desktop PC Archives

BetaBeacon

December 2, 2025

Valve is working on a “Lepton” Android compatibility layer for Linux and VR — Could we ever see Android games running on the Steam Deck and its Steam Machine PC?

Valve is developing an Android compatibility layer called Lepton, potentially allowing users to run Android apps on devices like the upcoming Steam Machine desktop PC. The integration of Lepton with the upcoming Steam Frame VR headset could enable users to run Android apps in virtual reality. The expansion towards Android compatibility is supported by recent additions of 'androidarm64' references in Valve's Steamworks SDK.

Winsage

November 13, 2025

I actually liked Windows 8.1, even though I never had a tablet

In 2012, Microsoft launched Windows 8 to bridge traditional desktop environments and the tablet market, but it received a poor reception, leading to the release of Windows 8.1 a year later to address its shortcomings. Windows 8 aimed to compete with the iPad by transforming tablets into productivity tools. Windows 8.1 introduced features like on-demand OneDrive storage and the ability to snap apps side-by-side, marking a significant evolution in Windows. The concept of Windows RT for ARM processors faced challenges due to hardware limitations and underdeveloped applications but laid the groundwork for devices like the Microsoft Surface. The transition to touchscreen capabilities was revolutionary for users accustomed to older operating systems. The adaptation of the Windows Phone Metro UI for Windows 8 and 8.1 was innovative, despite criticism from traditional PC users. Windows 8.1 developed a dedicated fan base for its tile-based interface, leading to hopes for its return in future devices.

AppWizard

October 7, 2025

New Intel CPUs for gaming laptops reportedly leaked with Core Ultra X branding

A leak has revealed that Intel is set to announce at least 12 Panther Lake CPUs for the laptop market, with the most powerful models branded as Intel Core Ultra X. Key models include Intel Core Ultra 9 X338H, Intel Core Ultra 7 X368H, and Intel Core Ultra 7 X358H, which will feature four P-cores, eight E-cores, four low-power E-cores, and twelve Xe2 GPU cores. The Intel Core Ultra 5 X338H is expected to have four P-cores, four E-cores, four low-power cores, and ten Xe2 GPU cores. Other models without the Ultra X branding include Intel Core Ultra 9 375H, Intel Core Ultra 7 355H, and Intel Core Ultra 7 345H, all featuring four P-cores, eight E-cores, four low-power cores, and four Xe2 GPU cores. The Intel Core Ultra 5 325H is anticipated to have similar specs but with only four E-cores. The new lineup aims to compete with AMD's offerings, and Intel plans to provide more details about Panther Lake soon, despite previous production challenges.

AppWizard

September 29, 2025

Can you play Black Ops 7 on the Steam Deck?

Black Ops 7 currently lacks an official rating for Steam Deck compatibility, but it is expected to receive an Unsupported rating due to the Ricochet anti-cheat system's requirements for secure boot and TMP 2.0 activation, which are not feasible on SteamOS. These changes were introduced with the launch of Season 5 Reloaded in Call of Duty Black Ops 6 in September 2025. Windows-based handhelds, like the ROG Ally X, should have no technical challenges running Black Ops 7, but playability will depend on whether the device meets the game's system requirements.

AppWizard

September 20, 2025

I’m a PC builder of 20 years. The latest games make me want to switch to console

The author has been a dedicated PC builder for nearly two decades, starting as a teenager with their mother's support. They have a strong passion for PC gaming, preferring it over consoles. However, they express sympathy for console users due to recent launch day challenges in PC gaming, particularly with the release of Borderlands 4, which faced performance issues despite high-end hardware. Other titles like Forspoken and Oblivion Remastered also had similar problems at launch. The author notes that building a PC can be daunting for newcomers due to the complexity and cost, with decent gaming PCs starting around ,000. They acknowledge the need for change in the PC gaming landscape, as the increasing costs and complexity may drive new gamers towards the simplicity of consoles.

