Windows Central

Steam's Valve responds to lawsuit from New York Attorney General against its loot boxes, says they're like baseball cards ? it's ready to fight
Wed, 11 Mar 2026 21:53:14 +0000
Valve, maker of Steam and games like Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, and TF2, has responded to a New York lawsuit filed against the loot boxes in its games.

Rejoice! Microsoft's Xbox Backwards Compatibility Program is coming back this year ? "we?re committed to keeping games from four generations of Xbox playable"
Wed, 11 Mar 2026 20:23:49 +0000
During its GDC keynote, Microsoft and Xbox announced that the Xbox Backwards Compatibility Program is returning in some fashion later this year.

Microsoft just signed this Teams feature?s retirement papers before its replacement is ready
Wed, 11 Mar 2026 19:11:12 +0000
Microsoft is retiring Teams meeting recording expiration emails on June 1, but the promised setting to keep them active isn't ready yet.

The first Minecraft Live 2026 show just got its official trailer and date ? will we see the Tiny Takeover update and a new game? Here's how you can watch
Wed, 11 Mar 2026 18:22:44 +0000
Minecraft developer Mojang has announced the date and time for the first Minecraft Live 2026 show in a new trailer. Here's everything you need to know.

Microsoft brings new "Xbox mode" to Windows 11 PCs next month ? Prepares major gaming advancements that lay foundations for the next Xbox
Wed, 11 Mar 2026 18:10:00 +0000
At GDC 2026, Microsoft outlined the future of PC and Xbox game development, positioning Windows as the foundation for the next-generation of gaming via unified GDK.

The Office 'local' loophole ? why Microsoft's latest 'Critical' patches aren't just for IT pros
Wed, 11 Mar 2026 14:53:53 +0000
Microsoft confirms two Critical Office flaws (CVE-2026-26110 and -26113) that trigger via the Preview Pane. Here?s why "local" doesn't mean you're safe from remote threats.

Amazon?s quiet crackdown on AI shopping agents reveals the real reason you?re not allowed to save money online
Wed, 11 Mar 2026 13:49:59 +0000
A court ruling has stopped AI agents from shopping on Amazon, raising serious questions about whether users or corporations truly own customer account data.

This high-spec version of our favorite Windows laptop is now under £900 in the UK ? complete with Snapdragon X Elite and OLED display
Wed, 11 Mar 2026 13:40:08 +0000
The Microsoft Surface Pro laptop with its top-of-the-line Snapdragon X Elite processor, 13-inch OLED display, 16GB of RAM, and more sublime features is now under £900 thanks to Amazon's UK Spring Sale.

Google has a $3 solution for your outdated PC that can't run Windows 11 ? A partnership with Back Market will sell USB drives with ChromeOS Flex ready to install
Wed, 11 Mar 2026 13:33:00 +0000
Since Microsoft effectively killed Windows 10, there have been a lot of old PCs sitting idle. This partnership between Google and Back Market wants to sell you a $3 USB stick full of ChromeOS Flex to revive your old hardware.

Intel's new desktop processors might appeal to PC gamers with its Core Ultra 200S Plus refresh ? but the price is the real plot twist
Wed, 11 Mar 2026 13:00:00 +0000
Faster processors at lower prices are part of Intel's Arrow Lake Refresh plan, and it might win back the PC gamers if Core Ultra 200S Plus can pull it off.

Performance settings for this RPG show Xbox players what to expect ? Series S might be a mistake for Crimson Desert
Wed, 11 Mar 2026 12:42:00 +0000
I can't help but wonder what the development of Crimson Desert might have been like for Pearl Abyss without targeting the Xbox Series S.

ASUS boss calls the MacBook Neo a "shock to the entire industry" ? but still downplays it as a "content consumption" slab, like iPad
Wed, 11 Mar 2026 12:07:21 +0000
Apple?s MacBook Neo shakes up the market, but ASUS Co-CEO claims it?s basically an iPad with more computing power.

Outlook for Windows just fixed a problem you didn?t know could ruin your whole day ? protecting your emails from Wi?Fi drops
Wed, 11 Mar 2026 12:02:51 +0000
Outlook for Windows is finally fixing a long?standing pain point, allowing users to attach files offline and send them once they?re back online.

'Fallout 76' Xbox players in Japan have been blocked from Fallout 1st for months ? Microsoft finally responds
Wed, 11 Mar 2026 02:00:05 +0000
There's no explanation, but Microsoft says the Fallout 1st subscription will return "later in 2026." As for what's going on is anyone's guess.

Here's exactly when you can play the new Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Zombies map, Paradox Junction
Tue, 10 Mar 2026 22:00:29 +0000
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7's latest Zombies map Paradox Junction is almost here. Here's when you can play and what you can get.


