Things are getting a little tense in the GPU world. Nvidia has shown some of its hand by releasing some of the RTX 50 series cards, albeit some of them have had hardware issues. On the other hand, AMD has been plotting its return salvo to try to take Team Green down a peg. While the AMD Radeon RX 9070 is getting ready for its grand debut, it seems that Team Red also has a little trick up its sleeve: an update to Fluid Motion Frames.

While they may be the number one choice for gamers now, it wasn’t that long ago that AMD was in some really deep trouble in the CPU space. After steadily losing ground to Intel year after year in performance, they needed to gain some more ground in multithreaded workloads, and the FX series was supposed to do just that. It was AMD’s first major architectural redesign, and hopes were high after AMD’s marketing set lofty expectations. So, what ended up happening with AMD’s FX CPUs?

A free version of Gemini Code Assist, Google’s enterprise-focused AI coding tool, is now available globally for solo developers. Google announced today that Gemini Code Assist for individuals is launching in public preview, aiming to make coding assistants “with the latest AI capabilities” more accessible for students, hobbyists, freelancers, and startups.“Now anyone can more conveniently learn, create code snippets, debug, and modify their existing applications — all without needing to toggle between different windows for help or to copy and paste information from disconnected sources,” said Ryan J. Salva, Google’s senior director of product management. “While other popular free coding assistants have restrictive usage limits, with usually only 2,000 code completions per month, we wanted to offer something more generous.”That feels particularly targeted at GitHub Copilot, the most direct competitor to Gemini Code Assist, which also provides a free user tier that’s limited to 2,000 code completions and 50 Copilot Chat messages each month. Google is offering up to 180,000 code completions per month by contrast, which it describes as “a ceiling so high that even today’s most dedicated professional developers would be hard-pressed to exceed it.”Like the enterprise version, Gemini Code Assist for individuals is powered by Google’s Gemini 2.0 artificial intelligence model and can generate entire code blocks, complete code as you write, and provide general coding assistance via a chatbot interface. The free coding tool can be installed in Visual Studio Code, GitHub, and JetBrains developer environments and supports all programming languages in the public domain.Developers can instruct Gemini Code Assist using natural language, such as asking the coding chatbot to “build me a simple HTML form with fields for name, email, and message, and then add a ‘submit’ button.” It currently supports 38 languages and up to 128,000 chat input tokens in the token context window, which is the amount of text (tokens) that can be processed or “remembered” when generating a response.The free Individual tier seems pretty expansive, but it doesn’t include all of the advanced business-focused features available in the Standard and Enterprise versions of Gemini Code Assist. If you want productivity metrics, integrations with Google Cloud services like BigQuery, or to customize responses using private code data sources then you’ll need to use Google’s paid tiers.

With their inexpensive price tags, massive I/O provisions, and low power consumption, microcontrollers like the uber-popular Arduino family have diverse use cases, from simple automation projects to full-on DIY robots and complex electronics circuits.

Today is the third anniversary of Valve’s Steam Deck, the handheld gaming PC that all but created the market for handheld gaming PCs. It was a mess to start! But three years later, The Verge has data showing how it has dominated the nascent market. While Valve told us in November 2023 that it had sold “multiple millions” of the AMD-powered handheld, we’ve never had a good glimpse at how big it is or how Windows competitors stack up… till now. It seems the Steam Deck, so far, has been bigger than all its competitors combined.Market research firm IDC uses supply chains to estimate just how many handheld gaming systems have shipped around the world, and creates spending forecasts. When I asked IDC market research analyst Lewis Ward if he’d be willing to isolate SteamOS and Windows gaming handhelds from that data, he said yes. So here are the estimated combined shipments of the Steam Deck, and the Windows-based Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and MSI Claw from 2022 through 2024, and an estimate for 2025:2022202320242025 (Estimate)1,620,0002,867,0001,485,0001,926,000Add it up, and that’s just under 6 million shipments in three years. One way to view that: it’s …Read the full story at The Verge.

The base of Linux and Windows users have strong arguments for their preferred operating system and software. However, some Linux tools have features that make Windows alternatives seem left in the dust. While a Windows tool may look modern and have fancy graphical effects, it doesn’t mean the feature set compares to Linux tools.

