It's been a rough year for gaming hardware, with prices that just keep on rising, but Xbox's latest round of hikes is arguably the most shocking yet. That isn't because they're unexpected (they're very much not), but rather because they push pretty much all of Xbox's current-generation hardware into territory where you'd be hard-pressed to recommend that anyone at all should buy them.

The announcement was made in typically low-key fashion, in the form of a blog post on Xbox Wire, and there's no sugar-coating it. The post confirmed that on 1 August 2026, Xbox's 512GB consoles will get a $100 rise, while 1TB versions will go up by $150.

The damage that this set of price rises will do is perhaps underlined by the fact that Xbox didn't then do the math for its readers, but here's what the hikes actually look like in practice:

• Xbox Series S (512GB): Up from $399.99 to $499.99
• Xbox Series S (1TB): Up from $449.99 to $599.99
• Xbox Series X Digital (1TB): Up from $599.99 to $749.99
• Xbox Series X (1TB): Up from $649.99 to $799.99y

Those are prices that are almost impossible to swallow, in all honesty, and they're particularly terrible where the Xbox Series S is concerned. Once Nintendo's price rises come into force in September, the Series S will be the same price as the Switch 2, and there's no planet where I'd recommend the former over the latter.

Meanwhile, $750 for an Xbox Series X also looks fairly laughable when compared to the PS5 Pro for $100 more, and again, there's no way I'd point anyone towards Xbox's console when the comparison is made. If you bring the standard PS5 into play at $599 (for now), there's just no competition whatsoever.

Xbox's blog post is full of explanations for the hikes, with the biggest being the rise in memory component costs, as we all know by now – although in this case, Microsoft itself is obviously a big driver of the AI boom that's fuelling the crisis, something that isn't acknowledged.

Perhaps the most important part of the post, though, is the second half of this line: "Unfortunately, console storage and memory prices have increased by more than 2.5x, and we expect another doubling by the fall of 2027."

That's right, folks – this is far from the end of things, and if that doubling comes to pass in the next 12 months, we might get to the point where once mainstream consoles are priced at genuinely luxury levels. People have been speculating about $1,000 PS6s, but at this rate, the Xbox Series X might get to that point well before a new generation of consoles is ready.

That should worry basically anyone interested in console gaming – the market wasn't built up around consoles priced this prohibitively, and there's no way the impacts of unaffordable hardware don't ripple out over time. Xbox is already bleeding badly from a console war that was honestly already lost midway through the Xbox One era, but this could be another dismal turn.

With a scattergun approach to exclusive titles now leading to unpredictability about its biggest franchises, and layoffs happening left, right and centre in studios that it owns, Xbox is in full-blown crisis, whatever it's projecting in press releases.

It probably does need the reset that it claims to be going through, but it's hard to know what'll come out of that process. The Xbox Series S was intended to be a cheap entry point to get people hooked on Game Pass, but when it's $500, and Game Pass is no longer the top priority, where does that leave things?

We might know more in a year or so, as its plans for the next generation continue to leak and be reported on, but right now, there's only really one thing I can say – buying an Xbox just went from an interesting choice to a downright bad idea.

Microsoft CEO Sataya Nadella cast doubt on the future of apps in a recent discussion saying: "We're moving from building operating systems – devices for apps – to agents."

The statement came in a discussion with Cristiano Amon, CEO of Qualcomm, about the future of computing where AI agents act on your behalf rather than everything being about the operating system and apps.

Amon leans into this, highlighting that up until now the smartphone has been the centre of the digital world, but with AI able to understand everything, the agent becomes the centre instead, able to do the things without you opening individual software.

This all hinges on a super-personalised version of an AI agent which travels between devices. The easiest reference point is to think of JARVIS, Tony Stark's AI in Marvel movies, that can be accessed basically anywhere, at any time, to do anything.

Because this is a discussion between Microsoft on the software side and Qualcomm on the hardware side, there's consideration of the implications for hardware, with Project Solara – which Microsoft just announced during its Build developer conference – being at the heart of this.

