This Lenovo computer is equipped with an Intel Core i5-6400T, 2.2GHz processor and 16GB of RAM, making it more powerful than your average laptop. It runs on Windows 10 Pro to support all of your multitasking needs and features 256GB of SSD for smooth performance and storage for your files.
This 2015 model has a Grade A refurbished rating, which means it arrives in near-mint condition and will work just like new.
Save some money while doing your part for the planet. Now through 11:59 pm PT on 4/30, you can get a refurbished
While paid password managers offer nice extras, a free password manager still protects you from the risks of using weak passwords (or worse, using the same one everywhere). Instead of remembering all of your passwords, you just have to remember one password to access a single, secure place where all of the rest are stored.
And because free password managers come in different flavors and styles, you should be able to find one that fits your needs. Even Google's password manager, built into Chrome and Android, can work as a no-cost option with a nifty Windows tie-in. Plus, if you find that the free versions aren't enough, down the road you can always upgrade to a paid service as your needs grow.
The PG42UQ's 41.5-inch panel has a 3840×2160 resolution, so you'll need a pretty beefy gaming PC to take full advantage of it, especially at its maximum 138Hz refresh rate (with G-Sync on top). But if your system is up to the challenge, you can see some jaw-dropping colors and perfect black levels thanks to the OLED panel, which is still hard to find at any kind of discount.
The monitor makes a pretty good addition to a combined PC-and-console space, too, thanks to no less than four HDMI ports (two 2.1, two 2.0) on top of a DisplayPort. It also acts as a basic USB hub with four extra 3.2 Gen 1 ports, one of which is on top of the case for easily plugging in a webcam. While the screen can be VESA mounted, it needs a larger TV-standard mount, so it probably won't work with most monitor arms.
This is the lowest price we've seen for a new, non-refurbished version of the ROG Swift PG42UQ, and there's no telling how long it'll stay there. It looks like you can also score a free PC code for Ghostrunner 2 to christen your new TV, or monitor, or whatever you want to call it.
Below you'll find my picks for the best home office monitors, and below that you can learn more about what specs and features matter when shopping for a home office monitor.
For even more monitor recommendations, check out our roundups of the best monitors and the best portable monitors. The latter can be especially useful if you like to be able to work from locations in and out of the home.
Updated April 25, 2024: We recently reviewed a couple monitors that each have something to offer home-office dwellers. The Viewsonic VX1655-4K-OLED, for its part, is a portable 4K monitor that offers excellent color performance and an array of customization options — perfect for creative professionals who demand portability or space saving, or both. The
Crack this nutshell open and you'll find the aforementioned Intel Core i7-1360P, Intel Iris Xe graphics, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of SSD storage. Given the hardware, this laptop should have no problem handling spreadsheet work, Twitch streams, and so on. For ports, you're getting one HDMI 1.4, one Thunderbolt 4.0, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, one power jack, and on universal audio jack. Other cool features include a 1080p webcam, a backlit keyboard, a precision touchpad, a fingerprint reader, and an aluminum chassis.
This is an excellent deal for a laptop with a large, high resolution display and a powerful processor. Don't miss out.
According to a forum post from last week, Claw owners should install both the latest BIOS for the custom-built mobile system (based on a Core Ultra 5-135H) and the latest driver for the Intel Arc graphics. Doing so can boost performance in games from 10.3 percent (Helldivers 2) to a whopping 43.5 percent (F1 '23.).
I interviewed Kedar Kondap, the senior vice president and general manager of Compute and Gaming for Qualcomm, a few weeks ago. At the time, Qualcomm was showing off how the Snapdragon X Elite compared to Intel's latest Core Ultra chips. Kondap also gave us a sneak peek of the Snapdragon X Plus, the X Elite's younger cousin. What we didn't have then was the awkward model numbers Qualcomm is using to describe the speeds and feeds of the new chips.
Kondap also addressed the compatibility topic, after I noted that many people just want Snapdragon PCs to, well, just work. Kondap stopped short of an absolute commitment, but the future seems brighter than before. (Of course, some of the weight has to be borne by Microsoft, which architects the Windows on Arm operating system.)
"I'll tell you, Mark, I am using a Snapdragon PC right now and I am not running into any of those issues," Kondap told me. "We've definitely put in a lot of focus for th
Display server: Xorg or Wayland
Among Linux desktops, the X server Xorg still generally works as a display server. The X server is the hardware-related basis of the graphical user interface.
All the components mentioned below are clients that depend on the X server. Xorg is pre-installed on every Linux desktop and runs as standard. Only on pure server systems without an interface (e.g. the Ubuntu server) is Xorg consistently missing, as are all downstream desktop components.
Wayland is still an experimental replacement for the old Xorg in some desktop distributions, optionally in Ubuntu Gnome and already as standard in Fedora. Wayland has a significant, simplifying advantage over the old X server. It combines the functions of the display server (point 1) and the window manager (point 3), including the compositor.
AdGuard is a top-rated ad blocker that has earned 4.6/5 stars on G2 and 4.7/5 stars on Trustpilot. It can block pop-ups, video ads, and more with an advanced ad-blocking module across all of your family's devices. Not only that, but it also provides leading malware protection and data privacy protection. There are even parental controls included to ensure your kids are only accessing appropriate content.
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This device is compatible with all wireless charging-capable phones and earbuds, from iPhone to Android. All you have to do is place your phone on top and it will dispense 15W of charging power, giving your phone a fast charge while protecting it from overcharging. It's a tiny pad that fits nicely on your nightstand or desk and offers three brightness levels on the built-in night light to support you whether you want to drift off to sleep or pull an all-nighter.
Add a practical touch to your nightstand. Right now, you can get this 15W Nightlight Wireless Charging Pad for 60% off $99 at just $39.99.
The problem when looking for a good free VPN, though, is that there are a large number of them available on the Google Play Store. So how do you determine which ones are worth your time? Our experts here at PCWorld have tested a slew of VPNs, both for PCs and Android devices, and have curated a list of the best free options you can feel confident in using. Check out our top picks below.
Why you should trust us: Here at PCWorld we've been testing computer hardware, software, and services since the 1980s. We're continually testing all of the major VPNs on the market and many lesser-known services in order to curate a list of the very best VPNs across a variety of categories. For a more in-depth guide, you can check out our article on how we test VPN services at PCWorld. Below you'll find our favorite free VPNs, and below that, helpful advice about what to look for when choosing a VPN for your Android device on your own.
And if you're looking to further upgrade your Android phone's security, which we highly recommend, be sure to look at our recommendations for the best free
From today until April 28, using coupon code MGTDR23298 at checkout saves you $27 off the 10-device plan, slicing a whopping 60 percent off the normal price of $45. You don't even need to enter the code at checkout; Newegg now appears to apply coupons automatically.
AVG Ultimate bundles together three of AVG's products: AVG Internet Security, which shields your devices from malware, network intrusions, and other threats; AVG Secure VPN, which keeps your internet activity private (and thus safe from prying and possibly shifty eyes); and AVG TuneUp, a collection of PC utilities meant to keep your PC up to date and running optimally.
