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Dell XPS 13 (2026) vs. MacBook Neo: The XPS wins in more categories than you’d expect

c.cale.hunt@gmail.com (Cale Hunt) — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Perfect PC for students

Dell

XPS 13 (DX13260)

Dell's new XPS 13 for 2026 delivers on many of the features that the MacBook Neo leaves behind, like a backlit keyboard, touch display, powerful ports, faster Wi-Fi, quad speakers, and a 120Hz display. This is the ideal laptop for students who prefer Windows, and anyone else who wants a sleek, thin, and modern PC.

Pros

Backlit keyboard
2.5K display with 120Hz refresh rate
Beautiful CNC-machined aluminum chassis lighter than Neo
Faster ports, newer Wi-Fi/Bluetooth standards
Quad speakers, facial biometrics
More hardware options, strong Intel Wildcat Lake chips

Cons

$599 price is for students only
True performance and efficiency TBD

Perfect Mac for students

Apple

MacBook Neo

Apple's MacBook Neo starts at $599 for all buyers, but it comes with several blind spots that the XPS 13 fills in. Its A18 Pro chip is a marvel, offering strong performance and efficiency, and as long as you're OK with several drawbacks, it's the right choice for those who can't stand Windows.

Pros

Gorgeous aluminum design
Superb efficiency and strong performance
Starts at $599 for everyone
Touch ID biometrics

Cons

No keyboard backlight
Weighs more
60Hz display, no touch
Slower ports
8GB RAM maximum

Dell unveiled its reimagined XPS 13 at Computex 2026, and thanks to an introductory $599 price for students, it was immediately likened to Apple's MacBook Neo.

Windows Central Senior Editor Zac Bowden and I both got a chance to go hands-on with the new XPS 13 in Taipei, and we both came away with a similar opinion: it's way better than either of us expected, and it's surely going to be a great Neo alternative for Windows fans.

So, how exactly does the new XPS 13 compare to the MacBook Neo? Here's what you need to know.

Dell XPS 13 (2026) vs. MacBook Neo: Specifications

Specifications don't tell the whole story, but they're a good place to start before I get into a broader explanation of the similarities and differences between the XPS 13 and MacBook Neo.

	Dell XPS 13 (DX13260)	Apple MacBook Neo
CPU	Intel Core 5 320, Intel Core Ultra 7 355 (post-launch)	Apple A18 Pro
GPU	Intel Graphics (integrated)	5-core (integrated)
RAM	8GB, 16GB, 32GB (Core Ultra only) LPDDR5x-7467	8GB LPDDR5
Storage	256GB (post-launch), 512GB, 1TB (Core Ultra only) M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD	256GB, 512GB
Display	13.4 inches, 2560x1600 (2.5K), touch, 500 nits, 100% DCI-P3, DisplayHDR 400, 30-120Hz VRR, Dolby Vision, Eyesafe, anti-glare	13 inches, 2408x1506 (219 PPI), 16:10 aspect ratio, 60Hz refresh rate, non-touch, 500 nits, Dolby Vision
Wireless	Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0	Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 6
Camera	1080p + IR	1080p
Audio	Quad speakers (8W total), Dolby Atmos	Dual speakers, Dolby Atmos
Battery	52Wh, 800ED cells	36.5Wh
Ports	2x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (WCL), 2x Thunderbolt 4 (PTL)	One USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2), USB-C 2.0, 3.5mm audio
Dimensions	11.69 x 7.9 x 0.5 inches (296.9mm x 200.66mm x 12.7mm)	11.71 x 8.12 x 0.50 inches (297.5mm x 206.4mm x 12.7mm)
Weight	2.2 pounds (1kg)	2.7 pounds (1.23kg)
Price	From $599 (students) From $699	From $599

Dell's new XPS 13 has the features you want in a laptop

The MacBook Neo (left) next to the new XPS 13 (right). (Image credit: Zac Bowden / Windows Central)

Much of the hype surrounding the new Dell XPS 13 has to do with its feature set. Namely, features that fill in the MacBook Neo's blind spots.

For example, the XPS 13 has a backlit keyboard. That's a feature you expect to have in a laptop in 2026, no matter the price point.

The XPS 13 has a 1080p webcam, just like the Neo, but it adds an IR sensor for facial recognition through Windows Hello. The Neo also offers biometrics, but only of the touch/fingerprint variety.

The XPS 13 doubles up the Neo's speaker count, totaling 8W of output, and both laptops come with Dolby Atmos tuning. The XPS 13 also has newer Wi-Fi 7 wireless connectivity, with the Neo falling back to Wi-Fi 6E.

The new XPS 13 doesn't have nearly as many blind spots as the MacBook Neo. (Image credit: Zac Bowden / Windows Central)

Then there are the ports. While the Neo might still offer a 3.5mm audio jack, its main selection of USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2) and USB-C 2.0 isn't exactly generous. It supports only one external display at 4K/60Hz.

The XPS 13 with Wildcat Lake chip (Core 5 320) has dual USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2), and the XPS 13 with Panther Lake (Core Ultra 7 355) has dual Thunderbolt 4. If you plan on using your laptop with more than one external display, Dell's PC is the right choice.

The new XPS 13 is lighter than the MacBook Neo

The MacBook Neo's chassis (left) compared to the XPS 13 (right). (Image credit: Zac Bowden / Windows Central)

Like the MacBook Neo, the XPS 13 is built from aluminum and feels every bit as premium as its more expensive siblings.

When I first handled the XPS 13, I was impressed with how light it was. At just 2.2 pounds (1kg), it's significantly more portable than the Neo at 2.7 pounds (1.23kg).

The XPS 13 is just as thin as the Neo at 0.5 inches (12.7mm), but it does have a more compact footprint.

TL;DR? The new XPS 13 has more attractive features than the MacBook Neo, including a backlit keyboard, an IR camera, four speakers, and more powerful ports.

Dell's XPS 13 has a higher-res display with 120Hz refresh rate

The new XPS 13's touch display is superior to the screen in the MacBook Neo.

Dell is also putting Apple behind it with the 13.4-inch display in the XPS 13. Not only is it slightly larger (by 0.4 inches) despite the XPS 13's smaller chassis, but it also has a higher resolution at 2560x1600 compared to 2408x1506.

The biggest difference, however, is in the refresh rate. The XPS 13 pushes all the way up to 120Hz and drops as low as 30Hz. It's all handled through a variable refresh rate that adjusts the screen based on how you're using the PC.

At 120Hz, you're getting far more eye comfort than the locked 60Hz refresh rate on the Neo. And at 30Hz, battery saving gets even better in the XPS 13.

The MacBook Neo's screen tops out at a 60Hz refresh rate. (Image credit: Future | Tom's Hardware)

The XPS 13's touch display hits about 500 nits of brightness and has VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification, as well as an anti-glare finish. It manages 100% DCI-P3 color reproduction, and it comes with Dolby Vision.

The Neo's display is not touch-enabled, but it does hit 500 nits of brightness and includes Dolby Vision certification.

TL;DR? The XPS 13's display is the superior option compared to the MacBook Neo, with a higher resolution and higher refresh rate.

Apple's A18 Pro chip has strong competition from Intel Wildcat Lake

The XPS 13's Wildcat Lake chips will give Apple's A18 Pro some strong competition. (Image credit: Future)

Despite being aimed at budget devices, Intel's new Wildcat Lake CPUs offer respectable performance and efficiency that rival Apple's A18 Pro. I'll hold off on a deeper dive until we test the XPS 13 firsthand, but I can say that early Intel Core 5 320 benchmarks show a promising level of power.

In Geekbench 6, the Core 5 320 hits 2,575 single-core and 8,000 multi-core average scores, whereas the A18 Pro hits closer to 3,500 single-core and 8,500 multi-core.

👉 "We want this to be their first XPS": I found out more about Dell's XPS 13 strategy — and why it's the perfect starter PC

In PassMark CPU tests, the Core 5 320 hits 3,853 single-core and 15,033 multi-core scores. The A18 Pro managed scores of 4,086 (single-core) and 12,837 (multi-core).

If you do need more power, the XPS 13 will also be available with the Core Ultra 7 355 post-launch. It's important to also point out that the XPS 13 comes with up to 32GB of RAM and up to a 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD. So while the entry-level models take on the Neo, the higher-end models are much better cut out for advanced users.

The MacBook Neo has excellent battery life. (Image credit: Future)

Battery life will be a big point of contention, I'm sure, but for now, I don't have concrete XPS 13 numbers. I can say that Dell is using a larger 52Wh battery with 800ED cells (providing extra density without taking up as much space).

Dell is claiming up to 17 hours of battery life when streaming video. Apple claims about 16 hours of life for the same task. It should be a close comparison, and I wouldn't be surprised to see the Neo take the award for best battery life, even if it's a small margin.

TLDR? Dell's XPS 13 should put up a strong fight against the MacBook Neo's performance and battery life.

Dell XPS 13 (2026) vs. MacBook Neo: Which should you buy?

If you're a fan of Windows, Dell just gave you the perfect Neo competitor with the XPS 13. Students can pay the same $599 for a laptop with a superior display, more powerful ports, a keyboard backlight, facial recognition, quad speakers, and more.

If you're a regular buyer, the introductory price only jumps up to $699, and beyond that, there are options to boost RAM to 32GB and storage to 1TB.

Apple, I think, will hold the edge on performance and efficiency, at least until the Core Ultra 7 355 config of the XPS 13 becomes available post-launch. But I'll have more to share once we actually get an XPS 13 to test first-hand in the lab.

The XPS 13 for 2026 is expected to launch in June, while the MacBook Neo is available now.

Perfect PC for students

Dell

XPS 13 (DX13260)

Dell's new XPS 13 for 2026 delivers on many of the feature that the MacBook Neo leaves behind, like backlit keyboard, touch display, powerful ports, faster Wi-Fi, quad speakers, and 120Hz display. This is the ideal laptop for students who prefer Windows, and anyone else who wants a sleek, thin, and modern PC.

Perfect Mac for students

Apple

MacBook Neo

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"Exactly what you want in a mobile device": I gamed on the new Intel Arc G3 handhelds from Acer and MSI — here's what to expect

c.cale.hunt@gmail.com (Cale Hunt) — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 15:03:34 +0000

Intel is calling its new Arc G Series processors, announced at Computex, the "next step in handheld gaming." After getting a chance to personally test the new MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ and Acer Predator Atlas 8, I'm inclined to believe the hype.

The closed demo, hosted in part by Intel Fellow (and general PC hardware wizard) Tom Petersen, revealed a lot of additional information about the new chips before I got to choose a device and game.

One thing I picked up on immediately is that these new Intel chips should probably be viewed as an Arc GPU with an integrated CPU, rather than a CPU with an integrated GPU. As Petersen pointed out, this is the first time Intel has created graphics-forward Systems-on-Chip (SoC), and they're built specifically for gaming handhelds.

Gaming on the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ and Acer Predator Atlas 8

The new MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ handheld with Intel Arc G3 Extreme. (Image credit: Future)

MSI's Claw 8 EX AI+ was my first stop on the tour. It's a gorgeous Void Purple color with an oversized screen that extends just a bit out of the bottom of the device to accommodate the 8-inch screen.

MSI's shoulder buttons, triggers, D-pad, and standard buttons felt very crisp and responsive. Despite being larger than Acer's Predator Atlas 8, the Claw 8 EX AI+ wasn't too heavy and fit into my hands quite well.

The new Acer Predator Atlas 8 running Hogwarts Legacy. (Image credit: Future)

One area where Acer has MSI beat is its thumbsticks. Despite most of its inputs feeling less snappy (I found the Acer shoulder buttons to be particularly soft), the joysticks felt a lot tighter with less chance of accidental movement.

Acer's Predator Atlas 8 is also a bit more compact, and it doesn't have the lower overhang for the screen despite also having an 8-inch display.

A top view of the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, with controls and vents.Future

A top view of the Acer Predator Atlas 8's controls and vents.Future

The MSI CLaw 8 EX AI+ feels good in hand.Future

Audio out of both devices was respectable, and neither handheld made much fan noise despite running a rather demanding game.

I was equally impressed with the 8-inch displays, and I'll have to spend more time with the handhelds to really dial in the differences (if there are any). Both 8-inch screens have a 1920x1200 resolution, a 120Hz variable refresh rate, and tons of brightness.

Crunching the Intel Arc G Series performance numbers

The new Acer Predator Atlas 8 running Hogwarts Legacy. (Image credit: Future)

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight and Hogwarts Legacy were the games of choice in the demo room. You might not think that a LEGO game is taxing, but with a recommended requirement of an NVIDIA RTX 2070 SUPER/AMD RX 6650 XT/Intel Arc B580, it certainly isn't an easy go.

I can attest; I picked up the game before my flight to Taiwan, and my Steam Deck struggles to maintain even 30 FPS in most areas.

That's anything but the case on these new handhelds. The game ran perfectly, holding strong at 100-120 FPS on both systems. Yes, my Steam Deck is showing its age, but Intel had AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme handhelds available to show the direct difference in performance.

How do Intel's new Arc G3 chips compare to AMD's Ryzen Z2 Extreme?

AMD has had a stranglehold on the gaming handheld market for some time now, but its Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip is starting to show its age in the face of the new Arc G3 chips.

Petersen had plenty of graphs and charts ready to back up his claims, and I'm sharing them here to give you an idea of what sort of performance is expected.

A chart comparing the new Arc G3 Extreme to the AMD Z2 Extreme at 35W. (Image credit: Intel)

Compared to the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme in the ROG Xbox Ally X, the Arc G3 Extreme chip averages out to being 42% faster at 1080p, with 2x upscaling enabled and both chips at a 35W TDP.

A chart comparing Arc G3 Extreme and AMD Z2 Extreme performance at 17W and 35W. (Image credit: Intel)

Dropping the Arc G3 Extreme to 17W and leaving the Ryzen Z2 Extreme at 35W, the Intel chip averages out to twice as much performance per watt in tested games. Even at 12W, the Arc G3 Extreme pulls ahead by an average of 37% in the games Intel tested.

This boosted efficiency is exactly what you want in a mobile device. It's even more impressive considering XeSS isn't as energy efficient as AMD's FSR.

A chart comparing the Arc G3 frame gen's efficency compared to Ryzen Z2 Extreme.Intel

A chart showing the smooth power delivery available in the Arc G3 chips.Intel

While using the new Arc G3 handhelds, the smoothness was remarkable. Intel's intelligent bias control plays a big role in that feeling, focusing mostly on the GPU so that the CPU doesn't suck up all the power.

E-cores are scheduled first, and P-cores get parked when they drop below 13W, making the overall experience much more reliable and with fewer power spikes.

The new Arc G3 chips have all the big XeSS features you want when you're PC gaming. I'm talking about super resolution, multi-frame generation, and ray tracing. Not to mention handheld extras like boosted efficiency, precompiled shaders, configurable TDP, etc.

Pricing remains an issue

The Intel Arc G3 Extreme sticker on the Acer Predator Atlas 8. (Image credit: Future)

The global gaming handheld market is being stomped on by RAM and storage shortages, and what were originally affordable mobile gaming PCs have become expensive luxury items.

👉 Gaming handhelds are the new netbooks — will they suffer the same tragic fate?

Acer hasn't yet set a price for its new Predator Atlas 8 (expected to launch October 2026), but MSI's Claw 8 EX AI+ is supposed to make its debut at $1,500 in June. I hope that number holds out, despite it already being quite high.

In any case, the handheld market is experiencing some serious friction, and that's a shame considering the advancements in performance I saw at Computex. Intel's Arc G3 chips seem to be the real deal, and I look forward to having more time with them once the MSI and Acer hardware launches.

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

Acer Swift Air 14 is the first Acer in years that I actually might want to use: Another $699 Windows laptop trades blows with MacBook Neo

zac.bowden@futurenet.com (Zac Bowden) — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 13:00:00 +0000

The midrange Windows PC market is heating up, and it's all thanks to Apple's MacBook Neo that threatens to take a chunk out of Windows OEMs' most lucrative market. Acer has been building midrange Windows PCs for years, but the Acer Swift Air 14 is the first one that I actually really like.

I got a chance to go hands-on with Acer's new MacBook Neo competitor at Computex 2026, and my first impressions are very positive. It's a beautiful laptop, complete with a metal enclosure that feels premium to touch, and a large trackpad and excellent keyboard that make using the device feel great.

The trackpad is nice and large, and also centered along the bottom of the keyboard deck. It's not a haptic trackpad, but at this price point, I wouldn't expect that. The good news is it's nice, smooth, and accurate to boot. I can't fault it over my more expensive Dell XPS 14, which is a good thing.

It’s also really light and thin, coming in at just 1.19kg and 12.9mm. It really is a nice, clean-looking laptop that I wouldn’t be ashamed to pull out of my bag at a coffee shop, and I don’t think I’ve been able to say that about an Acer laptop in a long time.

On the inside, it's rocking Intel's latest Core Ultra 3 "Wildcat Lake" chipset, which offers a good balance between performance and energy efficiency. Obviously, I can't tell you how well this device performs in those benchmarks just yet, but Acer is citing 16 hours of battery life, competitive with the MacBook Neo.

It's a beautiful looking Windows machine. (Image credit: Windows Central / Zac Bowden)

Just like the MacBook Neo, it ships with 8GB RAM. Now, a lot of people are concerned about 8GB RAM on a Windows machine, as if macOS somehow handles it better, when in reality, that's not really true. For the kind of workflows people are buying a $699 laptop for, 8GB RAM should suffice on both the Acer and MacBook Neo. Of course, more RAM is always better, but this isn’t the end of the world.

The device comes in four lovely colors, which I'd argue are nicer than what's found on the MacBook Neo. For ports, we have two USB-C on the left, and one USB-A and a 3.5mm headphone jack on the right. That's more than you get on the MacBook Neo, which isn’t saying much given that device has two measly USB-C ports, one of which isn’t even USB-C.

It's available in four great colors. (Image credit: Zac Bowden / Windows Central)

The display is fine, featuring a 14-inch 16:10 aspect ratio and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate that beats the MacBook Neo’s display, and it’s also sRGB 100% rated. With that said, the MacBook Neo does have a higher resolution screen, with the Acer Swift Air 14 being just over 1080p and matte. The glossy MacBook Neo display does look crisper and sharper as a result, but the experience feels slower because of that 60Hz panel.

I personally don’t like the display on the Acer Swift Air 14 very much. If it were 2K instead of 1080p, I’d be all over it, but unfortunately, the pixel density just isn’t high enough for me to enjoy looking at the display, even when in motion. That 120Hz spec does help a lot, but the experience isn’t complete without a higher PPI. Above the display is a 1080p shooter that also supports Windows Hello face unlock, something the MacBook Neo doesn’t have.

Keyboard and trackpad feel excellent to use. (Image credit: Zac Bowden / Windows Central)

There’s not much else to complain about with the Swift Air 14, which is a good thing. For $699, you’re getting a lot of computer for the price. With that said, I think Dell’s new XPS 13 is a better deal than the Acer Swift Air 14. It has a much higher build quality, a better keyboard, and a better display.

MacBook Neo has encouraged Windows OEMs to step up their game and deliver genuinely good laptops for affordable prices. Acer and Dell are the first to step up to the plate with genuine MacBook Neo competitors, with the Dell XPS 13 being the new affordable laptop to beat.

Hopefully, we’ll see more $599-$699 laptops from the likes of HP, Lenovo, and ASUS over the next few months. More competition is good, and we have Apple to thank for that.

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

ASUS ROG turns 20 at Computex, and I've never seen such a grand reception — Gold-plated peripherals, special-edition devices, and thousands chanting its name

c.cale.hunt@gmail.com (Cale Hunt) — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 09:31:03 +0000

I’m attempting to navigate my way to the heart of the Computex show floor, but there’s a crush of people all heading in the same direction. I can see the enormous ASUS booths somewhere ahead; they dominate the center of this exhibit hall.

The crowd is much larger than usual, and as I’m attempting to swim downstream, I hear murmurs of “Jensen” and “ASUS” from others heading in the same direction. Well, that explains the swelling crowd; NVIDIA’s CEO must be planning to visit the ASUS booth, where new ProArt laptops with the RTX Spark chip are on display.

I reach the ROG exhibit just as the crowd closes in. This booth, too, is crammed with interested attendees and ASUS personnel offering formal and semi-formal tours of the gaming products.

“We’re in a bit of a holding pattern,” I’m told. “Jensen is making an appearance any time now.” No problem. I’m here to check out all of ASUS ROG’s new releases.

The new ROG Strix OLED XG259QWPG ACE esports gaming monitor. (Image credit: Future)

The first stop around the ASUS ROG exhibit is to check out the new Strix OLED XG259QWPG ACE esports gaming monitor, the world's first of its kind. What makes it so special?

Well, it boasts a 540Hz refresh rate at 1080p for its gorgeous tandem OLED panel, something unseen anywhere else in tournament-grade displays. It's also sized at 24.5 inches, which is a sweet spot for many pros.

The new ASUS ROG Strix G16 for 2026 displayed at Computex. (Image credit: Future)

It was tough to get near them, popular as they were, but I eventually managed to see the new ASUS ROG Strix gaming laptops — including the ROG Strix Scar 18, ROG Strix G18, and ROG Strix G16 — just announced this week.

The biggest attraction here, in my opinion, is the Strix Scar 18's 4K Mini LED display with ROG Nebula Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB). Set at a 4K resolution with a 240Hz refresh rate, this screen looked incredibly smooth.

ASUS ROG is celebrating 20 years in style

The ROG Xbox Ally X20 handheld with special shell. (Image credit: Future)

I left the laptops behind and made a move to check out more of the ASUS ROG 20th anniversary gear.

Yes, the global gaming brand has been around for two decades; I still remember its first-ever Crosshair motherboard and G-series gaming laptops that launched the year I graduated.

As a lifelong PC gamer, I was eager to check out the new ROG Ally X20 special edition bundle, featuring the gaming handheld with a transparent shell and brighter OLED display, as well as ROG XREAL R1 Edition 20 smart glasses.

Believe it or not, this was the first time I've ever tried smart glasses, and I fear I've ruined myself for anything else. I have a 14-hour flight home, and there's nothing I'd like more than to sit back with a 117-inch screen with a 240Hz refresh rate in front of me. Alas, maybe next time.

The new ROG Edition 20 mouse and keyboard stole the show

The new ASUS ROG Edition 20 peripherals were the stars of the show. (Image credit: Future)

Sitting in the center of the ASUS ROG booth on its own pedestal, gathering most of the attention (there was a small line of people waiting to take photos and video), were the new Edition 20 versions of the ROG Azoth Extreme keyboard, ROG keycap mystery box, and ROG Harpe II Extreme mouse.

I'm especially glad now that ASUS sent me this trio to test out before I headed to Computex; I wouldn't have had enough time with them at the show, popular as they were.

If the names sound familiar, it's because they're iterations of flagship ROG gaming peripherals. The ROG Azoth Extreme Edition 20 is an updated version of the 2024 keyboard with the same name, now featuring gold accents, a 24K gold backplate, and stylized keycaps with new ROG branding.

In my ROG Azoth Extreme Edition 20 review, I called it "the best gaming keyboard I've ever used," and I stick by that statement. Adding to the fun is the keycap mystery box, featuring six limited-edition, hand-painted keycaps.

The ROG Azoth Extreme Edition 20 keyboard.Future

The ASUS RPG Harpe II Extreme Edition 20 mouse.Future

The 24K gold panel on the back of the ROG Azoth Extreme Edition 20 keyboard.Future

One of the special keycaps that come in the mystery box.Future

The ROG mystery keycap box has six individual keycaps to unbox.Future

The ROG Harpe II Extreme Edition 20 mouse's RGB lighting and gold-plated interior.Future

Although I'm most in love with the keyboard, the ROG Harpe II Extreme Edition 20 mouse is no slouch, either. In fact, I think it might have been more popular with the other booth attendees.

It's a take on the celebrated ROG Harpe II Ace gaming mouse, albeit with new colors, gold internal plating, and a new, superior sensor better cut out for competitive play. It's undeniably gorgeous, and I noted that it "has practically every high-performance feature I can think of" in my ROG Harpe II Extreme Edition 20 review.

If you're interested, the ROG Edition 20 keyboard, mouse, and keycap mystery box are all available to preorder now.

ASUS and ROG are crazy popular in Taiwan

Remember the hubbub about Jensen Huang making an appearance? As I bid farewell to my ASUS guides, a roar went up through the crowd. NVIDIA's CEO had just appeared with his entourage, positioned between the ROG and ASUS exhibits.

With everyone's attention turned to the center of the hall, I took my chance to slip out. As I headed for the exit, alternating chants of "ASUS" and "Jensen" rocked the room.

It was a bit of a shock to see just how popular ASUS and its ROG gaming brand are here in Taiwan, but it makes sense. The company's laptops are the best they've ever been, its gaming hardware is a top choice for many (my RTX 5070 Ti is nodding its head), and its peripherals are used worldwide by pro and casual gamers alike.

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Microsoft wants AI to help developers port apps for RTX Spark and Snapdragon X

sean.endicott@futurenet.com (Sean Endicott) — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 18:00:00 +0000

Microsoft will use a Build 2026 session to show developers how to port x86 apps to Windows on Arm using AI agents.

NVIDIA and Microsoft aim to usher in "a new era of PC" with RTX Spark. That chip, which is a Windows on Arm processor, is a powerhouse workstation that could brute force its way to run just about any app. But the RTX Spark won't have to flex as hard to run native Arm applications.

Microsoft and Qualcomm have pushed Windows on Arm for years, and now NVIDIA has joined the fight. Microsoft claims that 90% of time spent on Windows on Arm PCs is spent within natively compiled apps. The tech giant appears eager to close that gap.

A session at Microsoft Build focuses on how to port x86 apps to run natively on Windows on Arm by using AI. Agents are a major theme of Build 2026. Those AI assistants can perform actions and handle the more mundane and repetitive aspects of coding.

"See where ARM performance gains are real today, and how agentic AI can help convert and validate x86 applications for speed, compatibility, and scale," reads the Build session description.

In this context, "native" refers to an app being optimized for a specific architecture, such as ARM64. The term native can also refer to a program that is not a webview app. Microsoft also helps developers make the other type of native apps, they're just not the focus here.

If you listen to online trolls, you'd believe Windows on Arm is incredibly niche and all of your favorite apps are incompatible. The reality is that a large number of popular apps run natively on Windows on Arm PCs. I suggest checking "Works on WoA" to check the compatibility of your must-have apps.

Apps that do not run natively need to run through Microsoft's Prism emulation. Between native apps and emulation, a large library of apps are available on Arm-powered PC.

But a large library is not the same as a comprehensive library. There are some legacy applications, enterprise apps, and other programs that will not run well on Windows on Arm systems. In select cases, required apps will not work at all.

To fill those gaps, developers need to port their apps to Windows on Arm. The Build session runs through the tools developers can use to port apps, including debuggers, profilers, and compilers.

Qualcomm's Gaurav Goel will lead the session, which runs for 15 minutes on Wednesday, June 3 at 6:20 PM ET.

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

Microsoft uses Build 2026 to push developers toward fully native Windows apps, not web wrappers, with new tools and a clearer roadmap

sean.endicott@futurenet.com (Sean Endicott) — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Microsoft wants more native apps and elements on Windows 11, and so should you. Native apps and native code mean better performance and smoother computing. At Build 2026, Microsoft held several sessions to help third-party developers make native applications.

A core part of the Windows K2 initiative is to rebuild pieces like the Start menu as native components, but that's only part of the effort. For the entire Windows experience to improve, third-party developers need to embrace native Windows apps.

In this piece, native refers to modern Windows apps built with the latest Windows frameworks, such as WinUI 3. Native can also describe apps compiled for a specific architecture like ARM64, but that’s a separate topic. Here I’m focusing on Windows‑native apps, not architecture‑native builds.

Microsoft is building its own team of experts to make native in-box apps and experiences for Windows 11. The tech giant also has several tools and pieces of advice for developers that want to create native apps.

