Windows Central

You can finally play this long-awaited Xbox game soon ? its studio is hosting alpha playtests next month, and you can sign up for them now
Fri, 03 Apr 2026 17:34:29 +0000
Six years after it was announced, Xbox's State of Decay 3 will finally be playable soon as Undead Labs prepares to kick off alpha playtests this year.

Upcoming indie game Boxroom emulates physical game collections with your Steam library: "Economic depression simulator"
Fri, 03 Apr 2026 12:39:45 +0000
Boxroom is an upcoming Steam game that transforms your digital library into a customizable physical-style collection room, letting players display and interact with their games.

CD Projekt CEO weighs in on the impact of Xbox Game Pass and Asha Sharma's new role: "She?s a super smart person."
Fri, 03 Apr 2026 12:26:11 +0000
CD Projekt Red CEO Micha? Nowakowski recently discussed the impact of Xbox Game Pass, explaining how it helps bring The Witcher 3 to a new generation of players while extending the game?s lifecycle.

The more affordable Xbox Ally avoids price hikes and earns a rare price drop: A true Windows-based answer to the Steam Deck
Fri, 03 Apr 2026 12:10:32 +0000
The Xbox Ally is currently one of the most affordable ways to play Xbox PC games on the go, with an above-average display and additional gameplay-enhancing features, all for 17% off.

Microsoft Outlook frustrates Artemis II astronauts live from space ? Microsoft's reputation for shoddy software now stretches to the moon
Thu, 02 Apr 2026 21:32:18 +0000
In space, no one can hear you scream ... at Microsoft Outlook (New). Microsoft's weird decision to split Outlook into two separate apps creates issues for the Atemis II NASA mission to the Moon, live on camera.

Xbox and Blizzard are hiring for "an upcoming AAA open-world shooter" that uses the Unreal Engine ? is this the new StarCraft FPS we've been waiting for?
Thu, 02 Apr 2026 20:49:08 +0000
A new Blizzard job listing describes "an upcoming AAA open-world shooter," which has everyone hoping it's working on a new StarCraft FPS after all.

I?m hooked on this solo-dev-made dice roller on PC Game Pass: easy to learn and hard to master
Thu, 02 Apr 2026 20:16:16 +0000
If you?re looking for an addictive gambling-like with roguelike gameplay inspired by games like Balatro, Dice a Million is for you. Roll the dice, rack up as much as score as you can, and answer the mystery phone calls in this solo-developed indie available now on PC Game Pass.

'World of Warcraft: Midnight' Season 1 story end suggests to me that Blizzard really needs to rethink its story design processes ? This could be much better, and far more satisfying with only a few tweaks.
Thu, 02 Apr 2026 18:20:36 +0000
SPOILERS: World of Warcraft's latest expansion is already proving controversial for re-treading some of the game's most hated lore. But is Blizzard trying to fix it, or will they end up making it worse?

Call of Duty studio head at Xbox dev is retiring after over 36 years ? he shipped 42 games, 18 CoD titles, and this criminally underrated shooter I love
Thu, 02 Apr 2026 18:09:27 +0000
After 36 years of leading Call of Duty developer Raven Software, studio head Brian Raffel is leaving the company to "step into a well-earned retirement."

Microsoft's buggy apps reach deep space ? "I have two Microsoft Outlooks and neither one of those is working," says Artemis II commander
Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:57:41 +0000
Even a multi-billion-dollar rocket can't escape Microsoft's buggy Outlook apps. Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman reported two broken versions of Outlook on his Surface Pro.

?This pricing changes the conversation?: HP?s first Snapdragon X2 Elite laptop arrives for hundreds less ? and I?m wondering if Intel should be worried
Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:18:37 +0000
HP's first laptop featuring the new Qualcomm Snapdragon Elite X2 SoC is now available to buy, and it should be the right choice for anyone who wants an ultra-thin, ultra-light PC with outstanding performance and efficiency.