When we last reviewed Internet Security, we gave it 4 out of 5 stars for its straightforward interface, top-rated antivirus protection, and affordable pricing. The latest test results from AV-Test and AV-Comparatives rank AVG among the highest performing antivirus engines, with a 100 percent block rate for AV-Test's zero-day and widespread malware benchmark. Similarly, we liked AVG Secure VPN for its ease of use, speeds, and ability to
For the record, the vast majority of PCWorld's cable tests are performed on cables I purchased retail, but occasionally, I will accept cables directly from manufacturers to expedite the review process. Our cable reviews are actually physically performed on the cables and are not regurgitated from reading other reviews or reading user-generated reviews from consumers.
Examine the marketing claims
Cables are commodities no different than salt, rice, or meat, but as we know that doesn't mean they're all the same. Unlike hardware, it's easy for a company to fluff up a product in its advertising or marketing, so we carefully examine the performance and feature claims of each cable to see if it matches reality. Respected brands tend to play it safe (but even they can stretch the truth a bit), while smaller brands often make claims that are flat out wrong. Whether that's due to a translation issue, confusion with a complicated subject, or flat-out misrepresentation isn't judged — but I call it out when I see it.
If you're tired of the harassment, or just want to get back to Windows' more streamlined built-in protections, here's how to uninstall McAfee antivirus.
Step 1: Open the Settings app
To uninstall programs, first you must head to the Apps section within the Settings app.
In Windows 10, hit the Start key on your keyboard, and then type apps. Select Apps & features.
In Windows 11, hit the Start key on your keyboard,, then type installed apps. Choose Installed Apps.
The best password managers relieve you of the burden of two of these problems—having to create and then memorize unique, complex logins on your own. Sharing your passwords is on you. Plus, these applications protect your passwords by encrypting your login info in a virtual vault—either locally or in the cloud—only allowing access with a single master password. So, if you're looking to step up your security game, a password manager is one of the best ways to do it. And sure, web browsers are starting to offer password management features, but they're not yet good enough.
All of our top picks for password mangers support a variety of operating systems such as Windows, Mac OS, Android, and iOS, as well as the major browsers. And all will let you sync your data across multiple devices, though you may have to pay extra for that privilege. Once you've found the right password manager for your needs, head over to our guide on mastering your password manager to make sure you're getting the most from your software.
This monitor uses the near-standard 34-inch, 3440×1440 resolution, and 21:9 aspect ratio, a great choice for gamers who want more screen real estate without stepping up to a GPU-punishing 4K resolution. The OLED panel with its vibrant colors and perfect blacks is the big draw, of course, but at 165Hz with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, the AW3423DWF can also handle fast-paced competitive games with aplomb.
Connections include double DisplayPort plus HDMI, so this makes a great pick if you're building a battlestation with multiple PCs or a console on the side. Though the monitor doesn't do USB-C video or rapid laptop charging it does have four USB-C ports for accessories and a pass-through headphone jack, plus a little bit of RGB bling on the rear logos. It's compatible with VESA mounts if you're looking for a clean setup. You can
That's according to motherboard manufacturers, including Asus, MSI, and now Gigabyte, quoting a report from VideoCardz.com. Asus and MSI simply said their boards will support "AMD's next-gen CPUs, but Gigabyte specifically stated "Ryzen 9000." Though the upcoming AMD "Granite Ridge" processors will be based on a new Zen5 architecture, they'll still be using the popular AM5 socket, and should therefore work with existing AM5-based motherboards as long as you make sure and update the BIOS.
If you're scratching your head about why Ryzen 9000 is following Ryzen 7000, you're not alone. There are Ryzen 8000-series desktop chips based on the Zen4 architecture, but they're primarily G-series APU designs meant to efficiently combine CPUs and GPUs with powerful integrated graphics. They aren't the chips you pick for a gaming PC or high-power media machine. Instead, Ryzen 8000 was largely a laptop series, similar to Ryzen 4000 a few generations ago.
Ryzen 9000 will be the new series you're looking for
In terms of dollars to pixels, it's probably the best deal on any OLED gaming monitor at the moment. The Odyssey OLED G9 G95SC offers a resolution of 5120×1440 (basically two 27-inch gaming monitors squished together in one panel) with a blisteringly fast refresh rate of 240Hz. Load up any recent 3D game at that resolution and you're likely to make your PC beg for mercy.
So it's a good thing the screen is compatible with both G-Sync and FreeSync, and includes HDR10 color capabilities on top of HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4. Gaming laptops aren't left out, like some other OLED monitors: it has a built-in USB-C hub with 65 watts of power delivery.
It has tons of software tricks, too, including smart TV-style app support (with game streaming services like GeForce Now), splitscreen for multiple inputs, and support for Samsung's wireless DeX from mobile devices. For a full rundown on this monstrously massive monitor, check out PCWorld's review.
There's no indication of how long this discount will last, so if you're interested, don't miss out on this screaming-hot deal.
The Corsair K70 Pro Mini Wireless RGB (hoochimama what a mouthful) packs most of the features you'd expect from a high-end board, including high-quality PBT doubleshot keycaps and dual-mode wireless with 2.4GHz dongle for gaming and Bluetooth for mobile devices. It also has a really satisfying aluminum case, and comes with speedy Cherry MX switches from the famous German switch maker.
RGB and sub-1ms wireless speed are a given for Corsair keyboards at this point. But for my money, the best feature is the hot-swap sockets, which allow you to pop in any MX-compatible switches that you like. That makes the K70 a great platform for customization, both for keycaps with its standard layout and for typing or gaming feel. The only real downer is that Corsair's programming software won't let you move the Fn key, which makes it tricky to get arrow keys in the top layer. You can read my full review of the keyboard here.
At the moment Amazon's deep discount is only available for the white version of the keyboard, and then only with the linear Red switches. But it's still a savings of about a hundred bucks on a design that was prohibitively expensive at launch. If you want a gaming keyboard that can customize
When we reviewed the newer, more expensive R2 configuration back in October, we awarded it 4 out of 5 stars plus an Editor's Choice Badge; it's currently the top option in our roundup of the best gaming laptops. Inside the model on sale today, you'll find an AMD Ryzen 7 7745HX CPU, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of SSD storage. That means it's capable of blitzing through most modern games on higher graphics settings.
The spacious 16-inch 2540x1600p display should also produce buttery smooth visuals thanks to the screaming 240Hz refresh rate and 3ms response time, though you may need to drop the in-game resolution closer to 1080p for the fastest frames rates with the RTX 4060 . If you're willing to spend an extra $50, you can upgrade to a 480Hz (!!!) 1920x1200p display. That's an absurdly fast refresh rate-perfect for more competitive games in which every second matters. Additional goodies include an RGB backlit keyboard, a giant 86 watt-hour battery, and an attractive
Think of the Snapdragon X Plus as Qualcomm's version of the Intel Core i5: It's based on the same design as the Snapdragon X Elite, the Arm PC processor that Qualcomm has been talking about since last fall. But it's stripped down, with fewer cores, and without the "turbo" characteristics of its more powerful sibling. On the other hand, Qualcomm still believes that it will compete with and surpass Intel's latest processors.