Project Solara is about developing a new agent-first software platform that works with specialised hardware to take the next step in personalised computing.

In an introductory statement from Steven Bathiche, Microsoft says: "We imagine a diverse ecosystem of agent-first devices, from small to large, from fixed to hypermobile, from personal to professional."

One of these concept designs is shown off during the discussion – a tiny AI-equipped computer that looks like a badge on a lanyard. The second is a device more like an Amazon Echo Show with a larger screen. Both are shown in the video below, but are aimed at enterprise, rather than the consumer.

This isn't the first time that we've seen AI-first devices, but it's been a slow start. The Rabbit R1 turned out to be mostly pointless, and the Humane AI Pin suffered the same fate. While some wearables (Ray-Ban Meta, Plaud) have seen some adoption, the fundamental shift here isn't so much about computing, it's about trust.

Trusting that an AI agent can do what you need quickly and easily is a point we haven't reached yet. Yes, AI is very good at transcription and summarising meeting notes, but the voice experience isn't always perfectly smooth.

You can ask Gemini to play music, but you can also open Spotify and play the exact song you want. Sometimes the delay in Gemini is longer than it takes to do the same task manually. And when it comes to more personalised applications, will you trust AI with health and financial data, or even the data about your personal life and relationships?

While Project Solara aims to build the platform for this to happen on, it's likely to be some time before users are happy to step away from the established norms to embrace a future where the AI has all the control.

Microsoft has announced its most powerful Surface Laptop ever – the Surface Laptop Ultra. This isn't just a powerful laptop, it's Microsoft's debut for Nvidia's new SoC – the RTX Spark – that's going to usher in a new era of notebooks.

There's a seismic shift happening in PCs that started with Qualcomm's drive to make Windows on ARM work and provide an alternative to the Intel hardware that's dominated Windows PCs for the last decade.

The Surface Laptop Ultra becomes the new hero device for Windows on ARM, while giving Nvidia exactly the partner it needs to really put some impetus into this side of the market. It also increases the competition with Apple's MacBook range.

New RTX Spark devices aren't going to be available until the "fall", which explains why Microsoft's announcement reads more like a love song to the new hardware, pitched as a laptop "for world makers".

My first thought was that it was designed for the political classes, but the emphasis here is on creators. Microsoft says it's "made for the kind of work that does not fit in a standard laptop".

While there's no end to the broad horizons hyperbole, the point Microsoft is making is that this is new, powerful and deliberately optimised – mechanically, electrically, thermally, acoustically – so that power isn't compromised.

It will come in two colours, Platinum and Nightfall, with a 15-inch PixelSense Ultra touchscreen sporting a 3:2 aspect and boasting 2000 nits peak brightness (comfortably brighter than the MacBook Pro). It'll also feature a pixel density of 262ppi.

We're told that it's less than 18mm thick and weighs under 2kg, again, MacBook Pro territory, while it also features a 30% larger trackpad than previous Surface laptops.

Finally, it's well equipped with connections, including USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, SD card and a 3.5mm headphone socket.

But the star of the show – and the bit that's also an unknown right now – is the Nvidia RTX Spark that sits at its core. This is a new super SoC that's designed to handle local AI, integrating a powerful GPU, while offering up to 128GB unified memory.

Effectively, it's pitched for the evolution of Windows computing that supports much greater AI workflows on the device without offloading compute into the cloud, while also offering the sort of power that will probably draw gaming to Windows on ARM too.

Perhaps the icing on the cake, is that a footnote on the Surface Laptop Ultra page outlines that the SSD will be user replaceable too.

Early benchmarks suggest that the Nvidia RTX Spark offers 54% more power than the Apple M5, but is bettered by the M5 Pro. This is just the start of the RTX Spark journey, though, so I'm sure we'll hear a lot more about the performance in coming months.

Microsoft has raised prices for its current line-up of Surface devices, citing the increases in memory and component costs. Pressure has been put on the industry because of increased demand for hardware to power data centres for expanding AI services.

