries in such a way that it draws in a new crowd to create nostalgia for.

Modern Warfare 4's campaign captures that struggle in its own way, with the actions of Price and the rest of Task Force 141 rippling throughout the narrative to have unexpected effects on Park and his squadron.

It's easy to reduce Call of Duty down to just an arcade shooter full of cinematic set pieces and Michael Bay-worthy explosions, but Modern Warfare 4 has somehow managed to increase the heightened sense of emotion in its story. Soap's death, which once felt meaningless and egregious, has created a weighted cloud over the events of Modern Warfare 4, one that leads to big emotional moments that legitimately took my breath away.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Campaign Impressions — Gameplay

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4's campaign consists of a mostly linear mission structure where the 16 story missions can take roughly 6 to 8 hours to complete, depending on skill level and willingness to look for secrets — of which there are plenty.

Most missions feature fairly on-rails gameplay that the Modern Warfare subseries is known for, big cinematic set pieces with the single player-controlled character assisted by AI squadmates working their way through a mission setting.

However, a couple of missions do deviate from the standard formula. In Mission 2, "Out in the Cold", we're faced with a chase sequence similar to what we have seen in past Call of Duty titles. Price, in his hunt for Makarov, tails the terrorist through a nightclub with some light parkour over rooftops and through crowded streets into an alleyway for a hand-to-hand brawl.

This is followed by Mission 3, "Following Orders", which certainly feels reminiscent of Modern Warfare 2 (2009)'s "No Russian" campaign mission. In this particular sequence, players are an unnamed North Korean operative assisting in the hunt for a defector.

The brutality of the North Korean regime is on full display, but the player does have the option to make choices in whether they participate in the cruelty or merely stand by as it happens. While the player can choose whether or not to confiscate contraband or intimidate civilians, there are some decisions that can have a lasting impact on the player, though the choice fails to have a lasting impact on the overall narrative of Modern Warfare 4.

The most notable departure from the linear campaign is Mission 10, "Stranded." The members of Sierra-1 are behind enemy lines and must keep a low profile while exploring a semi-open world environment.

Players can engage or avoid North Korean operators as they read notes, search for an eye-watering 58 collectibles, unlike a plethora of special equipment chests, and take down 3 specific mission objectives. It's a chance to see Sierra-1's Park Hyun-Jun really stretch his legs as a lead character and to develop a deeper bond with the grunt squad as they fight to survive in dangerous territory.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Campaign Impressions — Final thoughts

If you've been playing the Modern Warfare reboot's campaigns up until this point, you might agree with me that it has long felt like there was only one way for the story to come to an end. And yet, even as I reached the final missions of the campaign, I repeatedly found myself gasping at every turn, surprised by the hows and whys that led up to the events of this blockbuster finale.

Every aspect of Modern Warfare 4 is crafted with attention to detail that is unmatched in the AAA space. Infinity Ward leads the charge in high-detail graphics, creating sets where every ray of light adds to the ambience and emotion of the scene.

From the bright lights of a Seoul convenience store to the bloody snow of a New York alleyway to the cracked glass of a city high-rise bearing the weight of a contested brotherhood. Modern Warfare 4's campaign is nothing short of a cinematic masterpiece, beautifully shot and choreographed to enhance the story with purposeful action.

Even the narrative writing is carefully crafted, and every member of the cast brought their A-game to the voice acting and motion capture. Barry Sloane slips into Captain Price like he himself has seen the captain's battles firsthand, encapsulating Price's grief and moral quandaries with seriousness, while Valeria's voice actress, Maria Elisa Camargo, playfully ribs at him with niceties and nicknames.

Samuel Roukin's haunting stare as Ghost is every bit as damning as his insistence on holding the line. I want to care about these characters and have the story being told over a 4-installment subseries pay off.

When all was said and done, I sat back from my desk, controller in hand and mouth agape with tears welling up in my eyes. That sounds dramatic, I'm sure, but Infinity Ward has come up with a group of characters that I have invested in and cared about. Their efforts, their stories, and their camaraderie and brotherhood mattered.

Task Force 141's chapter may have come to a fitting — albeit gut-wrenching — end, but the cycle continues on. Somebody has to get their hands dirty so the world stays clean.

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As part of the Windows Insider Program, Microsoft released several preview builds of Windows 11 in early October, some of which rolled out new features and improvements, while others played catch-up by bringing already announced changes to other channels.

During the first two weeks of October, the software giant made available the first preview of the new Windows Search experience. We also saw the new Battery widgets and more.

Microsoft also revealed a new option to sanitize the hard drive when using the Cloud Rebuild feature, plus improvements to File Explorer, Share, and more.

In the Experimental channel, we've seen builds 28120.3181, 26340.9616, 26340.9596, 28120.3151, 29683, and 29680. In the Beta channel, the company released builds 26220.9606, 28020.3172, 26220.9587, and 28020.3142.

In this recap, I'll highlight the latest and most noteworthy changes available through the Windows Insider Program.

Biggest improvements from the Windows Insider Program in October 2026

In this recap, I'll highlight the latest and most noteworthy changes available through the Windows Insider Program.

Windows Search overhaul

Starting with the release of build 26340.9616 for version 26H2, Microsoft began the gradual rollout of the new Windows Search experience.

The new experience features an entirely new interface using WinUI 3, designed to make search faster and more efficient while using less memory.

Perhaps the most notable change is the new inline actions that let you perform tasks directly from the Search box. For example, you can switch between the light and dark mode, enable Bluetooth, adjust brightness, arrange windows, and more.

In addition, the company is adding improvements to help Windows Search understand you better, including better handling of typos and synonyms.

The new Search experience is currently available in versions 26H2 and 26H1 as a preview through the Experimental channel.

Battery new widget

Also, Windows 11 build 26340.9616 ships with the new Battery Status widget, which tracks your computer and peripherals' battery levels without having to resort to third-party tools.

The widget is available from the Widgets dashboard> Add widgets > Battery Status.

Once the widget is enabled, you'll see the battery level of your laptop as well as your mouse, keyboard, headphones, and more.

Task Manager new processes group

Although Task Manager isn't getting another makeover, an updated version improves how it handles process groups, letting apps combine separate background processes into a single category instead of relying on traditional parent-child process trees.

Microsoft says that this should make it easier to view how an app uses system resources. Currently, this works only in Microsoft Defender.

File Explorer faster navigation

The company has also made small but welcome improvements to File Explorer with the release.

For instance, on build 26340.9596 for version 26H2, you can now use the "~" character to quickly open your profile folder or subfolder, for example, "~\AppData".

As part of the File Explorer changes, on builds 28120.3151 and 28020.3142 for version 26H1, Microsoft rolled out improvements to keep folder view customizations, such as sorting and icon size preferences, consistent across different access paths and apps.

The update also improves address bar support for paths with double backslashes and quotation marks.

Finally, in this wave of updates, build 29680 for the Future Platforms version, you'll find an updated version of the file manager that now handles previews for downloaded files from the internet.

When using the preview pane, HTML files will show a preview after you acknowledge the warning, while non-HTML files, such as PDFs, will show previews automatically.

Cloud Rebuild improvements

Cloud Rebuild is a new recovery feature that helps you reinstall the operating system when your computer has problems or won't boot.

Unlike other recovery options, this feature uses Windows Update to download installation files and drivers without needing bootable USB media.

This recovery feature is still in preview, but in build 26340.9596 for version 26H2 and build 26220.9587 for version 25H2, you'll now find a new "Rebuild this PC" option on the Recovery page in Settings, making it easier to access.

Also, in builds 28120.3151 and 28020.3142 for version 26H1, the Cloud Rebuild feature added a new "Remove & sanitize files" option to securely erase data before reinstalling the operating system, which is useful when recycling or reassigning a computer.

This update also lets admins configure and start a Cloud Rebuild remotely using Recovery CSP.

Narrator's new math reading

As part of the updates for version 26H1 (builds 28120.3151 and 28020.3142), Microsoft also updated the Windows Narrator feature with a more natural way to read and explore math equations.

According to the company, on supported apps from the Microsoft 365 suite, such as PowerPoint and Word, Windows Narrator can now read equations as structured expressions.

In addition, a new math navigation mode allows you to explore an equation one part at a time.

You can use the "Narrator key + Alt + N," and then use the arrows to move through fractions, exponents, and roots. You can also use "Esc" to exit the mode.

The new math capability also works on supported web content in Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome.

Magnifier with updated controls

In this wave of updates, the Magnifier lets you enter the exact zoom percentage directly in the toolbar instead of relying on the presets.

In addition, in the settings, the preset option now includes more increments up to 400 percent.

Windows Share customization

Although the Windows Share experience remains largely the same, Microsoft has added the ability to pin your favorite apps directly in the Share interface in the Experimental channel for Future Platforms.

This change makes it easier to find your favorite apps that you use often when sharing.

Installed apps page tweak

Finally, starting with build 29680, the "Installed apps" page now shows the version number at the top level under the Apps settings section for package apps.

Windows Central's Take

I'd put the new Windows Search, Cloud Rebuild, and File Explorer improvements at the top of this list. Search is becoming more useful for everyday tasks, Cloud Rebuild is getting better options for recovering a computer and securely erasing its data, and File Explorer is addressing small annoyances that can make file management frustrating.

These changes can make Windows 11 more practical without requiring users to learn an entirely new way of doing things.

I hope Microsoft continues to improve these core features instead of leaving them behind in favor of bigger, flashier additions.

Which of these three improvements would you most like to see arrive on your PC? Let me know in the comments.

More resources

Explore more in-depth how-to guides, troubleshooting advice, and essential tips to get the most out of Windows 11 and 10. Start browsing here:

• Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
• Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

I can't recall the last time I took a road trip or flight without my trusty Steam Deck in tow. It's just too convenient to slip into my backpack alongside a thin and light work laptop that doesn't stand out in professional settings.

That trend ends this weekend.

I have a 10-hour round trip to contend with, and after playing around with Lenovo's Pro 9n laptop powered by NVIDIA's new RTX Spark chip this past week, I'm ready to make it earn its accolades.

Can it really be my one-stop device for AAA gaming AND for work, just like what was advertised countless times in the lead-up to launch? Here's what it needs to prove to me.

What the RTX Spark platform needs to prove on a 10-hour trip

There are several key points that I want to confirm, and a 10-hour road trip seems like the perfect testing ground as I work on a full review of the Lenovo Pro 9n.

There are some areas where I do expect the RTX Spark platform to fall short, which I've also noted below.

Is ray tracing worth turning on when I'm not near an AC adapter?

One of the RTX Spark platform's biggest selling points is its Blackwell-class RTX GPU supporting all of NVIDIA's latest upscaling and frame-gen goodies.

I already gave The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt Remastered a try with ray tracing and multi-frame generation turned on, and although it looked glorious on the 15.3-inch OLED display, it sapped battery by about 10% every 10 minutes.

That doesn't bode well for efficiency, but I'm curious to see if I can dial it in by lowering settings like resolution or refresh rate. I really want ray tracing to be a worthwhile option without AC power.

Can I replace two devices with one?

Is having everything contained within the same PC actually simpler? Long-time gaming laptop users will probably say yes. Heck, I'd lean towards an affirmative if I wasn't testing it out myself this weekend.

But there are two sides to this question.

On one hand, it's nice to have a dedicated gaming device that I can put away when it's time to focus on work. On the other hand, I'll have a lot more room in my bag without an extra charger and an encased gaming handheld. A standard controller is much easier to slip into my bag.

The Pro 9n will have to handle any work I throw its way and be ready to switch to gaming on the fly, all while balancing heat and battery life.

Can the battery survive a real travel day?