  • Sn This one

  • Nascar

    How drivers and crew chief aggression was responsible for tire issues at Phoenix
    Wed, 11 Mar 2026 17:33:26 +0000
    It was really easy on Sunday to see flat tires or tires come apart during the Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway and say ?tire failure? but everyone with a reputable resume know that teams with problems were largely responsible for their fate.  
    As best described by Joe Gibbs Racing No. 20 crew chief Adam Stevens, there is a risk-versus-reward balance
    ?It?s so tough,? Stevens said ...Keep reading

    Justin Allgaier to replace Alex Bowman at Hendrick for Las Vegas Cup race
    Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:05:42 +0000
    Hendrick Motorsports will put 2024 NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series champion Justin Allgaier behind the wheel of the #48 Chevrolet for this weekend's race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
    Alex Bowman was forced out of the car mid-race at COTA with Myatt Snider finishing the event for him, and later in the week, he was diagnosed with vertigo. HMS sim driver Anthony Alfredo drove the car at Phoenix ...Keep reading

    NASCAR, IndyCar Phoenix doubleheader generates TV ratings boost
    Wed, 11 Mar 2026 02:55:32 +0000
    All told, the NASCAR and IndyCar Series combined event over the weekend at Phoenix Raceway was a television ratings victory for all involved.
    The Cup Series race on Sunday drew 2.841 million viewers on FS1. This is up from the 2.82 million that watched the same race in the same television window and network last year. The race peaked at 3,516,000 viewers during the 7:00-7:15 p.m. quarter hour ...Keep reading

    Winners and losers from a caution-filled NASCAR Cup race at Phoenix
    Mon, 09 Mar 2026 19:15:24 +0000
    Sunday's Cup race at Phoenix featured 12 cautions, matching a record for the series at the Arizona oval. The race featured plenty of drama, cut tires, blown rotors, and an impressive comeback from Ryan Blaney and the #12 Team Penske Ford.
    Reddick still leads the championship standings, even as his win streak comes to an end. Blaney is now second, 60 points adrift of the lead, with Bubba Wallace ...Keep reading

    NASCAR, Goodyear and Ryan Blaney get a win in Phoenix
    Mon, 09 Mar 2026 01:50:07 +0000
    Ryan Blaney won the Straight Talk Wireless 500 at Phoenix Raceway but it was also a victory for the NASCAR industry at large.
    That was inarguably the best race in the five-year, nine-event history of the seventh-generation car at the one-mile track in Avondale, Arizona. Goodyear?s continued efforts combined with NASCAR?s first race using the 750-horsepower package with this car on an oval ...Keep reading

    Complete 2026 NASCAR Cup championship standings after Phoenix I
    Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:30:58 +0000
    The fourth round of the 2026 NASCAR Cup season is complete in what many drivers are calling the start of the 'regular' season after two drafting tracks and a road course to open the year.
    Tyler Reddick, who entered this race with a 70-point lead in the championship standings, was attempting to become the first driver since Jimmie Johnson in 2007 to win four consecutive races at the Cup level ...Keep reading

    Joey Logano takes responsibility for violent restart crash after 'rough day'
    Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:15:35 +0000
    On a restart with just under 100 laps to go, there were three strategies at the front of the field. The front row stayed out on old tires, the next two rows all took two fresh tires, while pole-sitter Joey Logano was the first driver with four fresh tires in seventh. Right in front of him was the #1 of Ross Chastain.
    As the race went back green and the field cut down into the dogleg, Logano ...Keep reading

    Ryan Blaney completes Penske sweep as wreck-fest ties Phoenix NASCAR Cup caution record
    Sun, 08 Mar 2026 23:43:07 +0000
    Ryan Blaney had to fight through a lot of adversity to win Sunday's NASCAR Cup race at Phoenix Raceway, charging through the field after two loose wheels. 
    He held off a charging Christopher Bell with four fresh tires, who finished second after leading 176 of 312 laps. Kyle Larson finished third, Ty Gibbs fourth, and Denny Hamlin fifth. 
    Bubba Wallace, William Byron, Tyler Reddick, Michael ...Keep reading

    Official race results: 2026 NASCAR Cup at Phoenix I
    Sun, 08 Mar 2026 23:33:02 +0000
    After 12 cautions in a wreck-filled race, Ryan Blaney emerged victorious in the #12 Team Penske Ford. He had to overcome two loose wheels, and passed Ty Gibbs late in the race to secure his 18th career win and second consecutive at Phoenix.
    Christopher Bell led 176 of 312 laps, and finished second while Kyle Larson placed third.
    Tyler Reddick's quest for the four-peat ended with a solid ...Keep reading


    Fox News Headlines

    Vikings emerge as 'overwhelming favorite' to land Kyler Murray after Cardinals release: report
    Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:50:00 GMT
    Kyler Murray was released by the Arizona Cardinals, becoming a free agent, and the Minnesota Vikings are reportedly the overwhelming favorite to sign the former No. 1 pick.