That's seen the 12-inch Surface Pro move from the £779 price that it was a few months ago, up to £999, while the 13-inch model moves from £1,029 up to £1,199. These prices reflect similar changes on the US store, first highlighted by Windows Central.

It's expected that other retailers will follow suit, although a quick glance at Amazon sees the Surface Pro (12in) listed from £649.99, so there are still some competitive prices out there for savvy shoppers.

"Due to recent increases in memory and component costs, Surface is updating pricing on Microsoft.com for its current‑generation hardware portfolio," the tech giant told Windows Central in a statement, which anyone keeping up with news in tech will have already assumed.

The RAM crisis has already seen price increases coming from brands like Oppo and OnePlus, while we’re also hearing similar things about Steam Machine, PlayStation 6 and it's expected to run into the future, pushing up prices across the industry.

At the same time, the effect of the price increase is further felt because some of the entry-level models have been dropped, so everything looks more expensive across the board.

These sorts of increases are unlikely to be limited to Microsoft: in some cases, we might see the specs appearing to stall or head backwards as demand outstrips supply. We've already seen Western Digital confirm that its hard drive stock is sold out for 2026, so those looking for a new device could be hit hard in the pocket.

However, there do still seem to be some good deals available from existing stock, but it might not be long before prices start increasing on older devices too.

The landscape of console gaming is set for change in the coming months, with a number of significant movements by all sides.

Valve is reportedly delaying the launch of its Steam Machine due to RAM and storage shortages, Sony is said to be doing something similar with the PS6, and Nintendo is looking into other weird and wonderful add-ons for its Switch and Switch 2 devices, including a potential second screen to play DS games.

But what about Xbox? Well, that's just announced a change that could have the biggest impact yet.

Sarah Bond, the brand's president has stepped down from her role and will be leaving Microsoft. As has Phil Spencer, the now former Xbox CEO who guided the gaming arm through its most troubled times.

In their place steps Asha Sharma, who has previously lead Microsoft's AI efforts, and Matt Booty, who has been promoted to chief content officer. And why is this significant? Because it highlights a change in strategy – one that could greatly benefit the next Xbox console.

What's happening at Xbox?

Under Spencer and Bond, Xbox became the biggest games publisher in the world. It also leads the way in cloud gaming. However, the Xbox Series X and especially Series S consoles failed to perform as well as rivals. The same was true of the Xbox One.

And it seems the "everything is an Xbox" strategy has not worked. While Xbox Cloud Gaming is available across Smart TVs from the likes of Samsung and LG, mobile and Fire TV Sticks, there's still no cloud gaming specific subscription. You still need Game Pass membership to get it, and that doesn't make sense unless you own an Xbox or gaming PC.

On top of this, the decision to release an under-spec'ed second console alongside its flagship machine proved disastrous. While the Xbox Series S allowed "next-gen" gaming at a budget, developers felt hamstrung when producing Xbox games, having to ensure that they could run on both consoles.

Things started to look up when the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds arrived, but the Xbox Ally X was just too expensive to make an impact on a market dominated by the Steam Deck.

So while Bond and Spencer managed to make major strides in the software stakes – including the purchases of Bethesda and Activision Blizzard – the hardware strategy seems to have been mishandled.

A new future for Xbox

And so, with a new Xbox console on the imminent horizon – it's "well underway", said Bond in her parting letter – it seems sensible to give someone else a shot at launching it. After all, the market conditions couldn't be better timed.

If the PS6 is delayed until as late as 2029 as suggested, and Valve is struggling to release the Steam Machine at the price it originally wanted, Xbox could have a significant headstart if it manages to get its new machine out this year or next.

There are also signs that the new boss wants to go back to basics with the launch: "We will celebrate our roots with a renewed commitment to Xbox starting with console which has shaped who we are," Sharma wrote in her first official blog as CEO.

After all, the last time Xbox ruled the console wars, with the Xbox 360, it launched a whole year ahead of its biggest rival at the time – the PS3. It could have an even bigger advantage this time.

Of course, it'll all depend on how much the Xbox Next (or whatever it turns out to be called) will cost. And whether it manages to fulfil its promise of being a premium, PC-like machine with cross compatibility. But I for one am getting more excited about this forthcoming next generation of gaming by the minute.

