Windows Central

WWE NXT Champ Joe Hendry (and Steam Deck fan) tells us his favorite game ? and the surreal experience of being included in WWE 2K26
Wed, 04 Mar 2026 20:09:52 +0000
Last week, we were lucky enough to catch up with WWE Superstar and NXT Champion Joe Hendry to learn all about what it's like being a headline act of an official WWE 2K video game.

Marathon's release date is here, and the game's launch times are confirmed ? here's when you can play, and when it comes out in your time zone
Wed, 04 Mar 2026 19:00:35 +0000
Bungie's new extraction shooter Marathon is finally almost here. Here's everything you need to know about its release date, launch times, and more.

Edge users are being targeted by a fake Google security prompt that steals data ? No bug or exploit required makes this hack particularly nasty
Wed, 04 Mar 2026 17:49:44 +0000
Malwarebytes has published findings of a new type of malware that uses a fake Google Account security alert to steal data and compromise entire networks. Here's what you need to know (and how to remove it).

My meager interest in testing macOS with Apple's $599 MacBook evaporated as soon as I saw the specs ? and I'll keep suggesting Windows laptops to anyone who asks
Wed, 04 Mar 2026 17:35:18 +0000
The more affordable MacBook Neo could have been my chance to go hands-on with macOS, but the specs turned me off and back towards Qualcomm.

Microsoft AI can now fix your meeting conflicts ? and finally prioritize the work that matters
Wed, 04 Mar 2026 14:58:17 +0000
Microsoft 365 Copilot can now automatically reschedule conflicting 1:1 meetings and appointments in Outlook. Here is how the new AI automation works.

I can't believe it: Apple?s $599 MacBook Neo just lit a monstrous fire under the Windows laptop market ? Microsoft better be panicking
Wed, 04 Mar 2026 14:38:08 +0000
MacBook Neo is official. It's $599, with an efficient A18 Pro SoC that offers M1-level performance in an affordable package that prioritizes style above all else.

PC gamers are about to get a free performance upgrade ? Microsoft's latest DirectX update boosts ray-tracing performance by up to 90%
Wed, 04 Mar 2026 14:34:33 +0000
Microsoft recently shared details about its latest DirectX update, containing the official launch of a Shader Execution Reordering (SER) feature. In early tests, SER is boosting framerates in ray and path tracing by up to 90%.

The legendary Windows XP ?Bliss? wallpaper just got a 2026 glow?up from somone on Reddit and people are going nuts
Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:27:32 +0000
A brilliant new "Bliss" remix is taking over Reddit, blending Windows XP?s iconic hills with Windows 11?s Bloom. Here is how to get it on your PC.

Xbox backward compatibility wishlists surge in this fan-made community survey ? with a surprising show of love for the OG Xbox
Wed, 04 Mar 2026 11:47:18 +0000
Early community voting data from "XboxGamePreservation" suggests fans may want more original Xbox titles added to backward compatibility than Xbox 360 games.

OpenAI rumors hint at a GitHub competitor to challenge Microsoft ? is this supposed partnership becoming more of a rivalry?
Wed, 04 Mar 2026 11:16:33 +0000
Reports suggest that OpenAI is in the early stages of developing a GitHub rival, citing an increase in service disruptions on Microsoft's coding platform.

Is Microsoft Teams tracking your exact position in the office or not? The app says its new Wi-Fi location feature is built for collaboration ? not employee surveillance
Wed, 04 Mar 2026 10:41:12 +0000
Microsoft has recently clarified its Teams Wi?Fi location feature, addressing employee monitoring amid privacy concerns.

No, an AI-focused "Windows 12" is not coming this year ? false report gets the facts completely wrong
Wed, 04 Mar 2026 10:16:26 +0000
A new report has caught the internet's attention, claiming that Windows 12 is coming this year and will be a modular, AI-powered OS. Here's why that's wrong.

Rumored Fallout 3 and New Vegas remastered dev says "Nope," teases involvement again immediately ? "Now pardon us as we retreat back into our vault"
Tue, 03 Mar 2026 22:39:53 +0000
The rumored developer of Fallout 3 and New Vegas remastered has denied involvement with the projects, but teased it at the same time with its wording.

An old Xbox AI patent is going viral for the wrong reasons ? assistive tech is actually one of the best use case scenarios for AI
Tue, 03 Mar 2026 21:13:21 +0000
New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's AI background has thrust an old Microsoft patent into the spotlight. Its system would let assistants help you in-game.

