Xbox CTO Scott Van Vliet has taken to X (formerly Twitter) to confirm that more is coming to make development on the platform easier. Despite already rolling out numerous positive changes for developers, Van Vliet states that the company is actively working to remove further friction.
“We’ve heard the feedback from developers: bringing a game to XBOX should be easier than it is today. We agree, and we’re working to make it better. We care deeply about ID@XBOX and the developers who build for XBOX. We’re starting with some of the areas we know can create unnecessary friction, including our concept and publishing processes, and simplifying them so developers can spend less time navigating process and more time bringing great games to players. More soon.”
It’s great to see Xbox address developers directly here and whilst what exactly will change is kept rather vague for now, and doesn’t give much away, outside of simplifying concept and publishing processes, it's still nice to see acknowledged, and publicly no less.
At the same time, Microsoft expressed confidence that developers could now get working within the Xbox development environment in about 30 minutes, making the onboarding process significantly simpler than before.
For folks like me, and you, it won’t really mean much if you just play games. But for developers, Xbox is making serious strides to lower as many barriers as possible. Eventually, maybe skipping Xbox won’t be an option anymore? Who knows?
Hopefully, we hear more soon about the specific changes Van Vliet is referring to. Despite not being all too technically inclined with game development, I do enjoy dabbling here and there, and as an Xbox fan, it’s exciting that more and more developers might see the platform as more viable in the future.
With that said, let me know if things like this excite you or not by commenting down below, and be sure to take part in our poll.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
After the double-whammy launch of Gears of War: E-Day and Minecraft Dungeons 2, things are quietening down for Xbox Game Pass as its next batch of new titles includes a mixture of older AAA titles like Battlefield 6 and intriguing new IP like the soulslike FPS, Valor Mortis.
Here's the full list of Xbox games coming and leaving Xbox Game Pass for the second half of October 2026.
Game
Date Available
Available on (Game Pass versions)
Echo Weaver
October 8, 2026
Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, and PC(Ultimate, Premium, PC Game Pass)
Forever Ago
October 8, 2026
Cloud, Console, and PC (Ultimate, PC Game Pass)
Neon Abyss 2
October 8, 2026
Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Premium, Ultimate and PC Game Pass)
Battlefield 6
October 13, 2026
Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Premium, Ultimate and PC Game Pass)
Deep Dish Dungeon
October 13, 2026
Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC(Ultimate and PC Game Pass)
Valor Mortis
October 13, 2026
Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, and PC(Premium, Ultimate and PC Game Pass)
Bluey’s Happy Snaps
October 15, 2026
Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC(Ultimate and PC Game Pass)
Chained Beasts
October 15, 2026
Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Ultimate and PC Game Pass)
Beyond These Stars
October 15, 2026
PC (Premium, Ultimate and PC Game Pass)
Games leaving Xbox Game Pass (October 15)
A Plague Tale: Requiem (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Crime Scene Cleaner (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Donut County (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Evil West (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Nova Roma (Game Preview) (PC)
Pacific Drive (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Superball (Cloud, Console, and PC)
The Casting of Frank Stone (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Windows Central's take
The biggest game on this list is Battlefield 6, the latest entry in EA's long-running military FPS series. The game has received generally favorable reviews, with critics praising its tight gunplay and multiplayer, but felt the single-player was lacking in the character writing and plot departments.
Battlefield 6 will arrive on Xbox Game Pass on October 13, 2026, which will be the same time the game launches its fifth season.
This season will have players battle in Las Vegas with several new maps, weapons, and vehicles, a new Operation, a Halloween event, a Server Browser, a #REDSEC: Rapid Royale mode, Platoons, and more.
However, I'm not sure players will have time to play this game because three days after Battlefield 6's induction into Xbox Game Pass...will mark the launch of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, one of the most anticipated Xbox titles of 2026.
Will Battlefield 6 manage to capture player retention away from its biggest rival in the military shooter genre with its Xbox Game Pass inclusion and Season 5 content? Will Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 sweep Battlefield 6 under the rug with its massive campaign mode, intense PVP modes, and new DMZ extraction mode?
Only time will tell next week.
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Xbox is about to celebrate its 25th Anniversary, and while there have been numerous brand collaborations to mark the occasion, the 8BitDo Xbox collection has actually been in circulation since November 2024. Inspired by the OG Xbox, the collection is a transparent-green dream consisting of a chunky keyboard, numpad, mouse, and even a controller.
I only got my hands on the set this year, which feels fitting with the Xbox anniversary about to be in full swing. While 8BitDo has just added a gorgeous Gears of War edition to the lineup, I'm firmly sticking with my bleed-green setup, which I've been using every day for around four months now.
The TL;DR of this review is that I absolutely adore this chunky, obnoxiously green keyboard, and I can't see myself using anything else, but read on if you need a little more swaying.
8BitDo Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard Xbox Edition: Price, availability and specs
Could barely fit the box in the 16:9 frameJennifer Young - Windows CentralI wish the Numpad was built in but appreciate most (wrong) people prefer withoutJennifer Young - Windows CentralFree sticker and a months Game Pass included (new subscribers only)Jennifer Young - Windows Central
The 8BitDo Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard (Xbox Edition) retails for $119.99 in the US and £99.99 in the UK. However, it frequently sees discounts and at the time of writing, it is on sale for $89.99 on Amazon US.
Out of the box, the keyboard includes 8BitDo’s iconic Dual Super Buttons, a pair of massive, programmable arcade-style macro buttons that plug directly into the back of the board via 3.5mm jacks without needing extra software configuration.
If you are a sane person who enjoys using a Numpad, rejecting all minimal keyboard ideology, then 8BitDo also offers a matching standalone Retro 18 Mechanical Numpad (Xbox Edition), which retails separately for $44.99 / £39.99.
The main tech specs you need to know are:
Layout: 87-key Tenkeyless (TKL) with top-mount design
Switches: Kailh Jellyfish X linear/clicky switches (Hot-swappable PCB, full N-key rollover)
Keycaps: Double-layered ABS with a matte UV coating
Connectivity: Tri-mode (2.4GHz wireless via magnetic dongle, Bluetooth 5.0, wired USB-C)
Battery: 4,000mAh rechargeable Li-ion (rated for up to 280 hours on 2.4GHz / 300 hours on Bluetooth)
8BitDo Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard Xbox Edition: What's good
I like my keyboards like I like my men, robust. Jennifer Young - Windows CentralI'm super boring and keep the lights on basic white, the multi colored display isn't for me.Jennifer Young - Windows CentralThe mouse is a great pairing and of a similarly chunky designJennifer Young - Windows Central
Unboxing this was an experience in itself; the box was roughly twice the size of any keyboard package I’ve opened before. Coming from the Roccat Vulcan I’d been rocking (or should I say Roccing hur hur), I expected it to be chunky, and while it was different for sure, I'm kind of loving that 8BitDo has embraced the maximalist approach. To be honest, as I get older, I’m really appreciating the larger keycaps and moving away from that classic all-black "squint at the keys" aesthetic.
The green design is unabashedly Xbox of course, but with a lot of small, thoughtful touches. Like the A/B/X/Y colored arrow keys that mirror the OG controller and the glowing Xbox home button (which matches the look on the new 25th Anniversary Series X console.) This is a hell of a lot cheaper than that console too!