A session at Build 2026 titled "Use agents to build WinUI 3 apps" taught how to use agents to assist in the development of native apps. During the session, Beth Pan and Nikola Metulev explained how to create new WinUI 3 apps, improve existing apps, and migrate apps to use the Windows UI stack.

A WinUI agent plugin for GitHub Copilot and Claude Code helps third-party developers make native Windows apps. (Image credit: Microsoft)

Migrating to the WinUI 3 framework can be tricky when using AI tools. Agents and models are often trained generically, meaning they'll show unoptimized results. The WinUI agent plugin for GitHub Copilot and Claude Code is a specialized AI agent that pull WinUI skills by default.

That's one of many tools made available to developers. Microsoft also has WinUI 3 templates (in preview) to streamline native app creation.

Another Build session breaks down how to modernize apps with AI. "Modernizing apps isn’t just rewriting code—it’s untangling dependencies, tracing data flows, and making changes without breaking production," explains the session description.

The Surface Laptop Ultra features powerful internals designed to handle AI workloads locally. (Image credit: Microsoft)

Developers relying heavily on AI will need hardware that can cope. The Surface Laptop Ultra was announced at Computex, but you can bet it was mentioned at Build.

The Surface Laptop Ultra is built to handle AI agents. It will be available with up to 128GB of RAM and is the first Surface to be built on the NVIDIA RTX Spark platform.

That platform combines the N1x CPU (20-core Arm), an RTX GPU (up to 6,144 cores), and unified memory to deliver up to 1 petaflop of AI compute.

The new NVIDIA Spark laptops can handle creative apps and even games, but they're also a power play by Microsoft to win over developers.

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"We want this to be their first XPS": I found out more about Dell's XPS 13 strategy — and why it's the perfect starter PC

c.cale.hunt@gmail.com (Cale Hunt) — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 10:25:01 +0000

Dell and Intel are together casting a large shadow this year at Computex. For me, a bona fide laptop fanatic, one of the biggest announcements of the show is the new Dell XPS 13 featuring Intel’s Wildcat Lake Core Series 3 processors.

The XPS 13, reinvented for 2026, shocked practically everyone with its introductory $599 student price, climbing to just $699 for everyone else.

Although Dell says it’s been working on the XPS 13 for more than 30 weeks, which puts its inception before the MacBook Neo’s March 2026 launch, I can’t help but assume that Apple’s industry eye-opener played a part in that attractive price.

I joined a roundtable discussion with Dell’s Head of Consumer Products, Konstantin Tuv (KT), Intel’s GM of PC Segments, David Feng, and Intel’s Senior Director of Product Management, Nish Neelalojanan, where we discussed the new XPS 13, Intel’s Wildcat Lake chips, and more. Here’s what I found out.

Dell’s new XPS 13 is a door opener, much in the same way the Neo is positioned

The new Dell XPS 13 next to its larger sibling. (Image credit: Cale Hunt | Windows Central)

Apple’s $599 MacBook Neo is a smart play in more ways than I think many people envision. Yes, it’s affordable and capable, selling faster than I ever expected, but it also acts as a shiny piece of bait on the end of a hook. If you go for it, chances are high that you’ll be taken along for a much longer ride than you were expecting.

What I mean is that the Neo is a great way to get users hooked on a certain type of device. For Apple, the Neo gets a MacBook into a student’s hands at a transformative time in their life. Once that student grows up and needs a new, more powerful PC, Apple’s MacBook Air and Pro devices are a natural progression.

The experts answering our questions at the Computex roundtable discussion. (Image credit: Future)

Dell's Konstantin Tuv explains that this strategy is exactly what was in mind. “XPS 13 is a great student device. We want this to be their first XPS.” He adds that Dell, like Apple, has plenty of other devices for when a student’s needs inevitably change.

Considering that XPS is but a small portion of Dell’s PC portfolio, I can’t help but think this strategy could pay off better for Dell than for Apple.

The play is also about preparing a student for the workforce. Yes, MacBooks are the “cool” device that you'll see more often than not in a coffee shop, but the reality is that most of the world’s enterprises run on Windows.

Intel’s Wildcat Lake chips unlock a wider range of uses for students

The Intel Core Ultra Series 3 wafer. (Image credit: Cale Hunt | Windows Central)

One of Apple’s biggest weaknesses is gaming. That’s where Dell and Intel believe they have an edge with their ecosystem.

Tuv explains that a lot of students want to game in the evenings when study is finished. Wildcat Lake (and especially Panther Lake, which is coming to XPS 13 after launch) has that ability. As Tuv states, the XPS 13 is designed to “reset expectations in that space.”

And it’s not just about gaming, either. From an ecosystem perspective, the use of Wildcat Lake makes things smooth across the board. As Intel's Neelalojanan points out, “compatibility was one of the biggest things with Wildcat Lake, especially in emerging markets.” No port problems, no driver issues, and plenty of old software that can run perfectly on the Intel chips make for a smooth experience.

What is performance like in a $599 Windows laptop?

Dell's new XPS 13 for 2026. (Image credit: Future)

It’s OK to be wary of budget Windows laptops. For many years, the $600-$700 range of PCs was underwhelming, with cheap plastic bodies, mild features, and so-so performance. That’s not the case with the XPS 13.

Not only is it truly an XPS device from a design standpoint — CNC-machine aluminum chassis, superb keyboard and touchpad, beautiful 2.5K display — but also in terms of performance.

As Neelalojanan remarks, productivity performance and battery life on the XPS 13 with Wildcat Lake aren’t much different from Lunar Lake. And in terms of AI, although the XPS 13 isn’t a superstar, it’s a great starting point.

Feng explains that most of the productivity apps he uses every day sit in the same low-power island. This island is the same across Wildcat Lake and Intel’s other Series 3 chips, meaning you shouldn’t feel much of a difference. Feng states, “If my everyday work is mainly productivity, browsing, content consumption, that low-power island is there to deliver consistent performance.”

What kicked off this new generation of low-cost, high-quality PCs?

The new XPS 13 with everyone's favorite website on the display. (Image credit: Future)

The PC industry is seemingly undergoing a major shift. Suddenly, it seems that even the budget tier is better than ever, with aluminum bodies, high-res displays, and snappy performance. So, what kicked off this revolution?

As Tuv explains, "everyone [in the PC industry] is getting more aggressive and trying to redefine what 'good' looks like." Feng adds that "engineers love to be challenged," and it was up to them to discover new ways to operate within the set budget. Everything from codec and cabling to memory and storage was considered.

And the best part? The XPS 13 isn't a one-off thing. It's official that Intel's Wildcat Lake chips will be used elsewhere in Dell's PC portfolio. Exactly where isn't yet clear, but the new XPS 13 is a great start.

My time with the new laptop was limited, but our Senior Editor Zac Bowden, who's also with me here at Computex, got the full hands-on XPS 13 experience; check it out for a lot more information about the device.

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I tried the new $599 Dell XPS 13, and I can't believe how good it is: MacBook Neo is no longer the best deal in computing, this is

zac.bowden@futurenet.com (Zac Bowden) — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 10:06:49 +0000

I just tried Dell's new XPS 13 at Computex, and I am shocked at how amazing this device is for just $699 ($599 for students.) It's basically a flagship Windows laptop, complete with high-quality materials and build quality, an incredible 120Hz display, a great keyboard and trackpad, and good performance under the hood.

I don't think there's another laptop on the market right now that is as good a deal as this new Dell XPS 13 is at $699. It's so much better than the MacBook Neo that it's not even really a contest. In fact, Dell is so confident in the new XPS 13 that it even had MacBook Neo samples at its showcase so that the media could compare them side by side.

That comparison was stark. The XPS 13 is a better device in pretty much every category. It has thinner display bezels, it's lighter, it has a 120Hz refresh rate with a high-density display, it has an amazing keyboard and excellent trackpad, and it has ports that are actually capable of fast data speeds.

It even has Windows Hello face unlock, something that doesn't exist on any Mac. You can only get fingerprint unlock on the higher-end $699 MacBook Neo, which is the exact device the XPS 13 is competing with. Except, it's not competing, it's destroying it.

Zac Bowden / Windows Central

I can't put into words just how serious I am about this. My jaw dropped when I placed the XPS 13 side by side with the MacBook Neo. It's like they are from entirely different worlds. The XPS 13 looks and feels like a flagship laptop, and that's probably because it is. Historically, XPS 13 has been an expensive laptop, costing well above $1,000 normally.

The new XPS 13 doesn't cut any obvious corners to reach its new $699 price point. It still feels every bit as premium and nice to use as the $1,000 XPS 13 before it. This would be like if Apple made the MacBook Air a $699 laptop, instead of building a cheaper MacBook Neo.

And that's why the XPS 13 is the new best deal in laptops, because not only is it a better deal than the MacBook Neo, but I also think it's a better deal than the MacBook Air. Sure, the MacBook Air is more powerful, but in day-to-day tasks, they are evenly matched, and I think the performance-to-price ratio is perfectly acceptable here.

The display is one of the main reasons why I believe this laptop really is a MacBook competitor. Apple figured out years ago that high-density displays are key to making a device feel premium, and Dell understands this, too. The XPS 13 features a 2.5K 120Hz panel that simply looks phenomenal. Text is crisp and clear, and the 120Hz refresh rate is an added bonus that you definitely don't have on the MacBook Neo or Air.

The MacBook Neo's bezels are laughable.Zac Bowden / Windows Central

XPS 13 feels thinner when open. Zac Bowden / Windows Central

XPS 13 also has thinner display bezels, meaning you get a larger 13.4-inch display into a chassis size that's overall smaller than the MacBook Neo, which has just a 13-inch display. When compared side by side, the MacBook Neo looks 5 years old.

The device is lighter than the MacBook Neo, making it the preferred device for carrying around in a backpack. It's also thinner, at least, it feels thinner, thanks to the way Dell has designed the XPS. In reality, they are about the same in total thickness, but because the XPS 13's keyboard deck is thinner than the MacBook Neo's when open, the XPS 13 feels razor-thin, making the MacBook Neo look bulky in comparison.

The device features just two USB-C ports, but both ports are much more capable than those on the MacBook Neo. These are Thunderbolt ports, complete with power delivery for fast charging and super-fast data transfer speeds.

I also love the keyboard, which ditches Dell's Lattice key design in favor of a more traditional one that makes typing feel so easy and smooth. The trackpad is also nice and large, though it's not haptic like on higher-end devices. It uses a dive-board mechanism, which is perfectly fine and satisfying to click.

Zac Bowden / Windows Central

We haven't yet been able to benchmark the new XPS 13, but I'm expecting good things from the Intel Wildcat Lake chip that's powering things under the hood. For day-to-day tasks, web browsing, email, and productivity tasks, this should be a more than capable machine.

The $699 model matches the MacBook Neo in RAM and storage configurations, too. It has 8GB RAM and 512GB storage, though Dell does say that a model with 256GB storage is coming soon, which I assume will be cheaper than $699 or $599 for students.

We'll have to wait and see how Windows performs with 8GB RAM on this device, but I'm not worried. While lots of people think that macOS runs better than Windows with 8GB RAM, this reality isn't true for the kind of workflows that buyers will need this device for. Windows is very intelligent when it comes to memory management, swapping apps and tasks between RAM and storage when necessary, just like the Neo does.

Overall, I'm beyond impressed with what Dell has achieved here with the new XPS 13 at $699, and I can't wait to get my hands on one to review and live with. I truly believe that the MacBook Neo's reign as the best deal in computing is well and truly over, all thanks to Dell.

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ASUS finally gives us the mini PC we've been begging for, packed with a Snapdragon X2 Elite

richard.devine@futurenet.com (Richard Devine) — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 21:55:55 +0000

I love mini PCs, and as such, ASUS has all my attention with its dual Computex and Microsoft Build reveal of its new Ascent QN10.

On the outside, it looks like a normal mini PC that could have been made by any of the manufacturers in the space. But inside it has what I've been waiting to see.

Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon X2 Elite. Hoo boy.

So let's get right down to business. The releases from both Build and Computex are, of course, full of talk about AI, and yes, this is very much an AI PC. Like pretty much everything else coming out right now.

But here's what we're looking at on the hardware front.

Processor	Snapdragon X2 Elite
CPU	3rd Gen Qualcomm Oryon CPU (18 Cores)
GPU	Qualcomm Adreno X2
NPU	Qualcomm Hexagon, 80 TOPS (INT8)
Memory	Up to 32GB LPDDR5x 8533/9600MHz
Storage	512GB, 1TB, 2TB max supported (4TB total) 1 x M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 5 SSD + 1 x M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4 SSD
Network	Wi-Fi 7; Bluetooth 5.4; Realtek 2.5G LAN
Front I/O Ports	2x USB4 Type C (DP1.4/PD, 5V/3A, 40Gbps) 2x USB A (1x USB 3.2 + 1x USB 2.0) 1x Audio Jack
Back I/O Ports	1x USB4 Type C (DP1.4/PD, 5V/3A, 40Gbps) 2x USB A 3.2 1x HDMI 2.1 FRL 1x RJ45 2.5GbE
Display Support	Up to 4 (HDMI, 3x USB-C)
OS	Windows 11 Home / Pro 64-bit
Power Adaptor	180W DC IN charger
Environmental	Operating Temp: 0-40°C; Storage Temp: -40 to 60°C; Humidity: 0%-92% (non-condensing); Noise Level: Max. 53 dBA @ full speed mode (0 RPM under idle)
Certifications	BSMI/CB/CE/FCC/UL/CCC/C-Tick/WiFi/RF/VCCI
Dimensions / Weight	130 × 130 × 40mm / 720g

As is traditional with a mini PC, you get ports galore on the Ascent QN10. (Image credit: Zac Bowden | Windows Central)

ASUS is proud to declare the Ascent QN10 as the world's first mini PC with an 80 TOPS NPU inside. Being a Snapdragon X2 Elite-powered device, it'll of course also be fully Copilot+ compatible.

I tried using a mini PC as a primary machine in 2025 and quickly found there are very few drawbacks. Generally they have more ports than I'll ever use, they take up no space, they're quiet and efficient, and they're perfect for an unseasonable British heatwave because they're not spitting great lumps of hot air back into my office.

Whether for work, play, or, yes, AI, a mini PC really can do it all, and there's nothing to suggest the Ascent QN10 will be any different. We already know the Snapdragon X2 Elite is highly capable, and I know first-hand that gaming on a Snapdragon PC isn't as bad as some corners of the internet would have you believe.

There is one factor to consider carefully, though.

The Ascent QN10 doesn't seem to benefit from the ability to house a massive quantity of RAM. (Image credit: Zac Bowden | Windows Central)

The spec sheet for the Ascent QN10 states that it tops out at 32GB RAM. Admittedly, for the majority of users this is fine. I have 32GB in my own mini PC and equally so in my gaming rig.

But Intel and AMD-powered mini PCs can offer much more than this. The QN10 and its Snapdragon platform uses LPDDR5X memory, which is great, but also not user-upgradeable. By contrast, my own Geekom A9 Max with a Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 at its heart uses SODIMM, which, while slower and less efficient, can be upgraded.

This is the tradeoff we'll have to make. But it does mean that for some workloads, including as an example, running larger local AI models, the QN10 might not be for you.

Nevertheless, I'm excited for this. As a do-it-all machine, it looks like it'll tick more than enough boxes. Windows on Arm is better than its ever been, and Qualcomm is a huge part of that.

Hopefully this kickstarts the rest of the PC makers into having a go themselves and not just with the higher-end chips. What we still need to know is how much it'll cost and when we can get one. But for now, color me impressed.

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I tried Microsoft's incredible Surface Laptop Ultra: This might be the best laptop ever made, and RTX Spark is seriously impressive

zac.bowden@futurenet.com (Zac Bowden) — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 13:47:45 +0000

Just days ago, Microsoft unveiled Surface Laptop Ultra, its most powerful and capable Surface PC yet, powered by NVIDIA's new RTX Spark superchip and Windows on Arm. It's a feat of engineering, featuring the most ports, the best display, and the largest trackpad ever fitted to a Surface.

I was able to get my hands on an early sample unit at Computex 2026, and to say I was impressed would be an understatement. Of course, the star of the show is the RTX Spark, which I was shown plenty of demos of showcasing its raw power. But we'll get to that later.

First up, let's talk about the design. Surface Laptop Ultra is basically a beefed-up Surface Laptop 8 15-inch. It's both thicker and heavier to accommodate the more powerful RTX Spark SoC, but this results in a device that feels incredible. It's chunky and hefty, but in a good way, just like the 16-inch MacBook Pro.

If you squint, I wouldn't fault you for thinking this is a MacBook Pro.Windows Central / Zac Bowden

The device looks super clean when closed.Windows Central / Zac Bowden

It's beefy and bulky, but I like that.Windows Central / Zac Bowden

Yeah, not beating the MacBook clone allegations here.Windows Central / Zac Bowden

And "just like the 16-inch MacBook Pro" is the theme of this device. It's very clear to me that Microsoft is going after the high-end MacBook Pro crowd with Surface Laptop Ultra. While the device is very Surface, there's no denying that it also heavily resembles a MacBook Pro, right down to the port selection.

Surface Laptop Ultra features a full-sized HDMI port and two USB-C ports on the left, and one USB-C port, a USB-A port, and a full-sized SD card reader on the right. The USB-C port on the right is special, however. It's larger than a normal USB-C port and takes normal USB-C cables, but Microsoft wasn't willing to tell me why the port is larger.

Many Surface fans immediately noticed that Microsoft's Surface Connect port appears to be missing on Surface Laptop Ultra, but it seems that may not be entirely true. While the proprietary magnetic Surface Connect port is gone, I believe that Microsoft may have engineered the world's first breakaway USB-C port that maintains what made Surface Connect so special.

This USB-C port is special... and we don't yet know why.Windows Central / Zac Bowden

The right-side port line-upWindows Central / Zac Bowden

The left-side port lineup. Windows Central / Zac Bowden

Of course, the company didn't confirm this to me, but it's clear that the right USB-C port is different for some reason. The company said it would have more to share about specific features of the Surface Laptop Ultra later this year, so we'll have to see. For now, I'm of the belief that this USB-C port features a breakaway design, perhaps even magnetic for easier alignment? Time will tell.

Moving onto the trackpad, which is the largest ever fitted to a Surface. It feels fantastic, and supports Windows 11's new haptic signals system that provides subtle feedback when you interact with certain parts of the Windows UI and apps. I've already done a full hands-on with this experience, but it elevates the Windows UX in a way similar to what haptics can do to phones. Everyone loves iPhone haptics, and Surface Laptop Ultra has a very similar feature.

The keyboard is also incredible, just like on the Surface Laptop 8. I'd argue that Surface has the best keyboard and trackpad in the business, matching or perhaps even surpassing that of the MacBook Pro. I had no complaints typing or mousing around on Surface Laptop Ultra. Windows felt very smooth and easy to use.

The keyboard and trackpad might be the best available on any laptop, period. Windows Central / Zac Bowden

The trackpad is nice and large, and supports Windows 11 haptic signals.Windows Central / Zac Bowden

I just love how this looks.Windows Central / Zac Bowden

That's also helped by the 15-inch mini-LED screen, which is 120Hz and looks fantastic. I do wish it were an OLED display panel, but it's still incredibly crisp with great color contrast. Of course, Microsoft didn't share specific details on the display panel or color optimizations, but it looks great.

I wasn't able to test audio performance, but I'm assured that the speakers built into the device will rival the MacBook Pro 16-inch, which many consider to be the best speakers in a laptop you can buy.

Of course, it's what's under the hood that's making waves in the tech industry right now. This is Microsoft's first RTX Spark device, and its design was influenced by the raw power of RTX Spark. Surface Laptop Ultra is thicker to accommodate RTX Spark's thermal output, featuring the largest fans ever put in a Surface PC to keep the chip cool.

Yeah, RTX Spark is pretty capable. (Image credit: Windows Central / Zac Bowden)

That means the device can get loud under max load. In a number of the demos I was shown, the Surface Laptop Ultra's fans were running at full blast, and I could hear them from a few feet away. With that said, under normal use, the device was essentially completely silent. I understand that the fans only spin up to max when under sustained load for long periods, which many of the demo units had been.

On RTX Spark performance, yeah, this is the real deal. It's an Arm SoC, meaning it relies on Microsoft's Prism emulation layer to run x86 apps that haven't been built natively for Windows on Arm yet. That's basically most video games and a number of obscure or less popular Windows apps, and in my hands-on time, I simply couldn't tell the difference.

Many of the games I was shown were running under emulation, but they were all running incredibly well with smooth framerates. NVIDIA and Microsoft weren't willing to show me FPS stats or any nitty-gritty details, but in my demo time, the games ran as if they were native, and that's no small feat for Windows on Arm. NVIDIA is essentially brute-forcing a native-feeling experience through its powerful chip.

Many of the games and apps that NVIDIA showcased were running in under Windows 11's Prism emulation layer... I couldn't tell.Windows Central / Zac Bowden

Blender running emulated with lighting enabled with no faults. Windows Central / Zac Bowden

Neither Microsoft nor NVIDIA, nor any other Windows OEMs for that matter, are marketing this first wave of RTX Spark devices as gaming machines, but it's very clear that they can game, should the user want to. That's not something you've really been able to say about Windows on Arm PCs up until now.

I was not allowed to run any benchmarks, likely for obvious reasons. All of the devices I was shown are running pre-release software, drivers, and firmware, in pre-production chassis and thermal envelopes. There's likely a lot of fine-tuning that still needs to take place before Microsoft or NVIDIA are ready to let us benchmark these properly.

App developers will also be able to make specific changes to their software to make them run better on RTX Spark. Adobe is one such company that is working to rearchitect its Premiere Pro and Photoshop apps for RTX Spark, and I was shown a demo that compared standard Premiere Pro and Premiere Pro enhanced for RTX Spark, which was able to render a scene much faster as a result.

Certain apps can be optimized specifically for RTX Spark for faster performance. Premiere Pro is one of them. (Image credit: Windows Central / Zac Bowden)

Microsoft had already confirmed that Surface Laptop Ultra ships with 128GB of unified memory, but I was able to confirm that there will be more configurations available at various prices. That means you'll likely be able to get it with less RAM and storage, for those that do or do not need it.

Of course, Microsoft was not able to comment on pricing for those different configurations or battery life. No Windows OEMs are sharing that information currently, but all of them are targeting a fall 2026 release window, including Microsoft and Surface Laptop Ultra. That means we should hear more about specs, pricing, and availability in the next few months.

Surface Laptop Ultra is the best Surface PC that Microsoft has ever made, but that doesn't mean it's the best Surface PC for everyone. This is clearly a device designed for developers, creators, and professionals, utilizing on-device AI models, video or photo creation and editing, and data crunching. For the majority of us who only need a PC for light computing or productivity tasks, you'd be better served with a Surface Laptop 8 or equivalent PC.

Obviously, we haven't yet had a chance to live with Surface Laptop Ultra, so this isn't an endorsement just yet. But first impressions are incredibly strong. Hopefully, Microsoft can deliver with the final product later this year.

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"The best gaming keyboard I've ever used": ASUS gave its ROG Azoth Extreme a golden glow-up to celebrate 20 years, and the results are spectacular

c.cale.hunt@gmail.com (Cale Hunt) — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 01:30:00 +0000

ASUS's Republic of Gamers (ROG) has, over the past 20 years, become one of PC gaming's most recognized brands. Encompassing gaming laptops, desktops, monitors, headsets, peripherals, and more, ROG products find a home in countless gaming rooms.

ASUS is taking advantage of Computex 2026 to highlight two decades of ROG, and it has launched a new 75% ROG Azoth Extreme Edition 20 mechanical keyboard to celebrate. The keyboard landed on my desk well ahead of launch, and it's been in full use for the past couple of weeks.

ASUS had no input, nor saw the contents of this review, prior to publication.

How much does the ASUS ROG Azoth Extreme Edition 20 cost?

The ASUS ROG Azoth Extreme Edition 20 makes its debut at $599.99, a full $100 more expensive than the regular, non-anniversary Azoth Extreme model. It's available to pre-order now at Best Buy and Newegg.

The keyboard is expected to launch on July 19, when it will also show up at Amazon and Micro Center.

One of the 20th Anniversary special edition keycaps tied to the ROG Azoth Extreme Edition 20.Future

A closer look at one of the Raikiri custom keycaps.Future

ASUS is also selling 20th Anniversary ROG Keycap Mystery Boxes for $24.99. These kits come with six randomized special-edition keycaps related to the history of ROG. The kits are available at Best Buy and Newegg.

There's a 1/48 chance of landing a 20th Anniversary Special Edition ROG keycap, but I didn't get so lucky. What I can say is that these special keycaps are top quality, to the point that each one is hand-painted. I'd say pick up a kit of six if you're a real ROG enthusiast; otherwise, stick with your own designs.

What's in the box?

The ROG Azoth Extreme Edition 20 comes with the keyboard, gold-plated nameplate, USB-C cable, four magnetic feet, keycap puller, switch puller, USB dongle, USB extender, three extra switches, extra silicon pins and foam stickers, and a wrist rest.

A high-end redesign inside and outside

A top-down view of the ASUS ROG Azoth Extreme Edition 20 mechanical keyboard. (Image credit: Future)

The ASUS Azoth Extreme keyboard isn't exactly new. It's technically been around since 2024 as a flagship mechanical gaming option, but it's never looked as good as this Edition 20 model.

What does that mean? Well, rather than the regular black finish across the board, ASUS has gone heavy on the gold accents and transparent keycaps. Let me break it down.

A look at the gold accents on the ASUS ROG Azoth Extreme Edition 20 mechanical keyboard. (Image credit: Future)

The outside edges of the keyboard, including the areas around the port outlets and the built-in control, have a gold finish. It's also found on the inner edges that surround the keycaps.

One of the gold-plated magnetic feet on the bottom of the ASUS ROG Azoth Extreme Edition 20.Future

Another look at one of the gold-plated feet on the bottom of the ASUS ROG Azoth Extreme Edition 20.Future

The gold accent goes all the way around the keyboard.Future

The magnetic feet? The wrist rest baseplate? The control knob? Also finished in gold. ASUS tops it all off with a 24K plated gold nameplate that attaches to the bottom of the keyboard to cover the gasket control and the USB dongle garage.

The gold-plated badge that covers the back panel of the keyboard. (Image credit: Future)

These accents offset nicely against the otherwise black aluminum alloy chassis, which features a bladed pattern that sort of gives it a carbon fiber look.

Transparent keycaps are a nice touch with the gold and black

A look at some of the keycaps, both black and transparent, on the ASUS ROG Azoth Extreme Edition 20.Future

The included wrist rest perfectly matches the keyboard.Future

Rather than using full black keycaps like on the regular Azoth Extreme, ASUS made a change to transparent caps with black tops. With the right RGB lighting, it sort of looks like a bunch of shining crystals.

A carbon fiber positioning plate surrounds the keycaps, but that's just one layer. Below is a layer of PORON dampening foam, a PORON switch pad, and a silicone pad. This stack dampens annoying "pings" from switches and also helps make typing as comfortable as possible.

The transparent keycaps feature custom, specialized artwork unique to the Edition 20 model. (Image credit: Future)

I can attest that the Azoth Extreme Edition 20 is the most comfortable keyboard I've ever used for regular work. At this point, I've typed thousands of words on it when not gaming, and I can't get enough of the feel and sound of the switches.

This switch on the back of the ROG Azoth Extreme Edition 20 adjusts the gasket from a hard to soft typing feel. (Image credit: Future)

Something I've never had on a keyboard before is an adjustable gasket. With just one toggle, you can transform the typing feel from soft to hard. I keep it on soft while working and switch it to hard when gaming for a more responsive feel.

The only complaint I have has to do with keycap legibility. The black finish on the top and a lack of transparent lettering make it hard to see the font in most conditions. The fully transparent keycaps are not quite so hard to make out (and I do love the custom graphics on most of them), but they're still not perfect.

I can't get enough of the ROG NX Edition 20 mechanical switches

One of the custom special anniversary keycaps installed on the keyboard. (Image credit: Future)

ASUS is offering two different types of switches. I have ROG NX Snow Edition 20 switches, which have the most satisfying, full sound. These switches have a 1.8mm actuation point, 40gf of initial force, and 53gf of total force.

