Despite having launched in 2021, adoption of Windows 11 has been somewhat slow-going, with Microsoft's latest desktop OS only overtaking Windows 10 nearly four years after launch and only reaching 1 billion users in 2026. If Valve's Steam Hardware and Software survey is anything to go by, it looks as though Windows 11 adoption has continued to grow in recent months. The survey results for May 2026 point to a 2.02% increase in the number of PC gamers on Windows 11, with Windows 10 losing 1.64% and Linux losing 0.53%, despite Valve's ongoing work on SteamOS and the never-ending proclamations of "the year of the Linux desktop."
Overall, however, these changes have barely moved the needle, with Windows gaining 0.38% of Steam's user share, and macOS gaining 0.15%. It's worth noting that English-language users are somewhat overrepresented in this particular Steam Survey, with 2.71% more English users than in the previous survey. These sorts of biases have previously skewed results, as certain groups may have status quo biases that play into their choice of operating system and hardware. The rest of the Steam Hardware and Software Survey results are more or less business as usual, with 16 GB of RAM and 1080p monitor resolution continuing to be the standard, although the latter has lost a negligible amount of market share. The same is true for GPUs, where the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 continues to be the most popular GPU on Steam. It appears as though the fix for Steam's recent faulty detection of Radeon GPUs has been released out of beta, though, as the survey reports that the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT has gained 1.24%.
Overall, however, these changes have barely moved the needle, with Windows gaining 0.38% of Steam's user share, and macOS gaining 0.15%. It's worth noting that English-language users are somewhat overrepresented in this particular Steam Survey, with 2.71% more English users than in the previous survey. These sorts of biases have previously skewed results, as certain groups may have status quo biases that play into their choice of operating system and hardware. The rest of the Steam Hardware and Software Survey results are more or less business as usual, with 16 GB of RAM and 1080p monitor resolution continuing to be the standard, although the latter has lost a negligible amount of market share. The same is true for GPUs, where the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 continues to be the most popular GPU on Steam. It appears as though the fix for Steam's recent faulty detection of Radeon GPUs has been released out of beta, though, as the survey reports that the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT has gained 1.24%.
Zowie Reveals Return of Large Gaming Mice With FK1-DW and ZA12-DW
Fri, 12 Jun 2026
BenQ, under its gaming peripherals brand, Zowie, has just announced two new wireless gaming mice, the FK1-DW and the ZA12-DW, which are the brand's first gaming mice in several years to launch in larger sizes. The FK1-DW is a new large version of the FK-DW mouse shape, and the ZA12-DW is a medium version of the ZA-DW mouse. Both new mice are symmetrical shapes, but the FK1-DW has a lower hump and a shell designed specifically to allow more micro-adjustments, while the ZA12-DW has a higher hump placed slightly to the rear of the mouse. The ZA12-DW is meant to provide more palm support and reduce fatigue and discomfort. Availability is region-dependent at launch, with US availability starting in August on the official Zowie store and in September on Amazon. European gamers can start picking up the new Zowie mice by the end of July via Zowie directly or in September on Amazon, and Canadian buyers can look to Memory Express and Best Buy Canada in mid-September for retail availability.
Not much has been revealed about the internals of either the ZA12-DW or the FK1-DW, aside from a few key specs listed in the brief product description, which confirm both a 4K polling rate and the absence of any fancy magnetic switch tech, suggesting Zowie will likely continue using the typical Huano mechanical switches and likely either the PixArt PAW3950 or PAW3955 sensor. Both mice will also only be available in white with a matte coating at launch, and both the large FK1-DW and medium ZA12-DW will weigh in at 55 g. The FK1-DW measures 128.9 × 61.7 × 37.3 mm, while the ZA12-DW measures 125.8 × 41.4 × 61.7 mm. The new mice also come with the Enhanced Receiver, which doubles as a charging dock. The new shells also feature a revised design, with more angled side walls allowing for better grip for easier repositioning and lift-off.
