Your digital life deserves some breathing room, and 1TB of cloud storage is the solution you didn't know you needed. With FolderFort Pro, you can store everything — from cherished memories to work essentials — for just $59.97 until December 8.
What can 1TB hold? Let's break it down: about 200,000 photos, assuming each is around 5MB. It can hold millions of documents or hundreds of thousands of spreadsheets. If you're a video enthusiast, 1TB lets you save hundreds of hours of standard-definition footage or dozens of hours of HD videos.
FolderFort makes managing your files simple with its user-friendly interface and secure cloud storage system. Plus, it's a one-t
Videocardz spotted the listing for the ASRock Intel ARC B580 Steel Legend 12GB OC before anyone else. Beyond the confirmation of the product existing, perhaps the most interesting part of this oopsie-daisy leak is right in the name: The Arc B580 packs 12GB of GDDR6 memory clocked at 19Gbps. That means Intel is sidestepping the "Is 8GB of VRAM enough?!?!?!" controversy that enveloped last generation's GeForce RTX 4060 and 4060 Ti, as well as AMD's Radeon RX 7600. The Battlemage card's 192-bit memory bus also overpowers the minuscule 128-bit bus in the RTX 4060 cards, providing hope that Intel's GPU could possibly be used for both 1080p and 1440p gaming - unlike these Nvidia options, which are focused on 1080p gaming alone.
While Nvidia's RTX series has moved exclusively to the new 12VHPWR power connectors, the ASRock Arc B580 Steel Legend only requires a pair of traditional 8-pin connectors. Each of those can deliver up to 150W, while motherboard PCIe slots provide up to another 75W, given the B580 a maximum potential power draw of 375W.
Microsoft just announced that Recall, which records pretty much everything you do on Windows, is now available to Snapdragon-powered Copilot PCs. You'll need to get on the Insider Program (a fancy title for a beta) and join the Dev Channel if you want to see what all the hubbub is about. Fortunately, it's easy enough to get back off when the updates reach stable (or you just don't want to be on that channel anymore).
Microsoft just announced that Recall, which records pretty much everything you do on Windows, is now available to Snapdragon-powered Copilot PCs. You'll need to get on the Insider Program (a fancy title for a beta) and join the Dev Channel if you want to see what all the hubbub is about. Fortunately, it's easy enough to get back off when the updates reach stable (or you just don't want to be on that channel anymore).
It's tempting to call it a "processor" or "CPU" — old habits die hard, after all — but it's really a system-on-a-chip (SoC), both in terms of architecture and philosophy. The CPU cores are joined by integrated GPU cores, a neural processing unit (NPU), and even on-chip RAM. Also, unlike past Intel chips, Lunar Lake seems set on striking a balance between the three.
That's keenly felt in Intel's approach to Lunar Lake's integrated graphics (iGPU). Building on the success of Intel Core Ultra, Intel's new processors also offer Intel Arc graphics — but this time around, Intel has returned to providing each iGPU a name unique to its configuration, and the best version here is the Intel Arc 140V with eight Xe Cores and a max frequency of 2.05GHz.
Meanwhile, Intel's competition hasn't been spinning its wheels. AMD's latest Ryzen AI processors have their own integrated graphics updates in the form of the Radeon 880M (succeeding the well-respected Radeon 780M) and the new Radeon 890M (which clearly thumped an earlier Intel Arc iteration in our last integrated graphics test).
So, how well does the iGPU in Intel's Lunar Lake chips perform? Is it a minor boost over previous incarnations? Or a major update? Spoiler alert: Lunar Lake's visual chops are good enough to let you play many modern games without paying extra for a discrete graphics card. Keep reading for our in-depth benchmark test results.
If you're feeling totally lost, don't worry-we did the hard work for you. The laptops below have been personally tested and vetted by members of the PCWorld team, so you know you're getting a good machine. Just note that laptop prices can fluctuate, so our picks below may occasionally go over $1,000. For more recommendations on gaming laptops, see our roundup of the best gaming laptops across all prices, or take a look at our roundup of the best laptop deals.
Why you should trust us: Hey, it's in our name! PCWorld prides itself on laptop experience and expertise. We've been covering PCs since 1983, and we now review more than 70 laptops every year. All of the picks below have been personally tested and vetted by our experts, who've applied not only performance benchmarks but rigorous usability standards. We're also committed to reviewing PC laptops at every price point to help you find a machine that matches your budget.
This 27-inch AOC 1440p OLED monitor is the cheapest one we've seen yet, with Newegg selling it for just $400. That's a whopping $200 off its regular price, making it less than half of what you'd pay for a similar monitor just a little while ago.
Though AOC is generally a budget brand, this Agon Pro AG276QZD isn't skimping. It's a 27-inch monitor with the "sweet spot" QHD (2560×1440) resolution that's popular with PC gamers right now. And with its 240Hz refresh rate, 0.03ms response time, and Nvidia G-Sync compatibility, it's more than fast enough for intense online multiplayer games.
The screen gives you DisplayPort and double HDMI inputs, plus two USB-A ports, a headphone port, a little RGB bling around the back, and VESA mounting if you want to add a monitor arm. The included stand is pretty good, with a vertical option and an angled base if you like to contort your gaming keyboard into weird spots. The only thing missing here is USB-C for easy laptop connections, but at this price that's a justified sacrifice.
Newegg is offering free shipping and labeling this as a "Black Friday Deal," so presumably it'll stick around for the next week. The price might stay the same, but Newegg's stock might go quickly… so get an order in quick if you're ready to buy!
Get this 27-inch 240Hz 1440p OLED monitor for just $400
This 27-inch AOC 1440p OLED monitor is the cheapest one we've seen yet, with Newegg selling it for just $400. That's a whopping $200 off its regular price, making it less than half of what you'd pay for a similar monitor just a little while ago.
Though AOC is generally a budget brand, this Agon Pro AG276QZD isn't skimping. It's a 27-inch monitor with the "sweet spot" QHD (2560×1440) resolution that's popular with PC gamers right now. And with its 240Hz refresh rate, 0.03ms response time, and Nvidia G-Sync compatibility, it's more than fast enough for intense online multiplayer games.
The screen gives you DisplayPort and double HDMI inputs, plus two USB-A ports, a headphone port, a little RGB bling around the back, and VESA mounting if you want to add a monitor arm. The included stand is pretty good, with a vertical option and an angled base if you like to contort your gaming keyboard into weird spots. The only thing missing here is USB-C for easy laptop connections, but at this price that's a justified sacrifice.
Newegg is offering free shipping and labeling this as a "Black Friday Deal," so presumably it'll stick around for the next week. The price might stay the same, but Newegg's stock might go quickly… so get an order in quick if you're ready to buy!
Get this 27-inch 240Hz 1440p OLED monitor for just $400
The following are the best gaming monitors we've tested throughout this year and last. If you want to learn more about what we look for in a good gaming monitor and how we test them, scroll further down the page.
Quick retail links to select top picks:
Best gaming monitor: MSI MPG 341CQPX
Best budget gaming monitor: Dell G2724D
Best 240Hz gaming monitor: LG UltraGear 27GR83Q-B
VideoCardz.com shows off the latest BIOS update for the MEOW series of motherboards, a line from Colorful/Colorfire that's covered in cartoon cats. Now the software is also covered in cats, along with new support for AM5 and Ryzen 9000 chip features.
Specifically, the crackdown focuses on how developers communicate upcoming content for their games and what they're allowed to promise. Failure to honor and deliver their advertised promises could have serious consequences for the games in question.
The new rules for DLCs and Season Passes
Many developers on Steam already utilize the option to expand game content via DLCs and Season Passes, and those usually cost money to unlock. Sometimes, you might even buy a DLC or Season Pass ahead of a game's release to secure future promised content.
However, there are obvious risks to doing that. Some developers are deliberately vague about what exactly they'll deliver, and others may never deliver at all.
Steam wants to change this via updated official guidelines. Games with additional content must fulfill the following requirements:
A complete list of all DLC included in Season Passes
A basic description of the content included in each DLC
An expected release date for each DLC (listed as the year, quarter, or exact date if possible)
Furthermore, a Season Pass may not be released without at least one additional
Option 1: Using the clipboard history for deletion
If you call up the clipboard with the Windows key, you can delete the contents of the clipboard via the "Delete all" menu item. To remove the individual entries from the clipboard, use the three-dot menu to the right of the individual entries.