The Steam Deck, and any gaming handheld for that matter, can be extremely efficient or inefficient depending on the game you're playing. The same ultimately goes for RTX Spark laptops.

Considering I plan to split time evenly between work — involving writing, hotspot web browsing, photo editing, etc. — and gaming, I'm hoping that one or the other doesn't leave me out to dry.

I do have the ability to plug in if required, and that will be another test of how much heat is created in a cramped cabin as the battery recharges.

Where I expect my RTX Spark laptop to fall short

Gaming handhelds are ergonomic, comfortable, and don't produce a lot of heat. A lot of that goes out the window when using a 15.3-inch laptop.

Sure, I'll have an ergonomic gamepad in hand part of the time, but I'll need to keep the laptop on my lap while gaming. Will it get too hot to handle? Will I feel too cramped in my seat? In those cases, I'll no doubt be wishing for my Steam Deck.

What I need from you

My testing results from this weekend will inevitably end up in my full Lenovo Pro 9n review that I'm already working on, and act as the most compelling evidence as to why I did (or didn't) give up my Steam Deck for an RTX laptop.

I'm more than open to other suggestions on how to test the gaming/work balance on the RTX Spark platform. I urge you to drop your most pressing questions in the comments section below, and I'll do my best to address them.

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

This might be the most over-the-top gaming handheld unboxing I've ever done

What does $2,499 worth of ROG Xbox Ally look like?

Well, apparently it looks like an enormous, heavy-duty Pelican case that feels like it should contain either extremely expensive gaming hardware or something you've been tasked with delivering to a secret government facility.

Inside is the new ROG Xbox Ally X20 (now available at Best Buy), ASUS' limited-edition handheld celebrating 20 years of its Republic of Gamers brand, along with the new ROG XREAL R1 Edition 20 AR glasses, a custom dbrand Killswitch and skin, and all the accompanying accessories.

There's even an empty cutout where you can add your own Xbox controller, which is objectively kind of fun (as it implies I'm going to show up randomly to public places carrying this kit, which is certainly a baller move).

And yes, I unboxed the whole ridiculous thing (see video below):

Let's talk about this Pelican case

The first thing you'll notice is that ASUS didn't exactly go for subtlety.

The X20 bundle arrives inside a custom Pelican Protector Case, with everything nestled into its own section. And having now handled the thing, I can confirm two things: it's incredibly substantial, and it has some of the most satisfying, snappy latches I've ever used on a case (with holes for padlocks, natch!).

Opening it feels like an event.

That's appropriate because the hardware inside isn't exactly normal either. The X20 uses a translucent black chassis with gold accents underneath, giving it a distinct throwback look that fits the 20th-anniversary theme without making the handheld look like a toy.

Even the Xbox logo/button now glows green (and you can set it to static, pulsing, or fading), which is really sharp-looking and reminds you this is XBOX FIRST.

More importantly, I've now spent some actual time using the X20, and I'm warming up to this thing considerably.

That OLED display really does make a difference

The centerpiece is ASUS' new 7.4-inch ROG Nebula HDR OLED display, a 1080p panel capable of 120Hz with FreeSync Premium Pro and VRR support from 30Hz to 120Hz. It can also reach a claimed 1,400-nit peak brightness.

And yeah, it's good.

The OLED panel is one of those upgrades that becomes immediately obvious when you put the X20 in front of you. It's a significant improvement over the display on the existing ROG Xbox Ally X and gives ASUS' latest handheld some real visual punch.

I spent most of the evening trying various games, including one of my recent favorites, Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor (Xbox Play Anywhere; also on sale right now for under $8!). That game has, in my opinion, some outstanding HDR graphics that really shine on this device.

Perhaps even more surprising are the speakers.

They're absurdly loud. In fact, they're the loudest speakers I've heard on a gaming handheld so far, and between the audio and that OLED screen, the X20 makes a surprisingly strong first impression before you even start digging into performance.

Underneath all of that is AMD's Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, paired with 24GB of LPDDR5X memory, a 1TB M.2 2280 SSD and an 80Wh battery. ASUS has also redesigned the cooling system, while TMR joysticks, a transforming D-pad, and rubberized grips round out some of the hardware changes.

Then ASUS throws a 171-inch virtual display into the box

Because apparently a $2,499 bundle needs more toys.

The ROG XREAL R1 Edition 20 Gaming AR Glasses (MSRP: $849) can create a virtual display of up to 171 inches viewed from roughly 13 feet away. They use Micro-OLED panels and support up to a 240Hz refresh rate, along with native 3DoF tracking and an Anchor Mode that can keep the virtual screen fixed in position while you move your head.

You also get a custom dbrand Killswitch (see our review) designed for the X20, complete with an exclusive skin and stick caps. I'm torn about using it. On one side, it's an excellent case with a cover, making it perfect for tossing in the bag. On the other, you're now covering 80% of the translucent case, which seems kinda sacrilegious.

There's a 68W charger in the package too, along with the various accessories for the glasses.

It's basically the "give me everything" configuration.

$2,499 is bonkers, but thankfully you don't need to spend that much

Let's be realistic: $2,499 for a gaming handheld bundle is an enormous amount of money.

This isn't the mainstream X20 package. It's a collector's bundle for the hardcore ROG enthusiast who wants the limited-edition machine, AR glasses, custom accessories, and a Pelican case capable of making the whole setup feel like precious cargo.

The good news is that ASUS isn't forcing you to buy all of that.

The ROG Xbox Ally X20 is also available by itself for $1,299, compared with $999 for the existing ROG Xbox Ally X. Both the standalone X20 and bundle are available in the U.S. through ASUS and Best Buy.

And after spending more time with it, that's the version I'm increasingly interested in.

At $1,299, the X20 certainly isn't cheap either. But the combination of its excellent OLED display, booming speakers, unique translucent design and other hardware improvements is making it feel like a much more substantial upgrade over the current Ally X than I initially expected.

I'll have a lot more to say about that very soon.

Stay tuned to Windows Central for my full ROG Xbox Ally X20 review in the coming week, where I'll answer the question that really matters: is ASUS' new $1,299 handheld actually worth it?

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

RTX Spark is finally here. After years of rumors, NVIDIA has re-entered the Windows silicon game with the MediaTek N1X, a tailor-made 18/20-core SoC with 5,120 or 6,144 GPU cores, up to 128GB of unified memory, and a heck of a lot of power for apps, games, and AI experiences under the hood.

It's not every day that Windows gains a new silicon partner, which is why everyone seems to be involved with ensuring this launch goes as smoothly as possible. Microsoft has worked closely with NVIDIA on optimizing the Windows platform, especially for RTX Spark, and third-party app vendors like Adobe, Blender, anti-cheat software, and more have mobilized to optimize their products and frameworks for the new chipset.

But the big play with RTX Spark is on-device AI. LLMs and agentic workflows have become all the craze over the last year, and NVIDIA believes the RTX Spark is the first chipset for Windows that has been designed from the ground up for running local AI experiences locally and securely, without sacrificing performance.

NVIDIA has 6 hardware partners lined up to ship RTX Spark hardware starting this week, and all of them are aimed at the high-end content creator or developer crowd. NVIDIA has set its sights on competing head-to-head with the MacBook Pro, and is eager to win over AI developers who flocked to that platform thanks to Apple Silicon.

I've been testing out the top configuration of RTX Spark over the last week on a Surface Laptop Ultra, and here's what I discovered it's good at, and what it's not so good at. FYI, today's embargo only allows us to detail the RTX Spark's performance and benchmarks, not the Surface Laptop Ultra itself. So battery life, thermal performance, and laptop-specific variables are not included in this piece. That information will be shared in the full laptop review, coming soon.

NVIDIA RTX Spark Overview

If you're looking for a quick rundown of what RTX Spark is and how it compares, here's what you need to know:

RTX Spark is a powerful SoC with good CPU performance and great GPU performance. Its CPU is comparable to the Apple M4 Pro and Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 Elite, with multi-thread performance being its stronger asset in the CPU department, though it trails behind the Apple M4 Max and Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme.

The GPU is the star of the show, with great performance thanks to its 6,144 GPU cores that deliver smooth framerates (with help from DLSS and framegen), faster rendering times, and very capable AI performance. Its quantized INT8 tensor execution, unified memory sharing, and computer vision acceleration easily leapfrog mobile discrete GPUs in its power class for AI workflows, which it excels at.

I don't believe RTX Spark is for everyone. It's very good at key things, and shines primarily for those who are knee-deep in local AI workflows and experiences. If you're not a mobile content creator, software developer, or utilize local LLMs often, RTX Spark probably isn't for you.

Mobile efficiency varies depending on power profile. The GPU is hungry and will drain power fast when at full pelt, but in day-to-day usage that only occasionally leans on the GPU, it should last the workday. The good news is, you should see the same performance regardless of plugged-in state.

Compared with most integrated Snapdragon, Intel, and AMD systems, RTX Spark is substantially faster in AI image generation and local inference, while matching or approaching dedicated RTX 4070/5060/5070 class GPU performance in most workloads outside of AI.

The latest generation of high-end Apple Silicon retains an advantage in peak single-thread CPU performance, but RTX Spark’s strength is its GPU, with TensorRT execution and high-speed memory providing advantages in diffusion, quantized models, and sequential data access.

NVIDIA RTX Spark CPU Performance

The RTX Spark CPU was co-designed by NVIDIA and MediaTek. The N1X, as it's known, comes in either 18- or 20-core configurations and is relatively efficient while delivering good performance. With that said, it's not leading in its class, leaving something to be desired when it comes to raw benchmarks.

In Cinebench 2026, the 20-core N1X achieved a single-core score of 558 and a multi-core score of 6,885. To put that into perspective, its single-core score beats the first-gen Snapdragon X Elite X1E-80-100 at 519, but falls short compared to Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme, which achieves a score of 662 for single-core. Multi-core fares better, with a score of 6,885, which is only just behind the X2 Elite Extreme and Apple M4 Max.

These scores do place it ahead of Intel's and AMD's latest flagship mobile workstation chips, but the chipset simply doesn't compete with Apple's latest Max chips, consistently trailing behind the Apple M4 Max and the M3 Ultra. This is a little disappointing given that the RTX Spark is directly targeting Apple Silicon.

It's a similar story with our Geekbench 7 results, achieving a single-core score of 2,718 and a multi-core score of 23,571. It's clear that multi-core performance is the N1X's stronger asset, competing with the likes of the Apple M4 Pro or Intel Core Ultra 9 285K, and is well ahead of the last-gen Snapdragon X Elite and Intel Lunar Lake, as it should be.

Outside of benchmarks, in day-to-day use the N1X feels fine. This isn't a slow CPU by any means, and will chew through even complex workflows with no sweat. Most day-to -day apps are Arm native these days, but for the few that do require Microsoft's Prism emulation layer, you won't even notice it. RTX Spark makes it so emulated apps feel just like native ones.

All our benchmarks were run with the Best Performance setting enabled, and in our tests we ran them a number of times in both plugged-in and unplugged states to see if there's any performance drop when away from a wall outlet. The good news is the RTX Spark delivers pretty much the same power regardless of plugged-in state, which mimics Apple Silicon.

NVIDIA RTX Spark GPU Performance

The star of the show with RTX Spark is the Blackwell RTX GPU with either 5,120 or 6,144 cores. We benchmarked the top-end, 6,144-core configuration for these benchmarks, and it does impress, outputting performance in workflows like video editing, model rendering, and gaming similar to an RTX 4070 or 5060, but in an efficient package with all-day battery life.

For what is essentially an integrated GPU, it outputs dedicated GPU performance in pretty much all workflows. But it really excels at AI workflows, especially when optimized for tensor and CUDA.