Not much has been revealed about the internals of either the ZA12-DW or the FK1-DW, aside from a few key specs listed in the brief product description, which confirm both a 4K polling rate and the absence of any fancy magnetic switch tech, suggesting Zowie will likely continue using the typical Huano mechanical switches and likely either the PixArt PAW3950 or PAW3955 sensor. Both mice will also only be available in white with a matte coating at launch, and both the large FK1-DW and medium ZA12-DW will weigh in at 55 g. The FK1-DW measures 128.9 × 61.7 × 37.3 mm, while the ZA12-DW measures 125.8 × 41.4 × 61.7 mm. The new mice also come with the Enhanced Receiver, which doubles as a charging dock. The new shells also feature a revised design, with more angled side walls allowing for better grip for easier repositioning and lift-off.
ChatGPT Is $20 a Month, This App Gives You GPT, Claude, and Gemini for a Year for $29.99
Fri, 12 Jun 2026
Most people using AI tools in 2026 have quietly ended up in the same situation: one app for writing, another for research, a third for images, and ChatGPT still open in a pinned tab just in case. It works, but it's a lot of friction for something that's supposed to save time. A ChatOn AI Assistant Premium 1-year subscription is on sale for $29.99 right now (regularly $39.99) through June 14.
The 1-year plan is worth considering specifically because it's not a lifetime commitment. You get a full year to find out whether consolidating your AI tools into one app actually works for how you use them—without locking in for longer than you need to.
Get the ChatOn AI Assistant Premium 1-year subscription for $29.99 right now (regularly $39.99) through June 14 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
The 1-year plan is worth considering specifically because it's not a lifetime commitment. You get a full year to find out whether consolidating your AI tools into one app actually works for how you use them—without locking in for longer than you need to.
Get the ChatOn AI Assistant Premium 1-year subscription for $29.99 right now (regularly $39.99) through June 14 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
AMD Software 26.6.1 Drivers Support Microsoft Advanced Shader Delivery in XBOX PC App
Fri, 12 Jun 2026
Microsoft today rolled out Advanced Shader Delivery (ASD), a feature that allows game developers to ship pre-compiled shaders to end-users specific to graphics hardware, to minimize game loading times. Modern games perform runtime shader compilation on the end-user's machine, usually during the first startup of an installed game, or when graphics settings are significantly changed, to build or rebuild shaders specific to the installed hardware. This can sometimes take frustratingly long, as your machine is essentially compiling code for your GPU. Microsoft developed a framework to eliminate this on the XBOX PC app, but this requires participation of hardware vendors. AMD is onboard.
AMD announced that its recently released Adrenalin 26.6.1 WHQL drivers support Advanced Shader Delivery feature on the XBOX PC app. This allows game developers to stream pre-compiled shaders, reducing game loading times by up to 95%, or as if you're trying to launch the game after shader compilation. AMD says that the feature is rolling out to all RDNA architecture GPUs, which would mean Radeon RX 5000 series, RX 6000 series, RX 7000 series, and the current RX 9000 series; starting with 26.6.1 WHQL drivers, and the latest XBOX PC app from the Microsoft Store. "Forza Horizon 6" is the first game to support pre-compiled shader delivery.
AMD announced that its recently released Adrenalin 26.6.1 WHQL drivers support Advanced Shader Delivery feature on the XBOX PC app. This allows game developers to stream pre-compiled shaders, reducing game loading times by up to 95%, or as if you're trying to launch the game after shader compilation. AMD says that the feature is rolling out to all RDNA architecture GPUs, which would mean Radeon RX 5000 series, RX 6000 series, RX 7000 series, and the current RX 9000 series; starting with 26.6.1 WHQL drivers, and the latest XBOX PC app from the Microsoft Store. "Forza Horizon 6" is the first game to support pre-compiled shader delivery.