Option 2: Delete the clipboard in the Windows settings
To delete content on the clipboard, open the Windows settings and go to "System - Clipboard." You'll then want to click on the "Delete" button under "Delete clipboard data."
Option 3: Delete the clipboard in the command line
Use the "echo.|clip" command to delete the content of the clipboard via the command line. However, this only works if you haven't activated the clipboard history.
The 9800X3D has a retail price of $479, if you can actually find one in a store or an online shop that still has stock. Sellers on eBay are easily getting $600 for a quick flip, and that seems likely to persist for the rest of the year and into next year.
But a few shoppers have spotted the 9800X3D on Amazon for an unbelievable price of $199.99. I see at least one as I write this article:
Let's start there, shall we? This would already be a pretty good price for an RTX 4050 laptop, but it's an insane price for an RTX 4060 laptop. You just don't see these going for $700, and this is a graphics card that'll let you crank up your settings on all but the most demanding games.
And those graphics are going to sizzle on this 15.6-inch screen with 1080p resolution and 144Hz refresh rate. That means smooth graphics and no frame drops on up to 144 FPS. Plus, with the anti-glare coating, you'll have reduced eye strain during long gaming sessions.
All of that's boosted further by an AMD Ryzen 7 7435HS CPU and 16GB of DDR5 RAM, giving you enough power to tackle nearly any task, ranging from your daily workload to your favorite games. Need even more power? You can later upgrade to 32GB of RAM.
Lastly, it comes with a 512GB SSD, which isn't enormous but is certainly spacious enough to house all your documents, photos, videos, apps, and games if you're mindful. Unfortunately, there's no way to expand the internal storage. If you ever need more space, you'll likely want to grab an external SSD that connects via USB-C.
This RTX 4060 laptop for just $700 is a bargain, so get it w
As of a few days, Microsoft has confirmed the bug and found that it occurs when one or more of the following are true:
Your PC has updated to Windows 11 24H2.
You're using the Creative Sound BlasterX G6 external USB digital audio converter (DAC) sound system.
You manually put your PC into sleep mode and then manually wake your PC from sleep mode.
You attach and then immediately detach the external DAC sound system from your Windows system.
You adjust the volume of the external DAC sound system and then immediately detach the external DAC sound system from your Windows system.
According to Microsoft, this issue is due to a timing problem in the AudioEndpointBuilder service. No further details were given, but Microsoft is working on a fix and will provide more information as it becomes available on the issue's support page.
Starting November 12, Windows 10 users have been running into problems when trying to update or uninstall apps. Normally, your first thought would be that such an issue is due to a Windows update… but that's not the case here!
Yesterday, Microsoft officially confirmed the problem and explained that it's rooted in an update to the WinAppSDK 1.6.2 package, which was published on November 12. As such, this problem — the inability to update or uninstall — only affects apps that are dependent on WinAppSDK. Unfortunately, a lot of apps are.
When you try to update an affected app through the Microsoft Store, you'll see the "Something happened on our end" error message. Currently, this issue affects Microsoft Teams and other third-party apps on Windows 10 22H2. Other versions of Windows 10 and all versions of Windows 11 are immune.
The Odyssey G9 OLED, as its name suggests, features an amazing 49-inch display with OLED panel, bringing you the deepest blacks and most vibrant colors available. But this is also a gamer-friendly monitor, with a fast 240Hz refresh rate and a lag-free 0.03ms response time that makes your gaming sessions as smooth and immersive as can be. It's compatible with Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, too.
This is an ultrawide beauty, with a 5120×1440 resolution (32:9 aspect ratio) that's essentially two normal 2560×1440 monitors squashed together side-by-side. It has an 1800R curvature that wraps around your field of vision, making it not just great for gaming but also useful for multitasking and productivity with minimal eye strain.
It has just enough connectivity to not be a pain, including one DisplayPort 1.4 port, one HDMI 2.1 port, one MicroHDMI 2.1 port, and two USB-C 3.0 ports. The fact that it'll clear up some desk space (taking the place of two monitors) should help make up for it, but do note that the built-in stand is only height-adjustable and it doesn't have a VESA-compatible mount.
It's almost impossible get an OLED monitor that's this big, this fast, and this gorgeous for this price. If you've been itching to upgrade your setup, now's your chance — grab this Samsung OLED ultrawide for $950.
Thankfully, this early Black Friday deal has slashed the prices on Amazon's newest Kindle down to $85 (23 percent off) and the newest Kindle Paperwhite down to $130 (19 percent off). Both were released this year, making these the best-ever prices so far.
The Paperwhite is larger than the regular Kindle, with a 7-inch display (compared to the Kindle's 6-inch display) and built-in adjustable warm light. The device is also waterproof and features a full-front design. While the regular Kindle also allows you to adjust screen brightness levels, the Paperwhite features more LEDs, meaning better lighting control.
I personally switched to the Paperwhite over a decade ago and have continued to upgrade to newer models as they come out, and I don't plan on going back. There are only two real reasons to opt for a basic Kindle over the Paperwhite: either you're on a tight budget or you prefer the compact, travel-friendly size with smaller screen.
If you're considering the Paperwhite, you might also want to consider the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition that's down to $155 (23 percent off), which also released this year and is currently at its best-ever price. This one has double the storage space and wireless charging.
Lastly, if you want an e-reader for your kids, the
What finally got me in then? Admittedly, it's the one thing I absolutely can't resist in a top-rated RPG — the fact that it now has mods! That change in a game as detailed and intuitive as BG3 is sheer gold for me, making every cent paid for it an irresistible value proposition. It has also got me thinking: Why can't all RPGs have mods?
Mods undeniably spice up games
It's not like BG3 needed anything extra to make it a great game. No, it's obviously one of the best turn-based RPG's available today with its enchanting high-fantasy open world that reacts to you as a player and allows you to have your own unique experience.
It's more that the mods — everything from character changes to new weapons and objects and new game mechanics — allow me to squeeze even more value from this classic game thereby multiplying the fun 100x. Whereas before the game was well worth $60, the value I will reap from this game over time will pay for itself many, many times over.
To be sure, now that BG3 has mods, the game will not only be different each time I play it, it won't even be close to the experience I've had before — which leads me to an important point: I now have the agency to personalize it as I wish, just as I can personalize myriad other aspects of my life, from the topping on my vanilla ice-cream to the color of my cellphone case.
I can now play solo as a lone wolf by increasing the rate at which I earn XP, or as any exciting
But what if you mainly use your laptop at home, it's pretty much always connected to an external monitor, and you don't really need the laptop screen? In that case, running your laptop in clamshell mode (i.e., with the screen closed) is a fantastic option. You'll get to enjoy the larger display of a monitor and have better ergonomics to boot.
While the best VPNs are usually dedicated apps, you may have also heard about VPN browser extensions. They look appealing due to their ease of use and affordable price. But which should you choose? Below I'll give you a rundown of what a VPN browser extension does and help you decide which is the best option for you.
What is a VPN browser extension?
A VPN browser extension is essentially a VPN that protects the browser that it's a part of, and only that browser. For example, a Chrome VPN browser extension will cover only that Chrome browser. Other apps that connect to the internet outside of the browser, such as games or streaming apps, won't be protected by the extension.
It might help to think of a VPN app as a fortress that protects all of your assets and a VPN browser extension as more like a small personal safe that only protects a few carefully selected items.
Pros and cons of a VPN browser extension
Pros
A VPN browser extension can be a nice upgrade to your personal privacy and security while online. It might not come with the complete coverage of a VPN app, but it does have its advantages.
VPN browser extensions are typically lightweight and don't take up nearly as many resources as a full VPN app. As a result of this simplicity, they are a
Microsoft Office has been a go-to for productivity, but subscription fees can be a hassle. Now you can skip the recurring costs with Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019, offering lifetime access to the essential suite for the unbeatable price of $24.97 ahead of Black Friday.
