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The company is offering a few updates and tips for navigating a travel-filled summer.
(Image credit: Google)
What you need to know
Google highlighted a series of updates for AI and apps that might help users travel this summer.
AI Overviews will soon help users build itineraries for traveling to new places with activities that can span several days.
The company also detailed trending international and domestic places users have been searching for in Flights in 2025.
Get ready for the weekend with a few updates for Google’s AI and apps that will prepare you for a summer full of traveling.
In a press release, the company detailed the start of these updates forits AI Overviews in Search. Google says “starting this week,” users can begin receiving “trip ideas” for cities, as well as “distinct” regions and entire countries. To get started, Google gives the following example: “create an itinerary for Costa Rica with a focus on nature.”
The company’s AI software in Search will return a map for users to browse. Additionally, you’ll find photos and reviews from others who’ve visited the area and engaged in activities similar to what you’re interested in. The AI Overview will also break down what activities it thinks you could partake in throughout your stay in a given region/country.
This feature will soon rollout for English-based user queries in the U.S. on mobile and desktop. What’s more, Google says users can export their AI-generated itinerary to share with others — which could be helpful if you’re traveling with people.
Alternatively, Google says you could even leverage Gemini for some travel plan assistance. Users can ask the AI model for cheap hotels or “affordable activities” to do in a given country and see what it returns. Moreover, it highlights the ability toutilize its Gems feature, which lets users tailor Gemini to their specific needs.
With a place in mind, the company says users will soon find the ability to “track prices”for hotelsafter finding a plane through Google Flights. A new option to track prices for your chosen destination and planned stay will soon appear. Google recommends users tap the “price-tracking toggle” within the search filters in Hotels to receive email notifications if/when things change.
Hotel price tracking is said to begin rolling out “globally this week” on mobile and desktop.
Once you’ve arrived, Google Maps might be your best friend in that wonderous new place if you’ve been doing a bit of research. The post highlights a new Maps feature called “screenshot.” If enabled, Maps will leverage its Gemini capabilities to scour through your saved screenshots so you can review and save any useful ones into a comprehensive list. That list of places can then be shared with others with whom you may be traveling.
This new Gemini-backed screenshot feature in Maps is rolling out “this week” in the U.S. for iOS users first. Google says Android support is “coming soon.”
Lastly, the company highlights Google Lens’ usefulness when out in the world. If you spot a landmark or cool piece of artwork, users can open the app, point at it, and submit a query about it. Google says users shouldreceive an AI Overviewpacked with information about it, with links to more should you be curious. AI Overviews in Lens is also expanding to more languages, such as Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish “in most countries where AI Overviews is available.”
Elsewhere, Google is trying to help folks decide where they might travel this year with a glimpse into some trending destinations in 2025. When looking internationally, many trends in Google Flights lean toward the Island of Curacao, Osaka (Japan), St. Lucia (Caribbean Island), Tokyo, and more. However, domestically, folks are interested in going to San Juan, Puerto Rico the most, followed by Billings, Montana.
Hopping into Google Search shows people are looking for information on “island vacation outfits” and “wide leg linen pants.”
While that Billings, Montana result might be a shock after Puerto Rico, Google says it could be because users are interested in “easy access” to the outdoors. Montana is trending alongside Juneau, Alaska, and Bangor, Maine. What’s more, users are searching for “cabins” as part of a romantic getaway this year, too.
As a side note, Google’s analytics show people are looking for ways to get the most space out of their bags while traveling. “Vacuum bags” and “compression packing cubes” have topped the charts recently.
You’ll soon be able to lend your digital Nintendo Switch games
(Image credit: Nintendo)
Nintendo held what appears to be one of the last Nintendo Direct showcases dedicated solely to the Nintendo Switch, as theSwitch 2 unveilinglooms.
The Direct served as a reminder for a number of games coming to the original Switch and included a few interesting reveals as well. There were also some highlights including Metroid Prime 4 and Pokémon Legends Z-A.
One of the more interesting bits revealed in the trailer fest were Nintendo’s new “Virtual Game Cards.”
These new cards basically turn your digital games in to “game cards” that you can lend to family group members for up to two weeks at a time.
The new feature also enables you to move games across Switch systems. Basically, Nintendo finally has a library that you can take with you where you “eject” digital games from one system and can play them on another. We imagine this will come in handy if you want to transfer your library from the Switch to a new Switch 2 system.
Virtual Game Cards are coming in April via an update and they’re going to be available on both the original Switch and the Switch 2.
Beyond Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and the next Pokemon title, the Direct showcased a number of new games from remasters and remakes to indie titles and sequels.