The ROG Azoth Extreme has never looked as good as this Edition 20 model.

If you prefer a more clacky experience, I'd recommend you stick with ROG NX Storm switches. In any case, the switches come pre-lubed and ready to go. I appreciate that each switch has a "walled" design that helps keep out dust and dirt, and I also love that they're hot-swappable.

On some keyboards, wider keys like the spacebar (with just one switch in the middle) can feel wonky. Not the case here, thanks to stabilizers that keep all keys feeling the same.

Easy to control, easy to customize

A look at the OLED touchscreen on the ASUS ROG Azoth Extreme II keyboard. (Image credit: Future)

In the top-left corner of the keyboard is a 1.47-inch OLED touch display attached to a control knob. The screen is small enough not to be intrusive, but big enough to be legible from a distance.

The screen's animations can be customized through Armoury Crate software, or you can swipe between a bunch of presets. No matter the backdrop, the little screen displays things like Caps Lock, profile, connection, battery, and the function carousel (showing things like volume, brightness, etc.).

A look at the built-in keyboard control knob with gold finish. (Image credit: Future)

Using the control knob next to the screen makes switching between per-key RGB setups easy, and it also controls screen/RGB brightness, music, and volume. You can customize the knob with your own commands as well.

Customize your keys any way you see fit

Every key (except Fn) can be customized through Armoury Crate software. (Image credit: Future)

As long as you don't mind jumping into Armoury Crate on your PC, every key (except Fn) on the ROG Azoth Extreme Edition 20 is customizable. You can also set up any number of macros to help automate your flow.

This is also where you can sync your keyboard's lighting with Aura Sync.

Performance and battery life

It's easy to toggle between Bluetooth, wired, and 2.4GHz connectivity. (Image credit: Future)

The ASUS ROG Azoth Extreme Edition 20 connects with USB-C, Bluetooth, and a 2.4GHz dongle. These modes are easily toggled with a built-in switch.

ASUS uses its proprietary SpeedNova tech for 2.4GHz connections, boosting battery life up to 1,600+ hours with all lighting disabled. At least that's what ASUS claims — I still haven't had to charge in the two weeks I've been using the board.

More realistically, with RGB lighting and OLED display enabled, you should be able to get about four days of constant use out of the board before the battery runs dry.

1,000Hz polling rate can be boosted to 8,000Hz

This polling booster unlocks 8,000Hz polling for competitive play. (Image credit: Future)

ASUS includes a nifty little ROG Polling Rate booster dongle in the package. You can plug it into your PC and use it like a wireless dongle, or you can plug the keyboard into your PC through the booster.

Either way, it bumps the stock 1,000Hz polling rate up to 8,000Hz, something I'm sure some competitive gamers can appreciate.

Should you buy the ASUS ROG Azoth Extreme Edition 20 keyboard?

The ASUS ROG Azoth Extreme Edition 20 viewed from an angle. (Image credit: Future)

You should buy it if ...

✅ You're a rabid ROG fan and want to celebrate 20 years of gaming hardware.

✅ You're a fan of premium mechanical keyboards that are ideal for work and gaming.

You should not buy this if ...

❌ You already have a hard time seeing the lettering on keys.

❌ Your $600 could be better spent on PC performance hardware upgrades.

The ASUS ROG Azoth Extreme Edition 20 is hands-down the best mechanical gaming keyboard I've ever used. It's built better than any peripheral I've tested or otherwise purchased myself, and it has everything I need for both gaming and work.

That's really the selling point here, especially at an eye-watering $600; the keyboard is just as good for having fun as it is for typing thousands of words every day. It sounds good, it feels good, and it looks good.

It sounds good, it feels good, and it looks good.

My only qualm has to do with the font visibility on the main set of keycaps. They can be very hard to read, backlight or not, in low-light conditions.

Other than that issue, which is fairly minor for anyone who doesn't have to look down when typing or gaming, the only other impediment is the price tag. The ROG Azoth Extreme was firmly in the enthusiast camp, and a $100 price bump makes it even more so.

ASUS

ROG Azoth Extreme Edition 20

An already outstanding mechanical keyboard for gaming (and work) gets a glow-up for ASUS ROG's 20th anniversary. If you're a ROG enthusiast, or simply love high-end prebuilt boards, this is certainly a peripheral to consider. Just watch out for that price tag.

"Practically every high-performance feature I can think of": I never thought I needed a gold-plated gaming mouse, but here we are

c.cale.hunt@gmail.com (Cale Hunt) — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 01:30:00 +0000

ASUS's Republic of Gamers (ROG) brand is turning 20 this year, and to celebrate, the company has launched a 20th Anniversary edition of its ROG Harpe II Extreme gaming mouse at Computex.

I was lucky enough to get the new Edition 20 mouse a couple of weeks ahead of the announcement, so I've had plenty of time to test it out in many a real-world situation. If the idea of a gold-plated mouse tickles your fancy, read on to see if it's worth buying or not.

ASUS had no input, nor saw the contents of this review, prior to publication.

How much does the ASUS ROG Harpe II Extreme Edition 20 cost?

A look at the right side of the ASUS ROG Harpe II Extreme Edition 20 mouse. (Image credit: Future)

The new ASUS ROG Harpe II Extreme Edition 20 mouse makes its debut at $259.99. It's available for pre-order at both Best Buy and Newegg, and it's expected to launch fully on July 19.

After launch, it will also be available at Amazon and Micro Center.

Considering the regular ROG Harpe II Ace, on which this special Edition 20 is based, costs about $170, you're looking at roughly a $90 cost difference.

What's in the box?

Alongside the ASUS ROG Harpe II Extreme Edition 20 mouse, the special display case has an ROG SpeedNova 8K receiver and extender, an ROG paracord, grip tape, extra mouse slides, stickers, a cleaning cloth, and documentation.

What I love about the ASUS ROG Harpe II Extreme Edition 20

The new ASUS ROG Harpe II Extreme Edition 20 is based on the Harpe II Ace that launched in late 2025. And just like its sibling ROG Azoth Extreme Edition 20 keyboard, it's been given a makeover with gold accents, improved internals, and special anniversary branding.

Impeccable design that's comfortable to hold

A look at the left side of the ASUS ROG Harpe II Extreme Edition 20 mouse, with metal buttons in view. (Image credit: Future)

The Harpe II Extreme Edition 20 has been in use on my desk for gaming and for work for a couple of weeks, and it's just as comfortable to hold at the start of the day as it is at the end.

Its sidewalls are lightly tapered to fit my fingers, and it has an ideal shape that rests firmly under my palm. It's the perfect size for me, though I can see it maybe being a bit too big for those with smaller hands.

It's just as comfortable to hold at the start of the day as it is at the end.

I was concerned with how slick the outer transparent shell can be when gaming, but ASUS has that issue covered with included grip stickers you can add if needed.

The mouse's shell primarily has a semi-transparent black finish to help show off the internals. The outside is a little busy, what with all the extra ROG branding in honor of the anniversary, but that's largely the point.

A gold-plated interior ... with RGB lighting

A look at the gold plating and RGB lighting inside the ASUS ROG Harpe II Extreme Edition 20 mouse. (Image credit: Future)

The biggest aesthetic upgrade you get here comes in the form of an inner metal frame with real 24K gold plating.

The layered design helps give the mouse's internals some depth beneath the transparent shell, and it's finished off with an RGB 20th Anniversary ROG logo right in the center of the main internal plate. This logo connects to other RGB via Aura Sync.

Despite the new design, the mouse still only weighs 82 grams. It's one of the lighter mice I've used, and although I'm now used to it, it would be nice to have adjustable weights like other high-end mice.

Scrolling, clicking, and gliding

The main mouse buttons and gold scroll wheel on the ASUS ROG Harpe II Extreme Edition 20 mouse. (Image credit: Future)

The mouse's black finish is nicely offset by a gold-colored scroll wheel and metal side buttons. I had no issues with any of the three inputs; the side buttons are perfectly placed for easy control with my thumb, and the scroll wheel is smooth but tactile.

ASUS uses its ROG Optical Micro switches below the main mouse buttons, making the mouse feel incredibly responsive. I also noticed while playing FPS games that it seriously drops the likelihood of double clicks, felt most when tapping fire on a rifle set to full auto.

👉 Best mouse in 2026: The best mice for gaming, ergonomics, and more

These switches are also very durable, with ASUS claiming 100 million clicks before the switches wear out. Not bad.

The special top slide on the ASUS ROG Harpe II Extreme Edition 20 mouse. (Image credit: Future)

Flipping the mouse over reveals stylized slides at the front and back of the mouse. These are made of Gorilla Glass for extra durability (nothing worse than your slides wearing away before the mouse is through), but they also make the mouse super smooth.

Here is where you'll also find DPI and pairing buttons, as well as a toggle for 2.4GHz (via the SpeedNova 8K dongle), Bluetooth, or wired connectivity. There's no dongle storage on the mouse; instead, ASUS says to use the (bulky) plastic carrying case when in transit.

The high-performance sensor you want for competitive gaming

A look at the sensor and controls on the ASUS ROG Harpe II Extreme Edition 20 mouse. (Image credit: Future)

I'm getting too old to have a real chance in competitive games, but I can say that the ROG Harpe II Extreme Edition 20 had me playing my best.

ASUS has its premier ROG AimPoint Pro 65K sensor on board, featuring a 65,000 DPI, adjustable lift-off distance (LOD) from 0.7mm to 1.7mm, maximum acceleration of 70g, and a max speed of 800 inches per second (IPS).

The ROG Harpe II Extreme Edition 20 had me playing my best.

The mouse also lets me adjust its polling rate from 1,000Hz all the way up to 8,000Hz, which at the top provides just 0.2ms latency even when used wirelessly.

I didn't really need it for my purposes, but a Zone Mode is available for competitive gamers. It quickly locks the mouse into the top settings so you can jump into a game after work without too many adjustments.

Battery life is excellent

ASUS uses something called dynamic wireless transmission power to boost battery life, and it claims the mouse can go for 195 hours with a 1K polling rate. I still haven't hit that limit, but I've also not yet had to charge the mouse in the two weeks I've had it.

If you bump it up to an 8K polling rate, the battery life falls to about 37 hours. Still a respectable number that won't have you reaching for a cable before every gaming session.

What I don't like about the ASUS ROG Harpe II Extreme Edition 20

The outer shell of the ASUS ROG Harpe II Extreme Edition 20 mouse is rather slick and glossy. (Image credit: Future)

ASUS really did a great job of overhauling its flagship mouse for ROG's 20th anniversary, and there are just a couple of nitpicks I'd like to mention.

One is the shell's slick feel. Yes, ASUS includes grip tape, but adding it to the mouse kind of interferes with the overall sleek look.

Another nitpick is the lack of a USB garage built into the mouse. I don't want to carry around a bulky plastic carrying case in a bag, and I also don't want to just toss a dongle in there loose.

Finally, I can't skip mentioning the price. I know this mouse is for ROG fanatics who want to help celebrate 20 years of gaming service, and I understand that its performance is superior to the ROG Harpe II Ace on which it's based.

Still, asking $259.99 for one mouse is a bit steep, especially if you're already dropping $600 on a matching keyboard.

Should you buy the ASUS ROG Harpe II Extreme Edition 20 mouse?

The bottom slide on the ASUS ROG Harpe II Extreme Edition 20 mouse. (Image credit: Future)

You should buy it if ...

✅ You love the ASUS ROG brand and want to help ring in its 20th anniversary.

✅ You're a competitive PC gamer who wants a high-performance, comfortable mouse.

You should not buy this if ...

❌ You have particularly small hands or are left-handed.

❌ You prefer a heavy mouse or a mouse with adjustable weight.

Like the sibling ASUS ROG Azoth Extreme Edition 20 keyboard I reviewed, the new ROG Harpe II Extreme Edition 20 is a special accessory that's not meant for the masses. That helps explain the price, at least.

If you are a ROG fanatic (or simply love the idea of a gaming mouse with some extra flash), I can promise that you're landing one great device. Sure, it has a few little drawbacks, but overall, it's a gaming mouse that has practically every high-performance feature I can think of.

It's comfortable to hold (if a bit slick without grip stickers), the buttons respond as you'd expect and feel nice and snappy, and it has the right sensor and polling rate to keep up with even the fastest reactions.

ASUS

ROG Harpe II Extreme Edition 20

ASUS took the shape of its celebrated ROG Harpe II Ace gaming mouse and added new colors, gold plating, and a superior sensor for competitive play. It's crazy expensive, but if you're a ROG fanatic, it's likely going to be a must-have accessory.

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

jez@windowscentral.com (Jez Corden) — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 18:33:44 +0000

Microsoft has nearly recovered all of its year-to-date stock market losses as of writing, as shares rally on Azure growth, homegrown AI, and the latest news coming out of Computex.

In case you've been sleeping under a rock (or a pile of silicon), NVIDIA and Microsoft announced a renewed push into an Arm-based Windows future over the past weekend.

Qualcomm's exclusivity deal for Snapdragon Arm chips has finally expired, and NVIDIA has immediately stepped in with its much-hyped N1X chipset, boasting RTX graphics and full-blown compatibility with "all" Windows apps, says NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang. They also showcased Forza Horizon 6 and 007 First Light running incredibly well on this chip, and we even have a new Surface Laptop Ultra coming later in the year to showcase it in full.

Azure growth, home-grown AI, and Windows on Arm are all contributing to a more positive Microsoft outlook (pun intended.) (Image credit: MSN Money)

The news led to another solid uptick for Microsoft's stock price, which has taken a battering over the past year over its AI infrastructure spending. Investors had been worried that Microsoft is over-extending itself on capital expenditure, given that AI has yet to show a path towards real profitability.

Over the past few months, Microsoft has been focusing its AI efforts around the enterprise more and more — where the real money is — while taking a more measured posture with consumers. Microsoft has also been working to untangle itself from OpenAI and work more closely with Anthropic and other AI vendors, as well as building out its home-grown efficiency-focused Phi models.

So far, investors seem generally upbeat about the way Microsoft has been handling things more recently. A few weeks of rallies have seen Microsoft claw back much of the losses it endured over the past year, buttressed by a pretty loud pitch to improve quality for consumers across Xbox and Windows both. Microsoft's Windows K2 effort and its work to bridge its Xbox console and PC gaming ecosystems should also serve to breathe new life into the Windows ecosystem in the coming years.

Introducing a powerful new chapter for @Windows PCs, accelerated by @nvidia RTX Spark https://t.co/HkounxZFa6June 1, 2026

The news out of Computex with NVIDIA N1X also led to an additional 3% upswing, while competing chip makers AMD and Intel shares sank slightly on the news. Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo, Morgan Stanley, and other analysts have been more upbeat on Microsoft lately, citing Copilot adoption and its boosted position on AI-oriented PC hardware. It's not all good news, though.

The AI infrastructure build-out has led to a monstrous explosion in memory prices, which has harmed consumer confidence and priced many more out of various markets for new tech spend. There's not a huge amount of information about how much N1X-based laptops could end up costing, but you probably shouldn't be surprised if the Surface Laptop Ultra ends up costing $2,999.99 or more.

There's still a big question mark hanging over the AI build-out in general. The vast amount of hype, claims of mass job losses, and circular investments have seen Microsoft and many of its Big AI cohorts be accused of operating in a gigantic fiscal bubble primed to implode. Perhaps this $MSFT rally will be short-lived if that's all true.

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NVIDIA's new "RTX Spark" platform is less of a threat to Qualcomm's chips and more of an ally to Microsoft's Windows on ARM PCs

ben.wilson@windowscentral.com (Ben Wilson) — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 17:00:00 +0000

Ben Wilson

(Image credit: Windows Central)

What I'm working on this week: It's all about Computex, Build and Summer Game Fest. This time, I stayed home to enjoy the rainy climate of the UK while Zac and Cale enjoy the impossibly humid vibes of Taipei. Enjoy, fellas!

It finally happened: NVIDIA officially went public with its RTX Spark consumer processors to take on Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm. I say "officially" because I've been hearing rumors about these ARM-based 'N1x' chips for over a year, but multiple announcements at this year's Computex show in Taiwan let the cat out of the bag.

Some of these mobile RTX SoCs are appearing in Windows on ARM laptops at the show, including Microsoft's uncompromising answer to Apple's MacBook Pro, the new flagship Surface Laptop Ultra. Predictably, PCs from other popular brands, like ASUS' 14-inch ProArt P14 and 16-inch P16, are targeting "all-day battery life" in the same way that PCs featuring Qualcomm's ARM-based Snapdragon X2 chips do.

In that, the mysterious hype from the past weekend around "a new era of PC" now feels more like a continuation of the Qualcomm-led ARM revival from 2024, which my Editor-in-Chief, Daniel Rubino, called a "great reset" for the industry. Then again, I wouldn't consider Microsoft's previous attempt at a "new era" of Copilot+ PCs a success, but it at least started a wave. And now, NVIDIA wants to ride that wave, bringing its specialized skills along.

My primary takeaway from NVIDIA's announcement was that it focused entirely on high-end laptops targeting "creators, AI developers, and gamers," at least for now. That's what separates it from what Qualcomm has been offering to more everyday consumers, with an exception for the ultra-high-end Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme processor featured in ASUS' phenomenal Zenbook A16.

So, if the RTX Spark processor can be "the most efficient PC chip ever built", as its marketing lead Mark Aevermann claims, does that include the integrated GPU performing better than anything else in its class? Can it come anywhere close to the desktop RTX 5070, given the matching CUDA core count, or is that a pipe dream reminiscent of the "4090 performance for $549" claims?

Microsoft's ultra-high-end Surface Laptop Ultra uses NVIDIA's new RTX Spark platform. (Image credit: Microsoft)

That kind of spec scrutiny will likely interest the die-hard enthusiasts and confuse the rest of us. Besides, I'll always take NVIDIA's mobile GPU pontification with a pinch of salt, as it casually oversells the capabilities of its laptop graphics by awarding them the same names as their full-size desktop counterparts. For example, a mobile RTX 5090 is about 50% slower than the desktop version.

Crucially, it hits me that we don't have any hints about fan noise or how long the RTX Spark-based laptop batteries will actually last in real-world testing, never mind what's touted on a spec sheet.

However, I'd generally prefer to remain optimistic, and the Snapdragon X devices that I've tested over the past couple of years certainly lived up to their claims. Either way, Microsoft benefits from the continued development of native ARM64 apps and whatever NVIDIA is doing to back up CEO Jensen Huang's claim that RTX Spark PCs will support "every single application that Windows has ever run."

Therefore, if NVIDIA can match everything Qualcomm has done to date and deliver more performant graphics, this could be a very exciting chapter for Windows on ARM. Although I won't call it "a new era," I'll still be watching the development of RTX Spark closely.

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ASUS unveils the ROG Xbox Ally X20 with a new OLED display and translucent body

Adam Hales — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 16:44:17 +0000

ASUS, known to many Xbox fans as the company behind the ROG Ally line of handhelds, first entered the market with the ROG Ally and ROG Ally X before partnering with Xbox to create the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X. Both handhelds offer solid value for money, especially following Valve's recent Steam Deck price increases.

Despite that, one of the biggest criticisms of the lineup was the lack of an OLED display. Thankfully, ASUS has now revealed the ROG Ally X20 at Computex 2026, which finally addresses that complaint with a larger 7.4-inch OLED screen.

Unfortunately, ASUS has yet to confirm pricing, and the internals are largely what we've come to expect. The handheld uses the same Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chipset found in the Xbox Ally X, meaning the biggest changes appear to be focused on the display and design rather than performance.

(Image credit: ASUS)

ROG Ally X20
Operating System	Windows 11 Home
Processor	AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme (8 cores, 16 threads, up to 5.0GHz)
Graphics	AMD Radeon Graphics
Display	7.4-inch OLED touchscreen
Resolution	1920 × 1080 (Full HD)
Refresh Rate	120Hz
Brightness	600 nits SDR / 1400 nits HDR
Memory	24GB LPDDR5X
Storage	1TB PCIe 4.0 NVME SSD
Battery	80Wh
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4
Ports	USB 4, USB-C, microSD card reader, 3.5mm audio jack
Controls	Hall Effect triggers, TMR joysticks, HD haptics, 6-axis gyro
Security	Fingerprint sensor, Microsoft Pluton security processor
Included Accessory	ROG XREAL R1 Edition 20 AR glasses
Xbox Game Pass	3 months of Xbox Game Pass Premium included
Weight	756g (1.67 lbs)

Now, you may be a bit confused by the device's name. The X20 branding is simply there to celebrate the ROG line's 20th anniversary, with the brand originally launching in July 2006. It was a very different era, dominated by flip phones and the launch of Nintendo's Wii.

For me, though, 2006 will always be remembered as the year Kingdom Hearts 2 released, so that's what defined the year more than anything else.

(Image credit: ASUS)

As for the ROG Ally X20 itself, I actually think it looks pretty cool. While it isn't drastically different from the Xbox Ally X, it does feature a translucent shell with gold accents that help it stand out from the crowd.

It also comes bundled with a pair of ROG XREAL R1 glasses, which are AR glasses that can be connected to the device to create a private virtual display. The glasses themselves can provide a screen size equivalent of up to 171 inches, with support for refresh rates of up to 240Hz.

I've always wanted a pair myself, but I've never quite been willing to spend the money on them. Seeing them included as part of the bundle is pretty neat, and it certainly helps make the package feel a bit more special.

With that said, let me know your thoughts on the ROG Ally X20. Do you like the look of it, or were you hoping for more than just an OLED screen and a new design? Let me know in the comments, and be sure to take part in our poll!

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Adobe will supercharge Photoshop and Premiere with RTX Spark and the N1x chip

sean.endicott@futurenet.com (Sean Endicott) — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 11:28:08 +0000

Microsoft and NVIDIA are pushing a “new era of PC” built around the RTX Spark platform and the N1x chip. It’s the first real attempt to bring workstation‑class performance to Windows on ARM, and Adobe is already preparing its apps to take advantage of it.

Adobe partnered with NVIDIA to optimize Photoshop, Premiere, and other creative apps for the RTX Spark chip. Adobe promises two times faster AI usage, editing, coloring, and effects across Photoshop and Premiere.

NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang promises that RTX Spark chips will run every Windows app ever made. But there's a difference between merely running an app and fully supporting it. Several Adobe apps now fall into the latter category.

Premiere takes advantage of RTX Spark's unified memory, Blackwell GPU, and TensorRT, resulting in faster rendering. Photoshop has been "reimaged with GPU-accelerated compositing at its core," which helps with the performance of live filters, HDR, and other effects. AI features get a boost from TensorRT.

The NVIDIA RTX Spark platform is the combination of an N1x CPU, RTX graphics, and unified memory. It powers a new class of computing not previously available through Snapdragon X processors (though Qualcomm was eager to welcome NVIDIA to the family).

The NVIDIA RTX Spark platform is a full-stack collaboration between Microsoft, ASUS, and NVIDIA. The result is monstrous specs, such as 6,144 Blackwell RTX cores and support for up to 128GB of unified LPDDR5X RAM.

There are still major questions around the platform. NVIDIA hasn’t detailed pricing for N1x systems, and we still don't have a full list of specs. Claims made by NVIDIA, Microsoft, and other OEMs are promising, but we'll need to wait to see full benchmarks and real-world performance.

We'll see a wide range of devices powered by NVIDIA RTX Spark this year. The Surface Laptop Ultra and ASUS ProArt P16 and P14 are all built on the platform.

Adobe's apps should be updated to utilize NVIDIA RTX Spark around the same time. The company expects to ship updates to Premiere, Photoshop, and Substance 3D by the end of the year.

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Microsoft veteran revisits NVIDIA's first Windows on ARM experiment with a nostalgic Tegra video shot on Windows Phone — Will history repeat itself in 2026?

kevinokemwa@outlook.com (Kevin Okemwa) — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 11:02:14 +0000

Call me cynical, but I feel like Microsoft's entire ecosystem, especially Windows 11 and now Surface, is seemingly headed in the right direction. At the start of the year, the tech giant promised to improve the operating system's overall user sentiment by addressing major pain points based on customer feedback.

Microsoft has made major moves on this front over the past few months, including reducing where Copilot appears and more. And now, Microsoft, in partnership with NVIDIA at Computex 2026, has unveiled the Surface Laptop Ultra — equipped with 128GB of unified memory and full CUDA support with Windows-compatible RTX Spark under the hood. This powerhouse device breathes fresh air into the company's hardware division, signaling the dawn of what it calls “a new era of PC.”

Microsoft and NVIDIA's promise of a new era of PC seemingly sparked nostalgia for Microsoft veteran and former President of the Windows Division Steven Sinofsky when the first Surface hybrid PC ran on NVIDIA Tegra ARM silicon back in 2010/11 (via Tom's Hardware).

For good measure, his X post included a video attachment recorded with a Windows Phone, before Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella made the unfortunate decision to pull the plug on mobile.

The first Surface ran on Nvidia Tegra ARM chips precisely because the graphics processor and drivers were so much better than others and Nvidia was a fantastic partner. Windows 8 on ARM supported Qualcomm and TI as well. Slide below is from the CES event Jan 2011.It was later… https://t.co/TGXe1hiG7U pic.twitter.com/716Ghar5j5May 30, 2026

"Kinda sad for Qualcomm," an X user posted. "They've invested so much to get Windows on Arm into a usable state, and Nvidia swoops in to take advantage of that. Nvidia is strategic." It's this exact post that triggered Sinofsky's nostalgic response and retort, which indicated that it was history repeating itself, but this time with a (unsurprising) dash of artificial intelligence.

"Nvidia “swoops in”? Do you think history started in 2020?" another user indicated, reiterating Sinofsky's sentiments. "The first two generations of Surface tablets ran on Nvidia Tegra 3 and Tegra 4 chips, almost 15 years ago."

Sinofsky's post shows that the hype around Windows on Arm is not new, and that at the time most people believed it would ride high on "strong partnerships." But as highlighted by our sister site Tom's Hardware:

"This prior push for Windows on Arm didn’t exclusively support Nvidia Tegra. Sinofsky points out that Windows 8 on Arm also supported Qualcomm and TI processors. However, we saw Microsoft switch to a Qualcomm partnership focus in the years following. That collaborative effort also didn’t break through, even when the much-lauded Nuvia Oryon architecture arrived with the Snapdragon X family."

That said, it'll be interesting to see if Windows on Arm will manifest to its full glory this time around with Microsoft and NVIDIA's new commitment. "I think this is a smart move by Microsoft, although it is unfortunate that we know its pricing is going to be sky-high due to, ironically, the demand for AI putting macro pressure on NAND and RAM prices," our Editor-in-Chief, Daniel Rubino, added to his Surface Laptop Ultra reaction. Time will tell.

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Qualcomm responds to NVIDIA's new RTX Spark Windows on Arm chips: "Welcome to the family. We're excited"

zac.bowden@futurenet.com (Zac Bowden) — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 09:43:20 +0000

On the back of NVIDIA's groundbreaking RTX Spark announcement, Qualcomm SVP of Computing Kedar Kondap has shared his thoughts on the Windows on Arm space heating up in a Q&A session with media hosted at Computex 2026 in Taipei earlier today.

When asked directly what Qualcomm thinks of NVIDIA entering the PC space, Kondap said the following:

"Welcome to the family. We are, you know, we're excited. When you think about the investments that we've made over the last several years, it's a good endorsement of the fact that there is an ecosystem that's growing outside of x86. We invested many years ago, driving the ecosystem and driving the entire platform story, whether it is getting the printers to work, whether it's getting the software apps to be compatible, whether it is getting the docks and peripherals to work, whether it's getting more than 2,500 games to be compatible with Snapdragon. We led the way in driving that ecosystem, and I think this is positive tailwinds for the entire ecosystem. It will tell us how we're all taking the ball forward in the trajectory that we started."

It's clear that Qualcomm views NVIDIA's entry into the PC space as good for the entire industry. While the company is eager to remind people that Snapdragon is the reason Windows on Arm is in a good place today, it's clear that both companies will benefit from each other pushing the Windows on Arm platform forward.