When it comes to improving the sustainability of consumer electronics, there’s a growing movement to design devices with a focus on upgradability and repairability that can extend their longevity, instead of just making them easier to recycle after a few years of use.At one time, nearly every laptop maker was caught up in a race to create ultrathin designs, resulting in hardware that was difficult to upgrade and expensive to repair. But in recent years, several companies have demonstrated that laptops can be designed so that users can upgrade and easily swap out parts as needed.Innovative companies like Framework have been producing laptops that don’t need to be entirely replaced every few years, and with more success than other companies previously following similar pursuits. In 2021, Dell was sued over its Alienware laptop that promised GPU upgrades, while Intel has abandoned a couple of modular hardware products, including its Compute Cards.For now, it’s primarily Framework leading the charge, but its success has inspired competitors like Lenovo to follow suit. As more companies dedicate R&D to the cause, Framework may one day no longer be the only brand associated with modular devices.You can stay on top of all the latest upgradable and easily repairable device news and developments right here. Framework says its laptops shouldn’t get stung by Trump tariffs but modules might cost more. Framework will reveal new gadgets on February 25th — can you decipher its glyphs? Framework’s open source RISC-V laptop mainboard is now available. Intel still dreams of modular PCs — it brought a tablet laptop gaming handheld to CES Dell’s new USB-C ports use screws instead of solder so you can fix them yourself. The Framework Laptop 16 just got a modular gadget that enables quadruple SSDs You can now accessorize your Framework laptop with Lego. Framework Laptop 16, six months later The Framework Laptop 13 is about to become one of the world’s first RISC-V laptops Framework now lets you upgrade its Laptop 13 with a drop-in 120Hz screen, better webcam, and Core Ultra chip Compression-mounted laptop RAM is fast, efficient, and upgradeable Framework won’t be just a laptop company anymore The Framework Laptop has a firmware update problem — but maybe not for long? Framework is selling a cheap modular laptop Framework will send us another Framework Laptop 16 — and here’s what it will fix. AMA: I reviewed the Framework Laptop 16, ask me anything at 12PM ET! Framework Laptop 16 review: two weeks with the ultimate modular laptop Framework Laptop 13 (AMD) review: buy this one — if you can Lenovo exec promises 80 percent of its devices will be consumer-repairable by 2025 Framework is finally working on a full-size SD card module How Dell dodged a class action suit over Alienware Area-51m GPU upgrades Intel mini NUC computers get a second life thanks to Asus Lenovo ponders repairable laptops with Project Aurora. Intel is quitting on its adorable, powerful, and upgradable mini NUC computers Framework Laptop 13 review: a DIY dream come true Finally, you can put an AMD processor in the Framework Laptop Framework’s computers aren’t perfect, but they are exciting The Framework Laptop 16 is trying to bring back snap-on removable batteries I nearly bought a Framework Laptop, but logistical realities got in the way This $39 Cooler Master case turns your old Framework Laptop parts into a tiny PC Framework announces Laptop 16 — and promises ‘holy grail’ of upgradable graphics Framework now sells 2TB Steam Deck upgrade drives Custom build turns the Framework Laptop into a triple-screen powerhouse Lenovo’s new ThinkBook has modular accessories that add LTE, a webcam light, and more Dell’s repairable Concept Luna laptop has a long road ahead of it Framework’s new Chromebook is upgradable and customizable O no, Lenovo doesn’t like Framework’s circular power button Framework Laptop (2022) review: promises kept Framework’s new laptop means the promise of modular gadgets might be coming true You can now buy a Framework mainboard and turn it into the weird computer of your dreams Modular Framework laptop gets a marketplace for all those modules This is Beast Canyon, the evolution of Intel’s modular mini gaming PC Framework Laptop review: pick your ports Preorders for the modular Framework Laptop are now open, starting at $999 The Framework Laptop is an upgradable, customizable 13-inch notebook coming this spring The Alienware Area-51m’s upgradable dream has failed in just one year Intel NUC 9 Extreme review: small size, big potential Intel is trying once again to make modular computers happen Intel abandons development of modular Compute Cards Alienware’s Area-51m modular CPU and GPU upgrades can add up to a $4,000 laptop

You're finally ready to leave Microsoft's ecosystem and try the dreaded Linux, but which distribution (distro) should you use? Like many things in the open source community, you have an almost abundance of choice, with heavy hitters like Ubuntu and newcomers including Pop!_OS. Although there's no wrong answer for which distro you should use as your first Linux installation, I've rounded up some of my personal favorites that should make the switch easy for Windows users.