Microsoft has just released a new build of Windows 11 which includes an expansion of the Cross-Device Resume function. This feature was first introduced in May 2025 and is designed to ensure that apps on different platforms play nice together.

The list of supported apps that Windows has just confirmed might cause some amusement though, because it includes Spotify, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

It's also highlighted that the Vivo browser will support syncing for a seamless switch from phone to PC, while apps opened in the Copilot app on Honor, Oppo, Samsung or Vivo phones will also be available.

This might leave some scratching their heads, as Spotify Connect already allows resumption through whichever Spotify app you open across devices (and has done for many years), while Microsoft's apps plug into cloud syncing already.

How does Windows Cross-Device Resume work?

Currently, the Cross-Device Resume function only seems to offer OneDrive, which again, is a cloud-based service, so it's forgivable if you're not excited about the opportunities that Microsoft is offering for cross-device syncing.

There's a distinction here that's worth noting: for Cross-Device Resume to function, the Windows PC and Android phone need to be connected through the Link to Windows app, as outlined on the company's support pages, letting you open an app on the toolbar of your PC and jump right into what you were doing.

While this sort of seamless interaction might look to ape some of the features of Apple's Handoff, it's a situation where much of what's offered is already in place.

For example, for those looking for syncing across browsers, Chrome already does it, allowing you to open individual pages or whole tab groups that you might have open on another device.

The controls for Cross-Device Resume can be found in the Settings on your Windows 11 device, but as I said, both devices need to be connected to each other and the internet.

While the expansion proves that Microsoft is working to enhance this feature, I'm not sure we've reached a point where it's actually useful. The aim here is to increase the seamless interaction and time will tell how central that becomes to daily use.

Samsung has announced a new addition to its 2025 TVs: Microsoft's Copilot.

Starting with current-year TVs and monitors, the AI assistant will bring a "friendly, animated presence" that can give you spoiler-free recaps and find movies that'll appeal to everyone in the room.

You don't need to do anything to get the upgrade. If you have a supported TV it'll appear automatically in the Tizen OS homescreen, in Samsung Daily Plus and in Click to Search.

You can call it up with a voice command or via the remote, and it'll appear as a cheerful animated blob whose lips move in time with its speech.

It's impossible not to compare it to Microsoft Office's infamous Clippy assistant, but this more modern helper promises to be more useful and less annoying.

What can Copilot do in a Samsung TV?

As Microsoft explains: "It’s there when you and your family want to discover something to watch together, get answers to your questions, plan your weekend, or simply hang out."

The firm gives five key examples of what you might get Copilot to do. This includes finding out what happened in previous episodes of a show, which could prove very useful.

You can also get "ultra-specific" recommendations, find group-friendly picks that should appeal to everyone's preferences, and delve into post-watch deep dives. It'll even answer general questions, such as what the weather will be like at the weekend.

The new feature will be available in "select markets" on 2025 TV models including Micro RGB, Neo QLED, OLED, The Frame Pro and The Frame. It will also be available on the M7, M8, and M9 Smart Monitors.

Microsoft says that Copilot will be coming to additional regions and models over time, but hasn't yet detailed individual models or the timescale.

Microsoft has unveiled what it says is "a new way to browse the web", and it could persuade you to change web browsers to either embrace the new technology or run screaming. That's because it's all about AI.

The Edge browser now has an experimental Copilot Mode that combines search, web browsing and a chatbot into a single input box.

The promise is a browsing assistant that doesn't just react to your queries but anticipates what you're going to do next, and Microsoft says it "keeps you browsing, cuts through clutter and removes friction to unlock your flow".

It's similar to what Google is doing with its Gemini platform, but not as full-on as Perplexity's Comet AI browser. Think of it as an AI-powered browsing companion rather than a full AI browser.

What is CoPilot Mode in Microsoft Edge?

One of CoPilot's key features is the ability to look through your open tabs – with your permission – to understand the context of what you're doing, so when you search for something, it already knows what you've been looking at.