The 128GB configuration is set to split that memory evenly between system RAM and the GPU, meaning in our default configuration and for how we ran most of our benchmarks, the GPU had 64GB of video RAM to make use of. In this configuration, it's more than capable for most tasks, with the only exception being running AI models that surpass this size. In that situation, you can allocate more memory to the GPU so that it will fit.

In our 3DMark tests, we found that the RTX Spark performs similarly to an RTX 4070. It's very capable at 1440p gaming with high settings in most titles, though more demanding games will need to lean on DLSS and frame generation for smooth 60+ FPS gaming. In most titles we benchmarked, games ran without a hitch and looked great.

Gaming is not the main reason to buy an RTX Spark laptop, but it is an additional benefit. It's the first Windows on Arm platform that does gaming relatively well, supporting the usual breadth of gaming technologies and frameworks such as:

• Ray tracing
• DLSS 5
• Multi Frame Generation
• Neural Rendering
• Reflex
• G-SYNC
• RTX Remix

Most games run under emulation on RTX Spark, as the platform is Arm64, and most games are compiled for x86. However, in most titles, this isn't a problem. Most mainstream anti-cheat software is now compatible with Windows on Arm, and the Prism emulation layer has been tuned specifically for RTX Spark to ensure most games run without a hitch, though there are exceptions.

Some games, such as Red Dead Redemption 2, will require you to change settings to get them to run successfully. For example, by default Red Dead Redemption 2 was set to run with Vulkan, which caused it to crash at launch. Switching it to DirectX12 fixed this for me. Most games run without needing to change any settings first, however.

I tried Cyberpunk 2077, which runs pretty well right out of the box. The game analyzed my system and decided that Ray Traced Ultra settings were a perfect fit for the RTX Spark. Running at 1440p with frame gen enabled, the game was easily able to maintain 60fps while looking good doing it with these graphics settings enabled.

Shadow of the Tomb Raider also works great, but it takes quite a while to actually load up. But once the game is running and you're in-game, it looks great and runs well above 60fps at high settings at 1440p. Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and The Witcher 3 Remastered ran without a hitch, reaching close to 90fps in high settings at 1440p.

For content creators, RTX Spark is a great choice. Whether you are editing photos or rendering videos using apps like Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro, or rendering 3D environments in Blender, the RTX Spark is well suited for those tasks.

Adobe and NVIDIA say the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite has been optimized specifically for RTX Spark. These optimizations include:

• Photoshop on-device AI object removal
• Premiere Pro TensorRT acceleration
• Blender support for DLSS 4.5 Ray Reconstruction

When it comes to video rendering times, the RTX Spark trails the current-gen RTX 50 series GPUs. We benchmarked it against three other laptops with an RTX 5060, 5070 Ti, and 5080, in which it trailed the RTX 5060 in video rendering performance, finishing a few seconds later in most instances. In this benchmark, we ran Premiere Pro Beta, as that version includes necessary optimizations for RTX Spark.

Dedicated GPU performance can vary depending on laptop chassis size, cooling solution, and thermal envelope, which is why the 5070 Ti frequently trailed the 5060 in our testing.

The RTX Spark GPU is very performant and is capable of pretty much handling anything you'd want to throw at it on a mobile workstation. Where it really shines, however, is running local AI models directly on it. It's the reason NVIDIA built this platform to begin with, and it does this very well.

We ran several Procyon AI benchmarks to see how well the GPU performs when running on-device AI workflows. Text generation LLMs ran very fast, with Spark delivering responsive time-to-first-token results, including 0.27 seconds on Phi and 0.39 seconds on LLaMA3, but its sustained decoding rates trail higher-wattage discrete GPUs.

But quantized AI performance is where RTX Spark truly leads. In Stable Diffusion 1.5 INT8, the RTX Spark scored 11,294 and generated images in 2.77 seconds, substantially outperforming the tested RTX 5080, RTX 5070 Ti, and RTX 5060, on which we ran the same tests.

AI Workflows

The GPU is best suited for running large on-device AI models such as Qwen 3.8 27B, Gemma 4 31B, or even 120B-parameter models such as Nemotron or GPT-OSS.

NVIDIA is touting local agentic capabilities with this GPU, leaning on apps like Hermes Agent and OpenClaw to achieve this. We tested Hermes Agent, as OpenClaw failed to connect to the gateway once setup was complete.

The selling point of running LLMs and agents locally is that you are no longer constrained by usage limits or the amount of tokens you have available. When the AI runs locally, it's yours. You can run it for as long and as hard as you like.

It's also good for security and privacy reasons. You may have confidential documents, audio recordings, intellectual property that you need summarized or explained to you, and feeding that data to a cloud-based LLM or agent is giving that data away to the host.

With RTX Spark, you can feed whatever data or task you want to your local AI running off the GPU, and that data will never leave the device. You can build up your own personal agent that is capable of managing your local files, creating documents, making edits, and in some cases even controlling your PC.

Hermes Agent is a great tool for beginners, as it offers local AI compute experiences and makes setting it up a breeze. You open the app, choose to run AI locally, and it recommends the best model for the specs you have. Once downloaded, you're good to start chatting with your own AI locally.

Hermes Agent is particularly good at automating tasks. The first thing I did was tell it to clean up and organize my large, cluttered downloads folder. It moved images to my photos library, deleting any old executables, and organizing and categorizing PDFs and Word documents appropriately. It did all this without sending any of my data to the cloud, all processed by the GPU.

I also asked it to build me a basic website that included all my benchmark results so that I could refer back to them more easily. It ran that process entirely off my GPU, and came up with a pretty nice looking webpage design in the process. Zero cloud-based tokens used:

NVIDIA has even built MCP support into NVIDIA Broadcast and NVIDIA Control Panel, allowing you to hook it up to your local LLM and issue commands that allow it to configure your NVIDIA PC's settings.

Windows and RTX Spark

In addition to raw CPU and GPU performance, Microsoft has worked closely with NVIDIA to optimize RTX Spark for Windows 11. This partnership runs deep, and there are a lot of things going on behind the scenes that will aid the performance of Windows and support for apps on RTX Spark over the coming months and years.

For those unboxing a new RTX Spark laptop this fall, the Get Started app on Windows 11 will present a step that makes downloading and installing apps that can handle AI agents super easy. Hermes Agent will even go a step further and recommend a suitable model to download once up and running, meaning the user has to do zero research to get started.

With that said, I still find these recommended apps quite complex and convoluted. Many beginners will feel overwhelmed by these apps, especially OpenClaw, which I could not get working properly after it failed to open a gateway to allow the AI model to communicate with the OpenClaw chat interface.

Microsoft has optimized the system scheduler specifically for RTX Spark to squeeze out as much performance across Windows, menu flyouts, app launches, and more as possible. It has also made changes and enhancements to how Windows handles unified memory so that it's faster and more reliable at feeding that memory to where you need it.

TensorRT is now supported by Windows ML, and DirectX 12 has neural rendering support. The Prism emulation layer has also been tuned for RTX Spark, which results in emulated apps that simply do not feel like they are being emulated.

Microsoft is also keen to position Windows as the platform for local AI and agentic workflows. It has built safeguards and security into the Windows platform to ensure the local agents you run on Windows aren't capable of making severe changes or causing damage to your files, apps, and more.

This is a direct attempt at combating the sudden rise in local AI developers flocking to the Mac. Apple has made little optimizations to macOS to adopt and safeguard local AI and agentic workflows on that platform, whereas Microsoft is moving to make agents a native extension of the Windows platform.

RTX Spark is a Copilot+ PC certified chip, but you won't find any Copilot+ PC features at launch. Microsoft says it's working with NVIDIA to bring features like Windows Recall, Click To Do, and on-device Semantic Search to the RTX Spark platform in the coming months, which will run off the RTX Spark's 50 TOPS NPU.

Conclusion

RTX Spark is a super interesting chipset. It's forward leaning in a lot of ways, built on the Arm64 architecture that delivers serious performance and great efficiency. While its N1X CPU is just okay, its Blackwell RTX GPU really shines.

This is the first time we've seen RTX 4070-5070 level performance in an SoC that is this small and efficient. It's optimized for AI workloads, which is its strongest workflow by far. Quantized AI models run great, and with up to 128GB of unified memory, most mainstream models will fit entirely on the GPU without a hitch.

It's also great for content creators, and is very capable at gaming also. But at the prices that these devices are launching at, I think most people would be better served getting an Intel or AMD laptop with a dedicated NVIDIA GPU instead, as these often cost less than the cheapest RTX Spark laptops right now.

But if your workflow involves running AI models locally all day, software development, or complex data crunching and source code management, the RTX Spark is one of the better choices in the Windows space right now, especially for laptops that are thin-ish and (relatively) lightweight.

These RTX Spark laptops are more efficient and portable than typical laptops with a dedicated NVIDIA GPU, which is one of the key benefits of an SoC like this. The power this GPU outputs, for what is essentially integrated graphics, should not be understated.

Of course, just how efficient RTX Spark is will depend entirely on the hardware you choose to buy, as OEMs are free to feed the GPU more or less power depending on the chassis and thermal envelope. Keep that in mind.

Benchmarks

All benchmarks ran on RTX Spark 20-core CPU configuration with 128GB RAM and 6,144 GPU cores. All tests ran connected to power with Best Performance profile enabled, unless stated otherwise. We are still running benchmarks and new tests, and will update accordingly.

I grew up a SEGA and Sony kid, at least until XBOX started tempting me with exclusives. I didn't make any of my own money until the XBOX 360 era, but when I did, one studio had the killer apps in my eyes: Remedy Entertainment.

During the OG XBOX era, I split my gaming between a PlayStation 2 and the family PC, which was chiefly used to play Max Payne.

Its slow-motion, John Woo-esque gunfighting gameplay landed at the perfect time; I was already obsessed with The Matrix, after all.

Obsessively playing Remedy's noir shooter while dipping my toes into the PC modding scene convinced me that Remedy were icons.

Indeed, I held them in the same regard as Rockstar Games and Valve, as gaming stalwarts that could seemingly do no wrong, especially after Max Payne 2 delivered everything I had hoped. For their next adventure, I'd need Microsoft's new console, so I started saving my money.

XBOX 360 — Alan Wake

Mechanically, Alan Wake isn't much different from Max Payne. It's a third-person shooter with a strong narrative focus, pushing me toward cutscenes and literal story scraps as I unravel a mystery of light vs. darkness. Enemies creep out of the shadows, totally invulnerable until I burn away their armor with a flashlight, flare, or whatever other luminous weapons I have on hand.

It started as a more open-world game, but the clever twist on the otherwise familiar run-and-gun mechanics drew me in. I didn't even mind giving up the slow-motion 'Bullet Time' feature that defined Max Payne, because it still lingered in Alan Wake's gameplay loop, showing up in well-timed dodges. This time, Remedy's writing was less clichéd and more sincere — I wanted more.

Of course, I had plenty of other games on the XBOX 360 to tide me over, including Grand Theft Auto IV and Gears of War, so I wasn't bereft of choice after buying into this iconic console. Besides, Alan Wake's American Nightmare arrived soon after as the game's largest DLC expansion, but we wouldn't see a true sequel for another couple of generations.

XBOX One — Quantum Break

Would another time-bending action shooter convince me to buy into Microsoft's latest console? It did, and I went all in on its unified platform with the XBOX One, a Nokia Lumia 735 running Windows 10 Mobile, and, of course, a Windows 10 PC. I even bought the console's official digital TV tuner, fully adopting the all-in-one media pitch, though I'd never get my hands on the promised DVR feature.

