desktop PC Archives

BetaBeacon

April 7, 2025

My seven most anticipated Meta Quest games from the 2025 Ruff Talk VR showcase

- Vestiges: Fallen Tribes is a new interactive board game set in a unique sci-fi universe blending tribal desert style with card-battling minifigure concepts. - The game is playable in VR and on desktop PC via Steam, allowing for a wide range of players and styles. - It features several units controlled at a time with powers given by cards, supports PvP and PvE modes, and offers a solo campaign with diverse objectives and playable tribes. - The game is set to launch on April 24 on the Meta Quest platform.

Winsage

April 3, 2025

Microsoft’s miniature Windows 365 Link PC is available to buy now

Microsoft has launched the Windows 365 Link, a mini-desktop PC that connects to the Windows 365 cloud service, priced at .99. It is available for purchase in the United States, Canada, Australia, the UK, Germany, Japan, and New Zealand. The device is designed for businesses, minimizing the need for IT support and allowing users to work from anywhere. It features a fast boot time and has undergone testing with over 100 organizations. Individual consumers may face challenges in purchasing it, as bulk purchases might be required.

Winsage

March 20, 2025

Microsoft tells Windows 10 users to just trade in their PC for a newer one, because how hard can it be?

58.7% of Windows users have not transitioned to Windows 11, which has a market share of 38.13%. Windows 10 support will end on October 14, 2025, after which users will not receive software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes. Microsoft is encouraging users to trade in their old PCs for new models. While users can continue to use their Windows 10 PCs after the support ends, many may find greater value in repurposing their old machines instead of trading them in.

Winsage

February 25, 2025

Windows 11 is still my favorite OS, ads and all

The desktop PC is often associated with personal memories and experiences tied to various operating systems (OS). Windows XP is remembered fondly for its nostalgic connection to school days and online gaming. Windows 98 had issues like crashes and a clunky interface, while Windows 2000 faced similar frustrations. Windows XP marked a significant improvement, leading to a golden era of gaming and online communities. Windows Vista presented its own challenges during teenage years, and Windows 10 is regarded as one of Microsoft's best OS offerings. Windows 11 introduces a centered taskbar design that has caused mixed reactions among users but allows for customization. The Start Menu can be tailored to reduce clutter, making it more efficient. Windows 11 is seen as an improvement over Windows 10, offering a smoother experience on modern hardware, though it has its flaws, such as ads for Microsoft services and the requirement for TPM 2.0, which may render older systems obsolete. This raises concerns about sustainability and the economic impact on users, particularly government agencies with limited resources. In comparison to other operating systems, Windows 11 is preferred despite its challenges, while alternatives like ChromeOS, macOS, and Linux each have their own limitations.

Winsage

February 19, 2025

Windows 11 update is reportedly breaking the operating system’s most vital tool

The recent 24H2 update (KB5051987) for Windows 11 has caused significant disruptions, particularly affecting File Explorer, leading to user frustrations. Many users report that File Explorer has become unresponsive, preventing access to commonly used folders. The issue has been confirmed to occur even on fresh installations of Windows 11, indicating a problem with the update itself. Some users are also experiencing Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) errors and complete operating system corruption. Microsoft has not yet provided a definitive solution, but users can temporarily revert to the previous January 2025 update to resolve File Explorer issues. There is hope that a fix will be included in the upcoming February 2025 optional update.

AppWizard

February 3, 2025

The upgraded Steam Link app for Android has transformed the way I game in 2025

Steam Link has undergone significant updates, introducing features like HDR and AV1 streaming, and is compatible with over 500 Android devices. It excels in local Wi-Fi gameplay, particularly with controller-centric titles, while performance on genres like RTS and strategy games is less optimal. The app provides impressive visuals and minimal input lag, especially on devices like the AYANEO Pocket Evo. However, it has shortcomings, including cumbersome menu navigation, occasional mouse control issues, and a user interface that can be cluttered. Streaming quality is affected by distance from the router, and it faces competition from other streaming solutions like Moonlight and NVIDIA’s GeForce Now. Despite its limitations, Steam Link offers convenience for PC owners looking to access their game library.