If anything, it's the x86 chipmakers that should be the most concerned. Windows on Arm is no longer an afterthought for the Windows ecosystem, with hundreds of devices now shipping with an Arm SoC thanks to Snapdragon, and with more on the way from NVIDIA, the platform is only getting stronger with each year.

Kondap was also asked about NVIDIA's claims that their Arm SoC won't have any Windows app compatibility concerns, but it's obvious that Qualcomm was caught off guard by this announcement. "Our partnership with Microsoft has gone on for several years. We launched the first Copilot+ PCs together. We launched the first platforms where the Microsoft OS supported the NPU and supported how this distributed computing work across the different cores ... I'm sure the engagement with Microsoft is strong enough where we've worked with them to build this entire ecosystem to make sure that it's compatible with Snapdragon and the architecture."

It's currently unclear how NVIDIA has solved this app compatibility problem. Windows on Arm PCs powered by Snapdragon chips have been relied on Windows 11's Prism emulation layer to run x86 apps, which works most of the time, except for in a few instances where an older app or newer game may be too complex to run optimally. Time will tell if NVIDIA's chips really are immune to x86 app compatibility issues, or if Qualcomm has some catching up to do.

NVIDIA"s new RTX Spark chip (Image credit: NVIDIA)

Overall, NVIDIA entering the PC space with its new RTX Spark SoC is good news for the entire Arm PC industry, and Qualcomm knows it. If NVIDIA's new chips encourage app and game developers to take the Arm architecture more seriously, that will benefit everyone running a Snapdragon PC today.

For now, Qualcomm is happy to continue serving the Windows market with Snapdragon PCs that are available from $300 with the new Snapdragon C all the way up to $1,699 with the highest end Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme. It's likely that NVIDIA's chips will be targeting the ultra-premium category, priced much higher than the top end that Snapdragon currently targets.

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ASUS ProArt P16 and P14 N1X bring workstation‑class power, RTX graphics, and AI‑PC performance for creators

daniel@windowscentral.com (Daniel Rubino) — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 08:48:15 +0000

I have been saying for months that Windows on Arm was about to hit a second gear that most people did not see coming. While much of the recent oxygen has been taken up by thin and light devices, there was always a missing piece of the puzzle: true, high-performance creator workstations with the same promise of Windows app compatibility.

Today at Computex, ASUS filled that gap in a massive way by announcing the new ProArt P16 and P14. These are the first laptops from ASUS built on the NVIDIA RTX Spark platform (N1x CPU, RTX graphics, and unified memory), and they represent a different class of computing than what we have seen from the current crop of Snapdragon X devices.

ASUS has been on an absolute tear lately, consistently pushing the boundaries of thermal engineering and display technology (we're huge fans of the Qualcomm-based Zenbook series). With the ProArt P16 and P14, they are taking that momentum and applying it to a new architecture. These machines are designed for what Microsoft calls the new wave of agents, meaning they have the local compute power to handle AI tasks that would normally require a server farm.

The silicon: RTX Spark and Blackwell

NVIDIA's Spark RTX processor. (Image credit: NVIDIA)

The core of these new ProArt machines is the NVIDIA RTX Spark platform, the same one that appears in Microsoft's all-new Surface Laptop Ultra. This is not just a standard GPU swap; it is a full-stack collaboration between Microsoft, ASUS, and NVIDIA that pairs power-efficient Arm-based CPU cores with the brand-new Blackwell RTX GPU architecture.

The P16 specifically is a monster, featuring up to 6,144 Blackwell RTX cores and a staggering 128GB of unified LPDDR5X RAM. This unified architecture delivers 1 petaflop of AI performance, capable of running complex local models without round-tripping to the cloud.

This is the area where Qualcomm's current offerings simply do not compete; the ProArt series is aimed at niche pros who need to render complex 3D geometries or train local AI models while on the go.

Displays and Pro-grade engineering

ASUS ProArt P16 specs.ASUS

ASUS ProArt P14 specs.ASUS

ASUS is known for its displays, and they are bringing its Lumina Pro OLED technology to these machines. The P16 features a 16-inch 16:10 4K Tandem OLED touchscreen that can hit up to 1,600 nits of peak brightness. The P14 isn't far behind with a 3K HDR 120Hz version. Both panels offer 100% DCI-P3 color gamut and are Pantone validated with a Delta E < 1 color accuracy.

What fascinates me is the physical footprint. ASUS managed to get the P16 down to just 12.9 mm thin while weighing only 1.77 kg (3.9lbs). That is significantly lighter and thinner than the 2026 MacBook Pro 16, which weighs in at 2.15 kg (4.73lbs) and measures 16.8 mm thick.

The chassis is a meticulously CNC-machined aluminum "C-part" that feels every bit as premium as the hardware inside.

Thermal innovation: Keeping Blackwell cool

ASUS' 14-inch and 16-inch ProArt laptops target silent cooling. (Image credit: ASUS)

ASUS is offering two distinct thermal paths depending on the model you choose. The standard H7607BA version uses their "Ambient Cooling" technology with a vapor chamber and a "stealth air outlet" design that disperses heat effectively without making a sound. In contrast, the performance-oriented H7607IA version simplifies the perforations, centering its design on dual linear side intakes to deliver peak thermal performance under heavy loads.

All models benefit from Thermal Grizzly's liquid metal thermal compound, which significantly lowers CPU temperatures compared to standard paste. This inward airflow design and a built-in dust filter help maintain CPU efficiency during long rendering sessions or intensive 3D work.

Local AI and the Zenni Claw Agent

With ASUS ProArt, it's all about agentic AI. (Image credit: ASUS)

A major theme of this announcement is the new wave of agents. For casual readers, "containment" is a concept you need to know. It essentially sandboxes these AI agents, ensuring they only have access to the data you permit and cannot interfere with the core integrity of your operating system. It provides visibility into what the agents are doing, giving you a level of governance that is impossible when using cloud-based AI.

ASUS is launching its own AI agent platform called Zenni Claw. I know the name sounds a bit like a gaming accessory, but this is a serious tool. It is designed to be an orchestrator that can route tasks between local hardware and the cloud depending on the need. Because the ProArt has up to 128GB of RAM, it can run multi-gigabyte neural network models like Stable Diffusion locally via ComfyUI. This means you can generate commercial-grade marketing assets or edit video without an internet connection.

Windows Central's Take

Some might see these high-performance NVIDIA-powered laptops as a threat to Qualcomm, but I see it as the opposite. This is a massive feather in the cap for the Windows on Arm movement. It proves that the architecture can scale from ultra-portable tablets all the way up to 128GB RAM workstation monsters.

ASUS ProArt P16 vs. MacBook Pro 16 (2026)
Laptop	ASUS ProArt P16 (H7607BA)	MacBook Pro 16 (M5 series)
Display	16" 4K Tandem OLED, 1000+ nits	16" Liquid Retina XDR, 1600 nits
RAM	Up to 128GB Unified LPDDR5X	Up to 128GB Unified (M5 Max)
Weight	1.77 kg (3.9lbs)	2.15 kg (4.7lbs)
Thickness	12.9 mm	16.8 mm
I/O Ports	3x USB 4, HDMI 2.1, SD Express 7.0	3x TB5, HDMI, MagSafe, SD

ASUS has created a comprehensive ecosystem for creative explorers that includes everything from a military-grade 13-inch tablet (the PZ14) to these massive P16 powerhouses. This level of variety is exactly what was needed to convince professional industries to move away from x86.

We don't have firm pricing yet, as the markets for high-density RAM and storage remain volatile, but ASUS is targeting a release later this year (a trend with all NVIDIA N1x laptops).

Do you think the move to local AI agents and 128GB of RAM is enough to make professional creators switch from the MacBook Pro to a Windows on Arm workstation like the ProArt P16? Let me know in the comments.

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NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang promises new 'RTX Spark' Windows on Arm chips will run every Windows app ever made

zac.bowden@futurenet.com (Zac Bowden) — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 06:43:06 +0000

NVIDIA has confirmed at Computex that its upcoming RTX Spark SoC will be fully compatible with every Windows app ever made, in an attempt to ease concerns around Windows on Arm app compatibility on upcoming devices like the Surface Laptop Ultra.

CEO Jensen Huang was quick to confirm during the NVIDIA Computex 2026 keynote that RTX Spark is compatible with any app or game you might want to run on these powerful devices, though he did not provide technical details around how this is being ensured.

"Every single application that Windows has ever run, meticulously optimized so that this computer literally runs everything the world has ever created" said Huang on stage.

Windows on Arm has had little app compatibility issues for a number of years, but there are still some apps and games that won't run on existing Windows on Arm PCs.

It sounds like NVIDIA has solved this issue, meaning buyers should not need to be concerned about whether RTX Spark-powered devices will run their apps or games, obscure or otherwise. Of course, it remains to be seen if this is actually true.

The company has already confirmed that it's working with game developers to ensure anti-cheat software is fully compatible with RTX Spark, enabling games like PUBG, Valorant, Fortnite, and more to run with no issues on the platform.

Today, Windows 11 on Arm devices utilize an emulation layer called Prism, which is capable of running x86 compiled apps on Arm-based SoCs. It's capable of running most x86 apps, though some are too complex or too old to run optimally or at all. For most users, it already runs all the apps they'd ever need to run on Windows.

It's likely that RTX Spark will use this same Prism emulation layer, meaning it's possible that Microsoft is working on more updates to Prism to ensure wider compatibility. NVIDIA is confident that these devices will run every Windows app.

Of course, a large percentage of Windows apps are now natively compiled for Windows on Arm anyway, so the emulation layer is less of a concern for most people. Gaming is an outlier, where most games are not Arm native, but NVIDIA says these devices should run your games just fine too, thanks to its powerful RTX-class GPU.

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Surface Laptop Ultra: Microsoft and NVIDIA reveal the 128GB RAM, mini‑LED, RTX Spark powerhouse redefining Windows on Arm

daniel@windowscentral.com (Daniel Rubino) — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 04:39:14 +0000

For months, I have been teasing on the podcast that Microsoft might be working on a device that would finally address the demand for a truly high-performance Surface without the experimental hinge of the Surface Laptop Studio (which has ended production). While that device has its fans, there has been a loud, persistent contingent of power users asking for a pro laptop that focuses on the fundamentals: raw power, thermal efficiency, and a traditional form factor.

Today at Computex 2026, Microsoft made it official with the announcement of the Surface Laptop Ultra in conjunction with launch partner NVIDIA, which is behind the device's silicon.

This is a fundamental shift in what we should expect from a professional Windows laptop, especially since it is part of this NVIDIA N1x wave of devices that compete with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 line.

I have spent years arguing that power users need more than what a standard ultrabook can provide, and Microsoft has clearly been listening. During a recent briefing, Andrew Hill, the product leader for Surface, described this as the most performance-oriented, most powerful Surface they have ever built (which, to be fair, isn't a high bar, but noteworthy, nonetheless).

What is even more impressive is that Microsoft managed to pack all this hardware into a chassis that weighs less than 4.5 lbs (interestingly, that's not super light, as Surface Laptop Studio 2 was 4.37 lbs)

Unfortunately, this is more of a tease announcement, as exact specs, pricing, and availability are all coming later, but that just gives you time to start saving.

Let's get into what we do know about Surface Laptop Ultra.

The Blackwell jump: Surpassing the Laptop Studio

Microsoft's feature grid for Surface Laptop Ultra that was given to the media. (Image credit: Microsoft)

The headline feature here is the deep, full-stack collaboration with NVIDIA. While we have seen NVIDIA GPUs in Surface devices before, the Surface Laptop Ultra is the first to be built on the NVIDIA RTX Spark platform (N1x CPU, RTX GPU, unified memory) from the silicon up. It features the new Blackwell architecture for massive acceleration, delivering up to 1 petaflop of AI compute.

This is the most powerful Windows on Arm device ever built.

When you compare this to the previous Surface Laptop Studio models, the jump is staggering. The Blackwell GPU features up to 6,144 cores, providing a level of raw performance that previously required a much thicker, heavier chassis. Pavan Davuluri, EVP of Windows and Devices, noted that this platform allows Microsoft to build high-performance machines that are also thin and light.

Internal X-ray-style views of the device reveal a sophisticated cooling architecture featuring prominent dual fans. This design is purpose-built for sustained high performance, ensuring the machine can handle long rendering or compile cycles without the aggressive throttling that plagued older portable designs.

Unified Memory and the 128GB Monster

Surface Laptop Ultra running creator and AI workloads. (Image credit: Microsoft)

The memory configuration is what truly defines this machine as Ultra. Microsoft is offering up to 128GB of unified memory with full CUDA support. This allows the system to dynamically allocate RAM between the 20-core Arm CPU and the GPU wherever the workload requires it most.

Apple does this, and Qualcomm does this with Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme, and now NVIDIA does, too.

This architecture enables the device to run massive 120B parameter AI models locally without needing to round-trip to the cloud.

As Davuluri noted during the call, the team is laser-focused on ensuring that the operating system takes full advantage of this massive memory pool for both advanced workloads and multitasking. Microsoft has even enhanced how Windows manages page sizes in shared memory regions to ensure that larger memory pages are available for peak performance on heavier workloads.

Local AI and the need for Containment

Internal "x-ray" shot of the Surface Laptop Ultra's interior including large dual fans. (Image credit: Microsoft)

Getting into the weeds a bit, you start to see that this laptop is aimed very much at AI development and AI workloads.

For instance, a major theme of this announcement is the new wave of agents. For those who find the term vague, agents are essentially AI assistants that can take action on your behalf, such as debugging code or managing complex workflows.

128GB of RAM and RTX graphics on Arm hardware — that’s a milestone.

Microsoft is introducing new Windows security and containment primitives specifically for this era.

Containment is a concept that every user should care about. It essentially sandboxes these AI agents, ensuring they only have access to the data you permit and cannot interfere with the core integrity of your operating system. It provides visibility into what the agents are doing, giving you a level of governance that is impossible when using cloud-based AI. NVIDIA is bringing NVIDIA OpenShell to Windows, built on these new primitives, allowing creators and developers to leverage AI that reasons over large contexts with total privacy.

Gaming on Arm comes of age

Yeah, yeah, Surface Laptop Ultra is not a gaming laptop, but it can game, and Microsoft had some announcements around gaming on Windows on Arm that not only benefit Surface Laptop Ultra (and other NVIDIA N1x laptops) but also Qualcomm-based ones (so pay attention): Microsoft announced that Riot Games is bringing titles like Valorant and League of Legends to the platform natively. KRAFTON is also joining in, bringing the iconic PUBG: Battlegrounds to the list of compatible titles.

This is possible because Microsoft has finally addressed the technical hurdles that once held Arm gaming back. Native anti-cheat solutions from partners like Epic (Easy Anti-Cheat) and BattlEye are now supported.

Furthermore, it says the improved Prism emulation layer has been specifically tuned for the RTX Spark microarchitecture, ensuring that x86 games that are not yet native still run with high performance. With the Blackwell GPU under the hood, players will have access to AAA titles like Alan Wake 2 and Naraka: Bladepoint with performance levels that rival traditional gaming laptops.

A masterclass in display and port selection

A quick look at the port selection on Surface Laptop Ultra, including HDMI, USB-C, USB-A, an SD card reader, and a headphone jack, should make creators happy. (Image credit: Microsoft)

The visuals on this machine are equally ambitious. The Surface Laptop Ultra features a 15-inch mini-LED PixelSense Ultra display. It hits a staggering 2,000 nits of peak HDR brightness, making it the brightest display Microsoft has ever shipped. With a resolution of 2880 x 1920 and a density of 262 pixels per inch, the clarity is exactly where it needs to be for professional creators.

During the presentation, Hill emphasized that every micron matters in this design. They have included a large haptic touchpad that is the biggest ever put on a Surface device.

And for those who have been frustrated by the lack of ports on modern laptops, Microsoft is including a proper selection: HDMI, USB-C, USB-A, an SD card reader, and a headphone jack are all built directly into the chassis. These ports were picked on purpose because they are what creators actually need in the field.

Surface Laptop Ultra: Pricing and availability

I know the big question on everyone's mind is what this beast will cost. Microsoft is being cautious with pricing details for now. Andrew Hill mentioned that they will talk about pricing closer to the availability date later this year due to the current volatility in the RAM and NAND markets.

Given the 128GB of RAM and the mini-LED display, I suspect this will sit at the very premium end of the market. I mean, very premium (especially that 128GB model).

This isn’t just a spec bump; it’s a statement about where Windows on Arm is headed.

Microsoft is positioning this as a Copilot+ PC, meaning it (probably?) combines a powerful NPU with the RTX Spark GPU for a unique set of AI capabilities (or, it just uses the powerful RTX GPU; Microsoft said, however, it has nothing to announce on using RTX GPUs in desktop for Copilot+ features, which is still odd).

So, who is Surface Laptop Ultra for? Developers, AI workloads, workstation tasks, and anyone who just wants a portable, powerful, and efficient laptop. It is a device designed for the builders who see limits as flaws and have the vision to push past them.

As to availability, the Surface Laptop Ultra will be available later this year in Platinum and Nightfall finishes.

Do you think the addition of a 128GB RAM option and a mini-LED display justifies the expected premium price of the Surface Laptop Ultra for your specific workflow?

Windows Central's Take

We don't have a lot of images of Surface Laptop Ultra, but it's a very clean, minimalist design. (Image credit: Microsoft)

I think this is a smart move by Microsoft, although it is unfortunate that we know its pricing is going to be sky-high due to, ironically, the demand for AI putting macro pressure on NAND and RAM prices.

But putting that aside, as pros who need this level of compute will gladly pay for good hardware, the question remains: Will Surface Laptop Ultra truly be a game-changer?

The real test will come down to whether we see significant real-world battery life gains (Microsoft says "all-day battery life" with the caveat that "battery life varies significantly based on usage, settings, and other factors").

And what about Qualcomm? I think Snapdragon X, which is by far the dominant Windows-on-Arm SoC these days, will not only be just fine, but thrive. NVIDIA seems to be targeting workstation/semi-gaming laptops, where a discrete GPU is required. But will NVIDIA's N1x make sense in a laptop without an RTX GPU? I don't think so, which is why Snapdragon X can still thrive in lower-cost, entry-level, and mid- and upper-tier ultra-thin laptops. (Personally speaking, I rarely need a discrete GPU.)

Surface Laptop Ultra shows what happens when Microsoft and NVIDIA align on performance.

Moreover, NVIDIA entering the chat gives developers more incentive to optimize Windows apps and games, not less, which benefits Qualcomm just as much, if not more, than NVIDIA.

If anything, this puts a lot of pressure on Intel and especially AMD (the latter has been flubbing laptops lately, in my opinion, and is likely going to lose in the nascent handheld gaming space, as it seemingly focuses on servers).

Indeed, there's now this neat divide of Qualcomm + NVIDIA (ARM64) versus Intel + AMD (x64), which should make those last two chip makers very nervous!

Getting back to price, it'll be important, but not for the success or failure of Surface Laptop Ultra. Ultimately, it has to deliver on its promise, and Microsoft and NVIDIA certainly believe it does, but we'll have to wait until the fall to see if this is truly an evolution or revolution in Windows PCs.

What do you think: Ignoring the price, is Surface Laptop Ultra something you would benefit from? Let me know in the comments.

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"Prime competition for MacBook Neo": Dell's new XPS 13 starts at $599, and it has a few features that Apple lacks

c.cale.hunt@gmail.com (Cale Hunt) — Sun, 31 May 2026 23:00:00 +0000

Dell's XPS 13 is the laptop that originally anchored the brand's ultrabook lineup in 2012, and it has had quite a history in the ensuing 14 years.

The most recent update in 2024, at least until this new announcement I'm covering today, brought us the XPS 13 9345 with Qualcomm Snapdragon X chips.

It arrived at a time when Dell was otherwise rebranding its PCs away from the XPS name, a decision it ultimately admitted was a mistake at CES 2026. There, I saw Dell reveal new XPS 14 and XPS 16 models redesigned and better than ever.

Dell also teased a return of the XPS 13 this year, and that time has now come with the new XPS 13 (DX13260) model unveiled at Computex 2026.

Dell's new XPS 13 arrives to take on the MacBook Neo

The new XPS 13 viewed from an angle with display, keyboard, and touchpad in view.Dell

An inside and outside look at the new XPS 13 for 2026.Dell

A top-down view of the new XPS 13's backlit keyboard and touchpad.Dell

The new XPS 13 arrives at a critical time in the PC market. Apple's $599 MacBook Neo shocked practically everyone, myself included, when it was revealed earlier this year, spawning weeks of online arguments about Windows laptop costs and quality.

Well, I have good news. Dell plans to launch its new XPS 13 at a $599 price tag for students, which I can't help but assume will make it prime competition for Apple's MacBook Neo.

The XPS 13 doesn't just compete on price, either. I can't help but notice several standout features not found in the MacBook Neo, like a backlit keyboard, a touch display, support for multiple external displays, and up to 32GB of memory.

Here's a closer look at the specs arriving in the new XPS 13 (DX13260).

Dell XPS 13 (DX13260)
	Dell XPS 13 (DX13260)
CPU	Intel Core 5 320, Intel Core Ultra 7 355 (post-launch)
GPU	Intel Graphics (integrated)
RAM	8GB, 16GB, 32GB (Core Ultra only) LPDDR5x-7467
Storage	256GB (post-launch), 512GB, 1TB (Core Ultra only) M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
Display	13.4 inches, 2560x1600 (2.5K), touch, 500 nits, 100% DCI-P3, DisplayHDR 400, 30-120Hz VRR, Dolby Vision, Eyesafe, anti-glare
Wireless	Wi-FI 7, Bluetooth 6.0
Camera	1080p + IR
Audio	Quad speakers (8W total), Dolby Atmos
Battery	52Wh, 800ED cells
Dimensions	11.69 x 7.9 x 0.5 inches (296.9mm x 200.66mm x 12.7mm)

This is the thinnest XPS laptop I've ever seen

The new XPS 13 for 2026 is super thin and light. (Image credit: Dell)

The new XPS 13 (DX13260) is the thinnest and lightest XPS laptop Dell has ever created, weighing just 2.2 pounds (0.9kg) and measuring only 0.5 inches (12.7mm) thin.

It's made of CNC-machined aluminum for the rigidity, durability, and overall premium feel associated with XPS, and despite its slim size, it features a dual-fan cooling system.

Dell also managed to fit in four speakers with 8W of overall audio output with Dolby Atmos, as well as a slim webcam with 1080p resolution and an IR sensor for Windows Hello. Models with Intel Core chips get dual USB-C ports, while Core Ultra models jump up to dual Thunderbolt 4.

Intel's latest Core Ultra Series 3 chips power the new XPS 13

The new XPS 13 comes in Sky and Storm colorways. (Image credit: Dell)

Dell plans to launch its XPS 13 first with Intel's "Panther Lake" Core 5 320 CPU, but it will add a more powerful Core Ultra 7 355 option after launch.

The Core 5 chip will be available with 8GB or 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to a 512GB SSD, whereas the Core 7 Ultra chip unlocks 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD.

Dell is claiming up to 17 hours of battery life when streaming video, and although that number will come down in real-world use, that's still an excellent proposition.

No matter the CPU you choose, all new XPS 13 models have the same 13.4-inch touch display. It has a 2560x1600 (2.5K) resolution, 500 nits brightness, 100% DCI-P3 color, DisplayHDR 400 certification, Dolby Vision, 30-120Hz variable refresh rate, and an anti-glare finish.

You don't have to wait long for the new XPS 13

A look at one USB-C port on the slim XPS 13 chassis. (Image credit: Dell)

Dell intends to launch its new XPS 13 in June 2026, and as mentioned, it will start at just $599 for students aged 16 and up. For everyone else, it climbs to $699. Not bad, but keep in mind that the price will be for a model with a non-Ultra Intel chip, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD.

Dell plans to launch the XPS 13 with Intel Core Ultra 7 355 chip "later this summer."

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Acer is launching an Intel Arc G3 Extreme gaming handheld positioned against the Xbox Ally X

Adam Hales — Sun, 31 May 2026 13:09:53 +0000

Acer has unveiled a new gaming handheld at Computex 2026, dubbed the Acer Predator Atlas 8, and if the specs are anything to go by, it could give devices like the Xbox Ally X a run for their money.

The handheld is expected to launch in October 2026 in North America, Australia, and the EMEA region, though Acer has yet to reveal pricing. Given the current state of the handheld market, it's difficult to make even an educated guess as to what it might cost.

Still, while the price remains a mystery, the inclusion of two months of Xbox Game Pass Premium does help sweeten the deal, even if only a little.

With that said, let's take a look at the specs in the table below:

Acer

Component	Specification
Display	8-inch FHD+ (1920 × 1200) touchscreen, 16:10 aspect ratio, 120Hz refresh rate, VRR support, 500 nits peak brightness, 100% sRGB color gamut, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus with DXC coating
Processor	Intel Arc G-Series processor, up to Intel Arc G3 Extreme
Graphics	Intel Arc Xe3 graphics with Intel XeSS 3 AI upscaling support
Memory	Up to 24GB LPDDR5X 7467 MT/s
Storage	Up to 1TB PCIe Gen 4 NVME SSD, UHS-II microSD card reader
Battery	Up to 80Wh battery, with a 60Wh option available on select models
Cooling	Dual-fan Predator AeroBlade cooling system with Vortex Flow airflow optimization and 89-blade metal fans
Audio	Dual 2W speakers, DTS:X Ultra, dual microphones with Acer PurifiedVoice
Controls	Hall-effect analog triggers, full-size analog sticks, rear macro buttons, adjustable trigger modes, dedicated PredatorSense button
Connectivity	Dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, 3.5mm audio jack
Operating System	Windows 11 Home

I'm all for seeing as many companies as possible throw their hats into the handheld gaming PC space. More devices mean more competition, and that's ultimately good for pushing the industry forward.

As someone who used to love Acer laptops back in the day, I'm glad to see the company entering the handheld market. But that's just how I feel about it. What are your thoughts on the Acer Predator Atlas 8? Is it a device you'd consider picking up, or are you planning to stick with what you already have?

Let me know by leaving us a comment, and don't forget to take part in our poll!

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MSI's new Claw 8 EX AI Plus packs Intel's Arc G3 Extreme chip — and it could be a handheld gaming beast

Adam Hales — Sat, 30 May 2026 10:23:59 +0000

MSI continues to throw its hat into the handheld gaming space, and I am here for it. Despite the volatile nature of the market right now, hold on while I have a moment of silence for the Steam Deck... or not, considering it still managed to sell out despite its increased price.

But we're not here to discuss that. Today, we're here to talk about the MSI Claw 8 EX AI Plus, revealed ahead of Computex 2026. It's certainly a mouthful of a name, but it features Intel's Arc G3 Extreme chip, which means it should pack quite a punch.

Speaking of packing a punch, instead of droning on and listing the specifications, or at least the specifications that we do know, I’ll put them in a lovely table here:

Specification	MSI Claw 8 EX AI Plus
Processor	Intel Arc G3 Extreme
Display	8-inch touchscreen
Resolution	1920 x 1200
Refresh rate	Up to 120Hz
Memory	Up to 32GB dual-channel LPDDR5x
Storage	Single NVME M.2 SSD slot
Controls	Hall effect sticks and triggers
Haptics	New high-end linear motor
Design	Redesigned chassis with updated grips
Battery	80Wh battery
Price	$1500
Release date	June 23, 2026

As you can tell from the table above, there's still quite a bit we don't know about this device. However, we do have a look at the Intel Arc G3 Extreme chip, which we covered here.

As for the price, we don't know anything yet, and given the current state of the handheld market, it's difficult to put an exact number on it. MSI's previous handheld, the MSI Claw 8 AI Plus, launched at $1,000, so if MSI gets a little lucky, perhaps this new model could land around a similar price point.

That's about all we know for now, though. Outside of its "Void Purple" color, which does look pretty neat, MSI hasn't shared much else. It was also nice to see the device showcased using the Xbox app, which I presume was running Xbox Mode.