Qualcomm began talking about the Snapdragon X Elite last fall, and has since made waves with a pretty open quasi-testing process where journalists have been able to monitor benchmarks Qualcomm employees have run, along with hands-on gaming opportunities. At the beginning of the month, Qualcomm began comparing the Snapdragon X Elite to the latest Core Ultra processors, and let me have a turn playing the PC games Control and Redout 2. Both games ran above 30fps at 1900×1200 resolution and Low settings.
Now the company is taking Snapdragon performance down a notch… or is it? Qualcomm is claiming that the Snapdragon X Plus will still outperform the Core Ultra 7 155H at the same power levels by a whopping 28 percent in the latest multithreaded Cinebench benchmark, Cinebench 2024. And it's 10 percent faster than the Apple M3, too.
Think of the Snapdragon X Plus as Qualcomm's version of the Intel Core i5: It's based on the same design as the Snapdragon X Elite, the Arm PC processor that Qualcomm has been talking about since last fall. But it's stripped down, with fewer cores, and without the "turbo" characteristics of its more powerful sibling. On the other hand, Qualcomm still believes that it will compete with and surpass Intel's latest processors.
Qualcomm began talking about the Snapdragon X Elite last fall, and has since made waves with a pretty open quasi-testing process where journalists have been able to monitor benchmarks Qualcomm employees have run, along with hands-on gaming opportunities. At the beginning of the month, Qualcomm began comparing the Snapdragon X Elite to the latest Core Ultra processors, and let me have a turn playing the PC games Control and Redout 2. Both games ran above 30fps at 1900×1200 resolution and Low settings.
Now the company is taking Snapdragon performance down a notch… or is it? Qualcomm is claiming that the Snapdragon X Plus will still outperform the Core Ultra 7 155H at the same power levels by a whopping 28 percent in the latest multithreaded Cinebench benchmark, Cinebench 2024. And it's 10 percent faster than the Apple M3, too.
Let's face it: Processor naming schemes have become ridiculously complex. AMD launched its with an actual decoder ring, and the names still don't make sense. But Intel began this nonsense more than five years ago, when trying to figure out what the 10th-gen Core chip names meant necessitated its own story.
Now it's Qualcomm's turn. And boy, is it a doozy. (Qualcomm also released a list of the four Snapdragon X Elite and Plus processors, complete with names and clock speeds — which it hasn't done before. Unfortunately, before we list those, we have to explain what the names and numbers mean. We apologize in advance. Take note of the similarity to the name of Elon Musk and singer Grimes' child: X Æ A-12.)
How to talk about the Snapdragon X Series to your teens
Let's face it: The Snapdragon X1E-78-100 will never be mentioned in polite society. It will not appear in a sonnet, or in a card you send to your spouse for your anniversary. If it is ever mentioned that evening, it will be in
The short answer: Microsoft appears to have a definition of an "AI PC" that it's working to define behind the scenes. But it's very possible that you own an "AI-capable PC" right now. The difference between the two may be a list of specifications and maybe even a dedicated sticker to grace your laptop.
When the industry talks about an "AI PC," it refers to a PC that can process AI tasks faster. But vendors understand that in different ways. Some, like Microsoft, appear to define it as a PC that can access "AI" like Windows Copilot, which currently lives natively in the cloud. Chip vendors like AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm feel strongly that AI should be processed locally, via its microprocessors, on your PC. And PC vendors? We'd like to think that they'll choose any approach that nets them more sales.
So which is it? All three perspectives, actually. "AI PCs" have evolved from a nebulous concept, but Microsoft has a specific definition in mind that's reminiscent of the Windows 11 hardware requirements. Let's walk through where AI PCs came from, and where they're going.
What AI is, and what it does
The simplest way to run AI is in the cloud: LLMs (AI chatbots) like Microsoft Copilot, AI art like the
Rated 4.8/5 stars by purchasers, both of these versions of Microsoft Office come with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Teams. That's everything you need to unleash your productivity and even run your own business. With the Windows edition, you'll also get Publisher and Access, giving you greater creative and database capabilities. Regardless of your preferred system, you're getting a great deal.
Take advantage of this deal while it's available through 11:59 pm PT on 4/30.
Adobe added what it calls the "Firefly Image 3 Model" to its Firefly image-generation service as well as to Photoshop — at least the beta. Firefly is a text-to-image generator, trained on Adobe stock imagery to avoid complaints that it's been trained on artists' work without permission.
It's difficult to show exactly how Firefly Image 3 differs from earlier models, but this is what Adobe has to say: "This combination delivers considerably better photographic image quality, precise controls to inform your outputs, prompt comprehension to understand complex descriptions, and generation variety to explore different results."
How I use Generative Fill
You might wonder why a journalist would use AI to alter images. It's true that I use it sparingly; one of my favorite features within the Windows' Photos app has been Spot Fill, which uses AI to get rid of any spare specks of dust that might coat a laptop or USB-C hub. That's now been replaced by Generative Erase.
On Monday, Microsoft introduced "Phi-3-mini," a 3.8-billion parameter language model that the company claims rivals the performance of the slightly older ChatGPT 3.5 and Mixtral 8x7B. The paper is titled "Phi-3 Technical Report: A Highly Capable Language Model Locally on Your Phone," which is clear evidence that Microsoft now has an LLM that can run directly on your PC.
Microsoft hasn't said that Phi-3-mini will be the next Copilot, running locally on your PC. But there's a case to be made that it is, and that we have an idea of how well it will work.
1.) Local AI matters
It's a familiar argument: if you issue a search request to Bing, Google Gemini, Claude, or Copilot, it lives in the cloud. This could be embarrassing ("is this wart bad"?) or sensitive ("can I get in trouble for stealing mail?") or something that you don't want to leak at all like a list of bank statements.
Corporations would like to ask questions of their data via AIs like Copilot, but there are no "on premises" versions of Copilot to date. A local version of Copilot is almost a necessary option at this point.
On Monday, Microsoft introduced "Phi-3-mini," a 3.8-billion parameter language model that the company claims rivals the performance of the slightly older ChatGPT 3.5 and Mixtral 8x7B. The paper is titled "Phi-3 Technical Report: A Highly Capable Language Model Locally on Your Phone," which is clear evidence that Microsoft now has an LLM that can run directly on your PC.
Microsoft hasn't said that Phi-3-mini will be the next Copilot, running locally on your PC. But there's a case to be made that it is, and that we have an idea of how well it will work.
1.) Local AI matters
It's a familiar argument: if you issue a search request to Bing, Google Gemini, Claude, or Copilot, it lives in the cloud. This could be embarrassing ("is this wart bad"?) or sensitive ("can I get in trouble for stealing mail?") or something that you don't want to leak at all like a list of bank statements.
Corporations would like to ask questions of their data via AIs like Copilot, but there are no "on premises" versions of Copilot to date. A local version of Copilot is almost a necessary option at this point.
While we feel that our favorite monitor overall is an awesome choice for most people, we also have alternative options for budget shoppers, gamers, and those seeking the best HDR performance. After all, not everyone needs the same features from a monitor. (If you're looking specifically for a 4K monitor or gaming monitor, go check out our separate roundups highlighting your best options for those particular needs, as well.) You can find out more about how we evaluate monitors and what specs matter most below our list of recommendations.