This all-in-one package includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, Publisher, and Teams — tools that cover everything from creating polished documents to managing professional presentations and handling email.
Optimized for Windows PCs, this 2019 version of MS Office delivers modern features and a clean interface that make everyday tasks seamless. It's ideal for professionals, students, and home users who want reliable software wi
AI has revolutionized how we work, but let's be real: paying for each subscription feels like signing up for new streaming services. If you want to tap into the latest AI tools without breaking the bank, 1minAI is your solution. It brings together some of the most powerful AI models available — like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Midjourney — all in one convenient platform.
1minAI's sidebar tools allow for seamless switching between AI models, utilizing the best of what each AI has to offer, and organizing everything it creates in one place.
Whether you're generating blog content with GPT-4 or graphic design elements with Midjourney, 1minAI helps you streamline your workflow by giving you access to the best AI technology without the hassle of managing multiple subscriptions.
What's more, you can make your purchase now and rest assured you're getting the best price. Most VPN services start their discounts early and run the same deals through the entirety of the holiday season.
We're already seeing some great discounts on our Editors' Choice picks, including ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, and more. We'll continue to track down and highlight the best VPN deals on offer leading up to and during Black Friday 2024.
Best early Black Friday VPN deals
ExpressVPN, now $4.99 per month for 24 months 6 free months (61% off at ExpressVPN)
Surfshark VPN, now $2.49 per month for 24 months 4 free months (86% off at Surfshark)
NordVPN, now $3.89 per month for 24 months 3 free months (74% off at NordVPN)
Private Internet Access, now $1.98 per month for 36 months 4 free months (83% off at PIA)
Proton VPN, now $2.99 per month for 12 months (70% off at ProtonVPN)
What's more, many retailers are offering price protection so you can make your purchase now and rest assured you'll end up with the best price.
We're already seeing great discounts on gaming PCs and all-in-ones from Best Buy, Dell, HP, Newegg, and more. We'll continue to track down and highlight the best PC computer deals leading up to and during Black Friday 2024, so check back later if you don't spot one you like yet.
Best early Black Friday gaming desktop PC deals
Skytech Chronos, Core i5-12400F/RTX 4060/16GB RAM/1TB SSD, now $899.99 (14% off on Amazon)
Alienware Aurora R16, Core i7-14700F/RTX 4070/32GB RAM/1TB SSD, now $1,399.99 (30% off on Dell)
Alienware Aurora R1
After extensive testing, I've determined that the recommendations listed below are the best 4K monitors available today, covering a variety of budgets and use cases.
The best 4K monitors we've tested
Dell U3223QE - Best 4K monitor
Designing a website takes no more than a day. Filling it with content is also a snap. Thanks to built-in AI and SEO tools, you can streamline the process without any prior knowledge. Here's everything you need to create a beautiful, responsive and conversion-friendly website - in as little as a weekend.
Building a website in four easy steps
Step 1: Choose a template that suits your style
Starting with a ready-made template saves you time and energy, and gets you to the fun part - customizing the site to your liking.
Squarespace offers a variety of professional templates that are both stylish and responsive. You simply choose a template that matches your style and needs, whether you're looking to build a CV page, blog, e-commerce or informational page.
Step 2: Customize your design and content - without coding
Once you've chosen a template, it's time to put your own stamp on the website. You can adjust colors, add images and write text directly in Squarespace's editing tools, all without having to touch a single line of code.
The tools are easy to use and allow you to create a professional-looking site that feels unique an
Right now, Amazon has the bookshelf speakers that I personally use in my own setup on sale. I'm talking about the Edifier R1280T speakers for just $84, which is 30 percent off its $120 retail price.
These speakers have been a staple of PC power users for years, and you'll see them all over communities like Reddit's /r/battlestations. They sound great, with crystal-clear mids and a bit of bass power without needing a separate subwoofer. With 42 watts, four-inch primary drivers, and 13mm tweeters, it's powerful enough to fill an office easily without breaking the bank. And they're refreshingly simple — you get two analog inputs, a few adjustment dials, and a remote. That's it. Nothing to mess up. You can read PCWorld's full review of them here.
I've been using the R1280T for years with no issues, and I bought a second set for my brother-in-law. Though I'm no audiophile, I can recommend them heartily to anyone who wants to upgrade their desktop sound setup. If you need Bluetooth, the nearly identical R1280DB model is discounted down to just $100 right now.
Amazon is calling this a "Black Friday Deal," so I expect it to stay at this price for the next week. That said, it's always a popular seller, so I wouldn't be surprised if it goes out of stock.
That's true of each of the USB-C hubs I recommend below, which contain a variety of ports (including USB-A ports, HDMI, and more).
I've organized my USB-C recommendations this way: traditional, ultraportable USB-C hubs on top, followed by my picks for the best USB-C docking stations for desktop use. The latter are a bit bulkier, but tend to offer more connections.
I'll also introduce you to DisplayLink docks, an improved version that offers hardware-based compression to move more data over the USB-C port. More advanced features lie within the best Thunderbolt docks, which I've listed in a separate article. It can all be a little confusing, so I've included an expanded FAQ and a buying guide below my recommendations to help you make sense of it all.
The LG UltraGear 45GS96QB is a unique design. Other ultrawide monitors in this size range tend to go with doubled-up resolutions, but this one has the semi-standard 3440×1440, so it's basically stretching a 34-inch display to a 45-inch frame. Depending on how you prefer to play, that's either very weird or very smart — you get a physically larger picture without the big frame rate hit you'd see from, say, a 5120×1440 option.
And you'll want those frames. With its 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time, plus compatibility with both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync, this thing is made for gamers. It doesn't skimp on connections either, with DisplayPort, double HDMI, and USB-C video with 65 watts of power output to charge a laptop. It can even function as a decent console display with an included remote control.
I've seen this monitor at Best Buy retail stores, so there seem to be lots of units on hand. It's available to pick up today at my nearby store… and you might want to try to do the same since it's showing a massive $200 delivery charge. (To be fair, it is an enormous monitor.) If I had to guess, I'd say
Epomaker's newest design is a full split ergonomic keyboard that's all wireless and all wood. It's also expensive — the complete set with a wireless numpad and wrist rests will cost $549.
But dang it if that might actually be justified in this case. The Epomaker x Feker Alice 60 Wood keyboard's body and keycaps are all made of 100 percent real dead tree. It looks like the legends are even using wood inlay with either a different wood or a different stain for contrast.
And the beauty isn't just skin-deep. It's rocking triple-mode wireless (multi-device Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless) for all three separate panels, gasket mounting for a "bouncy" typing feel, and the all-important hot-swap switch sockets for maximum customization.
How to transfer files between your phone and PC using Microsoft Edge
First, activate the drop function on the PC. To do this, click on the plus sign in the right-hand sidebar of the browser and navigate to Through Microsoft.
Scroll down and click on Drop. A new icon with this name will appear in the bar. Make sure that you're signed in to your Microsoft account by clicking on the profile button in the top left-hand corner of Edge, selecting the appropriate account under Select account and then Sign in to synchronize data.
Now install Edge on your smartphone via the Google Play Store. In Edge, tap on the Add icon with the plus sign and then on Drop under Function shortcuts.
Go back to the start page and sign in to your Microsoft account (if you have not already done so). To do this, tap on the profile icon at the top left and select Sign in for synchronization. Click on your account and then Sign in.
After updating to Windows 11 24H2, some users who don't have administrative privileges are reporting that the Date & Time section of Windows Settings can't change the time zone anymore. "The expected time zone option is not visible to non-administrator users," says Microsoft on the relevant support page, aware of the issue.
To be absolutely clear, this is a problem that's isolated to Windows Settings and its Date & Time section. The problem doesn't stem from any changes made to the system's settings, permissions, or user policies. Users with administrative privileges can still access and change the time zone setting through Windows Settings.
If you're affected and you need to change your PC's time zone, you can do so through Control Panel:
Search for "control panel" in the Start menu and launch it.
In Control Panel, navigate to Clock and Region Date and Time Change time zone…
Alternatively, you can use the Run prompt (open it with the Windows key R keyboard shortcut) to execute the timedate.cpl command.