Microsoft gives the example of someone looking for holiday accommodation across multiple sites, saying that they could ask CoPilot which of the current options is closest to the beach and has a full kitchen.

CoPilot Mode also supports normal voice navigation, so you can chat to the assistant about what you want it to do. And in a near-future update, you'll be able to give it access to your history and browser credentials so it can carry out tasks on your behalf.

For example, you might get CoPilot to find and book something for you and it will not only do that but also "check the weather, make the booking and even suggest sunscreen or tutorial videos to help you prepare."

More realistically, it'll be able to convert recipe ingredients or translate web pages.

Whether any of this appeals to you depends very much on your thoughts on AI. If you're concerned about the accuracy, environmental footprint or ethics of AI then this is clearly a feature you're not going to want to use.

There's also the fact that Microsoft says that this feature is "free for a limited time", so it's going to cost money at some point.

However, you can easily enable or disable CoPilot Mode in Edge's settings and if you choose the latter, you'll continue browsing as normal.

If you want a decent amount of cloud storage these days, you will be looking to pay around £8-10 per month for 2TB and closer to double that for 5TB. There's a bit of a hack however, to get up to 6TB for next to nothing.

Microsoft 365 personal edition comes with 1TB of free cloud storage, while the family edition comes with 1TB per person, for up to six people – that's 6TB total. Of course, with Microsoft 365 you get all of the Microsoft family of programs, including word, Powerpoint, Excel and Outlook, which makes the cloud storage practically free.

A family subscription is normally £104.99 a year, but right now on Amazon, you can pick up a year's Microsoft 365 Family subscription for just £49.99. That's just £4.16 per month. If you register six different email addresses on your account, you can then access all six of the 1TB cloud storage areas in One Drive, and then share the storage back to your main account – thus giving you access to 6TB.

It's a bit of a hack but paying £4.16 for 6TB (plus the Microsoft products) is worth it.

Based on the time I've spent testing Surface Pro devices, they're my favourite kind of Windows computer, and the OLED Surface Pro 11 just hit a historically low price as part of the ongoing Amazon Prime Day sales that we're covering here on T3.

Head over to Amazon now and you'll find the OLED Surface Pro 11 is yours for just £879 – lower than it's ever been before. If you're not convinced, check out our OLED Surface Pro 11 review, where we awarded the hybrid 2-in-1 a full 5 stars out of 5.

To quote from our review: "a brighter OLED screen, longer battery life and redesigned keyboard make the 11th Edition the biggest glow-up this family has had for some time". There's particular praise for performance and for battery life.

As with all Surface Pros – and this is why I love them so much – the device is equally comfortable working in tablet mode and in laptop mode, so it offers the ultimate in flexibility when you're working on the go (take note, Apple).

For the laptop mode, you will need a keyboard of some description, though: maybe you can spend some of the £570 you're saving here on an accessory or two for your new Microsoft OLED Surface Pro 11 (and you should still have plenty left over).

It's not clear how long Amazon is going to keep the OLED Surface Pro 11 at this low, low price, so if you're after a portable Windows PC that can go anywhere and do just about anything, I'd recommend snapping this up while you can.

Microsoft has expanded its CoPilot+ PC family with two new Surface devices in the form of the 12-inch Surface Pro and the 13-inch Surface Laptop.

Both devices have been designed with performance and portability in mind, offering ultra-thin and lightweight builds at lower price points than the existing Surface models.

The two new Surface devices are powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Plus (8 Core) processor, which was announced in September 2024 and sits just under the Snapdragon X Plus (10 Core) and the flagship Snapdragon X Elite (12 Core) processors.

Either of them can be specified on the 13.8-inch Surface Laptop and 13-inch Surface Pro. The 15-inch Surface Laptop is only available with the Snapdragon X Elite for reference.

What do the new Surface devices offer?

Aside from the more affordable processor, the new 13-inch Surface Laptop is said to be the thinnest and lightest Surface so far, featuring an anodised aluminium chassis that's available in three colours – Ocean, Violet and Platinum.