Microsoft has started testing a free version of Office for Windows that includes ads. Right now, you have to pay for a monthly Microsoft 365 subscription to get access to the full desktop version of Office, but Microsoft has been quietly testing an ad-supported version in certain countries.Beebom first noticed that the ad-supported version of Office for Windows appeared in India recently, allowing Windows users to access Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Office apps without the Microsoft 365 subscription fee.“Microsoft has been conducting some limited testing. Currently, there are no plans to launch a free, ad-supported version of Microsoft Office desktop apps,” says a Microsoft spokesperson in a statement to PCWorld. While Microsoft claims this is limited testing, the company has specifically engineered its Office apps to now work on Windows with ads, so we may well see this version appear in more markets eventually.The ad-supported version of Office includes banners that are permanently visible at the side, as well as 15-second video ads that play every few hours, according to Beebom. Microsoft also forces users of this free version of Office to store documents in OneDrive, with support for local file storage disabled.Microsoft currently only offers free versions of Office on the web, so you have to use a browser to access far more limited versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. This test version of Office for Windows doesn’t include the full features of the apps, either. Word is missing drawing and design tools, line spacing, and more. The free version of Excel doesn’t support add-ins, pivot tables, or macros. PowerPoint is also missing support for dictation, custom slide shows, and other features.Microsoft first started testing bundling AI-powered Office features into its Microsoft 365 subscriptions in a small number of countries before rolling out the changes worldwide with price increases.

If you've been thinking about buying a gaming laptop but didn't want to invest a whole lot, we think this Lenovo LOQ 15 laptop is going to be just the thing. The LOQ 15 we reviewed delivered solid performance at a great price, and that model didn't even feature a dedicated graphics card like the one in this deal. With that said, you can now grab this laptop for an absolute steal as it drops to just $730, which is $350 below its retail price.

The Logitech Powerplay 2 wireless charging mousepad.I’ve never reviewed a perfect product, but Logitech’s Powerplay Wireless Charging System comes close. For over three years and counting, I’ve never even had to think about charging my wireless mouse. It’s so dead simple, it feels like magic, and it’s a shame that most people probably can’t afford it at $120.The good news: Logitech is releasing a new $100 version in March, called the Powerplay 2, and it’s just as easy to set up. Plug in mousepad, snap a magnetic “Charging Coin” into the base of your mouse, then put mouse on mousepad to continuously charge.The bad news: It’s only $20 cheaper, yet it feels like Logitech made its mousepad more than $20 cheaper to hit that goal.The mousepad does come with improvements. Logitech boasts it has a 15 percent wider charging area and is thinner at just 3.5mm, and that’s what I see with my review unit. Now, as long as the entirety of my G502 Lightspeed mouse is resting within any corner of the mousepad, the charging indicator lights up, which wasn’t quite true of the original. My calipers do read 3.5mm when I’m measuring the charging base and its thin fabric mousing surface together.But my calipers also show the charging base is exactly the same 2.7mm thickness as before, and the old mousepad wasn’t all that much thicker: just 4.3mm in total before vs. 3.5mm in total now, a difference I do not feel. And do you leave your mouse all the way at the corners of your mousepad? Again, I’ve spent over three years charging this mouse on the old mousepad without even thinking about it. I never bother to reposition my mouse on my old Powerplay to make sure it’s charging; I just drop it when I’m done using it, and I’ve never once run out of charge.What do we lose with the Powerplay 2? First, while Logitech has ditched the old micro-USB cable, we’re not getting USB-C. Instead, Logitech’s opted for a fixed cable, so I can’t as easily take the mousepad off my desk on days I need more space there.The big one: there’s no more wireless mouse receiver built into the Powerplay 2, a feature I found handy with the original. Now, my mouse requires two full-size USB ports instead of one because I still have to leave the mouse’s dongle plugged into my PC, too. I can’t leave the dongle stowed in the mouse for grab-and-go travel, and I can’t leave it in my laptop and switch between laptop and desktop anymore by turning the mouse on and off and yanking the Powerplay’s plug.There’s also no more programmable RGB light inside the Logitech G logo. I don’t terribly miss that, since I don’t sync up gamer lights. But the dull black Logitech G feels cheaper; before, the RGB was at least a nice reassuring reminder that my mousepad was properly receiving USB power and ready for action.And, while I do like the new thinner mousepad that comes with the Powerplay 2, which looks like it might not delaminate from its backing as easily as the original (it’s the one piece of my Powerplay that has deteriorated over the past three years), the original Powerplay came with two mousepads (one hard, one cloth) in the box. Now, you get the one. (Also, just as FYI, the new Powerplay 2 charging coin doesn’t seem to work with the original pad and vice versa. You can’t mix and match those parts.)I tried hard to get Logitech to show me more benefits, because the original’s one of my favorite products. Perhaps this one’s so much easier for Logitech to produce that it’ll offer some great discounts, or sell amazing bundles after launch? Or perhaps that 15 percent larger charging area will come in handy for possible additional supercapacitor mice that’d react worse than battery mice if they aren’t getting reliably fed, though the current supercap G309 seems to work fine with the original Powerplay in my early tests.Logitech wouldn’t comment on future supercap products, wouldn’t hint at sales, and wouldn’t promise its own bundles — though Logitech does “anticipate retailers will be offering bundles shortly after launch,” according to Logitech senior global marketing manager Andrew Siminoff.The original Powerplay is no longer in stock at major retailers, so I expect it will soon fetch a premium price on eBay. But the Powerplay 2 still seems like a good product that achieves the core goal. Fingers crossed that come Black Friday, we’ll be able to buy a combo pack with it and Logitech’s cheapest compatible mouse — that G309 — for under $100 in total.The Powerplay 2 should be available on Amazon and Logitech’s site on March 11th.