Microsoft is actively investigating the issue and promises a fix in an upcoming Windows update. However, according to Windows Latest, it's unlikely we'll see that patch until Janu
This isn't Microsoft's first alert to users that Windows 10 is being retired, and it's not even the first time it has resorted to full-screen alerts to drive the message home. But the newest flavor of the, ahem, helpful message is much more blatant about being an advertisement. It isn't telling users to upgrade their current operating system, which would be a legitimate and fairly easy option for any machine sold in the last three years or so. It's something that similar alerts offered earlier this year.
Yesterday, Microsoft officially confirmed the problem and explained that it's rooted in an update to the WinAppSDK 1.6.2 package, which was published on November 12. As such, this problem — the inability to update or uninstall — only affects apps that are dependent on WinAppSDK. Unfortunately, a lot of apps are.
When you try to update an affected app through the Microsoft Store, you'll see the "Something happened on our end" error message. Currently, this issue affects Microsoft Teams and other third-party apps on Windows 10 22H2. Other versions of Windows 10 and all versions of Windows 11 are immune.
This 13.6-inch laptop features Apple's speedy M3 chip, which is phenomenal for multitasking, streaming content, and even casual gaming. The 16GB of RAM ensures you have a smooth experience no matter what you're doing. This is a productivity powerhouse.
But if there's one thing that truly sets MacBooks apart from their counterparts, it's their gorgeous displays equipped with Liquid Retina technology. The latest MacBook Air is no different, delivering vibrant colors and sharp details and an overall great viewing experience.
Also worth noting is this laptop's incredible battery life. Apple claims you can get up to 18 hours of active use on a full charge, so you won't have to worry about taking the charger with you if you decide to work out of a coffee shop, for instance.
This is a stunning early Black Friday deal that you don't want to miss, especially if you've been eyeing a MacBook Air for a while. Save $250 on this MacBook Air M3 on Amazon while you still can!
This MacBook Air M3 is the perfect Black Friday treatB
And right now, you might want to snag this one — even if it's "just in case" — because SanDisk's 256GB microSD is absurdly cheap at just $21 on Amazon. This early Black Friday deal cuts the price down by 67 percent, down from its original $60. Big savings!
With read speeds of up to 100MB/s, anything you store on this card can be transferred fast between devices. Also, this is a Class 10 V30 card, so it's fast and stable enough to record 1080p and 4K video without any lost frames. It's perfect for GoPros, dashcams, and security cameras.
The available 256GB of capacity should provide a nice boost of additional storage for your device, no matter what you're using it for. Generally, even if you're recording in 4K, this card will have enough space to get you through a full day of filming.
And this tiny microSD card was built to survive your adventures just fine, as it's resistant to water, shocks, extreme temperatures, humidity, and even magnets. Plus, it comes with an SD adapter for hassle-free use on your laptop, desktop PC, etc.
Take advantage of this early Black Friday deal and get this 256GB microSD card for its best price yet on Amazon!
SanDisk's 256GB microSD card just hit its all-time best price
The short answer? No one really knows. For now, however, we have to take Trump's words at face value, even if Trump eventually changes his mind. And if we do that, we can point you to where you'll be paying more.
Specifically, Trump's statements indicate that two tariffs would be imposed: a flat tariff of about 10 percent on all imports, plus an additional 60 percent tariff on goods imported from China. The Consumer Technology Association has estimated that, based on current levels and patterns of trade, the effective tariff on Chinese goods will go up as high as 80.6 percent.
Major consumer organizations, though, have begun calculating what these tariffs will cost American consumers. Prior to the election, the Consumer Technology Association said that the tariffs would raise laptop and tablet prices by 46 percent. On Nov. 4, the National Retail Federation (NRF) estimated that prices on "household appliances" would rise by 19 to 31 percent, and the price of toys would rise between 36 and 56 percent. The Center for American Progress (CAP) calculates that the average American family will pay up to $3,900 more per year, across the board, under
We've separated the recommendations below by best laptop deals under $500, best home use laptop deals, best gaming laptop deals, and best premium laptop deals, to make it easier to find a notebook that fits your budget and needs. For more options, check out PCWorld's roundup of the best laptops available right now.
Best laptop deals (at a glance)
Acer Aspire 3, $279.99 ($42 off at Amazon)
Lenovo Ideapad 1, $299.99 ($280 off at Best Buy)
The Bose QuietComfort is one of the best headphones out there, a perfect mix between comfortable design and advanced noise canceling technology. Whether you want to focus on work in your home office, get some peace and quiet on an airplane, or just chill to music on your public commute, these will serve you well.
And as the name suggests, these headphones are designed for maximum comfort with plush ear cushions and a lightweight build. They also promise high-fidelity audio — clear and detailed sound to make your latest musical obsession that much nicer to listen to.
These headphones have a battery life of up to 24 hours, and a quick 15-minute recharge is enough to restore 2.5 hours of playback. You can plug these in while you grab the last of your things before leaving home and still have enough juice to carry you through to your destination.
Why should you jump on this deal? Because it's the absolute best price you can get for these headphones. The Bose QuietComfort usually go on sale for around $230 to $250, and the only time they ever dropped to $199 was on Prime Day with a Prime membership. Right now, anyone can snag the Bose QuietComfort headphones for $199 on Amazon! So if you're interested, order them quick while you still can.
Prices have also increased to accommodate the greater technology, though, and that may leave you wondering an important question: how long does a gaming laptop really last?
The MSI MAG 271QPX is designed to be a fantastic, gaming-focused OLED screen without a lot of extras. 240Hz at 2560×1440 hits the "sweet spot" for a 27-inch monitor, offering a little extra sharpness for high-end AAA games and plenty of speed for online multiplayer.
Connections are a bit basic with one DisplayPort and double HDMI. The monitor does support USB-C video, but with just 15 watts of charging you won't be able to charge up a gaming laptop at the same time. A headphone port for your gaming headset and VESA mounting for a monitor arm round out the features. MSI is offering a 3-year warranty on the OLED panel, which is a nice boost for peace of mind.
At Ignite 2024, Microsoft just unveiled a cool new feature for Microsoft Teams that uses artificial intelligence to not only translate words from one language to another in real time, but even emulate the speaker's voice, intonations, and mannerisms.
Microsoft says a preview version of this "AI interpreter" feature will come some time in early 2025, but it remains unknown when the feature will be released more generally across all versions of Teams.
The Teams interpreter will initially support nine languages: English, Chinese (Mandarin), Korean, German, Italian, Japanese, French, Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese. Users will also be able to set whether they want the interpreter to mimic their own voices. For example, so the translated audio sounds like you're the one speaking Spanish.
According to a new blog post (spotted by PCMag), Windows Recall will be disabled by default on all enterprise machines. If you want to use it, not only will you need local hardware that meets Copilot specs, you'll need permission from your IT administrator to turn it on.
"Recall will be disabled by default, and IT will enable this feature through new policies before it can be made available to employees for opting in," says Pavan Davuluri, Microsoft's VP of Windows Devices. They'd still really like you to use it, though. The post goes on to claim that Recall will ship with "meaningful security enhancements, including additional layers of data encryption and Windows Hello protection, making it one of the most secure experiences we have ever built."
This cautious approach to implementing Recall for its enterprise customers is more stringent than the same feature that's now enabled on consumer Copilot machines, but even there, you ca
Why you should trust us: It's in our name. PCWorld prides itself on laptop experience and expertise. We've been covering PCs since 1983, and we now review more than 70 laptops every year. All of the picks below have been personally tested and vetted by our experts, who've applied not only performance benchmarks but rigorous usability standards. We're also committed to reviewing PC laptops at every price point to help you find a machine that matches your budget.
Looking for sweet discounts? Check out our regularly updated roundup of the best laptop deals available right now. By the way, since we're in the thick of back-to-school season, make sure you check out PCWorld's back-to-school coverage.
Updated November 20, 2024: We added the Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 ($1,699) as an alternative option to the Best Battery Life pick. In addition to lasting a jaw-dropping 23 and a half hours on a single charge, it also features a versatile 2-in-1 form factor as well as a beautiful AMOLED display. We also updated o
Microsoft Edge offers a number of options for better data protection, but these settings are difficult to find. We'll show you three easy ways to protect your data.