One of HP's most powerful gaming laptops with a scarce RTX 5070, 165Hz display, and 16GB RAM ? is suddenly way cheaper than it should be with $900 off
Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:12:44 +0000
The HP Omen MAX 16" configuration with an RTX 5070 graphics card, Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, and more is now on sale at a whopping 32% discount.

Microsoft now has an AI that can turn hours of audio into text instantly ? and businesses will love it
Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000
Microsoft has unveiled a host of in-house AI models, including MAI-Transcribe-1, MAI-Voice-1, and?MAI-Image-2, which will be available via Microsoft Foundry.

Xbox FanFest goes global: Microsoft confirms FanFest events in Germany, UK, Mexico, Japan, and more
Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000
Microsoft has revived Xbox FanFest for the Xbox June Showcase 2026, but it's going even further than usual this time.

?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.


  • Sn This one

  • Nascar

    Kaulig Racing says fuel prices put a dent in NASCAR budget
    Thu, 02 Apr 2026 18:12:31 +0000
    The national average for diesel fuel on April 1 was $5.490 and that is a strain to NASCAR teams like Kaulig Racing who say it has taken a toll on its intended budget before the season began in February.
    The military conflict in Iran has led to a surge in prices, and while it dropped to just over $5 on April 2 following a national address by the President of the United States, stating that the ...Keep reading

    Joe Gibbs Racing really wants the deleted texts from Chris Gabehart and Spire
    Thu, 02 Apr 2026 16:28:54 +0000
    Joe Gibbs Racing wants the Western District of North Carolina Court to compel Chris Gabehart and Spire Motorsports to immediately produce any documents related to deleted text messages to each other but also a third-party subpoena to get those deleted communications from the cell phone service providers.
    ?The nature and significance of the irreparable harm JGR is experiencing cannot be ...Keep reading

    Everything you need to know before watching a NASCAR race
    Thu, 02 Apr 2026 10:01:52 +0000
    At Motorsport.com, you can find expert analysis, on-site reporting and breaking news from all around the racing world, but this article is tailored specifically for those who are just wading into the waters of the NASCAR world. This is your comprehensive overview of what you can expect, and many answers to the pressing questions you are likely to have. We'll try not to get too in-depth, offering a ...Keep reading

    How the NASCAR Chase playoff format works: A simplified guide
    Thu, 02 Apr 2026 01:33:04 +0000
    NASCAR has never been shy about changing up the way it crowns its champion, and the format has undergone a lot of changes since 1949.
    Red Byron won the first NASCAR cup title in 1949, Richard 'The King' Petty earned his first crown in 1971, Dale Earnhardt's seventh and final crown in 1994, Jimmie Johnson's historic run of five in-a-row in 2010, and Kyle Larson's latest triumph in 2025 -- all of ...Keep reading

    What happens during a NASCAR pit stop?
    Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:30:17 +0000
    Even as recently as 2025, championships have been won and lost on pit road in NASCAR. In this simplified guide, new fans can find all the information they need regarding how pit stops work, and how easily they can go wrong.
    With the Next Gen car that is currently used at the Cup level, it takes around 8-12 seconds for the top Cup Series teams to complete a stop.
    Options on pit road
    ...Keep reading

    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


    Fox News Headlines

    Supreme Court Justice Alito treated for dehydration at hospital in previously undisclosed March 20 incident
    Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:27:56 GMT
    Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito was hospitalized for dehydration after a Federalist Society event in Philadelphia, sources told Fox News reporters.

    Illegal immigrant, accomplice get 5 years for murder in sweetheart deal with progressive Virginia DA
    Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:24:26 GMT
    Two admitted murderers will serve just five years in prison after a plea deal with a progressive Virginia prosecutor reduced their effective sentences.

    No more casual: State Department imposes first-ever dress code on diplomats
    Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:20:32 GMT
    For the first time, the State Department has added formal dress code guidance to its Foreign Affairs Manual, setting attire standards for employees.

