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Windows Central Tech Awards 2024 — Ranking the top PCs, tools, accessories, and software innovations of the year
Winsage
December 24, 2024

Windows Central Tech Awards 2024 — Ranking the top PCs, tools, accessories, and software innovations of the year

This year has seen significant advancements in consumer technology, particularly in artificial intelligence, highlighted by Microsoft's Copilot+ PC initiative in collaboration with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite processor, introducing fanless, battery-efficient laptops to the Windows ecosystem. AI companies like OpenAI have expanded their offerings, prompting competitors such as Google, xAI, and Facebook to enhance their products. New brands like XREAL have emerged, while established companies like ASUS have innovated with dual-screen laptops. Accessory manufacturers have also improved their products. The Windows Central Tech Awards for 2024 recognize standout devices and features across various categories, including Tech Innovator of the Year, Best Processor, Best Overall Laptop, Best Keyboard, Best Pre-Built Gaming PC, Best Mini PC, Best Gaming Laptop, Best Gaming Headset, Best Tech Accessory, Best Monitor, Best Gaming Input, Best Gaming Hardware, Best Desktop All-in-One, Best Budget Laptop, Best Business Laptop, Best Mobile App for Windows Users, Best Windows Feature, Best Mouse, and Best Windows PC App. Looking ahead to 2025, advancements in AI, robotics, cloud computing, and potential breakthroughs in 6G and quantum computing are anticipated, with Microsoft focusing on AI server technology acquisitions and developments in PC gaming handhelds and new Xbox hardware.
The 15 best PC games of 2024: From Indy to Kratos, samurai to outlaws, and everything in between
AppWizard
December 23, 2024

The 15 best PC games of 2024: From Indy to Kratos, samurai to outlaws, and everything in between

In 2024, the PC gaming landscape thrived due to the resolution of component shortages, the popularity of cloud gaming, and the rise of PC gaming handhelds. A diverse range of games was released, including indie titles and AAA adventures, along with remakes and remasters of classics. The top PC games of 2024 included: 1. Thank Goodness You're Here! 2. Helldivers 2 3. Indiana Jones and The Great Circle 4. Red Dead Redemption 5. Star Wars: Outlaws 6. Balatro 7. Animal Well 8. Fallout: London 9. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 10. Dragon Age: The Veilguard 11. Silent Hill 2 12. God of War: Ragnarok 13. Black Myth: Wukong 14. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree 15. Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut The gaming rig used featured an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Super graphics card, Intel Core i5-13600K CPU, 32 GB DDR5 RAM, and an Asus ROG STRIX Z690-F GAMING WIFI motherboard.
This 83-year-old Japanese erotic game producer playing Stalker 2 while blasting a cig is an impossibly big mood
AppWizard
December 12, 2024

This 83-year-old Japanese erotic game producer playing Stalker 2 while blasting a cig is an impossibly big mood

Stalker 2 is an ambitious game that has gained popularity, particularly in Eastern Europe, despite its imperfections. One notable fan is an octogenarian Japanese game studio president, Nakamura-san, who enjoys playing Stalker 2 on his new gaming rig. He has a history with the original Stalker games, having played them with numerous mods, and has expressed a desire for modifications to improve the user interface and subtitle size due to his age. Nakamura has been inspired by the original Stalker series, the novel Roadside Picnic, and Andrei Tarkovsky's film Stalker, appreciating the emotional depth and atmospheric elements of the game.
Use This Trick To Optimize Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on Your PC
AppWizard
December 10, 2024

Use This Trick To Optimize Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on Your PC

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has been released, developed by MachineGames. The game has high system requirements, particularly for ray tracing. Troy Baker voices Indiana Jones. Performance testing on a high-end rig with a Geforce RTX 4080 indicates that VRAM significantly affects performance. For optimal settings at various resolutions, 8GB, 10GB, and 12GB of VRAM are recommended for different quality settings. Using DLSS frame generation requires additional VRAM. The game utilizes path tracing for lighting calculations, impacting visual effects like sun shadows and reflections. Benchmarks show performance results at 1440p and 4K with various settings. Players may experience pop-in issues, which can be temporarily mitigated by entering a command. The game is available on PC and Xbox Series X|S, with a PS5 release planned for spring 2025 and accessible via Xbox Game Pass.
Do more with a new Windows 11 PC
Winsage
December 8, 2024

