Windows Central

1. Spyro is back with a new game, but the team bringing him to life had to overcome a near‑collapse to finish the project

   As pressure to right the XBOX ship continues to bear down on the studios that make our favorite games, the recent reveal of Spyro: A Realm Beyond proves that full-stop closure of established studios isn’t the only way to balance the books. Instead of closing, Toys for Bob was able to negotiate independence and is now reviving a much-loved franchise with XBOX and Activision support.

2. Edge suddenly feels less bloated — after Microsoft retired its “creepy” AI history search feature to the company's digital graveyard

   Microsoft has removed Edge’s AI history search feature amid user backlash.

3. Microsoft finally made a more affordable Surface, but its timing was terrible

   Microsoft added 8GB RAM options to the Surface Pro 12‑inch and Surface Laptop 13‑inch, dropping their starting prices to $849 and $949. But discounts pushed better hardware, including Dell’s XPS 13 with a Snapdragon X Elite and 32GB of RAM, down to $999, making the new Surfaces a tough sell.

4. As the rising costs of RAM crush the notion of gaming as an affordable hobby, what are PC gamers and Xbox fans supposed to do?

   Gaming costs are soaring as RAM and storage prices rise, leaving PC and Xbox players with few options beyond discounts, used hardware, or cloud gaming.

5. "This doesn’t represent pre-order data," Xbox disputes reports of PS5 crushing GTA 6 preorder demand

   Xbox clarifies that affiliate links aren't sales data, refuting viral claims of PS5's 8-to-1 lead in GTA 6 preorder

6. Critics on Microsoft extending Windows 10 support for free through 2027: "Are they admitting Windows 11 isn't good enough 5 years later?"

   Microsoft extends free Windows 10 security updates until 2027, sparking debate over whether Windows 11 has failed to win users over.

7. The RAM crisis is getting worse — I take a look at when prices might fall, and whether you'll ever see the savings when they do

   The RAM crisis keeps getting worse, and the last couple of weeks have been particularly impactful as major companies have announced further price hikes on PCs, consoles, and other tech. Is there any way to stop the bleeding? Will PC prices ever return to normal? I take a deep look at the market and predictions to offer a full picture of the situation.

8. These are the most popular Prime Day deals according to Windows Central readers — Laptops, mini PCs, storage, monitors, and more are still on sale

   It's the final day of Amazon Prime Day, and we've been keeping an eye on the deals that are getting the most attention. I present to you the most popular deals this year, according to our readers.

9. Framework Laptop's price decrease comes with a jab at Apple and an ominous warning

   Framework lowered Laptop 13 Pro pricing with new SSDs and free preorder upgrades, but warns looming CPU hikes will drive costs back up.

10. Windows 11’s huge July 14 update is loaded with new features — these are the 13 that matter most

    Windows 11's July 2026 update adds Point-in-time Restore, indefinite update pauses, Screen tint, faster File Explorer, and more.

11. Don't waste your money building your own gaming PC — these pre-built desktops eat the costs and skip the boring parts

    PC gaming costs keep rising, making DIY builds harder to justify. These discounted pre-built rigs offer easier Windows 11 options with solid performance.

12. Forget PowerToys, Windows 11 needs this feature immediately

    PowerToys may get a new utility called AltWindowCycle that allows users to quickly cycle through windows of the same application using a keyboard shortcut. It would be a fantastic addition to PowerToys, but it should also be added to Windows 11.

13. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 just made a marketplace change its community will love, but does it go far enough?

    After Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 marketplace creator Mscenery has been in headlines again for all the wrong reasons, Microsoft has done something about it.

14. "A hater community trying to kill the game": Epic Games CEO speaks out against Steam's forced AI disclosure policy and how it's harming developers

    Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney is not shy about taking shots at Steam, and in a recent interview, he talks about how forced AI disclosures on Valve's mega storefront are harming developers. He makes some good points, but keep in mind this is the same guy spearheading the AI-infused Unreal Engine 6.

15. This ASUS Vivobook 16 OLED deal packs 32GB of RAM, a 3K display, and Intel’s latest AI chip for less than you’d expect

    The ASUS Vivobook 16 OLED is a rare find at this price. You get a 3K OLED display, 32GB of RAM, a fast Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, and a thin 3.31 lb chassis with long battery life. It is a powerful, modern laptop that stays light, looks premium, and handles heavy workloads without costing a fortune.

16. Bill Gates says AI may replace a lot of jobs, but it will never replace athletes because no one wants to watch computers play

    Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates says athletes are safe from AI, arguing that no one wants to watch computers playing.

17. Read Bungie's statement as Sony PlayStation layoffs come down on its Destiny 2 and Marathon devs — "we wish to extend our gratitude and compassion"

    As layoffs from Sony hit the studio hard, Destiny 2 and Marathon dev Bungie shares a heartfelt letter with its community and employees.

18. Forza Horizon 6 is a different game with a racing wheel – grab one now for under $100 before it's too late!

    Getting a racing wheel for Forza Horizon 6 doesn't have to be expensive, as this Prime Day deal proves. In fact, you're paying less than $100!

19. Microsoft and Xbox announce another console price hike, and this one is steep — things may get even worse in 2027, all thanks to AI and memory shortages

    The cost of Xbox Series X|S consoles is about to climb by $100 or more, with Microsoft announcing new price hikes amid tech's ongoing hardware crisis.

20. Microsoft quietly extends Windows 10's extra security updates program for free: Users can now stay on Windows 10 until October 2027 securely

    Windows 10's ESU program has been quietly extended by an extra year, now ending on October 12, 2027 instead of October 2026.

21. "We have made the decision to reduce Bungie’s workforce": Destiny 2 dev Bungie hit with major layoffs across "most of the Destiny team" and Marathon, says Sony CEO

    PlayStation publisher Sony has begun major layoffs at Destiny 2 and Marathon developer Bungie, with the cuts "affecting a significant number of employees."

22. Fulfilling prophecy, Razer finally built a wireless RGB gaming chair, and it's ridiculous in the best possible way

    Razer’s Soma Chroma is a wireless RGB gaming chair that adds reactive lighting without the cable mess. It runs off a simple USB‑C power bank and delivers real comfort with dual‑density foam, an ergonomic lumbar arch, and a reinforced steel frame. It is flashy, but it is also a genuinely solid chair for long sessions.

23. Microsoft and OpenAI are still playing the fair use card — even as ChatGPT and Copilot fuel the "death knell for local journalism"

    A coalition of publishers has sued Microsoft and OpenAI for scrapping their content without their consent or compensation.

24. As Apple raises MacBook prices, these are the Windows laptops that I'd actually buy — now up to 54% off during Prime Day

    Prime Day is always a good time to watch for deep Windows laptop discounts, but this year is more important than ever, considering how much prices have gone up in recent months. The good news? I'm seeing discounts up to 54% on laptops I'd actually buy.

25. The Diablo 4 Age of Hatred is over and it was a total bloodbath — here's everyone we lost in the saga

    The Age of Hatred is over. Here is a list of every major character who died during the Diablo 4 trilogy.