    CNN reporter deletes post falsely calling Mamdani ?target of political violence? in latest foul-up
    Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:43:35 GMT
    A CNN reporter botched coverage of the New York City terrorist attack a third time for the network when calling Mayor Zohran Mamdani a "target of political violence."

    Deep-sea treasure hunter freed after decade behind bars for refusing to reveal gold location
    Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:39:28 GMT
    Deep-sea explorer Tommy Thompson released from federal custody after decade behind bars for allegedly hiding 500 gold coins from historic shipwreck.

    Hillary Clinton caught on video stepping back after pushy former president nudges her at busy NYC intersection
    Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:19:51 GMT
    A viral video captured former President Bill Clinton appearing to nudge his wife, Hillary, into New York City traffic as she protested 'No, no, no!'

    Ax-wielding suspect subdued by teen military recruit's MMA takedown in car wash clash caught on video
    Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:17:18 GMT
    A Florida man allegedly threatened carwash workers with an ax before being taken down a teen MMA-trained employee protecting his younger brother.

    'Unprecedented' agreement releases emergency oil reserves as gas prices spark concerns
    Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:16:31 GMT
    A cohort of developed nations agreed to release a record amount of emergency oil reserves Wednesday amid the impact that the U.S. attacks against Iran have had on the oil market.

    BlackRock CEO Larry Fink argues US-Iran conflict won't derail economy as gas prices surge
    Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:06:48 GMT
    BlackRock CEO Larry Fink predicts the U.S. war with Iran will not last long, and oil prices could fall below $50 per barrel once the conflict ends and Iran reenters global markets.

    House Oversight Committee demands depositions from Bondi and Lutnick in Epstein probe
    Wed, 11 Mar 2026 23:43:05 GMT
    The House Oversight Committee is moving to depose AG Pam Bondi and Secretary Howard Lutnick in a push to uncover the full extent of Jeffrey Epstein's network.

    Dem lawmaker disputes police bodycam amid reports he said he was above the law: ?On top? or ?on time?
    Wed, 11 Mar 2026 23:38:35 GMT
    A Maryland lawmaker slammed reports of his New Year?s Eve custody dispute, claiming he told police he was "on time" for his child's drop-off, not "on top" of the law.

    Kristin Cavallari turns heads in beachside bikini photos showcasing her signature jewelry line
    Wed, 11 Mar 2026 23:31:46 GMT
    Kristin Cavallari combines stunning beach photography with business savvy, promoting Uncommon James. She also offers real talk about divorce on her podcast.

    Tarik Skubal calls Benedict Arnold comparisons from disgruntled Team USA fans 'just not fair'
    Wed, 11 Mar 2026 23:28:05 GMT
    Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal faced backlash after leaving the World Baseball Classic early. Fans compared him to Benedict Arnold for returning to the Tigers.

    Bipartisan housing push advances, but Trump-backed investor ban faces resistance
    Wed, 11 Mar 2026 23:06:56 GMT
    Some Senate Democrats and industry groups oppose an institutional investor ban in a housing bill, arguing the provision would eliminate build-to-rent units and reduce rentals.

    Rogan says voters feel 'betrayed' by Trump's Iran campaign after he pledged 'no more wars' for years
    Wed, 11 Mar 2026 23:00:10 GMT
    The U.S. strikes on Iran contradict President Donald Trump's 2024 campaign pledge to avoid wars, podcast host Joe Rogan said Tuesday while discussing the conflict.

    Trump administration puts key Biden-era immigration policy on notice: 'Unsustainable cycle'
    Wed, 11 Mar 2026 22:57:03 GMT
    The Trump administration is looking to undo temporary protected status designations for hundreds of thousands of migrants in the U.S., which would reverse a key Biden-era policy.

    Newsom knocked for ?insane? California gas prices after blaming Trump for rising costs
    Wed, 11 Mar 2026 22:55:00 GMT
    Critics are calling out California Gov. Gavin Newsom's ?insane" climate policies as the state?s prices at the pump soar significantly above the national average.


    Indy Car Racing

    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.

    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.


    ESPN Sports Headlines

    Hurley out after 11 seasons at Arizona State
    Wed, 11 Mar 2026 21:06:25 EST
    Arizona State will not renew the contract of men's basketball coach Bobby Hurley, the school announced Wednesday, hours after it was eliminated from the Big 12 tournament in a blowout loss to Iowa State.