(PR) Apacer Launches GraTherX Thermal Solution, Reducing DDR5 Temperatures by Up to 23.4°C
Fri, 12 Jun 2026
Apacer has introduced GraTherX, an industrial-grade memory cooling technology aimed at addressing thermal challenges in high-speed DDR5 modules, particularly in fanless and space-constrained systems.
As demand for DDR5 continues to grow alongside AI applications, increasing thermal density and power consumption have raised concerns over system stability. According to the company, testing under high-load conditions shows that DDR5 modules equipped with GraTherX can achieve temperature reductions of up to 23.4°C, compared with the typical 3-5°C improvement seen in conventional cooling solutions. The design also improves heat dissipation across both sides of the module, helping maintain stable operation over extended periods.
As demand for DDR5 continues to grow alongside AI applications, increasing thermal density and power consumption have raised concerns over system stability. According to the company, testing under high-load conditions shows that DDR5 modules equipped with GraTherX can achieve temperature reductions of up to 23.4°C, compared with the typical 3-5°C improvement seen in conventional cooling solutions. The design also improves heat dissipation across both sides of the module, helping maintain stable operation over extended periods.
Xbox Gaming CSO Pitches Ads in Games as "Affordable Alternative"
Fri, 12 Jun 2026
We recently reported that Xbox seems to be having some troubles, with significant layoffs and a 100-day plan on the cards to bring the ship around. Some of Microsoft's issues include plummeting revenue, an affordability crisis, and low adoption rates. According to Xbox Gaming's Chief Stragety Officer, Matthew Ball, ad-supported tiers may be one potential tool to help improve things at Xbox. In an interview with The Game Business, Ball addresses the rising costs of gaming, saying that "the costs have gone up way too high on development, and at the same point, everyone feels terrible with prices going up on hardware or software or microtransactions. That is a challenge. It's not good if that is the only option." He goes on to compare it to streaming, noting that the vast majority of new streaming subscriptions in recent years have been on supported subscription tiers. The comparison to ad-supported streaming services suggests Ball is mostly talking about services like Xbox Game Pass, where there have been rumors of ad-supported tiers, or potentially even steeper subsidies for console hardware—an area Xbox is leaning into more and more since Asha Sharma took over as CEO in early 2026.
Despite his enthusiasm about the idea of ad-supported gaming experiences, Ball notes that he "has nothing to report on Microsoft's plans" regarding ad-supported gaming experiences. He is also careful to note that if such a strategy is adopted by Xbox, it would need to be in a way that doesn't interrupt gameplay. He went on to note that "The question is not 'Can we cram ads in everything?' The question is, 'Are there opportunities that allow the people who can't afford, or wouldn't try, to have an onboard to our properties and franchises?'" Following the interview, Ball posted on X to clarify what he meant in the interview, stating that "ads should be used to offer more affordable alternatives alongside today's ad-free experiences, in the hopes more could play as a result. Similar to how Netflix and Disney+ have ad-tiers with all the same content, but at half the price or so," and that "I personally believe interrupting gameplay experience would be bad." The apparent implication here is that any ads would be in places like loading screens, pause menus, and console home pages—parts of the Xbox experience that aren't in-game.
Despite his enthusiasm about the idea of ad-supported gaming experiences, Ball notes that he "has nothing to report on Microsoft's plans" regarding ad-supported gaming experiences. He is also careful to note that if such a strategy is adopted by Xbox, it would need to be in a way that doesn't interrupt gameplay. He went on to note that "The question is not 'Can we cram ads in everything?' The question is, 'Are there opportunities that allow the people who can't afford, or wouldn't try, to have an onboard to our properties and franchises?'" Following the interview, Ball posted on X to clarify what he meant in the interview, stating that "ads should be used to offer more affordable alternatives alongside today's ad-free experiences, in the hopes more could play as a result. Similar to how Netflix and Disney+ have ad-tiers with all the same content, but at half the price or so," and that "I personally believe interrupting gameplay experience would be bad." The apparent implication here is that any ads would be in places like loading screens, pause menus, and console home pages—parts of the Xbox experience that aren't in-game.
