Windows Central

The studio behind one of Xbox's best new games plans to return to its iconic franchise, and just opened a second office ? "we're not done with it"
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 23:45:52 +0000
MachineGames' studio director Jerk Gustafsson has promised that it will return to the Wolfenstein franchise, though it may be "later" instead of "now."

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and Warzone devs on making one of the biggest live-service games in the world ? "Some teams see launch as the finish line. For us, it?s the starting gun"
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:51:42 +0000
As Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and Warzone starts Season 2, its devs joined us to talk how they're handling the challenges of live-service game development.

WWE 2K26 releases a new gameplay overview trailer ? new match types, Start-of-Match actions, and more
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:10:06 +0000
Wade Barrett from WWE provides a breakdown of WWE 2K26's new match types and gameplay improvements in this newly released gameplay trailer.

Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection has a free demo out now for Xbox and PC ? carry progress to the full game
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:01:52 +0000
Capcom has released a free playable demo of Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, the next and biggest entry in Monster Hunter's JRPG spin-off series for platforms. Here's what you can expect from the demo.

A popular Grammarly alternative is killing its browser extension unless you pay ? blames AI in the process.
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 19:35:34 +0000
LanguageTool, a popular grammar checker, is killing its free browser extension and opening it only to paid, premium users.

Windows 11 now locks Storage settings behind admin rights ? and it?s going to confuse a lot of people
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 18:17:35 +0000
Accessing the Storage settings on Windows 11 now triggers a UAC prompt, giving admins an extra layer of security over system files and device security.

This new promo video of the ?Windows 11 phone? concept makes the NexPhone look shockingly real ? triple?booting Windows 11, Android, and Linux on actual hardware
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 18:04:43 +0000
The NexPhone runs Windows 11, Android, and Linux. With a Q3 2026 launch and a $549 price tag, it's a bold attempt to revive the "PC in your pocket" dream.

5 more TOP recent ID@Xbox greats ? Ever wanted to be an egg, or quarantine potential zombies? This list is for you.
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 17:30:44 +0000
From zombie admin to pest control, these ID@Xbox titles are great to get you over the January slump.

'Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth' Xbox Play Anywhere launch date slated for June 3, 2026 ? more details on Part 3 coming later this year
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 16:31:35 +0000
Pre-orders are live now for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, the remake trilogy's open world middle act.

Windows 11 beats Linux for most people ? here are 4 reasons why, whether fans like it or not
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 15:12:50 +0000
Windows 11 offers better app compatibility, hardware support, gaming, and less friction than Linux for most desktop users. Here's why it still wins.

Microsoft Teams in January: The 3 best features for multitasking ? and a sneak peek at what's coming next
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 14:45:10 +0000
Microsoft Teams finally adds a native "pin on top" mode and a revamped Shared tab for links.

AI agents in OneDrive want it to be the ultimate productivity hub ? but you'll need a Microsoft 365 Copilot license to create one
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 13:57:22 +0000
Microsoft recently shipped AI agents in OneDrive to general availability for AI-powered document search and analysis, but you'll need a Microsoft 365 Copilot license to access the tool.

Crimson Desert's 2nd gameplay showcase highlights combat and player progression ? I can Chokeslam and Angle Slam enemies in this game? Sign me up now.
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 13:48:28 +0000
Pearl Abyss has released Crimson Desert's 2nd gameplay overview video, this time covering the game's complex combat system and in-depth player progression system.

This reliable Windows laptop uses Qualcomm's Snapdragon X processor for all-day battery life and productivity performance ? now under $450
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 12:02:35 +0000
Best Buy has a 40% discount on the ASUS Vivobook 14, an efficient and dependable laptop for workplace productivity, featuring a Snapdragon X processor, 29 hours of battery life, 16GB of RAM, and more.

Microsoft wants to focus on "engineering quality" by re-hiring Windows veteran Hayete Gallot as its new security chief ? allowing Charlie Bell to focus on "durable, high quality-experiences"
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 11:44:49 +0000
Satya Nadella announces that security boss Charlie Bell is moving to focus on engineering quality, and he'll be replaced by Microsoft veteran Hayete Gallot.