The big two are expected at some point in 2025, though Nintendo didn’t provide a more concrete date than “late 2025” for Pokemon Legends Z-A. Metroid Prime 4 is still listed as just “2025.”
There was also the Nintendo Today! app meant to let you find the “latest news, videos, and comics of your favorite Nintendo games and characters from select franchises.” This app is supposed to be available starting today and requires a Nintendo Account to use.
Here are your PlayStation Plus free games for April 2025
(Image credit: Nacon)
PlayStation Plus free games change at the start of every month, and coming in at no extra cost toPS Plusmembers, these free games are a great way to expand your library on the cheap or pick up and try games that you might not have thought about initially.
More often than not, you’ll have three games to try out with each month’s drop – which covers bothPS5andPS4(so you’re still set if you haven’t jumped into the latest generation yet) – though sometimes we see some curveballs in the form of one or two fewer or more games. And we’re also likely to see morePSVRgames be thrown into the PS Plus free game mixer too.
If you are a subscriber and don’t make the most of the free games on offer from month to month, it’s worth making it a habit to start claiming them when you can since they’ll always be available to you as long as your subscription is live. Since thebest PS5 gamescan set you back a pretty penny, this is a great way to make the most of your console without having to fork out new releases every month.
You can see the lineup for March which, at time of writing is still available for a few days, below. The new line-up for April 2025 includes an excellent multiplayer horror game, and a shooter starring RoboCop. Read on to see the full lineup.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre | PS5, PS4 Take on the role of one of the notorious Slaughter family, or their victims, in The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, a third-person asymmetrical horror experience based on the groundbreaking and iconic 1974 horror film. As a victim you must use your wits and stealth to stay out of the Family’s reach and find the tools you need to lead to your eventual freedom. Slaughter Family players must seek out, track down, and stop their guests from escaping. Players of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre can finally find out if they have what it takes to survive.
RoboCop: Rogue City | PS5 Become the legendary part man, part machine, all cop hero and bring justice to the dangerous, crime-ridden streets of Old Detroit. With your powerful Auto-9 or one of a range of weapons available, eradicate criminals throughout this explosive first-person adventure. Your cyborg strength and cybernetic abilities can be upgraded as you progress, to make you an even more formidable law enforcement officer.
Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth – Hacker’s Memory | PS4 After being accused of a crime he didn’t commit, Keisuke Amazawa has no choice but to dive into the Digital World and investigate to prove his innocence. Even if that means joining a group of hackers and helping them to solve the troubles threatening this mysterious universe. Discover the mysterious backstory to the events that happened in Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth as you dive into a deeper and darker adventure, at crossroads between real and digital and experience the perfect mix between Adventure, Raising and Battle with over 320 Digimon to discover.
Below, you’ll find the PS Plus offerings for the last six months or so. Use these to see what you’ve missed, and to predict the kinds of games that might be available in the future.
PlayStation Plus free games: March 2025
(Image credit: Sega)
Dragon Age: The Veilguard | PS5 Unite the Veilguard and defy the gods in this immersive single-player RPG where you become the leader others believe in. When a pair of corrupt ancient gods break free from centuries of darkness, the vibrant land of Thedas needs someone they can count on.Rise as Rook, Dragon Age’s newest hero. Be who you want to be and play how you want to play as you fight back and lead your team of seven companions, each with their own rich story. Together you will become The Veilguard.
Sonic Colors: Ultimate | PS4 The evil Dr. Eggman has built an interstellar amusement park – but he’s powering it with a captured alien race called “Wisps.” Use Sonic’s speed to free the Wisps and gain their amazing powers as you explore six unique worlds, filled with hurdles to overcome. Now with stunning upscaled visuals, additional features, a new game mode and enhanced gameplay – it’s the Ultimate Sonic Colors experience.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection | PS4, PS5 13 classic Konami TMNT games are assembled in one incredible package! Experience 13 immensely popular and influential TMNT games in a totally radical collection from Konami. These retro nostalgia trips come with a range of new quality-of-life features, including online play for certain games and local couch play, the ability to save anytime and rewind, button mapping, unique development art & sketches, historic TMNT media content and more!
All three games will be available to PlayStation Plus members on March 4 until March 31.
PlayStation Plus free games: February 2025
(Image credit: Squanch Games)
Payday 3 | PS5 First up is Payday 3, the latest heist co-op shooter that sees players teaming up to pull off epic bank robberies. Expect stealth and action-packed shootouts in equal measure, as you and your squad slowly take on harder and harder jobs, with rewards increasing along with the risk.
