HDMI Archives

Winsage

February 27, 2025

Microsoft’s Windows 365 Link PC shows up in real life photos ahead of availability this spring

Microsoft introduced the Windows 365 Link, a compact mini PC that operates as a thin client, streaming Windows 11 from the cloud while running a streamlined version of Windows locally. It is currently undergoing private testing with select customers, with a broader release anticipated in April. The device is small enough to be held in one hand and features various ports, including USB-A, USB-C, ethernet, DisplayPort, and HDMI. It is powered by an Intel N250 processor, has 8GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage. Priced at , it requires an active subscription to a Windows 365 PC, which is currently an enterprise-only service, though Microsoft may expand it to consumers in the future.

Winsage

February 6, 2025

Sick of laptop docks and spaghetti cables, I moved my entire daily workflow to a Windows 11 PC no bigger than a bagel

The author discusses their experience with various PC hardware, particularly focusing on the advantages of mini PCs like the Beelink SER9 and Geekom A8|A7 models compared to laptops and desktops. They highlight the Lenovo Slim 7i 14 (Gen 9) laptop for its features but note its inconvenience due to the inactive power button when closed. The author finds that a mini Windows PC, such as the Geekom A8 Max with an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor and 32GB of RAM, effectively addresses their needs for a compact and powerful setup. The Geekom A8 Max is priced just under ,000 and offers ample I/O options, including dual HDMI-out ports. The author appreciates the mini PC's performance, silent operation, and ability to handle multiple tasks without storage or RAM concerns.

Winsage

December 28, 2024

I’ve been a Windows on Arm user for years — Snapdragon X Elite has changed everything

The author has been using Arm-based computers, specifically an M1 Mac Mini and a Qualcomm Snapdragon-powered Windows two-in-one PC, and has found Apple's silicon consistently impressive while Microsoft's offerings have lagged. In April 2024, Microsoft introduced the Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chipsets, enhancing the compatibility layer for applications on Windows on Arm through a new emulator called Prism, which matches the efficiency of Apple's Rosetta 2. Testing the Honor MagicBook 14 Art, powered by the Snapdragon X Elite, revealed significant improvements, including native support for previously struggling applications like Google Drive and ExpressVPN. The MagicBook features a 12-core Snapdragon X Elite, offering seamless application launch and multitasking without the random freezes seen in earlier models. Its thermal performance is commendable, achieving around ten hours of usage in "Balanced" mode. The device also includes a Neural Processing Unit for enhanced AI capabilities. Compatibility advancements allow mainstream applications to run natively, and upcoming Windows updates promise to expand this further. The MagicBook 14 Art is priced at approximately ,750, featuring 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a detachable webcam for privacy. Despite the progress, the market for Snapdragon X computers remains niche, and Qualcomm's disputes with Arm could impact future sales.

AppWizard

December 14, 2024

I tried an AI-powered lighting kit that syncs with PS5, Xbox, Switch and even PC games — here’s how it took my gaming setup to the next level

The Secretlab Magnus Pro desk measures 60 inches across and 27 inches deep, featuring built-in cable management. The Govee AI Sync Box 2 is designed to sync smart lighting with gaming experiences, available as a standalone unit or as a kit that includes a lightstrip and two light bars for monitors sized 27-34 inches. The kit includes the AI Sync Box, two braided HDMI 2.1 cables, and has four HDMI inputs and two USB-C ports. It incorporates a neural processing unit (NPU) for real-time color and pattern detection, offering faster response times and accurate color matching compared to camera-based systems. The setup involves assembling light bars with circular stands and attaching a lightstrip to the monitor. The AI Sync Box 2 features intuitive controls, with a front light indicating active HDMI inputs and the Govee logo syncing with screen content. It supports over 40 games and can integrate with Govee's DreamView-compatible lights for further customization.