  • Sn This one

  • Nascar

    Why NASCAR allowed teams to refuel without penalty late in The Clash
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 21:08:09 +0000
    NASCAR?s senior competition leadership says there were ?multiple layers? to the decision to let teams refuel without penalty on Wednesday in the middle of a sleet-affected and caution-riddled Cookout Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium.
    The decision drew the ire of several crew chiefs, those who filled their tank before the start of the race or those who took fuel at the expense of their track ...Keep reading

    Chris Gayle has no doubt Denny Hamlin will lock in for 2026 NASCAR title run
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:02:46 +0000
    Denny Hamlin returned from a tumultuous off-season by scoring an eventful top-5 in the Cookout Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on Wednesday night.
    Like much of the field, it wasn?t pretty, and Hamlin survived the chaos better than his peers more than anything else, but it was a top-5. He did it in his first race this season in which he will have to start nursing a re-injured surgically repaired ...Keep reading

    Carson Hocevar signs lengthy extension to keep him at Spire until 2030s
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 18:59:57 +0000
    Carson Hocevar isn't going anywhere, signing a long-term contract extension with Spire Motorsports that extends all the way into the 2030s. 
    The 23-year-old went full-time in the Cup Series in 2024 with Spire, and has helped elevate the team as one that can compete for race wins. While he is has yet to reach Victory Lane at the Cup level, Hocevar has three top fives and 15 top tens in 81 ...Keep reading

    Winners and losers from NASCAR's Clash at the Madhouse
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 18:06:26 +0000
    NASCAR is back, and the season got its unofficial start with the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium. The event was delayed several days due to historic snowfall, and ended up racing through rain and sleet as Mother Nature continued to throw curveballs at NASCAR.
    But in the end, we saw something that's only ever happened twice before -- a driver won the Clash before actually winning a ...Keep reading

    Spotter Brandon Wilkinson gets first NASCAR Cup win at Clash
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 08:49:15 +0000
    Just over a year ago, Brandon Wilkinson was still spotting Super Late Models full-time across the Southeast.
    Now, and while it doesn?t officially count, he is a first-time Cup Series spotter alongside his driver Ryan Preece and crew chief Derrick Finley after dominating the second half of the Cookout Clash on Wednesday night.
    It doesn?t count because the Cookout Clash is a preseason ...Keep reading

    The Ryan Preece Show is back on its brightest stage
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 08:00:03 +0000
    For the first time ever, the NASCAR Cup Series got to experience a full episode of The Ryan Preece Show because Wednesday night in the Cookout Clash was exactly that.
    It was also the unedited, unfiltered ?fuck yeah? version of the show, too.
    This was Preece Lightning, the 2013 Whelen Modified Tour champion, and a racer who was the man to beat every time he unloaded across the eastern ...Keep reading

    Officiating for the NASCAR Cup Clash was a bit of a mess
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 04:27:22 +0000
    It was just a non-points exhibition race but the Cup Series garage did not feel like the Cookout Clash was the finest hour from race control to those on the ground directly communicating with teams.
    Walking through the garage, there were several crew chiefs and veteran crew members who felt like the Sanctioning Body needed to do some work over the next week to mend some fences between ...Keep reading

    Shane van Gisbergen stars in the rain, leads NASCAR Clash before late crash
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 03:46:56 +0000
    Shane van Gisbergen spent the first half of the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray in the back half of the field. During that first time, he got into it with Austin Cindric and former Trackhouse teammate Daniel Suarez.
    At one point, he spun Cindric out in frustration and radioed, "People just kept running into me and I got sick of it." 
    In regards to Suarez, he added: "It's the third time the ...Keep reading

    Tearful Ryan Preece wins mad wet/dry NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 03:01:09 +0000
    An emotional Ryan Preece couldn't stop himself from tearing up and dropping a celebratory F-Bomb as he claimed victory in the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium.
    The Madhouse lived up to its name, as the race -- which was already postponed several days due to snow -- featured a record 17 cautions, and ended on wet-weather tires after sleet hit the track mid-race at around lap 100.
    Preece ...Keep reading


    Fox News Headlines

    FDA relaxes labeling rules on 'no artificial colors' claims amid crackdown
    Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:27:39 GMT
    FDA relaxes rules allowing companies to label products as "no artificial colors" when using natural or plant-based coloring instead of synthetic dyes.

    DHS says anti-ICE agitators helped child rapists, gang members evade deportation
    Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:17:59 GMT
    Homeland Security claims anti-ICE agitators and sanctuary officials tried to block arrests of illegal immigrants accused of child rape, other sex crimes, and domestic abuse.