High on Life | PS4, PS5 Fresh out of high school with no job and no ambition, you’ve really got nothing going for you until an alien cartel that wants to get high off humanity invades Earth. Now, you and a team of charismatic talking guns must answer the hero’s call and become the deadliest intergalactic bounty hunter the cosmos has ever seen. Travel to a variety of biomes and locations across the cosmos, go up against the nefarious Garmantuous and his gang of goons, collect loot, meet unique characters, and more, in the latest comedy adventure from Squanch Games.
Pac-Man World Re-Pac | PS4, PS5 In this 2004 remake of the original PlayStation platformer, with improved UI, fine-tuned mechanics and updated visuals, Pac-Man arrives home on his birthday to find the Ghosts have kidnapped Pac-Man’s family & friends and ruined his party. Off to the rescue, Pac-Man sets out to Ghost Island. Dodge Ghosts, solve environmental puzzles, rescue the Pac-Fam, and more in this platforming adventure. Play a collection of 3D mazes in Maze mode, clear Quest mode to unlock the original Pac-Man game in Original mode.
All three games will be available to PlayStation Plus members on February 4 until March 3.
PlayStation Plus free games: January 2025
(Image credit: PlayStation)
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League | PS5 Take down The Justice League yourself in single-player or team up with friends in multiplayer co-op in this genre-defying, action-adventure third-person shooter from Rocksteady Studios, creators of the critically acclaimed Batman: Arkham series. Featuring an original narrative set within an expansive open-world city of Metropolis, the game puts the four DC Super-Villains on a collision course with an invading alien force and DC Super Heroes who are now laser-focused on destroying the city they once vowed to protect.
Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered | PS4 Feel the thrill of the chase and the rush of escape in Need for Speed Hot Pursuit. Unleash a savage sense of speed both as an outlaw and a cop in the world’s hottest high-performance cars. Outsmart the heat or take down lawbreakers with the tactical weaponry at your disposal in a heart-pumping, socially competitive racing experience. Updated with enhanced visuals, cross-platform multiplayer – including the asynchronous competition powered by Autolog – plus all additional DLC content, this is the ultimate edition of Criterion Games’ critically acclaimed Need for Speed debut. It’s time to reignite the pursuit.
The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe | PS4, PS5 The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe is an expanded re-imagining of the critically acclaimed, award winning indie game The Stanley Parable from 2013. Everything that was in the original Stanley Parable is here, preserved just like it was back in 2013. But The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe also dramatically expands the world of the original game with new content, new choices, and new secrets to uncover. The labyrinth has just gotten bigger. In addition, the game has been visually upgraded to reflect modern technology while faithfully preserving the tone of the original game. Accessibility features have also been added to the game, including localization of in-world text, colorblind options, and content warnings. And just as before, the impeccable voicework of Kevan Brighting will accompany you every step of the way.
PlayStation Plus free games: December 2024
(Image credit: Cold Iron Studios)
It Takes Two | PS4, PS5 It Takes Two is a genre-bending platform adventure created purely for co-op. Choose from couch or online co-op with split-screen play, invite a friend to join for free with Friend’s Pass and work together across a huge variety of gleefully disruptive gameplay challenges.
Aliens: Dark Descent | PS4, PS5 Battle to keep your squad alive against the deadliest foe mankind has ever faced. Aliens: Dark Descent is a real-time combat strategy game where you’ll command a squad of hardened colonial marines to stop a terrifying Xenomorph outbreak on Moon Lethe. Lead your soldiers against iconic Xenomorphs, rogue operatives from the insatiable Weyland-Yutani Corporation and a host of horrifying creatures new to the Alien franchise. Infiltrate large open levels and annihilate enemies with your squad, dispatching orders strategically and intuitively. Tread carefully, as your foes will adapt their tactics to your actions while hunting you down because death is permanent.
Temtem | PS5 Every kid dreams about becoming a Temtem tamer; exploring the six islands of the Airborne Archipelago, discovering new species, and making good friends along the way. Now it’s your turn to embark on an epic adventure and make those dreams come true. Catch new Temtem on Omninesia’s floating islands, battle other tamers on the sandy beaches of Deniz or trade with your friends in Tucma’s ash-covered fields. Defeat the ever-annoying Clan Belsoto and end its plot to rule over the Archipelago, beat all eight DojoLeaders, and become the ultimate Temtem tamer.
All three games will be available to PlayStation Plus members on December 3 until January 6.
