Windows Central

Windows Wrap: I don't care if the new Xbox CEO is a gamer ? I care if she puts gamers first
Sun, 22 Feb 2026 22:59:42 +0000
Asha Sharma?s appointment as Xbox CEO has raised questions about her gaming background, but the real issue is whether she?ll put players and creativity first.

Things are looking worse for laptop prices, but not for Microsoft's ultimate Snapdragon X Elite laptop ? this 5-Star Copilot+ PC is now under $1,000
Sun, 22 Feb 2026 15:47:29 +0000
The Microsoft Surface Laptop's mid-range configuration with a Snapdragon X Elite CPU, 120Hz display, and other beneficial features for hardworking typists has had its high MSRP reduced, so its cost is now under $1,000.

Razer?s Orochi V2 is the best featherlight travel gaming mouse you can buy (and it's now 50% off)
Sun, 22 Feb 2026 14:47:51 +0000
The Razer Orochi V2, a lightweight gaming mouse that's perfect for both work and play, is enjoying one of the best discounts ever, as it's now on sale for a 50% discount

Highguard failed because it didn't use what made ARC Raiders great ? and if it did, it might have had a better chance
Sun, 22 Feb 2026 14:00:00 +0000
Had the development team behind Highguard followed a few key steps that made ARC Raiders great, they might have had a chance.

After fan pressure on Xbox exclusives, new CEO says ? ?We hear you?
Sun, 22 Feb 2026 01:45:46 +0000
Asha Sharma posts a spree of viral responses on social media, as Xbox fans try to work out what the over-arching strategy might look like.

Newly named Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has shared her gamertag ? so what is she playing and why does it matter?
Sat, 21 Feb 2026 22:37:42 +0000
New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has shared her top three favorite games of all time and her gamertag, which looks to be little more than a month old, in hopes of earning some street cred among the Xbox community.

This Xbox controller can literally transform itself for shooters or fighters ? and I highly recommend it
Sat, 21 Feb 2026 15:33:28 +0000
The Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot, a controller that can transform its controls to optimally play 3D or 2D games, has seen its steep $139.99 MSRP cut down by 29% to a price that further justifies its advanced tech.

Microsoft claims "2026 is the moment" for AI PCs, but its essay-length beginner explanation only creates more confusion ? Is it any wonder adoption is slow?
Sat, 21 Feb 2026 15:08:20 +0000
Microsoft recently published an AI PC beginner's guide on its Learning Center blog, and it's a bit of a mess that will almost definitely confuse consumers rather than convince them to buy.

Xbox?s leadership shift proves it: the gamer era is over, AI runs the show now
Sat, 21 Feb 2026 14:39:21 +0000
As the former lead of CoreAI at Microsoft steps in to replace Phil Spencer, the question remains. What does the future of Xbox and its relationship with AI look like?

I tried Winhance to debloat and optimize my Windows 11 PC, and I wish I'd done it sooner
Sat, 21 Feb 2026 14:00:00 +0000
I've tried different Windows 11 debloat tools in the past, but I think Winhance might be the best of the bunch. In part, because it's so simple to use.

Step aside, Battlefield 6 ? Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 was January 2026?s best-selling game in the US on PlayStation
Sat, 21 Feb 2026 12:45:43 +0000
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 topped US PlayStation sales in January 2026, according to Circana data. Battlefield 6 remained competitive across platforms, while Xbox and PC charts showed varied results.

Former Xbox director Larry Hryb 'Major Nelson' has advice for the new Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma ? and what he said is absolutely right
Sat, 21 Feb 2026 00:42:51 +0000
Asha Sharma has replaced Phil Spencer Microsoft Gaming's CEO, and former Xbox director Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb has shared some advice for her.

Oof, Roblox has as much player engagement as Steam, PlayStation, and Fortnite combined ? and now it's even nipping at Netflix's heels
Fri, 20 Feb 2026 23:29:09 +0000
A new report reveals that the free-to-play game Roblox has enough player engagement to match that of Steam's, PlayStation's, and Fortnite's combined.

Amazon's Fallout TV show writers wanted to do New Vegas right away, but Bethesda's Todd Howard said wait for Season 2 ? "there?s a million ways to f**k that up"
Fri, 20 Feb 2026 20:37:36 +0000
Bethesda's Todd Howard revealed the Fallout TV show was originally going to start in New Vegas, but he told the writers to wait to do it until Season 2.

