Windows Central

Hobbyist rescues $500 of RAM from local landfill ? a "major haul" exposes our throwaway culture during one of the worst hardware shortages ever
Mon, 09 Feb 2026 15:30:49 +0000
Tossing out 64GB of usable RAM is wasteful any day, but it seems preposterous during the ongoing memory squeeze that's seeing prices skyrocket. This PC hobbyist lucked out on a recent trip to the landfill.

Cloudflare on how Google abuses its search monopoly for AI, has access to "4.8" times more data than Microsoft ? by holding publishers to ransom
Mon, 09 Feb 2026 14:37:14 +0000
Microsoft and OpenAI cannot hope to replicate Google's dual-purpose crawlers, owing to the search firm's total monopoly over web traffic.

Snapdragon X2 Elite beats Apple's M5 in major benchmarks ? New tests unveil Qualcomm's second-gen power, and it's now Microsoft's turn to deliver a strong Windows update
Mon, 09 Feb 2026 14:35:29 +0000
Benchmarks from Hardware Canucks show just how well the upcoming Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite chip can compete with the latest from Apple, Intel, and AMD.

Signal finally lands on the Microsoft Store, giving Windows 11 and 10 a long?overdue win
Mon, 09 Feb 2026 14:20:02 +0000
Signal Private Messenger can now be searched for and downloaded on Windows PCs directly via the Microsoft Store.

Microsoft is paying big money to influencers to promote Copilot, while some creators are backing away from AI deals
Mon, 09 Feb 2026 14:09:40 +0000
Big tech corporations like Microsoft and Google are reportedly throwing cash at influencers to make AI trend, but backlash is growing.

Hollow Knight at last gets a proper resolution for 16:10 handhelds like the Steam Deck and Legion Go S ? plus you can finally pause the game
Mon, 09 Feb 2026 12:22:39 +0000
Team Cherry has released an update for Hollow Knight that will make it compatible with Steam Deck and Legion Go S 16:10 resolutions, while also including some quality-of-life improvements. Here's the patch notes.

Microsoft kills Lens and pushes everyone to OneDrive? which still can?t save scans locally
Mon, 09 Feb 2026 12:12:32 +0000
Microsoft has officially ended support for its Office Lens app as of February 9, 2026, meaning it'll no longer be available on the App Store or Google Play Store.

Two classic weapon blueprints are hiding on Call of Duty: Warzone's Winter Rebirth Island and here's where to find them
Sun, 08 Feb 2026 20:49:46 +0000
Winter Rebirth Island in Call of Duty: Warzone brought with it some new secrets to find, like these two old blueprints brought back. You can't keep them, but they're easy to get every match.

5 amazing open-source apps that everyone should use on Windows 11 ? but not the ones you might be thinking of
Sun, 08 Feb 2026 17:00:00 +0000
Discover five lesser-known open-source apps that significantly improve the clipboard, files, apps, sharing, and media playback on Windows 11.

'Overwatch' just hit its highest player base on Steam PC since launch ? passing Battlefield 6 and Call of Duty
Sun, 08 Feb 2026 15:20:18 +0000
All it needed was a flying kitty. Overwatch is so back, as the kids say.

EXCLUSIVE: New details on Xbox's next-gen console(s) ? and Microsoft's most ambitious gaming plans ever
Sun, 08 Feb 2026 13:30:00 +0000
From AMD's claims of a 2027 Xbox to the idea of a plurality of Xbox next-gen consoles ? lets sift through some fresh details.

Dell's XPS 14 (2026) is more affordable, but is the new XPS 16 a better overall choice? This comparison can help you make the right decision.
Sun, 08 Feb 2026 12:30:00 +0000
Dell resurrected its XPS 14 and XPS 16 for 2026, and they arrive with an all-new design and new performance hardware. I can help you choose the right laptop for your needs based on design, performance, display, and more.

Windows Wrap: Microsoft?s new Copilot Reminders show us what not to do ? abandon a once-great app
Sat, 07 Feb 2026 23:49:49 +0000
Microsoft's latest Copilot feature feels like a retread of Microsoft To Do. It?s a classic example of "what not to do" in software development.

ASUS ROG Kithara review ? an audiophile headset with secondary gaming features
Sat, 07 Feb 2026 16:35:43 +0000
ASUS ROG Kithara is a high-end open-back gaming headset with excellent sound, but it is expensive and short on features for a wired-only setup.

RTX 5000 GPUs are running dry ? yet with this huge laptop deal you can get an RTX 5070 Ti to enjoy your games at their best
Sat, 07 Feb 2026 14:11:12 +0000
Best Buy has a special 20% discount for the ASUS ROG Strix G16, an incredible AMD laptop for gaming that's now become one of the cheapest ways to get your hands on an RTX 5070 Ti laptop.