The Surface Arc Mouse has also been introduced in Ocean and Violet colour options in case you want it to match.

There's an integrated 45 TOPS NPU, and Microsoft claims the 13-inch Surface Laptop also offers the longest battery life of any Surface so far, with 23 hours of video playback and 16 hours of web browsing.

The 13-inch Full HD touchscreen has super slim bezels and there's a built-in AI-enhanced camera with Auto Video HDR and AI noise reduction. Elsewhere, a fingerprint reader is built into the power button and there's a Copilot key for AI at your fingertips, literally.

All-new Surface Pro

The new 12-inch Surface Pro offers a 2-in-1 form factor with a built-in adjustable kickstand and detachable keyboard like the 13-inch model, but the Surface Slim Pen can now attach magnetically to the back of the device for charging and storage.

Like the 13-inch Surface Laptop, it features an integrated 45 TOPS NPU, is claimed to have all-day battery life, and features an aluminium build that weighs 686g without a keyboard.

Speaking of keyboards, the Surface Pro 12-inch Keyboard has been redesigned compared to the 13-inch model, now folding back completely flat against the Surface Pro. It has a dedicated Copilot key and it comes in Slate, Ocean and Violet, matching the colours of the new 13-inch Surface Laptop.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 12-inch starts at £799 in the UK, $799 in the US and €979 in Europe, while the Surface Laptop 13-inch starts at £899 in the UK, $899 in the US and €1,099 in Europe.

They will be available in select markets starting 20 May.

Xbox announced a bit of shock yesterday – it is raising the prices of its entire console range, plus the games to play on it. And that's not just in the US, where Trump's tariffs have drastically increased the import duty on many electronics, but worldwide.

An Xbox Series X has soared in price by $100 in the States and £20 in the UK, while the Xbox Series S – supposedly the entry-level option – is now at least $80 / £50 pricier today. Or at least, that was the plan.

Thankfully, it seems like many retailers are currently listing Xbox consoles at their original prices or even cheaper. So if you buy one today, you'll manage to beat the price hike – at least for the time being.

Amazon.co.uk, for example, has the Xbox Series X on sale for its original £479.99.

In the US, you can still grab an Xbox Series S for just $279.99 on Amazon.com – a huge discount considering it has officially risen to $379.99.

Some other retailers are also running deals on both consoles, along with accessories – which are also expected to raise in price soon.

The big caveat is that we don't know how long these deal offers will last. They're likely to expire quickly considering the new official pricing, so if you're in the market for an Xbox, it's best to snap one up sharpish.

Are Xbox games going up in price too?

Sadly, the price rises are not restricted to Xbox consoles – Microsoft has confirmed that its games will also be hiked in the coming months.

First-party titles, such as the new Call of Duty for 2025, will be raised from around $60 currently to $80. That will be the case for digital versions too, and could well affect PS5 owners buying forthcoming Xbox Studios games.

It's been an open secret for years now that Xbox has been working on a handheld gaming device – as far back as a year ago, Phil Spencer, Microsoft Gaming's CEO, wouldn't stop cryptically liking posts on X about the topic. As if there weren't already enough rumours!

The market for handheld consoles has exploded in the last few years, disrupting what was a pretty serene period of domination by the Nintendo Switch. Now there are Steam Decks, PlayStation Portals and much more, with the Switch 2 right around the corner itself.

So if (daresay when?) an Xbox handheld console appears, here are the five things I would want to see from it to make it stand out from the crowd and get me to instantly part with my cash...

1. Don't stick to the cloud

It's pretty clear, looking at the last few years of decision-making, that Xbox feels the future of gaming lies in the cloud. It's brought cloud streaming to Game Pass Ultimate and really emphasised how important it is to its strategy.

However, there are very much two categories of gaming handheld out there already: those with on-board power; and those that stream over the internet. In the former category are massive success stories like the Switch and the Steam Deck, while the latter features more mixed efforts like the PlayStation Portal and Logitech G Cloud.