AppWizard

September 8, 2025

It’s official – “another wave” of Intel Core Ultra Arrow Lake CPUs is coming

Intel's CFO, David Zinsner, confirmed the upcoming release of additional Arrow Lake CPUs, which will bridge the gap between the existing Core Ultra 200-series and the future Nova Lake processors. The Arrow Lake CPUs have shown improvements in thermal management and power efficiency but have struggled against AMD's latest gaming CPUs. The new Arrow Lake refresh may feature higher clock speeds and enhanced AI performance for the Neural Processing Unit (NPU). The manufacturing of Arrow Lake CPUs is being handled by TSMC, while the upcoming Panther Lake and Nova Lake CPUs will utilize Intel's in-house 18A manufacturing process. The new Arrow Lake CPUs will provide an upgrade option for users of LGA1851 motherboards.

AppWizard

August 14, 2025

Japan’s PC gaming population has decreased by 3 million in the past decade, studies suggest

The Famitsu Game Hakusho 2025 report indicates that the Japanese gaming market grew by 3.4% from 2023 to 2024, reaching 2,396 billion yen. The domestic gamer population has decreased to 54.7 million from 55.5 million the previous year. Mobile gaming leads with 42.77 million users, followed by console gamers at 29.51 million, and PC gamers at 14.52 million. Although active PC gamers increased slightly from 14.45 million to 14.52 million in 2024, this number is down from 17.49 million in 2015. Console users rose from 26.12 million to 29.51 million, and mobile users increased from 14.11 million to 42.77 million over the same period. The PC gaming population has not surpassed 17.49 million since 2015, and hardware pricing has significantly increased, with a 40% rise in pre-built desktop PC prices over six years. JEITA reported a decline in domestic PC shipments, with 6.667 million units sold in 2023, marking a 2.9% decrease and the lowest sales since 2007. The global PC gaming landscape is shifting towards gacha and free-to-play games, leading players to prefer mobile devices.

Winsage

August 10, 2025

Only two things are stopping me from moving to SteamOS on my desktop PC permanently – the moment they’re addressed, I’ll be saying ‘adiós’, Windows 11

The author experimented with Bazzite, a SteamOS clone, on their Asus ROG Ally and is considering installing it on their primary desktop gaming PC due to dissatisfaction with Windows 11. Bazzite offers a console-like user interface and features tailored for gaming, particularly benefiting AMD hardware, while Nvidia users face limitations with beta support. Testing Discord on Bazzite yielded mixed results, with issues in streaming that are crucial for the author's gaming experience. The author appreciates the potential of Bazzite's Quick Resume feature and the appeal of a user interface similar to popular consoles. They express hope for improved Nvidia support and functionality to facilitate a transition away from Windows 11.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Google Gemini can now read your WhatsApp chats without you knowing – but you can stop it

Starting July 7, 2025, Google’s AI chatbot, Gemini, will automatically interact with third-party applications on Android devices, including Messages, WhatsApp, Utilities, and Phone applications. Users can expect Gemini to perform tasks such as sending messages, setting timers, and making phone calls with minimal input. These interactions will occur automatically, regardless of whether the Gemini Apps Activity setting is activated. Conversations will be logged in user accounts for up to 72 hours, even if users disable the Gemini Apps Activity. Google has informed Android users about these changes via email. Concerns regarding privacy have been raised, with Tuta, an encrypted email service, highlighting the lack of transparency from tech companies. Users can disable Gemini's interaction with apps through the Apps settings page or uninstall it entirely using developer tools. Future Android updates may introduce Gemini features to additional devices.

BetaBeacon

May 24, 2025

Red Magic 10S Pro Series Brings Full PC Game Emulation to Android: Check Out Specifications, Display, Performance and More

Red Magic is launching the 10S Pro series with impressive specifications including a tall display with a 95.3% screen-to-body ratio, a 144Hz refresh rate, Snapdragon 8 Gen Elite Leading Version SoC, up to 24GB of RAM, 1TB of storage, a 7,500mAh battery with 120W fast charging, a thermal management system, and a built-in PC emulator.