PlayStation Plus free games: November 2024
(Image credit: Milestone)
Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbo Charged (PS5, PS4) Race over 130 vehicles, including Hot Wheels Originals, Hot Wheels Monster Trucks, motorbikes and ATVs, each with their unique racing style, across multiple game modes and amazing environments. Upgrade vehicles with a dedicated skill tree that will directly affect their performance. Discover 5 brand new locations, master their secrets, and you’ll feel right at home both there and on the podium. Alternatively create the track of your dreams with the powerful Track Editor, or use the best creations from the community.
Ghostwire: Tokyo (PS5) Tokyo is overrun by deadly supernatural forces as a dangerous occultist causes the city’s population to vanish in an instant. Join forces with a powerful spectral entity on their quest for vengeance and master a powerful arsenal of abilities to unravel the dark truth behind the disappearance as you face the unknown in Ghostwire: Tokyo.
Death Note Killer Within (PS5, PS4) Death Note Killer Within is an online social deduction game for up to 10 players. Players will be split into two teams with different objectives. To win the game, players will need to figure out each other’s identities and either eliminate L who threatens Kira’s power or seize the Death Note. Enjoy a battle of wits as Kira and his followers, or as L and the investigators in the world of Death Note. As equally matched opponents, the two teams clash to control the game while hiding their true identities from each other.
Note that October’s free games are still available until November 4, 2024.
PlayStation Plus free games: October 2024
(Image credit: EA / Motive)
Dead Space (PS5) First up this month is the Dead Space remake for PS5. The sci-fi survival horror classic returns, rebuilt to offer a deeper and more immersive experience. Isaac Clarke is an everyman engineer on a mission to repair a vast Planet Cracker-class ship, the USG Ishimura, only to discover something has gone horribly wrong. The ship’s crew has been slaughtered and Isaac’s beloved partner, Nicole, is lost somewhere on board. Now alone and armed with only his engineering tools and skills, Isaac races to uncover the nightmarish mystery of what happened aboard the Ishimura in hopes of finding Nicole.
WWE 2K24 (PS5, PS4) A celebration of 40 years of WrestleMania, featuring iconic superstars past and present, playable across a vast array of game modes. Join the biggest superstars in sports entertainment as WWE 2K24 presents a retelling of WrestleMania’s greatest moments from the last 40 years. Take part in some of wrestling’s most unforgettable and career-defining matches, choosing from the likes of “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Undertaker and Andre the Giant, alongside current contenders “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes, John Cena, Rhea Ripley and Roman Reigns.
Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! (PS5, PS4) Enter the psychological horror experience of Doki Doki Literature Club. You play as the main character, who reluctantly joins the Literature Club in search of a romantic interest. With every poem you write and every choice you make, you’ll charm your crush and begin to unfold the horrors of school romance. Do you have what it takes to crack the code of dating sims and get the perfect ending? This game is not suitable for children or those who are easily disturbed.
PlayStation Plus free games: September 2024
(Image credit: Tarsier Studios)
Quidditch Champions (PS4, PS5) Take to the sky and play out your QUidditch fantasy in any of the Wizarding game’s four positions (Chaser, Seeker, Keeper, or Beater) in Quidditch Champions and experience legendary arenas and maps from across the wizarding world. Play solo to become a hero of the game, or play co-op online tot ake on the world together with friends – or take them on head-to-head in PvP matches.
MLB The Show 24 (PS4,PS5) If you’ve been holding out for the best way to live your Major League Baseball dreams thenMLB The Show 24is the way to do it. Work your way up to the big leagues from scratch to become a legend of the sport, or go on a journey to create a World Series dynasty, or even learn about the unsung heroes of the sport in the latest excellent entry in the baseball game series.
Little Nightmares 2 (PS4, PS5) Embrace this horror-themed platformer and delve into a dark and twisted world as you play as Mono, a young boy, who is joined by Six, returning from the first game. It’s a journey of courage, stealth, and resourcefulness to navigate mind-boggling puzzles and gruesome enemies.
PlayStation Plus free games: August 2024
(Image credit: Warner Bros)
LEGOStar WarsThe Skywalker Saga (PS4, PS5) Play through all nineStar Warssaga films in a brand-new LEGO video game unlike any other. Experience fun-filled adventures, whimsical humor, and the freedom to fully immerse yourself in the LEGO Star Wars galaxy.
Five Nights at Freddy’s Security Breach (PS4, PS5) Five Nights at Freddy’s: Security Breachis the latest installment of the family-friendly horror games from Steel Wool Games. Play as Gregory, a young boy trapped overnight in Freddy Fazbear’s Mega Pizzaplex. With the help of Freddy Fazbear himself, Gregory must survive the near-unstoppable hunt of reimagined Five Nights at Freddy’s characters – as well as new, horrific threats.
Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights (PS4) Unravel the mysteries of a destroyed kingdom in this dark fantasy 2D action RPG. Journey through the sprawling and hauntingly beautiful Land’s End, traversing a submerged forest, a sealed-off contaminated underground cavern, and a grand castle. Formidable bosses await that will gladly claim your life given even the slightest chance. Defeat these powerful foes and release them from their unending curse to recruit them as allies. Overcome the challenges before you and search for the truth with powerful knights at your side.
PlayStation Plus free games: July 2024
(Image credit: 2K Games)
Borderlands 3 (PS5, PS4) Step into the shoes of a Vault Hunter and loot and shoot your way across the edge of the galaxy inBorderlands 3. Offering co-op online and joyous split-screen action this bombastic, often-witty, first-person shooter with its distinct art style will provide an excellent adventure. Mayhem, banter, and ridiculousness will abound.
NHL 24 (PS5, PS4) Take your sporting hit to the ice with one of the world’s fastest and high-intensity sports in the world withNHL 24. The new engine behind this latest installment of the series brings the feeling of pressure, intensity, and speed right to the fore. Building on the entries that came before and offering a whole host of new features, this is the definitive way to enjoy ice hockey on PlayStation.
Among Us (PS5, PS4) Identify the imposter in your space crew inAmong Usand stop them before they sabotage your ship and kill everyone on board. The enormously popular online party game is a comedy-anecdote generator and will have you and your friends in stitches as you get your alibis in order and try to hold your spaceship together.
A new software update for the latest Kindle Paperwhite and Colorsoft adds an easier way to flip to the next page.
The latest Kindle update brings a useful new feature to the 12th-generation Paperwhite and Colorsoft.
Amazon has updated Kindles with a new way to navigate books. While nothing will recapture the tactile pleasure of physical page turn buttons, anyone with a Kindle runningVersion 5.18.1of Amazon’s software will now be able to double-tap the side or back of their e-reader to turn pages.
“Double Tap to Page Turn” can be turned on in the Settings menu under Device Options. Amazon says it works for more than just turning pages. You can also use double taps to scroll through your Home and Library pages, too. Interestingly, the option doesn’t use the touchscreen at all.Good E-ReaderspeculatesAmazon is relying on the accelerometer inside Kindles to detect taps.
Along with the update, Amazon is also adding a feature it calls “Recaps for Books in Series.” These are short summaries “for thousands of bestselling English language Kindle books in series you have purchased or borrowed.” The company already does things like automatically group books from the same series to make them easier to find, but this should save you the trouble of looking up a summary ofA Dance with Dragonsbefore diving intoThe Winds of Winter— assuming it’s ever released.
The 5.18.1 update is rolling out now newer Kindles, like theKindle Colorsoft, and devices as old as the 10th generation Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite. It will also be available on the last of Amazon’s e-readers to have physical buttons, theKindle Oasis. If you don’t see it on your device now, you can manually download the updatefrom Amazon’s websiteand install it yourself.
Asus appears to have made some adjustments to the Q-Release Slim PCIe slots on its latest motherboards.
Image: Asus
Asus has been having some trouble with its high-end gaming motherboards. As the newest graphics cards launched, reviewersnoticed some scratches and chipson motherboards with the Q-Release Slim system, which lets you pull a card out of its PCIe slot without using latches or buttons. Based on some retail photos, the latest Asus motherboards seem to have revised the problematic slots.
Update, March 26th:An Asus representative confirmed toDutch site Tweakers.netthat the Q-Release Slim ports have been redesigned. Machine-translated quote:
Yes, a change has been made to the Q-Release Slim system for new X870 motherboards. Based on user feedback, we have modified the PCIe slot for the Q-Release Slim system, including removing a metal component to reduce the possibility of damage to the video card. In addition, stickers have been added to the system to inform users about ‘correct system usage.’
The original story from March 14th continues below.
Twitter/X account Uniko’s Hardwarespotted a visibly distinct latch mechanism on the Asus X870E Apex motherboard, which isnow up for pre-order on Newegg. They speculate that the bracket between the initial retention peg (that first cutout section on the slot of the GPU itself) and the x16 pin area removed a metal bar. It looks like it’s either plastic or a much different, thinner metal construction now.
We’re talking abouttinyrevisions of a fairly involved design here, butas VideoCardz.com notes, it makes sense that Asus would want to get the design right on its most expensive motherboards. Q-Release Slim is a feature on only a few Asus motherboards, with the intended function being the ability to remove a heavy GPU with one hand and a slight pulling motion from the front but not the middle.