Scroll below our recommendations to learn more about our monitor review process, or see our article on how we test monitors at PCWorld for even more details.
Updated April 23, 2024: See our recent review of the Viewsonic VX1655-4K-OLED. This portable monitor with a useful kickstand design offers image quality and customizations that are worthy of creative professionals, making it a useful display for work on-the-go. See also our review of the
Put another way, that means that PC memory speeds will increase from DDR5-6800 to DDR5-8800, eventually. Memory makers as well as PC processor vendors will have to support the new standard, and modules will have to be manufactured and tested. But the official announcement means that the clock has started.
The new specification is officially known as JESD79-5C.
There's another wrinkle: the inclusion of Per-Row Activation Counting (PRAC), a feature of the new specification. "PRAC precisely counts DRAM activations on a wordline granularity," the release says. "When PRAC-enabled DRAM detects an excessive number of activations, it alerts the system to pause traffic and to designate time for mitigative measures."
This appears to be a security measure, designed to counteract a type of memory hack known as "Rowhammer." As the name suggests, Rowhammer attacks repeatedly access, or "hammer," a row of transistors on a memory chip. Over time, the persistent attacks could cause a transistor on a nearby row to flip. Theoretically, at least, that could lead to the otherwise protected memory leaking data. Anandtech
With its side-by-side directories, the program not only looks like the original, it can also be controlled in the same way thanks to the same key assignments and commands. Some new functions are also available in the modern version.
We're not suggesting that PC security software is fool-proof, but it does a great job of protecting your computer against harmful malware and ransomware. Most systems come with security software baked into the OS, but this is often the bare minimum you need. Choosing to purchase more robust antivirus software will provide you with features such as an advanced firewall, sandbox environments for suspicious programs, and multi-device protection, among other things.
How do you choose a good antivirus? We've tested a multitude of offerings, including all the big names, so you don't have to! When testing antivirus software, we look for products that strike a balance between excellent protection, a worthwhile selection of features, and minimal performance impact on your PC. For more information, you can read about how we test antivirus software below our picks.
Update April 23, 2024: Our latest look at McAfee Total Protection reveals strong antivirus protection, but one prominent feature weakens its appeal. You can read the full rundown in our review.
Inside you'll find an Intel Core i5-1235U CPU, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of SSD storage. Given the hardware, that's enough power for day-to-day tasks like binge watching your favorite show on Hulu, rocking out to your carefully curated Spotify playlist, Office work, and so on. A Core i5 chip paired with an SSD provides more than enough power for standard computing chores.
The spacious, small-bezel multi-touch display measures 15.6-inches, but hides the one drawback of this laptop: A middling 1366×768 resolution. That can certainly get the job done if your budget is tight, but we'd recommend spending another $50 to upgrade to a full 1080p screen if you're able to. You have the option to customize the laptop before you buy.
Regardless of which display resolution you opt for, getting a 2-in-1 laptop with a powerful Core i5 processor inside for $500 is a solid deal. Don't miss out!
PCWorld reviewer Jon Jacobi loved the Samsung T7 Shield for its rugged, impact-absorbing body that's also rated for IP65 resistance to water and dust, to say nothing of its 10 gigabit per second speed (when you plug it into a compatible USB 3.0 or newer port). The 1TB version is normally $169.99, but today Amazon is selling it for $109.99.
You can choose between blue, black, or beige colors at that price. Need even more storage? The 2TB drive — which should be as much or more storage as most new laptops sold today — is $179.99, an even deeper discount from the $284.99 retail price. You can
Micro-ATX motherboards, on the other hand, are often cheaper and offer better compatibility with other PC components. This makes them a suitable choice for budget configurations. They are a scaled-down version of ATX motherboards that retain key features. Very reduced versions have only two RAM slots.
This essential breed ID test provides a complete breed breakdown of your dog's DNA mix and heritage. You'll also get valuable information like unique personality traits to those breeds, genetic health concerns you need to be aware of, and tips to help you bond to your specific dog. There are more than 350 breeds in the genetic DNA database so you can get truly detailed information.
All you need to do is order your test kit and register online, do a painless swab of your dog's mouth, and send it back to wait for the results. Most results arrive in about two weeks.
Find out more valuable information about your dog. Right now, you can get the DNA My Dog Essential Breed ID Test for 15% off $79 at just $67.99.
Citing increased competition and rising costs as the main reason behind the shutdown, Atlas VPN stated that the "insurmountable challenges" had become too much and it could no longer keep up in a highly competitive market.
The popular freemium VPN service was acquired by Nord Security in 2021 with promises that Atlas VPN would continue to operate independently as a business. That's all changed now though, and the entire user base of around 6 million members will migrate over to the much larger NordVPN after shutdown, continuing an unsettling trend of consolidations in the VPN market as a whole.
The VPN consolidation trend
The global VPN market is valued somewhere in the neighborhood of around $40 billion, so it's no wonder that tech companies are chomping at the bit to control as much of that fortune as they can. What used to be a diverse market made up of small, independent VPN companies has now become a homogenous security consortium.
Security conglomerates with strong financial backing have systematically bought up and folded these smaller VPNs into their own businesses. Atlas VPN is just the latest example.
Market consolidation is not inherently a bad thing, and mergers are common in the fast-moving world of tech. But these umbrella companies often intentionally obscure their own owner
Citing increased competition and rising costs as the main reason behind the shutdown, Atlas VPN stated that the "insurmountable challenges" had become too much and it could no longer keep up in a highly competitive market.
The popular freemium VPN service was acquired by Nord Security in 2021 with promises that Atlas VPN would continue to operate independently as a business. That's all changed now though, and the entire user base of around 6 million members will migrate over to the much larger NordVPN after shutdown, continuing an unsettling trend of consolidations in the VPN market as a whole.
The VPN consolidation trend
The global VPN market is valued somewhere in the neighborhood of around $40 billion, so it's no wonder that tech companies are chomping at the bit to control as much of that fortune as they can. What used to be a diverse market made up of small, independent VPN companies has now become a homogenous security consortium.
Security conglomerates with strong financial backing have systematically bought up and folded these smaller VPNs into their own businesses. Atlas VPN is just the latest example.
Market consolidation is not inherently a bad thing, and mergers are common in the fast-moving world of tech. But these umbrella companies often intentionally obscure their own owner
Thankfully, the new ONLYOFFICE DocSpace for Zoom fixes this, turning video meetings into fully interactive workspaces where the whole team can pitch in to get things done. Best of all, it's free and you don't have to leave your Zoom call to use the features.
Collaborate on MS Office docs and PDFs during Zoom calls
ONLYOFFICE DocSpace for Zoom opens up new ways for teams, friends and even families to be productive and collaborate on Zoom calls. Once the free app is downloaded from the Zoom App marketplace and installed, you're able to create, upload and edit documents for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as annotating PDFs. All of this takes place in the main call area with no need for additional screens or windows to be open.
Babbel is the world's top-grossing language software with more than ten million users worldwide. Fast Company has called it "the most innovative company in education."