Further reading: 5 ways Microsoft Edge is better than Chrome
1. Prevent third-party cookies
Cookies are small text files that are copied to your PC from the websites you surf. First-party cookies can only be read by the website that set them. In online shops, for example, they are used to identify the customer's shopping basket. Third-party cookies, on the other hand, are usually placed by advertisers. They're used to recognize the user, which is why they're also called tracking cookies.
The Baseus Blade laptop power bank is super fast, packs a lot of power, and currently has a jaw-dropping discount: get it now for just $51 on Amazon. (You'll need a Prime membership, but if you don't have one, sign up for a 30-day free trial. You'll also need to clip the on-page coupon.) That's 61 percent off its original price of $130!
This Baseus portable charger has a 20,000mAh capacity, which is more than enough to charge most laptops. The 100W output is also fast enough to get it recharged within minutes, not hours. It features two USB-C ports and two USB-C ports, allowing you to charge up to four devices at once if you want to. And it's slim so it fits right next to your laptop when you pack it away in your bag.
Note that only the USB-C ports support the max 100W speed, as the USB-A ports have a 30W limit. And even though it's nice to be able to charge so many devices at once, note that the charging throughput will need to be split between them, so don't expect max speed like that.
That said, a laptop power bank like the Baseus Blade is definitely something you need, especially when it's only $51. Remember, this is a Prime deal, so grab a free Prime trial if you need to!
Save big on this travel-friendly portable charger for laptops
To combat this old form of malware, Microsoft will soon upgrade Edge with a new form of protection. Announced during the Microsoft Ignite conference, the company will use machine learning to identify scareware within Edge tabs and warn users of the danger. The browser will contain the perceived scam attempt unless you give the green light—so if you know the site is safe, you're still able to proceed.
An example of scareware (left), and then Microsoft Edge's coming ability to quarantine such scam sites (right).
Scareware protection will first become available to organizations, who must guard regularly against threats to their users and networks—especially if an employee is tricked into granting remote access to their machine. But with Microsoft saying this feature will make online browsing safer "inside and out
But starting in December, Meta's Quest 3 and Quest 3S headsets will get official support to stream Windows 11, direct from Microsoft. The capability was announced in a post-Ignite news roundup and shown off in a short video, below:
Microsoft's mockup of the integration between Windows and Quest headsets is impressive. The demo user puts on the headset and almost instantly has access to three virtual monitors floating in space via augmented reality, all wireless and apparently seamless. Alternatively, you can put everything on one giant screen right in front of you.
Both use a familiar VR control panel that floats beneath the virtual displays. The whole thing is reminiscent of Apple's Vision Pro "yes, you can use this thing for work" videos.
Again, this core capability is not new. Accessing PC content via a standalone VR headset like the Quest is a pretty common
The new UltraGear GX7 is a gamer's dream, with 27-inch diagonal size, a resolution of 2560×1440, and a response time of 0.03ms. It's fully compatible with Nvidia's G-Sync and AMD's FreeSync Premium Pro technologies, and it's VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 certified.
Connectivity isn't the greatest, but it isn't bad. You'll find that it has one DisplayPort 2.1 port, two HDMI 2.1 ports, a USB 3.0 port, and a headphone port. The monitor also comes with a stand that can be raised, lowered, rotated to 30 degrees, and tilted to 15 degrees.
The UltraGear 27GX790A is available for pre-order at a price of $999.99, which is reasonably in line with other 27-inch 1440p OLED monitors with 480Hz of refresh. It's not yet known when pre-orders will ship.
Black Friday 2024 could be weird. America's new president is promising 60 percent tariffs on goods coming from China next year, which will raise prices across all kinds of categories, including electronics. Should that happen, snapping up a Chromebook deal now would be prudent.
I've listed the best Chromebook deals that I can find, followed by an explanation of why I think you should buy them. I've been tracking Chromebook deals during Black Friday for the past several years, so I have a good idea of what to buy and how much you should pay. (If you'd like more information, I recommend reading the FAQ at the bottom below this list of early Black Friday Chromebook deals).
Best early Black Friday budget Chromebook deals
Acer Chromebook 315 (Celeron N4500/4GB RAM/64GB SSD/15.6-inch 1080p display), $139.00 (22% off at Walmart)
Asus Chromebook CX1 (Celeron N4500/4GB RAM/128GB SSD/14-inch 1080p display), $159.00 (31% off at Walmart)
HP Chromebook 14, (Intel N100/4GB RAM/64GB eMMC/14-inch 1080p display), $159.99 (21% off at Amazon)
However, before you get started, there are some things you'll likely want to know to make sure everything goes smoothly. Here's what you should keep in mind about the release, downloads, and more.
Release time for Stalker 2
The official launch of Stalker 2 will take place today at 11am EST. From then on, you'll be able to download the game if you've bought it. (If you pre-ordered it or if you have Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, you can already download part of the game as a preload.)
You can avoid long waiting times by pre-installing the game — as long as there aren't any issues similar to the preload for yesterday's Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 release. Simply start the Xbox app on your PC or console and search for Stalker 2 to start the pre-installation process.
The game is included in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate from day one. Incidentally, Stalker 2 will also be released on Steam at the same time, but there is no option to preload it there.
Download size for Stalker 2
The official download size of Stalker 2 on Xbox Series X/S is a whopping ~147GB. However, some users who have already installed the 140GB preload have reported a day-one patch that took up another 139GB.
Itching to jump in and get started? Before you do, here are some crucial details worth knowing about the release of MSFS24.
Release time and download size
The official release time of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is November 19, 2024 at 11am EST. However, you can start the preload in advance to avoid long waiting times after it releases.
You can start the pre-installation if you have either pre-ordered the game or have Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, as this includes Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 from day one.
To do this, search for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 in the Xbox app on PC or console and select the pre-installation. (The pre-installation doesn't download the complete game. Depending on your internet connection, it may still take a lot of time to download the remaining files.)
Officially, the installation size of MSFS24 is only 50GB, which is relatively small for such a large game. However, it's quite possible that we'll see a large day-one patch that makes final tweaks to the game.
Secure your pre-order bonuses now
Depending on which version of the game you pre-order, you'll receive unique bonuses and additional content that come with it. Here's an overview of them all:
Standard Edition: De Havilland Canada CL-415 Firefighting Aircraft
Deluxe Edition: All
So, have you picked up your jaw off the floor yet? Good, because we need to talk about this monitor.
Again, it's a massive 43-incher of a display with a sharply crisp 4K resolution and smart TV functionality, allowing you to quickly access streaming content directly on the monitor.
But the winningness of the Neo G7 comes from its gamer-loving specs, featuring a 144Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals, a 1ms response time for minimal lag, HDR 10 for stunning contrast, anti-glare and flicker-free technology for reduced eye strain, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro.
Connectivity-wise, it comes with a DisplayPort 1.4 port, two HDMI 2.1 ports, and two USB-A 3.0 ports. And though it's huge, it's VESA-compatible with 200x200mm mounts, so pop it up on a monitor arm if you so wish. It also has a headphone port.
Take advantage of this deal and get this Samsung 4K gaming monitor for just $500 while you still can. It's doubtful we'll see such a stunning discount again anytime soon.
A 43-inch 4K gaming monitor for only $500? Yes, please!
This is the newest model of Blink's video doorbell, able to capture 1080p video that clearly shows who's outside your door. It also has two-way audio so you can chat with your visitors, whether it's to tell your relatives to come back later or give instructions to the delivery person.
The Blink Video Doorbell sends you phone notifications when motion is detected, including at night, and even in low-light conditions. It has an infrared night mode that let's you see what's going on in the dark, and it also works with Alexa, allowing you to pull up video footage on your Fire tablet or other Alexa-compatible screen.
Installing this video doorbell is extremely easy, with a choice between hooking it up to pre-existing doorbell wiring or using 2 AA batteries that can last up to two years on optimal settings.
Snatch the Blink Video Doorbell for just $30 on Amazon in this early Black Friday deal and rest easy during the upcoming holidays!