Q-Release (sans Slim) offers a more straightforward option, an extended lever and button that essentially moves the hard-to-reach retention clip to a far more accessible spot on the motherboard. After years of being careful with the sometimes-finicky process of installing and removing GPUs, it feels unnatural to simply grab and yank one out without some secondary protection.
Once again, I’ll point out that the scratching issues on Q-Release Slim motherboards have only been noticed by professional graphics cards testers and reviewers, who plug in and remove cards way more frequently than most at-home desktop PC builders. And even among that small batch of reports, damage to the GPU connections has been entirely cosmetic with no functional issues.
But if I were spending two grand (or more) on a new graphics card and another several hundred dollars on a top-of-the-line motherboard to go along with it, I wouldn’t want the latter to scratch up the former. Asus seems to have acknowledged this, if only fleetinglywith some official statements. But yeah, it’s probably worth a little more R&D if they want to keep this feature alive for future motherboard designs.
For many years, purchasing a laptop usually meant deciding between a Windows and a Mac. The popular old Apple ad campaign called “Get a Mac” personified the two types of computers and clearly showed the distinctions between them (well, with an obvious bias towards Macs).
They’ve always been seen as geared towards specific personas for specific purposes, which gave both companies a distinct audience.
In 2011, however, Google launched the Chromebook, targeting the education market. After all, they were part of a pilot testing program in schools in the US to analyze their compatibility with institutions and remote work.
Soon enough, they became a viable option for students and businesses because of their seamless features and simplicity. This turned down the volume on the Windows vs. Mac debate, as there were (finally) other choices on the market.
While Macs are in their own niche, Chromebooks are often compared to Windows because of their potential audience and price range.
Macs are considered some of the most expensive laptops on the market, with the highest-end models costing well over $3,000. Windows has a much broader range, with budget models starting at just a few hundred. Meanwhile, you can get a Chromebook from $100 to $250.
But other than price, what else would encourage someone to pick a Chromebook over a Windows-based laptop?
While Windows laptops rely on a robust operating system, Chromebooks have minimal hardware requirements, which is one of their biggest advantages. Without having to think too much about whether you have enough RAM, storage space, or processing speeds to tackle all the tasks you need to handle, Chrome OS doesn’t demand a heavy load in the first place.
That means you can browse the web, watch videos, check your email, do some light gaming, access a casino that is a big name in CA online gambling, and complete many productive tasks smoothly without worrying about extra processes in the background.
Thanks to this, you enjoy faster performance and a no-frills experience, perfect for those who aren’t particularly tech-savvy or who don’t need a laptop for mammoth tasks like video editing or 3D rendering. As a bonus, the need for less powerful hardware means Chromebooks come at a much lower cost than Windows laptops.
As a Google-made device, Chromebooks naturally integrate with the entire Google ecosystem, making them a great choice for users who already use its suite of services. Rather than disrupting or disconnecting from your existing workflow, all your documents and files can automatically sync across your devices and platforms.
Just like Apple has its own proprietary apps and software in its own ecosystem, Chromebooks let you seamlessly access Google apps from your laptop and other Google devices. Google Assistant is also built into the laptop, letting you use your voice to do anything from setting reminders to navigating the internet.
What’s particularly appealing about Chromebooks, in contrast to Windows laptops, is the overall user experience. Windows interfaces can often be cluttered and intricate, exposing many of the backend processes that most users don’t need access to.
Chromebooks cut out that noise and focus on a minimalist experience that caters to a wider range of age groups and a more casual audience. With the essentials readily available and a highly visual experience, users can get right into their tasks without dealing with complex navigation.
Chromebooks have a familiar Windows-esque interface featuring the classic taskbar and desktop and the simplicity of macOS.
However, they stand out because they leverage a limited operating environment, Chrome OS, which is designed to handle essential tasks efficiently. Users don’t have to worry about viruses either, as it boasts sandboxing, isolating each app and process from each other for extra protection.
They Have a Cloud-Based Focus
Chromebooks also come with a cloud-based experience, revolving more around web and cloud-based apps rather than built-in apps. This reduces the burden on your local storage, which contributes to the minimal hardware piece mentioned earlier.
Google’s services have long been reliant on the cloud, which can make managing digital files a lot easier. Rather than store everything locally, the cloud-based approach lets you access everything from any device, so if your laptop dies or a file gets deleted from your desktop—you’ve got your backup ready to go at any time.
Every document gets updated and saved in real time, giving you the peace of mind you need, especially when dealing with important files. If you happen not to have access to the internet at the moment or it gets cut off, most Google apps have offline capabilities that allow you to sync back up once you’re reconnected.
These features are a real asset when it comes to work, school, and personal projects, which is why so many in that target audience turn to Chromebooks.