You can absolutely do a cloud streaming handheld well, but what I really want is on-board processing that makes for no pixelation and no streaming artefacts, and the ability to play offline and truly remotely. C'mon, don't let me down, Microsoft!

2. Stretch to an OLED

Valve and Nintendo are just two of the handheld makers who have revised their hardware to offer an OLED option in the last few years, acknowledging how big an upgrade this display tech can be for portable play.

The difference between a solid OLED and even the best LCD screen, when you're playing a handheld, is striking – games look miles better, more vivid and full of contrast. Those trademark inky blacks are something you get used to very quickly. Just like I'll be disappointed if the Switch 2 launches with an LCD (we still don't know officially), I expect an OLED from Microsoft.

This obviously will have an impact on pricing (which I'll get to later), but if it can send out an attractive OLED device, the new Xbox handheld will already be automatically ahead of some of the competition.

3. Give us more buttons

A good handheld doesn't just do the bare minimum, as is pretty clear from what I've outlined so far. That doesn't just mean power and display specs, though – it's also about the controls.

While I wouldn't expect the Xbox handheld to go full "portable PC" and bring in trackpads or anything, I would like it to give us some extra back paddles. These are so useful for the slightly more uncomfortable grips that larger handhelds often require.

Microsoft already has these integrated on the software side thanks to its Elite controller series, and devices like the Nitro Deck have shown that even the Switch can benefit from a few extra paddles.

4. Don't break our banks

This will probably be one of the questions driving a lot of debate internally at Xbox – how expensive should this handheld be? It's an impossible question to answer easily because all of the demands I've made above would basically ensure that a fairly premium price tag is attached.

Realistically, however, I would actually expect a cloud-based solution that doesn't cost too much, much like the PlayStation Portal, even if it won't necessarily be the most exciting option.

Still, regardless of which route, Xbox ensuring that its handheld feels like a genuinely affordable option compared to its consoles is essential. In particular, it needs to stand out compared to the option of cloud streaming through Game Pass on your phone.

5. Actually adapt the games

Xbox has it's "every screen is an Xbox" mission now, but it can't fall into the pitfall of treating every screen identically and therefore making no tweaks to games for different setups.

Pentiment is a masterpiece, for example, but I don't want to squint to read its medieval fonts on a 7-inch display, and the same goes for spotting targets and shooting them in Halo: Infinite. If Microsoft is in charge of both the portable hardware and the software it runs, I hope it does a proper job of adapting the latter to fit the former properly.

It might be simple updates for first-party games, running on a good custom UI, but close attention needs to be paid to how legible and easy-to-use the handheld is, rather than just phoning it in and sticking the Xbox console UI on there without any changes.

There have been countless rumours on Microsoft's plans for future consoles of late, with some suggesting it'll ditch the home machine and concentrate on a Nintendo Switch 2 / Steam Deck rivalling handheld instead. Some even believe that we'll never see another console from the software giant, with the Xbox brand solely focusing on game releases and the cloud instead.

However, industry expert Jez Corden, of Windows Central, has put forward another theory – that the next-gen Xbox (lovingly called Xbox Next, for now) could actually be a PC in a living room friendly shape.

Speaking on The XB2 podcast, he and host Rand al Thor 19 discussed Xbox's possible future plans and explained that while next year is a target too soon, there's every likelihood that the next Xbox could arrive the following year as part of a strategy rethink.

"I think the next Xbox is coming out in 2027 and devkits will go out next year," speculated Rand.

This was in response to a "leak" posted last week that claimed next year's Call of Duty will launch on a new Xbox console, and that it was being developed using full devkits. However, that's

"There is no Xbox devkit right now," countered Corden. "That developers have already got the next-gen Xbox devkit is just not accurate.

"[But] assuming that the next Xbox is Windows-based, you could spec out a kind-of devkit that targets those specs. The whole idea of the next Xbox is that it's going to be a PC in essence, but with a TV-friendly shell that also has a specific set of specs in mind.

"So developers will be building for a PC in a way, so will know what the specs will be and optimise for it."