    Abandoned bear cub, 'under arrest for cuteness,' grabbed by state troopers from interstate highway
    Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:17:43 GMT
    New Jersey State Police rescued a bear cub found alone along Interstate 78, with photos of the adorable rescue quickly going viral on social media outlets.

    Cuba releases 2,000 prisoners amid Trump pressure, energy crisis
    Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:15:07 GMT
    Cuba's government releases over 2,000 prisoners citing good behavior and health conditions as U.S. sanctions worsen the island's economic crisis.

    Pam Bondi is out as AG ? here are the contenders who could replace her
    Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:12:59 GMT
    President Donald Trump tapped Todd Blanche as acting attorney general after ousting Pam Bondi, but several contenders are emerging for the permanent role, including Lee Zeldin.

    Left-wing host says AOC uses ?Trump-like? attacks on media critics in voting record dispute
    Fri, 03 Apr 2026 17:59:50 GMT
    Ana Kasparian detailed her clash with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, arguing the congresswoman responded with ?Trump-like" rhetoric after criticism over Israel funding and past House votes.

    Bipartisan senators probe Kremlin-linked delegation's meetings with US officials
    Fri, 03 Apr 2026 17:56:31 GMT
    Sens. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., raised counterintelligence concerns over a sanctioned Russian Duma delegation's recent visit to Washington, D.C.

    Sharon Stone names Robert De Niro the best kisser in Hollywood after their iconic scene in 'Casino'
    Fri, 03 Apr 2026 17:50:48 GMT
    Sharon Stone says Robert De Niro "kissed me out of my shoes" during "Casino," calling him "the best kisser in the business" in a candid new interview.

    Al Sharpton touts Kamala Harris as ?potent force in the Black community? among potential 2028 Dem candidates
    Fri, 03 Apr 2026 17:30:57 GMT
    Al Sharpton touted Kamala Harris, a potential 2028 Democratic candidate, saying she's a "potent force" with Black voters and has been ignored going into the next cycle.

    Dem fundraising giant ActBlue rocked by allegations it misled Congress about foreign donations
    Fri, 03 Apr 2026 17:29:08 GMT
    A new report is alleging ActBlue, the dominant fundraising platform for the left, may have misled Congress about its vetting process when accepting donations.

    Fox News AI Newsletter: Palantir CTO warns US has only 'eight days of weapons' in hypothetical China battle
    Fri, 03 Apr 2026 17:19:21 GMT
    Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

    Iran Guards recruiting children as young as 12, putting them on front lines of war
    Fri, 03 Apr 2026 17:10:02 GMT
    Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International report Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is recruiting children as young as 12 into military-linked combat and patrol roles.

    US pilot rescued from downed F-15E fighter jet in Iran, search for second crew member ongoing
    Fri, 03 Apr 2026 16:56:36 GMT
    An F-15 fighter jet went down in Iran and one of the pilots has been rescued, a source told Fox News, while a search is ongoing for the second crew member.

    Joseph Duggar's wife sobs in jail call after losing custody of four kids following couple's arrests
    Fri, 03 Apr 2026 16:52:39 GMT
    Kendra Duggar pleaded with husband Joseph Duggar in emotional jail calls, revealing she no longer has custody of their four children after arrests.


    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

    Final NBA MVP (and ROY) straw poll: Here's who voters are picking to win
    Fri, 3 Apr 2026 13:00:27 EST
    Can Wemby's late push unseat SGA? Tim Bontemps polls 100 NBA insiders for the latest MVP snapshot. Plus, a look at the race for top rookie.

    Tide's Holloway to enroll in fall, aims to play again
    Fri, 3 Apr 2026 13:49:40 EST
    Following Friday's reversal of his campus ban after his recent arrest, Alabama's Aden Holloway is planning to enroll in fall classes and hoping to rejoin the team next season pending the outcome of his legal case, his attorney told ESPN.