Colors we know and love!Jennifer Young - Windows CentralNow I have that X25 console button without the X25 price tagJennifer Young - Windows Central
Even before typing a single sentence, the convenient design details impressed me. Having a dedicated magnetic compartment built into the base to store the 2.4GHz receiver is a godsend; I’ve lost count of how many wireless dongles I’ve misplaced over the years.
Connectivity is versatile, offering 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, or a wired USB-C connection. I wouldn't normally dedicate a sentence to a cable, but 8BitDo even made the braided wire matching Xbox green. Talk about attention to detail!
The cable is green too, yay! (Image credit: Jennifer Young - Windows Central)
The board itself feels incredibly hefty, solid, and durable on the desk. That robust build quality is a major plus for me: regardless of how gentle I may be with the keyboard, my son also loves gaming at my desk and is considerably heavier-handed. This chassis easily withstands the enthusiastic key-slams of a kid navigating mods in Wobbly Life. The physical dials at the top for adjusting volume and switching connection modes feel equally premium and far from flimsy.
No these are not cat bongos, you map buttons to them. Jennifer Young - Windows CentralThe whole set together was meant to be, and looks even better on my desk Jennifer Young - Windows CentralI do enjoy seeing a tech accessory's innardsJennifer Young - Windows Central
The box includes 8BitDo’s famous Dual Super Buttons. At first, I had no idea what to do with them other than getting my cat to play the bongos, but they plug in via a 3.5mm jack on the rear. You can map them on the fly directly from the board without software, though downloading the 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 is essential if you want to set up complex macros or multi-key shortcuts.
While I didn't get overly creative with my bindings, mapping the giant "A" button to instantly grab screenshots is super handy during streams.
You can change these lights to RGB, but don't. (Image credit: Jennifer Young - Windows Central)
If you love RGB backlighting, the board comes packed with bright lighting modes and a full spectrum of color profiles. I usually keep the backlighting on boring white as I think having multi-colours looks a little 'busy' through the green casing, but the customization options are there if you want a full rainbow light show (I do not, and prefer less visual noise).
The stock switches deliver a wonderfully satisfying clickety-clackety feel (that’s a technical term), offering great audio and tactile feedback. I also didn't note any input lag even over wireless. For tinkerers, the PCB is fully hot-swappable if you ever want to pull the stock switches and experiment with custom ones later on. Finally, if you opt for the matching standalone numpad, it snaps flush against the side of the board with a deeply satisfying magnet click, just another detail that makes this feel pretty premium.
8BitDo Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard Xbox Edition: What's bad
These keys are a god damn finger grease magnet (Image credit: Jennifer Young - Windows Central)
As I said, I love this keyboard, and I'm hard-pressed to find anything I don't like about it, but if I had any criticisms at all, I'd start with the fact that I have to clean it more often!
The super-matte, double-layered ABS keycaps tend to show finger oils and shine much faster and more noticeably than keycaps on previous boards I’ve used. I find myself wiping the keys down more often, but that's a small price to pay for how good the setup looks on my desk.
Second, while I appreciate that 8BitDo made the matching Numpad an optional extra, it's a bit frustrating that both the keyboard and the numpad require their own separate 2.4GHz USB dongles. USB ports on my dock are always at a premium, so I’ve ended up running the main keyboard wired most of the time. Given that the keyboard sits stationary on my desk anyway, it’s hardly a dealbreaker just a minor setup niggle to keep in mind if you are beholden to getting the Numpad too.
8BitDo Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard Xbox Edition: The competition
You'll only be reading this if you're already interested in grabbing a very in-your-face Xbox fan-themed keyboard, in which case, it's worth mentioning that Razer have released the Xbox 25th Anniversary Collection just recently, and within that, a Black Widow V4 75% keyboard.
At $209.99 / £199.99, it carries a distinctly "Razer price tag" compared to 8BitDo’s accessible $119.99 MSRP.
(Image credit: Razer)
However, that higher price tag gets you a sleeker, smaller frame and quieter tactile switches.
If you prefer a more subtle, understated tribute to the original Xbox without the chunky retro footprint (and don't mind waiting for pre-orders to ship on October 20), the Razer option is a gorgeous alternative. But for that loud, unapologetic early-2000s green Duke-style aesthetic at nearly half the price, 8BitDo is a no-brainer for me.
8BitDo Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard Xbox Edition: Should you buy it?
Yes, I changed my PC background to match my new keyboard. Jennifer Young - Windows CentralNever been one to have a minimalist desk, this keyboard fits right in with my trinkets.Jennifer Young - Windows CentralI'm only mildly annoyed that the controller dock isn't also green. Jennifer Young - Windows Central
You should buy this if ...
✅ You want a nostalgia-packed OG Xbox aesthetic
This board is certainly cheaper (and easier to buy) than the Xbox Series X25, and it nails the retro 2000s theme
✅ You love big keycaps and clicky switches
The keyboard is just as loud as the design
✅ You want versatile wireless options and handy extras
With built-in magnetic dongle storage, 2.4GHz/Bluetooth toggles, a dedicated volume dial, and programmable Dual Super Buttons, it’s packed with great quality-of-life details.
You should not buy this if ...
❌ You want a silent, low-profile keyboard
The stock switches are loud and proud, and the chunky retro frame takes up a good chunk of desk space.
❌ You need a built-in numpad without extra dongles
It’s a Tenkeyless layout, and while 8BitDo sells a matching separate numpad, taking up two separate USB ports for two wireless dongles can quickly clutter up your hub or dock.
The 8BitDo Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard Xbox Edition is just perfect for anyone who holds a soft spot for early 2000s gaming tech, translucent and chunky. I can't wait to sink many hours of WoW Forever on it and live my millennial retirement home dreams.
It looks like a collectors edition item without the price tag you would normally expect, while managing to also be built to last and something I want to keep on using (not just take pretty pictures of for Instagram). If you want a desk setup that brings a smile to your face every time you sit down to type or game, this obnoxiously green and thicc beast is worth every cent.
8BitDo
Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard - Xbox Edition
Level up your desktop setup with this fitting tribute to the original Xbox. The 8BitDo Retro 87 combines a iconic transparent-green aesthetic with high-performance mechanical typing.
Featuring tri-mode connectivity (2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C wired), tactile clicky Kailh Jellyfish X switches, dedicated volume and mode dials, and a hot-swappable PCB, it’s as versatile as it is striking. Plus, it includes 8BitDo’s programmable Dual Super Buttons for instant macro access right on your desk..
Microsoft finally revealed exactly how much its new Surface Laptop Ultra costs (starting at $2,599!), and preorders are now live for anyone who wants to get in on the first wave of PCs expected to ship on October 16.
While Microsoft was busy revealing new information about its most powerful Surface yet at the event, other laptop makers were busy setting their own prices and opening up preorders.
We now have a wide selection of RTX Spark laptops from the likes of ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and MSI, and I'm expecting there to be more arriving in the near future. Until then, here's what you can preorder today.
RTX Spark laptops with confirmed pricing and release date (so far)
To make it easier for anyone hoping to land a new RTX Spark-powered PC, I've put together this list of laptops that you can now preorder.
