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Zac Bowden
Zac Bowden is a Senior Editor at Windows Central. Bringing you exclusive coverage into the world of Windows 10 on PCs, tablets, phones, and more. Also an avid collector of rare Microsoft prototype devices! Keep in touch on Twitter: @zacbowden.
All Articles by Zac Bowden
Editorial
Should Microsoft consider full Windows 10 on the Surface Neo?
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At this point, who knows if Windows 10X will ever ship. I'm more worried about the Surface Neo, which is at risk of never launching if Windows 10X doesn't. Should Microsoft attempt to ship Surface Neo with full Windows 10 instead? I think they could and should. Here are my thoughts.
RIP 10X
Windows 10X won't launch this year as Microsoft focuses on full Windows 10
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A new report from today claims that Microsoft has put Windows 10X on hold indefinitely, with no plans to bring it to market this year. This comes after Microsoft publicly delayed Windows 10X, promising a launch in 2021 that would come first to single-screen PCs. Now, it looks like that plan has been totally scrapped, and 10X is now on the backburner as Microsoft refocuses its efforts on the full version of
New build
Microsoft rolls out Windows 10 build 21376 to Insiders in the Dev Channel
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It's another week, which means it's time for another Windows 10 preview build for Insiders to begin testing. Today's build is 21376 and is rolling out now in the Insider Dev Channel with a bunch of fixes and changes. This builds notable new change is a new Segoe UI Variable font that eventually be the new default font in Windows 10.
Yay May
The next Windows 10 feature update will arrive in May, Microsoft confirms
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Microsoft has today confirmed that the next Windows 10 feature update, known up until now as version 21H1, will begin rolling out in May. The update will be called the "May 2021 Update" and will be a very minor release featuring the ability to choose between multiple Windows Hello webcams and a couple of enterprise-focused additions.
What to expect
Here's all we know so far about Microsoft Build 2021
Microsoft Build is happening once again this year. Just like last year, the Build conference will be a virtual event that anyone can attend. Here's everything we know so far.
Buyers Guide
Need a laptop with a Thunderbolt 3 port? Every PC here deserves a look.
Looking for a new laptop that has Thunderbolt 3 ports? Well, you're in luck, as we've rounded up what we think are the best Thunderbolt 3 enabled laptops available to buy today.
Fake News and Disinterests
On this week's podcast ... new Microsoft Store, Surface Duo, Windows 10
We're back with another exciting episode of the Windows Central Podcast, and this week, what's up with all the inexplicable whining about the upcoming Windows 10 Taskbar feature 'News and Interests'? Zac also delivers an exclusive report on Microsoft's work to revitalize the app store for Windows 10. Daniel has his full review of Surface Laptop 4, plus they chat about the latest Surface Duo update, GroupMe, iMac, and more.
Thinking aloud
Microsoft's new Windows 10 app store will allow unpackaged apps, but why?
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Last week, I wrote about some upcoming changes to the Store app on Windows 10 that Microsoft is yet to announce, that will allow app developers to bring more kinds of Win32 apps to the Store in an effort to revitalize the storefront for end-users. Windows is a desktop OS, and most users are using those desktop apps on a regular basis, so why shouldn't those apps be in the Store?
New feature!
Windows 10's new Taskbar feature 'News and Interests' will roll out soon
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Microsoft has today announced that a new Taskbar feature called "News and Interests" will begin rolling out to Windows 10 users on version 2004, 20H2, and 21H1 in the next several weeks, making this the first significant feature to be added to a version of Windows that has already shipped.
New build
Linux GUI apps arrive with latest Windows 10 Insider build
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Microsoft is back again with another Windows 10 preview build for Insiders in the Dev Channel. Today's build is 21364 and includes support for Linux GUI applications running directly on Windows using the Windows Subsystem for Linux. That, plus other minor changes and enhancements.
NEW STORE
Microsoft plans major revitalization of the Store app on Windows 10
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Microsoft is working on a brand-new Store app for Windows 10 that will introduce a modern and fluid user interface, as well as bring changes to the policies that govern what kind of apps can be submitted to the store by developers. According to sources familiar with the matter, this new Store will pave the way to a revitalized storefront that's more open to both end users and developers.
New feature for older Windows
Windows 10 2004, 20H2, and 21H1 will get 'news and interests' feature
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Microsoft has released a new preview build for the next version of Windows 10, known as version 21H1 and expected to ship publicly this spring. Today's preview build introduces Microsoft's new 'news and interests' Taskbar flyout, which puts the weather forecast and news headlines right on the Taskbar.
Dedicated keys
Want a full number pad on your laptop? These are your best options.
Just because laptops are getting smaller doesn't mean you can't get one with a dedicated number pad. Whether you're a gamer or want something easy to carry around, these are your best options.
...But the Thermals
Windows Central Podcast 221: New Surface devices, Windows 10, Edge
We're back with another exciting episode of the Windows Central Podcast, and this week, Surface Laptop 4 is officially here and available in Intel and AMD-based variants. Daniel and Zac have the details along with Microsoft Edge Canary for Android, a new Windows Insider build, and more.
Versus
Is the Surface Laptop 4 better than the Surface Book 3? Let's find out!
Looking for a new laptop and torn between the Surface Laptop 4 and Surface Book 3? We have you covered with our comparison!
Everything we know
Here's everything you need to know about the Surface Laptop 4
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The latest Surface Laptop from Microsoft is here! Dubbed the 'Surface Laptop 4', this latest generation features new Intel 11th-generation and AMD Ryzen 4000 series processors, up to 32GB RAM, and upgradable SSD storage. Unfortunately, the design remains the same as the previous generation, but Microsoft has made some minor improvements here and there. Here's everything you need to know...
More Duo!
Surface Duo for Business availability expands to 9 new markets
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Microsoft is today announcing that Surface Duo is expanding to 9 new European markets for business customers. Businesses in these markets will be able to order the Surface Duo for Business, with all the usual business-SKU additions.
Accessories galore
Microsoft's new Modern line of gear is ready for the connected office
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Microsoft has some shiny new 'Modern' accessories for the office, all of which are coming this June. Make room for the Microsoft Modern line of headphones, webcam, and even Type-C speaker all ready for your daily Microsoft Teams grind.
Headphones... for business
Microsoft unveils 'Surface Headphones 2 Plus' with Teams Certification
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Microsoft has announced a handful of new devices and accessories today, one of which is an updated pair of Surface Headphones, dubbed the Surface Headphones 2+. Just like the Surface Pro 7+ anounced back in January, the Surface Headphones 2+ are a product built for Microsoft's commercial customers only.