Save 50% on this video doorbell and secure your front doorBuy now on Amazon
Fall damage and static electricity
A fall, for example, can severely damage the hard drive. The impact can cause the read/write head to hit the rotating platters and scratch or damage them. Internal components can also shift and the read head or drive motor can be damaged. That's why it's important to handle external hard drives carefully and make sure that you do not drop your laptop to protect internal hard drives. When buying online, if possible, make sure you use a reliable shipping service provider that handles electronic devices properly.
You should also protect your hard drive from static electricity, as such discharges can damage sensitive electronic components. Ideally, wear a grounded antistatic wrist strap when repairing and disassembling the hard drive to prevent static charges. Also avoid placing the hard drive on synthetic materials or clothing that can generate static electricity.
If possible, use an anti-static mat and hold the hard drive by the edges to minimize the risk. Store unused or external hard drives in anti-static bags to protect them from static electricity.
In addition, we also explain the common causes of hard disk errors and how you can avoid the inconvenience of a corrupted disk at work or in life in the future - scroll down for more details.
Common Hard Disk Issues
Before learning how to repair a hard disk that doesn't work properly, you should figure out the condition of your disk - is it physically damaged, a logical error, or a firmware fault? Below are common disk errors and how they manifest themselves:
Logical Errors
Problems occur in the software or data on the hard disk, not the hardware itself, such as virus infections, malware, corrupted system files, bad sectors, etc., leading to data loss, file system corruption, performance degradation, or boot failure.
Firmware Issues
When firmware gets corrupted, it is usually accompanied by obvious telltale signs, such as the drive slowing down in reading and writing data, the clicking noise happening when the read head is seeking the right sector, the operation system can't recognizing the hard disk and showing "Disk Unknown/Not Intialized" message, etc.
Physical Damage
Physical damage is also a common cause of hard disk failure, including high temperature, water ingress, falling from a height, extrusion, etc. Unfortunately, if a hard disk has suffered severe physical damage, es
It's an interesting possibility from many angles, but the one that I want to chew on is this: What could Google possibly do differently this time to make a laptop that people actually want to buy?
Before I continue, I should point out that all of this is based entirely on speculation. Here's a story about Google pushing hard on a new laptop design, and here's a story about a new version of ChromeOS that's heavily based on Android. That second factor would presumably power up ChromeOS to more effectively use Android apps, making it better able to compete with devices like the iPad Pro and Surface.
So, let's assume (and it is an assumption) that Google sees a rejuvenated ChromeOS as a good reason to dip its toes back into the laptop market. The company has an inglorious history there, which is worth looking at before we move on to considering the future.
A history of laptop letdowns
The original ChromeOS development device was the Cr-48, an interesting footnote. It was meant to be a sort of blueprint for the first generation of Chromebooks, but unlike the Nexus and Pixel phone lines, this one wasn't sold at retailers. At the debut of ChromeOS in 2011, Google left that up to its OEM part
Want to learn French? How about Spanish? Or maybe a bit of Japanese? You don't need to grind your way through boring memorization exercises or try to fit language classes in your schedule. Instead, see if Rosetta Stone might be a better fit for your language goals. With beginner and advanced lessons in 25 languages, Rosetta Stone gives you the chance to learn a language the fun way, and a lifetime subscription is on sale for $148.97 (reg. $399) for a limited time.
How to learn a new language
With Rosetta Stone, you learn by doing. You can practice pronunciation with speech recognition technology, study practical vocabulary, and so much more. You even get instant feedback from the app without needing to find a tutor.
Whether you're working toward fluency or just want to know a few key phrases before your next trip, Rosetta Stone can help you along the way. Plus, lifetime access means you aren't wasting money if you skip your lesso
And you know what? Right now, Amazon is offering a fantastic deal on an even newer model: the 2024 iPad Air M2 is $100 off.
For just $499, you can get the 11-inch iPad Air, powered by the M2 processor, with 128GB of storage and in four color options. It's a rare discount on one of Apple's most popular tablet models — in fact, I'd be surprised to see it go any lower even on Black Friday.
The physical design of the iPad Air hasn't changed a whisker since 2020, back when the iPad lost its physical home button and moved its fingerprint sensor to the power button. But to be fair, it's not as if it needs any big changes. While you could hope for the OLED screen upgrade seen on the latest iPad Pro, you won't find any such new OLED tablets in this price range.
The upgraded M2 processor is the biggest deal if you're coming from an older iPad Air. The CPU has the same Arm-based design that goes into some models of the MacBook Air and Pro laptops and the 2023 Mac Mini, but it's using a newer and more efficient 9-core GPU. That means it should be able to handle just about any game or media app you can find on the App Store without breaking a sweat.
Amazon is also offering a similar $100 discount on the 512GB and 1TB models of the 11-inch iPad Air M2, bringing their prices down t
Itching to jump in and get started? Before you do, here are some crucial details worth knowing about the release of MSFS24.
Release time and download size
The official release time of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is November 19, 2024 at 11am EST. However, you can start the preload in advance to avoid long waiting times after it releases.
You can start the pre-installation if you have either pre-ordered the game or have Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, as this includes Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 from day one.
To do this, search for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 in the Xbox app on PC or console and select the pre-installation. (The pre-installation doesn't download the complete game. Depending on your internet connection, it may still take a lot of time to download the remaining files.)
Officially, the installation size of MSFS24 is only 50GB, which is relatively small for such a large game. However, it's quite possible that we'll see a large day-one patch that makes final tweaks to the game.
Secure your pre-order bonuses now
Depending on which version of the game you pre-order, you'll receive unique bonuses and additional content that come with it. Here's an overview of them all:
Standard Edition: De Havilland Canada CL-415 Firefighting Aircraft
Deluxe Edition: All
That's according to Bloomberg, which has been rock-solid on this case for years. Previously the DoJ was said to be considering some kind of breakup of Google's big three corporate assets: Search, Chrome, and Android. Some or all of them were on the table, but the DoJ has apparently settled on Chrome as the piece of the monopoly puzzle that has to go.
The federal team will also suggest that Google be forced to refrain from making the kind of exclusivity contracts that have become a staple of its OEM partnerships for Android and Chrome devices, according to the report. The DoJ also wants Google to give websites more tools to effectively opt-out of being used in the company's extensive data scraping for AI training.
Note that this doesn't mean it's a done deal. Assuming that Bloomberg is accurate, that means that DoJ attorneys will suggest Google be forced to divest itself of Chrome to District Judge Amit P. Mehta
Opera recently announced that the new Opera One R2 desktop web browser will include an integrated music player feature that allows users to access Spotify directly within, and it will come with a complementary three months of Spotify Premium.
To take advantage of the offer, you first need to download the latest version of Opera One. Install the browser, complete the initial setup, and launch it. The browser's default music player is Spotify, which you'll see as a small icon in the browser's left sidebar.
Unfortunately, Microsoft has made it a bit more complicated in Windows 10 and 11, including the transition to Microsoft accounts and logging in with Windows Hello. File sharing using the SMB protocol requires accounts with usernames and passwords, which most people no longer have.
But it can still be arranged, and may make sense if you have multiple computers and want to be able to move files here and there across the network. Especially if you d
Last week, Microsoft released cumulative update KB5046617 that was supposed to improve stability and fix bugs in 24H2. Unfortunately, the rescue update itself is now causing frustrations because users are having trouble getting it to install at all. They're running into various error messages with no clear causes.
If you're one of these users, here's some good news: there's a workaround you can use to solve the problem yourself.
The problem with patch KB5046617
You may encounter problems at various points when trying to install cumulative update KB5046617. According to Windows Latest, you might receive error codes 0x800f0991 or 0x800f0922 after the installa
Facebook ads have been used by hackers — as recently as this month — to spread fake Bitwarden password manager extensions for Chrome, which are infected with dangerous phishing tools.
That's according to Bitdefender, which details its investigation in a new blog post (spotted by BleepingComputer). According to the researchers, ads on Facebook pretended to offer Bitwarden, one of the most popular password managers on the market. The advertising indicates, falsely, that the viewer is "using an outdated version of Bitwarden" and that they must update it now to stay protected from "cyber threats."