And what better game to start with than Quantum Break with its live-action cinematics, cut like a TV mini-series? It certainly had some interesting combat mechanics that let me completely freeze time in isolated bubbles, but it felt more like a treat for the eyes. Visually, the game was (and still is) incredible.

If Alan Wake were a Stephen King novel blended with David Lynch's Twin Peaks sensibilities, then Quantum Break is more like Tenet's time-twisting motif wrapped around the gratuitous slow-motion bullet barrages of The Matrix. It's still easy to recommend, with Remedy's refined storytelling DNA on full display, and it can be beaten in a single weekend if you have the time.

XBOX Series X — Alan Wake 2

Thirteen years after the first game, I finally had the Alan Wake sequel within reach, and I wanted to savor every moment. This is the game that not only convinced me to pick up the XBOX Series X console, but also a 4K OLED TV with HDR and all the other trimmings. It annihilated my savings, but it was worth it in the long run, since my wife and I play on this console almost daily.

Alan Wake 2 had some launch bugs, but they were soon cleaned up, and it didn't tarnish my view of this brilliant sequel. It's Remedy in top gear, running at maximum speed with a twisting story, gorgeous visuals, and layers upon layers of references and outright fan service. I loved almost every minute.

There are some sudden stops, like a playable representation of the co-protagonist's "Mind Place" that had me connecting yarns to various photographs and clue scraps. It betters the story, but ultimately, I always wish I could speed past some of this part when I replay the game. Nevertheless, it's one of the best games I've ever played, and I easily forgave its missteps. Don't miss out.

Project Helix — Will there be another killer app?

Microsoft's plans for a follow-up console fall under the 'Project Helix' codename as an "XBOX-PC hybrid", with no set release date. Game studios might expect to receive developer-centric hardware sometime in 2027, but for now, the company is simply encouraging those devs to keep "developing for Xbox on PC". You know, I'd be more excited if it weren't for the ongoing memory shortage crisis.

Remedy announced a 'Max Payne 1 & 2 Remake' in 2022, and I haven't heard much about it since then. It's a partner project with Rockstar Games, and Take-Two still owns the series IP, making it the most mysterious project that I've ever felt this excited for. If this silence continues, it might just launch on Project Helix, but will it be unique (or exclusive) enough to keep me from playing it on PC?

It's almost impossible to predict, but I'd rather be an optimist when I can. With any luck, RAM and storage production costs will gradually return to more reasonable levels over the next year, which could kick-start an exciting lead-up to the reveal of whatever Project Helix calls itself. What kinds of games do you hope to see in the next generation of XBOX?

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In September this year, Google announced its 'Googlebooks' as a premium laptop counterpart to its budget-conscious Chromebooks, rather than a replacement. It wouldn't have made much of a blip on my radar if the company hadn't paired with some of my favorite OEMs to build them.

Indeed, Google isn't building any first-party devices. Unlike Chromebook, these new Android-based offerings come only from OEMs like Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, and Lenovo. 14-inch Windows laptops have quickly become my favorite, with ASUS' Zenbook in the lead, so the $1,299 ASUS Googlebook 14 is intriguing.

Admittedly, that mild intrigue is tempered by skepticism, given the ongoing controversy over app compatibility for the average consumer. I still see people blasting Windows on ARM devices as an inferior experience, despite Qualcomm's efforts with Snapdragon X2 chips proving that to be largely false.

With that in mind, could I ever seriously expect the general public to adopt another operating system with fewer features than Windows, less customization than Linux, and some pricing sensibilities of Mac? Offered a chance to test-drive a sample from ASUS, I couldn't resist. Here's how it went.

ASUS Googlebook 14: What I like

The ASUS Googlebook 14 looks (and feels) great, which didn't surprise me, given how much I've enjoyed the company's recent design evolutions. Its chassis is coated in a magnesium-aluminum alloy, which explicitly avoids being labeled as the same Ceraluminum as its Zenbooks, but it's extremely similar.

Perhaps most impressive is its weight; ASUS claims the Googlebook 14 starts at 0.99 kg (2.18 lbs), but my scales place it closer to 0.97 kg (2.13 lbs). I'm a big fan of this emerging trend, having adored the Zenbook A14 at 2.18 lbs. Yes, it comes with extra screen flex, but I don't make a habit of bending my laptops.

OLED displays rarely disappoint either, and sure enough, this 16:10 panel also looks great. I'm still getting used to matte screens, and frankly, I almost want to avoid touching it to prevent fingerprints. Nevertheless, it's rated for up to 450 nits of brightness and 100% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage. Good for creators.

Finally, the chiclet keyboard has a 1.5mm key travel, which is relatively deep and feels good enough. The 6-inch haptic touchpad, however, is immediately fantastic. Left-clicking works anywhere, and it responds convincingly when pressed. I'll even commend the I/O for keeping USB-A ports around.

ASUS Googlebook 14: What I don't like

Before I had a chance to experience much of Googlebook OS (which can refer to itself as ChromeOS during setup), I was irked by a few user experience oddities. Granted, these are primarily related to my expectations as a Windows user, but when I pressed the Caps Lock button, I expected capital letters.

Instead, Caps Lock defaults to activating a context menu indicated by a plus (+) icon, a sort of one-size-fits-all window that resembles Microsoft's 'Emoji and more' picker. Pressing Fn + Caps Lock delivers what I really wanted, which should be no big deal, just a learning curve. But it keeps going.

There's no delete key, so I need Fn + Backspace for that, which I wouldn't mind if double-tapping the touchpad would drag to select multiple words, but it doesn't work that way; I can only double-tap one word at a time. I suppose I might get used to that, too. Shift + arrow keys still select full lines, after all.

Some aren't as drastic; a single haptic click at the top of an app with maintained contact allows me to drag it around, while double-tapping restores or maximizes as I'd expect. On the other hand, there's no right-click area by default, instead requiring a two-finger tap unless I toggle that touchpad tweak in Settings.

Again, most of these gripes can be so easily dismissed as nothingburger preferences carried over from decades of habits formed on Windows, which is fair, but trying to carry out my daily workflow on the ASUS Googlebook 14 soon had me wondering how much broad appeal this platform will have.

Like an Android smartphone, Google supplies your apps from the Play Store. Starting with Slack shows how a Googlebook handles compatibility by dividing apps into categories ranked from best to worst: Made for desktop, Optimized for desktop, Compatible with desktop, Better on the website, and Built for mobile.

Slack feels like an unlucky starting place for my Googlebook adventure since it lands in the 'Better on the website' category, made worse by a message that says, "This app cannot be installed" as a PWA (Progressive Web App). Installing it anyway is, indeed, a lesser experience than using it in Chrome.

Opening the 'Compatible with desktop' Microsoft Edge brings the entire Googlebook to a strange halt, preventing even Task Manager from opening until I restart, and my chosen video editing suite, DaVinci Resolve, isn't available at all. I know it's in its infancy, but Google's OS isn't thrilling me so far.

ASUS Googlebook 14: What happens next?

All of these impressions came in the first 24 hours of having my hands on this interesting, AI-centric laptop, and there's more to see. Gemini begs me to use it at every turn, but my next step is syncing my Pixel 7 Pro or Galaxy Z Flip 7 to see how features like 'Cast my apps' actually perform.

I'm not writing it off yet, but my first impressions aren't exactly stellar. Even the RGB Glowbar gimmick offers little more than battery-life visibility; almost as frivolous as the illuminated "look what I have" logos on gaming laptop lids. On the software side, OS updates will likely fix many of my complaints.

Still, I won't ignore the outspoken Windows users who have pushed back on Copilot AI integrations in Microsoft's leading OS for the past few years, and I can only wonder who would adopt something fundamentally the same, except built by Google. Are Googlebooks perhaps only appealing to developers?

Either way, I'm impressed with ASUS but unconvinced by Googlebook. The hardware is fantastic, but it comes from the same people who built the Zenbook, so that's hardly a revelation. I'll keep using Googlebook OS for a few more days and see how it feels once the launch hype dies down.

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Windows 11 users and Surface enthusiasts had a busy week. Microsoft held an event to showcase the Surface Laptop Ultra, a new Search experience, and a bunch of AI features and integrations across Microsoft services.

Like the original Surface Pro, this week’s Windows and Surface event tried to be a 2-in-1. Unfortunately, just like the first-gen Surface Pro, the event failed to thrive in either of its two categories.

The first 20 minutes of the event felt like a Build session. That’s not a bad thing. Build is an important event for developers. But it’s not aimed at general audiences and is full of technical jargon.

Biggest News of the Week

Anyone who tuned in to the Windows and Surface event hoping for a closer look at the Surface Laptop Ultra would have glazed over at talks of Llama.cpp and Microsoft Execution Containers.

After watching several speakers focus on the technical aspects of AI and development, I assumed the entire event would be like that. Which made the rest of the event confusing.

After filling our eyes and ears with jargon and likely convincing many to stop watching, Microsoft switched gears and showed off a truly useful feature for Windows 11.

The improved Search experience is a consumer-facing feature that is a breath of fresh air to Windows 11. It looks good, is more functional than what it replaces, and according to Microsoft is more efficient while also performing better.

Shortly after unveiling the new Search, Microsoft shared details about the Surface Laptop Ultra. That PC is designed and priced for developers and power users, but it is intriguing to enthusiasts. On top of being the most powerful Surface ever, it has cool features like its magnetic USB-C port.

Microsoft appears confident in the Surface Laptop Ultra. The company’s website now features a banner telling people “break up with your MacBook.”

But the event wasn’t structured in a way that showed the same confidence. The event felt like someone pasted PowerPoint slides from different presentations into a single document.

Who was this event for?

I expected to be frustrated by the Windows and Surface event. I said two weeks ago that Microsoft undercut the event. And I’ve said all year that Surface has lost its identity as a brand.

While I am frustrated, it’s for an entirely different reason than I expected. Microsoft announced interesting things for Windows and Surface. I think the event lived up to its description on YouTube that promised to show "RTX Spark and new experiences designed to unlock more possibilities for developers and builders."

But I don’t think that was shown off in a way that appeals to the masses. The features and devices shown on stage may create buzz, but the event itself did not.

Shopping with Sean

Amazon Prime Big Deal Days came and went, but some of the best tech deals are still live. My top pick is a small discount on the XPS 13 that drops the laptop to $799.99.

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Today's news about Xbox establishing Division XP, a dedicated new team to take Xbox franchises beyond and into other entertainment revenues has me dreaming of the most outlandish possibilities. We already know we are getting a dedicated Minecraft theme park land at Chessington World of Adventures in 2027, and I'm I know the Diablo Netflix animated show I've always wanted is now coming to pass. But what if- stay with me here- what if Blizzard World from Overwatch could finally become a real thing?

Hear me out, Blizzard World could be the real deal

For those who haven't played Overwatch, Blizzard World is a hybrid map set inside a fictional, massive amusement park. It’s a fun love letter to all of Blizzard’s iconic universes and a parody of Disney World. It's split into themed zones from across Blizzard's IP. It's got everything from the Hearthstone Tavern, a StarCraft rollercoaster and even a Diablo-themed area.

It was meant to be a fun, tongue-in-cheek level, but every time I spawn into that map, I can't help thinking: why hasn't Blizzard just built this money maker yet?

I know a real-life Blizzard World sounds completely outlandish on paper. But having attended BlizzCon this year alongside over 35,000 other die-hard fans, I’ve seen firsthand the sheer passion and deep pockets of the Blizzard community. Not only that, many of us are aging millennials who can bring kids along for the ride.

I saw the queues at the Blizzcon merchandise store and Darkmoon Faire, and while I accept that this was just a weekend event, as Blizzard no doubt grows, so will demand. A Blizzard World would be a more accessible way for fans to meet than clamouring to attend the one event a year (or two).

