laptop Archives

Winsage

February 21, 2025

The Windows 11 Snipping Tool is about to get a killer new feature

Microsoft is adding an advanced optical character recognition (OCR) feature to the Snipping Tool, improving text extraction from images. This feature was discovered by PhantomOfEarth during Windows beta testing and will allow users to extract text with just a couple of clicks, eliminating the need for preliminary screenshots. The Snipping Tool is pre-installed on all Windows 11 devices, making the OCR functionality readily accessible without additional downloads.

AppWizard

February 20, 2025

Steam Next Fest 2025: all the dates, details, and everything else you need to know

The first Steam Next Fest of 2025 will take place from February 24 at 10 AM PST / 6 PM GMT to March 3 at 10 AM PST / 6 PM GMT. This event will occur three times throughout 2025, with the other dates being June 9 - June 16 and October 13 - October 20. During Steam Next Fest, players can download free demos of upcoming games and engage with developer live streams. A free Steam account is required to participate. While the event is not a sale, it often coincides with discounts on various titles, with the next major Steam sale starting on March 13, 2025.

Winsage

February 19, 2025

Valve’s monthly survey reveals that almost 45% of Steam users on PC are still using Windows 10 even with the sword of Damocles hanging over them

As of January 2025, 44.41% of PC users are still operating on Windows 10, which is set to lose support in October 2025. Windows 11, released in 2021, has demanding system requirements that deter users with older hardware from upgrading. Many Steam users on Windows 10 may include internet cafes, where maintaining hardware is challenging. The end of support for Windows 10 means users will no longer receive updates or security patches, increasing risks associated with continued use. Resources are available to assist users in transitioning from Windows 10.

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 18, 2025

Steam gamers urged to check out gorgeous free download: ‘I really like it’

Voxile, developed by VoxRay Games, Inc., is a new voxel game on Steam that is being compared to Minecraft due to its stunning visuals and innovative technology. Players have praised its aesthetic appeal, particularly its ray tracing capabilities, with one user noting the game's gorgeous world and another highlighting its performance on modest hardware. The game's visual rendering style, including global illumination and detailed shadows, has also garnered attention. The developers are actively engaging with the community, indicating that the art style and ray tracing focus are significant draws. A demo is available on Steam, but a release date has not been announced, with expectations of a wait of one to two years for full release.

Winsage

February 17, 2025

Microsoft ends its OEM support for several Intel generations of processors in Windows 24H2

Support for Microsoft Windows 10 will end in October 2025. Microsoft will phase out support for 8th, 9th, and 10th generation Intel processors for Windows 11 version 24H2, meaning new OEM devices will not ship with these processors. Users with existing PCs or laptops using these processors can still use Windows 11 and receive updates, although future updates may have limitations. Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0, which is present in the affected Intel generations. Only devices with Intel processors from the 12th generation and beyond, as well as AMD's 8000 series, will qualify for new OEM devices running Windows 11.

Winsage

February 15, 2025

You can debloat Windows 11 in just 2 clicks with this new intuitive tool

Talon is an open-source tool designed to simplify the removal of bloatware from Windows 11, allowing users to enhance system performance with minimal effort. It automates the debloating process by removing pre-installed software such as Clipchamp, LinkedIn, and Microsoft News, targeting non-tech-savvy users. While it offers some customization options, it primarily follows a preset script for ease of use. Users can revert changes using the "Reset This PC" option, but certain removals, like Edge, will remain uninstalled unless Windows is reinstalled. Talon is compatible with Windows 11 Home and Pro versions, but not guaranteed for Insider Builds. It is open-source and available on GitHub, with community contributions reviewed for security.

Winsage

February 14, 2025

This Surface Laptop 7 with Snapdragon is “basically perfect,” and it’s almost half the price of the Surface Laptop 7 with Intel

Microsoft's Surface Laptop 7 is currently priced at 9.99, reflecting a 0 reduction from its standard retail price due to President's Day sales. It features a Snapdragon X Plus processor, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. The laptop has received a perfect score in reviews for its design, keyboard, display, and performance. It has undergone a design refresh that allows for easier repairs, with replaceable components available for purchase from Microsoft. The Snapdragon processors provide exceptional battery life and performance, making the Surface Laptop 7 a cost-effective choice compared to the entry-level Intel variant, which retails at ,499.99.

Winsage

February 14, 2025

We need a Snapdragon X-powered gaming handheld sooner rather than later — How Qualcomm can challenge the Steam Deck

Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chips show potential for handheld gaming devices due to their impressive performance and battery efficiency. Testing of the Snapdragon X Plus on games like 7 Days To Die, Kingdom Come Deliverance, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider revealed comparable performance to the Steam Deck, especially when using Auto SR, an AI-driven upscaling solution. However, Auto SR currently supports only 14 games and is limited to DX11 or DX12 titles. The installation of games from Xbox Game Pass and the Microsoft Store on Snapdragon devices is restricted, with the Xbox app lacking a Game Pass section. There is a significant opportunity for a Snapdragon-powered handheld device, similar to the impact of the Steam Deck, but the current market lacks urgency for such a product.

Winsage

February 14, 2025

Microsoft makes another tweak to Windows 11’s taskbar – but it’s probably not the change you were hoping for

Microsoft has introduced a new icon on the Windows 11 taskbar that provides access to AI-driven Windows Studio Effects, which enhance video call quality with features like background blurring, simulated direct eye contact, improved lighting, and user centering. The icon appears when compatible applications are using the webcam, allowing users to see which application is accessing it, thus enhancing privacy. However, the feature is limited to devices with specific hardware requirements, including 16GB of RAM and a CPU with a neural processing unit (NPU), potentially restricting access for many users. This initiative is part of Microsoft's strategy to promote AI features, but user feedback has been mixed, with some expressing disappointment over the lack of traditional taskbar functionalities and questioning the necessity of these enhancements for professional use.