Microsoft has re-introduced a side widget in Windows 11, but it lacks the customization and some functionalities that you might want. I really used to like the classic desktop gadgets in Windows 7 and miss that on Windows 10 and 11. That used to give me a better control over what I wanted on my desktop screen.

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

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

There's only so far you can go using a Raspberry Pi 5 without a case before you start wondering about finding it a home. Fortunately, because the SBC community consists of creative folk who love a little DIY, there are plenty of cases out there that you can 3D print, and they come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. If you're a fan of the TV show Severance, your hunt for the perfect Raspberry Pi case is over, as this project turns your SBC into a replica of the ones found on the show.

Obsidian is a great, customizable tool for note-taking and personal knowledge management. But before you migrate your life into Obsidian, you might want to know your options for backing up these notes to the cloud. While Obsidian offers a sync tool, it's a paid feature. So what if you're looking for a free option?

If you're looking for an M.2 SSD that offers good performance and tons of storage space at an affordable price, then this one from Western Digital is going to be right up your alley. This 4TB WD Blue SN5000 SSD is usually priced at $300, but can now be had for much less, thanks to a $100 discount that drops it down to its lowest price ever.

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.

You probably remember Microsoft Office Picture Manager if you’ve used Microsoft Office for a long time. This lightweight image viewing and editing program was included in Microsoft Office 2003 through 2010 but mysteriously disappeared. Even though Picture Manager is quite old, it’s still one of the best lightweight image editors, and you might miss having it around. If its features meet your needs, you can still install the tool alongside your current version of Office. Here’s how to do it.

There is only a limited amount of time during your day. Things get busy, and you fall behind in your work. I am always looking for tools to boost productivity on Windows. One way of doing this is to use PowerShell to speed up my workflow. Several scripts can be run in the CLI to automate tasks, so you don’t need to work through the GUI and can focus on more important matters.

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.

The Nintendo-branded Alarmo will yell at you for sleeping in if Mario’s leer of disapproval isn’t enough.Ongoing scarcity has made it challenging to purchase Nintendo’s adorable Alarmo since its soft launch last year, but it appears those days are behind us. The $99.99 alarm clock is now readily available from third-party retailers in the US, starting with Best Buy. You can also buy it directly from Nintendo without a subscription, with the only caveat being that you must sign in with a Nintendo account.Nintendo announced its alarm clock in October while we patiently awaited (any) news regarding the Nintendo Switch 2, which is set to launch later this year. Although the Alarmo is certainly not as exciting as a new console, it is unapologetically Nintendo, with a cartoonish look that calls to mind a vintage alarm clock — albeit with a few modern features.Nintendo’s bright red alarm clock features an illuminated button on top and a rounded face that houses an LCD display. The 2.8-inch panel shows the time/date and will attempt to wake you each morning with scenes and sounds from several iconic franchises. It makes room for visits from beloved characters like Link and Mario, as well as pikmin. There are currently 35 scenes across five franchises available, and Nintendo says yo …Read the full story at The Verge.