Blizzard has one minor demographic issue: outside of Overwatch (where the audience skews a bit younger), many of its staple franchises appeal heavily to the 35-and-over crowd. While the rampant furore and appetite for classic nostalgia bait like WoW Forever will print money, it doesn't necessarily capture the younglings Blizzard needs to stay as successful as it is. That younger generation is a goldmine ripe for merchandise, and they happen to have millennial parents practically forcing them to sit down and watch them play Blizzard titles like "the good old days."

Obviously running a massive standalone convention like BlizzCon in Anaheim probably barely breaks even nowadays, even with the eye-watering cost of entry tickets. Putting on massive temporary events is ridiculously expensive. But look at where BlizzCon happens, right down the road from Disneyland. Families who already shell out a small fortune to travel to California for BlizzCon (between flights, tickets, and hotels) would gladly pay out double to take their kids to an actual Blizzard-themed destination.

It wouldn't even need to be its own standalone, multi-billion-dollar resort right out of the gate. It could easily start as a dedicated expansion land inside an existing destination, exactly how Mojang and Merlin Entertainments are adding Minecraft World to Chessington.

All of this to say: Do I think this will actually happen? Absolutely not. Am I trying to manifest it into existence? Perhaps. But if it was completely outside the realms of possibility before, this new announcement signals to me that it's just one tiny bit less impossible a dream. Xbox, Blizzard, you have the IP. I really just want to ride on a Diablo Rubber Dinghy Rapids, bro!

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The October 2026 Security Update for Windows 11 is expected to begin rolling out as an automatic install on October 13, 2026, with a new wave of features, improvements, and fixes. This release is notable because it also rolls out for version 26H2. In addition, this release marks the last quality update for version 24H2, as this version also reaches the end of support.

In this quality update, Microsoft introduces a new feature that allows you to decide whether your apps always open maximized. File Explorer receives some useful improvements, and the Magnifier gets a small refresh.

In Settings, you can now adjust touchpad controls and reassign the Copilot key to open Right Ctrl or the Context Menu.

Finally, the software giant is adding a new Tips widget, and the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) can now reuse your previously configured Wi-Fi credentials.

In this guide, I'll highlight the most significant changes in the October 2026 Security Update for Windows 11 versions 26H2, 25H2, and 24H2, since they are identical.

Windows 11's new features arriving in October

As usual, the company uses Controlled Feature Rollout (CFR) to roll out new improvements gradually, so it may take some time before you see them.

File Explorer changes

The updated version of File Explorer improves some areas of the experience. For example, the "Preview" pane now lets you preview downloaded HTML files after confirming the internet warning, while PDF files now show a preview automatically.

The Home page is also getting an update that lets File Explorer remember which sections you expanded or collapsed, so the next time you're on the page, you don't have to reconfigure the layout.

In the "Details" pane, the development team is improving thumbnail reliability for cloud files and reorganizing file properties for easier viewing.

Open apps maximized feature

Microsoft is also rolling out a new feature known as "Open apps maximized," an accessibility feature that lets users choose whether apps should always launch maximized.

The "Open apps maximized" feature is available under Settings > Accessibility > Visual Effects. When you turn it on, the operating system automatically launches apps in maximized mode (not full-screen mode).

Magnifier refresh

The October update also brings a new version of the Magnifier with visual changes. For example, the toolbar icons now align with the Windows 11 design language.

In addition, the company is redoing the interface padding to give the experience more spacing across the toolbar for a more consistent layout.

Touchpad controls

In this quality update, if you have a precision touchpad, you'll be gaining two new options.

On Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad, you can configure the experience to scroll vertically with one finger from the left or right side of the touchpad, or keep scrolling by gesturing your finger upwards without lifting.

Copilot key remap new options

Although you can remap the Copilot key to different actions, this release adds the ability to remap it to "Right control" or the "Context menu" key, bringing Copilot devices to a more familiar keyboard experience.

You'll find the new "Right control" and "Context menu" options in the "Customize Copilot key on keyboard" setting on Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Keyboard.

Widgets with new Tips widget

In the Widgets feature, the company is adding a new "Tips" widget that offers short tips about the operating system.

In the dashboard, you can add the widget from the "Add widgets" option. You can always place it on the Lock screen using the widget settings in Settings > Personalization > Lock screen.

WinRE with Wi-Fi support

As part of this release, Microsoft is also updating the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to reuse Wi-Fi profiles already saved in the operating system.

Before this change, WinRE supported network connectivity only via an Ethernet connection or separately pre-configured Wi-Fi networks.

The change is now enabled by default, allowing the recovery environment to quickly connect to the internet using profiles already configured in the operating system, making it easier to access features like Quick Machine Recovery.

In addition, the company is adding a remote recovery management plugin to WinRE, extending its management features to MDM providers.

Other changes

Alongside the biggest improvements, the October 2026 Security Update includes other smaller changes that are also welcome additions.

For example, in the Personalization experience, Microsoft is improving the background experience with better transitions for changing wallpapers, and the preview now supports higher resolution.

The feature now also supports DIB images.

The slideshow option improves transitions and works across multiple desktops.

As part of the Bluetooth changes, the operating system now improves how the system handles connections, audio, microphones, and settings.

In the Settings app, more specifically on the Home or Accounts page, you'll find a new "Camera Roll Backup" option to protect your photos with OneDrive.

The Ebrima font now supports the Garay and Beria Erfe scripts, and Emoji 17.0 is now available on Windows 11.

In Kiosk mode, the system now blocks additional shortcuts, such as the "Windows key + Tab," "Windows key + A," and "Windows key + C."

Finally, the company is removing the PC-to-PC Migration feature that lets users transfer files and settings directly from an old PC when setting up a new PC.

Windows Central's Take

I see this as a solid update because many changes make the operating system easier to use rather than adding another major feature people have to learn. The ability to open apps maximized and the new options to remap the Copilot key are small additions, but they give users more control over how their devices work.

The ability to reuse Wi-Fi connections with WinRE is probably even more useful when something goes wrong. I rarely think about recovery tools when everything is working, but when I need them, having the system connect to an already saved connection without extra setup can save time and make things easier.

I also appreciate the company continuing to make these smaller usability improvements. After years of system updates, the changes I appreciate most are usually the ones that remove a small annoyance rather than add more complexity.

More resources

Explore more in-depth how-to guides, troubleshooting advice, and essential tips to get the most out of Windows 11 and 10. Start browsing here:

• Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
• Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know

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A lot is happening this week in the world of Windows and Surface. Today is the fifth anniversary of Windows 11, a milestone that snuck up on me and plenty of other users. Perhaps it's because I dragged my feet while making the move permanently from Windows 10.

On October 7, Microsoft is hosting a Surface event where it's expected that NVIDIA's RTX Spark chip and the Surface Laptop Ultra lineup will be further discussed (and hopefully better explained).

This collision of Microsoft-related software and hardware news got me thinking about a quote from the original architect of Microsoft's Surface lineup, Panos Panay:

The quote comes from an interview with TechCentral circa 2020, well before Panay departed Microsoft in 2023 to join Amazon's Devices and Services segment. The quote does a great job capturing the original reason why Surface exists at all.

Microsoft originally wanted hardware that showcased the best of Windows software, and it believed its goal could only be achieved with in-house development. Surface became the bridge between software and hardware that Panay alludes to with his quote, and it's had a (mostly) great run.

Where is Surface headed in 2026?

What has me most confused about the upcoming Surface event is that Microsoft already revealed its new Surface Pro 12-inch (Gen 2) and Surface Laptop 13-inch (Gen 2) devices.

They showed up on September 23 as part of Qualcomm's annual Snapdragon Summit, a full two weeks before the Surface event. Sure, it makes some sense due to the new Surface PCs using Snapdragon X2 chips inside, but why not save the juice for the main event?

My colleague Sean Endicott attempted to answer this question at the time of the Surface/Qualcomm reveal last month. As he stated, "we can now cross two more items off the list of potential things we will see at the Windows and Surface event," noting that the October 7 Surface event also "falls after many improvements have shipped to Windows 11 or entered testing with Windows Insiders."

So what is Microsoft planning to reveal at its Surface event? The Surface Laptop Ultra was already revealed at Computex 2026, but we should get more information. We might also get a glimpse of the Surface RTX Spark Dev Box, especially considering NVIDIA's CEO Jensen Huang is part of the show.

Barring the surprise reveal of more new Surface hardware — the Surface Laptop 8 and Surface Pro 12 with Snapdragon X2 chips launched this summer, so I'm not expecting anything new there — the October 7 Surface event is shaping up to be a tad lopsided.

Is Surface drifting without Panay's anchoring presence?

It's been six years since Panay dropped his famous Surface quote. It's been three years since he left Microsoft for Amazon. And since then, Surface really hasn't felt the same.

Rather than pushing OEMs to improve their own devices by providing a quality benchmark, Surface seems to be fairly stagnant, fragmented, and largely riding on its reputation.

For me, someone who agrees with Panay's sentiment, a successful Surface event should include software that really only makes sense on the Surface Laptop Ultra with RTX Spark. If it's just another laptop with the chip inside, well, I won't be very excited.

On that note, it'd be great to see some tuning choices that directly benefit Surface with RTX Spark. The hardware-software relationship often shows its cracks in this area, so some assurance will go a long way.

Ultimately, the upcoming Surface event should be a defining moment. Will Panay's original vision carry forward as partnerships become more complicated? Will the quote remain relevant?

Or will Surface become just another laptop brand alongside OEMs like Dell, HP, and Lenovo? Either way, you can tune in to the livestream on October 7 at 1 PM ET to check it out with the rest of us.

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

It looks like Microsoft is wrapping up its Windows and Surface efforts for 2026 to be able to focus on the future. Last week the company announced refreshes to the Surface Pro 12-inch and Surface Laptop 13-inch. This week, Microsoft rolled out Windows 11 version 26H2.

With a bunch of Surface announcements in the rearview mirror and another update to Windows 11 rolling out, Microsoft can point its followers to the future. The description of the Windows and Surface event next week says, "Join us live... for a look at what's next from Windows, Surface, and NVIDIA."

I hope Microsoft has some exciting news in store for its event. Windows and Surface have been far from exciting lately. It is possible to market boring products, of course, but they have to be reliable.

This week Microsoft announced Windows 11 version 26H2 and called it a "predictable and low-disruption update." If Microsoft wants to win back consumers, it needs to either be cutting edge or actually deliver predictable and low-disruption updates. It feels like for the last few years we've gotten neither.

Biggest News of the Week

Microsoft has had to release multiple out-of-band updates in 2026. Some bugs required multiple patches to fix. It's gotten so bad that most of our articles about Windows 11 updates are met with comments asking what will break this time.

Unfortunately, the commenters have been proven right several times. One serious bug made Outlook, OneDrive, Dropbox, and other cloud-backed apps inoperable. Another issue froze Remote Desktop and caused audio failures. At one point users couldn't even install a Windows 11 update, forcing Microsoft to pull that update.

If Microsoft is going to undercut its events and trim down its Surface lineup, it needs to double down on reliability. Next week, we should get some answers about Microsoft's plans.

Windows and Surface event

A boring but bug-free Windows 11 update may be a welcome change of pace, but it makes me curious about what Microsoft will discuss at its Windows and Surface event next week. Considering Windows 11 version 26H2 is already rolling out, the focus is likely the future of Windows.

Does Microsoft have something up its sleeve? Has the tech giant learned a lesson about how to build consumer hype? Or are we due for another on-stage announcement about AI and how new PCs can run models locally?