I wonder if the people who make these ads are aware of the irony, or just don't give a hoot. The campaign was detected as active as recently as November 3, 2024, specifically targeting users in Europe.
Once users click on the ad, they're redirected to a phony page that imitates the Chrome Web Store and the legitimate Bitwarden extension download page. But instead of the rather smooth process for installing officially supported Chrome extensions, they're sent to a Google Drive page with a ZIP file to download. The page then guides the user through installing the fake Bitwarden in Chrome's Developer Mode, an elevated privilege state that's analogous to an admin account in Windows. The user is then instructed t
There are different reasons that may be the case, ranging from your software settings to the hardware you are using. The good news is that most old monitors whose colors look washed out or inaccurate can be corrected to look a whole lot more colorful and vibrant. Here are the steps to follow to make that happen.
Ensure you have the right color profiles installed
Windows 11 should automatically detect your monitor's correct color profile and apply it, but if colors still don't look right, there's a chance the profile could still be wrong. You can update to the right color profile in Color Management in Windows 11.
However, first you may need to download the correct color profile drivers from your monitor manufacturer's website. You can follow this guide to do both of these things.
But there's a better way — and Google seems poised to bring it to the masses. As spotted by Android Authority, a new "Shielded Email" feature in the Gmail app for Android devices is seemingly on the way. It would let you create disposable email addresses, or temporary burner email addresses that forward email to your real account.
My colleague Michael Crider covered how Shielded Email could serve as a defense against spam, but there's another payoff to this privacy protection: stronger online security.
Using a random, unique email address for every account you have would make it harder for hackers to use data leaks to break into other accounts of yours. This is the same principle as masked email, but with one big advantage: you don't need to sign up for a separate service.
With almost 2 billion users already signed up for Gmail, the new Shielded Email feature would level up standard privacy, big time. If offered for free, it would also eclipse Apple's equivalent feature, Hide My Email, which is only available to paying iCloud subscribers.
I'm rooting for this feature to make it out the starting gate. Google's been strengthening its security and privacy features, like
Right now, you can get this MSI Katana 15 gaming laptop for $400 off at Best Buy, a significant discount off its original $1,500 price.
This laptop is a top-notch beast that runs on an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor and 16GB of DDR5 RAM. The beauty of the Katana 15 is that if you feel like you need more oomph, you can easily replace the memory sticks and upgrade up to 64GB in total. It also has a 1TB SSD, plenty enough to hold all your videos, games, and apps.
But the big winner here is the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card, which is beyond what you can normally get in a laptop in this price range. Massive discounts like this are the only way to snag an RTX 4070 laptop for anywhere close to $1K. Rare as it is, that's reason to rejoice and jump on this deal for this powerful machine.
And that graphics card is going to look good on this laptop's 15.6-inch 1080p display with 144Hz refresh rate, edging it closer to being the perfect machine for smooth, lag-free gaming.
If you've been waiting for the chance to score an RTX 4070 gaming laptop for a truly affordable price, don't miss this sale — grab the MSI Katana 15 for $1,100 at Best Buy!
You rarely see RTX 4070 gaming laptops going for this price
All capacity models of the Samsung T7 Shield portable SSD are currently on sale on Amazon: the 1TB model is down to $100 (41 percent off), the 2TB model is down to $170 (40 percent off), and the 4TB model is down to $286 (43 percent off).
These are huge savings on one of the best portable SSDs we've ever tested. When we reviewed the Samsung T7 Shield, we gave it a 4.5-star rating and our Editors' Choice award. Our reviewing expert found it to be speedy, reliable, rugged, and stylish.
One of the best parts about this travel-friendly drive is that it has IP65 water and dust resistance, meaning it's perfect to take with you anywhere you go, even on outdoor adventures. It's also shockproof, so both the drive and your data on the drive will survive drops. Plus, it's so small and light, you won't even notice it in your pocket or your bag.
The Samsung T7 Shield is compatible with pretty much any device you have, from laptops and desktops to smartphones and gaming consoles. With read/write speeds of up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s, even the largest videos will transfer in no time flat.
Since then, Microsoft has been equipping more and more programs with artificial intelligence, above all the Edge browser and Office programs. But AI is also finding its way into Windows.
In this article, we present the new AI functions in Windows, the Windows apps, and Microsoft 365.
The Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 is down to $21.20 at Amazon, a 20 percent discount from its original $30. This smart tag connects to your phone via Bluetooth and the SmartThings app. When out of range, you can still get its location as long as another Samsung phone is within its range. If you're thinking of getting more than one, the four-pack for $61.77 (down from $100) is a better investment.
The Apple AirTag is also on sale for its best-ever price of $20, down from $29. This tracker pairs with iPhones and/or iPads and allows you to keep track of your stuff through the Find My app. When out of range, it pings off of nearby Apple devices, much like the Samsung one does. This one also has a better-value four-pack for $73, down from $99.
Lastly, Tile's 2024 model tracker is now just $20, a 20 percent discount from its $25 MSRP. This one works with both iOS and Android devices. When out of range from your own device, the Tile pings off the devices of other Tile users. The four-pack is $65, a good $15 off full price.
As part of this year's Ignite developer conference, Microsoft says Windows 11's built-in search function will be accelerated by the NPU in Copilot laptops and other hardware. According to the announcement, the improved version of search will come to the broader Windows Search (the thing that lives in the Start menu) as well as more granular searches in File Explorer and Settings.
But buying a used laptop can also be fraught with risks. What if the seller lied to you about its condition? What if the battery has been cycled too many times? What if there's a dead pixel or two on the display? Or what if it doesn't come with a valid Windows license key?
I addressed a lot of these concerns in my previous article on whether buying a used laptop is safe. In this article, I'm going further with mistakes you need to avoid when buying a second-hand laptop.
Mistake #1: Ignoring the warning signs
You probably already know what I mean by this one. Does it seem too good to be true? Then it probably is.
There are enough scammers, scalpers, and gray-area resellers on the web that any sufficiently good deal is going to catch interest. The chances of you being the only one who found that laptop at that spectacularly low price with all those impressive features before anyone else did… well, the chances are quite slim. Maybe if you're browsing through your neighbor's garage sale. But online
If you're ready to dive into a massive library of over 500 games, this 3-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate code is your golden ticket, on sale for $36.49.
And here's the kicker: you're not limited to just three months. By stacking up to five codes, you can enjoy 15 months of gaming goodness, all in one go. That's over a year of access to hundreds of popular titles, from AAA games to hidden indie gems, on both Xbox consoles and PC.
Game Pass Ultimate isn't just about games, either. You'll get perks like online multiplayer, so you can battle or team up with friends, and exclusive member discounts on games and add-ons.
When we reviewed the Samsung 990 Pro, our only complaint was its price tag — and that's obviously no longer an issue with this price drop that'll put a smile on any serious PC owner's face. In our review, we praised the drive's performance and the fact that it's available with and without a heat sink. (The heat sink model is also on sale, down from its usual $265 to a more affordable $173.)
This NVMe SSD delivers mind-blowing read and write speeds of up to 7,450MB/s and 6,900MB/s, respectively, making it perfect for gamers, professionals, and basically anyone who wants a lighting-fast drive.
While the Samsung 990 Pro didn't exactly break any records when we tested it, its performance is right up there with the best we've ever reviewed. That's why we confidently recommend it, especially when you can grab it for a whopping 36 percent off.
Save over $100 on this top-tier, high-speed internal SSDBu
Luckily, you don't need to buy a complete 7.1 surround sound system to feel satisfied. For less than $100, you can find some affordable PC speakers that provide quality audio. It's true that at this price point you will need to make a few compromises, but the best budget computer speakers can still offer a quality listening experience while saving you money, and that's what we call a win-win.
Why should you trust us? Because our PC speaker reviewers have tried most of the budget speaker models on the market, so they know the ones that stand out from those that don't quite hit the mark. Our testing criteria is also as thorough as it gets. To test each speaker, we set it up in a typical environment — on a desk in a home office — and play a variety of audio tracks while pushing a speaker system's sound capabilities to the limit. We consider everything from how practical the design is, to the audio fidelity. We also compare and contrast models to make recommendations based on our findings.