Our expert reviewers have put these mice through their paces, testing them across a range of scenarios, and over extended periods of time — you can find out all about our extensive testing process in the article "How we test gaming mice at PCWorld."
Below are the results of that effort. While these are the current best wireless gaming mice available, for a no holds barred list, including both wired and wireless models, be sure to check out PCWorld's all-inclusive selection of the best gaming mice.
Why you should trust us: We aren't just tech enthusiasts we're also keen gamers and we're always on the lookout for better gaming gear to get an edge in our favorite games. We know that we're adding our expertise to a large body of PCWorld product news and reviews that goes back 40 years - that's credibility we've built up over four decades. Consequently, we want to tell you exactly what we find in a product - the good, the bad and the in-between.
Given the restrictions that services such as Netflix put in place against VPNs, you need to choose a service that has active compatibility with that streaming site. It's also a good idea to choose a VPN with generous overall server spread so that if one server is down in the country you are trying to access, there are other options available. The PCWorld staff have thoroughly tested the top VPNs on the market to see how they fare at unblocking the top streaming sites and we've curated our favorites in the list below.
Why you should trust us: Here at PCWorld we've been testing computer hardware, software, and services since the 1980s. We're continually testing all of the major VPNs on the market and many lesser-known services in order to curate a list of the very best VPNs across a variety of categories. For a more in-depth guide, you can check out our article on how we test VPN services at PCWorld. Below you'll find our favorite VPNs, and below those, helpful advice about what to look for when choosing a VPN on your own.
We highly recommend that you use a VPN not only to access location-restricted content, but also to provide one of the best possible upgrades to your online security. So, if you're looking to use your VPN for more than streaming, be sure to check out our comprehensive roundup of the
According to Taiwan analyst company TrendForce, storage makers Western Digital and now Seagate have sent letters to customers warning them that the companies will be raising prices on hard drives. WD's letter said that it would be raising prices on SSDs, too.
"[D]emand recovery continues across several segments of our business and our reduced manufacturing capacity is limiting our ability to meet all of our customers' demand and is resulting in longer lead times," the letter says, signed by BS Teh, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Seagate. "As a result, we will be implementing price increases effective immediately on new orders and for demand that is over and above previously committed volumes."
WD sent a similar letter earlier this month. In it, WD warned that is seeing "higher than expected demand across its entire flash and hard drive portfolio resulting in supply constraints.
After extensive testing, I've determined that these are the best 4K monitors available today, covering a variety of budgets and use cases. If you're looking for additional options, see our roundups of the best monitors overall, the best gaming monitors, and the best monitor deals.
Also, make sure you optimize the ergonomics and comfort while viewing that new 4K monitor with a proper monitor arm for your desktop setup. Check out our roundup of best monitor arms to see our top picks.
Updated April 18, 2024 to include the Viewsonic VX1655-4K-OLED as our favorite portable 4K monitor. Read our summary below to see why this a good buy for creative professionals who need a monitor that travel.
VideoCardz.com reports that the latest BIOS update for Asus Z790 motherboards supporting 13th- and 14th-gen Core processors includes an "Intel Baseline Profile option," which resets all custom settings to Intel's factory default. By my reading, this includes not just the usual overclocking that gamers and performance junkies do on their own, but the subtle factory tweaks that Asus does to give its motherboards a little extra edge.
It's similar to what Falcon Northwest did last week, offering up fresh Asus BIOS tweaks to hopefully address the crashes, which often manifest as out of memory errors when running games and other demanding applications. These problems have been happening for a small but considerable number of users
That makes the AOC Agon AG246FK at once one of the fastest monitors on the face of the earth — Nvidia was calling 500Hz the "world's fastest" just a year ago — it also means that it might just be affordable for gamers who don't have a trust fund. According to KitGuru, this thing is going on sale in July for €699 in Europe, which is a tad under $750 USD. Expensive, but not impossible, especially since American prices tend to go a bit lower thanks to lighter taxes.
Beyond the headline noise-cancellation feature (with adjustable levels of control), the Skullcandy Rail ANC wireless earbuds features 12mm drivers, 27 hours of battery life, and multipoint pairing. The 12mm driver, according to Skullcandy, produces deep bass and a sizeable dynamic range, so the sound should be crystal clear. The multipoint pairing feature makes it easy to pair your earbuds to two devices at once and the Skull-iQ companion app allows you to customize noise levels as well as track battery life.
You don't see many noise-canceling earbuds at this steep of a discount, especially with a recognizable brand name behind it. Don't miss out!
Get the Skullcandy Rail ANC wireless earbuds for $49.88 at Amazon
The Acer Nitro XV272U V3 offers pretty much everything you could want in a new budget monitor. On top of the 27-inch 2560×1440 resolution, it boasts 180 hertz of refresh and just one millisecond of response time, meaning it's fast enough to make the latest AAA games shine. And it's not some cheap VA panel, either: the in-plane switching (IPS) LCD has enhanced color accuracy, so you can also depend on this screen for photo editing or media production.
The monitor is otherwise pretty basic, with just one DisplayPort 1.2 and one HDMI 2.0 port, plus two standard USB-A ports on the side for easy access to some extra gadgets. But it is packing a standard VESA mount, making this a great choice for a multi-monitor setup.
And though it's marked as refurbished, it's shipping direct from the manufacturer Acer, with a two-year Allstate warranty included in the price. Fear not. This is a killer gaming monitor deal, and it's backed up with fine protection.
The Keychron Q6 is a full-sized wired design, featuring a standard ISO layout and number pad. It's essentially the same design I reviewed in the Keychron Q5, just super-sized. And the thing has an absolute laundry list of high-end mechanical keyboard features, including but not limited to:
A super-tough all-aluminum case
High-profile, high-quality PBT keycaps
Gasket mounting for a "bouncy" typing feeling
RGB lighting
Braided USB-C cable
multiple layers of internal foam for sound-dampening
QMK and VIA programming for easy layout customization
But the best feature has to be the fact that the switch sockets are hot-swappable. You can choose from Gateron Red (smooth) or Brown (tactile bump) from Woot, but you can also pull those switches right out and replace them with whate
But you've found a cheap solution: An $11 magnetic-tip adapter that attaches to any USB-C cable! Problem solved.
Unfortunately, while it seems like a no-name adapter off Amazon is a great idea, there's actually plenty of evidence to suggest you're putting your hardware at risk with them.
Among the risks cited by USB-C experts are:
The risk of static electricity discharge.
Data loss and performance degradation from electronic magnetic interference from the exposed POGO pins (the tiny metal pins that push out to make the contact).
The risk of electrical arc damage across the pins in high-humidity environments.
The potential for debris to short out the exposed magnetic pins.
It's not officially part of the USB-C specification.
The last point may sound like a drunken sports-bar argument over an esoteric NFL rule, but it may actually be the best reason not to buy a magnetic tip adapter.
Watch out for those magnetic connectors!
Buy this instead: the best usb-c cable for charging that we've tested
Ultrawides are massive monitors that will dominate your desk and may even require a re-think of your existing office or gaming setup. Distinct from a standard widescreen display, which offers a 16:9 aspect ratio, ultrawides go longer on the horizontal and slightly shorter on the vertical, for an aspect ratio of 21:9, or 32:9 for super-ultrawide.