    Trump signals willingness to defend Diego Garcia military base if future deal threatens US access
    Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:05:40 GMT
    President Donald Trump signaled a willingness to move past tensions with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer over a controversial U.K.-Mauritius deal involving Diego Garcia.

    King Charles reportedly jeered over Prince Andrew's Jeffrey Epstein ties during official Essex visit
    Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:03:25 GMT
    King Charles faced hecklers demanding a Prince Andrew investigation during an Essex visit after flyers about Epstein's ties were scattered around the village.

    Pro wrestling fans loudly chant 'f--- ICE' during an All Elite Wrestling match
    Fri, 06 Feb 2026 00:47:36 GMT
    All Elite Wrestling fans chanted "f--- ICE" during a match between Maxwell Jacob Friedman and Brody King Wednesday night in Las Vegas.

    Winter Olympics makes history with first openly transgender skier competing in women's division
    Fri, 06 Feb 2026 00:00:10 GMT
    Transgender athlete and Swedish skier Elis Lundholm will compete in the women's freestyle division despite identifying as a man at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

    NIL deals keeping top NFL Draft prospects in college longer, former agent says
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 23:52:42 GMT
    Former NFL agent Ben Dogra revealed how NIL contracts keep college players from declaring for the NFL Draft, citing Oregon quarterback Dante Moore as an example.

    Jennifer Garner bit co-star?s ear ?like Mike Tyson? during on-set fight scene
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 23:48:11 GMT
    Jennifer Garner revealed she bit off a chunk of co-star Sala Baker's ear during an intense fight scene for "The Kingdom." The actress and Baker reunited for "The Last Thing He Told Me."

    Blackburn demands investigation into Justice Jackson over Grammy appearance applauding anti-ICE rhetoric
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 23:44:02 GMT
    Sen. Marsha Blackburn is urging an investigation into Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson's Grammy Awards attendance amid anti-ICE rhetoric displayed at the event.

    Giannis Antetokounmpo sticks with Bucks as NBA trade deadline passes despite some interest
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 23:38:41 GMT
    The Bucks retained Giannis Antetokounmpo past Thursday's NBA trade deadline. Milwaukee did make a move, acquiring Ousmane Dieng in a three-team deal.

    49ers stars even-keeled on electromagnetic field injury theory: 'I have no other choice'
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 23:28:30 GMT
    Christian McCaffrey, Brock Purdy and Fred Warner discussed viral theories suggesting electromagnetic fields near Levi?s Stadium could be linked to San Francisco 49ers injuries.

    CeeDee Lamb, Michael Irvin want big bucks to go to this Cowboys star: 'Let's make that happen'
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 23:24:24 GMT
    George Pickens is a free agent after the best year of his career, and both CeeDee Lamb and Michael Irvin want him to stay with the Dallas Cowboys.

    Trump jokes he ?hangs around? Mike Johnson because he feels ?protected? at Prayer Breakfast
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 23:23:32 GMT
    President Donald Trump joked about House Speaker Mike Johnson asking to pray before meals, praising Johnson's religious devotion at the National Prayer Breakfast.

    Former Titans stars say team made major mistake letting Mike Vrabel go: 'State of Tennessee is kicking itself'
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 23:20:14 GMT
    Former Tennessee Titans players Delanie Walker and Taylor Lewan insisted Tennessee erre by letting Mike Vrabel go now that he?s reached the Super Bowl as a head coach.

    California man arrested for sending texts to Guthrie family asking for bitcoin during missing mother case
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 23:15:29 GMT
    California man accused of sending fake ransom note to extort bitcoin from Savannah Guthrie's family as her 84-year-old mother Nancy remains missing from Tucson home.


    Indy Car Racing

    President Trump announces new IndyCar race in Washington, DC
    Fri, 30 Jan 2026 21:18:50 GMT
    An executive order says the Freedom 250 will run near the National Mall in conjunction with the celebration of America's 250th birthday.

    Tim Cindric returns to Team Penske as Scott McLaughlin's race strategist
    Thu, 29 Jan 2026 22:56:09 GMT
    Cindric had previously been the team president and race strategist for Josef Newgarden.

