1. AMD announced that branch prediction optimizations from the Windows 11 Preview have been backported to Windows 11 23H2, aiming to enhance Ryzen CPU performance. 2. The update, KB5041587, is available as an optional update in Windows Update settings. 3. Initial testing showed minimal performance improvements across various benchmarks, with no significant changes observed.

➀ The upcoming Windows 11 24H2 update promises a 10% performance improvement for older Ryzen CPUs like the Ryzen 7 7700X in gaming scenarios. ➁ Newer Ryzen 9000 series CPUs, such as the Ryzen 7 9700X, also see an average performance boost of 11% with the update. ➂ Microsoft plans to release the 24H2 update in late September, with early access available through the Windows Insider program.

1. Google introduces Google Essentials, a new app that simplifies access to its services on Windows PCs, starting with HP computers. 2. HP's gaming laptops will benefit from Google Play Games integration, allowing game syncing between PC and Android devices. 3. Users can access Google Photos and Google Messages, enhancing the Windows-Android ecosystem experience.

1. Obsidian's upcoming RPG, Avowed, will run at 30fps on Xbox Series X|S, as confirmed by the game's art director. 2. The decision to target 30fps is defended as allowing for better effects and lighting, despite the general gamer preference for 60fps. 3. This choice mirrors Starfield's initial frame rate limitation, which later received an update for a 60fps mode.

➀ Microsoft is reintroducing the controversial Recall feature to Windows Insiders in October, exclusively for Copilot+ PCs running Windows 11. ➁ The feature, which periodically captures and analyzes screenshots using an NPU and AI, faced security issues that led to its initial pause. ➂ Microsoft has implemented encryption and Windows Hello authentication to address these concerns before broader release.

➀ Microsoft introduces more detailed Power Modes in Windows 11 Settings, allowing different settings for charging and battery modes. ➁ This update simplifies the process of changing power settings directly from the Settings menu, enhancing user-friendliness. ➂ The changes are part of the Canary Channel preview build and may not be guaranteed for the final Windows 11 update.

➀ Microsoft has patched a TPM 2.0 bypass in its latest Canary Build, preventing Windows 11 installations on PCs with unsupported CPUs. ➁ This patch effectively blocks a command line trick that allowed users to install Windows 11 on older CPUs. ➂ Users may need to switch to other operating systems or upgrade their hardware.

➀ Microsoft increases FAT32 partition size limit to 2TB in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27686. ➁ This change addresses a 30-year-old limitation from Windows 95. ➂ The update includes new features like Windows Sandbox Client Preview and improved Disk Management.

❶ Microsoft has resolved an issue causing some launch model Xbox One consoles to become unusable due to inability to update. ❷ The issue affected consoles that hadn't received updates since November 2018 or earlier, including those that had been factory reset. ❸ The problem highlights the challenges of an increasingly always-online console market.

1. The World of Warcraft development team has formed Blizzard's first wall-to-wall union, the World of Warcraft Gamemakers Guild, affiliated with the Communications Workers of America (CWA). 2. The union, recognized by Microsoft, includes 500 staff members from various departments. 3. This move follows similar unionization efforts in the video games industry, driven by layoffs and studio closures.

❶ Microsoft's agreement with the EU prevents it from blocking kernel access to third-party developers, which could have avoided the recent CrowdStrike outage. ❷ The agreement requires Microsoft to make Windows APIs available to other developers, fostering a competitive market for security products. ❸ The inability to restrict kernel access may lead to future similar incidents, highlighting the importance of thorough testing and safe deployment practices.

1. Paramount+ has officially cancelled the Halo TV show after two seasons. 2. The show struggled in its first season and failed to regain audience interest in the second. 3. Paramount is reportedly considering shopping the show to other distributors for a potential third season.

1. Microsoft has increased the prices of several Xbox Game Pass tiers and introduced a new 'Standard' subscription without day-one access to first-party games. 2. Amazon is currently offering a 10% discount on 3-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate digital codes, allowing users to bypass the price hike. 3. By purchasing multiple codes, users can lock in a lower rate for up to 36 months, saving $179.76 over the new rate.

1. Christie's is auctioning a DEC PDP-10 mainframe, which was used by Microsoft co-founders to develop their first product, Altair BASIC. 2. The reserve price for the mainframe is set at $30,000.

1. Microsoft has implemented automatic OneDrive backups as a default feature during clean installations of Windows 11. 2. Users are surprised to find their desktop icons and files automatically backed up and synced to OneDrive without explicit consent. 3. The feature now operates on an opt-out basis, requiring users to manually disable it if they do not wish to use it.

1. Microsoft's latest Surface Pro and Laptop devices received a provisional 8 out of 10 for repairability from iFixit. 2. The devices feature modular hardware and easy-to-replace components, marked by screws and QR codes linking to service manuals. 3. Despite some limitations like soldered-on RAM, the devices represent a significant improvement in repairability compared to previous models.

1. iFixit has recently acquired Microsoft's Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 and conducted a teardown to demonstrate their high repairability. 2. The devices are praised for their improved design that facilitates easier repairs. 3. This change reflects Microsoft's shift in philosophy towards more user-friendly and sustainable product design.

1. Microsoft initially provided a guide on how to convert a Windows 11 PC login from a Microsoft Account to a local account. 2. However, the company later removed this guide from its official documentation, suggesting a change in policy or concerns about user guidance. 3. This action indicates a potential shift in Microsoft's approach to user account management in Windows 11.

1. Microsoft is enhancing gaming capabilities on Windows 11 on Arm devices. 2. The improvements focus on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs. 3. Prism optimizations and compatibility with anti-cheat software are highlighted.

1. Starfield, developed by Bethesda, recently announced plans to release regular free updates and larger, paid DLCs. 2. A free June update included new features like Trackers Alliance and Munitions-Crafting, but controversy arose over a paid official mission, 'The Vulture', which costs €7 and offers only 30 minutes of gameplay. 3. Fans are upset due to the high cost for short gameplay and a bug in the reward weapon, leading to negative reviews on Steam.