To get insight into our extensive testing process, you can read our article "How we test PC Speakers at PCWorld."
I applaud the consumer skepticism, but there actually can be differences. At PCWorld we have used a ton of USB-C cables and can say with certainty not all of them are made the same. In fact, there can be huge performance variances among cables when it comes to both charging and transferring data.
My hands-on evaluation of numerous cables — ranging from the biggest, most-recognizable brand-names to the cheapest of the cheap — has revealed some clear winners, which I highlight below.
Why you should trust me: PCWorld has been testing hardware since the 1980s and I've been poking and prodding PC components since I cracked open my Commodore VIC-20 in junior high school to see why it stopped working (who uses aluminum-coated cardboard that frays as an RF shield? Commodore, that's who). I've also been a professional journalist for more than three decades and started my stint at PCWorld as an intern in 1993.
For my USB-C cable reviews, I don't rely on consumer reviews like some "reviewers" — I purchase the cables retail and personally test each one of them, examining the resistance, how they are physically wired, and query the embedded eMarker (if it has one), and then performance test them where appropriate for charge rates, transfer rates, and display support. My picks are separated into two groups to avoid any confusion: USB-C cables that are best for charging, and those best for both charging and fast data transfer.
The results show that, yes, it's indeed possible to get decent results with just a mid-tier RTX 4070 GPU, which can hit an average 70FPS at 1080p. That drops to a still-respectable average 52FPS at 1440p, despite the game utilizing the Unreal Engine 5 build (with the tested configuration), which is one of the most resource-demanding to date.
And that's with DLSS 3.0 switched off. When it's on, the real magic happens… and gamers can expect double the performance, which was Nvidia's main point in the blog post in the first place.
Ironically, Nvidia's graphs for Stalker 2 hint at DLSS 3.0 being a fix for the game's possible CPU dependence. Not literally, of course — just in the way the results fall. Indeed, if that's actually the case, simply switching on DLSS 3.0 should elevate performance enough that any CPU dependence that could affect performance is simply a non-event.
Benchmarking setups
In its benchmarking, Nvidia compared DLSS 3.0 performance against non-DLSS 3.0 performance across a range of its RTX 40 Series desktop and laptop GPUs. Benchmarks were carried out on the upcoming game Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, which will support DLSS 3.0 with Frame Generation and Super Resolution from day one (November 20 release).
All of Nvidia's benchmarks for its GPU desktop lineup were run on PCs powered by Intel Core i9-14900K CPUs with 64GB of RAM and Windows 11. The laptop benchmarks were run on PCs con
But today you can get the best of both worlds for cheap. Dell is currently selling a fast 27-inch IPS gaming monitor for just $150. (That's half off its original MSRP of $300!)
We've featured the Dell G2724HD monitor before — in fact, it scored an Editors' Choice in our review. With a 27-inch 2560×1440 screen that refreshes at an impressive 165Hz, it's great for showing off extra detail in new 3D games without breaking the bank.
And as I said, the high-quality IPS panel means it's great for working with photos, video, or even just reading a lot of text. It's the whole package, and it was a good deal even at its $300 retail price.
With just one HDMI port and two DVI ports, it's a little light on extras. This monitor doesn't have any USB ports or even a headphone jack. And it's still a budget model, so no matter how good it looks, don't expect it to blow away any of the OLED alternatives.
But it does make for a solid thrifty companion to any gaming desktop. And with standard VESA mounting, you can add a monitor arm to make this thing an excellent second (or third?) display in a workstation setup.
Dell puts this display on sale on a pretty regular basis, but it rarely gets any cheaper than this. If you're ready for a fast gaming monitor that won't break the bank, get this Dell monitor while
According to a teardown of the Android APK file for the Gmail app, performed by Android Authority, a new "Shielded Email" tool might let you do the same thing right from within Gmail. Several new strings of code refer to the Shielded Email feature, along with text descriptions that describe an integrated "disposable" address that will temporarily forward messages to your real email inbox.
"Use an email address created for this app. This can protect you from online tracking and data breaches," says one text string. Shielded Email addresses can be discarded at any time and the forwarding will be disabled. Android Authority was even able to make the visual element show up for a screenshot, though it's not actually functional yet.
Adding this feature to Android or Chrome (or both, please!) would be a huge boon to anyone who prefers to keep their real email addresses private. There are an estimated 1.8 billion active users of Gmail, making it by far the most used email service on the planet. Giving all of us an easy way to send spammers packing would be great.
Assuming it makes it to us, of course. Google has a nasty habit of sitting on big feature improvements like this for months, only to let them die off without ever seeing the light of an end user's screen. I'm personally hoping this comes sooner rather than later.
In our review of the Book4 Edge, laptop expert Chris Hoffman gave it a 4-star rating, appreciating its long battery life, its gorgeous display, and its cutting-edge Snapdragon X Elite processor.
Admittedly, he was testing the 16-inch version with a 1TB SSD, while this one that's on sale is the 14-inch version sporting half the storage space. Even so, this is a powerful laptop that can tackle any task you throw at it with that high-end CPU and 16GB of RAM.
Furthermore, the 4K AMOLED display makes using this laptop a pleasure day in and day out, delivering vibrant colors and great contrast.
Laptops rarely go for $550 off, and that's doubly true for impressive laptops like this one. Don't miss out on the chance to get
But SilverStone is nostalgic for a time when computers were, well, ugly. If you are, too, you might consider buying its new retro case next year.
The SilverStone FLP01 was shown off at a live expo in Japan and thoroughly fondled by ASCII.jp (spotted by Tom's Hardware). Apparently it started as an April Fools' joke last year, but the response was so positive that it's become a real product.
Despite its looks and horizontal layout, the case is fully compliant with all the modern ATX standards, meaning you can throw in a regular motherboard and all the trimmings and expect it to work. The only thing that might be tricky is getting a big cooler to fit under the disc drive.
Yup, this thing has a disc drive, something that's become rare even in a roomy desktop chassis. In fact, it's hiding it behind an even more archaic feature: the two plastic dummy floppy drives on the front, with the top one flipping down to reveal a 5.25-inch standard media drive fit for a DVD burner and the bottom one hiding USB-C, double USB-A, and headphone port
These emails are demanding users to pay $2,000 worth of cryptocurrency to a specific address, under the threat of stealth nude webcam photos of them being leaked to family members, friends, and colleagues.
Normally, these kinds of emails are supposed to get caught by spam filters, but because they're being sent via an official Microsoft address, they've managed to get through the eye of the needle.
It's not entirely clear how these hackers managed to send the extortion emails as of this writing, but according to BleepingComputer, the incident is currently being investigated by Microsoft.
If you ever receive this kind of blackmail email, never pay out any money under any circumstance. If you do, there's a high risk that you'll be flagged as a susceptible victim and repeatedly blackmailed for more and more money, again and again, until you're broke.
But according to a credible retailer leak, Asus is prepping an absolute monster of one for an upcoming release. This new design packs double 14-inch OLED screens and an Intel processor so new that it doesn't officially exist yet… oh yes, and a huge price tag.
According to a store listing for United Arab Emirates-based Gear-up.me, which is still live at the time of this writing, the Asus UX8406CA looks like an updated version of the existing Zenbook Duo design. The configuration looks identical, too, possibly even using the same chassis, with 14-inch OLED touchscreens in the usual position and where the keyboard usually rests. You can position the laptop in a conventional mode with a touchscreen keyboard, or prop it up with the integrated kickstand so the screens stack vertically or horizontally. A wireless keyboard/trackpad and stylus are sold separately.
The more interesting reveal is that this updated model packs an Intel Core Ultra 9 U9-285H. That's an Ultra Series 2 Arrow Lake-H processor that hasn't been officially announced yet, though Intel has set a Q1 2025 date for its 200H family debut. VideoCardz.com thinks that the retailer might have copied the specs wrong and that the chip will actually be labeled a U-285HX. Th
Just a few days ago, Windows 11 Insiders got a new preview update that comes with some features and improvements, including some minor Snap Layouts changes. (If you're unaware, Snap Layouts is a feature that makes it easy to snap multiple windows in various configurations, and it only takes a keyboard shortcut to use.)