I'm all for having more handhelds in the space. Price concerns aside, the more competition there is, the more choice we get as consumers, and hopefully that competition pushes companies to build even better hardware.

But enough about what I think. What do you make of the MSI Claw 8 EX AI Plus? Let me know in the comments, and as always, be sure to take part in our poll!

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"A new era of PC": Microsoft and NVIDIA tease major announcement experts predict to be the fabled N1X chip

sean.endicott@futurenet.com (Sean Endicott) — Fri, 29 May 2026 18:02:37 +0000

New Surface hardware could be unveiled as soon as next week, and it looks like the potential PCs will be much more exciting than the business versions of the Surface Pro 12 and Surface Laptop 8.

Simultaneous X posts from NVIDIA and Microsoft promise "a new era of PC." The posts spun the rumor mill into gear, creating buzz for Computex and Microsoft Build.

We don't have any confirmation of what's on the way. Both NVIDIA and Microsoft used the same phrasing to tease the announcement, and they clearly left in clues for people to figure out.

A new era of PC. 25.0528, 121.5990May 29, 2026

A new era of PC.25.0528, 121.5990May 29, 2026

So, what would classify as "a new era of PC?" Microsoft's Pavan Davuluri, who leads Windows and Surface, already ruled out a new operating system version. It seems safe to say that the upcoming announcement is not about Windows 12 (which isn't confirmed to be real anyway).

The image shared by Davuluri looks like a piece of a curved display.

Something new is coming for developers. And no, it’s not a new OS version 😅. See you at Build next week! pic.twitter.com/gfY90ZyjZlMay 29, 2026

Microsoft's Build conference kicks off next week, so we won't have to wait long to find out what the hints are about. We may not even have to wait until then.

The X posts from Microsoft and NVIDIA mention "25.0528" and "121.5990" Those number aligns perfectly with the longitude and latitude of the Taipei Music Center, which is where Computex takes place. NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang will hold a keynote at the event on June 1.

The Verge speculates that the announcement could be related to NVIDIA's rumored N1 and N1X chips. VideoCardz goes ever further by sharing screenshots of a Dell embargo related to NVIDIA's N1X.

Rumors of the N1X chip have swirled for years. A leak in January suggested the processor will be a "20‑core Arm + RTX GPU monster," as our Cale Hunt put it.

If rumors and leaks are accurate, NVIDIA's N1X would challenge decades of x86 dominance by introducing a powerful, high-end ARM processor to the market. That could certainly usher in a "new era of PC."

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

The first Snapdragon C laptop is official, but the potential MacBook Neo rival remains a mystery

sean.endicott@futurenet.com (Sean Endicott) — Thu, 28 May 2026 16:18:31 +0000

The first Snapdragon C laptop was just announced, but the PC is surrounded by question marks.

Qualcomm just took aim at Apple and the MacBook Neo by announcing Snapdragon C. The newly announced entry-level processor will power PCs that cost as little as $300, potentially reinvigorating affordable Windows 11 laptops.

Alongside Qualcomm's announcement of the chip, Acer shared details about the first laptop to run on Snapdragon C. The Acer Aspire Go 15 is the first Snapdragon C laptop to be announced, but that title deserves an asterisk.

Acer Aspire Go 15: What we know

The list of what we know is rather short: RAM, storage, screen size, and processor. That last point deserves a caveat of its own, since little is known about Snapdragon C.

Acer shared that the Aspire Go 15 will be available with up to 8GB of memory and 512GB of storage. The laptop will feature a 15.6-inch display, though we don't know that screen's resolution.

Acer promises "dual full-function USB Type-C ports," but it did not share any specifics. Similarly, we know the device will have an HDMI port but don't know which standard it will meet.

The Aspire Go 15 will be powered by a Snapdragon C processor, but that provides fewer details than you may expect.

Acer Aspire Go 15: What we don't know

We don't know the price or launch date of the Aspire Go 15. The Snapdragon C processor will power laptops starting at $300, but we have no indication how close to that mark the Aspire Go 15 will be.

When Apple announced the MacBook Neo's $599 price tag, the tech giant sent waves through the laptop industry. Before the MacBook Neo, anyone wanting a laptop running macOS needed to shop for older or used models. The MacBook Neo changed that and created an arms race for affordable computing.

We're now seeing the response to Apple's affordable offering. Intel's new Wildcat CPUs are affordable chips that will power MacBook Neo competitors. The Snapdragon C looks like it will do the same thing.

I say "looks like" because we don't know much about the Snapdragon C at this point. Qualcomm did not share any technical details about the chip except that the processor does not use Oryon cores.

Snapdragon C-powered laptops should get "all-day battery life," according to Qualcomm, but we don't have any benchmarks or figures.

With Computex around the corner, we may hear more details about the Aspire Go 15.

When will we find out more?

Qualcomm says Snapdragon C devices will debut "later in 2026," meaning we have some time to learn about the processors.

We may hear more details about some Snapdragon C laptops at Computex, which is next week. Acer and Qualcomm will both be at the event.

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

"The upgrade I've been waiting for": Intel's new Arc G-Series gaming handheld chips are taking the fight straight to AMD Ryzen

c.cale.hunt@gmail.com (Cale Hunt) — Thu, 28 May 2026 13:00:03 +0000

Intel gave us a hint of its quest for handheld gaming domination at CES 2026, where it stated it was working on two new Panther Lake Systems-on-Chip (SoC) designed specifically for portable handheld gaming.

It was revealed that at least 11 partners, including Acer, MSI, and Microsoft, were working with Intel to design new gaming handhelds around these unnamed, unannounced chips.

Five months later, Intel has now unveiled further details about these new Arc G-Series CPUs just ahead of Computex. While we got a sneak peek at a new Intel Arc G3 Extreme chip due to a leaked MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ listing, Intel has also now made the Arc G3 official.

By all means, this appears to be the upgrade I've been waiting for, and the handheld market, largely dominated by AMD Ryzen, is in for a big shakeup.

Intel is taking a two-pronged approach with its new Arc G-Series chips. The Intel Arc G3 debuts with 14 CPU cores and Arc B370 graphics with 10 Xe cores, while the Arc G3 Extreme arrives with 14 CPU cores and Arc B390 graphics with 12 Xe cores.

	Intel Arc G3	Intel Arc G3 Extreme
CPU Cores / Threads	14 (2 P-cores, 8 E-cores, 4 LP E-cores)	14 (2 P-cores, 8 E-cores, 4 LP E-cores)
GPU	Arc B370	Arc B390
GPU Xe cores	10	12
Max frequency	2.2GHz	2.3GHz
TDP range	8-30W	8-35W

The Arc G3 Extreme is really the SoC I'm most excited for. Its Arc B390 integrated graphics first debuted with Intel's high-performance Panther Lake chips (like the Core Ultra X9 388H), featuring 12 Xe GPU cores, a 2.3GHz frequency, and XeSS 3 upscaling capabilities.

XeSS 3 unlocks features like multi-frame generation, super resolution, and low latency, which are all tools that you want in a gaming handheld.

A look at the new Acer Predator Atlas 8 gaming handheld featuring Intel's new Arc G-Series chips. (Image credit: Acer)

This chip is notably coming to Acer's Predator Atlas 8 gaming handheld, also announced today ahead of Computex.

It features an 8-inch FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, as well as up to 24GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 1TB of M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD storage.

Intel says it expects devices using its new Arc G-Series chips to begin rolling out in June 2026, "with broader availability through the year." As to how much these devices will cost in a handheld market being decimated by rising memory and storage costs, I can't say.

Windows Central's take

AMD Ryzen has long been the go-to chip for PC gaming handhelds, and although I think there's a future for ARM-based handhelds, it's great to see Intel entering the ring with a dedicated chip focused on maximizing performance for mobile devices.

Of course, how these chips actually perform won't be known until we get our hands on something like the Predator Atlas 8 or the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, but I'm confident that the stellar Arc GPU foundation that I've already seen in laptop chips will translate to handhelds.

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

Qualcomm Snapdragon C is official, and it's taking aim at MacBook Neo and Chromebooks: New low-end ARM chip brings all day battery life to $300 Windows 11 devices

zac.bowden@futurenet.com (Zac Bowden) — Thu, 28 May 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Qualcomm is taking aim at the MacBook Neo with a new System-on-a-Chip (SoC) dubbed "Snapdragon C" designed for low-cost devices that are expected to start at $300 later this year. The new Snapdragon C chips focus on power efficiency, quiet thermals, and responsive day to day performance for light productivity workflows and media consumption tasks.

Not much is known about the Snapdragon C chips just yet. We know it will include an NPU of some kind, though no technical details have been provided at current. Qualcomm has confirmed that because of the kind of devices Snapdragon C will be targeting, the chip is not inherently a Copilot+ PC capable one.

That means it either has an NPU that doesn't meet Copilot+ PC requirements, or it supports less than 16GB RAM, which I would say is very likely. I would expect to see Snapdragon C devices with 8GB, or even 4GB of RAM depending on the device, which will help OEMs target that sub $500 price point.

The good news is that Qualcomm is touting all day battery life with Snapdragon C devices, as the chip is super energy efficient, likely due to it being a less powerful chip than those found on Snapdragon X. It supports Windows 11, though it's unclear if these devices will ship with Windows 11 25H2 or 26H1 like the Snapdragon X2 devices do.

Qualcomm hasn't confirmed any other technical details, outside of the fact that Snapdragon C doesn't use Oryon cores . It's unclear what technology the Snapdragon C chips are using, but Qualcomm says it will have more to share later in the year.

Acer, HP, and Lenovo are already on-board to ship Windows 11 devices with Snapdragon C under the hood. These devices are expected to target low-end Chromebook and MacBook Neo-esc devices with viable Windows-powered alternatives.

We don't yet know how the Snapdragon C chips will perform, of course, so it remains to be seen just how good these Windows devices will feel to use. Given that Qualcomm is only touting lightweight productivity and consumption workflows with this chip, performance is likely not going to blow your socks off.

The first Snapdragon C devices are expected to debut "later in 2026," and will join Qualcomm's PC lineup alongside the Snapdragon X2 SoC.

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

MSI's next "Claw 8 EX AI+" moves closer to a $2,000 price tag — as the handheld gaming industry seemingly loses its collective mind

ben.wilson@windowscentral.com (Ben Wilson) — Fri, 22 May 2026 11:38:16 +0000

Ever confident, MSI is pushing ahead with its Claw 8 handheld, with the perplexingly named MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, and a move to Intel's Panther Lake-based Arc G3 Extreme chip. It's a processor expected to appear at the Computex show in Taipei next month (via VideoCardz), and Australian retail links have seemingly confirmed their inclusion in a "Void Purple" model.

It sounds great in theory, especially since I tested the previous MSI Claw 8 AI+ last year and came away impressed by the phenomenal performance from its Lunar Lake-based iGPU. However, that model came with a price that I already described as "absurd", but I'll have to find a stronger synonym after seeing the ~$1,900 price tag on the Claw 8 EX AI+ (converted from $2,749 AUD).

There's also a "Launch Pack" listed at ~$2,000 ($2,849 AUD), bundled with a tempered glass screen protector, claw-grip caps, a travel case, and a keychain. Unfortunately, any eager gamers with pockets full of money in Australia will be disappointed to see that Scorptec's listings are set to "out of stock", but the price doesn't feel unrealistic when the Claw 8 AI+ still sells for $1,299.99 in the US.

MSI never implied that the Claw range was anything but high-end, premium gaming handhelds, and it's still offering 32GB of RAM, 1TB of storage, a 120Hz touchscreen, and an 80Whr battery on the Claw 8 EX AI+ model. It's certainly an impressive display of what you can pack into a portable PC gaming device, but I'd struggle to convince anyone that a handheld is worth over $1,000.

I’m from Australia…No one in their right mind would spend this much on a handheld in the current economic climate.
stmok, VideoCardz community

At this point, I'm not sure who would be legitimately excited to buy the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ when there are more viable options on the market. Valve's still-brilliant Steam Deck remains the champion, and Windows-based alternatives start with ASUS' comparable ROG Xbox Ally (that's the $599 white one) and realistically end at the also eye-wateringly expensive $999 ROG Xbox Ally X.

Perhaps it's just a display of what's possible; a spectacle of sorts. Then again, this hardly feels like the time to show off your ability to push prices to their extreme — even with Intel's Arc G3 Extreme. Give me more affordable hardware that runs games at a consistent framerate, otherwise I'm sticking with the Steam Deck and ASUS' original ROG Ally (and so should you).

Windows Central will be at Computex, so we'll keep an eye out for Intel's new handheld-centric processor and any of the OEMs that might be showing it off — including MSI — to see how it justifies such a monstrous asking price. Until then, I wouldn't hold your breath for a price change before this launches. At least, not one in the cheaper direction.

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

NVIDIA-powered Windows on Arm laptops may finally be launching in 2026

richard.devine@futurenet.com (Richard Devine) — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 10:20:47 +0000

The talk of NVIDIA putting its chips inside Windows on Arm PCs isn't new, and it certainly feels like it comes around every year at this point.

However, as we enter 2026, it's back. This time, apparently, it's actually going to happen for real.

A new report from DigiTimes supply chain sources suggests that the first laptops powered by NVIDIA's N1X could be debuting as early as the first quarter of this year.

Supply chain sources revealed that, according to NVIDIA’s latest technology roadmap, Windows on Arm (WoA) platform notebooks using the N1X will debut in the first quarter of 2026, initially targeting the consumer market. Three other versions will go on sale in the second quarter, and the next-generation N2 series is expected to take over in the third quarter of 2027.
DigiTimes (translated)

We've previously heard that NVIDIA N1/N1X laptops were originally supposed to launch at some point during 2025. Rumors began as early as 2023, and in mid-2025, the first leaked performance benchmarks of the N1X gave us hope. But the rumored Computex 2025 reveal never happened.

DigiTimes had previously reported that supply chain sources placed some of the blame on Microsoft, specifically "Microsoft OS timelines." Other factors reportedly include NVIDIA chip redesigns, and global economic situations. Lest we forget the ongoing threat of tariffs from the United States ever looming.

An NVIDIA N1 chip is already out in the wild inside the DGX Spark AI supercomputer. (Image credit: NVIDIA)

The NVIDIA N1 is actually already out in the world. CEO, Jensen Huang, confirmed that the GB10 inside the DGX Spark AI Supercomputer is actually an N1 in disguise. While these systems are based on Linux, it does at least offer an insight into the sort of performance we could be expecting.

The GB10 features a 20-core ARM CPU paired with an NVIDIA Blackwell GPU, and boasts up to 1,000 TOPS of total AI performance. The CPU is capable of outperfoming AMD's Strix Halo (AI Max 395+) and the GPU performance can hit RTX 5070 levels.

The short version is that should we actually see N1X-powered PCs launching this year, they're not going to target the affordable end of the spectrum. For that, we'll still be looking towards Qualcomm's lower-tier Snapdragon X chips, but at the high-end, things could get interesting.

NVIDIA is obviously massively invested in the AI market right now, and we can all but guarantee there will be an AI-spin applied to any N1X powered hardware that may release. But aside from that, it would just be nice to finally see Windows on Arm getting another shot in the, well, arm.

Qualcomm's Snapdragon X platform has changed the game, but competition is ultimately what will drive Windows on Arm forward.

I traveled 13,528 miles with these Snapdragon-powered laptops — Three key things make them ideal for trips

rebecca.spear@futurenet.com (Rebecca Spear) — Thu, 29 May 2025 16:45:36 +0000

Last week, I flew a total of 13,528 miles going to and from Taiwan for Computex 2025. Before my departure, Qualcomm was kind enough to send me two Snapdragon-powered laptops, so I brought the HP OmniBook X 14 (X Elite) and the Lenovo IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 (X Plus) with me and used them throughout my work trip.

While these Windows laptops offer different use cases, the experience proved that laptops with Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon X chips are the perfect travel companions for personal or business use. Here's why.

What to know about these Snapdragon X laptops

The HP OmniBook X houses a Snapdragon X Elite processor while the Lenovo IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 has a Snapdragon X Plus. (Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central )

The HP OmniBook X with a Snapdragon X Elite processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD has an MSRP of $1,449.99 at HP.com, but at the time of writing, it was on sale for $1,049.99. Strangely enough, reducing your configuration to 512GB brings the price up to an MSRP of $1,699.99 at HP. I'm not sure if that's a mistake, but it's a chance to save some money.

If you want to save even more, you can go with a configuration that utilizes a Snapdragon X Plus chip, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD for $899.99 at Best Buy.

Meanwhile, the Lenovo IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 with its Snapdragon X Plus processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD is a bit more affordable, selling for $859.99 at Lenovo.com.

I'll talk more about what makes each of these devices such good travel laptops, but first, take a gander at their specs.

Specs	HP OmniBook X	Lenovo IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1
Starting Price	$1,449.99	$859.99
OS	Windows 11 Home 64 ARM	Windows 11 Home 64 ARM
Display	14" 2.2K (2240 x 1400) IPS, multitouch, Low Blue Light, 300 nits, 100% sRGB, 60Hz	14" WUXGA (1920 x 1200) OLED, Touch, 400 nits, 100% DCI-P3, 60Hz
CPU	Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100 (up to 3.4 GHz, 12 cores)	Snapdragon X Plus X1P-42-100 (up to 3.4 GHz, 8 cores)
GPU	Integrated: Qualcomm Adreno GPU	Integrated: Qualcomm Adreno GPU
NPU	Qualcomm Hexagon (up to 45 TOPS)	Qualcomm Hexagon (up to 45 TOPS)
Memory	16 GB LPDDR5x-8448 MT/s (Soldered)	16 GB LPDDR5x-8448 MT/s (Soldered)
Storage	1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD	512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 2242 Gen4 SSD
Biometric login	Windows Hello camera login	Fingerprint reader login
Ports	1x USB Type-A 10Gbps, 2x 1 USB Type-C 10Gbps, 1x headphone jack	2x USB-C 10Gbps, 2x USB-A 5Gbps, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x microSD card reader, 1x headphone jack
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 5.4	Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 5.4
Battery	59Whr	57Whr
Dimensions	312.9 x 223.5 x 14.5mm (12.32 x 8.8 x 0.57in)	17.5 x 313 x 227 (12.32 x 8.94 0.68in)
Weight	1.35kg (2.97 lb)	1.49kg (3.28lbs)
Warranty	1-Year	1-Year

Windows on Snapdragon makes for excellent travel companions

The HP OmniBook X 14's slim design makes it easy to slip into a bag or suitcase. (Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)

Thanks to their smaller 14-inch displays and slim, lightweight designs, both the HP OmniBook X and Lenovo IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 were very convenient to travel with.

I easily packed both into my previously reviewed, carry-on Waterfield Air Porter Backpack (designed specifically for airplane storage) during my flights, and they easily fit on my Delta tray tables, so I could type while in transit.

Then, while at Computex, I was also able to take one laptop at a time to my appointments in my inconspicuous computer bag that I love so much. It sells for $39.99 on Amazon, in case you're interested.

As previously noted, these are both Qualcomm Snapdragon-powered laptops, which means they are Windows on ARM devices. Contrary to the outdated compatibility opinions some people have, these laptops are fantastic and were able to run all of the programs I needed for work, as well as after-work entertainment.

In case you didn't already know, Snapdragon X laptops are lauded for their battery life, and I was able to take full advantage of this while running around Taipei all week. I never got close to running out of juice, even though my work days were longer than eight hours each day.

I'll go over specific pros and cons for each device in the next section, but to sum up, Snapdragon X laptops are ideal work trip companions since they are slim, lightweight, and offer fantastic battery life.

You just need to choose a configuration and model that best suits your needs.

HP OmniBook X 14
★★★★½
Was: ~~$1,449.99~~
Now: $1,049.99 at HP

This slim laptop offers excellent performance and long-lasting battery life to keep up with you even while you're on long business trips. It's sleek and lets you log in easily with a camera that supports Windows Hello.

Alternative option: HP OmniBook X with Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD $899.99 at Best Buy

👉 See at: HP.com

Lenovo IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1
★★★★☆
Buy now: $859.99 at Lenovo

Thanks to its versatile design, this computer can be used as both a laptop and a tablet. It offers a good range of ports, including an HDMI 2.1 port, two USB-C ports, and two USB-A ports. Plus, the fingerprint reader offers fast biometric login.

👉 See at: Lenovo.com

The HP OmniBook X 14 gives MacBook Air a real rival

The HP OmniBook X 14 has an understated design that looks good in business settings. (Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)

The HP OmniBook X 14 came out in June 2024, but it's still a fantastic laptop, and one of the best MacBook Air M3 and Surface Laptop competitors on the market.

It ran smoothly and worked quickly with every application and task I set it to, from editing images in Photoshop to streaming Netflix.

I love how sleek and understated the chassis looks, since it never draws attention to me when I'm in formal settings. Some might find the design a little boring, though.

The configuration I used houses a Snapdragon X Elite chip, which is Qualcomm's latest flagship laptop processor, since the company hasn't launched a new one this year.

While performing some HP OmniBook X 14 performance testing, our sister site Tom's Guide compared it to the 13-inch MacBook Air M3 and found that the Snapdragon-powered laptop offered better multicore scores and a better display color gamut.

It even lasted up to 16 hours and 22 minutes in their testing, which was roughly an hour and 12 minutes longer than the MacBook Air 13.

Meanwhile, the 16GB of RAM and ample 1TB SSD perfectly suit this device and my storage needs.

I enabled Windows Hello when I first set up the OmniBook X, and it always detected me with the webcam quickly and easily. It's a simple thing, but one that I appreciated when listening to different speakers and taking notes.

The single USB-A has a drop-jaw design.Rebecca Spear / Windows Central

There are two USB-C ports on the laptop's right side.Rebecca Spear / Windows Central

I wish the display could go back further than Rebecca Spear / Windows Central

The keys are well spaced and press in nicely. Rebecca Spear / Windows Central

As with most HP laptops, it does feature a controversial USB-A drop-jaw port design, but this also allows the OmniBook X to be thinner than other laptops. There are also two USB-C ports that support Power Delivery and DisplayPort 1.4 for your added convenience.

One thing I found strange was that the display only goes back as far as 130 degrees. As it is, it reaches a somewhat abrupt stop and makes me worried that I might press too hard and break it.

While I wish the display could go back a little further, this won't be a big issue for most people.

Speaking of the panel, it's a little odd that HP doesn't offer a configuration with an OLED display. However, as it stands, the 2.2K IPS touchscreen panel offers very crisp detail with a respectable color gamut that I appreciated using when working in Photoshop.

Before I move on to the other laptop, I'll quickly say that the keyboard and touchpad are spacious and feel great to use.

The function row is also full of useful quick options, but I do wish the delete key wasn't quite so close to the power button. I ended up pressing it by accident a few times. Still, I could probably get more used to this placement over time.

You should buy this if ...

✅You want a lightweight AI laptop with long battery life

This Copilot+ PC and AI laptop offers reliable performance in a lightweight and slim design. Its long battery life makes it an ideal travel device for busy people on the go.

You should not buy this if ...

❌You need a laptop that offers more power or has a better screen

Snapdragon laptops aren't all-out powerhouses, so if you need to use graphically intensive software locally on your device, then this isn't the laptop for you. Additionally, if you want an OLED display, you'll have to go with another device.

HP OmniBook X 14
★★★★½
Was: ~~$1,449.99~~
Now: $1,049.99 at HP

The good and bad of Lenovo IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1

The Lenovo IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 can be folded back and used like a tablet. (Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)

My colleague, Zac Bowden, previously wrote a Lenovo IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 review, so you can check out his full insights if you want more details on its performance. I'll largely just talk anecdotally about how useful this laptop was on my trip.

Unlike the OmniBook X, the Lenovo IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 is a more versatile device that can be used as a traditional laptop but can also be folded back into a tablet.

I personally like standing it up in tent mode so I can conveniently interact with the screen while seated at a desk. If you'd like, you can even pay Lenovo a little extra to get the Base Pen 3, a stylus that works with the IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1.

I found the OLED touchscreen to be both very responsive to my finger swipes and beautiful to look at. As with most 2-in-1s, the keyboard deactivates when folded back, so I can't accidentally send inputs when in tablet mode.

While this laptop does not support Windows Hello with its webcam, it does have a fingerprint reader for quick biometric login. This feature worked beautifully each time I used it, so I could get back to work as soon as possible.

This laptop utilizes the Snapdragon X Plus with 8 cores, which is a step down from the flagship X Elite seen in the OmniBook X. Even so, this laptop was able to keep up with my busy workdays and didn't have a problem accessing the software I needed.

It offers 16GB LPDDR5x RAM and 512GB SSD, which is a good amount for most work and personal needs.

It's easy to navigate around the screen thanks to the respectable touchpad size. Rebecca Spear / Windows Central

There is an HDMI 2.1 port, two USB-C ports, and a headphone jack on the laptop's right side. Rebecca Spear / Windows Central

The power button, microSD card reader, and two USB-A ports are on the laptop's left side. Rebecca Spear / Windows Central

The Lenovo IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 is a little bit thicker and slightly heavier than the OmniBook X, but it also offers more ports and is thus more useful connection-wise.

There are three display connection areas in the form of two USB-C ports and an HDMI 2.1 port. On top of that, there are two USB-A ports, a microSD slot, and a headphone jack at my disposal.

So, when I was back in my hotel room and needed to plug in my external SSD, recharge my wireless Sony ANC headphones, and connect a wireless mouse, I found this laptop more suited to the task.

During performance testing in our review, this laptop earned scores that prove that "it's excellent for productivity-based workflows such as Office, online meetings, email, and entertainment."

Meanwhile, in our battery life testing, the IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 lasted 15 hours and 37 minutes, which is more than long enough for an average workday. I'm not surprised, given that it was able to keep up with me while I bustled around Computex.

You should buy this if ...

✅You're looking for a relatively thin AI laptop with long battery life and a good range of ports

While there certainly are more compact and slim AI laptops on the market, the IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 provides a lot of conveniences that some other devices don't offer. You'll easily be able to connect multiple displays and accessories to this laptop, and it will last all day too.

You should not buy this if ...

❌You specifically want a laptop with Windows Hello camera support

Having the fingerprint reader is useful, but if you'd rather have a laptop that unlocks via facial recognition, then this might not be the device for you.

Lenovo IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1
★★★★☆
Buy now: $859.99 at Lenovo

Which of these Snapdragon X laptops should I get?

Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite is a powerful chip that shows how far Windows on Arm has come. (Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)

I can easily recommend both the OmniBook X and the IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 thanks to their fantastic battery life, reliable performance, and relatively compact sizes.

That said, I recommend the HP OmniBook X 14 for busy people on the go, who just need a simple, slim, and lightweight laptop that can keep up with long workdays and trips.

Meanwhile, if you want a more affordable Snapdragon-powered laptop that offers a better range of ports and also can function like a tablet, then you should go with the Lenovo IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1.

Of course, you can always check out our list of the best Windows on ARM laptops if neither of these fits the bill.

Is Windows on ARM64 usable in 2025?

Yes, but as with any laptop, the best option depends on your specific needs.

Once upon a time, Windows on ARM laptops were rather limited and weren't compatible with a lot of software, but that is no longer the case. Very few programs that you'd actually want to run on an ARM64-based Snapdragon X laptop aren't compatible these days.

While using Snapdragon X laptops, I was personally able to browse the internet, run benchmarking software, use Photoshop, stream shows, and much more.

AMD swept its new 8GB RX 9060 XT GPU under the rug at Computex, and it's not getting the same heat as NVIDIA

c.cale.hunt@gmail.com (Cale Hunt) — Wed, 21 May 2025 13:48:17 +0000

AMD's Radeon RX 9060 XT graphics cards are official after weeks of rumors, set to arrive on June 5 with 8GB and 16GB VRAM versions. The news comes out of Computex 2025, which is currently underway in Taipei, Taiwan.

The 8GB RX 9060 XT is expected to launch at a $299 MSRP, while the 16GB version should launch at $349. AMD is calling the 16GB version "the world's best graphics cards under $350."