Built around the NVIDIA RTX Spark platform with an N1X CPU, RTX GPU, and up to 128GB of unified memory, the Surface Laptop Ultra hits new performance heights for power users. It's all contained in a gorgeous chassis with a mini-LED display and tons of ports. Prices start at $2,599.99, and units will begin shipping on October 16, 2026.
The new ASUS ProArt P14 and P16 duo gives users more size options while retaining the same great RTX Spark performance. The P14 is the lightest ProArt laptop ever, while the P16 is the way to go for a larger OLED display. Prices start at $2,599.99 for the P14 and $2,799.99 for the P16. They're expected to begin shipping on October 16, 2026.
Dell's new XPS 16 with RTX Spark features a 3.2K OLED display, lattice-free keyboard, and the usual premium XPS styling. Prices start at $3,799.99 and units are expected to begin shipping on October 16, 2026.
The OmniBook X 14 is the smaller of the two new PCs, but it features the same RTX Spark options for maximum performance. Models start at $2,999.99 and are expected to ship beginning November 4, 2026.
The larger of the two new HP RTX Spark laptops delivers a gorgeous 16-inch OLED display with 3K resolution and, of course, your choice of RTX Spark chips. Prices start at $3,199.99, and shipments are expected to begin on November 4, 2026.
Lenovo's Yoga 9n should be the right choice for those who value a versatile convertible design and premium build quality. Prices start at $3,099.99, and models are expected to begin shipping on October 16, 2026.
MSI's Prestige N16 Flip AI+ is another versatile convertible featuring the RTX Spark platform and a Tandem OLED display. It appears that preorders might kick off on October 8 for this laptop, with prices starting at $3,299.99.
Microsoft's Surface Laptop Ultra with NVIDIA RTX Spark inside. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino | Windows Central)
Did you spot a live preorder I missed? Let me know about it in the comments section below. I'd also love to hear your opinions regarding pricing on these models. Do you think it's too high? Too low? Just right? Tell me about it!
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
While a lot of the Microsoft Surface/NVIDIA co-event is talk of AI, and indeed RTX Spark isn't being marketed as a gaming platform so much, gaming still got a pretty big mention.
One of Microsoft's biggest franchises, Call of Duty, will be available on RTX Spark devices at some point in 2027. At first that might not sound like a big deal; after all, it's a Microsoft game on a Microsoft-powered platform.
But as with the Steam Deck and the Qualcomm Snapdragon X platform, the big sticking point has been anticheat support. Lots of games can be played on Windows on Arm already, and surprisingly well. But anticheat support is still in its infancy, and this news means that Activision's Ricochet is being developed to run on ARM64.
Call of Duty is coming to a Surface Laptop Ultra near you. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino | Windows Central)
What can we take from this? Well, the view I'm taking as a Call of Duty player is that this is a pretty significant development for the future of the franchise. Sure, folks buying RTX Spark laptops and desktops in the foreseeable future are likely developers or AI enthusiasts first, but people still like to game.
Folks can talk about whether Ricochet is any good or not until they're blue in the face, but it's required to play modern Call of Duty titles on PC. Today, that means AMD and Intel-powered systems only because of the kernel-level anticheat.
Coming to RTX Spark means Ricochet is being developed to support ARM64, and in the longer term, that surely means not only systems using NVIDIA's chip. I still long to see a world where Snapdragon and RTX Spark chips are powering future handhelds, and I want those devices to be able to play my favorite game my hopeless addiction.
Failing that, at some point I know I'll be moving to Windows on Arm fully. Even if it's not for some years, given the price of everything, it's going to happen, and I want all my games on there.
Will it be Modern Warfare 4 that arrives first on RTX Spark, or will we have to wait for next year's game? (Image credit: Windows Central)
Ricochet joins the likes of Epic's Easy Anti Cheat, Denuvo, and Battleye, all of which have plans to support Windows on Arm.
The other thing we can take is that it was very deliberately announced as "Call of Duty." Not Modern Warfare 4, which is the next game to launch on October 23 this year. 2027 is a big window of time, so it is possible it could take until next year's game to get everything up and running.
Then there are the legacy titles that also use Ricochet. Will these be included, or just the most current release at the time?
In any case, I'm glad to hear this news. Even if Windows on Arm isn't going to be a true gamer's platform for a while yet, we have to start somewhere. And this is a big step in the right direction.
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The Surface Laptop Ultra with NVIDIA RTX Spark is now available to preorder following the October 7 Surface event in San Francisco. It arrives as a suped-up Surface Laptop 8 with a 15-inchmini-LED display, tons of ports, a sleek design, and, of course, NVIDIA's N1x chip with support for up to 128GB of unified memory.
It's a laptop that's marketed as the ultimate PC for creators, AI specialists, engineers, scientists, and developers who don't want to be tied down to a bulky workstation on a desk.
I can also say that the gaming experience was super smooth, even in games with ray tracing, path tracing, and DLSS support. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle ran flawlessly when I tried it, and every other title seemed to be an easy task for the Laptop Ultra.
That begs the question: Is the Surface Laptop Ultra the ultimate laptop for PC gaming?
At the risk of breaking some pixelated hearts, I'll say that dedicated PC gamers should look elsewhere. Here's why.
Built around the NVIDIA RTX Spark platform with an N1X CPU, RTX GPU, and up to 128GB of unified memory, the Surface Laptop Ultra hits new performance heights for power users. It's all contained in a gorgeous chassis with a mini-LED display and tons of ports.
The Surface Laptop Ultra's specs look ideal for gaming ... what gives?
I saw the Surface Laptop Ultra smoothly run Fortnite, Alan Wake 2, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and more. (Image credit: Future)
It's well established that NVIDIA's RTX platform is the preferred way to play on PC for most gamers, mainly due to the excellent performance and additional support for features like ray tracing, path tracing, and DLSS.
Considering the Surface Laptop Ultra's RTX Blackwell GPU supports all of the latest features, wouldn't that make it a capable PC for gaming?
Well, yes. But there's more to the story.
The Surface Laptop Ultra was not designed to be a gaming PC. It was made to handle intricate AI workloads locally and to be the centerpiece of a professional's arsenal, and the fact that it can run plenty of games smoothly is simply a convenient effect of using NVIDIA's technology. Its starting price of $2,599 reflects that reality.
Sure, that cost is inflated due to the ongoing RAM and storage crisis, but in any case, you can buy a quality laptop made specifically for gaming purposes (suffering from the same RAM and memory squeeze) for considerably less money.
For my PC gaming money, I'd much rather buy a PC running standard Windows 11 rather than Windows on ARM (despite serious advancements in emulation and support). That way, you're guaranteed not to experience any compatibility issues with the games or their anti-cheat methods.
Gaming laptops also come tuned for gaming right out of the box, and their hardware is designed to support that initiative. Sure, you could tune the Surface Laptop Ultra to focus more on gaming, but that's really not what it was meant for.
The bottom line regarding the Surface Laptop Ultra and PC gaming
The Surface Laptop Ultra is one sleek laptop no matter the angle. (Image credit: Windows Central / Zac Bowden)
The Surface Laptop Ultra should be treated as a pro-grade laptop that happens to have some more-than-decent gaming chops.