    Boozer fifth freshman to win AP Player of Year
    Fri, 3 Apr 2026 13:49:40 EST
    Cameron Boozer is The Associated Press men's college basketball national Player of the Year, becoming only the fifth freshman to earn the honor and the second in a row for a Duke program that keeps adding to the longest list of winners in the country.

    Amid UNC talk, Lloyd agrees to new deal at Zona
    Fri, 3 Apr 2026 13:49:40 EST
    Coach Tommy Lloyd has agreed to a new deal with Arizona, he announced Friday.

    UConn's Hurley owns up to antics: 'Not a victim'
    Fri, 3 Apr 2026 13:49:40 EST
    UConn coach Dan Hurley says he is not looking for any sympathy regarding the perception of his coaching style.

    Nebraska's Hoiberg named AP Coach of the Year
    Fri, 3 Apr 2026 13:49:40 EST
    Nebraska's Fred Hoiberg edged out Duke's Jon Scheyer and Arizona's Tommy Lloyd for Associated Press men's basketball coach of the year honors Friday.

    Royals' Jensen oversleeps, scratched from lineup
    Fri, 3 Apr 2026 13:49:40 EST
    Catcher Carter Jensen was removed from the Royals' starting lineup for Thursday's game against the Twins after he overslept.

    Tiger told deputy: 'Was just talking to president'
    Fri, 3 Apr 2026 13:49:40 EST
    After crashing his SUV last week in Florida, Tiger Woods took out his phone and told a deputy, "I was just talking to the president," according to body camera footage showing the golfer's arrest on a DUI charge.

    Wilson committed to Aces: 'I'm not leaving Vegas'
    Fri, 3 Apr 2026 13:49:40 EST
    A'ja Wilson, four-time MVP and three-time WNBA champion with the Aces, said she is "not leaving Vegas" when it comes time to sign a new deal.

    ? The top men's U21 soccer players in the world
    Fri, 3 Apr 2026 13:49:40 EST
    For the eighth straight year, ESPN brings you our list of the game's next young stars aged 21 or under. Who is good enough to make it?

    Could Sarah Strong be UConn's all-time best -- and a four-time champ?
    Fri, 3 Apr 2026 10:10:11 EST
    Sarah Strong had a freshman season for the record books -- and then she got better. Is another fairytale ending on the way?

    Women's Final Four predictions: Who wins South Carolina-UConn, Texas-UCLA?
    Fri, 3 Apr 2026 09:16:19 EST
    What will decide Friday's semifinals? Which player will have the biggest impact?

    The incredibly rare thing you probably missed during the Cubs' 2016 curse-breaking World Series win
    Fri, 3 Apr 2026 10:28:44 EST
    While the Cubs were making history in Cleveland 10 years ago, one unique accomplishment flew well under the radar.

    Latest NFL draft buzz: What we're hearing on Jermod McCoy's pro day, the QB3 debate
    Fri, 3 Apr 2026 12:36:22 EST
    How did the Tennessee CB perform at his pro day? Who is the third-best QB in this class? Our draft experts weigh in with new intel three weeks out.

    Draft prospects with true Round 1 grade: The 12 clear first-rounders
    Fri, 3 Apr 2026 12:36:22 EST
    We'll see 32 picks in Round 1, but who actually earned the right to be there?

    Safety 'savant' Caleb Downs to test NFL's thirst for his position
    Fri, 3 Apr 2026 11:32:05 EST
    Since 2000, only eight safeties have been drafted in the top 10. Downs could challenge conventional wisdom.

    'We want to pinch ourselves': Dusty May's full-circle return to the Final Four
    Fri, 3 Apr 2026 12:37:09 EST
    Three years after helming FAU's Cinderella run to the national semifinals, May returns with Michigan.

    Your men's Final Four guide: Illinois-UConn, Arizona-Michigan (with predictions!)
    Fri, 3 Apr 2026 12:37:09 EST
    We run through every team's keys to advancing to the championship game -- and their potential fatal flaws.