I'm sure there are developers interested in the potential of the Surface Laptop Ultra and RTX Spark for AI development, but there are hundreds of millions of Windows users who care very little about AI. Microsoft needs to at least throw some scraps our way to keep us interested.

Shopping with Sean

Amazon's October Prime Day is next week, but there are already some great deals live. Competing retailers are trying to beat Amazon to the punch, resulting in big savings.

A trio of laptops are the best deals of the week. I'm partial toward the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x because of its thin design but the Samsung Galaxy Book6 and Dell 14S are also great choices.

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

After a day of interviews with Ubisoft and a win streak I had no business being on, March of Giants still had one game left in it. The team that built it — Siege veterans Xavier Marquis brought out of Amazon and back to Ubisoft Montreal — had already sold me on soldiers you can command, Battleworks you can drop on the map, and 4v4 matches that end when two Bastions fall. None of that prepared me for pickup against a stranger the other writers would not shut up about.

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After wrapping the interviews, we had about an hour left, so I walked back to my station for another game. Most of the players and developers were off doing their own interviews. I got relegated to bots.

A few minutes in, a dev pointed at me. “Want another game?”

“Of course, dude.”

In a few minutes we had slapped together whoever was left. Another writer and two developers on my side. The same setup across the table. Sitting across from me was one of the other writers. Her name escapes me, so for the sake of a name, Brit.

Brit could not stop mentioning how excited she was to play with Aaron. “Is this Aaron guy pretty good?” I asked. At this point, we were all buddy-buddy. “Oh, he’s some really good League of Legends pro,” she replied. “Like a Diamond?”

“I think he said Master?”

Master is the third-highest rank in League, the top 1 percent of the player base. I never confirmed it. By the end of the match, I needed less proof.

I picked my current favorite giant, Ossuary, whose ultimate raises an army of the dead. Basically, The Return of the King scene with way fewer steps. Everything else felt normal. I fell into the old MOBA trance: baiting people into reach abilities, ticking health until they had to back, even catching myself trying to drop a ward.

I got a kill, died once, picked up a few assists, and was already pacing behind my team. Then I ran into who I can only assume was Aaron and ate an ultimate.

Down, and my teammates were losing mid. I started blaming myself. That old sinking feeling crept in. I hadn’t lost all day. We were on a stupid win streak, and I had been having it. Facing a real challenge, I was getting dominated in-game and in my own head. It wasn’t that I stopped having fun. In competitive games, I always feel like the loss is on me.

Better decision, don’t go for the revive, don’t walk into that. Being the lowest level on the team doubles it. I needed to change something. It got worse first. While I pushed mid, top got blasted. I rotated as fast as I could. They took our Bastion anyway. We were squared up around 14k. Aaron was sitting on a comfortable 20k.

That’s when “Welcome to the Jungle” started playing in my head.

Jungle for the win

You see, MoG has its own mixture of jungling. You can take out enemy shops to earn Acolades that let players supercharge their abilities with more range, projectiles, damage, etc.

These are permanent buffs, so getting them when you can is pretty crucial. However, until then, we hadn’t been high enough level to take them out, let alone stay alive against this guy.

Jungle crawling around, I managed to grab an Acolade alongside some much-needed extra gold. I mean, at this point in the game, I might as well have been Smaug from The Hobbit (Alright, two Lord of the Rings references) with how much gold I was sitting on.

Still, I wasn’t quite near Aaron; I was still a decent amount behind him. That’s when the 26-minute mark hit, and we took our first Bastion, the bottom lane! Yes, this game was so back and forth that it doubled the length of any of my previous sessions.

Not only did we take the Bastion, but we also dropped two of their players, including A-A-Ron. We were back in it, and things were heating up. Now, I kept pace with the enemy, only a few thousand behind the other team; I was well over 4k above my next teammate as I ganked their low-level player for some easy experience.

However, only minutes later, we were battling for our very lives in mid lane. The entire enemy team brought down the hammer and managed to wipe two of us off the map. The two who went down? The writers.

The developers, backed against the digital wall, pulled off a miracle by fending off all four foes like heroes in a last stand. Dropping two with the added aura farming.

Barely two minutes later, the enemy surged down our bottom lane, but the devs dug in, defenders to the core, while my teammate and I slipped around the flank, pouncing. Three fell at our feet, including their Master Aaron!

Knowing this was our chance, with enemies stuck behind the ever-haunting respawn timer screen, we pushed toward the middle. Victory, seconds away. I didn’t just cheer. I exploded out of my seat like a firework, as if the Vikings had finally clinched the Super Bowl, shouting “YES!” like it was the final thing I’d ever say. Super embarrassing to think about now.

The room erupted, a chorus of cheers from journalists and developers alike. Still riding the adrenaline wave, I walked to the other side of the room, searching for the legend I’d just managed to best, and asked:

“Who the hell is Aaron?”

March of Giants Pioneer playtest launches on October 7, 2026, and runs until October 18. The game will be available exclusively on Steam.

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Stepping into Ubisoft Montreal felt like wandering into a building of my past dreams. A place so storied, I half-expected the walls to hum with echoes of digital legends. Imposter syndrome clung to me like a cosmetic skin. Many of us have our own hallowed studios, the ones whose games have marked the calendar years of our lives, sometimes for decades.

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Ubisoft Montreal is that studio for me. Ever since I was 13 and played the first Splinter Cell game, the studio has gone on to make all the Tom Clancy Rainbow Six games, all the original Assassin’s Creed games (including Origins and Valhalla), and every mainline entry for Far Cry (other than 6).

And that’s merely scratching the surface. Their presence in the gaming world is nothing short of legendary. So when word reached me about March of Giants, the title itself seemed sculpted to honor the towering reputation this studio has built over nearly three decades.

A few years ago, Rainbow Six Siege director Xavier Marquis decided to take on a new challenge. He’d always been fascinated by the MOBA genre and decided the time was right.

Opening a studio under Amazon, Xavier and many veterans of the Siege franchise began work on March of Giants. Emilien Lomet (former Game Designer of Siege), Alexandre Parizeau (Former Managing Director and current Studio Head for March of Giants), and even Laure Guilbert, who was the Product Director for Siege and is now March of Giants.

Needless to say, competition is at the heart and soul of March of Giants.

One thing led to another, and Amazon, which couldn’t keep up with the pace of game development, let the studio go. However, before the studio closed, Ubisoft swooped in, saved the project, and brought people back home to the studio they could yet again call home.

After getting a chance to play March of Giants, I am more than happy Ubisoft did. But one final remark before diving into the game. I’m going to Quentin Tarantino this a bit and leave you with this for a while: “Who the hell is Aaron?”

So, what is March of Giants?

March of Giants blends MOBA and RTS, with the former leading the way. Think League of Legends, then imagine minions you can control and deploy, plus items you can build on the map. The game’s lore draws loosely from the trenches and turmoil of World War I, but with a fantastical twist.

Each side commands colossal giants, titans who loom above the battlefield as myths come to life. There are no strict historical allegiances here, no “Germany versus Europe.” Instead, the sides are purely invented, a stage for the gameplay to take its curtain call. March of Giants both adds to and takes away from the standard MOBA formula in ways I absolutely love.

RTS Elements in my MOBA? Taking on other MOBAs

When I spoke with Emilien Lomet, Senior Game Designer, I asked how they felt about taking on the Giants in the space, like League of Legends, Smite, and Dota. Did they believe they had enough to take some away and make them fans of March of Giants instead?

“We're very excited about the game. We have a team that loves multiplayer online competitive experiences. A lot of people that were on Siege and the Siege team drew inspiration from some MOBA mechanics when they built Siege as well. Xavi is a big fan of MOBAs and RTSs.”

Siege is one of the more complicated games in the industry in terms of mechanics. With a total of 77 operators, all using different weapons, gadgets, and their own unique abilities, it’s not a wild comparison to make at all!

Emelien continued, “We love MOBAs, and we want to bring innovation to the space. I'd say there are three main things that we feel are very distinctive. The number one is the soldier system. You have thousands of soldiers on the battlefield. You, as a giant, can get close to soldiers. They'll rally around you.”

Minions are the soldiers on the battlefield. Militia, tanks, and even cavalry. Your standard-issue riflemen make their way down lanes like in any MOBA, as do the tanks, but any soldiers under your influence can be commanded to charge toward and around units.

Players can send them after foes to tangle them up, or head off another player's set of soldiers. When coming toward turrets, the player even gains speed when making their way alongside their own men.

Even more beautiful is the ability to recall or divert your units. Send them around a barrier or wall, and you can redirect them toward another player or unit to take out.

You can even pick up resources like gold and supply crates, which grant players the necessary resources to deploy troops manually, or even better, build Battleworks.

Emilien added, “The other one we have is what we call Battleworks. We have a set of army reinforcement commands that you can use, and those are sort of light RTS elements. They allow you to modify the map or the battlefield. One of them is calling soldier reinforcement, one where you can build trenches to protect your soldiers and defend against other waves of soldiers. We have cannons that help you against units and soldiers, etc.”

Battleworks are March of Giants’ answer to the classic RTS building. Streamlined, yet brimming with tactical possibility. Forget the granular micromanagement of farms and villages; here, players carve trenches for their troops, drop Anti-Giant cannons like thunderbolts, and send cavalry charges booming across the map.

Battleworks also lets you manually call in soldiers or tanks to take Bastions. Basically, they’re freaking sweet, and somehow feel right at home in a MOBA.

“Then the third one, I think, is sort of like our universe. We have a sort of military fantasy universe that's inspired by the technology from, like, World War I a little bit, but with a bunch of stuff thrown in, a little bit of steampunk fantasy stuff in there. And I feel like that also gives our game a very distinct feel and aesthetic.”

I couldn’t agree more. Among March of Giants’ many charms, its aesthetic stands out. A visual identity that’s crisp and unmistakable, yet invitingly familiar. It sidesteps the uncanny valley of other live-service games, striking a balance between originality and comfort.

You get to play soon!

When asked about the possibility of expanding Battleworks, Lead Producer Alexandre Parizeau said these things start and end with player feedback, which players will have the opportunity to give in just a few days.

Alexandre started, “So it's a live game. We have a ton of ideas that we want to build and grow. Starting with our playtest, we have our 16 playable giants. We have the battleworks. We have our Warshell progression system. All those things and everything around it are things that we hope to be able to grow and scale with player feedback.”

“That's also why we're starting this sort of release plan with a Pioneer play test to get feedback and see what people use and like. And so we can observe that as well and sort of shape the game with player feedback and determine what needs to scale over time based on that.”

Starting on October 7, players will have their own chance to try out March of Giants during their Pioneer playtest. We will have — and I say 'we' because I’ll be playing too — until October 18, when the playtest ends.

What else separates March of Giants from other MOBA titles? Everything else is Lasifaire: standard equipment layouts, great abilities, and an Ultimate ability. But there’s one thing missing that I actually prefer: there’s no core!

That’s right, there’s no main core for the players to take out. Instead, the first team to destroy two Bastions is the winner, meaning most matches take just that much less time than other MOBAs. To top it off, rather than the standard 5v5 format, March of Giants is 4v4! This makes for smaller, tighter matches and shorter queue times!

Quick-fire matches and inventive spins on a beloved formula. This game was pure, unfiltered fun. Every round felt like a new chapter in a book I couldn’t put down.

Why was I having so much fun?

New MOBAs are rare, and most of the ones that show up feel like reskins. Deadlock, a hybrid shooter, is one of the few recent exceptions that stuck. Everyone else stays with League of Legends, Dota 2, and Smite 2.