I know there are plenty of pros out there who love the idea of tackling AI workloads during the day and gaming at night, all from the same machine, and the Surface Laptop Ultra should be a hot ticket for those users.
For gamers at heart, however, I recommend taking a look at the host of quality dedicated gaming laptops before ever considering the Surface Laptop Ultra.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
For those who can't fathom missing out on the first wave of new laptops, I have good news. The Surface Laptop Ultra is now available to preorder starting at $2,599, with shipments expected to begin going out on October 16.
Built around the NVIDIA RTX Spark platform with an N1X CPU, RTX GPU, and up to 128GB of unified memory, the Surface Laptop Ultra hits new performance heights for power users. It's all contained in a gorgeous chassis with a mini-LED display and tons of ports.
Surface Laptop Ultra — What configurations are available, and which one is best for me?
The Surface Laptop Ultra we used at Computex 2026. (Image credit: Windows Central / Zac Bowden)
The Surface Laptop Ultra is set up so that configurations really only affect the performance hardware inside. Each model comes with a 15-inch mini-LED display, the same port selection, and the same killer design.
The baseline $2,599 model includes the RTX Spark platform with NVIDIA's 18-core N1X CPU and 5120-core RTX Blackwell GPU, 24GB of unified RAM, and 512GB of storage.
This is a decent option for those who need to balance price and performance, or for those who simply want to get their hands on this new hardware without overspending.
There's also a model with a 20-core CPU and 6144-core GPU for those who need utmost power. Configuring with 32GB of unified RAM (the lowest option) and a 1TB SSD (also the lowest option), you're looking at $3,699.99. This model is where I'd recommend most advanced users start.
Moving up from there, you can essentially trick out your PC with as much RAM and storage as you want. This is where things begin to get very expensive for pro users. The top-of-the-line model with the more powerful Spark, 128GB of unified RAM, and a 1TB SSD runs up to $5,899.99, reserving it for a select few.
Both models are available in Nightfall or Platinum colors.
Is the Surface Laptop Ultra's price too high?
The Surface Laptop Ultra on stage at the October 7 event. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino | Windows Central)
I wasn't expecting the laptop Microsoft calls "Not Standard Issue" to be reasonably priced for most users.
It's a flagship PC with monster internals, and Microsoft clearly states that it's intended for creators, AI builders, scientists, engineers, and other power users who need an ultimate device to handle everything.
Those users are generally used to paying more for high-end hardware, but that doesn't make the price sting any less.
Take this high-end approach and tack on the macroeconomics of the ongoing RAM and storage crisis, and you get set prices much higher than I'm sure Microsoft ever intended.
Starting at $2,599 for a "baseline" model, you'll want to be sure this is the PC for you before you buy it.
As for the gaming angle, I've covered it in more detail in a separate post. Bottom line? You shouldn't buy the Surface Laptop Ultra as a dedicated gaming machine, but its NVIDIA Blackwell GPU will indeed power many games with ray tracing, path tracing, and DLSS in tow.
Are you preordering the new Surface Laptop Ultra today? If so, which configuration did you get? If not, what made you skip it? Let me know in the comments section below!
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
Microsoft just unveiled the new Windows Search experience at its Windows and Surface event. The new Search is more than just a search feature; it's a system composer. That means it can be used to control your PC. Microsoft's Windows lead Pavan Davuluri discussed the new Search experience on stage.
Starting this fall on Windows 11 PCs, users can take thousands of quick actions directly from Search in the Taskbar. For example, you could enable dark mode or switch your PC to Do Not Disturb. You can also adjust your microphone slider through the new Search experience.
You can even use the new Search experience to send a text message through Phone Link.
Microsoft detailed the new Search in a blog post. It also shared some examples of actions you can perform:
Turn something on or off. Try phrases such as “switch to dark mode”, “turn on night light,” or “turn on Bluetooth.”
Make a quick adjustment. Try “dim my screen” or “mute.”
Manage your workspace. Try “minimize all my windows,” or “arrange windows on screen.”
Copilot can be summoned through the new Search as well, showing responses directly within the user interface. You won't have to jump into a separate app to interact with Copilot. If you do want to jump to the full Copilot app, there's a shortcut to do so.
As you'd expect, the new Search experience can also be used to search for things on Windows 11. "At its core, the new Windows search experience is quicker, more efficient, so you can find your files, settings, and apps faster," said Davuluri.
The new Windows Search experience is faster and more efficient with resources because it is built on WinUI 3
(Image credit: Microsoft)
Windows Search will better understand what you're searching for. For example, it will still be able to find items even if your input has a typo.
Microsoft will start testing the new Search experience with Windows Insiders today, October 7, 2026. It will appear first through the Experimental channel.
This piece was written during the live stream of the Windows and Surface event. Microsoft is expected to share more details about the new Search experience and other items discussed at the event. We will update this piece with more information as it becomes available.
Microsoft has finally given us the all-important pricing and availability details for its flagship Surface Laptop Ultra device, which it first unveiled back in June. During its October 7th keynote in San Francisco, Microsoft confirmed that Surface Laptop Ultra would begin shipping on October 16, with pre-orders going live todaystarting at $2,599.
That entry-level price is on the more expensive side, but it's not as bad as many were expecting it to be. That entry-level price nets you the Surface Laptop Ultra with a 15-inch mini-LED screen, a large haptic trackpad, three USB-C ports (one of which is very unique), and the 18-core RTX Spark with 5120 GPU cores and 24GB RAM.
While the entry-level model isn't for high-end local AI development and agent work, it should be more than capable for video editing, photo creation, data crunching, light gaming, and 3D modeling work.
It's all happening in San Francisco. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino | Windows Central)
Alongside pricing and availability, Microsoft also revealed that the Surface Laptop Ultra is the world's first laptop to feature a breakaway USB-C port, similar to Apple's MagSafe and its own Surface Connect. Breakaway cable design means if you ever trip over the cable while the laptop is plugged in, it won't yank the entire laptop off your desk.
Breakaway ports have only ever really been possible on proprietary ports, as they use magnets to ensure the cable remains attached when in use. It's never been attempted on a universal standard before, which is what makes the Surface Laptop Ultra's breakaway port so special. It's a standard USB-C port, capable of taking any USB-C peripheral you can throw at it.
Surface Laptop Ultra is Microsoft's most expensive and most powerful Surface PC ever made. The high-end configs are designed for intensive AI developer workloads such as running large 120B parameter models locally, enabling complex agentic AI workloads and experiences.
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For 48 hours during Amazon's Big Deal Days event (don't call it Prime Day), Samsung's fastest-ever (up to 14,700MB/s) 9100 PRO M.2 solid-state storage drives have dropped in price twice. Right now, the 1TB 9100 PRO is down to $196.64, which is edging somewhat closer to the lower prices I preferred before the memory crisis, so it's actually a great time to buy.
These are PCIe Gen 5 drives, which provide the fastest read and write speeds for commercial storage drives, as long as you have a compatible motherboard. If not, they'll fall back to PCIe 4.0 and can be transplanted into an upgraded rig later. Similarly, the 2TB 9100 PRO has dropped to $334.99, which seems like it would sting, but is a relatively decent price for double the space.
