Latest Articles
WireGuard is getting a native, high-performance port to the Windows kernel
If you run Windows, you'll be happy to hear that the next-gen VPN tunneling protocol, WireGuard, is getting a native Windows kernel port.
If you frequently use VPNs (virtual private networks), you'll be excited to hear about a new project called WireGuardNT. For those unfamiliar, WireGuard is a relatively new VPN tunneling protocol that employs modern cryptography standards, has a secure code base, and has great performance. It's integrated into the Linux kernel with version 5.6, but to date, there's only ever been a userspace implementation on Windows. That's where WireGuardNT comes in: It's a native port of WireGuard to the Windows kernel, and it promises to make things much faster.
Intel exec accidentally teases Thunderbolt 5 with 80Gbps speeds
Intel has accidentally posted a picture with some specs for its upcoming Thunderbolt 5, which will support 80Gbps data transfer speeds.
While Thunderbolt 4 launched last year with Intel's 11th-generation processors, it's no surprise that Thunderbolt 5 is being worked on. What's more surprising is that Intel Client Computing Group EVP and GM Gregory Bryant accidentally teased it on Twitter. On a trip to Intel's research and development labs in Israel, he posted a tweet with four pictures, one of which shares some details about Thunderbolt 5, as spotted by AnandTech.
Samsung Galaxy Book Go Review: Crazy value at a crazy price
Samsung's Galaxy Book Go uses Qualcomm's Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 processor, allong it to be thinner and lighter than other $349 laptops.
I can't tell you how excited I was to write this review. When Qualcomm announced its Snapdragon 7c chipset back in December 2019, it really piqued my interest. It promised the traditional value propositions like integrated cellular connectivity, thinner and fanless designs, and better battery life, but at a price point that most certainly wasn't traditional. The sub-$500 laptop market isn't a good one, and has few products I can recommend, but the Samsung Galaxy Book Go offers things that others don't.
Qualcomm has a new partner to build its chips: Intel [Update: Maybe not]
Intel laid out its roadmap through 2025 today, and it also announced an unlikely partner. It will be building chips for Qualcomm.
Next year, Qualcomm is set to introduce a new custom ARM architecture that's going to compete with Intel's processors. But a couple of years later than that, Intel might be building Qualcomm's chips. Today, Intel laid out its roadmap through 2025, renaming its process nodes and showing what each generation will look like. One of those, called Intel 20A, is something that Qualcomm is going to make use of.
With Windows 11 in the Beta channel, it's time to check your rings
After releasing Windows 11 to the Beta channel in the Insider Program, those that signed on for Windows 11 should check their rings.
Earlier today, Microsoft released Windows 11 to the Beta channel of the Windows Insider Program. It's the next step in the development of the new OS, something that the firm promised to deliver by the end of July, and it delivered. Those in the Dev channel have been testing out Windows 11 for over a month now.
Microsoft releases Windows 10 build 19043.1151 - here's what's new
Microsoft has released this month's optional update for newer versions of Windows 10, which is for versions 2004, 20H2, and 21H1.
Today, Microsoft is releasing its latest preview updates for supported versions of Windows 10. These updates are also known as 'C' and 'D' week updates, with the letter standing for the week of the month (Patch Tuesday, which is the second week of the month, is the 'B' week update). Being that all supported version of Windows 10 get the same bits, they're all getting the same update today.
The first Windows 11 preview is now available to Beta channel testers
After being in testing for nearly a month now, Windows Insiders in the Beta channel can finally test out Windows 11. Read on for more.
It's been just over a month since Microsoft announced Windows 11. While Windows Insiders on the Dev channel were able to start testing it the next week, those on the Beta channel were told that they'd get Windows 11 some time in July. Now, the first build is available. It's build 22000.100, the most recent build from the Dev channel.
Vivaldi's latest update includes Accordian Tabs and Command Chains
Vivaldi 4.1 is now available, and it contains several key new features, such as Accordian Tabs in Tab Stacks and Command Chains.
Today, Vivaldi is releasing version 4.1 of its browser. The two key new features are Accordian Tabs and Command Chains.
Microsoft is ditching its biannual Windows Server updates
Microsoft has outlined a new release timeline for Windows Server, and there's no longer going to be a Semi-Annual Channel for the OS.
Microsoft is abandoning its efforts to deliver feature updates to Windows Server twice a year. The practice began alongside Windows 10, so it should come as no surprise that alongside Windows 11, that practice is changing. After all, Windows 11 isn't getting biannual updates either. However, while Windows 11 is getting annual updates, Windows Server isn't even getting that.
Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 2 Review: The workhorse of the ThinkPad family
Lenovo's ThinkPad T14 Gen 2 is the workhorse of the lineup and the overall best-selling ThinkPad. We've got our hands on one to review.