Winsage

December 10, 2024

Our favorite mini PC is affordable and perfect for photo and video editing — Right now, you can get it at a special low price with this coupon code

The Geekom A8 mini PC features a Ryzen 7 CPU and Radeon 780M integrated graphics, making it suitable for tasks like web browsing, media streaming, and photo/video editing. It runs on Windows 11 Home and offers options for AMD R9-8945HS or R7-8845HS CPUs with a TDP of 45W, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and PCIe Gen 4 storage ranging from 1TB to 2TB. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and various ports: 3x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, 1x USB-A 2.0, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, 1x USB4 Gen 3, 1x 3.5mm headphone jack, 1x RJ45, and 2x HDMI 2.0. The A8 is currently available for 9.00, discounted to 9.00 with the code WINDOWSA8R7. The package includes a VESA mount, manual, HDMI cable, and power adapter, but users must provide their own keyboard, mouse, and monitor. The A8 received a four and a half-star review for its performance and port availability.

Winsage

December 7, 2024

The Surface Studio is dead? — Microsoft ends production on $4,500 Surface Studio 2+ as stock dwindles

Microsoft has officially concluded production of the Surface Studio 2+, its all-in-one desktop PC for creative professionals and commercial users, with no plans to replenish stock. The Surface Studio 2+ had a starting price of ,500 and was known for its touchscreen display and innovative hinge design. The discontinuation aligns with Microsoft's strategy to streamline its Surface offerings in 2023, which also included the Surface Duo 3 and Surface Earbuds 2. There are no immediate plans for a successor, as rumors suggest a potential Surface Studio 3 was shelved. The Surface Studio series targeted a specialized audience and faced challenges due to its high price and last-generation specifications. Microsoft's current focus is shifting towards more mainstream products, with anticipated updates for the Surface Pro, Laptop, Laptop Go, and Laptop Studio expected in 2025.

AppWizard

December 6, 2024

The PC Gaming Show’s best trailers: creepy aliens, strategic turtles, and desktop platformers

The recent PC Gaming Show: Most Wanted showcased several upcoming indie games. 1. Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault - A sequel to Moonlighter, blending action RPG elements with shopkeeping, set for release in 2025 on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. 2. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tactical Takedown - A turn-based strategy game from Strange Scaffold, launching on PC in 2025. 3. Cairn - A rock-climbing adventure and survival game with a free demo available on Steam, focusing on co-op gameplay, with early access expected next year. 4. The Legend of Baboo - An adventure game inspired by Middle Eastern fables, releasing in 2025 on PC and Xbox. 5. Abyssus - A co-op shooter set in a "brinepunk" world, entering alpha on December 6th, with a full release planned for next year. 6. MainFrames - A platformer set within a desktop PC interface, launching on PC and Nintendo Switch on March 6th. 7. Deepest Fear - A sci-fi horror game combining Metroidvania and FPS elements, with a release date yet to be announced for PC. 8. Blue Prince - A reimagining of Myst, inviting players to explore Mt. Holly manor, with a potential launch in the upcoming spring.

Winsage

November 20, 2024

Microsoft is launching a $349 desktop PC that only runs Windows 11 by streaming it from the cloud — is this the future of desktop computing?

Microsoft has introduced its first dedicated desktop PC, the Windows 365 Link, priced at 9, set to launch in April 2025. This device operates exclusively through cloud technology, utilizing Windows 11 via the Windows 365 platform and is designed for enterprise customers. It measures 120 x 120 x 30 mm, features a fanless design, rapid boot times, and instant wake capabilities. It supports dual 4K displays and includes three USB-A ports, one USB-C port, an audio jack, an Ethernet jack, DisplayPort, and HDMI. The device is powered by an Intel processor with 8GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, relying on a constant internet connection to function. It will leverage Copilot+ features for enhanced functionalities and is expected to run a lightweight version of Windows, potentially based on the CorePC edition codenamed NXT. The Windows 365 Link aims to redefine the desktop experience, particularly in schools and flexible workspaces, catering to the growing trend of cloud computing.