"With random read/write speeds up to 1,850K/2,600K IOPS, enjoy fast game loads, seamless AI apps, and efficient multitasking."View Deal
For those with more of a stretchy budget, you could also spring for more space, since the 4TB 9100 PRO is 'down' to $734.99. You can see where the value multiplier starts to slip, but it's still slightly better than it has been in the past. If you're lucky enough to own one of the rarer motherboards with two PCIe 5.0 slots, you'd perhaps consider picking up two 2TB drives instead.
On the other hand, you could go completely overboard and grab the 8TB 9100 PRO for.. $2,279.50. That's not a typo. It might be listed as a deal, but that's still within the realms of fantasy for most, especially when the dollars-per-gigabyte metric falls off so hard.
Then again, I know people with these kinds of drives. They're usually in massive home server units, powering self-made servers, but these things do sell. Either way, I have a couple of the 1TB 9100 PRO drives in mine and my wife's desktop PCs, and they've been running strong since day one. It was an expensive adoption, but I've had no regrets. This price is much more like it.
New members can enjoy exclusive Prime Day discounts for free and cancel anytime. After the trial, membership is $14.99/month plus tax. Includes access to games via Prime Gaming alongside Prime Video and Prime Music.
How long does Amazon Prime Big Deal Days last?
Amazon has launched this year's Prime Big Deal Days event with 48 hours of more exclusive deals, which started on Tuesday, October 6, and runs until Wednesday, October 7, 2026
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"Babe?... Babe!? Is everything alright?" If you're in my house on a relaxing weekend afternoon, you'll often hear me trying to get a hold of my wife. I have to ask a few times, not because she's ignoring me, but because she has a pair of noise cancelling headphones on.
For the last couple of years, my wife has donned a pair of Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones. They're sleek, comfortable, and do a great job blocking out noise. And right now, they're on sale for $190 off.
These noise cancelling headphones are comfortable, sound great, and last all day. They charge through USB-C, so even if they do run out of battery they're easy to top up.View Deal
You may be surprised to hear that I rarely spend a lot of money on gadgets. I love covering tech, but I try to keep my spending down when it comes to laptops, phones, and accessories. That's why it was a major shift when I bought my wife a pair of Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones. Back then, the headphones were newer and closer to full price.
But I wanted to splurge on a gift for my wife. She loves music, audiobooks, and podcasts, so I knew she needed a pair of headphones that she could wear all day. The headset from Bose delivered. They're comfortable, block out noise with active and passive noise cancellation, and last a long time.
They're mostly my wife's headphones, but I use them at least once a month and am frequently reminded of how much I like them. After years of heavy use they show some wear and tear (I just ordered new ear pads), but they still sound great.
The Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones are now a bit older, but they still deliver high-quality audio and are comfortable. They lack some of the bells and whistles you'll see in newer headsets, but they've aged well.
New members can enjoy exclusive Prime Day discounts for free and cancel anytime. After the trial, membership is $14.99/month plus tax. Includes access to games via Prime Gaming alongside Prime Video and Prime Music.
How long does Amazon Prime Big Deal Days last?
Amazon has launched this year's Prime Big Deal Days event with 48 hours of more exclusive deals, which started on Tuesday, October 6, and runs until Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
Xbox stated recently that its restructure is "75% complete," with staffers still wondering what additional layoffs might be on the table. But for now, Asha Sharma took to the internal airwaves to give Xbox staffers an update on what to expect in the coming months from Xbox's overall plan. The quotes below were transcribed to us and verified with multiple sources.
Xbox's big plans for PC and gaming in general: easier publishing, and a Battle.net boost
Battle.net now contains a range of first-party Xbox games, and now also includes its first third-party game in the form of The Witcher 3. (Image credit: Windows Central | Jez Corden)
Sharma spoke on a range of topics at the event, some of which we covered yesterday which you can read up on here. There, Xbox's Asha Sharma spoke on the need to strengthen Xbox's core user base: console users, with plans to boost Xbox Series X|S and the next-gen Xbox Helix "family of devices." But today, I'd like to highlight her comments on Xbox PC and its future, which includes boosted publishing powers for developers, more support for Battle.net, and more.
"On PC historically, we've taken a one-shot approach. We've had one app, and that's what we've focused on. As we have dug in, we're leaving a lot on the table," Sharma said. "It turns out that Battle.net supports an audience that we're not reaching outside of it, and it is awesome at it. The retention is nearly as good as Steam's retention, and we've never really put any work behind it as a platform. And so, we are doing that. We are doing it the right way for that community. It'll be great for our first-party games, and great for select third-party games too."
Indeed, Battle.net recently picked up its first third-party game in the form of The Witcher 3. Activision previously experimented with Battle.net, putting Call of Duty and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater up on the service, and Xbox chimed in with DOOM and Avowed, among others. Blizzard seems to be taking a more curated approach to content on Battle.net, as opposed to opening the flood gates Steam or Xbox PC-style. Retention refers to return users, and not necessarily total users. Sharma is saying that once they're in the ecosystem, Battle.net users stick around at a rate almost as good as Steam.
It'll be interesting to see what publishers show up there next in any case. I could see Battle.net focusing more on AAA type stuff, but it also seems to be designed to help Xbox boost Xbox Play Anywhere. Indeed, The Witcher 3 is now Xbox Play Anywhere on Xbox Series X|S consoles and cloud as a result of this partnership, even if you grab it via Battle.net on PC.
None of this means Xbox plans to ditch Steam, though.
Xbox will continue to operate on Steam, although it's increasingly exploring its options to grow on PC. (Image credit: Windows Central)
"We will continue to invest in other PC apps as long as they reach distinct audiences," Sharma emphasized. "The Windows app [Microsoft Store] reaches a lot of people around the world. In fact, in China, it is the number one store," Sharma said, although it's unclear by what metric they're measuring this. It's true that Fortnite, Roblox, and some other major service-type games are available on the Windows Microsoft Store, and not on Steam. I'm told many users in China access Steam via a VPN, which probably clouds some of these figures.
"We're collaborating across the board," Sharma said, "we're doing a lot this fall [in terms of offers] through OEMs. We have an offer going out to 14 million OEMs. I saw some great pre-install work that's happening for [World of Warcraft], and some great conversion numbers. We will continue to succeed on Windows. There are a billion Windows PCs. There's no reason we shouldn't be serving our audiences there."
OEMs refers to companies that build and ship Windows-based devices. It sounds to me like Sharma and Xbox are working to bundle other content with upcoming laptop launches. Many laptops come with PC Game Pass codes these days, for example, and it sounds like World of Warcraft may come with launchers and gametime pre-installed on some devices to celebrate the launch of WoW: Forever and further boost Battle.net in general.
Microsoft's systems are often confusing for developers. Tainted Grail recently picked up the Xbox Play Anywhere tag, but the cloud saves are broken, and the game delivers two separate packages when installed on PC, one PC version and one Xbox console version which naturally won't run and reads as "corrupted." This shouldn't be possible. (Image credit: Jez Corden | Windows Central)
Finally, Sharma spoke about making it easier to "work with Xbox," echoing complaints I've heard from developers big and small about building games for the Xbox ecosystem.