Five new ID@Xbox games you might've missed ? From star-crossed lovers to hack-and-slash frenzies
Tue, 03 Mar 2026 19:50:45 +0000
Our Spring roundup is overflowing with indie games that are ready to sweep you off your feet.


  • Sn This one

  • Nascar

    Tyler Reddick's next NASCAR record challenge: The rare four-peat
    Wed, 04 Mar 2026 18:31:46 +0000
    Last year, Christopher Bell became the first driver in the Next Gen era (2022 onward) to win three consecutive Cup races, with Tyler Reddick recently becoming the second. However, Reddick is now the only driver in the 78-year history of NASCAR to win the first three races of a new season, winning two drafting tracks and a road course.
    Since the modern era of NASCAR began in 1972, only eight ...Keep reading

    US-Iran war impacts NASCAR TV ratings across COTA, St. Pete
    Wed, 04 Mar 2026 04:08:53 +0000
    The NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday at Circuit of the Americas drew 3.933 million viewers on over-the-air FOX.
    This number is down from the 4.132 million this same race earned last year but there are several broader television factors to consider when parsing the numbers. Due to the United States military action in Iran over the weekend, cable television networks saw a 93 percent ...Keep reading

    NASCAR suspends two Ross Chastain crew members for runaway wheel
    Tue, 03 Mar 2026 22:16:03 +0000
    After starting from the outside of the front row and winning Stage 1, Ross Chastain was in position to have a great day the Circuit of the Americas (COTA).
    Unfortunately, while in contention for a top ten following the final green-flag pit stop of the day, Chastain's car spun wildly on entry to what is Turn 19 on the full course layout, tearing through the gravel as the right-rear wheel ...Keep reading

    NASCAR Cup spotter to make ARCA driving debut at Hickory
    Tue, 03 Mar 2026 16:30:17 +0000
    By every definition, Derek Kneeland is a racer.
    He is a racer when he climbs the ladder each week to serve as spotter for Kyle Busch and Austin Hill at Richard Childress Racing. He is a racer when he gets behind the wheel of a Pro Late Model several times a year as his schedule permits.
    And to wit, the 39-year-old will be a racer on Saturday, March 28 when he makes his ARCA East debut at ...Keep reading

    What is causing all of these cool suit failures in NASCAR?
    Mon, 02 Mar 2026 20:11:48 +0000
    There were a handful of cool suit system failures in the NASCAR Cup race at the Circuit of the Americas and while many might want to place the blame on faulty hardware the root cause is actually a bit more complex and often due to team choices for performance.
    A cool suit system typically consists of a small box that is a miniaturized air conditioning unit which has an input and output for a ...Keep reading

    Winners and losers from NASCAR's first road course of 2026 at COTA
    Mon, 02 Mar 2026 19:39:20 +0000
    23XI Racing and Tyler Reddick have managed to do what has never been done before, winning the first three races of a new NASCAR Cup season. Shane van Gisbergen finished second, and Christopher Bell was third.
    The race was fairly clean, with only one natural caution and only one car failing to reach the checkered flag. However, there was still plenty of drama, and even a mid-race driver change! ...Keep reading

    Judge issues limited restraining order against Chris Gabehart in Gibbs lawsuit
    Mon, 02 Mar 2026 18:41:41 +0000
    The judge overseeing the Joe Gibbs Racing vs Chris Gabehart and Spire Motorsports lawsuit issued a mixed restraining order during a very brief session on Monday at the Western District of North Carolina courthouse.
    Gabehart will be allowed to continue working as the Chief Motorsports Officer at Spire Motorsports but will not be allowed to do anything that overlaps with his previous competition ...Keep reading

    Gibbs seeks proof that Spire, Chris Gabehart conspired to steal trade secrets
    Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:22:51 +0000
    Joe Gibbs Racing filed an 'expedited motion for discovery' with the Western District of North Carolina on Sunday night seeking evidence that Spire Motorsports 'induced or encouraged' Chris Gabehart to 'acquire or disclose' trade secrets as part of a job change.
    Gabehart most recently served as the Joe Gibbs Racing competition director in 2025 to close a 13-year tenure in which the 45-year-old ...Keep reading

    Tyler Reddick channels Michael Jordan with first three-peat
    Mon, 02 Mar 2026 02:26:20 +0000
    Before the Cup Series race at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, Michael Jordan wanted Tyler Reddick to know that ?three-peats? are kind of his brand, the one the 30-year-old has inherited at 23XI Racing.
    During his time as the face of the National Basketball Association, Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to a pair of three-consecutive championships from 1991-to-1993 and again from ...Keep reading


    Fox News Headlines

    Some rugby programs eliminate women's teams in favor of 'open' category for trans athletes
    Wed, 04 Mar 2026 20:46:18 GMT
    USA Rugby women's teams Charlotte Royals and Mother Ruckers switched to new 'open' category following policy restricting women's competition to biological females.