    Cowboys trade DT Odighizuwa to 49ers for pick
    Wed, 11 Mar 2026 21:06:25 EST
    The Cowboys have traded defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa to the 49ers in exchange for a 2026 third-round draft pick, and defensive tackle Solomon Thomas to the Titans in a seventh-round pick swap.

    Court filing: Jackson feared Pearce 'will kill me'
    Wed, 11 Mar 2026 21:06:25 EST
    WNBA player Rickea Jackson filed a petition for protection against her ex-boyfriend, Falcons player James Pearce Jr., saying she was "in fear of my life" and, if the court didn't intervene, she believed "James will kill me," according to court documents.

    Clark back with double-double in Team USA debut
    Wed, 11 Mar 2026 21:06:25 EST
    Playing in her first game since July, Caitlin Clark had 17 points and 12 assists in 19 minutes to lead Team USA to a 110-64 win in its first game of the FIBA World Cup qualifiers.

    Ravens GM 'gutted' that Crosby deal fell through
    Wed, 11 Mar 2026 21:06:25 EST
    Ravens GM Eric DeCosta got emotional at times in explaining it was a difficult but necessary decision to rescind the trade with the Raiders for Maxx Crosby, saying, "Nobody's more upset about this than me."

    Carroll predicts QB Smith will rebound with Jets
    Wed, 11 Mar 2026 21:06:25 EST
    Pete Carroll, in his first interview since being fired by the Raiders, took the blame for Geno Smith's struggles in Las Vegas.

    Madrid in awe of one of 'best on planet' Valverde
    Wed, 11 Mar 2026 21:06:25 EST
    Trent Alexander-Arnold called Federico Valverde "the most underrated footballer on the planet" and coach Álvaro Arbeloa called him "a benchmark" after the midfielder's hat trick in Real Madrid's 3-0 win over Manchester City on Wednesday.

    Ex-assistant sues Michigan over Stalions scandal
    Wed, 11 Mar 2026 21:06:25 EST
    Former Michigan assistant Chris Partridge sued the university, its board and AD Warde Manuel, alleging he was made a "scapegoat" when he was fired during the Wolverines' 2023 sign-stealing scandal.

    ? NFL free agency awards: Best and worst moves
    Wed, 11 Mar 2026 21:06:25 EST
    The edge rush market exploded, the Titans called on old friends, Mike Evans landed in a new place, and two players were very particular about their contract numbers.

    Live tracking NFL free agency: Updates on signings, trades, cuts
    Wed, 11 Mar 2026 14:25:57 EST
    We're following NFL free agency signings, trades, cuts, contract restructures and other moves as they happen.

    Barnwell makes sense of Maxx Crosby trade, Ravens' ensuing Trey Hendrickson signing
    Wed, 11 Mar 2026 14:25:57 EST
    Maxx Crosby was traded to the Ravens, the trade was called off and Baltimore signed Trey Hendrickson.

    Men's Bracketology: What could Duke injuries mean for ACC tourney -- and overall seeding?
    Wed, 11 Mar 2026 14:41:14 EST
    The Blue Devils will be missing two key players during the ACC tournament, but will it affect them long term?

    Men's Bubble Watch: NC State, Iowa, UCF strengthen bubble cases
    Wed, 11 Mar 2026 14:41:14 EST
    We're tracking the Champ Week performance of every bubble team.

    The Ravens' pivot from Maxx Crosby to Trey Hendrickson: Answering four big questions
    Wed, 11 Mar 2026 19:20:51 EST
    By moving on from Crosby, Baltimore was still able to land a four-time Pro Bowl pass rusher in Hendrickson.

    Updated 2026 NBA mock draft: Who's rising and falling ahead of March Madness?
    Wed, 11 Mar 2026 19:21:27 EST
    Who's rising and falling in Jeremy Woo's updated 2026 NBA mock draft ahead of March Madness?

    Power Rankings: Thunder, Spurs rule the West, Celtics rise
    Wed, 11 Mar 2026 19:21:27 EST
    The NBA playoffs are near. Which teams are best positioned for the home stretch of the regular season?

    World Baseball Classic tiebreaker scenarios: How can Team USA advance?
    Wed, 11 Mar 2026 14:43:06 EST
    The United States' WBC fate is now out of its hands. Here's how the U.S. can move on -- or be sent packing.

    Bilas' All-America teams: My top 20 men's college basketball players of 2025-26
    Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:44:47 EST
    Freshmen earned six of the 20 spots we handed out Tuesday. Here's who made the cut.