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    Nascar

    NASCAR on superspeedway fuel saving: 'What are we trying to fix?'
    Sat, 07 Feb 2026 20:19:26 +0000
    When the Daytona 500 begins next Sunday, the entire field will immediately go into fuel conservation mode and it frustrates a portion of the fan base every year.
    The reason drivers spend large portions of the race at half throttle or less in the Great American Race is that using less fuel will allow them to need less when they come down pit road.
    Because the competition package with this car ...Keep reading

    NASCAR Rule Book update bans using hands to deflect air while driving
    Fri, 06 Feb 2026 23:12:46 +0000
    The NASCAR Cup Series Rule Book received a slew of preseason updates in advance of the final weekend before regular season racing begins next week at Daytona International Speedway.
    One marginally altered the qualifying procedures for the Daytona 500 and the other banned the practice of drivers placing their hands against their window nets during qualifying in the pursuit of less drag.
    The ...Keep reading

    Corey Heim will run 12 NASCAR Cup races with 23XI Racing in 2026
    Fri, 06 Feb 2026 18:15:47 +0000
    Many were left shocked by the fact that Corey Heim was without a full-time ride entering the 2026 season. The defending NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion broke various records in his 2025 title run, and is considered the sport's top prospect alongside Connor Zilisch.
    However, that doesn't mean Heim won't be racing this year. In a Friday announcement, we learned that Heim will be piloting ...Keep reading

    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

    Fox News Headlines

    Massie, top Oversight Democrat call for Secretary Lutnick to resign for 'lying' about alleged Epstein ties
    Mon, 09 Feb 2026 16:37:20 GMT
    Rep. Robert Garcia says Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has been lying about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein after DOJ disclosures suggest the two partnered in investment in 2012.

    Florida driver's license tests now only given in English
    Mon, 09 Feb 2026 16:30:35 GMT
    The Sunshine State is now requiring all driver's license tests to be taken in English, a change hailed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Lt. Gov. Jay Collins.

    Seahawks fans put on raucous celebration in Seattle after team's Super Bowl win
    Mon, 09 Feb 2026 16:29:57 GMT
    Seattle Seahawks fans took to the streets in celebration of their team's 29-13 Super Bowl LX victory over the New England Patriots on Sunday night.

    Brown University shooting bodycam footage shows urgent search for suspect who slipped through dragnet
    Mon, 09 Feb 2026 16:18:26 GMT
    The Providence Police Department released redacted body camera footage, emergency calls and radio traffic from the Dec. 13 Brown University shooting that left two students dead and nine injured.

    Labor Department orders lawyers to cut ties with ABA, slams group as ?radical? activist force
    Mon, 09 Feb 2026 16:15:33 GMT
    Trump administration expands effort to weaken American Bar Association as Labor Department joins other agencies in severing official ties with legal organization.

    NYC Mayor Mamdani under fire for defending knife-wielding suspect over police officers
    Mon, 09 Feb 2026 15:57:09 GMT
    NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani faces backlash for defending man who allegedly charged police with knife, calling for mental health treatment instead.

    Washington Post scrapped ?We the People? campaign after MS NOW used same tagline: report
    Mon, 09 Feb 2026 15:44:44 GMT
    Washington Post reportedly scrapped "We the People" campaign after MS NOW used same tagline.

    As Epstein-linked appointment sparks backlash, UK PM Starmer faces party revolt amid resignation calls
    Mon, 09 Feb 2026 15:37:42 GMT
    Labor Party in turmoil as Jeffrey Epstein links to Peter Mandelson trigger resignations and threaten Starmer's leadership ahead of crucial MP meeting.

    The best luggage deals to shop right now from trusted brands like Samsonite and Travelpro
    Mon, 09 Feb 2026 15:34:36 GMT
    The right suitcase and travel gear can make all the difference. Shop bestsellers from Calpak, Samsonite and more.

    Sanders calls Olympic skier 'proud American' despite having 'mixed emotions' about representing US
    Mon, 09 Feb 2026 15:28:55 GMT
    Sen. Bernie Sanders snapped back at President Donald Trump for calling American Olympian a "real loser." The skier said he had "mixed emotions" about representing the U.S.

    Nancy Guthrie disappearance: What to know about alleged ransom note and its demands
    Mon, 09 Feb 2026 15:24:16 GMT
    The Pima County Sheriff's Department confirmed awareness of a ransom note in the disappearance of Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy, 84, who vanished from her Tucson, Arizona, home Saturday.

    Ghislaine Maxwell pleads Fifth Amendment, dodges questions in House Oversight Epstein probe
    Mon, 09 Feb 2026 15:15:19 GMT
    Ghislaine Maxwell refused to answer questions before the House Oversight Committee on Monday morning.

    GOP accelerates Trump judge confirmations as pressure builds to kill Senate blue slip
    Mon, 09 Feb 2026 15:03:37 GMT
    President Donald Trump called for eliminating the blue slip tradition, but Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., warned that "nuking the blue slip would be a huge mistake."

    Country star Tracy Lawrence survived being shot four times during mugging, says anger nearly wrecked his life
    Mon, 09 Feb 2026 15:00:40 GMT
    Tracy Lawrence, who is kicking off his 2026 No Alibis Tour, reflects on how a violent mugging during his debut album recording nearly derailed his promising country career but strengthened his faith.