Of course, MSRP doesn't mean much these days, so it'll be interesting to see the prices that board partners come up with. AMD does not plan to release a reference card of its own.

The Radeon RX 9060 XT joins its more powerful RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 siblings, which launched on March 6 with $599 and $549 MSRPs, respectively.

Here's a look at the RX 5060 XT's raw specs as shared by AMD in its presentation.

Spec	AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT	AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT	AMD Radeon RX 9070	NVIDIA RTX 5060 Ti
RDNA 4 Compute units	32	64	56	N/A
RT cores/accelerators	32	64	56	36
AI cores/accelerators	64	128	112	144
VRAM	8GB \| 16GB GDDR6	16GB GDDR6	16GB GDDR6	8GB \| 16GB GDDR7
Memory bus	128-bit	256-bit	256-bit	128-bit
Boost clock	3.13GHz	2.97GHz	2.52GHz	2.57GHz
Typical board power	150W (8GB) \| 182W (16GB)	304W	220W	180W
Connectivity	PCIe 5.0 x16	PCIe 5.0 x16	PCIe 5.0 x16	PCIe 5.0 x8
AI TOPS (Int4)	821	1,557	1,165	TBD
Launch MSRP	$299 (8GB) \| $349 (16GB	$599	$549	$379 (8GB) \| $429 (16GB)

AMD buried the 8GB RX 9060 XT at its Computex presentation

There are a few things that don't sit right with me regarding AMD's Computex presentation.

Taking a page out of NVIDIA's recent playbook, AMD completely glossed over the RX 9060 XT with 8GB of VRAM.

It used to be a misstep to launch the same card with different amounts of VRAM. Now it's normal, and consumers are paying the price due to the extra confusion created by the naming schemes.

You can watch AMD's presentation in the embedded video above; you won't see any discussion about the lesser card. The only time I saw it was for a brief moment on a slide displaying the price, availability, and board partners.

AMD's RX 9060 XT with 8GB of VRAM was only shown briefly on one slide during the Computex presentation. (Image credit: AMD)

What's worse, AMD's performance comparisons all use the 16GB RX 9060 XT, but it's placed up against the 8GB RTX 5060 Ti.

I understand that AMD is focusing on pricing, and the 9060 XT 16GB at $349 compares better to the RTX 5060 TI 8GB at $379. For reference, the 5060 Ti 16GB launched at $429.

A look at performance comparisons between the 16GB RX 9060 XT and the 8GB RTX 5060 Ti. (Image credit: AMD)

Considering how hard it currently is to find AMD's RDNA 4 GPUs at MSRP, it's difficult to take the comparisons seriously. Putting a 16GB card up against an 8GB card at 1440p Ultra and Ultra Raytracing settings has predictable results.

The card with more VRAM can better handle the higher resolutions and cranked in-game settings, and AMD's claim of 6% faster gaming in 40 games under those conditions isn't exactly blowing me away.

AMD shows off how the RX 9060 XT with 16GB of VRAM offers 15% better gaming performance per dollar across 40 games compares to the 8GB RTX 5060 Ti. (Image credit: AMD)

Claiming to offer an extra 15% gaming performance per dollar compared to the 8GB RTX 5060 Ti is the more impressive slide, yet again, I'll wait to see what prices look like on June 5 when the 9060 XT launches.

A direct comparison between AMD and NVIDIA's 8GB and 16GB cards would have been a lot better, but I suspect those numbers don't favor AMD as much.

Where's the backlash for AMD's 8GB RX 9060 XT?

It's only been a few hours since AMD announced its RX 9060 XT, but I'm not seeing much backlash from publications and consumers around the model with 8GB of VRAM.

NVIDIA has been getting roasted for its decision to launch 8GB and 16GB VRAM versions of its RTX 5060 Ti, and for good reason.

8GB of VRAM is simply not enough in 2025, when games are launching with incredibly detailed textures and always-on ray tracing.

I've been covering NVIDIA's troubles since the RTX 50-series was announced, and AMD had a great opportunity to put NVIDIA's mid-range cards to rest.

Instead, it's pulling the same tricks by hiding the 8GB model and launching two GPUs under the same name. I'm disappointed, AMD.

I expect some of the backlash will pick up when it comes to review time, but it's unclear if AMD even plans on offering the 8GB model for testing.

AMD announces Redstone as an upgrade to FSR

AMD's FSR Redstone is expected in the second half of 2025 for RDNA 4 GPUs. (Image credit: AMD)

The new Radeon RX 9060 XT wasn't the only announcement from AMD at Computex 2025.

Alongside new Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9000 and 9000 WX-series CPUs, a Radeon AI PRO R9700 GPU for high-performance workstations, and ASUS Expert P Series Copilot+ PCs with Ryzen AI 300 chips, AMD unveiled an evolution for FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR).

"Redstone" is an upgrade to FSR 4's Super Resolution and Frame Generation. Like FSR 4, it's powered by machine learning and aims to improve visual fidelity while lowering the raw horsepower required from your GPU.

It's expected to arrive in the second half of 2025 for RDNA 4 GPUs; no word about older cards picking up support.

As AMD explains it, Redstone focuses on adding or improving Neural Radiance Caching, Machine Learning Ray Regeneration, and Machine Learning Frame Generation.

This pulls FSR closer to what NVIDIA offers with DLSS, but it remains to be seen how well it'll compare.

Crucial's new PCIe 5.0 SSD is the first high-performance drive I'm considering putting into a laptop

c.cale.hunt@gmail.com (Cale Hunt) — Tue, 20 May 2025 16:17:24 +0000

Crucial just announced a new T710 PCIe 5.0 SSD for laptops and desktop PCs at Computex 2025, and it arrives alongside a new external X10 portable SSD.

The T710 is the company's "fastest Gen5 drive yet," according to Crucial, capable of reaching sequential read speeds up to 14,900MB/s and sequential write speeds up to 13,800MB/s.

Crucial says it'll deliver "unmatched Gen5 performance for pro-level gaming, creative applications, and data-intensive tasks like AI."

It's a successor to the Crucial T700 and T705 PCIe 5.0 drives, and the company says the T710 provides "up to 67% more IOPS per watt" than the predecessors. It works out to 2.2M random read Input/Output Operations per Second (IOPS) and 2.3M random write IOPS.

That makes it a lot faster than Crucial's other drives, but it also makes it run cooler. Considering how much heat PCIe 5.0 drives can put out, especially in laptops where no heatsink is available, this is a big step forward.

Crucial is offering an optional heatsink (now 47% slimmer) for the T710, perfect for desktop users who want to ensure maximum performance.

But it should also be suitable for laptops, thanks to the one-sided design and a massive reduction in power draw. According to Crucial, you can expect a 67% power reduction while reading and an 80% reduction while writing.

Part of the magic comes from a controller switch compared to the T700 and T705. Rather than Phison, Crucial switched to Silicon Motion's SM2508 controller that uses less power. The controller relies on Micron's ninth-gen 276-layer TLC NAND.

👉 Related: Best SSDs we've tested and reviewed

These improvements, if proven to be true when the T710 launches in July 2025, will be perfect for laptops. PCIe 5.0 drives that run cool enough for cramped spaces aren't that plentiful. Add that to Crucial's reliable reputation, and this is a drive I'll likely pick up for my PC.

It's arriving in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities, and Crucial offers a 600 Terabytes Written (TBW) rating for each terabyte of data. That means you'll theoretically be able to write up to 2,400TB of data to the 4TB drive before risk of failure.

To further protect your purchase, Crucial offers a respectable five-year warranty. And to protect your data, it comes with AES 256-bit encryption and TCH Opal 2.01+ compatibility.

Crucial also has a new portable SSD headed our way soon

Crucial also announced today a new X10 portable external SSD.

It uses the USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2x2) standard to connect, which improves bandwidth from 10Gbps in standard USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2) to 20Gbps. The kicker is that you need a compatible port on your PC to hit those speeds. It's fairly rare, but it is out there.

The Crucial X10 can hit read speeds up to 2,100MB/s, which is twice as fast as its X9 predecessor. As explained, however, those speeds are only possible on a PC that supports USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2x2).

Perhaps the most attractive part of the new Crucial X10 is its storage capacities. Whereas the X9 climbed to 4TB, the X10 lineup includes 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 6TB, and 8TB capacities.

The compact drive is rated for IP65 water and dust resistance, and it should survive drops up to 9.8 feet (3 meters) in height. Its durability compares well to the Samsung T7 Shield I reviewed and still use.

The Crucial X10 is available to buy now. Best Buy has a listing that's not quite ready to go at the time of writing, but it's readily available at Amazon.

The 1TB X10 starts at $140, climbing all the way to $780 for the 8TB model.

The Razer Blade 14 got the AI laptop treatment with less weight, more ports and speakers, and two colors

zacharylboddy@outlook.com (Zachary Boddy) — Mon, 19 May 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Razer recently delivered one of its biggest year-over-year upgrades with the redesigned Razer Blade 16 (2025) I reviewed, and now its 14-inch sibling is getting the same treatment.

Computex has arrived, and Razer has taken this opportunity to announce the Razer Blade 14 (2025), and this isn't a simple spec bump. Razer's smallest gaming laptop got the AI PC treatment, of course, but it also took plenty of cues from the new Blade 16.

I'll provide all the information you need, but I'll give you the lead now: the new Razer Blade 14 (2025) is available from $2,299.99 exclusively at Razer starting now.

What did Razer update with the new Blade 14?

A familiar design, but a lot has actually changed here. (Image credit: Razer)

Let's start with how the most compact Razer Blade has been upgraded for the new year. Razer adapted the redesigned Blade 16 chassis to this smaller form factor, making the new Blade 14 the thinnest (at around 15.7mm) and lightest (at around 1.63kg) 14-inch laptop Razer has ever made.

This is made possible with the same redesigned thermal hood that debuted with the Blade 16, positioning all the hottest components under the same vapor cooling chamber and dual-fan system.

The Razer Blade 14 already relied on AMD hardware, but you'll now find the 10-core AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 chipset under the hood, as well as an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 or 5070 GPU.

That makes this Blade 14 more powerful and efficient than ever, improving gaming performance and battery endurance, but it also enables AI features. Just like the Blade 16, the new Blade 14 is a full Copilot+ PC with all the latest and greatest Windows 11 features.

Elsewhere, you'll discover the QHD+, 240Hz IPS LCD display of last year has been replaced with a sharper 2.8K OLED display, with half the refresh rate (120Hz) but a much faster response time (0.2ms). Despite this laptop being smaller, Razer also found space to add two new speakers (for a total of six) and a microSD card slot.

Did we lose anything with this Razer Blade 14 update?

You may be wondering if Razer had to compromise on anything or remove any features compared to the Razer Blade 14 (2024) we reviewed for this redesign, and I have some good news here. Yes, the display is only 120Hz instead of 240Hz, but it's also sharper, faster, and significantly better looking.

Some may lament the loss of upgradeable RAM, though, as the new AMD Ryzen AI chipsets feature soldered memory, but Razer compensated by making that RAM faster than ever (8,000MHz) and offering configurations with up to 64GB of RAM. You can still upgrade the SSD storage, too.

You still get a massive 72Whr battery, too, and Razer claims the more efficient hardware adds around an hour of additional usage across the board, which I'll never say no to.

The one area where the Blade 14 wasn't updated is the keyboard. The Razer Blade 16 redesigned its keyboard, too, but the Blade 14 is still left with the same, shallow 1mm keyboard as before. Razer told me this is due to the tighter confines giving the company less flexibility to make changes here.

When will the Razer Blade 14 be available?

We also got a new, slightly more affordable Razer Blade 16. (Image credit: Razer)

At least some configurations of the new Razer Blade 14 are going live today, sold exclusively through Razer's own store (at least in the USA). It's available in both black and silver at launch, too, although there's no pink version right now.

As for pricing, you'll be able to purchase the Razer Blade 14 (2025) from $2,299.99 at Razer, which will be with an RTX 5060 inside. Speaking of that GPU, another Razer laptop is also getting it as an option.

Also starting today, consumers can pick up a new entry-level Razer Blade 16 (2025) for $2,399.99 at Razer with an RTX 5060 GPU, so it'll only cost you $100 more to get a bigger 16-inch display and a deeper keyboard.

Windows Central should be getting our hands on the new Razer Blade 14 (2025) for review soon, so stay tuned for our full thoughts!

Razer Blade 14 (2025)
Buy now: From $2,299.99 at Razer

There's a new Razer Blade in town, and it's the thinnest and lightest 14-inch laptop Razer has ever made. It's also one of the smartest thanks to new AI-powered hardware, and you even get more speakers and ports than before.

👉See at: Razer.com

👀Also consider: Razer Blade 16 (2025) w/ RTX 5060 for $2,399.99 at Razer

MSI's new handheld houses AMD Z2 Extreme instead of Intel Core Ultra and is actually available in a color other than white or black

rebecca.spear@futurenet.com (Rebecca Spear) — Mon, 19 May 2025 13:50:36 +0000

As reported by GamesRadar, during Computex 2025, MSI revealed its latest Windows gaming handheld: the MSI Claw A8 BZ2EM. But, unlike the previous entries in the Claw line, this upcoming device will be the first to not have an Intel APU (accelerated processing unit).

Instead, it will feature a next-gen AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme, the follow-up to the AMD Z1 line seen in ASUS ROG Ally, Ally X, Lenovo Legion Go, and other gaming handhelds.

Aside from the processor, the Claw A8 BZ2EM is comparable to the MSI Claw 8 AI+ in many ways. They both feature 8-inch displays that support up to a 120Hz refresh rate and 1920 x 1200 resolution while offering up to 24GB LPDDR5 RAM, and a 1TB M.2 SSD.

Most visually striking, is the fact that the Claw A8 BZ2EM will be available in either a white or what appears to be a lime green. This vibrant color, alone, helps it to stand out amid the sea of mostly black or white portable PC gaming systems.

Unfortunately, we don't yet know when this handheld will release, nor do we know how much it will cost. However, it will likely have a similar MSRP to the MSI Claw 8 AI+, which currently sells for $999.99 at Best Buy (although it originally had a $899.99 price point).

As seen in my MSI Claw 8 AI+ review, I was really impressed by the performance of this Intel-toting device. It's easily the best premium choice for any gamer that wants to see the highest FPS (frames per second) possible on a handheld. It's just been really hard to get ahold of.

Another upcoming Z2 Extreme handheld

AMD Z2 Extreme is the next-gen handheld processor for upcoming portable gaming systems. (Image credit: AMD | Windows Central)

Handheld enthusiasts are eagerly looking forward to the release of Z2 Extreme portable gaming devices, which are expected to largely improve performance over the Z1 Extreme.

The Z2 Extreme is expected in upcoming ASUS ROG Ally 2 and Lenovo Legion Go 2. Now, the MSI Claw A8 BZ2EM joins their number. However, the Z2 Extreme hasn't released yet and it doesn't have an official release date either.

As of right now, the only chip available from the AMD Ryzen Z2 line is the Z2 Go, found exclusively in Lenovo Legion Go S.

But, as you can see in my colleague Zachary Boddy's Lenovo Legion Go S review, this Z2 Go chip is rather unimpressive, only providing similar performance to the now outdated (although beloved) Steam Deck.

Thankfully, the Z2 Extreme is supposed to be a far more powerful offering compared to the Z2 Go and should also be better than the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V found in the MSI Claw 8 AI+.

The Intel Core Ultra 7 258V offers eight cores, eight threads with eight graphics cores, a 4.8GHz max clock speed, 12MB cache, and a TDP range of 15W to 35 W. Meanwhile, the Ryzen Z2 Extreme features eight cores, 18 threads with 16 graphics cores, a 5 GHz max clock speed, 24MB cache, and a TDP range of 17W to 37W.

We'll have to conduct our own testing when the chip launches to see exactly how well it performs, but based on its specs, it should offer better playing experience than the Intel Core Ultra.

Handheld gaming is about to get even better

I personally am very excited to get my hands on Z2 Extreme handhelds like the MSI Claw A8 BZ2EM. Over the course of the last couple of years, MSI has greatly improved its handheld presence and is currently the only company to have both an Intel and an AMD configuration in its handheld line.

While I'm looking forward to the power that Z2 Extreme will likely provide, I also hope that other companies producing handhelds take a cue from MSI and start producing handhelds with more interesting color schemes.

NVIDIA's RTX 5060 is here, but don't expect to read any real reviews

c.cale.hunt@gmail.com (Cale Hunt) — Mon, 19 May 2025 13:34:31 +0000

NVIDIA launched its RTX 5060 GPU today at Computex 2025 for desktops and laptops.

The desktop version starts at a $299 MSRP, while gaming laptops with the RTX 5060 are expected to start at $1,099. The RTX 5060 goes on sale later today.

It's the last piece of NVIDIA's RTX 5000 puzzle, barring the future launch of an RTX 5050 or Super/Ti versions of cards already on the market.

NVIDIA's press deck includes some lofty numbers achieved via DLSS 4's Multi Frame Generation (MFG).

At 1080p, the RTX 5060 looks to be a monster card if you believe NVIDIA's claims.

A look at NVIDIA"s RTX 5060 performance claims with DLSS 4 MFG enabled at 1080p. (Image credit: NVIDIA)

What about actual, in-depth reviews for launch day? That's not going to happen.

While the RTX 5060 is attractively priced, there's plenty of controversy surrounding the launch. Most of the controversy is caused by NVIDIA itself.

The biggest issue I have with the new RTX 5060 is NVIDIA's lack of review drivers before release.

That means would-be buyers are heading in mostly blind, relying on NVIDIA's performance numbers and boasts rather than hard facts from independent reviewers.

NVIDIA did allow the new driver to go out to some publications ahead of time, but with it came strict guidelines on what could be shared.

That's why you'll see previews parroting much of what NVIDIA has already stated instead of full reviews.

If you're reading what claims to be a full review on May 19, chances are it's part of NVIDIA's on-rails presentation.

NVIDIA isn't doing itself any favors with its RTX 5060 guard rails

Gamers Nexus published a video at about the same time as NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang took to the stage of Computex 2025, detailing NVIDIA's "dirty manipulation of reviews."

In the video, host Steve Burke calls out NVIDIA's limited press access and how it creates confusion for buyers. If outlets like this want to continue having access to NVIDIA specialists and advance drivers, they have to play ball within the field that NVIDIA has created.

That field is mostly populated with DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation (MFG) performance in select games rather than raw power benchmarks.

I can't deny that the tech is impressive, especially after testing Multi Frame Gen in DOOM: The Dark Ages, but it's only one part of the GPU and might not apply to your favorite games.

Why does it seem like NVIDIA is hiding the RTX 5060?

While the RTX 5060 appears to be about 20% faster than its 4060 predecessor (going by NVIDIA's pre-launch numbers), it retains the same 8GB of VRAM.

In 2025, that's simply not enough, even at $299. Intel's budget Battlemage cards come at a cheaper price and have either 10GB or 12GB of VRAM.

Hardware Unboxed's RTX 5060 Ti 8GB review shows how it's slower than the Intel Arc B580 in a bunch of tests.

NVIDIA is surely aware of the uproar regarding its choice to use 8GB of VRAM in the RTX 5060, which is likely why it wants to focus so heavily on MFG and DLSS.

The situation as a whole doesn't give much confidence to would-be buyers, yet I expect the RTX 5060 to sell out quickly.

NVIDIA's XX60 cards are extremely popular, and NVIDIA's wacky preview/review guidelines will only cause confusion.

In that confusion, Team Green no doubt hopes to sell out.

It's tempting, but don't buy an RTX 5060 yet

The $299 MSRP entry point for the latest DLSS improvements is no doubt tempting to a lot of gamers. I don't blame you if you nab the new GPU just to see what it's all about.

However, I recommend waiting to see what Intel and AMD have to show off this week at Computex.

Rumors suggest that Intel is planning to announce a new Arc B770, while AMD is gearing up for a Radeon RX 9060 XT announcement.

I expect to see real RTX 5060 reviews begin to appear in the coming days once actual testing can be performed and the results published, so playing the waiting game will only benefit you.

My latest hands-on could be the best value AI laptop of the summer, but I still have questions

zacharylboddy@outlook.com (Zachary Boddy) — Mon, 19 May 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Computex 2025 has arrived, and that means lots of announcements and reveals from countless tech companies around the world.

Many companies, like HP, have already announced their premium devices for the year, though, so what does that leave? Value-driven products for the more budget-conscientious among us.

Products like the HP OmniBook 5 (G1q) duo, 14-inch and 16-inch laptops that could very well be the best deal on an AI laptop this summer. I can say that, because I've already gone hands-on with an early sample of the 14-inch model, thanks to HP.

Here's what you need to know, and how I feel about this mid-range heavy hitter.

This hands-on was made possible thanks to a pre-production sample provided by HP. HP had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

What should I know about the HP OmniBook 5?

It's the classic HP logo and a thin, light, but basic aluminum design. (Image credit: Windows Central | Zachary Boddy)

HP recently overhauled its entire consumer PC lineup with the "Omni" brand, with X and Ultra monikers occupying the high-end, and 3, 5, and 7 monikers filling the budget, mid-range, and premium mid-range segments.

That means the HP OmniBook 5 sits right in the middle, aiming to offer a great balance of features, quality, and price. It's frankly the most difficult market to nail, as companies have to be extremely selective about the corners they cut — and they do have to cut corners.

This is the HP OmniBook 5 (G1q), and it comes in 14-inch and 16-inch variants. These are lightweight, long-lasting, full-featured AI laptops powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon X ARM64 chipsets.

The 16-inch variant comes in at less than 13.3mm thick and 1.58kg heavy, while the 14-inch model is even thinner and lighter at 12.7mm and 1.29kg. Both are constructed entirely of aluminum, so you do get a more premium feeling than entry-level plastic.

It's a very portable laptop, and it looks good, too.Windows Central | Zachary Boddy

Still don't love the dropjaw design, but it's the only way you're getting a legacy USB port in a laptop this thin.Windows Central | Zachary Boddy

That ultra-thin design still leaves room for dual USB Type-C ports, as well as a full USB Type-A port (with HP's odd drop jaw design). I'm sad there's no USB4 support, here, but that would've inevitably raised the cost.

Both laptops also come with a FHD+ (1200p), 60Hz OLED display with optional touch input, Windows Hello facial recognition, and a super-compact 65W USB Type-C GaN charger (HP claims it's the first to bundle a mini GaN charger with a consumer laptop).

As I already mentioned, though, what really defines these laptops is the System-on-a-Chip (SoC) inside. The OmniBook 5 (G1q) is powered by the 8-core Qualcomm Snapdragon X or Snapdragon X Plus, and that means these are both Copilot+ PCs, and support all the latest and greatest AI features in Windows 11.

Does this Snapdragon X PC perform well?

Getting the absolute best Windows 11 experience in an $800 laptop is neat. (Image credit: Windows Central | Zachary Boddy)

My OmniBook 5 14 is powered by the entry-level Snapdragon X, and I already have experience with this chipset after reviewing the ASUS Zenbook A14 (2025).

The quick overview? It's an excellent performer for what 99% of people do on their laptops 99% of the time, meaning web browsing, media consumption, Microsoft Office, email, light video and photo editing, and even some casual gaming.

My limited time with this laptop doesn't suggest any different. It's been wonderfully smooth and responsive during my time with it, and it comes with at least 16GB of RAM to enable the Copilot+ PC AI features.

I wasn't allowed to benchmark this early sample, but I'm not expecting any surprises here.

How good is this laptop's battery life?

This charger is awesomely, adorably tiny. (Image credit: Windows Central | Zachary Boddy)

One of the greatest advantages of Snapdragon X is its efficiency, which has enabled some of the best and most consistent endurance we've seen in Windows laptops. HP claims up to 34 hours of local video playback with the OmniBook 5 (G1q), which isn't indicative of what you'll actually see with real world usage, but it's still a good sign.

I haven't had nearly enough time with the OmniBook 5 14 to gauge just how long it'll last off a charger, but I can tell you that I haven't even thought about plugging it in since setting it up.

I can tell you that HP's new mini 65W charger is the real deal. It's absolutely tiny, the prongs fold in for travel, and HP includes a 2m USB Type-C to Type-C charging cable.

Another potential advantage? Alternatives like Intel Core Ultra can offer comparable battery life nowadays, but the OmniBook 5 14 should perform practically identical on and off the charger, with no sign of throttling.

Is the OmniBook 5 missing anything?

This keyboard feels good to type on, but I do wish it had backlighting. (Image credit: Windows Central | Zachary Boddy)

As you'll see in the next section, HP was aggressive with the pricing for the OmniBook 5 (G1q), making this duo some of the most affordable Copilot+ PCs in the world. With great performance, aluminum chassis, Windows Hello, and an OLED display, what did HP have to compromise on to hit that price point?

Overall, the OmniBook 5 does feel great, but there are definitely some low points. For one, the aluminum build is a noticeable step down from premium laptops, with more flexing in the keyboard deck and bottom panel.

The dual speakers and FHD webcam are nothing impressive, which isn't particularly surprising, but I was shocked to discover this laptop lacks keyboard backlighting. You also don't get Human Presence Detection (HPD) features, but I think most people can live without that.

The most obvious place where HP undercut its competition in pricing is by making 256GB the starting storage, instead of the more common 512GB. I assume customers will be able to upgrade that SSD if they're willing to pay a bit more, though, and 256GB should honestly be enough for the casual users at whom this laptop is aimed.

How much will the OmniBook 5 cost me?

An $800 starting price is great for an AI laptop, but not quite as good as originally announced. (Image credit: Windows Central | Zachary Boddy)

Now for the real kicker. How much will this AI laptop cost to take home?

The HP OmniBook 5 14 (G1q) will start from $799.99 when it launches, while the OmniBook 5 16 will retail at $849.99.

The OmniBook 5 14 is in the running for the most affordable Copilot+ PC we've seen so far, but it doesn't quite take the cake on the entire category. It'll inevitably be discounted, though, making it an even better deal.

I wish I could tell you exactly when you'll be able to buy these laptops, but HP didn't impart that info to me. Hopefully, the wait won't be long.

Given my positive impressions following my early hands-on, I really believe the Snapdragon-powered OmniBook 5 has a chance to become our favorite value-driven AI laptop this summer.

AMD's RTX 5060 Ti competitor is rumored to launch in a couple of months with 8GB and 16GB models

c.cale.hunt@gmail.com (Cale Hunt) — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 15:02:07 +0000

AMD's Radeon RX 9000 GPUs, including the RX 9070 and 9070 XT, launched in March, and it's now being reported that the initial cards will soon be joined by a more wallet-friendly Radeon RX 9060 XT.

Videocardz first reported on the rumors of an RX 9060 XT reveal at Computex 2025, which kicks off officially on May 20.

The potential announcement remains unconfirmed by AMD, but leaker Hoang Anh Phu — generally a reliable source — states that the RX 9060 XT will debut at Computex with a launch two weeks later.

Announcement: ComputexLaunch: 2 weeks laterApril 16, 2025

This potential schedule pushes the RX 9060 XT into the first week of June, roughly two months after the RTX 5060 Ti's launch and about a month after the RTX 5060.

Similar to the 5060 Ti, a separate leak also reported by Videocardz suggests that AMD plans to launch the RX 9060 XT in two variants: one with 8GB and one with 16GB.

Unlike NVIDIA, it appears that AMD plans to continue using GDDR6 VRAM rather than upgrading to GDDR7.

Considering the generally cold temperature surrounding NVIDIA's 8GB models, AMD is no doubt carefully considering pricing for its next cards.

NVIDIA launched its RTX 5060 Ti with 16GB of VRAM at a $429 MSRP, with the 8GB model coming in at $379. The unreleased RTX 5060 comes with a $299 MSRP.

Intel set the VRAM standard late last year with its affordable Arc Battlemage cards made for 1440p gaming. The B580 has 12GB at a $250 MSRP, while the B570 has 10GB at a $220 MSRP.