No Surprise Microsoft Office Hikes, Own it for Life for $33
Fri, 12 Jun 2026
If your Microsoft 365 subscription has been quietly renewing every month without much thought, this is a good time to rethink that. A lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows is currently available for just $32.97 (regularly $219.99). Pay once, install it, and never see another Office charge on your statement again.
This isn't a lite version or a limited trial. It's the complete professional desktop suite that businesses and individuals have relied on for years—Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, Access, and the free version of Teams. It installs directly on your PC, works completely offline, and doesn't require a Microsoft account to keep running. No cloud dependency, no login prompts, just the software doing its job.
Get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows for $32.97 (regularly $219.99). Prices subject to change.
This isn't a lite version or a limited trial. It's the complete professional desktop suite that businesses and individuals have relied on for years—Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, Access, and the free version of Teams. It installs directly on your PC, works completely offline, and doesn't require a Microsoft account to keep running. No cloud dependency, no login prompts, just the software doing its job.
Get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows for $32.97 (regularly $219.99). Prices subject to change.
Thrustmaster is thrilled to unveil T.Flight Hotas 5 Microsoft Flight Simulator Edition for PS5, PS4 and PC. This full-featured, precise HOTAS joystick will offer gamers looking to immerse themselves in piloting an immersive flight experience and realistic sensations during their aerial adventures. Thrustmaster is expanding its product range resulting from its longstanding collaboration with Microsoft by launching its brand-new T.Flight Hotas 5 Microsoft Flight Simulator Edition, featuring the official Microsoft Flight Simulator logo in the iconic white, blue and black design and incorporating the buttons of a PS5 gamepad controller.
Designed to accompany gamers as they explore Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, T.Flight Hotas 5 Microsoft Flight Simulator Edition lets them adjust the joystick's resistance - as well as the positions of the throttle and the control lever - for complete customization according to their preferences and comfort needs. Thanks to its Plug & Play system, T.Flight Hotas 5 Microsoft Flight Simulator Edition is instantly recognized on PS5, PS4 and PC (Windows 10/11), so you can go full throttle in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 without further delay!
Designed to accompany gamers as they explore Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, T.Flight Hotas 5 Microsoft Flight Simulator Edition lets them adjust the joystick's resistance - as well as the positions of the throttle and the control lever - for complete customization according to their preferences and comfort needs. Thanks to its Plug & Play system, T.Flight Hotas 5 Microsoft Flight Simulator Edition is instantly recognized on PS5, PS4 and PC (Windows 10/11), so you can go full throttle in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 without further delay!
Motherboard vendors ASUS and MSI began releasing UEFI firmware updates to their AMD 600-series chipset motherboards that introduce support for AMD EXPO-ULL memory profiles. EXPO-ULL is an SPD extension that simplifies memory settings. While AMD Ryzen 7000 series and Ryzen 9000 series processors are relatively behind Intel in memory clock speeds, there is room for memory vendors to release memory kits with significantly tighter timings within their memory speed classes. An example of an EXPO-ULL profile would be DDR5-6000 with CL26, as opposed to the CL30-36 usually available for this speed.
ASUS began by releasing Beta BIOS 3803 version for its motherboards based on AMD X670E spanning the ROG Crosshair, ROG Strix, ProArt, and TUF Gaming product lines. These include EXPO-ULL support, and AGESA 1.3.0.1b. Meanwhile, MSI released a similar firmware update for its top MEG X670E GODLIIKE motherboard featuring EXPO-ULL support and AGESA 1.3.0.1b. More vendors are expected to catch on, as AMD hasn't restricted EXPO-ULL to any chipset generation.
