Windows Central

1. If you want the absolute best PC setup, this microphone arm mount could be the answer — if you're willing to pay

   I've been using the HyperX Caster boom arm, and it's a premium, easily adjustable mount for microphones and cameras. It's also among the most expensive, though.

2. HyperX's most premium microphone pulls double USB/XLR duty, but I didn't expect to need my own mount

   I've been using the HyperX FlipCast microphone, a dual USB/XLR mic with impressive recording capabilities, but a high price tag and no mount in the box.

3. HyperSpace Trackpad Pro review: We finally got a Magic Trackpad for Windows — and it’s more than just a clone

   The HyperSpace Trackpad Pro brings haptic feedback, per-app profiles, and gestures to Windows, but it has a learning curve.

4. I've been dual-booting Windows 11 and Linux in total harmony throughout 2025 — Microsoft is in no danger of a mass exodus (unless it fumbles AI in Windows 12)

   Is Microsoft's AI push driving users away? Linux can handle gaming and daily work, but the deep-rooted familiarity of Windows still prevents any permanent switch.

5. I tried setting up my first-ever NAS, and this budget UGREEN model did everything I needed with my old HDDs — now I'm falling down a home media server rabbit hole

   UGREEN's NASync DH2300 proved to be a perfect entry point for me, a complete NAS novice, to set up a home media server and breathe new life into old HDDs.

6. NVIDIA will enforce a 100-Hour GeForce Now limit in 2026 — while building a PC gets more expensive by the month

   NVIDIA’s 100-hour GeForce Now cap isn’t new — but as PC upgrades become harder to afford, the idea of time-limited cloud gaming is hitting a nerve with players.

7. We own the hardware, but not the experience anymore — Big Tech keeps building smarter, more connected devices, but the user experience feels more intrusive, more confusing, and less human

   It seems like people aren't as devoted to their tech as much as they were a few years ago. But it's hard to love a device when it keeps changing and treating you like a consumer.

8. Comment: What did YOU get for Christmas 2025? 🎅❄️🎄

   We want to hear from you! Did you get any cool tech for Christmas? Did you buy any loved ones cool tech? Let's talk about... cool tech! Happy Holidays and a Merry Christmas to you and yours.

9. Modular, upgradeable, and super compact — HP's new mini PC impressed me with its versatile hardware and capable cooling

   HP has a new mini PC packed with AI smarts and additional security for pros. I've been using it for a couple of weeks to see what it's all about, and I can say I'm impressed with how it performs and handles cooling.

10. The best thing I did in 2025 was start using a mini PC, and it changed everything

    This year, I discovered how an impressive mini PC delivered the performance, efficiency, and surprising gaming power I needed, and I'm sold.

11. Xbox Ally starter guide: 7 essential steps every new owner should do first

    Did you get a shiny new Xbox Ally or Xbox Ally X recently? If so, consider following these steps to improve your experience before diving into those similarly shiny games.

12. Steam Deck starter guide — 7 things you need to do first to get the best experience for your gaming sessions

    To get the best experience on your Steam Deck, you're going to want to make some settings changes before playing any games. Here are the things you should do first after getting your Steam Deck.

13. Google’s fine print may cost your Fourth Amendment rights — Pennsylvania Supreme Court allows authorities to access your search history without a warrant

    The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania ruled that police can access Google search results without a warrant, saying users consented by accepting Google’s privacy policy, thereby waiving Fourth Amendment protections and privacy rights.

14. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman claims 'AGI' might have already "whooshed by" — with surprisingly little societal impact compared to the hype that surrounds it

    OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says we might have already achieved AGI, whooshing by with no significant change in the world as expected.

15. Change.org petition seeks to revive Windows Phone, and dozens are signing up! (including me ... ) — "Third time's a charm."

    Has a Change.org petition ever resulted in any meaningful, actual change? I have no idea, but here's one new petition that I thoroughly expect to deliver maximum results.

16. The entire Fallout franchise just got a massive sale to go with Season 2 of the TV show — the price of every game dropped like a bomb

    Right now, you can get every Fallout game for a rock-bottom price thanks to a new sale that's gone live after the premiere of Season 2 of the TV show.

17. If you’re one of the three people who don’t own Minecraft already, it’s now on sale for Christmas

    Mojang Studios is discounting Minecraft for the remainder of the holidays, giving everyone a rare chance to save on the world's best-selling video game.

18. 007: First Light has officially been delayed, with the next James Bond adventure now targeting a May 2026 release window — the team wants to deliver the "strongest possible version at launch"

    007 First Light is delayed to May 2026, IO Interactive shared, adding that the game will now benefit from extra polish.

19. If you're getting your kid a laptop for Christmas, make sure you do these 7 things before December 25!

    If you're gifting your kid a laptop this Christmas, do the heavy work beforehand and get it all set up. Here are seven things you should do!

20. “My goal is to eliminate every line of C and C++ from Microsoft by 2030” — Microsoft bets on AI to re-write Windows (Update: Microsoft says no.)

    Microsoft is betting on AI and Rust to eliminate legacy C++ code by 2030. It’s an ambitious engineering pivot that could finally secure the Windows kernel.

21. Former Bungie director says Marathon didn’t stem from Tarkov or extraction shooters — it was inspired by an MMO my parents played 20 years ago

    A former Bungie director has revealed that the original inspiration for Marathon wasn't Tarkov or extraction shooters, but rather the Dark Age of Camelot MMO.

22. This underrated $36 wired Xbox controller outperforms the official one — and it’s the perfect last‑minute Christmas stocking filler

    Walmart has procured a special 19% Christmas discount for the GameSir G7 SE Wired Controller, one of the best budget Xbox controllers we'll always recommend event at full price.

23. Begin your PC gaming career with Walmart's exclusive discounts for high-quality gaming laptops and accessories — with each laptop now less than $1,000

    Walmart is offering exclusive Christmas discounts on powerful gaming laptops and lucrative gaming accessories. So, we've rounded up the best deals from this sale for new players to start their PC gaming career.

24. OneDrive doesn't let you transfer ownership of files and folders — Here's how to do it anyway

    OneDrive can’t transfer ownership, but you can still move files to another account using a workaround. Here’s how to do it.

25. OpenAI launches "Your Year with ChatGPT" — a Spotify Wrapped-style recap that analyzes your most intrusive thoughts and chat habits from 2025

    OpenAI has rolled out an annual review feature, "Your Year with ChatGPT," to users in select markets, including the United States, Canada, the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand.