Windows Central

?I didn?t expect these swings?: Steam?s March survey reveals PC hardware trends that caught me off guard
Thu, 02 Apr 2026 13:13:51 +0000
Steam just released its March hardware and software survey, and it's clear that the PC gaming market is going through a massive flux as inflated prices force buyers into new (and old) areas.

The "beige cardigan" of laptops ? Why Dell?s 14 Plus is a better value than its flashier rivals
Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:59:08 +0000
The Dell 14 Plus was already a top pick for value. Now, massive discounts bring this reliable laptop down to just $699.

Microsoft wants Edge to automatically open by default every time you turn on your Windows 11 PC
Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:31:57 +0000
A new update now in testing sets Edge to automatically appear at startup, and you are forced to opt-out if you don't want it.

US PC sales grew in 2025 as companies scrambled to ditch Windows 10, but 2026 could be a disaster in waiting
Thu, 02 Apr 2026 09:26:54 +0000
AI demand is driving RAM and storage prices up 60%, with US PC shipments forecast to fall 13% in 2026.

Our friends at TechRadar say that this is "the only gaming PC you need", and with its advanced specs and 23% discount, it's easy to see why
Wed, 01 Apr 2026 21:11:28 +0000
The Alienware Aurora Gaming Desktop, a top-of-the-line PC built for 1440p gaming, is currently enjoying a 23% discount as part of Dell's Spring Sales event.

Our favorite mid-range gaming laptop with RTX 5060 graphics, Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor, and 32GB of RAM is now 22% off for Dell's Spring Sale
Wed, 01 Apr 2026 21:11:14 +0000
Dell's Spring Sale is underway, and it's brought a 22% discount to one of our favorite mid-range gaming laptops with an RTX 5060 GPU and 32GB of RAM, the Alienware 16X Aurora.

32GB of Corsair Vengeance DDR5 RAM is 33% off today only ? This superb memory deal for PC gamers might sell out before midnight
Wed, 01 Apr 2026 18:53:32 +0000
Memory deals are more important than ever with the current RAM pricing surges, and Woot! is currently home to today's best deal. It expires tonight (if not sooner), so don't hold out too long.

Minecraft players just got a preview packed with sulfur caves, bouncy springs, and chaotic features that feel straight out of an April Fools update. Plus, some actual April Fools update.
Wed, 01 Apr 2026 18:52:10 +0000
Minecraft?s latest Bedrock Edition preview shows off sulfur caves, springs, and new blocks for Bedrock Edition, while Java Edition players can try the Herdcraft April Fools snapshot that reimagines inventory entirely.

I?m skeptical of AI writing tools ? but Speechify for Windows won me over. Here's why this new voice?writing app is fast, simple, and weirdly addictive.
Wed, 01 Apr 2026 18:33:53 +0000
Testing Speechify?s new Windows app proves voice typing is faster than a keyboard, though AI quirks and a $29 monthly fee remain significant hurdles.

Windows 11 Task Manager is finally getting deeper insights into NPU usage in AI PCs ? No more trying to guess which apps are using the specialized hardware
Wed, 01 Apr 2026 17:05:22 +0000
Arriving now for Windows 11 Insiders is a buff to Task Manager that provides far more information about your PC's NPU usage and performance. Here's how it works and why it makes sense in 2026.

NVIDIA?s new Dynamic MFG feature could make games smoother? or just weirder. Either way, the real GPU battleground is shifting to software.
Wed, 01 Apr 2026 13:57:42 +0000
Early tests of NVIDIA's new DLSS 4.5 features, Dynamic Multi Frame Generation (MFG) and MFG 6X, have shown positive results. It certainly seems like AI-assisted software is the new GPU frontier, and one day that won't be controversial.

Nintendo's crusade against Palworld just got a reality check from the US Government as "summon and fight" patent rejected
Wed, 01 Apr 2026 13:39:11 +0000
Nintendo?s legal crusade against Palworld just hit a massive roadblock in the United States. Following a rare, high-level review by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), a patent examiner has issued a "non-final" rejection of all 26 claims in Nintendo?s controversial "summon and fight" patent.

The RAM pricing crisis continues to attack affordable computing with more (and significant) hikes on Raspberry Pi but there are "there are some brighter spots in the picture"
Wed, 01 Apr 2026 13:04:00 +0000
The Raspberry Pi has always been a poster child for cheap computing, but thanks to a third price rise in recent months, it's no longer the default best choice.

Xbox just made PC game development way easier ? and it could speed up how fast games ship
Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:59:28 +0000
Microsoft has unveiled Xbox PC Remote Tools, a new suite designed to streamline deployment, testing, and debugging for Windows game developers across remote devices.

Microsoft Teams finally fixes the Enter key (yes, really) and adds more long?awaited tweaks ? Here is everything else new in March 2026
Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:50:19 +0000
The March 2026 update for Microsoft Teams adds highly requested features like 'Enter' key customization and a new 'mark all as read' shortcut.


  • Sn This one

  • Nascar

    NASCAR TV ratings for Martinsville weekend
    Wed, 01 Apr 2026 18:28:46 +0000
    The NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday at Martinsville drew 2.394 million viewers according to the Sports Business Journal.
    This number is a slight decrease from last year, the race being held on the same weekend at the same track, which drew 2.422 million viewers. The 2026 edition did feature most popular driver Chase Elliott returning to victory lane after a spirited duel through traffic ...Keep reading

    Casey Mears to reach 500th career NASCAR Cup start in new deal with Beard Motorsports
    Tue, 31 Mar 2026 18:57:53 +0000
    Beard Motorsports has reached an agreement with Casey Mears for him to run five NASCAR Cup races this year, driving the No. 62 Chevrolet. 
    Mears' first race with the team will come on April 26 at Talladega Superspeedway. He will also compete in the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the second Daytona race, the second Talladega race, and the season finale at Homestead-Miami ...Keep reading

    Denny Hamlin weighs in on NASCAR Hall of Fame debate
    Tue, 31 Mar 2026 13:48:33 +0000
    There has been a considerable amount of debate over the past week about who should be eligible for the NASCAR Hall of Fame and now Denny Hamlin has weighed in with his opinions as well.
    The debate centers around drivers who have had tremendous success at levels lower than the Cup Series and if they should continue to be enshrined alongside the likes of Dale Earnhardt, Richard Petty, Jeff Gordon ...Keep reading

    Denny Hamlin 'couldn't believe' NASCAR caution length at Martinsville
    Tue, 31 Mar 2026 01:37:48 +0000
    Denny Hamlin believes NASCAR on FOX has a stage break caution length issue and detailed those frustrations on Monday during his latest Actions Detrimental podcast episode.
    "Apparently, what's happening is Fox feels they need to see the pit stops," Hamlin said. "So, the end of the stage break happens, green-checkered (stage break flag0 and boom, we're under caution. The pace car comes out, they ...Keep reading

    Penske plans no changes for Ryan Blaney pit crew after competitive Martinsville
    Mon, 30 Mar 2026 21:41:34 +0000
    The Team Penske No. 12 pit crew had a really competitive afternoon on Sunday at Martinsville.
    While a generally uneventful race typically would not be a newsworthy development, it is right now because the group that works alongside driver Ryan Blaney has been a work-in-progress this year.
    It has objectively been a rough month and a half until this past weekend where their combined team ...Keep reading

    Winners and losers from a tame NASCAR Cup race at Martinsville
    Mon, 30 Mar 2026 14:50:33 +0000
    While Denny Hamlin absolutely dominated Sunday's NASCAR Cup race, it was Chase Elliott who emerged victorious through a great restart and a strategy gamble. NASCAR's Most Popular Driver earned his 22nd career win and Hendrick Motorsports' 31st at Martinsville Speedway.
    Tyler Reddick finished 15th in his worst result of the 2026 season, and only lost 13 points in his massive championship ...Keep reading

    Denny Hamlin falls short of perfect race, but scores the most points
    Mon, 30 Mar 2026 02:49:53 +0000
    The bad news for Denny Hamlin is that he came up one position short of pulling off a perfect race on Sunday at Martinsville Speedway.
    The good news is that he scored the most points in an era where that suddenly matters again.
    Hamlin led a race high 292 laps in the Cook Out 400, including the first and second stage, plus the fastest lap bonus, but was denied a seventh Ridgeway Grandfather ...Keep reading

    How Alan Gustafson stacked the deck for Chase Elliott in Martinsville win
    Mon, 30 Mar 2026 01:35:34 +0000
    There were three key moments that delivered Chase Elliott his earliest victory to start a NASCAR Cup Series season on Sunday at Martinsville Speedway.
    Combined, it was a masterclass between Elliott and crew chief Alan Gustafson, a combination that doesn?t generally seem to get the respect everyone around them says they should.

    Gustafson (surprisingly) intends to two-stop the final ...Keep reading

    Complete NASCAR Cup points standings after 2026 Martinsville I
    Sun, 29 Mar 2026 23:31:34 +0000
    Entering this race, Tyler Reddick had a 95-point lead over Ryan Blaney, who is now 82 points behind after Reddick's worst finish of the 2026 season so far -- which is only 15th.
    Reddick's 23XI Racing teammate Bubba Wallace had a DNF, making him the biggest loser in the points as he fell from third all the way to 11th. However, he is currently locked into a four-way tie for eighth, so it's not ...Keep reading


    Fox News Headlines

    Tim Tebow urges Supreme Court to make big tech 'protect kids over profit' in CSAM case
    Thu, 02 Apr 2026 13:37:34 GMT
    Tim Tebow urges the Supreme Court to hold social media platforms accountable for CSAM, saying big tech must 'protect kids over profit' amid rising exploitation.

    Expert flags ?disappointing? questions from justices in Trump birthright citizenship case
    Thu, 02 Apr 2026 13:33:45 GMT
    President Donald Trump?s executive order ending birthright citizenship for the children of illegal immigrants appears to be in jeopardy, according to a legal expert.

    Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke arrested on drug trafficking, speeding charges in Arkansas
    Thu, 02 Apr 2026 13:25:46 GMT
    Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke was arrested in Arkansas on charges including speeding, drug possession, and trafficking a controlled substance.

    Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel admits Democrats 'lost the plot' as a party on cultural issues
    Thu, 02 Apr 2026 13:23:44 GMT
    Rahm Emanuel says the Democratic Party became 'unanchored' from middle-class values, arguing it shifted from acceptance to advocacy on divisive cultural issues.

    Passengers screamed 'turn around' as flames shot from Delta jet engine moments after takeoff
    Thu, 02 Apr 2026 13:00:20 GMT
    Passengers screamed as flames shot from an engine on Delta Flight 104 after takeoff from São Paulo. The plane landed safely with no injuries.

    REP SUZAN DELBENE: Trump's tariffs are raising prices and American families are suffering
    Thu, 02 Apr 2026 13:00:03 GMT
    President Donald Trump's massive tariffs have cost American families over $1,700 and caused $34 billion in farm losses, with no relief in sight.

    ICE nabs alleged machete-wielding MS-13 gangster wanted for murder: 'the witch'
    Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:57:52 GMT
    ICE arrests MS-13 gangster known as 'the witch,' who is wanted in El Salvador for murder, after he was allegedly caught and released in California in 2023.

    Jaden Ivey claims he was cut for preaching Gospel, claims Bulls' reason for release is a 'lie'
    Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:38:35 GMT
    Former Chicago Bulls player Jaden Ivey pushed back on the reason why he was waived by the team, maintaining that it was for preaching the word of God.

    MIKE DAVIS: Sanity must be restored to birthright citizenship
    Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:24:37 GMT
    The Supreme Court heard arguments in Trump v. Barbara on whether the Fourteenth Amendment grants birthright citizenship to children of illegal immigrants.

    Dropkick Murphys take aim at Trump and ICE with rewritten lyrics, 'ship them out of Boston'
    Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:24:34 GMT
    Dropkick Murphys performed a parody of "I'm Shipping Up to Boston" at a Boston rally, calling it a "special ICE edition" in protest of the Trump administration.

    Chinese elites exploiting US birthright citizenship at ?industrial scale,? expert warns
    Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:14:17 GMT
    Author Peter Schweizer says wealthy Chinese nationals are using birthright citizenship at an "industrial scale" to secure U.S. citizenship for their children.

    ESPN star Stephen A Smith rips Tiger Woods after DUI arrest: 'You?re lucky you didn?t kill somebody'
    Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:03:13 GMT
    ESPN star Stephen A. Smith had strong words for Tiger Woods following the legendary golfer's arrest after a terrifying crash in Florida last week.

    Carrie Underwood warns Hollywood is a 'self-serving business,' credits faith for keeping her grounded
    Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:00:54 GMT
    Carrie Underwood says faith keeps her grounded in Hollywood's "self-serving" entertainment industry, opening up about staying true to herself after 20 years in country music.

    Alleged MS-13 trio went ?hunting? in brutal American cross-state killing spree, prosecutors say
    Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:00:45 GMT
    Three alleged MS-13 gang members are on trial in Las Vegas, accused of a multi-state killing spree prosecutors say was meant to boost gang status.

    Ex-counterterrorism chief says Trump must restrain Israel before he can declare victory in Iran
    Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:00:20 GMT
    Former Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent said U.S. President Donald Trump can only claim victory in the Iran war once he has restrained Israel.


    Indy Car Racing

    Alex Palou wins at Barber after Lundgaard has slow final pit stop
    Sun, 29 Mar 2026 21:13:17 GMT
    Palou led all but 11 laps on Sunday, but it wasn't a guaranteed victory for the Spaniard like so many IndyCar races have been recently.

    Alex Palou takes pole for IndyCar race at Barber
    Sun, 29 Mar 2026 01:17:25 GMT
    The pole was not only Palou's first of the season, but also the thirteenth of his career and second straight at Barber Motorsports Park.

    NASCAR suspends Daniel Dye after livestream mockery of IndyCar's David Malukas
    Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:15:06 GMT
    Dye used voices that made inferences about Malukas? sexuality, and he mimicked Malukas? voice at one point.

    Kyle Kirkwood wins another IndyCar street race, this one to be first winner in Arlington
    Sun, 15 Mar 2026 19:42:18 GMT
    Kirkwood made an aggressive pass below four-time series champion Alex Palou with 15 laps to go and stayed in front the rest of the way.

    Marcus Ericsson scores maiden IndyCar pole in Arlington Grand Prix qualifying
    Sat, 14 Mar 2026 23:57:36 GMT
    It was Ericsson's first pole in his 117th IndyCar start and his first pole in general since the 2013 GP2 feature race at Silverstone.

    Red flag at IndyCar practice after workers spotted on temporary Texas street course
    Sat, 14 Mar 2026 19:54:34 GMT
    The television broadcast showed the trio of workers who appeared to be part of a catering crew.

    Roger Penske's Texas-sized 'playground' in Jerry Jones' neighborhood is IndyCar's new street course
    Sat, 14 Mar 2026 18:59:19 GMT
    The Grand Prix of Arlington is the first of three new street races on the IndyCar schedule this season. It is also the start of a multiyear deal in North Texas.

    IndyCar rookie Caio Collet helps Doug Boles mail out 'blue envelopes' containing Indy 500 tickets
    Wed, 11 Mar 2026 23:07:07 GMT
    The blue envelopes were shipped to all 50 U.S. states, including the District of Columbia, as well as 32 other countries around the world.

    Conor Daly joins Dreyer and Reinbold Racing for 110th Indianapolis 500
    Wed, 11 Mar 2026 18:55:33 GMT
    The Noblesville native will attempt to make his 13th start in the Indianapolis 500 as he returns to the Indianapolis-based team where he finished top-10 in 2024.

    IndyCar unveils course on the National Mall for Freedom 250 celebrating America?s birthday
    Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:07:01 GMT
    The race weekend is free and open to the public August 22-23, 2026.

    Indy 500 parking and camping sold out: Here are some travel options
    Mon, 09 Mar 2026 16:57:58 GMT
    Race Day for the 110th Indy 500 is set to impress, with parking and camping sold out nearly a month earlier than last year. Here are some travel options!

    Josef Newgarden wins at Phoenix and moves atop the IndyCar standings
    Sat, 07 Mar 2026 23:32:14 GMT
    Newgarden's victory continued what could be a Team Penske sweep at Phoenix after Joey Logano won the pole for the NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday.

    David Malukas scores maiden IndyCar pole in Phoenix qualifying; Schumacher qualifies 4th for first oval start
    Sat, 07 Mar 2026 01:19:00 GMT
    Team Penske locked out the front row for Saturday's race while Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing drivers occupy the second row.

    The Palou Show | Defending IndyCar champ wins season-opener in St. Petersburg
    Sun, 01 Mar 2026 22:27:15 GMT
    The victory was Palou's 20th of his career and also marked his 45th podium finish in 99 starts.

    Mick Schumacher's IndyCar debut ends in crash at Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
    Sun, 01 Mar 2026 19:51:53 GMT
    Schumacher didn't even get to complete a full lap in Sunday's season-opening IndyCar race on the streets of St. Petersburg.

    McLaughlin earns pole for IndyCar opener in St. Petersburg as Grosjean, rookie teammate Hauger make 'Fast Six'
    Sun, 01 Mar 2026 02:16:59 GMT
    McLaughlin, coming off a winless season in 2025, won his second straight pole on the streets of St. Pete after narrowly beating out Marcus Ericsson for the top spot.

    Alex Palou and Chip Ganassi Racing end McLaren contract fight after $12 million ruling
    Sat, 28 Feb 2026 00:14:34 GMT
    McLaren was initially seeking closer to $30 million and said after the ruling it would still pursue legal fees from Palou.


    ESPN Sports Headlines

    Three-round NFL mock draft: Kiper, Miller, Reid and Yates rotate through the top 100 picks
    Thu, 2 Apr 2026 08:18:22 EST
    We asked four draft analysts -- Mel Kiper Jr., Matt Miller, Jordan Reid and Field Yates -- to make picks in the first three rounds. Where do the top prospects land?

    These flaws could hold back the draft's top QBs
    Thu, 2 Apr 2026 08:18:22 EST
    We saw a lot during the college careers of the draft's top QBs. Each has something that could set them back.

    Veteran QB Cousins agrees to deal with Raiders
    Thu, 2 Apr 2026 09:27:51 EST
    Kirk Cousins has agreed to a contract with the Raiders, the veteran quarterback's agent announced.

    Rams receiver Nacua is in rehab, attorney says
    Thu, 2 Apr 2026 09:27:52 EST
    Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has checked in to rehab, his attorney told The California Post. Last month, a woman in Los Angeles filed a lawsuit against Nacua alleging he made an "unprovoked antisemitic statement" and later bit her on the shoulder.

    Wemby stays hot, doubles down on MVP chase
    Thu, 2 Apr 2026 09:27:51 EST
    After putting up 41 points and 18 rebounds in a runaway win, Spurs center Victor Wembanyama reiterated that the MVP award is squarely in his sights.

    NCAA proposes ban on players who stay in draft
    Thu, 2 Apr 2026 09:27:52 EST
    The NCAA Division I Cabinet will consider proposed changes to eligibility rules, including one that would bar athletes who have entered and remained in a professional sports draft from competing in college.

    QB Mendoza puts on show at Indiana pro day
    Thu, 2 Apr 2026 09:27:51 EST
    Expected No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza threw roughly 56 passes in front of scouts from all 32 NFL teams and more than 100 members of the media Wednesday.

    Sources: Rapper J. Cole to play pro hoops in China
    Thu, 2 Apr 2026 09:27:51 EST
    Rap megastar J. Cole has signed a contract to play in the Chinese Basketball Association with the Nanjing Monkey Kings, sources told ESPN on Wednesday.

    Woods can leave U.S. for treatment, judge rules
    Thu, 2 Apr 2026 09:27:51 EST
    A Florida judge granted Tiger Woods' request on Wednesday to travel outside the U.S. and enter a comprehensive inpatient treatment facility.

    WC final tickets hit $10,990 as FIFA reopens sales
    Thu, 2 Apr 2026 09:27:51 EST
    The top ticket price for the World Cup final hit $10,990 as FIFA reopened sales Wednesday.

    ? MLB Power Rankings: Top teams after week 1
    Thu, 2 Apr 2026 09:27:51 EST
    With baseball now underway, how much has changed since our preseason rankings? Our Week 1 rankings tell the story.

    The latest on Kawhi Leonard, Steve Ballmer and the NBA's investigation into the LA Clippers
    Thu, 2 Apr 2026 09:22:03 EST
    What was actually in Leonard's contract? What do league insiders think of it? Here's what we know about the allegations -- and where the investigation stands.

    'Nobody would've believed it if there wasn't a video': Remembering Randy Johnson's bird pitch
    Thu, 2 Apr 2026 09:29:43 EST
    In 2001, one of baseball's first viral moments played out on a spring training field. Those who were there relive the "Sea of Feathers" game.

    Men's Final Four has a Carolina blue backdrop
    Thu, 2 Apr 2026 09:30:18 EST
    As UNC looks for its next coach, the Final Four has taken on a Carolina blue backdrop.

    Why Big Ten dominance might be here to stay
    Thu, 2 Apr 2026 09:30:18 EST
    A title wouldn't give the conference on par with football, but it would be a big step.

    Women's March Madness: The 15 best players left in the field
    Thu, 2 Apr 2026 08:35:59 EST
    Wondering who to watch during this weekend's Final Four? We break down the best on the court.

    Preview and predictions: Which teams will win in the semifinals?
    Thu, 2 Apr 2026 08:36:00 EST
    Here's how UConn, UCLA, South Carolina and Texas can win the NCAA title, and what might derail them.

    Ranking the top 55 WNBA free agents, from MVPs to key rotation players
    Thu, 2 Apr 2026 08:39:26 EST
    More than 100 players are WNBA free agents. We break down what factors are at play in the decision-making process.