Novelty is its own thrill, but March of Giants lingered after the screens went dark. Few playtests have left me with that itch: one more match, one more shot at glory. Every round I wanted to try someone new, and I was afraid I’d find a giant more fun than the one I was trying to master.

Near the end of our time, I thought back to Laure Guilbert, marketing director for MoG. At the close of every interview, I asked if there was one thing they wanted said about the game. Her answer matched the room.

“So we had some content creators with us the night before you came, and a bunch of them asked us to play our game until midnight. And it turned into a little LAN party in our studio. I got home at 1 a.m., and here I am this morning! And it felt like the second paycheck at the end of the day. It was absolutely incredible. And I think that's been the highlight of the three years I've been working on this project. It's like they just wanted to keep playing.”

“They wanted one more game. They played against the devs! We have yet to be defeated. And it was an amazing experience. And that's a testament to the hard work of this entire dev team, the vision of this project, the love and care. It's a game that I think is made by tremendous talent and that by far was the most incredible thing I've experienced in the last three years of games.”

“It felt like the old days of, like, you're sitting, you're ordering pizza, and you're doing a LAN party together, and you're just all playing together. Shout out to everybody that believes in our game.”

As someone in their 30s, I can’t tell you how much I miss those nights. Staying up until the crack of dawn with 16-year-old buddies, sweating over Call of Duty and Halo, slamming Monster.

The only thing that used to ruin those nights was cheaters. I have good news on that front, and it deserves its own piece right after this one. With the technology cheaters have today, they should be nonexistent here. Which leaves the other question I walked in with, and the match that answered it. Who the hell is Aaron?

Find out with the story of my more personalized final match, coming tomorrow.

March of Giants Pioneer playtest launches on October 7, 2026, and runs until October 18. The game will be available exclusively on Steam.

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Last month, Windows Central exclusively covered a Signal65 report that showed Qualcomm's flagship Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme outperforming Intel and AMD in a premium laptop showdown.

Now, a new follow-up study by Signal65 just published suggests the more important story may involve the version most people are likely to buy (Qualcomm’s Extreme chip is basically in one laptop, albeit an awesome one).

The independent testing firm's latest research examined the standard 18-core Snapdragon X2 Elite X2E-88-100 in Lenovo's Slim 7x, comparing it against Intel's Core Ultra X7 358H inside Dell's banger XPS 14 and AMD's Ryzen AI 7 445 in Lenovo's Yoga 7a 14.

This time, the focus shifted from large 16-inch flagship laptops to the increasingly important premium 14-inch category, where thermal constraints, battery life, and efficiency matter just as much as peak performance.

Luckily for Qualcomm, which commissioned the study, the results largely mirror the earlier Extreme-chip study. Qualcomm's platform led in CPU performance, AI workloads, productivity, and most battery-focused tests while also coming in significantly below the price of the Intel system evaluated.

However, that does not mean Qualcomm won everything. Intel continues to hold meaningful advantages in graphics performance (exemplified to perfection in MSI’s latest handheld gaming PC), and the XPS 14 remains one of the most premium Windows laptops available today. Still, the latest findings strengthen the argument that Snapdragon's lead is no longer limited to a halo product, nor a quirk of its Extreme chip.

Let's dive into the numbers, and then break down what it really means, as there is some nuance here.

Strong CPU results, even without the flagship chip

In Geekbench 7, the Snapdragon-powered Lenovo Slim 7x posted a multi-core score of 24,016, compared to 18,360 for the Intel-powered XPS 14. Single-core performance also favored Qualcomm, with a score of 3,237 against Intel's 2,602.

According to Signal65, that translates into leads of 31% and 24%, respectively, favoring Qualcomm.

Those numbers are especially notable because they are not solely the result of having more CPU cores. While Qualcomm's 18-core design certainly helps in heavily threaded workloads, the single-core advantage points to meaningful architectural gains from the second-generation Oryon design as well.

The company also maintained substantial leads in Cinebench 2026 rendering tests and across Microsoft's Office applications as measured by UL Procyon. In the productivity benchmark, Snapdragon led Intel by 10% in Best Performance mode and retained a smaller advantage in the default Balanced profile.

For buyers who spend most of their day in Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Edge, and Teams, those productivity-oriented results may matter more than synthetic benchmark scores.

Qualcomm's AI advantage continues

AI remains one of Qualcomm's strongest categories.

In UL Procyon AI Computer Vision, the Snapdragon system scored 4,360 compared to Intel's 2,302. Even in the newer AI CV 2.0 WinML benchmark, which routes through Microsoft's Windows ML framework rather than a vendor-specific path, Qualcomm maintained a lead of roughly 31% over Intel.

That distinction is important because it better reflects the way many Windows AI experiences are expected to work going forward. Basically, a benchmark that favors proprietary software optimizations is useful, but a benchmark that preserves the advantage through a common Windows layer is arguably more relevant.

Battery performance remains a major story

One of the headline findings from the earlier Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme study was that Qualcomm gave up remarkably little performance when running unplugged. Qualcomm has been touting this advantage since the first gen of Snapdragon X.

The trend continues here.

Across six benchmarks, the Snapdragon system retained an average of 97% of its plugged-in Balanced-mode performance. Intel retained 95%, while the AMD system retained 74%. According to Signal65, the Snapdragon-powered laptop led every CPU, productivity, and AI benchmark tested on battery.

Critically, we must remember that OEMs, especially on Intel and AMD systems, have leverage on AC/DC performance choices, meaning a company like Lenovo could have its AMD system perform worse on battery ... in order to get better battery life. Companies do this to find what they think is a balance for their intended customer, even if the explanation is opaque.

I wrote about this AMD-throttling issue back in 2021, because I found it frustrating, deceptive, and disappointing. Not much has changed in 2026, apparently.

The battery life data was also favorable for Qualcomm, particularly because the three laptops used nearly identical battery capacities.

The Slim 7x (Qualcomm) lasted 16.1 hours in local video playback compared to 14.4 hours for the XPS 14 (Intel). In a Chrome browsing rundown, the Snapdragon laptop reached 11.2 hours versus 8.6 hours for Intel's machine.

There was one significant exception. Intel won the sustained Procyon Office battery test, posting 17.4 hours compared to Qualcomm's 14.3 hours. Signal65 argues that Snapdragon completed more work during that test, making the outcome more nuanced than a simple battery-life loss, but the result remains one of Intel's clearest victories in the report.

The XPS 14 deserves context

This is where I think the conversation becomes more interesting than benchmark charts.

The Snapdragon machine tested was a $1,999 Lenovo Slim 7x. The Intel competitor was a $2,749 Dell XPS 14. That $750 difference looms over nearly every chart in the report.

At the same time, it is difficult to discuss the XPS 14 purely as a processor comparison.

Dell's laptop is widely regarded as one of the most premium Windows notebooks on the market, with exceptional build quality, materials, industrial design, and one of the best displays available in the category. The Signal65 report acknowledges that these are comparisons of complete retail systems rather than isolated silicon measurements.

That matters because buyers are not choosing between just processors. They are choosing between laptops, aka the full package.

The display difference is particularly worth mentioning. Signal65 did not evaluate screen quality, but Dell's OLED-equipped XPS 14 has generally been considered one of the standout displays in the Windows ecosystem. Some buyers may reasonably decide that premium construction, display quality, and graphics performance justify paying more.

Others may look at a $750 premium and conclude that Intel's advantages are simply not large enough, which is fair, too. After all, we reviewed the Yoga Slim 7x back in May and gave it very high marks.

It's also worth pointing out that Dell's display is a VRR 120Hz at 2880 x 1800, while the Slim 7x is just 1920 x 1200 at 60Hz (both are OLED). Anyone worth their salt in comparing laptops and battery life knows the display is, by far, the number one draw on power, so while I do believe Qualcomm's chip here is better, a pinch of salt is needed for battery life results.

Intel still has a meaningful win: GPU

The strongest argument for Intel remains graphics, something the company has been working very hard at in recent years.

In 3DMark Steel Nomad Light, Intel's Arc B390 outperformed Qualcomm's Adreno X2-90 GPU by roughly 23% in both DirectX 12 and Vulkan testing. That's the same GPU powering the beastly MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ gaming handheld, which crushes AMD in the same space.

For users who prioritize integrated graphics performance, gaming, or creative workloads that benefit from stronger GPU hardware, Intel still has a compelling case.

That advantage becomes harder to defend when price enters the discussion, which is why Signal65 ultimately concludes that Snapdragon delivers better performance per dollar across the tested systems. According to the study, Qualcomm's laptop delivered roughly 2.15 times Intel's value when normalized across selected CPU, rendering, and AI benchmarks.

Final thoughts

As with the previous report, this study was commissioned by Qualcomm, a fact readers should keep in mind. Signal65 remains an independent testing organization, but commissioned research naturally benefits from additional scrutiny.

Even with that caveat, the broader pattern is becoming difficult to ignore. I also trust the results.

The earlier Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme report established that Qualcomm's flagship laptop chip could outperform competing Intel and AMD systems. This latest study suggests those advantages extend well beyond the top, hard-to-find SKU.

That may be the more consequential finding.

Flagship products are important for headlines, but the laptops that shape a market tend to be the mainstream premium systems people actually purchase. If Qualcomm can deliver strong CPU performance, class-leading AI results, competitive battery life, and lower pricing with a standard 18-core Snapdragon X2 Elite, the company has moved beyond proving a point and started building a sustainable competitive position in the Windows laptop market.

From my experience with both systems, I prefer Qualcomm since they usually run cooler and quieter, and my overall Windows 11 experience feels faster and smoother. That said, I have to admit Intel’s Core Ultra 3 series has really closed the gap — they’re genuinely impressive chips.

If anything, the bigger subtext with this story is just how far AMD has fallen out of this space. We recently covered how no modern Surface PCs opt for AMD, and it's not because of "not enough product" as Microsoft claims. It's because Microsoft knows they're not as good as what Intel and Qualcomm offer, full stop.

The bigger takeaway from these results is not that Qualcomm won another benchmark comparison. It's that Qualcomm appears to have successfully scaled its advantages beyond a halo product. Intel now faces a more difficult reality: competing not only against Snapdragon's fastest chip, but against the one that is likely to ship in far more laptops.

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Panasonic's TOUGHBOOK lineup turns 30 this year (see my earlier coverage of the new TOUGHBOOK 55), and after attending the company's product briefing in a very rainy New York City, I'm convinced the future of rugged computing isn't just about surviving drops, rain, and extreme temperatures.

It's about becoming the intelligent edge computer that sits at the center of everything.

That might sound like marketing fluff until you see the demos. One station showed a military drone feeding reconnaissance data back to a TOUGHBOOK for local analysis. Another demonstrated how police fleets can connect vehicle diagnostics directly into a TOUGHBOOK-based management system, allowing departments to track everything from VINs and odometer readings to fuel levels, fault codes, and maintenance schedules.

In other words, Panasonic's new TOUGHBOOK 34 and TOUGHBOOK G3 are increasingly becoming mission-critical data hubs for the people who protect, rescue, repair, and support the rest of us.

And yes, they're still absurdly rugged.

Thirty years later, the mission remains the same

One theme came up repeatedly throughout Panasonic's presentation: purpose-built computing.

As Panasonic executives noted, their customers aren't buying laptops to answer email from a coffee shop. These systems are deployed in police cruisers, ambulances, utility trucks, military vehicles, warehouses, disaster zones, and industrial sites where failure is not an option.

As Panasonic put it during the briefing, "our devices are purpose-built," adding that workers are often operating in "extreme heat, extreme cold, vibration, water, dust" and environments where "lives are on the line."

That philosophy has helped TOUGHBOOK carve out a niche that practically nobody else occupies.