Consequently, ultrawide monitors increase your field of view. This makes them more immersive for games and movies, although the format also offers benefits for productivity work.
Finally, ultrawide monitors can be relatively pricey, with even midrange ultrawides starting around $500. Yet there's good reason to make an ultrawide your next monitor.
Ultrawide vs. widescreen comparison:
30? 21:9 - equivalent height to 24? 16:9, but ~33% wider
34? 21:9 - equivalent height to 27? 16:9, but ~33% wider
38? 21:9 - equivalent height to 30? 16:9, but ~33% wider
40? 21:9 - equivalent height to 32? 16:9, but ~33% wider
49? 32:9 - equivalent to two 27? 16:9 monitors side by side
Yes! An ultrawide monitor is worth it
If you just want a quick recommendation, here it is: Yes! Buy an ultrawide monitor. An ultrawide monitor makes mul
For a limited time, a Sam's Club One-Year Membership is only $14 instead of $50, and just wait until you see everything that entails.
Rated 4.8/5 stars by verified purchasers, your Sam's Club Membership gets you in the door at any Sam's Club warehouse. Once you're in, you can search for deals on bulk goods, fresh produce, delicious baked goods, the latest tech, and so much more.
This one-year membership automatically renews for the full $50 membership price after one year, but you can turn that off at any time after you get your
Rated 4.6/5 stars by verified purchasers, Windows 11 Pro has been redesigned for the hybrid working world. It has a seamless interface that's easier on the eyes and fully customizable with snap layouts, redocking, and more features to make it completely your own. It's loaded with security features like Smart App Control, TPM 2.0, and wake and lock to protect your computer in public places. You can even get assistance with basic tasks with help from Copilot, the built-in AI that helps you get the most out of Windows.
Upgrade your operating system for an unbeatable price. From 4/22 through 11:59 pm PT on 4/30, you can get Microsoft Windows 11 Pro for just $29.97 (reg. $199).
We've also included some helpful answers to common questions about buying a computer at the bottom of this article. If you're considering a laptop instead, be sure to check out our best laptop deals, updated daily.
Note: Tech deals come and go quickly, so it's possible some of these computer discounts will have expired before this article's next update.
Mashable called this pocket-sized device "an awesome tool to feed your innate perfectionism." Place the little piece of hardware on virtually any flat surface and it can match the color instantly to more than 100,000 brand-name paint colors or to sRGB HEX, CMYK, and LAB color codes. Whenever inspiration strikes out in the world, the Nix Mini helps you grab that color and save it to the Nix Paints app, giving you a special ally whenever you're working on your next DIY project.
Don't leave color to the naked eye. Now through 11:59 pm PT on 4/21, you can get the Nix Mini 2 Color-Matching Sensor for 39% off $99 at just $59.97.
This intuitive solution has earned a perfect 5-star rating on Product Hunt. With Control D, you can browse faster with enhanced security and performance, build and enforce a productivity schedule to keep you on task when you need to work, block ads, and much more. It includes parental controls to keep your kids safe and offers added security and efficiency for up to 10 devices on a single account. You can specify custom rules for each of those devices, don't worry.
Maximize your digital workflows. Now through 11:59 pm PT on 4/21, you can get a 5-year subscription to Control D for just $34.97 (reg. $120).
Visio comes loaded with dozens of pre-made templates and starter diagrams to help you visualize all kinds of information. Flowcharts, org charts, floor plans, brainstorms — whatever you need to visualize, Visio gives you more than 250,000 shapes, stencils, and tools to bring data sets to life. The intuitive tool is trusted at organizations all over the world and integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft products like Exchange, Excel, and Entra ID.
Take your presentations up a notch. From 4/19 through 11:59 pm PT on 4/22, you can get Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional for Windows for just $19.97 (reg. $249).
AOMEI Backupper creates a seamless backup of everything on your PC, including the system, disks, individual files, and partitions. You can easily schedule backups, merge disk images, or clone your hard drive without reinstalling Windows or other applications.
It's loaded with utilities to protect your data and give you greater control over your operating system. And, should you accidentally lose your system, it's incredibly easy to restore the original system with universal or selective file restoration.
Give your system an extra layer of protection.
Now through 11:59 pm PT on 4/21, you can get a lifetime subscription to AOMEI Backupper Professional Edition for just $24.97 (reg. $49).
Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.3500 (KB5036985) to the Beta Channel on Friday. That's a signal that these features will probably arrive on your PC before long. Even if you are signed up to use the Beta Channel, though, you'll need to toggle on the "Get the latest features as soon as they're available" to see them right away.
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 gaming laptops at every price point to help you find a machine that matches your budget.
Update April 19, 2024: We added the Alienware m18 R2 as an alternative option in the Best Overall Gaming Laptop blurb and the Acer Chromebook 516 GE as the Best Gaming Chromebook. The Alienware m18 R2 offers good performance as well as a fantastic mechanical keyboard with Cherry switches and the Acer Chromebook 516 GE delivers fast everyday performance as well as smooth gameplay performance. We also updated our list of recent laptop reviews.
In these articles we've done the heavy lifting for you, sorting the wheat from the chaff so to speak, so that you can simply have a read and select the gaming headset that's right for you. But you might still want to know how our expert reviewers arrived at their decisions. Here, we've summarized our extensive reviewing process below.
How we evaluate gaming headsets based on sound quality
A headset's sound quality is critical to how you will experience your game's audio. When evaluating sound quality, nothing beats listening to them while gaming. We listen for two main things — any defects in the sound, and to see how good the headset's audio fidelity is.
Some signs of defects include any rising or falling in the amplitude, static or popping noises, and/or tinniness in the audio profile. Most gaming headsets have already been vetted by the manufacturers for these defects and it's rare to find one that exhibits these issues. Even so, we do occasionally find one and it's our duty to let you know.
On the other hand, we frequently find big differences in the audio fidelity and clarity of headsets. When analyzing audio fidelity, a scale from 1 to 5 is a useful
Turtle Beach is an American company that bought Roccat back in 2019. Generally the parent company has been known for gaming headsets for the last decade or so, especially those focused on the console market. Going forward all Roccat gear will be branded under the Turtle Beach name, with existing lines like the Vulcan keyboards keeping their names.
"No real change other than a name," a PR representative told PCWorld when showing off the company's latest designs in headsets, keyboards, and mice. "The same core team of innovative engineers and product managers are still developing PC peripheral greatness."
I'm no marketer, but I can't help but feel like this is a net loss, even with the advantages of consolidating a brand. Roccat's name and imagery were distinctive with its pro sports-style cat logo, and "Turtle Beach" just doesn't have the same bite to it.
Ars Technica reports that phishing scammers have expanded their operations to impersonate the password saving service LastPass. Calls alert users that their account has been accessed from a new location, and they need to press one or two to stop this presumably nefarious hacker. According to an alert from LastPass itself, follow-up calls from real, live humans will then instruct the user to give them their email address, where a phishing message will attempt to steal their real login info.