Phil Spencer retires as Microsoft appoints Asha Sharma CEO of Microsoft Gaming; major Xbox leadership reshuffle announced
Fri, 20 Feb 2026 20:33:46 +0000
Xbox enters a new era as Phil Spencer retires and Asha Sharma takes over

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    Nascar

    Hurricane Hocevar experience on full display in NASCAR Atlanta
    Mon, 23 Feb 2026 02:10:34 +0000
    On one hand, it was the full Carson Hocevar experience at Atlanta, where he was going to take any gap that presented itself but he also acknowledged after the race that he likely has some apologies to make too.
    It was an adventure out there:
    His race began with a flat tire running inside the top-five and lost a lap on pit road. He started racing the leaders to stay just one lap down but had ...Keep reading

    Complete NASCAR Cup points standings after Atlanta
    Mon, 23 Feb 2026 01:37:29 +0000
    After winning the first two races of the 2026 NASCAR Cup season, Tyler Reddick holds a 40-point lead in the championship standings. 23XI Racing teammate Bubba Wallace sits second after back-to-back top tens to open the year, with Chase Elliott third.
    Some notables deep in the standings include Denny Hamlin (27th), Christopher Bell (31st), Alex Bowman (32nd), and rookie Connor Zilisch ...Keep reading

    23XI Racing riding high after Tyler Reddick sweeps first two NASCAR races
    Mon, 23 Feb 2026 01:34:39 +0000
    Through two races, the NASCAR Cup Series is 23XI Racing?s world and everyone else is just living in it.
    Tyler Reddick has won back-to-back races to open season and leads the championship standings over his teammate, Bubba Wallace. NASCAR has made headlines all month now with team co-owner Michael Jordan celebrating on pit road following a year that challenged 23XI on the track and in the ...Keep reading

    Shane van Gisbergen spins twice, still earns career-best oval Cup finish
    Mon, 23 Feb 2026 01:21:52 +0000
    Shane van Gisbergen had an eventful race at EchoPark Speedway (Atlanta) on Sunday. The site of his best oval showing in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series (third) is now the site of his best oval finish in Cup, finishing an impressive sixth.
    SVG did that despite two mid-race trips through the infield grass on the way to improving on his previous best oval finish of tenth at Kansas last ...Keep reading

    Official race results from 2026 Atlanta NASCAR Cup race
    Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:31:55 +0000
    Sunday's NASCAR Cup race at Atlanta featured a record number of lead changes with over a dozen different drivers taking a turn out front.
    For the first time since 2009, a driver opened the season with back-to-back wins as Tyler Reddick surged ahead in double overtime to win the race. It was an improbable comeback after being collected in a mid-race wreck and losing his right-front ...Keep reading

    Tyler Reddick goes back-to-back, wins mad Atlanta Cup race with no fender
    Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:26:36 +0000
    Tyler Reddick had no right-front fender after a mid-race frontstretch wreck, but that didn't stop him from capturing the checkered flag in a chaotic finish at EchoPark Speedway (Atlanta). 
    It was Reddick's 23XI Racing teammate Bubba Wallace who had the lead on the final restart, and Reddick was the pusher. Carson Hocevar lined up on the outside with Ross Chastain directly behind him.
    The ...Keep reading

    Spire confirms hire of Chris Gabehart, who lawyers up after Gibbs lawsuit
    Sat, 21 Feb 2026 18:57:25 +0000
    Spire Motorsports made it official on Saturday morning with a confirmation that it has indeed hired former Joe Gibbs Racing competition director Chris Gabehart to serve as Chief Motorsports Officer, a role that will oversee multiple disciplines.
    The hire, in part, has served as the basis for a lawsuit by JGR against Gabehart, whom the team alleges accessed proprietary information while ...Keep reading

    Recovering Brad Keselowski has road ace Joey Hand on standby for COTA
    Sat, 21 Feb 2026 16:53:53 +0000
    Brad Keselowski continues to recover from a broken right femur, suffered while slipping on ice during a family skiing trip in December, but his first real test was positive as he experienced a crash on the final lap of the Daytona 500 without aggravating the injury.
    And he finished fifth, too. 
    Overall, last weekend did not provide any addition discomfort beyond getting in and out of the ...Keep reading

    Fatal Hamlin house fire ruled accidental; cause unknown
    Sat, 21 Feb 2026 16:12:16 +0000
    The house fired that claimed the life of Dennis Hamlin, the father of NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin, has been ruled accidental with the precise cause of the December 28 incident remaining unknown.
    This is according to a final report in the aftermath of an investigation by the Gaston County Fire Services. The fire started in a bedroom but the report also stated that the heat source, type ...Keep reading

    Fox News Headlines

    US assets in Middle East positioned for ?highly kinetic? war, ex-Pentagon official warns
    Mon, 23 Feb 2026 03:32:32 GMT
    U.S. launches major Middle East military buildup with overwhelming force capabilities against Iran as nuclear talks continue, former Pentagon official Dana Stroul said.

    Newsom says 'fate' will decide if he faces off against Harris in 2028 presidential primary
    Mon, 23 Feb 2026 02:00:50 GMT
    Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-Calif., avoided answering whether he plans to face off against former Vice President Kamala Harris in a 2028 presidential primary.