Our friends at TechRadar gave the Arc B580 a perfect review score, stating:

The Intel Arc B580 is a fantastic 1440p GPU for an unbeatable price, and establishes Intel as a serious contender in the graphics card market. While its non-gaming performance isn't a real challenge to Nvidia's dominance, as a gaming GPU, there's little reason to consider the Nvidia RTX 4060, RTX 4060 Ti, or AMD RX 7600 XT compared to the Arc B580.
TechRadar

If AMD can land on a price competitive with Intel, it could have a serious winner on its hands, no matter the VRAM amount.

Of course, tariffs and the tech market chaos they're causing will likely play into the pricing. Just because AMD sets an attractive MSRP for the RX 9060 XT doesn't mean it will be available for consumers in the US.

The RX 9060 XT is expected to use the RDNA 4 Navi 44 XT GPU, with 2,048 stream processors, 20Gbps memory clock, 128-bit memory bus, and 320GB/s memory bandwidth.

As noted in the Videocardz spec leak, it appears that the 9060 XT will bring significantly higher clock speeds compared to its RX 7600 XT predecessor.

Whereas the RDNA 3 card has a 2.47GHz game clock and 2.75GHz boost clock, the RDNA 4 update could push those numbers to 2.62GHz and 3.23GHz.

Also noted are power demands, with the RX 9060 XT expected to require at least a 500W power supply, with some models pushing up to 550W.

Only time will tell what AMD has in store for us regarding its next Radeon RDNA 4 GPUs, but one can only hope that they'll launch at a more affordable price than NVIDIA's 60-class cards.

A new Steam Deck competitor with features we've never seen in a gaming handheld might be the device we've been waiting for

rebecca.spear@futurenet.com (Rebecca Spear) — Sat, 15 Jun 2024 14:00:04 +0000

What you need to know

Gaming handhelds that can run full-fledge PC games have become increasingly popular over the last few years with Steam Deck and ROG Ally being the most prominent devices.
During Computex 2024, a new gaming handheld competitor called the Zotac Zone was shown off.
The Zotac gaming handheld's specs aren't finalized, but as of right now they include an AMD R7 8840U CPU with a Radeon 780M GPU, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, and a 7-inch AMOLED touchscreen.
It's unclear how much the Zotac Gaming Handheld will sell for or when it will launch.

Nintendo paved the way for a new gaming handheld revolution when it launched the Switch in 2017. Since then, numerous devices have released with a similar layout. But it wasn't until February 2022 that PC gaming really entered the discussion, thanks to Valve's popular Steam Deck. Just a couple of years later, we now have multiple Windows 11 gaming handhelds on the market including ROG Ally, Legion Go, and MSI Claw (to name a few).

Over the last couple of years, these handhelds have fought for dominance in the PC gaming space. But now, a new Windows 11 device has been announced in the form of the Zotac Zone gaming handheld, which was shown off at Computex 2024. Windows Central's editor-in-chief, Daniel Rubino, was able to go hands-on with the Zotac Gaming Handheld in person while at the event.

The Zotac Zone gaming handheld features a built-in kickstand. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

Zotac Gaming Handheld specs*

Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 8840U
Graphics: AMD Radeon 780M
OS: Windows 11 Home
Memory: 16GB LPDDR5X-7500
Storage: 512GB M.2 NVME PCIe 4.0 SSD
Display: 7-inch FHD AMOLED multi-touchscreen
Refresh rate: 120Hz
Battery Capacity: 48.5Whr Li-on Battery
Ports: 2x USB4 (DisplayPort 1.4 and Power Delivery 3.0), UHS-II microSD card reader, 3.5mm headphone jack
Camera: Front Camera
Controls: Hall Effect joysticks, dual touchpads, radial dials, 2-stage adjustable triggers, ABXY buttons
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
Dimensions: 310 x 135 x 40mm (12.2 x 5.3 x 1.6 inches)
*Specs are not finalized

Zotac's design and specs have not fully been finalized, but the show floor model featured an AMD Ryzen 7 8840U CPU that, unsurprisingly, was coupled with an AMD Radeon 780M GPU. This is an interesting departure from the more gaming handheld-focused AMD Z1 Extreme processor, which is utilized within the Legion Go and ROG Ally. However, we have seen a few AYANEO handhelds including the FLIP DS, use the R7 8840U, so there is precedent here. Depending on how exactly the Zotac's system is designed, the chosen APU could allow this new device to perform similarly to other top-tier PC gaming handhelds, although the Z1 Extreme, so far, has been seen as a better choice for handheld devices.

With 16GB of RAM and 512GB SSD, the Zotac Gaming Handheld is very similar to the ROG Ally. This should provide decent response times when accessing game data as well as providing a good amount of storage space for a gaming library. Since there is a microSD card reader on the device, you'll also be able to add additional storage space as needed. It's also nice to see that the handheld has a USB-C port on both the top and bottom. This allows users to plug in an accessory and also charge up the device while using it, which isn't possible on the Steam Deck and ROG Ally.

Gaming handhelds with unique features stand out in a competitive market

2-stage trigger switches allow players to determine how far down the triggers press. Daniel Rubino

There are M1 and M2 back buttons. Daniel Rubino

Zotac Zone is currently not in its final state. Daniel Rubino

There is a USB-C 4.0 slot on the bottom of the handheld near a microSD card reader. Daniel Rubino

Speakers are also located on the bottom of the handheld. Daniel Rubino

A power button, volume controls, a USB-C port, and a headphone jack are all found on the top of the device. Daniel Rubino

Vents on the back of the device help keep the system cool. Daniel Rubino

At Computex 2024, the Zotac Zone was shown playing Horizon Forbidden West. Daniel Rubino

One of the places that the Zotac Zone stands out from competitiors is with its touchscreen — It's a 7-inch AMOLED that can reach up to a 120Hz refresh rate. This seems to be the first gaming handheld to utilize an AMOLED. For context, the Steam Deck OLED can only reach up to a 90Hz refresh rate. Arguably, the second-best gaming handheld screen is found in the Legion Go, which isn't an OLED, but rather an 8.8-inch QHD IPS that can reach a very impressive 144Hz.

AMOLEDs tend to be similar to OLEDs but can get brighter, which could help with gaming outside or on the go. What's more, Zotac Zone users will be able to more easily watch shows on the AMOLED screen hands-free or play games via an external controller because this handheld features a built-in kickstand that can prop the device up on its own.

If you took a look at Zotac Zone specs, then you noticed that this device has some unique features for a gaming handheld. Specifically, the little silver switches on the backside near the triggers allow for 2-stage adjustments. This is something we often see in premium game controllers, and not something that's been on a Windows 11 handheld before. Basically, this makes it so that the triggers can have one or two clicks (or button presses), one when the trigger is pulled halfway and another when it's fully pulled down. While not a necessary feature by any means, it is nice for people who prefer to have it.

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(Image credit: Harish Jonnalagadda / Windows Central)

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I'm also overjoyed to see that the Zotac Zone features Hall Effect joysticks because this means that they won't experience drift issues. There are very few Windows 11 handhelds on the market today that have Hall Effect joysticks, likely because competitors are trying to keep costs down and this kind of control technology is more expensive. Speaking of controls, there are two touchpads, one under either joystick, which is a feature that the Zotac shares in common with Steam Deck. Touchpads provide more meticulous control when aiming or navigating game menus, so I'm always happy to see them.

During his time with the Zotac Zone, Rubino was very impressed with the AMOLED screen which provided vibrant and crisp visuals while displaying very brightly. While playing Horizon Forbidden West, Rubino noted that the handheld felt very similar in build to an ROG Ally, although he noted that the D-Pad was a bit mushy. He also liked the texture on the grips, and felt that it made the device easier to hold.

Overall, everything on the Zotac Zone looks pretty impressive and could be the ultimate gaming handheld we've been waiting for. But it's important to remember that this isn't a finalized product, so things could be improved upon or changed. It's also unclear if/when the Zotac Zone will launch or how much it will cost, but we at Windows Central are big on Windows 11 gaming handhelds and will report new information as we discover it.

ASUS goes all-in on Copilot+ and AMD Ryzen AI 300 with new laptops from Zenbook, Vivobook, TUF Gaming, and more

c.cale.hunt@gmail.com (Cale Hunt) — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 20:07:24 +0000

What you need to know

ASUS announced new AI PCs from its Zenbook, Vivobook, ROG Zephyrus, and TUF Gaming lineups at Computex 2024.
The laptops are powered by AMD's "Zen 5" Ryzen AI 300 processors also announced at Computex.
Thanks to strong NPU performance, the ASUS laptops make the cut for advanced Copilot+ AI features in Windows 11.
Also announced were three new ProArt portable studios, including the ProArt PZ13 as a Surface Pro competitor with Snapdragon X.

The "Great Reset" in the Windows PC industry, as dubbed by our Editor-in-Chief Daniel Rubino, is well underway with new Copilot+ PCs sporting ARM64 Snapdragon X chips, but AMD's "Zen 5" Ryzen AI 300 chips announced at Computex are already boasting a more powerful Neural Processing Unit (NPU) compatible with Copilot+ AI features in Windows 11.

ASUS followed up AMD's Ryzen AI 300 announcement by unveiling a bunch of new AI PCs from its Zenbook, Vivobook, ROG Zephyrus, and TUF Gaming lineups. They're looking like some mighty impressive Windows laptops for a wide range of users, and we've laid out all the details we could find so far on these new PCs.

The ASUS Zenbook S 16 has an OLED display and "Ceraluminum" lid

The ASUS Zenbook S 16 (UM5606) stands out as a sleek and powerful AI PC built for creators. It measures just 0.43 inches (1.1cm) thin and weighs 3.3 pounds (1.5kg), which is particularly impressive for a 16-inch device made almost entirely from aluminum.

ASUS uses something called "Ceraluminum" for the lid cover, which is a new material that ASUS says feels like ceramic but is strong like aluminum. Considering I'm someone who often puts a skin on my laptop, this material exclusive to ASUS might make me want to keep the chassis bare. You can get the Zenbook S 16 in Scandinavian White or Zumaia Gray colors.

ASUS Zenbook S 16 (UM5606)

CPU: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 or Ryzen AI 9 365
GPU: AMD Radeon 890M or Radeon 880M
RAM: Up to 32GB LPDDR5x
SSD: Up to 2TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
Display: 16 inches, OLED, 3K, 16:10, 120Hz
Webcam: FHD + IR
Ports: Two USB4, USB-A 3.2, HDMI, SD card reader, 3.5mm audio
Battery: 78Wh
Speakers: Six with Dolby Atmos
Weight: 3.2 pounds (1.5kg)
Price: From $1,400

The laptop is powered by up to AMD's new Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor (CPU) which was also announced at Computex 2024. The CPU has 12 cores and 24 threads, a boost clock up to 5.1GHz, and a 28W TDP, but the major news for AI tasks is the Ryzen AI NPU with 50 TOPS of power.

That's well beyond the 40 TOPS threshold set by Microsoft for Copilot+ features in Windows 11, and it's even better than the 45 TOPS available from Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus chips. ASUS says the Zenbook S 16 will have up to 2TB of M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD storage and up to 32GB of LPDDR5x RAM. It all runs on a sizable 78Wh battery.

As for the touch display, ASUS isn't messing around. It measures 16 inches with a 3K resolution, 16:10 aspect ratio, 120Hz refresh rate, and an OLED panel for deep color and contrast. Above the display is an FHD webcam with IR and what sounds like human presence detection features.

The laptop's 16-inch frame allows ASUS to include six speakers with Dolby Atmos, as well as a generous selection of ports including two USB4, USB-A, HDMI, 3.5mm audio, and an SD card reader.

The Zenbook S 16 is already available to pre-order at Best Buy. A model with a Ryzen AI 9 365 CPU, 24GB of RAM, 1TB SSD, and a 3K OLED display starts at $1,400.

ASUS Zenbook S 16 | $1,400 preorder at Best Buy

Want to get your hands on the impressive Zenbook S 16 with AMD Ryzen AI CPU and 3K OLED touch display? You can already preorder at Best Buy with prices starting at $1,400.View Deal

ASUS Vivobook S 14, S 15, and S 16 models get a makeover

We got our first look at an ASUS Copilot+ laptop on May 20, 2024 when the company announced the Vivobook S 15 (S5507) powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite System-on-Chip (SoC).

ASUS has returned to give the entire Vivobook S lineup — including Vivobook S 14 (M5406), Vivobook S 15 (M5506), and Vivobook S 16 (M5606) — a refresh for AMD's new Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and Ryzen AI 9 365 CPUs.

ASUS says these laptops are thinner and lighter than their predecessors, with all-metal builds. The Vivobook S 14 starts at just 0.54 inches (1.39cm) and weighs 2.8 pounds (1.3kg). The refreshed Vivobook S models will be available with up to 32GB of LPDDR5x RAM and a 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD.

There's no word yet on the availability or pricing for the new Vivobook S laptops with AMD Ryzen AI 300 chips.

ASUS TUF Gaming A14 and A16 laptops combine AMD and NVIDIA

The new ASUS TUF Gaming A14 and A16 for 2024. (Image credit: ASUS)

ASUS TUF Gaming A16 (2024)

CPU: Up to AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370
GPU: Up to NVIDIA RTX 4070 Laptop GPU (140W)
RAM: Up to 32GB LPDRR5x-7500MHz
SSD: Up to 2TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
Display: Up to 16 inches, 2560x1600 (QHD+), 165Hz, anti-glare, 16:10, G-Sync, 400 nits
Audio: Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos
Ports: USB4, USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2), two USB-A 3.2 (Gen 2), HDMI 2.1, RJ45 Ethernet, 3.5mm audio
Battery: 90Wh
Weight: 2.8 pounds (2.2kg)

ASUS didn't just stick with AI laptops for professionals and multitaskers. The company also announced two new budget-friendly TUF Gaming laptops with up to an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU and NVIDIA discrete GPUs. That's a potent combination of AI performance, especially now that NVIDIA has announced that it's bringing Copilot+ to RTX-powered laptops.

Not only is the NPU in AMD's Ryzen AI 300 chips capable of up to 50 TOPS of performance, but you'll also get up to 321 TOPS of power with the RTX 4070 Laptop GPU (140W) available in the ASUS TUF Gaming A16.

Focusing first on the larger 16-inch laptop, ASUS has redesigned the chassis to now measure 0.7 inches (1.79cm) at its thinnest point. It boasts a generous selection of ports, including USB4, USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2), two USB-A 3.2 (Gen 2), HDMI 2.1, RJ45 Ethernet, and a 3.5mm audio jack, and it supports Wi-Fi 6E with Bluetooth 5.3.

The 16-inch display has a 2560x1600 (QHD+) resolution, 165Hz refresh rate, "IPS-level" panel, and an anti-glare finish. It'll also support NVIDIA G-Sync for reduced screen tearing.

ASUS lists up to 32GB of LPDDR5x-7500MHz RAM and up to a 2TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD to run alongside the AMD Ryzen AI 300 chips. A 90Wh battery is included.

ASUS TUF Gaming A14 (2024)

CPU: Up to AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370
GPU: Up to NVIDIA RTX 4060 Laptop GPU (100W)
RAM: Up to 32GB LPDDR5x-7500MHz
SSD: Up to 2TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
Display: Up to 14 inches, 2560x1600 (QHD+), 165Hz, 16:10, 400 nits, G-Sync
Audio: Dolby Atmos
Ports: USB4, USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2), two USB-A 3.2 (Gen 2), HDMI 2.1, UHS-II microSD card reader, 3.5mm audio
Battery: 73Wh
Weight: 3.2 pounds (1.46kg)

Turning now to the smaller TUF Gaming A14, it's a 14-inch laptop with a 2560x1600 (QHD+) display. It's essentially identical to the A16's screen other than the size, with a 165Hz refresh rate, "IPS-level" panel, and NVIDIA G-Sync.

It too has up to an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU, but it tops out at a NVIDIA RTX 4060 Laptop GPU. It does, however, hit a 100W TGP which is higher than a lot of competitors. Like its larger sibling, it comes with up to 32GB of LPDDR5x-7500MHz RAM and up to a 2TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD.

Ports are slightly different, and your workflow might help you choose between the two laptops. The TUF Gaming A14 drops the RJ45 Ethernet port but adds a UHS-II microSD card reader, something I use a lot more often than wired internet.

The TUF Gaming A14 is understandably lighter at 3.2 pounds (1.46kg) and slightly thinner at 0.66 inches (1.69cm). Because of its smaller size, the battery capacity is capped at 73Wh.

There's no word yet from ASUS as to when these new laptops are expected to launch, or at what price.

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 gets AMD Ryzen AI

The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 with AMD Ryzen AI 9 300 CPU. (Image credit: ASUS)

The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024) we reviewed is currently our favorite gaming laptop, and its larger Zephyrus G16 sibling is getting the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU for strong local AI acceleration.

The Zephyrus G16 (2024) isn't really changing physically, and you'll still get the same sleek design with customizable slash lighting on the lid. ASUS says it will offer the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 chip alongside up to a NVIDIA RTX 4070 Laptop GPU, itself capable of up to 321 TOPS of AI performance.

You'll be able to configure with up to 32GB of LPDDR5x-7500MHz RAM, Wi-Fi 7, and an SD card reader supporting the fresh SD Express 7.0 standard. ASUS doesn't yet say when the Zephyrus G16 with AMD Ryzen AI chips will be available or how much it will cost.

What about the new ASUS ProArt laptops?

The new ASUS ProArt PCs (Image credit: ASUS)

ASUS didn't stop without announcing some new ProArt laptops compatible with Copilot+. The ASUS ProArt PZ13 is a 2-in-1 laptop that should compete well with the Surface Pro 11, and it's powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X chips. You can read about the new ProArt PZ13 in our separate announcement post.

ASUS also unveiled ProArt P16 and ProArt PX13 laptops powered by AMD Ryzen AI 9 chips. They're more traditional laptops in notebook and convertible form factors, and they should compete well with the MacBook Pro for any creators and designers who'd rather use Windows. Our separate ProArt P16 and PX13 announcement has more details.

This new MacBook Pro rival has AMD's new Ryzen AI 9 300 processor, an RTX 4070, and a 4K display

sean.endicott@futurenet.com (Sean Endicott) — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 18:37:31 +0000

What you need to know

ASUS announced three new laptops at Computex today, including two that run on AMD's new Ryzen AI 300 series processors.
The ProArt P16 is a large laptop with a 16-inch 4K OLED display and a digital DialPad built into its trackpad.
The Ryzen AI 300 series processors have NPUs with 50 TOPS of performance that power AI features.

ASUS unveiled a trio of PCS at Computex 2024. While all three laptops are from the ProArt lineup, they offer different form factors, strengths, and even a different CPU architecture in the case of one device. I covered the ProArt PZ13 and its Qualcomm Snapdragon X processor in a separate piece, so I'll focus on the AMD Ryzen-powered ProArt P16 and ProArt PX13 here.

The new ProArt PCs run on AMD's newly announced Ryzen AI 300 series processors. Those chips are built on AMD's Zen 5 architecture. They also have built-in NPUs with 50 TOPS (Tera Operations per Second) of performance. That AI-focused figure is higher than what's been seen in a Snapdragon X processor or anything from Intel. At least for the moment, the Ryzen AI 300 mobile processors have the highest TOPS on the market.

The new Ryzen CPUs in the ProArt P16, which are up to 70W, are paired with up to an NVIDIA RTX 4070 (105W). That totals 321 TOPS of performance, which should be more than enough for local AI processing. ASUS promises 2.5x faster performance in DaVinci Resolve for video editing tasks and 4.5x faster performance for Adobe Premiere Pro's AI Speech Enhance Importantly, the PC gets 50 TOPS of performance from its NPU, which meets the minimum requirements to be Copilot+ PC.

The ProArt P16 has up to 64GB of memory and 4TB of storage as well. All-in-all, it looks to be an incredibly powerful PC that will compete with the best Windows laptops and some of Apple's offerings.

Previous ProArt laptops had a physical dial that could be used for input in creative apps. ASUS moved away from that design, instead opting for a digital dial built into the trackpad. The physical dial of older ProArt laptops had the benefit of tactile feedback, but it also forced the keyboard to be further away from the touchpad. Swapping to a digital DialPad allowed ASUS to have the touchpad of the ProArt P16 extend all the way up to the keyboard.

ASUS ProArt P16 | preorder from $1,899.99 at Best Buy

This powerful laptop pairs AMD's newly announced Ryzen AI 300 series processors and up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070. Promising 50 TOPS of performance from its NPU and a total of 321 TOPS of performance, this PC should power through AI tasks and video editing.View Deal

ASUS ProArt PX13

ASUS also announced its ProArt PX13 laptop at Computex. The ProArt PX13 is a 13-inch convertible laptop, but rather than having a kickstand and a detachable keyboard, the ProArt PX13 has an attached 3K OLED screen that can flip all the way around. At 3.04 lbs, you probably wouldn't want to use the PC as a tablet, but its versatile form factor allows it to switch into various modes. The ProArt PX13 also has the DialPad seen in the ProArt PZ13.

The ProArt PX13 also runs on a Ryzen AI 300 processor and up to an RTX 4070. The wattages of the CPU (70W) and GPU (90W) are lower than on the ProArt P16, but the ProArt PX13 should still be powerful. Tack on up to 32GB and a 2TB SSD and you have a very capable device.

The ProArt PX13 looks like a solid laptop but the more powerful ProArt P16 and the Snapdragon X-powered ProArt PZ13 took away spotlight that could have otherwise shined on the ProArt PX13.

'I'm a Mac' guy is now a Copilot+ PC guy in this confusing and hypocritical commercial

sean.endicott@futurenet.com (Sean Endicott) — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 14:22:55 +0000

What you need to know

Qualcomm concluded its keynote at Computex with an advertisement featuring Justin Long.
Long famously featured in ads for Apple as the "I'm a Mac" guy a couple of decades ago.
The ad highlights several issues of using a MacBook, though confusingly many of those issues also occur on Windows PCs.
Long has been in anti-Apple ads in the past, including Intel commercials made shortly after Apple spurned the chipmaker in favor of Apple-made processors.

Qualcomm is hyped about its new Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon Plus processors. Those chips power Copilot+ PCs that start shipping later this month, including the Surface Pro 11, Surface Laptop 7, and PCs from Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Samsung. Qualcomm just wrapped up its Computex 2024 Keynote titled "The PC Reborn." The keynote has more than an hour of insight and facts outlining the future of Snapdragon X-powered PCs. It also features an ad that is rather strange.

The keynote concludes with a commercial featuring Justin Long, who famously starred in Apple's "I'm a Mac" advertisements 20 years ago. Long, as you would expect during a Qualcomm keynote, felt inspired to switch over to a PC with a Snapdragon chip inside.

A company hiring a famous actor to promote a product is not surprising. Using an actor who previously worked for a rival company is also common in the industry. The Verizon "can you hear me now" person later worked for Sprint. But rather than highlight things that make Snapdragon-powered PCs a better option than a MacBook, such as price, connectivity options, and form factor flexibility, Qualcomm decided to highlight a bunch of issues that appear on both Macs and PCs.

Will this age like milk?

Jump to the 1:17:06 mark of the video above to see the Justin Long commercial.

While it's true that Apple's M-series has started seeing diminishing returns in each generational update, I wouldn't bet against Apple. The tech giant has successfully made the transition from Intel to Arm, getting developers on board and setting the standard for Arm-based computing. I'd venture to guess most people with Arm chips in a MacBook don't even consider what type of processor their system runs. They just know it works.

In contrast, Windows is on the beginning of a new journey in Arm computing. Windows on Arm has been around for years, but it looks set to hit its stride in 2024. Major manufacturers are finally on board. As highlighted by our Editor-in-Chief Daniel Rubino, Dell is "all" in on Snapdragon X and has five devices on the way powered by the chips. Dell had only released one Arm PC in the last seven years, so things have clearly turned a corner. Acer, ASUS, HP, Lenovo, Microsoft, and Samsung are all on board as well when it comes to Windows on Arm.

There are finally chips that look promising in the Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus. Those processors have benchmarks that stack up well against Apple's chips, which is impressive given they're first-gen products going against processors on at least their third iteration.

Let's take a closer look at the specific things that "inspired" actor Justin Long to look for a Snapdragon X-powered PC and see if they're issues exclusive to macOS and Apple hardware.

Apple's MacBooks with M-Series processors have excellent battery life, making Qualcomm's latest advertisement confusing. (Image credit: Future)

The ad starts off with Long's character seeing a bunch of notifications, including breaking news, an email, and a prompt that says "App is not optimized for your Mac." He then gets inundated with a low battery warning, another email, a schedule reminder, and a social media notification. Those annoyances drive Long's character to search for Snapdragon powered PC.

None of the issues presented in the ad are exclusive to macOS. People can get spammed by notifications on a Mac or PC. Both operating systems have something akin to "Do Not Disturb" mode, so I'm not sure what the ad is getting at here. Long's character got a couple of emails, but Outlook's spam filters are terrible, so jumping into the Microsoft ecosystem wouldn't help there. Of course, you can use whatever email client you want on macOS or Windows regardless of the processor your system has.

Qualcomm's inclusion of a low battery life warning is also strange. When our colleagues at Tom's Guide reviewed the M3 MacBook Pro, the laptop delivered nearly better battery life than any Windows PC except for the brief-case sized Panasonic Toughbook 40. It seems unlikely that the battery life of M-Series MacBooks will be considered a weak point when compared to PCs with a Snapdragon chip inside, even if Qualcomm has managed to close the gap.

The base Surface Pro 11 only has 256GB, which is the same as the base MacBook Air. (Image credit: Windows Central)

The prompt about an app not being optimized for Mac is especially confusing. While big-name app makers are optimizing their apps for Windows on Arm, there are plenty of apps that will have to run through emulation. Emulated apps should perform fine on PCs running Windows 11 on Arm, but many will run through emulation. That's a similar situation to what's seen on the Apple side of things.

The only criticism that holds a bit of weight is the prompt about running out of disk space. Many complain that base models of the MacBook Air only have 256GB of storage and that you can't upgrade your SSD after buying the computer. Of course, The Surface Pro 11 has 256GB of storage on its base model, so maybe limited disk space isn't exclusive to MacBooks.

Apple has survived a targeted ad featuring Long before. The actor was hired by Intel a few years ago shortly after Apple spurned Intel in favor of Apple-made chips. I suspect Apple will survive this strange ad from Qualcomm as well.

AMD just toppled Snapdragon X NPU dominance with its Ryzen AI 300 chips ready for Copilot+

c.cale.hunt@gmail.com (Cale Hunt) — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 13:54:47 +0000

What you need to know

AMD unveiled new Ryzen AI 300 mobile processors for laptops at Computex 2024.
The new chips are built on AMD's new "Zen 5" architecture and are compatible with Copilot+.
The Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and Ryzen AI 9 365 each have an NPU with 50 TOPS performance for local AI acceleration.
Acer, ASUS, HP, Lenovo, and MSI have stated that the new Ryzen AI chips are coming to AI laptops.

Computex 2024 is underway in Taipei, Taiwan, and AMD was one of the first to unveil a bunch of new hardware at its keynote address. Alongside the new Zen 5 Ryzen 9000 desktop processors (CPU), AMD took the wrapping off of its Ryzen AI 300 chips. These are the long-rumored "Strix Point" APUs complete with Zen 5 CPU cores, RDNA 3.5 graphics, and XDNA 2 Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for localized AI acceleration.

The big news here if you're following the emerging world of AI PCs is AMD's offering of 50 TOPS (Trillion Operations Per Second) of power from the NPU, making it more than capable enough to handle the new Copilot+ AI features coming to Windows 11. That also makes it more powerful than the Hexagon NPU in Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus chips, which comes in at 45 TOPS.

For anyone interested in Copilot+ without Windows on ARM, this is our first official look at what AMD has cooked up.

Strix Point has arrived with a rebrand

A slide from AMD showing a breakdown of the Ryzen AI 300 chip. (Image credit: AMD)

AMD unveiled two new chips from its Ryzen AI 300 series, which has been rebranded to hopefully help avoid some confusion when shopping for a new laptop.

The Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 is the more powerful chip, offering a total of 12 cores and 24 threads. The cores are split into four standard Zen 5 and eight Zen 5c, which are essentially smaller Zen cores that are more efficient at the cost of overall performance, freeing up space for the GPU and NPU. The Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 has a base TDP of 28W, but the configurable TDP (cTDP) ranges from 15W to 54W.