"Right now, it is simply very hard to work with Xbox," Sharma admitted. "So, we are simplifying the targets, we're moving to a headless partner center, we're taking the cruft out of our APIs, and we're making them machine-readable. There's a lot of work here. We need developers to be able to work with us, understand how they are performing, and have tools that actually grow their business. There's a lot we can do here. I'm encouraged by the work happening."
The idea here is to make Xbox's publishing programs as simple and automated as possible, reducing the need for human-intervention and bottlenecks. You might notice on Metacritic that PS5 and Steam reviews of games often vastly outstrip their Xbox counterparts. One reason for this is that developers' games often seem stuck in certification until the last minute on Xbox, with reviewers and content creators opting for PS5 and Steam versions as codes usually come in much earlier there.
More problematically, Microsoft's publishing requirements often just see indie developers rejected without providing any clear reasoning, despite obtaining clearance on Steam and PS5. It's often only when the Xbox community gets involved and makes noise that some publishers get their work cleared through cert, which is absolutely stupid. It sounds like there's an effort to fix this, thankfully.
PC gaming is a huge opportunity for Xbox, both on and off Steam
Yesterday, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma spoke of working with partners on hardware, likely in reference to more Xbox Ally-style devices. (Image credit: Jennifer Young - WIndows Central)
Microsoft's core focus is rebuilding its Xbox Series X|S console business ahead of the Xbox Helix launch, but it's encouraging to see they're not abandoning efforts to strengthen their PC offering.
In years past, Microsoft earned itself a reputation of hostility among PC players, with services like Games for Windows Live remaining notorious to this day. As of 2026, Xbox's offering on PC is far far better. The Xbox PC app is in a much better place (although could still be better), the Xbox Ally X handheld is a fantastic console companion for Xbox Play Anywhere fans. And perhaps ironically, Microsoft's disc-to-digital program on Xbox consoles is offering a way to acquire physical PC games for the first time in years, strangely.
Microsoft still has a way to go on building trust with PC gamers for sure. I would argue having more open dialogue with the community there and having a more public, prominent feedback program similar to what we've seen on Xbox Series X|S would help. PC Game Pass is still a very strong offering, and Battle.net is arguably the best of the publisher-focused launchers, vastly outstripping stuff like Ubisoft Connect and EA Play.
PC gaming is a very different culture to console gaming, and arguably more competitive. Steam is absolutely beloved, and outside of that, we have an arrangement of publisher-focused launchers like the Riot Client and HoYoverse launchers. Xbox PC still needs a lot of work on the performance side, especially on handhelds, and the integrations with external launchers like Battle.net itself aren't always the best. But as an Xbox-first, Xbox PC-second gamer, I've been encouraged by the work here. I'd love to see Xbox boost publisher relationships and discoverability for indie games, improve the search functionality on Xbox PC, and also streamline processes for getting Xbox Play Anywhere functional.
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Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is just over a couple of weeks away (less if you get the early access to the campaign), but there's still time to get your pre-order in before that.
If you're ordering on Xbox Series X or PS5, then there's a strong case to order a physical copy, because you can get some free stuff with your purchase.
Modern Warfare 4 (with 5 hours of 2XP): $69.99 With campaign, multiplayer, and DMZ to enjoy in this year's Call of Duty and its Korean setting, there's plenty to sink your teeth into. Amazon's pre-order will help accelerate those early hours with a pocket full of 2XP tokens to use as you level up.
After a bit of a slow start, there's actually a lot to look forward to in Modern Warfare 4. DMZ has finally had a full reveal, and there's still more to come. But it looks extremely promising, turning Call of Duty into a serious extraction shooter.
The campaign is a return to normality after the unusual one we had in Black Ops 7, with the Korean setting looking absolutely glorious from what we've seen so far.
As ever, we'll be jumping into a new Mastery Camo grind, and there will be all manner of calling cards, blueprints, and other items to unlock, and no shortage of things to do.
It's also worth remembering that Modern Warfare 4 will not be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch. After back-to-back releases, the title has since been removed, and we don't expect to see it added to the library until October 2028 at the earliest.
So if you want to play, you need to buy like the old days. So you may as well get some added bonuses for yourself while you're at it.
If, like me, you've been playing Black Ops 7 all year, you probably have a good stash of 2XP tokens already, so I'd definitely go for the steelbook. That and I'm a sucker for a steelbook. But if you've had time away, those 2XP tokens will certainly help you burn through the early levelling process a bit quicker.
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Hier — 7 octobre 2026Windows Central - News, Forums, Reviews, Help for Windows 10 and all things Microsoft.
The October 2026 Security Update for Windows 11 is expected to begin rolling out as an automatic install on October 13, 2026, with a new wave of features, improvements, and fixes. This release is notable because it also rolls out for version 26H2. In addition, this release marks the last quality update for version 24H2, as this version also reaches the end of support.
In this quality update, Microsoft introduces a new feature that allows you to decide whether your apps always open maximized. File Explorer receives some useful improvements, and the Magnifier gets a small refresh.
In Settings, you can now adjust touchpad controls and reassign the Copilot key to open Right Ctrl or the Context Menu.
Finally, the software giant is adding a new Tips widget, and the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) can now reuse your previously configured Wi-Fi credentials.
In this guide, I'll highlight the most significant changes in the October 2026 Security Update for Windows 11 versions 26H2, 25H2, and 24H2, since they are identical.
Windows 11's new features arriving in October
As usual, the company uses Controlled Feature Rollout (CFR) to roll out new improvements gradually, so it may take some time before you see them.
File Explorer changes
The updated version of File Explorer improves some areas of the experience. For example, the "Preview" pane now lets you preview downloaded HTML files after confirming the internet warning, while PDF files now show a preview automatically.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
The Home page is also getting an update that lets File Explorer remember which sections you expanded or collapsed, so the next time you're on the page, you don't have to reconfigure the layout.
In the "Details" pane, the development team is improving thumbnail reliability for cloud files and reorganizing file properties for easier viewing.
Open apps maximized feature
Microsoft is also rolling out a new feature known as "Open apps maximized," an accessibility feature that lets users choose whether apps should always launch maximized.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
The "Open apps maximized" feature is available under Settings > Accessibility > Visual Effects. When you turn it on, the operating system automatically launches apps in maximized mode (not full-screen mode).
Magnifier refresh
The October update also brings a new version of the Magnifier with visual changes. For example, the toolbar icons now align with the Windows 11 design language.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
In addition, the company is redoing the interface padding to give the experience more spacing across the toolbar for a more consistent layout.
Touchpad controls
In this quality update, if you have a precision touchpad, you'll be gaining two new options.
On Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad, you can configure the experience to scroll vertically with one finger from the left or right side of the touchpad, or keep scrolling by gesturing your finger upwards without lifting.
Copilot key remap new options
Although you can remap the Copilot key to different actions, this release adds the ability to remap it to "Right control" or the "Context menu" key, bringing Copilot devices to a more familiar keyboard experience.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
You'll find the new "Right control" and "Context menu" options in the "Customize Copilot key on keyboard" setting on Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Keyboard.
Widgets with new Tips widget
In the Widgets feature, the company is adding a new "Tips" widget that offers short tips about the operating system.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
In the dashboard, you can add the widget from the "Add widgets" option. You can always place it on the Lock screen using the widget settings in Settings > Personalization > Lock screen.
