new laptops Archives

Winsage

October 20, 2026

$35 Gets You Lifetime Access to Microsoft Office Pro 2021 and Windows 11 Pro

The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows Lifetime License and Windows 11 Pro Bundle is available for .97, down from 9.99, until November 1. This bundle includes Windows 11 Pro, which features security tools like BitLocker and Hyper-V, and Office Professional 2021, which contains applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The software is licensed for installation on a single Windows PC with no recurring subscription fees, contrasting with Microsoft 365 Personal, which costs .99 annually. Digital license keys are delivered promptly for easy setup.

AppWizard

October 9, 2026

Googlebook Phone Pairing Update Rolls Out Android 17 Pixels

Google has identified a first-time setup timing issue that caused connectivity problems for users pairing their phones with new Googlebook laptops. This issue is not related to hardware malfunctions. A fix is being rolled out via a Google Play Services app update, which began this week, addressing the setup sequence and ensuring the QR code clears correctly for phone recognition. Supported devices running Android 17 can pair successfully, but some users may still experience issues if the update hasn't reached their devices. Samsung Galaxy phones, including the latest models, are not yet compatible, and a fix for these devices is expected in the coming weeks. The update is free and delivered through Google Play Services.

Winsage

October 8, 2026

I have to settle for this AI recreation because Microsoft won’t share its gorgeous new Windows 11 wallpaper

Microsoft has a history of creating and commissioning unique wallpapers for its product launches, with each version of Windows featuring its own official wallpaper collection. At a recent Windows and Surface event, a new wallpaper was seen on RTX Spark laptops, but Microsoft has not yet released it publicly. An X user recreated this wallpaper using ChatGPT, while AI has been previously used to enhance Windows wallpapers. The RTX Spark laptops are available for preorder, with shipments starting on October 16, 2026, and the official wallpaper is expected to be released soon.

AppWizard

October 7, 2026

Google Acknowledges Day 1 Android App Performance Issues on New Laptops

Google's newly launched Intel-based Googlebooks may have compatibility issues with certain Android applications, as some apps designed for Arm chips might require developer adjustments to function optimally. The affected models include three produced by Lenovo, Acer, and Asus, which use Intel's Panther Lake architecture. In contrast, the two models from Dell and HP utilize Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite chips and are expected to run all Play Store apps without issues. Performance challenges are anticipated due to the incompatibility of Intel silicon with Android software. The initial wave of Googlebooks is available for purchase, with prices starting at 9 for the Acer model. Each device includes a year of Google AI Pro, Nvidia’s GeForce Now, three months of YouTube Premium, and Adobe Photoshop.

AppWizard

October 5, 2026

Intel’s Googlebooks might not run some Android apps as well as Qualcomm’s — Google says this is because Android apps were designed for Arm chips

Google recently launched five new laptops called Googlebooks, which support native Android app compatibility. These laptops use either Intel or Qualcomm chipsets, and while most Android apps run well on both, some complex applications may need adjustments for optimal performance on Intel systems. Specific applications that may face issues have not been disclosed. The Dell XPS Googlebook and HP Googlebook 14 models use Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite chips, potentially offering a more consistent user experience. The use of Kotlin and Java in app development suggests many apps will work effectively on Intel Googlebooks, although some applications rely on ARM64 components without x86-64 versions. Solutions like Intel Bridge and Android’s Native Bridge exist for translating ARM64 code, but challenges may persist if developers do not consider x86 architecture.

AppWizard

October 5, 2026

Don’t Expect Every New Googlebook App to Play Nice With Intel Chips

In 2024, Google launched five laptops running the new Googlebook OS, which combines elements of Android and ChromeOS. Two models are powered by Qualcomm's ARM-based Snapdragon X Elite chips, while three use Intel's Core Ultra Series 3 processors. Google has stated that most Android apps run smoothly on both Intel and Qualcomm Googlebooks, but some complex apps may require developer adjustments for optimal performance on Intel platforms. Google is working with developers to enhance compatibility and performance. The Googlebook OS operates on the Android kernel, differing from the Linux kernel of ChromeOS, which presents challenges in supporting both ARM and x86 architectures. Compatibility issues are expected during the transition from ARM to x86, and Google has not provided emulation solutions similar to those in Windows 11.

Winsage

October 1, 2026

Microsoft Windows and Surface Event: What We Expect to See on Oct. 7

Microsoft will host its first dedicated laptop event in two years on Wednesday in San Francisco, focusing on innovations in Windows and Surface devices. Windows 12 will not be unveiled at the event. The event will discuss how local AI will influence the future of PCs, aligning with Microsoft's AI initiatives and partnerships with chip manufacturers like Qualcomm. Key figures, including CEO Satya Nadella and Pavan Davuluri, will speak. The potential launch of the Surface Laptop Ultra, a 15-inch model powered by Nvidia’s RTX Spark chip, is anticipated, with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang also attending. Earlier this month, Microsoft introduced new Surface laptops with Snapdragon Elite X2 chips at Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Summit. The computer hardware industry is experiencing rising prices due to increased manufacturing costs and demand for advanced chips, compounded by recent Windows licensing fee hikes. The event will begin at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET and can be watched via livestream on YouTube.

Tech Optimizer

August 27, 2026

Norton vs McAfee 2026: 8 Rounds, One Winner

Norton outperformed McAfee in several categories, including malware detection (99.8% vs. 99.71%), phishing blocking (95% vs. 94%), and speed of full scans (13:22 vs. 16:47). Norton also offers a cloud backup feature, while McAfee provides unlimited device coverage on two of its plans. In terms of support, McAfee has faster response times (40 seconds vs. 2 minutes). For households with more than three devices, McAfee's plans may be more economical, as Norton has a device limit of 10. Both brands significantly increase renewal prices, with Norton 360 Deluxe rising by 150% and McAfee's plans by 200%.

Tech Optimizer

August 17, 2026

Norton’s back-to-school deal ends August 27: $3.33/month for full family protection

Norton 360 Deluxe is a comprehensive subscription service that includes real-time threat protection, a secure VPN, a password manager, dark web monitoring, cloud backup, and parental controls. It supports up to five devices across Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, all managed from a single dashboard. The service is available for .99 for the first year during a Back to School promotion from August 17 to August 27, which is a 68% discount from the standard rate. After the first year, the subscription renews at .99 annually. Norton offers a 60-day money-back guarantee for its subscriptions.

Winsage

August 13, 2026

Windows License Price Hike: Microsoft Raises OEM Fees

Microsoft will increase licensing fees for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) by an average of 7% to 10% starting in July 2026. This increase will particularly affect larger manufacturers with significant volume orders and is expected to lead to a price hike of approximately 3% to 5% for pre-built systems. The licensing fee structure varies based on hardware tiering, volume discounts, and pre-installed software agreements. Individual builders purchasing standalone retail licenses for Windows 11 will not see any price changes. Consumers buying new laptops or pre-built desktops may notice subtle price adjustments as manufacturers adjust to the increased costs.