Do more with a new Windows 11 PC

Support for Windows 10 will end in October 2025, prompting users to consider upgrading to Windows 11 PCs. Windows 11 offers enhanced security, improved productivity, and advanced features. It is designed for exceptional performance with powerful processors, rapid storage, high-speed memory, and stunning displays. On Copilot+ PCs, Windows 11 operates up to five times faster than five-year-old Windows machines and provides extended battery life. Microsoft aims for zero waste by 2023, promoting energy efficiency and recycling programs. Currys, as the UK's largest tech recycler, collects and recycles around 60,000 tonnes of outdated technology annually. Currys offers a diverse selection of Windows 11 PCs suitable for various needs and budgets.
Steam's background recording feature is the new gold standard of game clipping
AppWizard
December 5, 2024

Steam’s background recording feature is the new gold standard of game clipping

Steam's Game Recording feature allows players to capture high-quality video of the last few minutes of gameplay in the background. Since its beta launch, it has been used frequently due to its efficient file sizes, which are significantly smaller compared to recordings made with Nvidia Shadowplay. For example, a five-minute clip recorded with Shadowplay is 1.78GB, while Steam's equivalent maintains impressive visual fidelity with reduced storage needs. Steam's audio recording captures only the game's audio by default, avoiding background noise from other sources, which simplifies the sharing process. However, the exported clips may not match the quality of Shadowplay or OBS, and turning off background recording requires multiple clicks. The tool is limited to games launched through Steam, and some bugs persist despite updates. In comparison, Medal, another DVR app, offers similar features but has a less user-friendly interface and requires bulk deletions for space management. Steam's Game Recording provides quick MP4 generation and easy sharing on platforms like Discord, making it a preferred choice for quick clips. Users must enable the feature through Steam settings to use it.
My favorite PC gaming accessory came to my rescue when I sprained my ankle and couldn't sit at my desk — It's on sale during Black Friday
AppWizard
November 29, 2024

My favorite PC gaming accessory came to my rescue when I sprained my ankle and couldn’t sit at my desk — It’s on sale during Black Friday

A volleyball game resulted in a severe ankle sprain, leading to a doctor's visit. The following day, working from home became challenging due to the need to keep the injured ankle elevated. The Nerdytec Couchmaster CYCON² lapboard, typically priced at .99 but currently available for .00 on Amazon, has been essential for maintaining productivity while using a TV as a monitor. The lapboard allows for multitasking with a 49" monitor and enhances the work experience with split-screen capabilities. It has become necessary during recovery, providing a clutter-free environment and easy cable management. Assistance is required to position the lapboard due to crutches, but its lightweight design allows for easy adjustments. The lapboard's cushions offer additional support and compatibility with couch arm cushions. Lapboards provide a stable surface for tech devices, enhancing comfort and functionality, particularly for those who connect PCs to TVs for gaming. The value of a lapboard depends on individual usage and can be a worthwhile investment for frequent users.
It looks like an Atari 2600, but I'd use it as a sub-$200 indie gaming Steam Machine
AppWizard
November 1, 2024

It looks like an Atari 2600, but I’d use it as a sub-$200 indie gaming Steam Machine

The Atari VCS mini PC was launched in 2021 with an initial price of 9, which deterred potential buyers. As of now, it is available for 9.99, making it an attractive option for retro and indie gamers. The VCS features 100 pre-loaded classic Atari games, a modernized 2600 joystick, a wireless gamepad, and is built on an AMD mini PC architecture with a VEGA APU, 8GB DDR4 RAM, and 32GB MMC storage that is expandable via an M.2 slot. It can run lower-spec titles at 1080p and manage some recent games like Sonic Superstars and Tomb Raider Remastered at reasonable settings. However, it is not suited for high-performance gaming and has limitations due to its 4GB VRAM. Alternatives like the Steam Deck OLED and Asus ROG Ally offer more portability but at a higher price. The VCS combines retro aesthetics with modern gaming capabilities, appealing to a new generation of players.
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