Google has released a Squid Game Easter egg that can be accessed by searching for "Squid Game" on Google. The Easter egg is an in-browser game based on the Red Light, Green Light game from the show.
Epic Games is offering a free copy of the game CONTROL to PC gamers until tomorrow. CONTROL, released in 2019, is a third-person action adventure game featuring stunning visuals, exceptional gunplay, and destructible environments. Players take on the role of Jesse Faden, the new Director of the Federal Bureau of Control, in a surreal world. The game utilizes the Northlight Engine and includes advanced technologies like Ray Tracing and DLSS 2.0. CONTROL does not officially support DLSS 3, but players can enable FSR 3.0 Frame Generation using Optiscaler. A video guide is available for installing FSR 3.1.1 Frame Generation. CONTROL 2 is currently in development by Remedy.
Windows 10 support will end in October 2025, prompting users to transition to Windows 11 Pro. Windows 11 Pro includes productivity tools like the Microsoft Copilot AI Assistant, which is powered by GPT-4 Turbo. A promotional offer allows users to purchase Windows 11 Pro for .97 until January 12 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Key features of Windows 11 Pro include Snap layouts, enhanced photo editing, improved voice typing, and an upgraded search experience. It also offers security upgrades such as biometric login and encrypted authentication. For gamers, Windows 11 Pro supports DirectX 12 Ultimate for enhanced graphics.
Microsoft has announced that users attempting to upgrade to Windows 11 on unsupported devices would face consequences, including the introduction of an incompatibility watermark. This watermark began appearing on some users' desktops in 2022 but has not been implemented in stable builds of Windows 11 as of 2025. Despite many PCs being deemed incompatible due to the TPM 2.0 requirement, Microsoft has not enforced the watermark and even released an official registry fix to hide it. The watermark was initially spotted in preview builds but was rolled back in stable versions. Concerns were raised about its placement, as it could confuse users with other system messages. There is a growing sentiment that Microsoft should allow users to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware at their own risk, without the watermark reminder.
Windows 11 features a sleek interface and enhanced security measures. It includes an AI assistant called Copilot, which uses GPT-4 Turbo for task automation and productivity. AI capabilities are also integrated into applications like Paint, allowing users to easily edit images. Windows 11 Pro is available for .97 until January 12 at 11:59 p.m. PT, down from its regular price of 9.
Windows 11 is recommended for various users, including gamers, creators, and office professionals. StackSocial is offering a promotion for Windows 11, with the Pro version available for a reduced price and the Home version also discounted. Buyers should ensure their computers are compatible with Windows 11, as not all machines can support it. Upon purchasing, an activation key is provided for installation, which must be redeemed within 30 days. The installation process is straightforward for upgrades, but advanced users may need additional steps. The digital deal allows for immediate delivery, making it suitable for last-minute gifts. Future sales on Windows 11 Pro are uncertain, and it may be wise to purchase now rather than wait for potential discounts.
Microsoft is redesigning the "About" page within the Windows 10 Settings app to align with its strategy to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11. The new design features a visually appealing layout that includes bubble-like boxes displaying key system specifications such as installed RAM, processor details, graphics card specifications, and storage breakdown. A "Frequently Asked Questions" section has been added, addressing basic queries and subtly promoting the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11. Additionally, the Settings homepage will feature colorful icons that reflect the user's accent color, although there are inconsistencies in the application of these colors across different icons.
A festive banner featuring a Christmas wreath and labeled “Christmas.exe” has appeared on some ASUS PCs, causing confusion among users who feared it was malware. This banner is part of a promotional campaign integrated into the Armoury Crate software, which comes pre-installed on certain ASUS systems. Users reported that the banner occupies a large portion of the screen and prompts them to “Press ESC to exit.” The association with the process “Christmas.exe” in Task Manager heightened concerns about a potential ransomware attack. The process is located within ASUS program files and is tied to the Aura effects in the Armoury Crate software. Users expressed frustration over its intrusive nature and reported issues like RAM leaks. To prevent these promotions, users can uninstall ASUS Armoury Crate or disable it from the BIOS. The banner is expected to disappear after the holiday season.
Microsoft has officially ceased security support for Windows 10. Windows 11 Pro is available for .97, a 90% discount from its regular price of 9. This promotion runs until December 22 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Windows 11 Pro includes enhanced security features such as Microsoft Information Protection, BitLocker encryption, advanced antivirus defenses, and biometric login support. It also offers productivity tools like Windows Hello for Business and AI capabilities through Windows Copilot.
Humble is offering the Silent Night Deadly Night Bundle, which includes seven DRM-free games. The first tier features Aragami, They Always Run, Kunai, and Sclash. For a higher price, players can unlock Aragami 2 and Furi, with Slave Zero X available at the final tier. The bundle provides DRM-free GOG keys.
The Epic Games Store is hosting a holiday giveaway with daily free games. Today's game is Astrea: Six-Sided Oracles, a roguelike deckbuilder that uses dice.
The final Steam sale of 2024 has started, featuring thousands of discounts on popular games without the need for coupons.
The GOG store's winter sale includes over 6,000 DRM-free games, with a free game, Chicken Assassin: Reloaded, currently available. Availability and pricing may vary by region.