    Dr Oz alleges widespread fraud in New York's $100B Medicaid program, demands Hochul respond
    Wed, 04 Mar 2026 20:46:12 GMT
    The Trump administration launches fraud probe into New York's Medicaid program, citing alleged waste. Gov. Kathy Hochul has 30 days to respond.

    Chick-fil-A rolls back waffle fry recipe after fans blast change as 'terrible' and 'bland'
    Wed, 04 Mar 2026 20:42:27 GMT
    Customer backlash forces Chick-fil-A to change its waffle fries recipe again. The fast-food giant rolled back a 2024 modification after complaints, including over allergy concerns.

    Wealthy elites bankroll Dem Senate candidate who has repeatedly touted 'grassroots' campaign
    Wed, 04 Mar 2026 20:36:33 GMT
    Illinois Lt. Gov. Stratton accepted millions from corporate figures despite promising grassroots-only Senate campaign funding for her political bid.

    Republicans hand Trump the wheel on Iran, but one red line emerges
    Wed, 04 Mar 2026 20:33:57 GMT
    GOP lawmakers signal support for ongoing missile strikes in Iran while drawing a firm red line at ground troops, insisting on Congress' constitutional authority over war.

    Michelle Obama claims 'no way' Trump admin behavior would be acceptable from 'first Black family' in WH
    Wed, 04 Mar 2026 20:30:45 GMT
    Michelle Obama criticized the Trump administration behavior on podcast, saying such conduct wouldn't be accepted from the "first Black family" in White House.

    Biden-appointed judge threatens jail for ICE officials in clash over Trump immigration crackdown
    Wed, 04 Mar 2026 20:30:42 GMT
    A Minnesota judge appointed by former President Joe Biden threatened he may rule to imprison ICE and DOJ officials during a fiery courtroom exchange with U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen.

    Leavitt lashes out at CNN's Kaitlan Collins in tense exchange on fallen soldiers from Iran operation
    Wed, 04 Mar 2026 20:27:49 GMT
    White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt clashed with CNN correspondent Kaitlan Collins over the fallen soldiers from Operation Epic Fury against Iran.

    The best sales to shop this week: Up to 78% off Levi's, DeWalt, Apple and more
    Wed, 04 Mar 2026 20:22:08 GMT
    This week?s best sales include deals on power banks, tools, vacuums, espresso machines and more, starting at $9.

    Man dies after sneaking into closed section of popular national park
    Wed, 04 Mar 2026 20:16:34 GMT
    A Hawaii man, 33, was found dead after crossing into a restricted section of K?lauea caldera, sparking an overnight rescue effort. Visitors have been warned to stay on marked paths.

    Best mattress sales right now ? up to 66% off Nectar, Saatva, DreamCloud and more
    Wed, 04 Mar 2026 20:01:45 GMT
    From memory foam to hybrids, these are the best mattress deals to shop now.

    Trump?s FCC aims to crack down on offshore call centers, illegal robocalls, chairman says
    Wed, 04 Mar 2026 20:00:17 GMT
    The Federal Communications Commission will seek to crack down on offshore call centers and illegal robocalls from aboard, Chairman Brendan Carr announced Wednesday.

    Trump teases kingmaker endorsement in Texas ?soon? to force other candidate out of runoff
    Wed, 04 Mar 2026 19:59:16 GMT
    Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton are headed for a bloody runoff, but President Donald Trump wants to end things quickly, promising an endorsement "soon."

    Origin of deadly cancer affecting young adults revealed in alarming report
    Wed, 04 Mar 2026 19:58:16 GMT
    Colorectal cancer rates are surging among younger adults, with those 65 and under now comprising 45% of new diagnoses compared to 27% in 1995.

    Aaron Rodgers refuses to give update on 2026 playing status
    Wed, 04 Mar 2026 19:56:16 GMT
    Aaron Rodgers played coy when he spoke about his playing future in 2026 during an appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" on Wednesday afternoon.


    Indy Car Racing

    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.

    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.