They Provide Android App Support
Speaking of apps, you’re not only limited to what’s pre-installed or available on the Chromebook when you purchase the laptop.
Chromebooks can run Android apps downloaded from the Google Play Store, which means you can explore a variety of third-party apps to enhance your workflow, whether in the creative or productivity genre. Already have existing apps you use on another Android device?
You can download these onto your laptop too, and sync your experience across devices. Transitioning from your tablet or smartphone to your laptop is convenient, with cross-platform capabilities to help you stay connected.
Since the Surface RT’s failure in 2013, Microsoft’s Surface Laptop series has suffered with dependability problems, commercial mistakes, and eroding consumer trust. As a fake corporate memo on Surface Laptop 7 failures emphasizes, persistent hardware flaws have resulted in significant return rates and continuous consumer concerns. Sales have declined drastically; Lenovo and Dell’s competitiveness is expected to cause even more drops. Further tarnishing the brand is a fake class-action lawsuit covering battery and overheating problems. Furthermore, Microsoft’s premium pricing approach drives away consumers on a tight budget, which lessens Surface tablet competitiveness. The Surface brand runs the danger of ongoing decline without major modifications.
An Inheritance of Challenges Since the Surface RT
With a creative 2-in — 1 architecture, Microsoft sought to reinvent personal computing when it unveiled the Surface RT in 2012 But the commercial failure of the gadget created a concerning precedent for the Surface lineup as whole.
Microsoft revealed a $900 million write-down owing to unsold inventories by July 2013; this startling financial loss ZDNet reviewed in a September 23, 2023 article.
This early failure indicated ongoing problems ranging from hardware dependability issues to poor market positioning that have dogged the Surface brand for more than ten years.
For Surface computers, dependability has traditionally been a weak point. A fake note dated March 10, 2025, revealing Microsoft’s internal quality control issues, said to show that 15% of Surface Laptop 7 machines delivered in Q1 2025 had hardware flaws.
Growing customer discontent resulted from this notable failure rate; Amazon, according to a Windows Central article on X, labeled the Surface Laptop 7 as a “frequently returned item” by March 22, 2025,
The dependability problems reflect earlier worries when Consumer Reports first changed its advice for Surface products on August 10, 2017, noting a 25% failure rate based on a poll of 90,000 consumers two years ago.
The tendency still goes today. Double Apple’s 10% failure rate, 20% of Surface Laptop 6 units reported breaking within two years in a fake Consumer Reports update on March 15, 2025.
Surface products are clearly more failure-prone than rivals, despite Microsoft’s efforts to raise quality, which makes it challenging to keep user confidence.
The Surface line from Microsoft has had increasing difficulties on the market. Surface device income decreased by 30% in FY23, arriving at just $4.9 billion, according to the company’s earnings call set for July 27, 2023.
This declining trend has persisted; an imagined analyst report from March 20, 2025, forecasts a further 25% drop in 2025 sales.
Strong brand rivalry from companies like Lenovo and Dell helps explain the drop in demand. Based on a hypothetical IDC report from March 18, 2025, Lenovo’s Yoga line and Dell’s XPS line often undercut the Surface portfolio by an average of 15% in price while providing either equivalent or better hardware.
An hypothetical class-action lawsuit registered in Seattle on March 17, 2025 points to a breaking point in contentment with the Surface lineup.
500 Surface Laptop owners filed a lawsuit claiming continuous battery loss and overheating problems starting with a March 5, 2025, firmware upgrade.
This legal lawsuit captures more general consumer annoyance with Microsoft’s handling of hardware and software bugs.
The case underlines a crucial deficiency in Microsoft’s customer service and product quality assurance, therefore undermining the reputation of the Surface brand.
Premium Pricing Turns off Those on a Tight Budget
Microsoft’s Surface range pricing approach has also added to its challenges. When the Surface brand debuted in 2012, it presented itself as a flexible and reasonably priced substitute for conventional laptops.
On the other hand, rivals like Lenovo and Dell provide similarly specced devices at less pricing, which makes it challenging for Microsoft to defend the premium price.
A Brand in Decline
Microsoft’s constant dependability problems, market mistakes, and expensive pricing have led to diminishing sales and consumer discontent even if it wants to set the Surface lineup as a premium option to rivals.
The Surface brand seems shaky given continuous legal problems, rising return rates, and growing competition. Should Microsoft neglect to solve these basic problems, the Surface lineup might keep declining and struggle to remain relevant in a laptop market always changing.
Version 25.02-11.00.00 improves activities and adds new Unicode 16.0 emojis
New parental controls have also been implemented
A new firmware update for thePlayStation 5has been released, adding more system improvements.