While consumer laptops compete over OLED displays and thinness, Panasonic spends its time figuring out how to keep a device communicating over private 5G networks during storm response operations.

Meet the TOUGHBOOK 34 and TOUGHBOOK G3

This launch introduces two new fully rugged 2-in-1 systems.

The TOUGHBOOK 34 serves as the successor to the long-running TOUGHBOOK 33 that I've reviewed, while the TOUGHBOOK G3 replaces the TOUGHBOOK G2 that I also previously reviewed and described as one of the most modular and rugged PCs on the market.

According to Mike Smola, Senior Director of Product Management at Panasonic Connect North America:

"No two workers, no two vehicles, and no two workflows are exactly alike. Some jobs call for a larger product with more workspace and more versatility."

That's really the story here.

The TOUGHBOOK 34 features a larger 12.4-inch display and is designed for users who spend significant time in vehicles, command centers, or managing information-dense workflows. The G3 uses a more compact 10.1-inch form factor that's easier to carry into the field.

As one Panasonic executive explained during the public safety discussion:

"Fire and EMS leverage both sizes: the larger TOUGHBOOK 34 for in-vehicle CAD and command control, and the compact G3 in the back of ambulances for patient care."

The biggest upgrade is AI

The headline feature across both devices is the move to Intel's latest Core Ultra platform.

Both systems now offer Intel Core Ultra 5 335H and Ultra X7 368H processors complete with onboard NPUs and AI acceleration capabilities. Panasonic is increasingly positioning these devices as AI-ready edge computers capable of processing information locally without relying on cloud connectivity.

That matters more than you might think.

During the federal customer panel, Panasonic highlighted a scenario that's becoming increasingly common in military and government environments.

As Panasonic's federal team explained:

"Deployed military personnel aboard ships or in tactical environments often operate without network connectivity due to operational security." AI-capable processing on TOUGHBOOK devices allows personnel to perform tactical, medical, and technical searches without depending on a remote connection."

For most consumers, AI means generating images or summarizing documents. But for military users, it can mean analyzing information locally while disconnected from networks entirely.

That's a very different use case.

From military drones to local AI analysis

The most interesting demonstration I saw involved a tactical drone setup.

Panasonic demonstrated how rugged computing platforms can work alongside systems such as the Teledyne FLIR ION-series tactical reconnaissance drones that are commonly used by military, government, and emergency-response organizations.

While separate physical controls handle flight operations, the TOUGHBOOK effectively becomes the intelligence terminal. Drone imagery and reconnaissance data can be brought onto the device, recorded, analyzed, and processed locally using onboard computing resources.

I didn't watch the drone take flight during the event, but seeing Panasonic position the TOUGHBOOK as the AI-capable analysis point for tactical aerial systems offered a very real glimpse into how these machines are used beyond traditional laptop duties.

That use case also aligns with Panasonic's announcement that both devices support unmanned systems control and UAV ground-control applications in federal environments

TOUGHBOOKs are becoming smarter police tools, too

The police vehicle demonstration may have been even more compelling.

Rather than focusing on dispatch software alone, Panasonic showed how TOUGHBOOK systems can act as fleet intelligence platforms.

Through Panasonic's TOUGHCommand ecosystem, agencies can connect vehicle systems and pull operational data directly into the computer. Information such as vehicle identification, odometer readings, fuel levels, speed data, maintenance information, and diagnostic information can all be surfaced through a centralized dashboard.

The really interesting layer sits on top of that data.

Panasonic's new Command Intelligence features allow IT teams and fleet managers to query those systems using AI and natural-language questions rather than digging through massive databases manually.

That turns the TOUGHBOOK into something closer to a command-and-control platform, instead of just a rugged laptop.

For organizations managing hundreds or thousands of vehicles, that could be a substantial value-add beyond the hardware itself.

The modularity advantage nobody else offers

Having reviewed the G2 and covered Panasonic's rugged lineup for years, the thing that continues to impress me isn't the drop testing or waterproofing.

It's the modularity.

The TOUGHBOOK 34 and G3 both feature Panasonic's xPAK ecosystem, allowing users to swap hardware modules as needs change. Options include barcode scanners, additional USB ports, serial ports, smart card readers, fingerprint readers, networking hardware, and more.

Panasonic's goal is simple: one device should adapt to many jobs.

A warehouse worker can add scanning capabilities. A utility technician can prioritize GPS and connectivity. An automotive technician can add legacy ports for vehicle diagnostics.

Instead of replacing the entire computer when requirements evolve, customers can reconfigure it. More importantly, this can be done locally without sending out the TOUGHBOOK back to Panasonic to be reconfigured. Not only is that time-consuming, but if the PC is used by the government and it has sensitive data on the drives, it limits who can even touch that laptop.

That's a surprisingly rare concept in modern computing.

Better displays, stronger connectivity, longer life

The hardware itself receives meaningful updates, too.

For the TOUGHBOOK 34, Panasonic increased the screen size from 12 inches to 12.4 inches while moving to a 3:2 aspect ratio that's better suited to productivity work. Executives noted that the revised resolution and scaling choices allow users to view more information with less scrolling.

The G3 retains its 10.1-inch format but benefits from updated display tuning, 2-to-1000-nit brightness control, and improved readability for outdoor work.

Panasonic also highlighted a new glove and rain touch experience on the TOUGHBOOK 34.

As the company explained:

"You don't want the end user to take off gloves to touch the screen." Users can switch between glove and standard touch modes using programmable controls.

I actually tried this myself, and while it's still a bit clunky to operate a touchscreen with heavy gloves on, it can be done through this technology.

Connectivity receives substantial improvements as well.

Compared to the older G2 generation, the G3 moves from 4G LTE options to modern 5G support, upgrades Wi‑Fi 6 to Wi‑Fi 7, and advances Bluetooth 5.1 to Bluetooth 5.4 while adding broader support for private cellular deployments.

For the people actually relying on these systems, those upgrades matter far more than benchmark scores.

A reminder that some PCs have jobs to do

The most fascinating thing about Panasonic's new TOUGHBOOKs isn't that they're rugged. We already knew that, but what's changing is their role.

Thirty years after the first TOUGHBOOK arrived, Panasonic increasingly views these systems as secure, connected, AI-capable edge computers that happen to survive conditions most laptops would never tolerate.

Whether they're helping analyze drone feeds, supporting first responders through FirstNet and private 5G networks, managing vehicle fleets, or keeping utility workers connected during outages, the TOUGHBOOK 34 and G3 demonstrate that laptops can still be specialized tools built for serious missions.

And after an afternoon spent getting hands-on with Panasonic's latest hardware, that may be the most interesting thing about them. Panasonic is building the computers that many of the people protecting, rescuing, and serving the rest of us depend on every day, and I still find that inspiring.

You can find out more about these devices from the Panasonic TOUGHBOOK website.

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Get ready, players, because Gears of War: E-Day is nearly here, and it’s shaping up to be one of the best games in the Gears of War franchise and the biggest gaming blockbuster of the year, second only to Grand Theft Auto VI.

However, there is one caveat Xbox players must be aware of before buying it on October 6 (or October 1, if they've secured early access via pre-ordering the game), and that is its required install space of 115GB (as confirmed on its Steam page).

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That’s about one-tenth of a standard Xbox Series X’s 1TB storage space, and that’s just for the base game alone without any DLC. Plus, the developers plan (confirmed by GameSpot) to update Gears of War: E-Day’s Horde Mode with new classes, missions, modifiers, and seasonal content, along with adding other in-game items like gun cosmetics and character skins, so that 115GB install requirement is going to bloat fast.

So, we have sought out the best Xbox Series X|S storage expansion devices, from external SSDs to plug-and-play SSD cards, to help you fit in Gears of War: E-Day while having tons to spare for its post-launch updates and other awesome Xbox Series X|S titles for your Xbox.

External hard drives

Now, granted, finding Xbox external storage upgrades is a lot harder these days thanks to the ongoing RAM crisis, jacking up the prices of all things tech-related while making their availability scarcer.

One of the more affordable and available options is external hard drives, which can offer tons of storage space ranging from 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, and even 4TB. In addition, they can be formatted to store all kinds of media, not just Xbox games, depending on what platform you intend to use it for.

The drawback is that you can’t play Xbox games directly from an external hard drive, you have to manually transfer them from the hard drive onto your Xbox’s internal hard drive if you wish to play them.

Plug & Play expansion cards

Plug & Play expansion cards are scarcer and more expensive, but more convenient Xbox storage expansion units compared to external hard drives.

They fit easily into an Xbox’s dedicated expansion card slot, so they don’t take up desk space, and they let players play games installed on the cards directly without needing to shuffle them into the Xbox’s internal SSD, saving you from tedious file management.

However, you can’t reformat these Plug & Play Xbox expansion cards for other devices, as they were purely designed for Xbox consoles.

Are you ready for Gears of War: E-Day?

And there you have all the best options to upgrade your Xbox’s Storage size in time for Gears of War: E-Day. Are you looking forward to playing Gears of War: E-Day? Will you be sticking around to play its Horde Siege mode months after launch to see its post-game updates?

If you have any thoughts on the matter, please send them to the comments section below, or our Discord, Reddit, or cast a vote in the poll above.

Gears of War: E-Day is scheduled to launch on Xbox Series X|S (with Xbox Play Anywhere support), Xbox Game Pass, and PC via Windows and Steam on October 1, 2026, for early-access players who pre-ordered the game, and then October 6, 2026, for everyone else.

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It's been a busy week for Microsoft. Despite having a Windows and Surface event scheduled two weeks from now, the company announced two new Surface PCs and revived the Surface Mouse. Microsoft also effectively cut the legs out from under the Copilot+ PC brand by confirming the new Surface Pro 12-inch and Surface Laptop 13-inch are not Copilot+ PCs.

Biggest News of the Week

Microsoft confirmed that its new Surface Pro 12-inch and Surface Laptop 13-inch will not be called Copilot+ PCs. Not because they fail to meet the requirements — both PCs have the specs to otherwise qualify — but because Microsoft is going in a different direction.

I think we may hear more about Microsoft’s plans and rebranding at the Windows and Surface event next month, but for now we just have confirmation the new Surface devices are not called Copilot+ PCs.

The Copilot+ PC brand was doomed to fail. Microsoft failed to make it clear to customers what made Copilot+ PCs special, and the flagship Recall was a disaster.

Many people were confused about the difference between a Copilot+ PC and an AI PC. And several major manufacturers made it clear that labeling a device as a Copilot+ PC was not a priority.

Too many Copilots

Microsoft put too many eggs in the same basket with Copilot. The company has dozens of products with Copilot in their names. Even the Microsoft 365 app had Copilot forced into its name.

By bundling so many different products and services under the Copilot name, Microsoft tied the success (or failure) of a large part of its portfolio together.

Look online for reactions to the Copilot+ PC brand being phased out and you’ll see people discussing the Copilot app, the Copilot key, Microsoft 365 Copilot, and other Copilot-branded products. And who can blame them? It’s natural to assume the end of Copilot+ PCs means the end of at least some parts of Copilot.

But the opposite is true. In the same week it confirmed its Surface PCs are not Copilot+ PCs, Microsoft announced a massive overhaul of the Copilot platform. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella called it a new OS, though I’m not sure what that really means in this case.

Ultimately, Microsoft fell in love with the term Copilot and tried to attach it to too many products and services. We’ve seen similar mistakes, such as Facebook going all in on the Metaverse.

Copilot+ PCs are gone or being phased out, but Copilot as an “OS” is just beginning. Microsoft will need to do some damage control and get a marketing message out to make it clear those facts aren’t in opposition.

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