WinRE with Wi-Fi support
As part of this release, Microsoft is also updating the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to reuse Wi-Fi profiles already saved in the operating system.
Before this change, WinRE supported network connectivity only via an Ethernet connection or separately pre-configured Wi-Fi networks.
The change is now enabled by default, allowing the recovery environment to quickly connect to the internet using profiles already configured in the operating system, making it easier to access features like Quick Machine Recovery.
In addition, the company is adding a remote recovery management plugin to WinRE, extending its management features to MDM providers.
Other changes
Alongside the biggest improvements, the October 2026 Security Update includes other smaller changes that are also welcome additions.
For example, in the Personalization experience, Microsoft is improving the background experience with better transitions for changing wallpapers, and the preview now supports higher resolution.
The slideshow option improves transitions and works across multiple desktops.
As part of the Bluetooth changes, the operating system now improves how the system handles connections, audio, microphones, and settings.
In the Settings app, more specifically on the Home or Accounts page, you'll find a new "Camera Roll Backup" option to protect your photos with OneDrive.
The Ebrima font now supports the Garay and Beria Erfe scripts, and Emoji 17.0 is now available on Windows 11.
In Kiosk mode, the system now blocks additional shortcuts, such as the "Windows key + Tab," "Windows key + A," and "Windows key + C."
Finally, the company is removing the PC-to-PC Migration feature that lets users transfer files and settings directly from an old PC when setting up a new PC.
Windows Central's Take
I see this as a solid update because many changes make the operating system easier to use rather than adding another major feature people have to learn. The ability to open apps maximized and the new options to remap the Copilot key are small additions, but they give users more control over how their devices work.
The ability to reuse Wi-Fi connections with WinRE is probably even more useful when something goes wrong. I rarely think about recovery tools when everything is working, but when I need them, having the system connect to an already saved connection without extra setup can save time and make things easier.
I also appreciate the company continuing to make these smaller usability improvements. After years of system updates, the changes I appreciate most are usually the ones that remove a small annoyance rather than add more complexity.
More resources
Explore more in-depth how-to guides, troubleshooting advice, and essential tips to get the most out of Windows 11 and 10. Start browsing here:
Microsoft Outlook will soon be able to save you from a costly mistake in an email. An upcoming feature will automatically spell check your emails before sending them.
Of course, Outlook already has a built-in spell check feature that highlights misspelled words and other mistakes. The new feature adds another layer of proofing by checking for spelling errors before an email is sent.
While spell check catches many mistakes as you type, it's easy to miss a typo in a long email or make an error when responding to messages. Running a final spell check before sending provides one last opportunity to catch mistakes before an email is delivered.
"If you don’t want to check spelling manually for every message—or you’re worried you might forget!—you can set Outlook to check spelling for you every time before sending emails," explains Microsoft through the Microsoft 365 Message Center (archived here).
When enabled, Outlook will review your message before it is sent and flag spelling issues that should be corrected.
The new spell check feature is expected to start rolling out mid-November, but it won't reach everyone until early December. Users in Targeted Release will be able to use the feature as soon as this month.
The new Outlook feature will sound familiar to those who have used Outlook for a long time. Classic Outlook already has the ability to check spelling before an email is sent through the "Always check spelling before sending" setting. Now, the same functionality is on the way to new Outlook.
Microsoft has spent the last several years bringing features from classic Outlook to new Outlook. Microsoft's latest update is another step toward feature parity between the two versions.
Are there any features you rely on that are still missing from new Outlook? Let us know in the comments.
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The Windows App on Windows now has a new way to connect to a Windows PC. Remote PC connections are now supported in the app, creating a unified experience for a broad range of connections.
The Windows App already supported Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box. Now, it also allows you to connect to a PC remotely.
The ability to connect to a PC remotely arrives in Windows App following the retirement of the Remote Desktop app. The expanded feature set of the Windows App entered testing in March and now remote PC connections are generally available.
This week's news is that remote PC connections are supported in the Windows App on Windows, but it's worth noting that the Windows App is also available on macOS, iPadOS, Android, and web browsers.
Make sure Remote Desktop is enabled on the PC you want to connect to.
Install or update Windows App from the Microsoft Store.
Open Windows App and select Add a Remote PC or select the Add button.
Add your remote PC using its PC name or IP address.
Select Add or Add and Connect.
When I covered the migration to Windows App earlier this year, our readers listed Remote Desktop Connection (the classic mstsc.exe tool) as their preferred way to connect to a PC remotely. That method is still supported, as Microsoft retired the Remote Desktop app from the Microsoft Store rather than the built-in Remote Desktop Connection client. It will be interesting to see whether people transition to the unified Windows App.
If you used another method of connecting to a PC remotely and have switched to the Windows App, please share your experience in the comments.
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We all love gaming, but like all pleasures in life, excessive indulgence can lead to damaging your health. For instance, staring too long at computer or TV screens that project blue HEV light can strain your eyes or even ruin your sleep cycle by disrupting your brain.
Fortunately, apparel brand GUNNAR is here to save your eyes with its Fallout-themed Vault 33 Glasses, which are now on sale for $62.99 at Amazon (was $99.00) courtesy of Amazon Prime Big Deal Days.
Other Fallout Gunnar Glasses are also on sale on GUNNAR's website (discounts are applied during checkout).
The Gunnar Fallout Vault 33 Gaming Glasses with its carrier bag and case. (Image credit: Gunnar)
These gaming glasses are more than novelty items meant to cater to Fallout fans; they're all useful for protecting the wearer's eyes during long hours of gaming or work staring at computer screens that project blue light all day.
For those unaware, prolonged exposure to blue light (which can be emitted from modern monitors and phone screens) can cause annoying eye strain, headaches, migraines, and even disrupt your sleep pattern. This is because blue light can trick the brain into stopping the production of melatonin, a crucial hormone that helps regulate your sleep cycle.
With GUNNAR's Fallout Gaming glasses, you won't have to worry about that anymore, as they can block blue light from monitors. Additionally, they're also equipped with 100% UV protection, so they can double as stylish sunglasses.
I wear Gunnar glasses every day
Gunnar's amber-tinted lenses help reduce glare whether I'm working at my desk or spending time outside. (Image credit: Future)
I saw Alex covering these Gunnar glasses and knew I had to jump in. I wear a pair of Gunnar glasses every day at my desk, and I often wear them outside as well.
I was sent a pair of Gunnar Novata Onyx glasses to try out and was surprised by how much of a difference they made. They reduce glare and adjust the contrast of what I see, which helps my eyes feel less strained throughout the day.
I've used screen filters and built-in device settings in the past, but they weren't as effective because they only changed the output of a specific display. Gunnar glasses, by contrast, affect everything I'm looking at and help reduce the impact of harsh ambient light as well.
As someone who spends most of the day staring at monitors, I've found the glasses help reduce the tired, dry-eye feeling I sometimes get after long work sessions. — Sean Endicott
These glasses filter out blue light to reduce eye strain caused by staring at a screen. They're made with a lightweight titanium frame and have anti-reflective coating.View Deal
Walk the street like a high-rolling gambler from the Lucky 38 with these Fallout: New Vegas-inspired gaming glasses. They feature a stylish look, UV & blue light protection, and removable leather side shields to give the glasses a vintage look.View Deal
This variant of the GUNNAR Fallout Gaming Glasses is modeled after the Brotherhood of Steel faction, complete with a durable yet lightweight gunmetal aviator frame and protection against blue & UV light. View Deal
Do I need a Prime membership for Big Deal Days?