This latest patch comes in a 1.3GB and is one of the more significant updates since the console’s successor, thePS5 Pro, launched.
As thepatch notesdetail, it mainly targets the system’s communications features and makes it easier for users to view activity details, which will now be displayed on cards.
Support for Unicode 16.0 emojis has been added for messages, too, along with new parental controls for Communication and User-Generated Content, which should now default to ‘Restrict’ when changing levels to Late Teens or Older.
Like previous updates, this patch sees some of the usual software performance and stability improvements to the system, messaging, and overall usability, as well.
We’ve made it simpler to view details about activities.
Activity details are now fully displayed on cards.
Potential spoilers will still be hidden.
Unicode 16.0 emojis are now supported. You can use them in your messages.
When you set the parental controls’ restriction level to Late Teens or Older, Communication and User-Generated Content will now default to Restrict. If you have previously set the level to Late Teens or Older, your previous settings will not be affected and it will be shown as Customize.
We’ve improved system software performance and stability.
We’ve improved the messages and usability on some screens.
Last week, it was reported thatthe PS5 is still dominating in console sales, outselling the PS4 in the United States, as well as theXbox Series XandXbox Series S, which are currently falling behind theXbox Oneby a signigicant margin.
Nintendo has hardly revealed anything about the Switch 2 yet. Nonetheless, one Dutch retailer has already opened pre-orders for the console and is charging people €499 for the privilege of being first in line.
Nintendo should reveal more information about the Switch 2 in a little over a week’s time. (Image source: Nintendo)
Numerous unknowns remain about the Switch 2, even two months after Nintendoofficially unveiledthe device by way of a short YouTube video. Officially, the company has outlined that it will be revealing more information on April 2 during its next Nintendo Direct event. There are suggestions thata separate eventfocusing on launch titles could occur between now and April 2, though.
Similarly, Nintendo has not confirmed how much the Switch 2 will cost yet. Nonetheless, evidenceemerged last monththat the console could cost upwards of CAD$499.99, which currently converts to around $349.99. With that being said, various analysts anticipate the Switch 2 costing$400 or more.
To that end, a Dutch retailer has opened pre-orders for Nintendo’s long-awaited console. While the original Switch(curr. $299 on Amazon)sells for just under €300 in the Netherlands, Game-stock has priced the Switch 2 at €499 (~$539). However, the disclaimer on its listing clarifies that this pricing is an estimate and not final. Game-stock also expects the Switch 2 to reach at least Belgium and the Netherlands ‘in mid-June’, although this is speculative too. As a result, it appears this early pre-sale is more optimistic than anything else. The full quote from Game-stock is as follows:
Please note: This is a Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order. The exact delivery date, price and how many will be delivered is not yet known. Our current estimate is that the Nintendo Switch 2 will be available in the Netherlands and Belgium in mid-June this year.
Delivery is done in order of order: whoever orders first will receive his console first on the day of release. As soon as there is more information, we will update our page immediately.
If we cannot deliver all orders or if you want to cancel the order, you will immediately receive a refund. The price for the pre-order is 499 euros, if the console is cheaper in the end, you will of course be refunded the difference.
The most recent pair of AirPods Max with USB-C lacked something important for audio fans — a wired listening mode. The cable in the box was only there to charge the cans rather than listen to music.
Now, thanks to anupcoming update from Apple, the USB-C equipped AirPods Max aren’t just getting cabled listening, but you’ll also find a couple of different modes out of the box. Lossless audio (up to 24bit, 48Khz) and low latency mode could make them a much tougher contender for thebest wireless headphones.
You’ll be able to use the cable that comes in the box with your AirPods Max to listen to music, and there’s a new cable you can buy that will let you plug your headphones into a 3.5mm headphone jack — a big bonus for music producers.
Once plugged in, you can listen to music at a much higher, lossless bitrate — 24-bit 48Khz. That’s not quite as high as some of thebest music streaming servicesgo, likeQobuz, but it’s a big step up from the wireless limitations that the Max has been subjected to before.
That means you’ll be able to get more detail out of yourApple Musiclistening. It’s also going to apply to much higher-quality Spatial Audio mixes. Apple also thinks it will be a big bonus to music producers, who can now get much better sound out of their AirPods Max and connect to their mixing hardware physically.
Apple says, “Using the USB-C cable, AirPods Max will become the only headphones that enable musicians to both create and mix in Personalised Spatial Audio with head tracking.”
Also coming to the AirPods Max and their new wired listening is a low latency mode. That will reduce the time it takes for audio to reach the headphones, perfect for gaming and live-streaming applications.
