technology Archives

Winsage

June 2, 2026

Microsoft showcases AI and Windows developer tools

Microsoft's annual developer conference, Build 2026, will take place on June 2-3 in San Francisco and online, featuring a keynote by CEO Satya Nadella. The event is expected to unveil the Copilot "super app," a new reasoning AI model, and a developer-focused Windows 11 experience. The agenda includes topics such as developer tools, cloud platforms, responsible AI practices, and Windows development insights. Attendees can anticipate new software development kits (SDKs), innovative model access patterns, and enhancements to Windows developer ergonomics.

AppWizard

June 2, 2026

Forget AI: Nvidia RTX Spark could be game-changing for gaming handhelds

Nvidia unveiled the RTX Spark chips at Computex 2026, featuring a 20-core Nvidia Grace CPU and an Nvidia Blackwell RTX GPU with 6,144 CUDA cores, comparable to the GeForce RTX 5070 desktop GPU. The chips utilize NVLINK technology for faster data transfer than PCI Express. They support DLSS 4.5 upscaling technology, which enhances performance without the issues of DLSS 5. Currently, the gaming handheld market has limited DLSS support, with the Nintendo Switch 2 being an exception. Community feedback indicates a preference for DLSS 4.5 over native visuals. RTX Spark chips are expected to debut in laptops and mini PCs by the end of 2026, with potential for handheld gaming devices. Pricing and power consumption remain uncertain, and Nvidia's DGX Spark mini PC retails for ,699, suggesting high costs for RTX Spark systems. Nvidia claims these laptops will run AAA games at 1440p and over 100 frames per second, but details on power draw and battery life are unclear.

Winsage

June 2, 2026

Microsoft, Nvidia launch RTX Spark Windows AI PC lineup

Microsoft and Nvidia have launched a new series of Windows PCs powered by the Nvidia RTX Spark platform, featuring devices from manufacturers like Surface, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and MSI. The RTX Spark platform delivers up to 1 petaflop of AI performance, with up to 20 Arm-based CPU cores, 6,144 Blackwell RTX cores, and 128GB of unified memory. Microsoft has optimized Windows for this architecture, enhancing scheduling, power management, and memory handling. The new workload profile scheduling feature optimizes task distribution across the cores, while the Microsoft Power and Thermal Framework improves performance, battery life, and heat management. Windows' support for unified memory has been enhanced, allowing for larger AI models and demanding creative tasks. Microsoft's Prism emulator for x86 applications has been optimized for RTX Spark systems, improving compatibility and speed. Creative applications like Blender, DaVinci Resolve, and Adobe Photoshop are supported, along with MATLAB for technical users. Gaming support includes native anti-cheat software and compatibility with popular titles such as League of Legends and Valorant. The new systems are categorized under Microsoft's Copilot+ PC line, which combines AI processing with enhanced graphics capabilities. Devices showcased include Microsoft's Surface Laptop Ultra and models from Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and MSI. Microsoft also plans to scale Windows to the Nvidia DGX Station for Windows, enabling larger AI models and workstation-class workloads. The initiative aims to unify AI workloads across consumer PCs, creator laptops, and workstations, allowing users to run larger models locally and integrate AI computing into their workflows.

Winsage

June 2, 2026

No Windows 12 at Build, but Microsoft has something else up its sleeve

Pavan Davuluri, President of Microsoft’s Windows + Devices division, announced that Windows 12 will not be released at Build 2026, dispelling speculation about the new OS. Microsoft is shifting focus towards enhancing high-performance gaming and integrating local AI capabilities into the Arm architecture, in collaboration with Nvidia and MediaTek. The Nvidia N1X Arm processor will debut in the Surface Laptop Ultra, which features a powerful NVIDIA Blackwell RTX GPU and up to 128GB of unified memory, designed for demanding tasks like AI creation and 3D rendering, with 1 petaflop of AI compute power.

Winsage

June 2, 2026

NVIDIA reveals if RTX Spark (N1X) can run all your Windows 11 apps

NVIDIA has introduced the RTX Spark, an Arm-based processor codenamed N1X, designed to run all Windows applications seamlessly in collaboration with Microsoft. The processor features up to 128GB of unified memory, native support for AI agents, and is integrated with NVIDIA’s graphics stack. The Surface Laptop Ultra is among the first devices to utilize this processor. Jensen Huang, NVIDIA's CEO, claims the RTX Spark can run 100% of NVIDIA’s software stack and has been meticulously optimized for compatibility with Windows applications. While many popular applications and games now run natively on Windows on Arm, NVIDIA has not yet released performance benchmarks for the RTX Spark. The "Prism" emulator allows Windows apps designed for x86 processors to run on Arm hardware through real-time translation, enhancing performance. Recent updates to Windows 11 have improved support for various x86 extensions, increasing compatibility for applications.

AppWizard

June 1, 2026

In 1997, Warren Spector told us the upcoming PC classic Deus Ex was inspired by Final Fantasy, Miyamoto, and ‘the console guys’

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

Live From Microsoft Build 2026 San Francisco

The Microsoft Build conference is scheduled for June 2 to 3 in San Francisco, where the company will unveil innovations for Windows. Key announcements expected include enhancements to Copilot with AI integration, new Arm-based hardware for improved performance, and developer tools to support application development within the Windows ecosystem.

Winsage

June 1, 2026

Nvidia launches Windows laptop chip in consumer PC push

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 share price rallies as Windows on Arm, NVIDIA N1X, and RTX Spark drive investor confidence

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

Microsoft previews Surface Laptop Ultra and AI-focused Windows platform ahead of Build

Microsoft unveiled the Surface Laptop Ultra at the Nvidia GTC event, highlighting its strategy for the Windows platform and a focus on on-device AI capabilities. The integration with Nvidia aims to enhance performance for users engaged in resource-intensive tasks and streamline developer workflows. The Surface Laptop Ultra is designed for a diverse range of users, including creative professionals and developers, and is intended to support next-generation AI applications. Microsoft is emphasizing the development of on-device AI agents to reduce reliance on cloud processing and improve responsiveness.