ASUS began by releasing Beta BIOS 3803 version for its motherboards based on AMD X670E spanning the ROG Crosshair, ROG Strix, ProArt, and TUF Gaming product lines. These include EXPO-ULL support, and AGESA 1.3.0.1b. Meanwhile, MSI released a similar firmware update for its top MEG X670E GODLIIKE motherboard featuring EXPO-ULL support and AGESA 1.3.0.1b. More vendors are expected to catch on, as AMD hasn't restricted EXPO-ULL to any chipset generation.
Orico Intros CNM2-U4-GY M.2 NVMe to USB4 Portable SSD Enclosure
Fri, 12 Jun 2026
Orico introduced the CNM2-U4-GY, an M.2 NVMe SSD enclosure featuring the 40 Gbps USB4 interface. The enclosure seats an M.2-2280 SSD with PCI-Express 4.0 x4 host interface, which it wires out as USB4. Its controller transparently exposes the drive as an NVMe device in USB4 mode, or as a USB mass-storage device with UASP support when connected to 20 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 or older interfaces. The enclosure has mounting holes for 2280, 2260, 2243, and 2230 drive sizes, and supports capacities of up to 8 TB.
The enclosure features an aluminium alloy body with some amount of extrusion for heat dissipation, although the bulk of the cooling is in the hands of a 20 mm fan and its airflow. Under the hood, the enclosure uses an ASMedia ASM2464 controller, which is a single-chip solution for all interfaces and USB power management. The company includes a USB4 type-C cable which has a fixed type-C to type-A adapter, but when connected to type-A, the bandwidth drops to 10 Gbps. The enclosure is priced at around $70.
The enclosure features an aluminium alloy body with some amount of extrusion for heat dissipation, although the bulk of the cooling is in the hands of a 20 mm fan and its airflow. Under the hood, the enclosure uses an ASMedia ASM2464 controller, which is a single-chip solution for all interfaces and USB power management. The company includes a USB4 type-C cable which has a fixed type-C to type-A adapter, but when connected to type-A, the bandwidth drops to 10 Gbps. The enclosure is priced at around $70.
(PR) GIGABYTE Celebrates 40 Years of Milestones
Fri, 12 Jun 2026
GIGABYTE, the world's leading computer brand, concluded COMPUTEX 2026 with multiple products recognized by international media and industry organizations. Presented under the 40th Anniversary theme ENTER INFINITY, the showcase highlighted advancements across AI, gaming, product design, and user experiences, earning numerous Best of COMPUTEX awards, Editor's Choice recognitions, and industry honors.â
Leading the showcase was the X870E AORUS INFINITY NEXT motherboard, which earned widespread recognition from international media for its combination of space-inspired engineering, advanced thermal technologies, and distinctive aesthetics. Featuring rocket-thruster-grade thermal materials, 3D metal-printing technologies, an AI Gyroid Structure that increases cooling surface area by up to 44%, and a 64-phase power design capable of delivering up to 5,120 amps, the motherboard was praised by Tom's Hardware as being "packed with never-before-used space-grade thermal engineering and a never-before-seen aesthetic." The launch also introduced the broader INFINITY Series, spanning motherboards, graphics cards, gaming peripherals, and chassis, extending the ENTER INFINITY vision across the entire PC build ecosystem.
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Leading the showcase was the X870E AORUS INFINITY NEXT motherboard, which earned widespread recognition from international media for its combination of space-inspired engineering, advanced thermal technologies, and distinctive aesthetics. Featuring rocket-thruster-grade thermal materials, 3D metal-printing technologies, an AI Gyroid Structure that increases cooling surface area by up to 44%, and a 64-phase power design capable of delivering up to 5,120 amps, the motherboard was praised by Tom's Hardware as being "packed with never-before-used space-grade thermal engineering and a never-before-seen aesthetic." The launch also introduced the broader INFINITY Series, spanning motherboards, graphics cards, gaming peripherals, and chassis, extending the ENTER INFINITY vision across the entire PC build ecosystem.
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