Meta Horizon Plus is teaming up with Xbox to bring the "starter edition" Xbox Game Pass, which includes a library of 50+ games, to VR users on Quest headsets.
A growing number of LG monitor users have reported that connecting their devices to Windows systems results in the automatic installation of the LG Monitor App Installer, which prompts users with a McAfee trial advertisement. YouTuber Gamers Nexus found that connecting an LG UltraGear monitor led to the installation of LG's driver package and the LG Monitor App Installer, with the McAfee pop-up appearing 31 times over 32 boots. This automatic installation is facilitated by device metadata, which Windows uses to download associated applications without user notification. Users must be signed into the Microsoft Store and connected to the internet for this to occur, leading to frustrations about transparency. Reports of unsolicited McAfee pop-ups have been shared on platforms like Reddit, with users confirming the app's installation was logged as part of a Windows Update. LG has acknowledged the inclusion of McAfee in their app updates, promoting a free trial, which has raised privacy concerns. The app's rating on the Microsoft Store has dropped to around 1 out of 5 due to user dissatisfaction. Users can prevent automatic installations by adjusting Group Policy settings, while macOS requires manual approval for third-party applications. Neither Microsoft nor LG has formally addressed the concerns regarding silent installations and McAfee pop-ups.
Microsoft released an unscheduled update for Windows 11, designated as KB5121767, targeting users on versions 24H2 and 25H2 to address performance issues on certain Dell PCs and laptops with Intel Innovation Platform Framework drivers. The update aims to fix degraded battery life, increased power consumption, and unexpected system behavior caused by conflicts with these drivers. Affected devices primarily include newer Dell models such as the Precision, XPS, and Pro Max series. Users can obtain the update automatically if they have enabled the relevant option in Windows Update or manually through Settings or the Microsoft Update Catalog. The update modifies the Windows build number to 26200.8894 for 25H2 and 26100.8894 for 24H2 and includes previous security and quality enhancements. Microsoft recommends the update for users experiencing sluggish performance or erratic behavior after July updates, particularly those with recent Dell devices with Intel processors.
Windows 10 officially reached its end of support in October 2025. Windows 11 has a 78.8% share of Windows devices, while Windows 10 maintains 16.9%. A typical Windows 10 device has an average of 1,903 active Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs), compared to 652 on Windows 11, with 66.6% of Windows 10 vulnerabilities rated as high or critical. Microsoft's Extended Security Updates (ESU) program has been extended until October 12, 2027, providing critical security patches for eligible Windows 10 devices. The rise in memory and storage prices has made older Windows 10-compatible hardware more economically viable for some users.
The latest Creativity Trend Report from Michaels indicates a 919% increase in searches for traditional hobbies like journaling, sewing, and crafting parties, with yarn accessory sales growing by 40% compared to the previous year. This trend reflects a cultural movement, particularly among Gen Z, who are experiencing AI fatigue and seeking balance between technology and analog activities. Microsoft has faced challenges with its Copilot+ initiative, leading to user backlash and a retraction of AI features from less effective applications. The company is considering adapting AI features for GPUs and is exploring ways to enhance user focus in Windows 11, potentially aligning with the analog revival trend.
The Planet Crafter, developed by Miju Games, is set to debut on Xbox Game Pass on July 21. It is a space survival open-world terraforming crafting game that supports 1 to 10 players, allowing them to transform inhospitable planets into habitable environments. The game has received positive feedback, with a Metacritic score of 81 and an "Overwhelmingly Positive" rating on Steam from over 35,500 reviews. The Planet Crafter will be available on the Ultimate, Premium, and PC Game Pass tiers, with plans to be added to the Essential tier in the future. It will also be released on PlayStation 5 and is available on the GOG platform for PC users.
The Nameless Mod (TNM) is a fan mod for the game Deus Ex, developed over seven years within a forum community. It features a chaotic power struggle among factions such as goat worshippers and llama devotees, with characters using sporks as weapons and quirky phrases like "What the radish?" The mod is considered a strong contender for the best sequel to Deus Ex, alongside Mankind Divided. It was first highlighted in PC Gamer in June 2010 for its adventurous spirit. TNM expands on the original game's elements, offering a unique experience in the gaming landscape of 2026. It is available on ModDB and the Steam Workshop for Deus Ex: Revision.
A lifetime license for Windows 11 Pro and Microsoft Office Pro is available for .97 until July 26 at 11:59 p.m. PT, significantly reduced from the regular price of 9.99. This bundle includes essential applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and allows installation on a single Windows PC without recurring fees. Windows 11 Pro offers features like BitLocker encryption, Hyper-V, and Windows Sandbox, along with core functionalities like Snap layouts and DirectX 12 Ultimate.
The "2K Megahits 2026 Bundle" from Humble includes 15 Steam games for a limited time, featuring popular titles from the 2010s such as BioShock Infinite, Risk of Rain 2, Borderlands 3, and XCOM: Enemy Unknown. The bundle is available until August 7th and is experiencing high demand, leading to a depletion of keys for certain games. Notable games include Risk of Rain 2, which offers engaging roguelike gameplay, and XCOM: Enemy Unknown, a well-regarded turn-based strategy game. The bundle also features three Borderlands titles: Borderlands 3 Special Edition, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, and Tales from the Borderlands. Other included games are BioShock Infinite, Duke Nukem 3D, Bulletstorm, and Hidden and Dangerous. A portion of the proceeds will support Covenant House, assisting young individuals facing homelessness, and buyers can customize their donation allocation during checkout. The full list of games in the bundle includes:
- Risk of Rain 2
- Borderlands 3 Standard Edition
- Mafia II: Definitive Edition
- BioShock Infinite
- Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands
- The Quarry
- Tribes of Midgard Deluxe Edition
- Homeworld Remastered Collection
- Tales from the Borderlands
- Bulletstorm Full Clip Edition
- Duke Nukem 3D: 20th Anniversary World Tour
- Hidden and Dangerous Bundle
- The Darkness II
- X-COM: UFO Defense
- XCOM Enemy Unknown
NVIDIA announced the RTX Spark at Computex 2026, prompting competition among major silicon market players, including Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm. Samsung is entering the market with its custom silicon for AI-driven PCs, named GAIA, marking its first development of PC-centric silicon since 2012. GAIA will function as a companion Neural Processing Unit (NPU) rather than a traditional System-on-Chip (SoC). It is expected to use a 4nm process and may incorporate processing-in-memory (PIM) capabilities. Lenovo China and HP USA have received samples for testing. Competitors like Snapdragon X/X2, Intel Core Ultra, and AMD Ryzen AI are integrating NPUs with at least 40 TOPS. Samsung's GAIA has not been officially confirmed, and details regarding TOPS, power consumption, and pricing are unclear. The 40 TOPS benchmark by Microsoft for integrated NPUs raises questions about how GAIA would be evaluated alongside Intel or AMD CPUs.