    ESPN Sports Headlines

    MLB Rank 2026: Ranking baseball's top 100 players
    Wed, 4 Mar 2026 13:54:21 EST
    From star sluggers like Ohtani and Judge to top pitchers like Skubal, we rank -- and make predictions for -- the best players in baseball right now.

    Source: Pats to release Diggs after one season
    Wed, 4 Mar 2026 15:44:33 EST
    The Patriots plan to release wide receiver Stefon Diggs, a source confirmed to ESPN.

    Sources: Chiefs trade top CB McDuffie to Rams
    Wed, 4 Mar 2026 15:44:33 EST
    The Chiefs have agreed to a blockbuster trade with the Rams to send All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie to Los Angeles for four draft picks, including the 29th pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

    NCAA tourneys to require player availability info
    Wed, 4 Mar 2026 15:44:33 EST
    For the men's and women's NCAA tournaments, teams must submit initial availability reports the night before a game and provide updates two hours prior to the scheduled tipoff.

    WNBPA exec committee: 'United' amid CBA talks
    Wed, 4 Mar 2026 15:44:33 EST
    The WNBPA's executive committee said it remains "united" and that a recent player survey reaffirms the league's latest proposal for a new CBA "is not worth taking."

    Chargers release Becton, save $9.7M against cap
    Wed, 4 Mar 2026 15:44:34 EST
    The Chargers released guard Mekhi Becton in a move that saved them $9.7 million against the salary cap.

    Dallas reworks Dak, Lamb deals, now under cap
    Wed, 4 Mar 2026 15:44:34 EST
    The Cowboys have gotten under the $301.2 million salary cap Wednesday by restructuring the contracts of Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and Tyler Smith, according to sources.

    Judge sets May retrial date in Miami murder case
    Wed, 4 Mar 2026 15:44:34 EST
    Prosecutors will retry ex-Miami football player Rashaun Jones on May 18 after a judge declared a mistrial due to a hung jury in the second-degree murder case.

    Wynn leaves Lady Vols; senior day 'breaking point'
    Wed, 4 Mar 2026 15:44:34 EST
    Kaiya Wynn, a reserve guard on the Tennessee women's basketball team, said she is leaving the program, calling what she felt was a slight on senior day over the weekend a "breaking point."

    ? Why Billups could be facing decades in prison
    Wed, 4 Mar 2026 15:44:33 EST
    After a Hall of Fame NBA career, here's what we know about Billups' connections to Mafia-affiliated poker games and illegal gambling.

    The NBA's Eastern Conference is better than you think -- here's what that means for the playoffs
    Wed, 4 Mar 2026 14:41:54 EST
    ESPN analyst Zach Kram explores the Western Conference's recent dominance and how the East's underrated strength could surprise in the postseason.

    NBA Power Rankings: The most intriguing games left for all 30 teams
    Wed, 4 Mar 2026 14:41:54 EST
    With six weeks left until the playoffs, what are the most interesting games left on the schedule for every team?

    Ready for NFL free agency? We have the latest buzz on active teams, player-team fits and more
    Wed, 4 Mar 2026 13:00:26 EST
    Here's what you need to know about 2026 free agency. We picked out everything from players who might break the bank to sleepers to watch.

    Ranking the top 100 free agents: Which players should land big contracts?
    Wed, 4 Mar 2026 13:00:26 EST
    Could Kenneth Walker III and Malik Willis get a lot of interest from teams? Let's stack the best free agents.

    Our NFL offseason trade grades: Did the Rams give up too much to acquire Trent McDuffie?
    Wed, 4 Mar 2026 15:17:11 EST
    We're handing out report cards on big offseason moves, including the Chiefs sending CB Trent McDuffie to the Rams.

    Men's Bubble Watch: Georgia is a lock, UCLA gets key top-10 win
    Wed, 4 Mar 2026 14:53:24 EST
    The Bulldogs beat Alabama, while the Bruins took down No. 9 Nebraska. Both should be going dancing.

    Men's Bracketology: Miami (Ohio) or Auburn? Sorry, Bruce Pearl -- it's the RedHawks
    Wed, 4 Mar 2026 14:53:23 EST
    The RedHawks are two wins away from an undefeated regular season while the Tigers are barely above .500.

    Portal kings? Recruiting champs? Which college football roster moves will reign supreme in 2026
    Wed, 4 Mar 2026 10:55:14 EST
    Which teams put together the best combination of recruits and transfers? We'll see who impacts 2026.