    Indy 500 champ Josef Newgarden is still getting acclimated to seeing former teammates in new places
    Wed, 28 Jan 2026 19:36:15 GMT
    Newgarden is still trying to get acclimated to seeing longtime teammate Will Power and Ron Ruzewski, Penske?s ex-managing director, working together at a rival team.

    Alex Palou ordered to pay McLaren Racing $12M in breach of contract suit
    Fri, 23 Jan 2026 19:07:19 GMT
    It is not clear if Chip Ganassi, the team owner Palou drives for in IndyCar, is covering any of the losses.

    Why Colton Herta is leaving IndyCar for junior series F2
    Thu, 22 Jan 2026 21:43:19 GMT
    Herta says he hopes to race in the Indianapolis 500, despite potential conflicts with his F2 schedule.

    Will Power is determined to make Penske regret writing him off as he joins Andretti
    Mon, 19 Jan 2026 03:19:50 GMT
    Power's determination and experience are expected to boost Andretti's performance this season.

    Six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon receives a knighthood from New Zealand
    Wed, 31 Dec 2025 19:22:56 GMT
    ?I?ve been called a lot of things, but I never thought that ?Sir? was going to be one of them," Dixon said.

    Rahal Letterman Lanigan adds Mick Schumacher, son of seven-time world champ, to 2026 IndyCar lineup
    Wed, 26 Nov 2025 19:13:24 GMT
    Mick Schumacher is coming to America to jump-start his racing career.

    Valentino Rossi passes on McLaren's Indy 500 seat, Ryan Hunter-Reay steps in
    Sat, 22 Nov 2025 19:34:06 GMT
    Rossi is considered one of the greatest motorcycle racers ever and is the only road racer to have competed in 400 or more Grands Prix.

    Indy 500 winner Alex Palou has likeness unveiled on Borg-Warner Trophy
    Thu, 20 Nov 2025 00:13:54 GMT
    As he has for every winner of the "500" since 1990, renowned sculptor Will Behrends crafted Palou's image for the Borg-Warner Trophy.

    Ryan Hunter-Reay joins Arrow McLaren for 2026 Indianapolis 500
    Thu, 13 Nov 2025 23:25:31 GMT
    Hunter-Reay, the 2014 winner of the "500" and 2012 IndyCar Series champion, will drive the No. 31 Chevrolet.

    AJ Foyt Racing signs Indy NXT runner-up Collet for full 2026 IndyCar campaign
    Thu, 06 Nov 2025 20:56:35 GMT
    Caio Collet will drive the No. 4 Chevrolet with backing from Brazilian logistics company Combitrans Amazonia in all 17 IndyCar races.

    McLaren vs. Palou: A $20.7M lawsuit over broken promises and disappearing messages
    Wed, 05 Nov 2025 21:18:07 GMT
    Closing arguments have been presented in McLaren's lawsuit against IndyCar champion Alex Palou.

    2026 Indy 500, Brickyard 400 tickets on sale now
    Tue, 28 Oct 2025 12:45:00 GMT
    Tickets for 2026 marquee events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are now on sale online. Here's what you need to know.

    Formula One driver Mick Schumacher returns to Indianapolis to turn laps on road course in an IndyCar
    Mon, 13 Oct 2025 22:10:02 GMT
    Mick Schumacher got a glimpse of the Indianapolis 500 in May. Whether he makes this area his next racing home is still to be decided.

    Officials explore bringing IndyCar race back to Cleveland
    Wed, 01 Oct 2025 18:30:16 GMT
    The Greater Cleveland Sports Commission confirmed it is exploring the potential opportunity to bring an IndyCar race to the streets of downtown Cleveland in 2028.

    Andretti Global hires Ron Ruzewski as team principal, reuniting him with driver Will Power
    Wed, 24 Sep 2025 17:00:06 GMT
    Ruzewski, a former Team Penske executive, will start in January. He replaces Rob Edwards, who will become chief performance officer for TWG Motorsports.


    ESPN Sports Headlines

    Cowboys picked to play in NFL's first game in Rio
    Thu, 5 Feb 2026 20:30:59 EST
    The Cowboys will play in the NFL's first regular-season game in Rio de Janeiro against a TBD opponent at historic Maracana Stadium.

    SEC's Sankey backs NCAA in affidavit vs. Bediako
    Thu, 5 Feb 2026 20:30:59 EST
    SEC commissioner Greg Sankey filed an affidavit Thursday emphatically arguing that not upholding NCAA eligibility rules "fuels disruption" on the college sports landscape.