    Cartels outgun police: Rocket launchers seized in El Mencho raid spotlight CJNG firepower
    Mon, 23 Feb 2026 02:00:39 GMT
    Mexican forces killed cartel boss "El Mencho" and seized rocket launchers capable of downing aircraft, revealing CJNG's extensive military arsenal.

    Pete Hegseth dubs Team USA goaltender the 'Secretary of Defense' after amazing Olympic save
    Mon, 23 Feb 2026 01:42:32 GMT
    Secretary of War Pete Hegseth praised Team USA goalie Connor Hellebuyck as the 'Secretary of Defense' after his stellar 41-save performance led to Olympic hockey gold in Milan.

    Prince William reveals toll of Andrew arrest in first public appearance since royal scandal
    Mon, 23 Feb 2026 01:37:49 GMT
    Prince William admitted he's not in a "calm state" while walking BAFTAs red carpet with Kate Middleton three days after former Prince Andrew arrest over Epstein ties.

    Suspect identified after fatal shooting at Trump?s Mar-a-Lago estate: officials
    Mon, 23 Feb 2026 01:07:56 GMT
    A man was fatally shot after allegedly making an "unauthorized entry" at Mar-a-Lago while carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and fuel can.

    Iran unrest escalates as gunfire, tear gas hit universities amid looming US strike
    Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:51:51 GMT
    Tehran and Mashhad universities saw anti-government protests Sunday, with students chanting against Ali Khamenei as security forces reportedly used tear gas.

    'Get the hell out': GOP lawmakers blast suggestion that Olympic patriotism causes 'shame'
    Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:00:41 GMT
    HuffPost was called out on X on Sunday over a piece about feeling discomfort rooting for the USA in the Olympics, as critics responded with USA chants.

    Who is El Mencho? Inside the rise of CJNG?s fallen kingpin and the cartel he built
    Sun, 22 Feb 2026 23:40:37 GMT
    Authorities said Mexican forces killed Ruben "El Mencho" Oseguera, the notorious Jalisco cartel leader who became Mexico's most wanted drug kingpin.

    Major drug lord 'El Mencho' killed in Mexican military operation with US intelligence support
    Sun, 22 Feb 2026 23:02:24 GMT
    Mexican military announces death of "El Mencho," the $15 million bounty CJNG cartel leader, in Jalisco operation amid violence and U.S. cooperation.

    Kate Middleton dazzles alongside Hollywood stars Kate Hudson and Emma Stone at the 2026 BAFTAs
    Sun, 22 Feb 2026 22:56:05 GMT
    Hollywood glamour meets royal elegance as Kate Hudson, Emma Stone, and Kerry Washington join Kate Middleton at the 2026 BAFTAs.

    Nathan MacKinnon implies Canada was 'better team' despite losing Olympic gold medal to Team USA
    Sun, 22 Feb 2026 22:41:42 GMT
    Nathan MacKinnon sparked debate after Team Canada's overtime loss to Team USA, saying "You be the judge of who was the better team," despite the loss.

    'It's hidden': Female genital mutilation and the secret shame of Minnesota's Somalis
    Sun, 22 Feb 2026 22:36:59 GMT
    Minnesota has zero convictions for female genital mutilation despite hundreds of thousands at risk nationwide and the state's large Somali population.

    Iran could ?activate? Hezbollah if US targets regime, Trump?s inner circle to decide: expert
    Sun, 22 Feb 2026 22:30:57 GMT
    President Donald Trump gives Iran 10-15 day deadline as IRGC strengthens ties with Hezbollah amid growing Middle East tensions and potential military confrontation.

    California woman hospitalized with chemical burns after portable charger explodes
    Sun, 22 Feb 2026 22:21:57 GMT
    Los Angeles woman warns against portable chargers after hers caught fire in bed, forcing her to scream for neighbors to call 911 for emergency help.
    Indy Car Racing

    Indy 500 veteran Simona de Silvestro turns to speed of Olympic bobsleigh
    Wed, 18 Feb 2026 05:17:40 GMT
    The 2010 Indy 500 Rookie of the Year is competing in two events at the Milan Cortina Games.

    Romain Grosjean rejoins Dale Coyne Racing, returns to full-time IndyCar competition
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 21:12:52 GMT
    ?Grosjean will drive the No. 18 Honda and be partnered with 2025 Indy NXT champion and IndyCar rookie Dennis Hauger.

    James Hinchcliffe making NASCAR debut in Truck Series race at St. Petersburg
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 21:54:38 GMT
    Hinchcliffe joins Dario Franchitti as former IndyCar drivers competing in the first street race in NASCAR Truck Series history.

