USB4 Archives

Winsage

March 2, 2025

Microsoft shares more information about USB settings in Windows 11

In 2023, Windows 11 introduced official USB4 support with data transfer speeds of 40Gbps, later expanded to 80 and 120Gbps. A dedicated Settings page for managing USB4 devices and hubs was added. Recent updates included connection notifications for issues, alerts for slow charging due to incompatible chargers, a USB battery saver feature for energy conservation, and a section detailing connected USB4 devices. These settings are located under Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > USB, with some features being device-specific.

Winsage

December 10, 2024

Our favorite mini PC is affordable and perfect for photo and video editing — Right now, you can get it at a special low price with this coupon code

The Geekom A8 mini PC features a Ryzen 7 CPU and Radeon 780M integrated graphics, making it suitable for tasks like web browsing, media streaming, and photo/video editing. It runs on Windows 11 Home and offers options for AMD R9-8945HS or R7-8845HS CPUs with a TDP of 45W, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and PCIe Gen 4 storage ranging from 1TB to 2TB. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and various ports: 3x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, 1x USB-A 2.0, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, 1x USB4 Gen 3, 1x 3.5mm headphone jack, 1x RJ45, and 2x HDMI 2.0. The A8 is currently available for 9.00, discounted to 9.00 with the code WINDOWSA8R7. The package includes a VESA mount, manual, HDMI cable, and power adapter, but users must provide their own keyboard, mouse, and monitor. The A8 received a four and a half-star review for its performance and port availability.

Winsage

November 17, 2024

Microsoft Weekly: one dead Insider Channel, a big drop of Windows updates, and more

November 2024's Patch Tuesday updates have been released for Windows 11 and Windows 10, including KB5046617 and KB5046633 for Windows 11, and KB5046613, KB5046615, KB5046612, and KB5046665 for Windows 10. These updates address security vulnerabilities and resolve app crashes on Windows 10 and Task Manager issues on Windows 11. Microsoft has introduced new group policies to prevent auto-upgrades for Windows Server 2022 and 2019. Both Windows 10 and 11 will see a reduction in updates starting December 2024. Official Windows 11 ISO files for ARM devices have been released. The Microsoft Store will remove instant games from the Arcade tab on November 14, 2024, but will introduce Android games through a partnership with Tencent. A new "Edit with Paint" context menu option has been added for Windows Insiders. Windows 10's Beta Channel has been discontinued, transitioning users to the Release Preview Channel. Microsoft has reintroduced the MSN brand with a new logo. Microsoft Edge has been updated to version 131, and notable driver updates include Intel's 32.0.101.6297 and Nvidia's 566.14 WHQL. Upcoming game releases include Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on December 9 and S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2: Heart of Chornobyl on November 20. Blizzard announced remasters of Warcraft I and II. Age of Empires II's fifth anniversary has led to unlocked DLC packs for existing owners and Game Pass subscribers. The Game Pass library has added three Spyro games. Discounts on Xbox Series X|S consoles and controllers are available for the holiday season, along with a software update for Xbox consoles introducing new features. The Epic Games Store is offering free games, including Castlevania Anniversary Collection and Snakebird Complete.

Winsage

October 5, 2024

Lilbits: Goodbye Windows Mixed Reality, Hello Raspberry Pi 500, 80 Gbps USB4 v2 cables, and Rockchip RK3688 processor – Liliputing

Microsoft has concluded its support for Windows Mixed Reality with the rollout of Windows 11 24H2, which no longer accommodates virtual reality headsets from Acer, HP, and Lenovo. Rockchip is set to launch its RK3688 processor in 2025 or 2026, featuring an Armv9.3 CPU and supporting up to 16 TOPS of AI performance. A new Raspberry Pi model, the Raspberry Pi 500, is in development, likely featuring the same processor as the Raspberry Pi 5. Google will discontinue its ferrochrome app for running Chrome OS in a virtual machine on Android devices. Samsung is adapting its Tizen operating system for compatibility with RISC-V processors. ELECOM will release Japan's first certified USB4 Version 2.0 Type-C cables, supporting data transfer speeds of up to 80 Gbps and 240W USB Power Delivery.

Winsage

October 1, 2024

Windows 11 24H2, the biggest update in two years, starts rolling out today

Microsoft has begun the rollout of the Windows 11 2024 Update (24H2), targeting users on versions 22H2 or 23H2 who opted for quicker access to new feature updates. The update introduces new features such as the Energy Saver, support for Wi-Fi 7 and 80Gbps USB4 Version 2.0 ports, text labels for common actions in the right-click context menu, and refinements in Quick Settings panels. For PCs meeting the Copilot+ program requirements (16GB RAM, 256GB storage, NPU with 40 trillion operations per second), advanced features like an enhanced Recall feature, improved Windows Search, "super resolution" for the Photos app, and generative fill and erase in Paint will be available. The 24H2 update is the most significant change to Windows 11 since the 22H2 update and retains the existing branding despite speculation about a "Windows 12." The update includes technical improvements to the compiler, kernel, and scheduler, enhancing performance and compatibility, particularly for the Arm-to-x86 app translation layer called "Prism." The official system requirements remain unchanged, but the criteria for unsupported installations have tightened, now requiring 64-bit PCs that support the SSE 4.2 instruction set and the POPCNT instruction, which may render some older CPUs incompatible.

Winsage

July 21, 2024

Samsung’s new AI Windows laptop is great if you ignore the AI

The Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge is a laptop with exceptional performance, a comfortable keyboard, a lightweight design, and a great display. However, the battery life is less than advertised, the 16-inch version is enormous, and some apps run slower or not at all due to compatibility issues with the Qualcomm Snapdragon chip.

Winsage

July 10, 2024

Plugable USBC-TRAN USB 3.0 Transfer Cable with USB-C Adapter is compatible with Windows XP through Windows 11

Plugable has launched the USB 3.0 Transfer Cable with USB-C Adapter (USBC-TRAN) for seamless data migration between Windows computers. It is compatible with both USB-C and USB-A ports, supporting devices from older models to the latest ones. The cable utilizes USB 3.0 technology for high-speed data transfer rates up to 5Gbps, making it faster than cloud services or external hard drives. The USBC-TRAN comes with Bravura Easy Computer Sync software for easy file transfers and is available for purchase on Amazon for .95 with a 20 percent discount at launch.

Winsage

July 1, 2024

I bought the cheapest Surface Pro Copilot+ PC – here are my 3 takeaways as a Windows expert

The Microsoft Surface Pro's battery life is exceptional, lasting twice as long as PCs built with Intel CPUs.

Winsage

June 27, 2024

HP OmniBook X review: a new breed of Windows laptop | Digital Trends

The HP OmniBook X comes in two configurations: one with a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100 chipset, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, and another with a 1TB SSD for an additional 0. The laptop features a 14.0-inch 2.2K IPS display, touch capabilities, and a 5MP webcam with infrared camera for Windows 11 Hello facial recognition.

Winsage

June 22, 2024

Surface Pro 11 vs. MacBook Pro 14 (M3): Comparing design, features, and performance

The Surface Pro 11 starts at around ,000 with the Snapdragon X Plus SoC, 16GB of RAM, an LCD display tied to the X Plus chip, and a 256GB SSD. Upgrading to a 512GB SSD adds about 0. The MacBook Pro 14 with the M3 chip starts at ,599 with 8GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and a mini-LED display.