Disney has had a tumultuous run since Bob Iger’s return as the company’s CEO, which came just two years after he handed the reins over to Bob Chapek. Iger has since worked to undo some of Chapek’s changes as the company contends with a streaming-focused future.Iger has big plans for the future of Disney and has already combined the Disney Plus and Hulu apps for bundle subscribers in the US. Disney is also gearing up to launch a streaming-only version of ESPN that will exist in addition to a new live sports streaming partnership with Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery.Outside of streaming, Iger is hoping to boost Disney’s slate of films and reinvigorate interest in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But with Iger’s contract set to expire in 2026, a lot remains unclear about what’s next for the future of Disney. Here are all the major changes Iger has made so far. Kathleen Kennedy is reportedly planning to leave Lucasfilm. The NBA subs in Mickey Mouse and Daffy Duck to help take on the NFL. ESPN is testing a generative AI avatar called ‘FACTS’ Disney’s streaming business is finally finding its footing He’s in the game. Disney’s still looking for a new CEO — but not this year or next year Shams Charania takes over for Adrian Wojnarowski as ESPN’s senior NBA insider. A Disney, Hulu, and Max streaming bundle is on the way Disney’s streaming business gets closer to becoming profitable Amazon reportedly has a ‘framework’ of a deal to stream NBA games. The NBA’s next media rights deal is up for grabs. The clock is ticking on Disney’s streaming strategy. Disney reportedly wants to bring always-on channels to Disney Plus The Disney Plus password-sharing crackdown starts in June “No one has the breadth of what Disney has when it comes to streaming.” The Disney Plus-Hulu merger is way more than a streaming bundle Disney Plus officially unveils its very green new logo “If you build it great, they will come.” Marvel has found its Fantastic Four The real standalone ESPN streaming channel will launch in the fall of 2025. Disney invests $1.5 billion in Epic to create ‘persistent universe’ tied to Fortnite ESPN, Fox, and Warner Bros. are putting together a juggernaut sports streaming app Disney Plus’ restrictions on password sharing are now rolling out to US subscribers Apple Vision Pro will launch with 3D movies from Disney Plus Bob Iger thinks he knows why The Marvels failed at the box office. Bob Iger on recent Disney flops. ESPN Bet’s big launch happens in two weeks. In Marvel we no longer trust Disney is about to own all of Hulu Disney says subscribers are happy to sit through some ads Disney’s password-sharing crackdown has begun Disney reportedly held talks about selling ABC ESPN’s standalone streaming channel is included in Charter and Disney’s new deal Bob Iger and Bob Chapek’s CEO battle made Disney the pettiest place on Earth Disney Plus and Hulu are about to get even more expensive $1.5 billion licensing deal turns Barstool Sportsbook into ESPN Bet Disney’s new vision for ESPN might include part ownership by the NBA, NFL Bob Iger’s big ideas for Disney involve cost-cutting at Marvel Bob Iger is sticking around Disney longer than he said he would Disney just laid off the guy it bought Marvel from… but that’s probably a good thing Disney reportedly eliminates metaverse division in first round of layoffs Disney’s laying off 7,000 as streaming boom comes to an end