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Microsoft, Nvidia launch RTX Spark Windows AI PC lineup
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.
Xbox Launches New Free PC Game Perfect For Achievement Hunters
AppWizard
May 9, 2026

Xbox Launches New Free PC Game Perfect For Achievement Hunters

Xbox gamers on PC can now access a new free game called Microsoft Jewel, a sliding puzzle game from Xbox Game Studios. The game allows players to fill a meter and collect Bonus Jewels by making matches, creating Power Jewels, and clearing jewels from the board. It does not require Xbox Game Pass, but having it eliminates ads during gameplay. Players can unlock achievements in the game, which contribute to their gamerscore and can earn them points through the Xbox Rewards Hub. These points can be exchanged for in-store credit vouchers, and players with both Xbox and PC can earn double the points.
New ROG Xbox Ally Updates: Docking Improvements, Auto SR Preview, Collective Library, Enhanced Vibration, and More
AppWizard
May 1, 2026

New ROG Xbox Ally Updates: Docking Improvements, Auto SR Preview, Collective Library, Enhanced Vibration, and More

Six months ago, ASUS and AMD launched the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X in 45 countries, combining Xbox capabilities with Windows 11 in a portable format. Player feedback has led to continual updates, optimizing hundreds of games for handheld play and introducing features like Default Game Profiles and expanded Xbox mode. Recent updates include automatic gameplay transition to TV when docked, support for HDR10 and Variable Refresh Rate on certain docks, a Display Widget for adjusting settings via the Game Bar, improved controller pairing, and the Gamepad Cursor feature for non-controller supported applications. Automatic Super Resolution is now in preview for Xbox Insiders on the ROG Xbox Ally X, enhancing visual quality. The Xbox Wireless Headset now supports Bluetooth LE Audio for reduced latency and improved battery life. The Xbox PC app has been revamped to consolidate games from various storefronts into one library. Over 1,000 PC games are now compatible with handheld play, and features like Default Game Profiles and Advanced Shader Delivery have been introduced. Popular games supporting these features include Ninja Gaiden 4, Grounded 2, and others, with more titles expected in the future.
You Can Now Choose Which Games Use Quick Resume On Xbox
AppWizard
April 30, 2026

You Can Now Choose Which Games Use Quick Resume On Xbox

Microsoft is rolling out updates for Xbox consoles and the Xbox PC app as part of the April Xbox update, following a successful testing phase with Xbox Insiders in March. The update includes improved Quick Resume functionality, allowing users to toggle it off for online games that require a stable internet connection. Additionally, users can now pin more groups of games to their home screen, select custom colors for the Xbox interface, and access their play history. The Xbox app for PC has been enhanced to allow any gamepad to control the mouse cursor, pin favorite games, and add installed apps or games to the Xbox library. These updates reflect a strategy initiated by new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, who has also reduced the price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate tier.
Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era is now available in early access for PC Steam and Xbox PC Game Preview
AppWizard
April 30, 2026

Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era is now available in early access for PC Steam and Xbox PC Game Preview

Unfrozen Studio has released Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era, available on Steam Early Access and Xbox on PC (Game Preview) for .99 with a 25% launch discount until May 13. The game features six playable factions, single-player skirmish modes, procedurally generated maps, the first act of a single-player campaign, online multiplayer options, and an initial beta of a Map Editor. It supports multiple languages, including German, French, Spanish, Italian, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Turkish, Ukrainian, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, and Japanese. The game is also included in the PC Game Pass. Additional content will be added during early access, and a detailed development roadmap will be provided.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
April 20, 2026

I tested 5 PC games on the ASUS Zenbook A16 with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme: Is Windows on ARM improving?

ASUS launched its Zenbook A16 on April 7, featuring Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme processor, marking a shift in the Windows on ARM ecosystem. The Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme is a System-on-Chip (SoC) with a high-performance "Oryon" CPU and a "Hexagon" NPU for AI tasks, achieving up to 80 TOPS, along with an "Adreno" GPU for graphics. The laptop's gaming performance varies by title: 1. World of Warcraft: Midnight - Verdict: ✅ Perfect; maintained 60 FPS in demanding scenarios. 2. Cyberpunk 2077 - Verdict: 🟠 Playable; performance around 30–40 FPS on low settings, not ideal for casual gameplay. 3. Minecraft: Bedrock Edition - Verdict: ✅ Great; ran smoothly at 55–60 FPS without ray tracing. 4. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II - Verdict: ❓ TBD; lacks an ARM64 build, making it challenging to run. The findings highlight the need for native ARM64 game versions and the potential for growth in the Windows on ARM gaming sector.
Is It Us, Or Did Xbox Just Get A Major Makeover On The Microsoft Store For Windows?
Winsage
April 2, 2026

Is It Us, Or Did Xbox Just Get A Major Makeover On The Microsoft Store For Windows?

The Microsoft Store app for Windows has undergone a significant redesign, particularly in its "Gaming" section, making it more visually appealing and user-friendly. The new design features rectangular game cards and a modern aesthetic, especially under the "dark" color scheme. Users have reported smoother and more intuitive navigation within the app. This update may encourage gamers to purchase games directly through the Microsoft Store instead of relying on the Xbox PC app or other storefronts like Steam and the Epic Games Store.
Ubisoft Teams With Xbox To Bring 'Heroes Of Might And Magic: Olden Era' To PC Game Pass
AppWizard
April 1, 2026

Ubisoft Teams With Xbox To Bring ‘Heroes Of Might And Magic: Olden Era’ To PC Game Pass

Ubisoft and Hooded Horse have partnered with Xbox to launch Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era on April 30th on the Xbox PC app and PC Game Pass. A free demo on Steam has received a "Mostly Positive" rating from nearly 2,000 users. The game features strategic empire building, turn-based tactical battles, and RPG mechanics, set in a vibrant world with a narrative campaign. It will be released as a "Game Preview," indicating it is a work in progress. Discussions about a potential Xbox console port are not a priority at this time.
Microsoft lets PC users add third-party games and apps to the Xbox App
AppWizard
March 19, 2026

Microsoft lets PC users add third-party games and apps to the Xbox App

Xbox's forthcoming Project Helix console is expected to support both console and PC games, featuring an "Xbox Mode" interface that transitions to a full Windows environment. A new enhancement allows users to incorporate third-party games and applications into the Xbox PC app launcher. A preview version of the Xbox app includes a plus icon in the My Library tab, enabling users to add programs to their Xbox library. Users can browse through File Explorer to select ".exe" and ".cmd" files for inclusion. Added applications appear as unofficial "games" in the My Library section, with options to play, remove, or edit them, including modifying file locations and artwork. The official launch of the console is not expected until at least late 2027.
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