    IndyCar announces historic deal with Honda, Chevrolet
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 17:27:49 GMT
    Each Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) agreement will begin in 2027 and run for several years.

    Phil Krueger, 2-time Indy 500 starter, dies at 74
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:22:14 GMT
    Krueger, who entered ten Indy 500s from 1981 through 1991, died Feb. 9 after sustaining injuries from a fall at his home in Freetown, according to his obituary.

    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.
    ESPN Sports Headlines

    A gold medal 46 years in the making: Inside Team USA's epic win over Canada
    Sun, 22 Feb 2026 22:09:23 EST
    Jack Hughes' goal in overtime sealed the victory. Here's what swung the game for both teams.

    McKay: Not expecting tush push ban proposal
    Sun, 22 Feb 2026 23:47:47 EST
    NFL competition committee co-chairman Rich McKay said Sunday that he is not anticipating an attempt to ban the tush push this year.

    Pacers star Haliburton diagnosed with shingles
    Sun, 22 Feb 2026 23:47:47 EST
    Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton was diagnosed with shingles and will be away from the team for a few weeks, coach Rick Carlisle said Sunday.

    U.S. includes Gaudreau's kids for golden moment
    Sun, 22 Feb 2026 23:47:47 EST
    After winning the gold in men's hockey, Team USA skated with the No. 13 jersey of the late Johnny Gaudreau before bringing his kids to the ice for a golden moment.

    Games in Mexico called off after cartel boss killed
    Sun, 22 Feb 2026 23:47:47 EST
    Four high-level soccer matches were postponed Sunday after the Mexican army killed the leader of a powerful drug cartel in a town close to the World Cup host city of Guadalajara.

    Lakers unveil statue of Riley wearing Armani suit
    Sun, 22 Feb 2026 23:47:48 EST
    Legendary Lakers coach Pat Riley was honored with a statue outside Crypto.com Arena on Sunday.

    Shields keeps title with win vs. rival Crews-Dezurn
    Sun, 22 Feb 2026 23:47:48 EST
    Claressa Shields defended her undisputed heavyweight title Sunday night in Detroit by defeating longtime rival Franchon Crews-Dezurn by unanimous decision.

    Italy throws farewell party, passes torch to France
    Sun, 22 Feb 2026 23:47:48 EST
    The 2026 Winter Olympics ended as the twin flames in co-host cities Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo were extinguished during a closing ceremony inside ancient Verona Arena.

    Newly discovered T206 Wagner sells for over $5M
    Sun, 22 Feb 2026 23:47:48 EST
    A recently discovered 1909 Sweet Caporal T206 Honus Wagner card, considered the Mona Lisa of sports cards, has sold at auction for $5.124 million.

    ?? Shots of gold: USA hockey's win, in pictures
    Sun, 22 Feb 2026 23:47:47 EST
    From Boldy's opener to Hughes' finish, the top photos capture every swing of a dramatic final.

    Who makes Team USA in men's hockey at the 2030 Olympics?
    Sun, 22 Feb 2026 18:32:20 EST
    While the 2026 roster returns home with medals, here's who could represent the U.S. in the French Alps Games.

    Way-too-early preview for the 2030 Olympics
    Sun, 22 Feb 2026 18:32:19 EST
    After an amazing two weeks at Milan Cortina, what can we expect from the French Alps in four years?

    Who is the best player in this NFL draft class? Could Vegas trade out of No. 1? We asked around the league
    Sun, 22 Feb 2026 18:52:53 EST
    We asked NFL execs, scouts and players to weigh in on the Raiders' No. 1 pick and the best prospects in 2026.

    Ranking deepest, thinnest offseason positions: Good year to need ...
    Sun, 22 Feb 2026 18:52:53 EST
    Teams seeking edge rusher help are in good shape, but what about the other 10 positions?

    Men's Bubble Watch: The SEC is the new bids leader, Wisconsin ups its 'lock' odds
    Sun, 22 Feb 2026 19:05:31 EST
    The Big Ten had an edge over the SEC in projected bid count -- but Saturday's shake-ups have led to a swap.

    How Duke, Arizona, Michigan and Houston should be ranked after Saturday
    Sun, 22 Feb 2026 19:05:31 EST
    We rerank the top four teams after Duke and Arizona beat Michigan and Houston, respectively.

    2026 Winter Olympics: The Games as told by photos from each day
    Sun, 22 Feb 2026 18:32:41 EST
    Here are the top photos and best moments from each day of the 2026 Olympic Games in Milan.

    MLB.TV on ESPN: Subscription cost, game coverage, more facts
    Sun, 22 Feb 2026 19:10:45 EST
    ESPN is the home of MLB.TV! Learn how to sign up for a subscription, watch your favorite games and take full advantage of this exciting product now.