    Left-wing influencer spreads false claim about boy at Bad Bunny halftime show
    Mon, 09 Feb 2026 15:00:29 GMT
    Left-wing influencer Ed Krassenstein falsely claimed that child actor Lincoln Fox Ramadan, who was featured in Bad Bunny's halftime show performance, was 5-year-old Liam Ramos.
    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

    Making sense of Super Bowl LX: The Seahawks mixed up their game plan, and the Patriots couldn't adapt
    Mon, 9 Feb 2026 11:27:22 EST
    Let's size up Seattle's defensive wrinkles, an explosive RB, great special teams and Sam Darnold's performance.

    Seahawks' Walker, 'one of one,' earns MVP honors
    Mon, 9 Feb 2026 11:40:33 EST
    Buoyed by a first-half surge in which he outgained the entire Patriots offense, Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III, a pending unrestricted free agent, earned MVP honors as Seattle ran to a 29-13 victory Sunday.

    'Her choice': Skiers back injured Vonn's racing try
    Mon, 9 Feb 2026 11:40:34 EST
    The fallout from Lindsey Vonn's devastating crash in the Olympic downhill included a key question: Should she have been allowed on a course that is dangerous even to perfectly healthy skiers? The answer from the skiing community remains yes.

    Pearce allegedly crashed into WNBA player's car
    Mon, 9 Feb 2026 11:40:34 EST
    Falcons rookie James Pearce Jr. allegedly crashed his vehicle into one being driven by WNBA player Rickea Jackson multiple times and struck a police officer with the vehicle while evading arrest, according to the criminal complaint obtained by ESPN.

    Maye: Had injection for ailing shoulder before loss
    Mon, 9 Feb 2026 11:40:34 EST
    Patriots QB Drake Maye acknowledged he received a pain-killing injection for his injured right throwing shoulder before Sunday's loss, but maintained he was "good to go" for the game and just didn't make enough plays in the end.

    Red Sox get Durbin in 6-player trade with Brewers
    Mon, 9 Feb 2026 11:40:33 EST
    The Red Sox filled a need at third base with the acquisition of Caleb Durbin in a six-player trade with the Brewers that sent left-hander Kyle Harrison to Milwaukee.

    Trial opens in 2006 killing of Miami player Pata
    Mon, 9 Feb 2026 11:40:34 EST
    Rashaun Jones, 39, has remained in custody for the last 4˝ years amid court delays and changes in attorneys on both sides.

    Olympics seek solution to rash of broken medals
    Mon, 9 Feb 2026 11:40:34 EST
    Handle with care. That's the message from gold medalist Breezy Johnson at the Winter Olympics after she and other athletes found their medals broke within hours.

    Sources: Ex-Braves slugger Ozuna joins Pirates
    Mon, 9 Feb 2026 11:40:33 EST
    The Pirates have agreed to a one-year, $12 million deal with veteran slugger Marcell Ozuna, sources confirmed to ESPN.

    ? Social reaction to Bad Bunny's halftime show
    Mon, 9 Feb 2026 11:40:33 EST
    Stars took their reactions to Bad Bunny's Super Bowl LX halftime performance to social media.

    Next season already? Our way-too-early NFL Power Rankings stack all 32 teams for 2026
    Mon, 9 Feb 2026 08:38:44 EST
    After the conclusion of the 2025 NFL season, how do all 32 teams stack up for 2026? Here are our early rankings for next season.

    Offseason guide for every NFL team
    Mon, 9 Feb 2026 08:38:44 EST
    What must each do to have a better season in 2026? We have outlooks, early buzz and predictions.

    Nothing left to prove, resilient Sam Darnold makes ultimate statement
    Mon, 9 Feb 2026 09:16:56 EST
    The QB isn't motivated to prove the haters wrong, but to prove people right. And on Sunday, he did just that.

    Drake Maye lost his first Super Bowl, and badly. His future -- and the Patriots' -- remains bright
    Mon, 9 Feb 2026 10:17:25 EST
    Drake Maye and the Patriots weren't able to do much in Super Bowl LX, but their future might still be bright.

    Winter Olympics: Eileen Gu takes silver, U.S. women's hockey plays Switzerland and more live updates
    Mon, 9 Feb 2026 10:07:00 EST
    On Monday at the Winter Olympics, Gu won a silver in slopestyle, U.S. women's hockey plays again and snowboard big air medals will be awarded.

    The NHL's best this week: Can the U.S. beat Canada for a men's hockey gold medal?
    Mon, 9 Feb 2026 07:17:44 EST
    Here's why it makes sense -- and why it would help the sport more than another Canadian win.

    'Quad God,' U.S. defend figure skating team gold
    Mon, 9 Feb 2026 10:30:08 EST
    Ilia Malinin beat Japanese rival Shun Sato in a head-to-head showdown at the Milan Cortina Olympics, helping the U.S. defend its team figure skating gold medal.

    What this NBA trade deadline revealed: Teams are finding new ways to tank
    Mon, 9 Feb 2026 10:31:22 EST
    Much to the irritation of some league insiders, the trade deadline was more than just a flurry of moves: It showed the next evolution in teams racing to the bottom.