Winsage

December 12, 2024

I’ve been using this Intel-based mini AI PC for the last two weeks of work, and now I absolutely love it

The Geekom GT1 Mega mini PC has an MSRP of 9.00, with sales prices around 9.00 on platforms like Amazon. It features Windows 11 Pro, an Intel Core Ultra processor, and Intel Arc graphics. Specifications include options for Intel Core Ultra 5, 7, or 9 processors, 32GB of RAM (expandable to 64GB), and 1TB SSD storage. The package includes the mini PC, a VESA mount, screws, an HDMI cable, a power adapter, and a user manual. The design is compact with a sturdy aluminum casing, and it has a variety of ports: two USB-C 4.0 ports, two HDMI 2.0 ports, and five USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports, along with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. Performance is solid for everyday tasks, with a performance rating of 5/5, and thermal performance is commendable with minimal fan noise. The overall score for the GT1 Mega is 5/5, highlighting its value, design, connectivity, and performance. Alternatives include Geekom's A8 and A7 models, as well as offerings from Beelink and ASUS.

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.

AppWizard

December 6, 2024

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 Gets Demanding PC Specs

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is developed by Warhorse Studios and powered by CryEngine, aiming to set new standards for video game graphics. The PC system requirements for 1080p on Medium settings include Windows 10 64-bit, Intel Core i5-13600K or AMD Ryzen 5 7600X, 24 GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT, DirectX 12, and 100 GB SSD storage. For a minimum of 30fps at the same resolution, the requirements are 16 GB RAM. For 4K resolution with max settings, the specifications are Windows 10 64-bit, Intel Core i7-13700K or AMD Ryzen 5 7800X3D, 32 GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 or AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT, DirectX 12, and 100 GB SSD storage. Console performance targets include 30fps at 1080p for Xbox Series S, 30fps at upscaled 4K and 60fps at upscaled 1440p for Xbox Series X, and similar performance modes for PS5. The game will utilize AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution technology and is set to launch on February 4, 2025, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

AppWizard

December 3, 2024

Android Automotive could get more apps thanks to this easy-to-use kit [Gallery]

Google's Android Automotive platform is expanding, but the availability of compatible applications has been limited. Snapp Automotive has introduced a developer kit to simplify app creation for this platform. Currently, developers need a Google Pixel Tablet and a specialized emulator to test apps, which can be costly and is restricted to one OS version. Snapp's developer kit allows testing on the Khadas VIM3 Pro board, priced around 0, and supports multiple Android versions (15, 14, 13, 12, and 12.1). The kit enables realistic app testing and can be paired with any HDMI or USB touchscreen display. While not suitable for end-users due to the lack of Google apps, it aims to enhance the development experience and foster a richer application ecosystem for Android Automotive. Snapp is officially launching this developer kit today.

Winsage

December 2, 2024

This Windows all-in-one beats the iMac, with 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD for less than $800 this Cyber Monday — but you better hurry!

Lenovo's ThinkCentre is available for a limited time at a Cyber Monday price of just . It features an Intel Core i7 processor, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD, along with a 24-inch 1080p LCD display. The device includes various connectivity options such as USB-C, HDMI, and multiple USB-A ports, as well as a built-in webcam and microphone.

Winsage

December 1, 2024

The Ultimate Mac vs Windows Battle: Can Apple’s M4 Pro Reign Supreme?

The MacBook Pro features the M4 Pro chip and excels in CPU performance, outperforming the Asus ProArt StudioBook 16 by 50% in Cinebench multicore tests. It is particularly beneficial for creative professionals in photo and video editing due to its efficient hardware-software integration. The Asus ProArt StudioBook 16, equipped with an AMD HX 370 CPU and RTX 4070 GPU, excels in GPU-intensive applications such as 3D rendering and gaming. It offers up to 64GB of RAM compared to the MacBook Pro's base configuration of 24GB, which is advantageous for memory-intensive tasks. The MacBook Pro has three Thunderbolt 5 ports, while the Asus provides a broader array of ports, including USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and SD card slots. The MacBook Pro operates cooler and quieter under load, while the Asus tends to run hotter and louder. For gaming, the Asus ProArt StudioBook 16 delivers higher frame rates and better compatibility with modern games. The MacBook Pro is known for its premium build quality and long-term reliability, often retaining better resale value, but it comes at a higher initial cost. The Asus offers better value for users focused on gaming or GPU-intensive workflows.