    Jets DT Phillips: Glenn inherited 'cancerous' group
    Thu, 5 Feb 2026 20:30:59 EST
    Jets DT Harrison Phillips said it's been difficult for the team to get over the franchise's losing culture, saying first-year coach Aaron Glenn inherited a "cancerous" group.

    Sources: Thomas free agent after Nets cut him
    Thu, 5 Feb 2026 20:30:59 EST
    The Nets released guard Cam Thomas, allowing him to enter free agency and sign with any other team, sources told ESPN.

    Doc: Clase accused of rigged pitches in 48 games
    Thu, 5 Feb 2026 20:30:59 EST
    Cleveland Guardians pitcher Emmanuel Clase is accused of throwing suspect pitches to benefit bettors in at least 48 games over two years, significantly more than was initially revealed by prosecutors, according to a court document.

    Bulls aim to exit NBA's 'middle' with busy deadline
    Thu, 5 Feb 2026 20:30:59 EST
    After an uncommonly active trade deadline, Bulls VP Arturas Karnisovas said the franchise is "not satisfied" with being mediocre in a shift in tone from previous years.

    Saudi league warns Ronaldo over transfer protest
    Thu, 5 Feb 2026 20:30:59 EST
    Cristiano Ronaldo was told by the Saudi Pro League that "no individual -- however significant -- determines decisions beyond their own club" amid a dispute over transfer spending.

    Ex-Patriots call 'bullcrap' on Brady's SB stance
    Thu, 5 Feb 2026 20:30:59 EST
    Tom Brady said he doesn't have a "dog in the fight" in this year's Super Bowl, and his former New England Patriots teammates are calling "bullcrap."

    ? Olney and Passan's MLB offseason lessons
    Thu, 5 Feb 2026 20:30:59 EST
    From more outrage over MLB's top spenders to what to make of deals that never happened, here's what we learned this winter.

    Making sense of NBA trade deadline week: We picked the real winners and losers
    Thu, 5 Feb 2026 17:17:52 EST
    After a wild week of superstar movement, Zach Kram unveils his winners and losers of the NBA trade deadline.

    Nine NBA trade season questions: What's next for Giannis? Did the Lakers improve?
    Thu, 5 Feb 2026 17:17:52 EST
    NBA insiders weigh in on nine pressing questions coming out of the 2026 trade deadline.

    Barnwell?s annual Super Bowl opus: We size up every facet of Seahawks-Patriots and pick the winner
    Thu, 5 Feb 2026 17:38:46 EST
    Can Drake Maye hit enough big plays? Which Sam Darnold will show up? And will defense define this Super Bowl matchup? Let's go deep on Seahawks-Patriots.

    Who makes Mike Macdonald's defense so good? Seahawks to watch in Super Bowl LX
    Thu, 5 Feb 2026 17:38:46 EST
    Devon Witherspoon, DeMarcus Lawrence and Nick Emmanwori are crucial players on Seattle's defense.

    Men's Power Rankings: A static top 5 (for now), but big rises (Kansas) and drops (Gonzaga, BYU) elsewhere
    Thu, 5 Feb 2026 20:22:58 EST
    An upcoming week of tough matchups could result in a shakeup of teams at the top of the rankings.

    Women's Power Rankings: Can Texas exact revenge and snap LSU's win streak?
    Thu, 5 Feb 2026 20:22:58 EST
    The Tigers seek to sweep a key series in the SEC, but the Longhorns look to avenge their loss in Baton Rouge from last month.

    The Faces of the Games: 32 U.S. Olympians to watch
    Thu, 5 Feb 2026 10:02:55 EST
    On Friday, the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics will kick off. From Lindsey Vonn to Amber Glenn, here are the athletes you'll want to know.

    How Laila Edwards carved her own path as USA Hockey's first Black player
    Thu, 5 Feb 2026 19:55:53 EST
    Laila Edwards, a standout at Wisconsin, is ready for her Olympic debut as USA Hockey's first Black player.

    Who you calling old? At the 2026 Olympics, age is just a number
    Thu, 5 Feb 2026 18:31:27 EST
    Lindsey Vonn, Nick Goepper, Gus Kenworthy and Maddy Schaffrick are in their golden years at the 2026 Olympics. Just don't call them old.