	Cores/Threads	Base/Boost Freq.	NPU TOPS	TDP/cTDP	Graphics
AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370	12 / 24	2.0GHz / 5.1GHz	50	28W / 15-54W	AMD Radeon 890M
AMD Ryzen AI 9 365	10 / 20	2.0GHz / 5.0GHz	50	28W / 15-54W	AMD Radeon 880M

The Ryzen AI 9 365 is a tier below the flagship HX 370 model, offering 10 cores (four Zen 5 and six Zen 5c), 20 threads, and a boost clock up to 5.0GHz. It has the same 28W base TDP and wide configurable TDP range.

A slide from AMD showing Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 integrated GPU performance compared to Intel's Arc graphics. (Image credit: AMD)

The Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 has the new RDNA 3.5 Radeon 890M integrated GPU with 16 Compute Units (CU), while the Ryzen AI 9 365 has a Raden 880M with 12 CUs. AMD claims up to an average of 36% better gaming performance compared to Intel's integrated Arc graphics in its Core Ultra 185H CPU. That, of course, is comparing the top-tier Radeon 890M GPU. The Ryzen AI 9 365's integrated GPU with fewer CUs will come in with lower performance.

AMD Ryzen AI 300 chips have the fastest NPU so far

An AMD slide showing Ryzen AI 300 NPU performance compared to Qualcomm, Intel, and Apple. (Image credit: AMD)

What I'm most excited about is the Ryzen AI NPU that AMD says can hit up to 50 TOPS. May 20, 2024, was a huge day in the world of Windows laptops thanks to Qualcomm, Microsoft, and major laptop brands teaming up to deliver a long list of new Copilot+ PCs.

Windows Central Editor-in-Chief Daniel Rubino called the combination of ARM64 and AI a "Great Reset" for Windows PCs, and we can't wait to get our hands on new laptops with Snapdragon X chips to test their power and efficiency.

A big part of Qualcomm's magic is its NPU with 45 TOPS of power for local AI acceleration. Until today this was the most powerful NPU available in a laptop chip, and it was the only entry into the world of Copilot+. AMD has now pulled ahead in the TOPS race, and it has opened up new laptop options for those who don't want a system running Windows on ARM.

Copilot+ requires an AI PC with Windows 11 and an NPU with at least 40 TOPS of power. That leaves, at this time, Qualcomm and AMD as your only announced options. It's said that Intel's next-gen "Lunar Lake" mobile chips will have an NPU with 45 TOPS, but that still leaves AMD in the lead.

Copilot+ features include Windows Recall, Live Caption, Windows Studio Effects improvements, Co-Creator local image and text creation, and more.

An AMD slide comparing Snapdragon X Elite and Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 performance. (Image credit: AMD)

How much of a difference the extra 5 TOPS will make in local AI work remains to be seen, and AMD isn't talking much about efficiency compared to Qualcomm's ARM64 chips. AMD did, however, show off some graphs comparing the Snapdragon X Elite (no mention of SKU used to compare) and the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 in a number of benchmarks.

Part of AMD's Ryzen AI 300 announcement includes quotes from major laptop brands like Acer, ASUS, HP, Lenovo, and MSI. We know that Acer's Swift series will see the new Ryzen AI 300 chips, as will a wide range of ASUS laptops from the ROG Zephyrus, ProArt, Vivobook, Zenbook, and TUF Gaming brands.

Furthermore, HP says an OmniBook AI PC is getting Ryzen AI 300. Lenovo also plans on adding Ryzen AI 300 chips to its Yoga, ThinkPad, and ThinkBook stables. Finally, MSI says its Stealth, Summit, Prestige, and Creator laptops will get the chips later this year.

Qualcomm says the Snapdragon X Elite is going beyond laptops, which makes total sense

richard.devine@futurenet.com (Richard Devine) — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 09:29:57 +0000

What you need to know

At its Computex keynote, Qualcomm has stated that it will be going beyond laptops with the new Snapdragon X Elite.
Without mentioning any specific devices, the slide at the event clearly shows both a mini PC and an AiO.
Qualcomm already announced its own dev kit consisting of a mini PC powered by Snapdragon X Elite, but this seems like the logical next step.

The tech world never slows down and following the big Surface and Copilot+ PC launch recently, Computex is now going down in Taipei. Qualcomm is out there, too, and naturally, has been talking up its new platform.

Obviously, we're all eagerly anticipating getting our hands on the first laptops with the new chips inside, but there has been one glaring gap as yet unfilled. Everything powered by Snapdragon X Plus or X Elite has, so far, been a laptop. But at its Computex event, Qualcomm has confirmed that won't be the way forever.

So @Qualcomm just said it's going beyond laptops with Snapdragon X. I think all in ones (AiO) make sense for the 2nd wave of devices later this year. #computex #Windows11 pic.twitter.com/VSLwycGhikJune 3, 2024

Without getting into specifics on what's coming and which of the hardware manufacturers will be making it, Qualcomm's slide clearly shows both an all-in-one and a mini PC. These are just more likely just generic shapes rather than teases of actual hardware, but it's a telling sign.

And it's unlikely that Qualcomm would be talking about its own dev kit in this context.

I've already written how the hardware I want to see most powered by Qualcomm is a Windows-alike of the Apple Mac Mini, and it looks like, eventually, I'll be satisfied. Laptops are an important, and obvious, target for new chips like these. But there are still a lot of us out there that use a desktop machine for our day-to-day.

Qualcomm has a LOT of partners now. (Image credit: Windows Central)

Apple is the obvious comparison, keeping its own desktop lineup trucking with its ARM-based M-series chips. Over there those folks have the Mac Mini, the iMac, the Mac Studio, and the Mac Pro, all now powered by Apple Silicon.

It would have been foolish for Windows OEMs not to consider the desktop in some way, even if we're going to have to wait a while longer to see what they come up with. This is very much just the beginning of Windows on ARM, even though it's not really the beginning. But it has been reborn, and this time it's going to matter.

NVIDIA is bringing Copilot Plus to RTX-enabled devices

harish.jonnalagadda@futurenet.com (Harish Jonnalagadda) — Sun, 02 Jun 2024 13:20:28 +0000

At its Computex 2024 keynote, NVIDIA announced that Copilot Plus features would be coming to RTX-powered devices in the near future. NVIDIA detailed five notebooks from ASUS and a model from MSI that would be getting Copilot Plus via an update once it becomes available, with a tentative timeline of Q4 2024.

Up to this point, all the excitement around Copilot Plus has been limited to Qualcomm hardware, and it will be interesting to see how NVIDIA's RTX hardware make a difference in this area. The mobile GPUs can hit up to 1,000 TOPS for AI workloads, and that is several magnitudes higher than the 45 TOPS achieved by dedicated NPUs, as seen in the X Elite.

(Image credit: NVIDIA)

NVIDIA didn't list any desktop cards, only stating that the AI features would be debuting on its RTX 40 mobile series, so this is predominantly aimed at notebooks. Alongside the announcement, NVIDIA showed off Project G-Assist, a tech demo that utilizes an RTX-powered AI assistant to offer contextual assistance in-game. So if you're playing a game, you can pull up a chatbox and ask AI assistant questions about current objectives, creatures, boss fights, and so on.

In a briefing highlighting the demo, NVIDIA was quick to point out that this is just a showcase, and not something that will be making its way to customers. The chip vendor teamed up with Studio Wildcard to set up the demo using ARK: Survival Ascended, and it says it is still building out the requisite tools.

What's more relevant is the RTX AI Toolkit, a suite of SDKs and utilities that allows developers to easily create, customize, and optimize AI models to run on NVIDIA's hardware. NVIDIA is rolling out access to the toolkit starting later in June, and it includes a host of LLMs customized to run on RTX devices.

(Image credit: NVIDIA)

In a similar vein, NVIDIA is open sourcing the RTX Remix Toolkit, which lets modders use AI to generate high-res textures in older games. RTX Video is also getting an SDK, and is making its way to VLC. While NVIDIA didn't share much in the way of consumer-facing news, the key talking point is that it is bringing Copilot Plus to its hardware later in the year.

Next-gen AI PCs are within reach, as ASUS joins Microsoft and Qualcomm to unveil a new Snapdragon X laptop on May 20

c.cale.hunt@gmail.com (Cale Hunt) — Wed, 01 May 2024 15:48:14 +0000

What you need to know

ASUS is hosting a virtual event on May 20, 2024, at which it says a new AI PC — presumably powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon X — will be unveiled.
The "premium ultraportable laptop" might not be the only AI PC from ASUS, as it mentions Computex 2024 attendees will be able to see the "ASUS AI PC lineup."
More Snapdragon X laptops from eight other major PC makers are expected to be revealed soon, as we're coming up on the "mid-2024" launch window.
Microsoft is also hosting an event on May 20, where it's expected that it will reveal new Snapdragon X-powered Surface PCs and major Windows 11 AI features.

It's no surprise that new laptops powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X platform are headed our way soon. It was revealed in October 2023 that nine major laptop makers are on board with the new Systems-on-Chip (SoC), including heavy hitters like Acer, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Samsung, Microsoft, and, ASUS. These new PCs are expected to begin hitting the market in mid-2024.

Until now, we had no confirmation about when these new laptops would be officially unveiled. In a recent press release, ASUS said it will announce its version of a "new-era ASUS AI PC" at its Next Level. AI Incredible. event on May 20, 2024. The event is exclusively available for virtual viewers, and it's set to kick off at 11AM PST. ASUS will host the event on its website, with the proper link to the presentation going live on May 7.

This coincides nicely with Microsoft's special Windows and Surface event also planned for May 20, where it's expected that the company will show off new Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 PCs with Snapdragon X and next-gen AI features coming to Windows 11. We will be attending Microsoft's event with full coverage of all the announcements.

The ASUS Next Level. AI Incredible. event is expected to kick off on May 20 at 11AM PST. (Image credit: ASUS)

ASUS says that its own launch event will "feature a collaboration between Microsoft, Qualcomm, and ASUS," which drives home the point that its PC is powered by the Snapdragon X platform. Whether the laptop has an X Elite or X Plus chip remains to be seen.

ASUS also says that Co-CEO S. Y. Hsu will accompany speakers from both Microsoft and Qualcomm to "provide invaluable insights into their contributions to the development of the new generation of ASUS AI PCs, shedding light on the collaborative efforts that have brought this remarkable innovation to fruition."

Furthermore, the press release mentions that Computex 2024 attendees will be able to check out the "ASUS AI PC lineup" firsthand, signaling that there could be multiple new Snapdragon X-powered ASUS laptops headed our way. Computex is held in Taipei between June 3 and June 7, 2024.

Some Snapdragon X laptops have already leaked

In an exclusive report by Windows Central Senior Editor Zac Bowden, it was revealed that Microsoft is cooking up ARM-powered Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 PCs with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X chips.

We still don't know what these new Surface devices will look like, but we can assume from leaked benchmarks that there will be a mix of Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus SoCs in these PCs.

Yoga Slim 7 14(.5) 2024 Snapdragon Edition pic.twitter.com/k29LupeWk6April 17, 2024

We also received what could be a first look at Lenovo's unannounced Snapdragon X AI PCs thanks to supposed leaks from X (formerly Twitter) user WalkingCat. They showed off a Yoga Slim 7 and ThinkPad T14s (Gen 6), both slim and sleek laptops with a Copilot button on the keyboard.

With May 20 shaping up to be a big day for Microsoft, Qualcomm, and now ASUS, we can expect to see more laptop makers jump on board soon for their own announcement events.

Why we're so amped for the Snapdragon X platform

The Snapdragon X Elite SoC on a display card. (Image credit: Future)

Qualcomm's Snapdragon X platform, which so far includes the Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus SoCs, is expected to bring major changes to Windows laptops. There are already some great AI PCs on the market, but the Snapdragon X platform could be the revolution for which we've been waiting.

If the performance and efficiency benchmarks that we've seen so far turn out to be true — and we don't have much reason to doubt them — Windows users who wish for the power and battery life available in Apple laptops (myself included) are about to be very happy.

We saw last year that the X Elite chip beats Apple's M2 Max and Intel's Core i9-13980HX chips in some tests, with better power efficiency to boot. We also saw the X Elite beat the Apple M3 Pro in multi-thread Geekbench tests.

More laptops and computers

(Image credit: Windows Central)

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Qualcomm isn't just content with CPU performance. Its integrated Adreno GPU should fare very well with 1080p gaming, and Windows games are expected to run smoothly thanks to x64 emulation.

Perhaps most intriguing, at least for those keeping up with the world of AI PCs, is the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) that offers performance far beyond what Intel and AMD have to offer in their current-gen chips. The Snapdragon X's NPU boasts 45 TOPS of power for local AI acceleration, well above the 10 TOPS in Intel Core Ultra and 16 TOPS in AMD Ryzen 8040.

We're expecting Microsoft to firm up expectations for local Copilot functionality, which so far looks to be set at a minimum of 40 TOPS. And now, with a Windows 11 "AI Explorer" update expected to be announced May 20 at Microsoft's event, the need for strong local AI performance should become even more important.

Acer unveils 16-inch laptops for portable 240Hz gaming and more

ben.wilson@windowscentral.com (Ben Wilson) — Thu, 25 May 2023 13:00:00 +0000

What you need to know

Acer unveils brand-new devices to demo at the Computex technology expo in Taiwan this weekend, from May 30 to June 2.
Two 16-inch laptops headline the Acer booth, with the Predator Triton 16 targeting portable AAA gaming and the Swift Edge 16 for ultra-portability.
The Acer Connect Vero W6m is its first eco-friendly mesh router, shown alongside the laptops, supporting the high-speed Wi-Fi 6E wireless standard.

It's almost time for Computex, one of the largest tech expos in the world, ready to kick off in Taiwan this year from May 30 to June 2. Plenty of big names will be in attendance, and Acer plans to make a big impression with a triad of new devices. We had a sneak peek at booth plans, with a 16-inch addition to its Predator gaming laptop range standing out as particularly exciting.

Previously showing off Predator laptops with glasses-free 3D, the upcoming Triton 16 similarly packs the latest 13th Gen Intel Core CPUs alongside NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 laptop GPUs. The Predator Triton 16 has more attractive standout features, and the ultrathin Acer Swift Edge 16 stands tall with a gorgeous OLED display packed into a portable chassis. Plus, there's a brand-new eco-friendly addition up Acer's sleeve this year.

Predator Triton 16

Acer Predator Triton 16Acer

One of the biggest challenges for gaming laptops is keeping thermals under control, especially when you're packing the latest GPU tech under the hood. Thankfully, Acer can tackle temperatures with its dual 5th Gen 'AeroBlade 3D' fans and 'Vortex Flow' optimization within a metal chassis lined with liquid metal thermal grease. It sounds like a lot of jargon, but our Acer Predator Triton 500 SE (2022) review proved they have the know-how for proper cooling.

Going all-in on the gamer appeal, Acer even throws in a one-month subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for instant access to hundreds of PC games, with more added to Game Pass every month. A vast array of ports allows gamers to connect controllers and headsets for portable gameplay, and the 16-inch IPS display boasts an ultra-smooth 240Hz refresh rate alongside per-key RGB lighting for the finishing touch.

Acer Predator Triton 16 (PT16-51) will be available in September 2023, starting at $1,799.99.

Acer	Predator Triton 16 (PT16-51-76XZ)
OS	Windows 11 Home
Display	16" 16:10 WQXGA (2560 x 1600) 500-nits, DCI-P3 100% 240Hz, 3ms response
CPU	Intel Core i7-13700H
RAM	16GB DDR5-5200
GPU	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
Storage	1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD
Connectivity	Intel Killer DoubleShot Pro Wi-Fi 6E Ethernet E2600
Audio	DTS X Ultra Audio
Ports	Thunderbolt 4 USB-C 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 HDMI 2.1
Webcam	FHD with Purified View
Battery	99.98 Wh

Swift Edge 16

Acer Swift Edge 16Acer

As the promotional shots suggest, the Acer Swift Edge 16 is a thin, lightweight 16-inch laptop designed for creative professionals on the go. Built using a magnesium alloy, it barely measures 12.95mm (about half an inch) and weighs 2.71 lbs. Despite the slim chassis, the Edge is packing a beautiful 3.2K OLED panel supporting up to 3200 x 2000 resolutions at 120Hz with a 0.2ms response time.

It's also rated for 100% DCI-P3 color gamut support, with a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio for a 500-nits peak brightness alongside VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification. That's a lot of fancy terminology that equates to a color-accurate panel, perfect for artists and creative editors — looking to AMD for its components, the Swift Edge 16 features Ryzen 7040-series CPUs and Radeon 780M graphics.

Acer Swift Edge 16 (SFE16-43) will be available in July 2023, starting at $1,299.99.

Acer	Swift Edge 16 (SFE16-43-R98R)
OS	Windows 11 Home
Display	16" 16:10 OLED WQXGA+ (3200 x 2400) 400-nits, DCI-P3 100% 120Hz, True Black HDR 500
CPU	AMD Ryzen 7 7840U
RAM	16GB LPDDR5
GPU	AMD Radeon 780M
Storage	1TB PCIe Gen 4
Connectivity	Intel Wi-Fi 6E (Wi-Fi 7 compatible) Bluetooth 5.1
Audio	DTS X Ultra Audio Acer PurifiedVoice Acer TrueHarmony
Ports	2x USB-C w/ PD up to 65W 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 HDMI 2.1
Webcam	1440p QHD with noise reduction
Battery	Up to 8.5 hours

Acer @ Computex 2023

Acer Vero W6m (Image credit: Acer)

Besides aiming for the best gaming laptop crown, Acer will also show off its first eco-friendly Wi-Fi 6E mesh router made at Computex. The tri-band set will be rated for up to 7.8Gbps combined bandwidth, all made with 30% PCR (post-consumer recycled) plastic and 100% recyclable paper for the included documentation. Picking up a 4-unit set promises to cover up to 10,000 sq. ft. with a reliable wireless signal, which could rival some of the best mesh Wi-Fi routers upon release.

Prices and availability for the Vero W6m mesh are set to vary by location, and there's no confirmation for the United States yet.

"We are thrilled to launch the Acer Connect Vero W6m mesh router with support for Wi-Fi 6E tri-band connectivity within any home of office."
Acer

If you plan to visit Computex this year in Taiwan, you'll be able to check out both the Predator Triton 16 and Swift Edge 16 alongside this new router set at booth M0820, 4F, Hall 1, in the Taipei Nangang exhibition center. Keep your eyes peeled for our thoughts on the new Predator Triton 16 gaming laptop and how it compares to last year's Triton 500 SE.

AMD details Ryzen 7000 CPUs, AM5 motherboards at Computex 2022

sean.endicott@futurenet.com (Sean Endicott) — Mon, 23 May 2022 12:07:51 +0000

What you need to know

AMD shared details about its upcoming Ryzen 7000 desktop CPUs, Zen 4 architecture, and AM5 motherboards at Computex 2022.
Ryzen 7000 CPUs are the first PC processors based on a 5nm process and can reach clock speeds of up to 5.5 GHz.
AMD’s AM5 motherboards will support DDR5 and PCIe 5.0.
The new chips and motherboards are expected to ship in fall 2022, with more details coming out throughout the summer.

AMD announced several details and benchmarks for its Ryzen 7000 desktop CPUs, Zen 4 architecture, and AM5 motherboards at Computex 2022. All of the new technologies promise improved performance and capabilities over their predecessors. The new Ryzen 7000 chips should start shipping in fall 2022, and AMD plans to share more details about them over the coming months.

Starting off with the Ryzen 7000 processors, AMD promises a boost clock speed of over 5 GHz. Assuming the company delivers on those figures, the Ryzen 7000 CPUs would be among the first desktop chips to break that threshold (Intel’s 12th Gen Core i9-12900KS can boost to 5.5 GHz).

At Computex, AMD demoed a 16-core Ryzen 7000 CPU that hit speeds of 5.5 GHz while gaming. It also beat out Intel’s Core i9-12900K in a Blender render test by 31%. Of course, it was AMD that shared those figures, so we’ll need to wait for real-world testing by outlets and reviewers to get a proper gauge of how AMD’s processors stack up with the best CPUs from Intel.

More importantly than clock speed, AMD’s chips based on Zen 4 architecture should have “greater than 15 percent” quicker single-thread performance. That increase should make more of a difference when playing the best PC games.

The new Ryzen 7000 chips will have two 5nm Zen 4 CPU modules, a 6nm die that integrates with RDNA 2 graphics, and DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 controllers. All Ryzen 7000 processors will have at least integrated graphics, according to AMD marketing director Robert Hallock. Notably, the chips will only support DDR5 memory (via Tom’s Hardware).

AMD

Moving over to motherboards, AMD discussed its 600-series AM5 options at Computex. All AM5 motherboards will have at least one PCIe 5.0 NVMe storage slot. The company also promised 60% faster sequential read speeds. MSI, ASRock, ASUS, Gigabyte, Biostar, and others have confirmed AM5 motherboards that are on the way.

Some of the new motherboards, such as the X670 Extreme, will have PCIe Gen 5 graphics support. OEMs will have the option to include PCIe Gen 5 graphics support on the X670 (non-extreme). Other motherboards, like the B650, will rely on PCIe Gen 4.

All of the AM5 motherboards will have 24 lanes of PCIe 5.0 bandwidth and support up to 14 USB 3.x ports. Among those, there will be up to 14 SuperSpeed USB ports up to 20Gbps and Type-C. They will also support for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth LE 5.2. The motherboards will work with up to four display outputs and have options to work with HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2. The new boards will also support up to 170W CPUs, which is quite high.

AM5’s predecessor, AM4, was well supported by AMD. It worked with five CPU architectures since its launch and will continue to be supported. “We want to keep AM4 going into the future so people can continue to benefit from this amazing platform,” said Hallock.

While PC gamers will have to replace many components to build a system with all of the new tech from AMD, they won’t need to purchase a cooler. AM4 CPU coolers will work with AM5 motherboards.

The Ryzen 7000 processors and 600-series AM5 motherboards should arrive in fall 2022. AMD should share more details about them in the months leading up to launch.

Microsoft's Panos Panay talks new Windows 11 features and devices at Computex 2022

zac.bowden@futurenet.com (Zac Bowden) — Mon, 23 May 2022 11:04:48 +0000

Computex 2022 is happening right now in Taipei, and there's lots of announcements and talks happening around tech in the PC space. Among those companies is Microsoft, which delivered a talk with executive vice president Panos Panay about Windows 11 and this "new era" for the PC.

The talk, titled "The New Era of the PC: A Conversation About Windows 11" on YouTube provides an interesting look into how Microsoft is viewing Windows 11's momentum so far. The 30 minute chat opens with a brief overview of several new features that have been testing in the Insider Program over the last several months.

A big area of focus for Panay and Microsoft is with Windows 11's new accessibility features, highlighting how Windows is built to be as inclusive as possible. He also mentions new Windows devices from partners like Dell, Lenovo, HP, and more, noting that its partner ecosystem is "firing on all cylinders."

Microsoft also mentioned some interesting statistics. According to the company, since the start of the pandemic, 70% of more people streamed content from Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube on Windows devices. There's also been a six-times increase in people using communication apps like Slack and Zoom on Windows. Additionally, Windows 11 has a doubled adoption rate compared to Windows 10.

Overall, the Windows PC ecosystem is booming right now, according to Microsoft. The company says Windows 11 is their strongest release yet, and is the most secure version to date too thanks to support for things like Pluton, Secure-Core PCs, and more.

MSI announces slew of PCs for gamers and creators at Computex 2021

sean.endicott@futurenet.com (Sean Endicott) — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 15:13:28 +0000

What you need to know

MSI announced new laptops and desktop PCs built for creators and gamers at Computex 2021.
The company also unveiled its first pair of wireless earbuds, the IMMERSE GH62 WIRELESS EARBUDS.
MSI's new laptops include devices from the Creator, Raider, Stealth, Leopard, Sword, Pulse, and Katana lines.

MSI announced a slew of new devices today, including new laptops, desktops, parts, and peripherals. The devices extend across of wide range of lines from MSI, including its Creator, Stealth, Raider, and Leopard devices. The new devices were announced at Computex 2021.

MSI has not shared pricing or availability for the new devices at this time.

Creator Series laptops

MSI announced new laptops from its Creator, Raider, Stealth, Leopard, Sword, Pulse, and Katana lines. The over a performance increase of up to 30%, thanks to their 11th Gen Intel H series processors and up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 laptops GPUs.

The Creator Z16 has a 16:10 display and thin bezels to help creators maximize screen real estate on the go. Its display is available with up to QHD+ resolution with 110% DCI-P3 color coverage. It runs on up to an RTX 3060 laptop GPU and an 11th Gen Intel CPU. Alongside the Creator Z16, MSI announced the new Creator M16 and Creator M17, which have a 16:10 QHD+ display and 4K Mini LED display, respectively.

Gaming Series laptops

On the gaming side of things, MSI announced quite a few laptops. The GE76/66 Raider, GS76/66 Stealth, and GP76/66 Leopard series laptops focus on speed, with support for PCIe Gen4, Thunderbolt 4, and Wi-Fi 6E. Display options for the gaming laptops include up to 360Hz or QHD at 240Hz.

The GE76 and GE66 Raider feature NVIDIA RTX 3080 graphics with TGP up to 165W. The Pulse GL76/66, Katana GF76/66, and Sword 17/15 are more budget-friendly gaming laptops. The more affordable options have NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics.

Monitors

MSI announced that it's sold over 3 million monitors worldwide. It hopes to increase that number with its newly announced Optix MEG381CQR Plus monitor. It has a 2300R IPS curved panel and supports MSI's Steelseries GameSense function. It's the first monitor from MSI to support G-Sync Ultimate, which helps reduce tearing.

Three new flat gaming monitors from the Optix line were also announced; the Optix MPG341QR, Optix MPG321QRF-QD, and Optix MPG321UR-QD, the last of which supports HDMI 2.1 and 4K resolution at 144Hz.

MSI's new Summit MS321 UP monitor is designed for eyecare while also delivering accurate colors. The monitor has a 4K display that can be ergonomically adjusted. It also supports the MSI Intelligence App, including the KVM function, which lets people toggle between two computers with a keyboard and mouse while using the same monitor.

New desktops

Moving over to gaming desktops, MSI announced the MAG Infinite S3. It features front panels with an asymmetrical design that includes MSI mystic light. It runs on an 11th Gen Intel Core processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30 Series graphics card. The MAG Infinite S3 supports NVIDIA Resizable BAR technology, which brings a 10% performance improvement to games.

The MPG GAMING MAVERIK is a bundle kit from MSI that features an Intel Core i7-11700K CPU, MPG CORELIQUID K360 SP, MPG Z5900 GAMING EDGE WIFI SP, and MPG VELOX 100P AIRFLOW SP. It also features Trident Z Maverik memory. The core frequency of the MPG Gaming MAVERIK can be boosted from 3.6GHz to 4.8GHz for all cores.

The Creator P50 desktop is a compact PC built for creators. MSI didn't share much information in terms of specs, but the compact PC won the CES 2021 Innovation Award.

PC parts

MSI also announced the SUPRIM 35th Anniversary Limited Edition graphics card today. The graphics card is built on the SUPRIM series foundation, and MSI states that it "retains all the same key features."

In addition to the new GPU, MSI announced the X570S MAX Series motherboards. They feature fanless cooling for silent performance.

Accessories

To go along with all the new PCs, MSI announced a couple of accessories. The IMMERSE GH62 WIRELESS EARBUDS are the first set of wireless earbuds from the company. They deliver "accurate audio reproduction, clear voice recording, low-latency responsiveness, and low maintenance," according to MSI.

MSI unveiled the CLUTCH GM41 LIGHTWEIGHT WIRELESS gaming mouse as well. It's a symmetrical gaming mouse that connects through a 2.4GHz signal. The mouse has a latency of just 1ms and is designed for FPS players. It weighs 74g, so you should be able to scoot it around the best desk mouse pads quickly.