PC

AppWizard
June 1, 2026
A friend gifted the 1997 PC Gamer US "Holiday Extravaganza" issue, which contains 456 pages of content related to PC gaming. Gary Whitta was the editor-in-chief, and he reviewed the game Dark Forces 2: Jedi Knight with a score of 94%. The issue features an interview with game designer Warren Spector, who discusses his move to Ion Storm and the development of Deus Ex. Chris Norden, the lead programmer for Deus Ex, expressed concerns about the Quake engine's limitations for their project, stating that choosing Unreal over Quake was crucial for the game's development. The interview was originally published in PC Gamer Vol. 4 #12, December 1997.
Winsage
June 1, 2026
Nvidia has introduced a new laptop chip for Windows machines, aiming to compete with Apple, Intel, and AMD, although the devices will likely be priced at a premium. This initiative is part of Nvidia's strategy to diversify its offerings amid record profits from data center processors. CEO Jensen Huang stated that the chip can handle complex tasks and emphasized its optimization for a wide range of applications. Nvidia's market value has surpassed a trillion dollars, driven by demand for AI technology. Analysts view this new CPU as a potential threat to existing laptop chip designs, particularly for Intel and AMD, and it is expected to enhance the performance of AI services on personal computers. Huang described this development as a significant reinvention of PCs, comparable to the evolution of phones into smartphones.
Winsage
June 1, 2026
Microsoft's stock has nearly recovered from year-to-date losses, driven by Azure growth, advancements in AI, and developments at Computex. NVIDIA and Microsoft announced a collaboration for an Arm-based Windows future. NVIDIA introduced the N1X chipset, promising RTX graphics and compatibility with all Windows applications, showcased through demonstrations of Forza Horizon 6 and 007 First Light. The upcoming Surface Laptop Ultra will leverage the N1X's power. Microsoft's stock rose 3% following the N1X announcement, while AMD and Intel shares declined. Analysts are optimistic about Microsoft's trajectory, especially with the adoption of Copilot and its position in AI-oriented PC hardware. However, rising memory prices due to AI infrastructure expansion have dampened consumer confidence. Speculation suggests the Surface Laptop Ultra could be priced at ,999.99 or higher. Concerns exist about the sustainability of the AI build-out and potential fiscal risks for Microsoft and its peers.
Winsage
June 1, 2026
Computex is currently underway, and Microsoft Build is set to start soon, focusing on advancements in Windows and artificial intelligence. Microsoft and NVIDIA have launched the NVIDIA RTX Spark platform with the N1x chip, aimed at transforming PC application development and supporting the transition of Windows apps to ARM architecture. Microsoft is working to increase the number of native applications for Windows 11 and will share insights during Build. The keynote by CEO Satya Nadella will be streamed live without registration, but full event access requires prior registration, which is now closed. The session catalog includes hundreds of offerings, with many exclusive to in-person attendees. Comprehensive coverage of key announcements will be provided throughout the week, and discussions can continue on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral.
Winsage
June 1, 2026
Nvidia unveiled its RTX Spark superchip on May 31st, combining a 20-core Arm-based Grace CPU with a Blackwell RTX GPU, marking its entry into the Windows PC market. The chip features up to 128GB of unified memory, 1 petaflop of AI compute capability, and 6,144 CUDA cores. It will debut in laptops and compact desktops from manufacturers like ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Microsoft Surface, and MSI, with Acer and GIGABYTE expected to follow. Microsoft collaborated with Nvidia to develop new Windows security features for on-device AI agents. The RTX Spark, previously known as N1X, has been in development for three years, with initial reports in 2023 and delays attributed to advancements in Arm technology and notebook demand. Microsoft's Windows on Arm initiative, previously exclusive to Qualcomm, has opened opportunities for MediaTek, Nvidia, and AMD. The RTX Spark aims to enhance local AI applications, with Adobe reengineering its software for the platform and over 100 software vendors supporting it. However, challenges remain, including reliance on x86 emulation and delays in the next-generation Windows on Arm platform. Pricing details are scarce, but the RTX Spark is expected to be positioned at a premium price point.
AppWizard
June 1, 2026
Wizards of the Coast is planning a revival of classic titles, specifically focusing on remakes of Baldur's Gate and Baldur's Gate 2. Kevin Martens, a former BioWare developer known for his work on Baldur's Gate 2, is involved with Archetype Entertainment, a subsidiary of Wizards of the Coast. Fans are hoping for gameplay that combines nostalgia with modern mechanics, including real-time-with-pause battles and an optional turn-based mode. Hasbro, Wizards of the Coast's parent company, has faced challenges in leveraging the success of Baldur's Gate 3 and has canceled a Dungeons & Dragons game while leaving Warlock as the only remaining project outside the traditional Baldur's Gate experience.
Winsage
June 1, 2026
Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows and Windows 11 Pro are available for .97, reduced from 9.99, until June 14 or while supplies last. The bundle includes features like enhanced multitasking tools, remote desktop access, BitLocker encryption, Hyper-V virtualization, and Windows Copilot for Windows 11 Pro, as well as lifetime access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneNote, Publisher, and Access for Microsoft Office 2021. The applications can be used offline without a subscription.
Winsage
June 1, 2026
Microsoft has recently enhanced Windows 11 and introduced the Surface Laptop Ultra, which features 128GB of unified memory and full CUDA support, powered by RTX Spark technology. This device represents a new direction for Microsoft's hardware offerings. The company has also reduced the visibility of its Copilot feature in response to customer feedback. Satya Nadella's exit from the mobile sector has received mixed reactions, and there is a historical context regarding Microsoft's partnerships with NVIDIA and Qualcomm in developing ARM architecture. The collaboration with NVIDIA raises questions about the future potential of Windows on ARM, although concerns exist regarding the high pricing of the Surface Laptop Ultra due to increased AI demand affecting component costs.
AppWizard
June 1, 2026
Android smartphones can replace several traditional office gadgets, including: - Scanner: A smartphone camera can digitize documents using free document scanner apps, eliminating the need for a physical scanner. QR scanner apps can also read QR codes and barcodes. - IR Remote: Some smartphones have built-in IR blasters, while others can use a small adapter and an app to function as universal remotes. - Computer Microphone: Smartphones can be used as microphones for computers through apps like Micstream or AudioRelay, enabling communication on platforms like Discord or Zoom. - Computer: Android phones can mimic desktop PCs using applications like Samsung DeX or Remote Desktop functionality. Virtual machines can emulate different operating systems, but may struggle with demanding applications. Installing Windows directly onto a phone is possible but risky.
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