Once the phishers have the master LastPass password, they instantly lock the real user out and have access to whatever information is saved within. It's a motherlode of identity theft data, especially since the legitimate user is generally then unable to access the randomly generated passwords they've created for dozens or hundreds of sites, including banking and medical info.
If you still prefer Windows laptops, you'll definitely want to check out PCWorld's roundup of the best laptops available today.
Why you should trust us: PCWorld has been going strong since 1983, back in the days when print magazines were more common. Now that we've made the leap to digital, we've been reviewing more than 70 laptops every year. Every laptop that passes through our doors goes through an arduous testing process, in which we evaluate everything from processor performance to display quality. We're committed to reviewing laptops in every price range too.
Update April 1, 2024: We replaced the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Gaming with the Acer Chromebook 516 GE and updated our list of recent laptop reviews. The Acer Chromebook 516 GE is a better performer than our former pick.
Credential stuffing involves plugging in usernames and passwords taken from data leaks and breaches into various websites. Hackers can do so quickly and efficiently through automation, as illustrated by the half-million accounts affected by this campaign. The attackers behind this Roku breach ultimately bought streaming service subscriptions and Roku hardware products through several hundred accounts with payment info on file.
In response, Roku has reversed those unauthorized charges—and also enabled its method of two-factor authentication on all accounts. Users must now click an emailed verification link to complete login.
These steps are all the right ones, except for one part—the fact that people reuse passwords, making this kind of hack possible and the subsequent remediations necessary. If more people had stored payment information in their Roku profiles, the damage could have been far more extensive, even if the 576,000 users caught up in this hack were just a fraction of Roku's 80 million active accounts.
Fact of the matter is, reusing passwords in today's environment is about as useful as a doorknob lock. They'll keep out casual lurkers, but not anyone with determination to get in. Weak pa
The LG 34WQ60C-B ultrawide offers 3440×1440 resolution, a pretty huge array of pixels that's basically a 27-inch QHD panel stretched out to the ultrawide 21:9 aspect ratio. The gently-curved IPS panel is exactly the kind that I look for to ensure color accuracy when I'm editing in Photoshop. And with a built-in VESA mount, it's great for popping onto a monitor arm for a multi-screen setup.
The downside is that this is a rather basic design, with no extra ports beyond HDMI, DisplayPort, and a headphone jack. At 60Hz and 5ms of response time, it's also not ideal for fast-paced games (though of course you can still play whatever you want on it). But for a huge productivity boost on the cheap, this monitor hits the spot. Shipping is free to the US, direct from LG's online shop.
Get a 34-inch LG ultrawide IPS monitor for just $249.99
Crack this baby open and you'll find a powerful Intel Core i7-1365U CPU, Intel Iris Xe graphics, a 512GB SSD, and 16GB of RAM, so it's capable of zipping through day-to-day tasks as well as heavier loads. The 14-inch touch display has a resolution of 1920×1200 and a maximum brightness of 300 nits, meaning it's well-suited to office tasks and everyday use. Connectivity options include one Ethernet, one HDMI 2.1, one headphone/microphone combo jack, one USB 3.2 Gen 1, one USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Always On), and two Thunderbolt 4. That's a good selection for serious business.
Nabbing a lightweight ThinkPad at this big of a discount is a steal, plain and simple. Don't miss out on your chance to get a really good laptop.
This extra-long video shows off the guys building a full gaming PC, featuring parts from Asus' new "Back To Future" (BTF) system. Not only are the case (a TUF GT302 ARGB) and motherboard (Z790 BTF WiFi) designed to route power and data cables through the back chamber, the graphics card (ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB) can route its power right through the motherboard thanks to a semi-proprietary connector.
For more notebook options, check out PCWorld's roundup of the best laptops available right now. We've got can't-miss picks for every use case and budget, putting our thousands of hours of hands-on testing to work for you.
Best laptop deals (at a glance)
Lenovo IdeaPad 1, $249.99 ($170 off at Microcenter)
Asus Vivobook 14, $249.99 ($180 off at Best Buy)
In fact, you're so fed up with the performance of your old hardware you feel an overwhelming urge to just splurge on the most expensive hardware you can possibly find to totally max out your specs — 4K curved gaming monitor, Intel Core i9-14900KS with a whopping 6.2GHz max boost — whatever it takes.
There's just one problem: The new price makes your stomach squirm — A LOT. Sound familiar?
It's a scenario that every gamer faces from time to time, myself included. It's just that, the performance of my gaming hardware is probably the single most important factor in determining whether I shine on the leaderboards or just crash and burn on the dregs list.
But take it from me, you need to resist the temptation to always buy the best of the best hardware with all your mental fortitude — apply self-calming mantras, use meditation, heck, even ask your friends to intervene if you must, but just don't do it. Why? It's not worth it when all is said and done. Let me explain…
A balancing act
My reasons are twofold. The first point is that I'm not necessarily going to get better performance with the highest-spec gear than I would if I opted for the lower-spec gear. More times than not, I'll just end up spending more money — so it's about the value-for-money proposition. By the same logic, I don't want to be so cheap that I lose too much performance. So, making smart choices is the name of the game.
Take the Intel Core i9-14900K CPU, as an example. It may have Intel's Raptor Lake refresh "14" designation but it shares the same architecture as the previous generation
The CLIK S are comfortable, stylish earbuds designed for all-day wear. You can enjoy your music or take calls on the go with a 10-hour battery life (plus another 30 with the included charging case) and seamlessly switch between music and conversation mode with just a click. They're the perfect companion for world travelers this summer and, for a limited time, they're on sale.
Travel smarter this summer. Now through 11:59 pm PT on 4/21, you can get the Mymanu CLIK S: Award-Winning Translation Earbuds for more than $60 off at just $89.97.
I spent about three hours on various buses and subways to get from my home in Pennsylvania to the 2024 NYC Mechanical Keyboard Meetup. More than 150 people squeezed into a creaky old meeting place next to the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden, most bringing at least one keyboard with them, eager to show off and share their mutual love of the bustling hobby.
Monitors meant for professional content creation can benefit from newfangled OLED and Mini-LED monitors, but many stick with the tried-and-true reliability and accuracy of an IPS panel—which, often, makes them less alluring in other situations. BenQ's PD3225U makes an effort to bridge that gap with an IPS Black panel that improves the monitor's depth and immersion, yet it retains the class-leading color performance that the most demanding creators require.
I spent about three hours on various buses and subways to get from my home in Pennsylvania to the 2024 NYC Mechanical Keyboard Meetup. More than 150 people squeezed into a creaky old meeting place next to the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden, most bringing at least one keyboard with them, eager to show off and share their mutual love of the bustling hobby.
Microsoft Project has earned a 4.4/5-star rating from both Capterra and GetApp. The software comes loaded with pre-built templates to help you start and manage all kinds of projects. From managing staff with timesheets and scheduling tools to running what-if scenarios to play out hypotheticals and make the best decisions for your project, Microsoft Project gives you all kinds of tools to improve productivity and stay on task.
Simplify complex projects. From 4/18 through 11:59 pm PT on 4/22, you can get Microsoft Project Professional 2021 for Windows for just $19.97 (reg. $249).