If you're shopping at Amazon this week, you will need a Prime membership in order to access most of the Big Deal Days promotions.
If you haven't registered before, you can grab a 30-day free trial and just cancel after you've shopped for deals.
New members can enjoy exclusive Prime Day discounts for free and cancel anytime. After the trial, membership is $14.99/month plus tax. Includes access to games via Prime Gaming alongside Prime Video and Prime Music.
Will I need prescription for these gaming glasses?
No. You can buy non-prescription versions of GUNNAR's Fallout Gaming Glasses or order customized prescription versions on the official GUNNAR Store so they are tailored to your vision.
How long will these deals last?
GUNNAR's Fallout Gaming Glasses will be on sale from October 6, 2026 to October 22, 2026.
What is GUNNAR?
GUNNAR is an online storefront that specializes in selling computer and gaming eyewear designed to protect the wearer's eyes from eye-straining, headache-inducing blue light and more severe, harmful UV light radiation.
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Color me surprised. Somehow, Halo: Campaign Evolved survived?
Yes, according to leaker @Mr_Rebs_, who detailed what’s left of Halo Studios in his latest video. He also broke down plans for a final content update for Campaign Evolved and clarified the team’s connection, or rather lack thereof, with Activision. As we all know, Activision is now in control of Halo, so let’s first jump into what we know about the remainder of Halo Studios.
To many’s surprise, and perhaps chagrin, Pierre Hintze has remained. He is a figure of controversy within the studio, but he continues to head a 30-person team. Their priorities are set to be handling Halo Fest and shipping a content update for Campaign Evolved.
For those unfamiliar, Firefight is Halo’s PvE mode featuring wave-based gameplay, whilst Theater mode lets players replay their matches, record clips, and use free-cam within their played matches. It was a great tool for the likes of Machinima, so shout-out to anyone who remembers those.
Rebs also mentions that some things may be cut due to the recent layoffs, so don’t hold out hope just yet on all of these making it into the game.
His source also expects Halo Studios to disappear completely in the future. The remaining team has no contact with Activision or the future of Halo, a fact I’m personally pleased with. I haven’t been best pleased with the state of Halo these past 15 years.
It’s weird, and almost bittersweet, how things have panned out. I don’t know if Activision is the right choice for Halo. I do have some thoughts on it, and I am more positive about the prospects of another Halo game from Activision than I am about another Halo Studios effort. But it’ll be years before we see the fruits of Activision’s labor.
Frankly, unless the game is a massive hit, I’d be surprised if anyone really comes back to Halo. Then again, I know I’ll somehow find a way to muster up the courage to potentially be disappointed for the hundredth time.
Let me know your thoughts on a potential last update for Campaign Evolved, whether you’re happy nobody at Halo Studios is jumping ship to Activision, or anything else down below in the comments.
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On October 6, 2026, Overwatch commenced its fifth season titled 'A Grim Doctrine' and it will feature the public playable debut of a vampiric hero named Doctrine.
Additionally, this season will feature a new anime collaboration, a new map and event, reworks to existing heroes, and Battle Pass adjustments.
Here's everything you can expect to see in Overwatch Season 5.
Doctrine's abilities and perks. (Image credit: Blizzard Entertainment)
Announced in a trailer at BlizzCon 2026, Doctrine arrives for the final story beat of The Reign of Talon storyline. However, Doctrine's story is linked to Doomfist, who just broke him out of the Grímsvötn prison, since both share an obscure past.
As a support hero, Doctrine brings both defensive and offensive capabilities. With his Eternal Scepter, he can heal allies and damage enemies from mid-to-long range.
Additionally, he deploys bat-like drones to boost the team's healing and attack speed, and he triggers his ultimate to redistribute life force across the battlefield, giving allies Overhealth while reducing enemy health.
New Map and Event
The new Grímsvötn map. (Image credit: Blizzard Entertainment)
Doctrine's lore video isn't the last time we'll be seeing Grímsvötn. With Season 5, the prison arrives as a playable map for the Escort mode, the first new Escort map in years, actually.
The Season's event is connected to the month of Halloween as well. In Mystery Madness: Graveyard Games, you start as a random hero, and after each death, you come back with new random weapons to create a monstrous combination.
Adjusted Battle Pass System and Reworks
Sombra and Roadhog reworks. (Image credit: Blizzard Entertainment)
Many live-service games have left the standard single Battle Pass system behind. It's now Overwatch's turn, and they finally adjusted the system to feel way less strict and with less fear of missing out.
Battle Passes from Seasons 1–15 will be available again, and you can pick up where you left off. Players can also have both the current Battle Pass and an Unvaulted one active at the same time. Unvaulted Passes, however, do not include Overwatch Coins, XP Boosts, Mythic Prisms, Prestige Titles, or Mythic Hero and Weapon Skins.
On the rework side, the long-awaited adjustment for Sombra is here, changing the Hero from Damage to Support. This change targets specifically her abilities; Hotfix now heals a selected ally, and Cyberspace creates an area that heals allies while inflicting the new Weaken status on enemies.
Roadhog is also getting his own adjustments. His Scrap Gun now fires two bursts per volley with a stronger center projectile in each. The Trash Compactor ability now takes incoming enemy projectiles and sends an explosive shot back, which damage scales with how much punishment was absorbed.
Mythics and Crossover skins continue
Overwatch x Solo Leveling (Image credit: Blizzard Entertainment)
As with most Seasons, A Grim Doctrine brings a collaboration with another franchise, this time with the anime Solo Leveling. Genji, Reaper, Anran, Reinhardt, and Lifeweaver will all be getting skins inspired by the characters of Solo Leveling, such as Sung Jin-Woo and his Shadow Monarchs, Cha Hae-In, and Choi Jong-In.
For Mythic skins, it's Wuyang with the Mythic Dragon Shaoxia Wuyang skin. This skin brings dragon-inspired cosmetics and VFX across its four levels.
Lucio's new Mythic weapon, the Treblemaker. (Image credit: Blizzard Entertainment)
In the past few days, the Overwatch team has been teasing on social media with an emoji of a frog.
Now we know that this was referencing the new Mythic weapon: Treblemaker, Lucio’s first Mythic weapon. One of the coolest Mythics by far, if I say so myself, bringing audio and visual effects while the weapon itself holds a charming frog inside.
For those looking for fashion that fits the season, both in-game and in real life, the Tech Witches collection brings witch hats and bats to help you achieve that. These new skins will be available for D.Mon, Shion, Juno, Sierra, and Jetpack Cat.
Fight together, Stay together
Team Drives will return on October 29–November 1. The competitive mode allows players to stay squadded up to progress through Gladiator Ranks. With Season 5, though, Team Drives also makes it way to Quick Play.
Will you be joining Overwatch in this new spooky Season and final chapter of the Reign of Talon? What do you think of the reworks of Sombra and Roadhog? If you have any thoughts on the matter, let us know in the comments, on Reddit, or in the poll.
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