Known as the workhorse of the lineup, Lenovo's ThinkPad T14 is the best-selling product in the ThinkPad range. It's meant to check the right boxes, and not let you down when you need it. It's dependable, it has MIL-STD-810G durability, and more. Indeed, the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 2 is the ultimate mainstream business laptop, and it's a fan-favorite. The main new feature this year is Intel's 11th-generation processors, so it's mostly a spec bump.
Windows 11 is reportedly already on about 1% of PCs
AdDuplex has released its Windows usage report, showing that Windows 11 is in testing on nearly 1% of all Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs.
AdDuplex has released its latest Windows usage report, which now includes Windows 11. The data is based on data collected from about 5,000 apps that use AdDuplex SDK version 2 or higher, and it was collected on July 26. The company noted that there were a total of about 60,000 PCs surveyed.
Some Microsoft Store apps on Windows 11 will be updated externally
According to Microsoft's documentation, some Win32 apps offered through the Windows 11 store will not be updated through the store.
Ever since we've become accustomed to using curated stores to get apps on our smartphones, the benefits have been obvious. The apps are more secure, since they've been vetted by the platform vendor. They're also seamlessly updated in the background, and usually easier to remove. With Windows 11, Microsoft is redesigning its app store and frankly, it's removing all of these benefits.
Intel lays out its roadmap through 2025, renames its process nodes
Intel announced that it's renaming its nodes today, but also, it laid out its roadmap for those nodes through the year 2025.
Intel is a company that's firing on all cylinders right now, as freshly minted CEO Pat Gelsinger aims to drive the company forward toward catching up in the (many) areas where it's lost ground to competitors. Today, the company laid its cards on the table, showing off its roadmap through 2025, but also emphasizing its commitment to a predictable schedule. Indeed, we can all remember how Intel's 10nm nodes were delayed for years, and now 7nm is delayed as well.
Microsoft might be putting a real camera on the Surface Duo 2
According to a new report, Microsoft is set to include a triple-lens camera with a camera bump on its upcoming Surface Duo 2.
When Microsoft's Surface Duo shipped last year, it represented Microsoft's return to the smartphone space, although it's an Android phone this time. Unfortunately, the device was problematic. It had year-old hardware and the camera simply couldn't live up to the $1,399 price tag. At the very least, it looks like the camera is going to be improved with the Surface Duo 2.
People are getting malware from fake Windows 11 installers
It didn't take long, but as it turns out, people getting Windows 11 by means of shady third-hand installers are getting malware with it.
It's wild to have to say this, but if you're planning to install Windows 11, you should get it from official sources. As it turns out, people who are using alternative methods to get Windows 11 are also getting some malware along with it, according to Kaspersky.
New Windows 11 preview build comes with more rounded corners and Focus Assist in the Notification Center
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview build 22000.100 to the Dev channel, adding more UX tweaks to the operating system.
Microsoft released this week's Windows 11 Insider Preview today, bringing the build number to 22000.100. There's not a whole lot that's new. Indeed, one of the key features that was missing - Teams integration - arrived for Insiders earlier this week. That didn't even require an update to get it. Note that Microsoft is doing its usual A/B testing, so even though you opted for the Dev channel, you might not see it.
Microsoft Edge 92 is out with a Password Health Manager and more
Microsoft has released Edge 92 today. It contains features to make your passwords more secure, shopping features, and more.
Microsoft is releasing version 92 of its Edge browser today. As usual, it comes with a bunch of new features, such as a Password Health Manager. The Password Health Manager does exactly what it sounds like. It's going to tell you if the password that you're saving isn't very secure, or if you've used that password across different existing accounts. All of this is in Password Monitor.
Windows 11 is getting an LTSC version, but not yet
Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 11 is going to get a Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) release, but it won't happen right away.
When Windows 11 arrives this holiday season, there is going to be a ton of changes. It looks totally different, supports Android apps, and more. There are also changes coming to how Windows 11 is updated and how it's supported, so just in case you were worried about it, you'll be pleased to know that there will be a Windows 11 Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) version.
HP ZBook Firefly 14 G8 Review: For those that need a bit more
HP's ZBook FireFly G8 has a DreamColor display, promising both a wide color gamut, and accurate colors. It also has dedicated graphics.
Panasonic has a new fully rugged, modular Windows tablet
Panasonic has announced the TOUGHBOOK G2, its latest Windows 10 tablet. It's fully rugged, but it's also modular with add-on parts.
Today, Panasonic announced the TOUGHBOOK G2, its latest Windows 10 convertible. Made for the most extreme conditions, the Panasonic TOUGHBOOK G2 is fully rugged, but it's also modular. You can think of it like a Surface Book with its detachable form factor, but it does a whole lot more. Indeed, with TOUGHBOOKs, they just seem to do everything.