Jott Pro is a text and audio processor that allows you to transform spoken words into written text with extreme accuracy by leveraging its neural AI technology. Likewise, you can also convert text to lifelike speech, or translate text into almost any language you want. Whether you need to transcribe meetings, adapt materials for an international audience, or glean information from infographics and other image-based assets, Jott can help.
Save time and scale your productivity.
Now through 11:59 pm PT on 4/21, you can get a lifetime license to the
There is a catch, however: Meta would really like to continue improving Meta.ai, and to do so it's only offering image generation if you sign into your Facebook account.
Meta joins other LLMS or AI chatbots like Google Gemini, Microsoft's various flavors of Copilot, Anthropic's Claude AI (used within Discord), and other sites offering AI solutions. Meta.ai feels like more of the same, though with some limitations: It can't accept uploaded documents, but it can summarize websites or web pages. Of course, it has creative purposes, too: It can also be used to write or rewrite text, as many other services can as well.
Technically, Meta is upgrading Meta AI as well as launching the site itself. Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg announced the addition of the Meta.ai site on Threads — which is also owned by Meta — as well as the upgrade to the LLaMA 3 model. Meta launched LLaMA in February 2023, and publicly re
That's completely understandable, but not always accurate. We at PCWorld have tested 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 differences among cables when it comes to both charging and transferring data.
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.
For more information you can refer to our guide on how to buy a USB-C cable on Amazon without losi
In May, Microsoft will host its annual Build conference in Seattle. Microsoft will open that conference with a presentation from chief executive Satya Nadella to "share our AI vision across hardware and software," according to Microsoft. That presentation is expected to introduce the Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 5 for consumers, both featuring Qualcomm's surprisingly powerful Snapdragon X Elite processor, based on the Arm architecture. Microsoft has already launched versions of both devices with Intel processors inside, for businesses.
But it's the "software" version of Microsoft's AI vision that's intriguing. Microsoft's last feature update of Windows 11 may have introduced AI PCs, but Microsoft is moving more aggressively to a future where AI is more tightly integrated into the operating system. Microsoft appears to have a more formal definition of an "AI PC" waiting in the wings, and we know that it includes a
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.
Looking for sweet discounts? Check out our regularly updated roundup of the best laptop deals available right now.
Updated April 18, 2024: We replaced the Best Content Creation Laptop, the Dell XPS 17 (2023), with the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra and added the Acer Chromebook 516 GE as the Best Gaming Chromebook. We also updated our list of recent laptop reviews.
Razer has made USB-connected, RGB-infused mousepads before, to the point that you can now find imitators on Amazon for just a few bucks. Generally they just embed a strip of lights around the edge of a cloth mousepad, like the original Firefly. The new Firefly V2 Pro replaces the cloth with a hard, frosted surface (presumably some kind of plastic), allowing the fifteen LEDs in the top to illuminate the whole thing.
Does it add any functionality? Of course not. Does it look cool? Yeah, I have to grudgingly admit that it does. I wouldn't be surprised to see it in some TV sci-fi sets, which love to stick Razer gear in a "hacker battlestation" to give it that futuristic touch.
404 Media reports on a site calling itself Spy Pet, run by a single anonymous creator who claims to be collecting data from 14,000 Discord servers and more than 600 million users, with just over four billion messages indexed so far. The system they've built scrapes the group messages inside the channels of Discord servers and makes note of which users are active across multiple servers.
The data is then sold to whoever wants it, paying anonymously in chunks of cryptocurrency worth as little as $5 USD. Customers can search the database to find a single Discord user's activity across a range of servers, see the messages they've posted in open channels, and see whatever usernames and nicknames (often aliases instead of real names) they're using across different servers, as well as accounts connected to their Discord user account on other sites. It can even show which users have been banned from a server, and allows its data to be downloaded in tables.
Spy Pet appears to be built off of Discord's standard API and developer tools, essentially scraping data that's used for less questionable purposes. That means that, while the service is definitely breaking Discord's ter
The Ecovacs Deebot U2SE has a runtime of up to 110 minutes, a 300mL water tank that covers 2,000 square feet, and a high efficiency air filter. It works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands and it will dutifully return to its charging dock when it gets low on power. The MAX Mode feature increases the suction power, too-which is perfect for stubborn debris and dirt.
But remember: It's on clearance. A deal this good doesn't stick around for long, especially when stock is limited.
The Asus Vivobook 14 comes with an Intel Core i3-1215U CPU, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of SSD storage. While the memory and storage capacities are light, they're not a deal breaker for a $250 laptop, especially if you don't run too many applications at once. The 14-inch 1080p display can only reach up to 250 nits of brightness, according to Asus. Although we've seen much brighter screens, you may see better battery life with this model-high brightness displays tend to be a huge power suck.
Overall, this is a very well-spec'd laptop for such a low price. Don't miss out!
Technically you could get Windows 11 Home for $17.99, but since you're already saving more than $120 off the retail version of the operating system, why not throw a couple more dollars in and get extras like Microsoft Remote Desktop, BitLocker, and Hyper-V and virtual machine support?
Woot is an official subsidy of Amazon and is selling the codes directly, so you know this is a legit deal. Weirdly it might take a couple of days to get the email with your Microsoft redemption code, though.
Don't worry: if you have a PC building project that needs Windows right away, you can download the installation media from Microsoft, install the OS now, and redeem the code later. Unlike some of Woot's other sales, this isn't limited to one day — the page says you have two weeks or until the stock runs out.
The mysterious problem has vexed an unknown number of PC gamers for months now, with no seeming rhyme or reason as to the cause, but Falcon has some suggestions that may help some impacted users. The company posted the BIOS adjustments advice to its X.com account here.
"As you know Intel is investigating reports of 13th/14th gen CPUs causing crashes," said Falcon Northwest owner Kelt Reeves in an email sent to media outlets. "This is a real issue and Intel is aggressively working the problem, but it's complex and is taking longer than we hoped."
Intel previously confirmed with PCWorld it has been investigating the situation but as of this week, still had no insight to share as to what the root cause is.
The situation has been on a low-boil for months now after video game tool developer RAD published an advisory on Jan. 11 recommending that gamers under
I like features that don't take a lot of explanation, tutorials, or anything else. They should be intuitive and just work. And you know what? Generative Erase does just that — about as well as Photoshop does, too, and for free. Microsoft is rolling it out to Windows 11 right now, and Windows 10 users should see it, too.
"Everyone" in this case includes pretty much every possible technology company. While OpenAI is at the center of this particular gold rush, and Nvidia is selling the shovels to digital forty-niners, more conventional players aren't resting on their haunches. As happens with buzzwords, it's quickly becoming diluted — every new PC is an "AI PC," which means very little for actual users.
This Nintendo Switch wireless controller is made with the same quality you expect from Nintendo. It has a 6-axis gyroscope and 360º joystick for precise control, a dual shock response for more immersive gameplay, and a non-slip ABS grip to remain comfortable while playing. The biggest difference is the cool RGB lights on the side that light up while you play.
Light up your Nintendo Switch time. Right now, you can get this Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch with RGB Lights for 27% off $42 at just $30.99.