Whoever is right, it seems insiders and experts believe there will definitely be a follow-up to the Xbox Series X, even though Microsoft has been trounced in the console wars for the last two generations. And that, if there is an Xbox handheld on the way, it'll be joined by a "TV-friendly" machine.

By making it more of a PC in essence could also ensure third-parties develop for it in significant numbers – after all, they'll likely already be building games for the platform by default anyway.

We might just have to wait a bit longer for it.

There was a time when Skype was the platform to use if you wanted to catch up with loved ones in another country or speak to colleagues over video. It launched in 2003 and for a long time, it was the go-to video calling service.

But Zoom – which initially launched in 2011 – gained traction during the global pandemic and Microsoft's Teams service that arrived in 2017 started to be used more too. With both effectively offering the same as Skype but with more features, Skype started to dwindle into the background.

Five years after Zoom's boom and another few years of Teams gaining popularity in the workspace, Microsoft – which owns both Teams and Skype – has announced that it will be retiring the older service in the next couple of months, in order to focus its attention on Teams.

Skype will be available to use until 5 May 2025, and there will be a transition period between now and then to help you move over to Teams. Here's what you need to know.

How to move from Skype to Teams

Microsoft has said in a blog that it has started rolling out the ability to sign into Teams with your Skype credentials. Users will be able to sign into Teams on any supported device.

"By logging in to Teams with a Skype account, chats and contacts will automatically appear in the app so you can quickly pick up where you left off," the blog post explains.

Over the next couple of months until it closes, you will be able to call and chat across Skype and Teams, with inter-connectivity – it doesn't matter which of the platforms you or the person you are calling is on. That'll help everyone get used to the transition.

And if you don't want to move to Teams, you can export your data including chats, contacts, and call history.

For those paying for Skype, you will be able to use Skype Credits and subscriptions until the end of your next renewal period. Skype Credit users will also be able to carry on using their remaining Skype Credit.

Xbox boss Phil Spencer has revealed that Microsoft will continue to release new hardware, but has intriguingly suggested that it might be more like the Nintendo Switch 2 than PS6.

There have long been rumours that the company is working on a handheld – Spencer himself has often hinted as much – but it was thought that it'd release alongside a natural successor to the Xbox Series X. However, in a new interview, he has suggested that it might be a single next-gen device, that could be played in handheld and TV modes.

"Let’s say it – our own hardware, I think it’s fundamental about what Xbox is," he explained to Gamertag Radio (via VGC), when speaking about the firm's future plans. "It’s not lost to me that 'box' is in the name of our brand.

"In the position that I’m in, I look at hardware as a critical part of what we do... let’s go build innovative hardware that people want to use to play, whether that’s in their hands, whether it’s on the television, or even other places."

Spencer has also not been shy in expressing his love for the Steam Deck and other gaming PCs, while he also revealed during the chat that he has congratulated Nintendo on the tease of the Switch 2.

"I was exchanging emails with Furukawa-san, the CEO of Nintendo. I gave him a big congrats and said my old eyes appreciate the larger screen," he added.

What is for sure is that whether the next Xbox is a handheld or home console, it is unlikely to feature exclusive, first-party games. The Xbox boss has confirmed that the company plans to support its rivals with new and ported releases.

It's part of the firm's commitment to removing the "red lines" traditionally associated with the console wars. There is even talk that Starfield, from the Xbox-owner Bethesda, is on the cards for a PS5 release.

And, if Call of Duty, Halo, Diablo IV and other titles make the jump to PlayStation and the Switch 2, as expected, it can safely be said that the decades-long wars could finally come to an end – especially if Xbox Next is something very different to the PS6.

If that turns out to be the case, gamers will undoubtedly be the eventual winners, no matter the platform they choose.

Microsoft is reportedly just a few months away from delivering us smaller, cheaper Surface devices, in the form of a new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop. They should offer consumers improved portability – perfect for those who travel frequently.

That’s according to sources who spoke to our sister publication Windows Central, with the report going on to say screen sizes for these smaller devices is expected to be between 11 and 12 inches.

We’ve also got insight on what will potentially power the new Microsoft hardware, with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Plus SoCs being touted. This chipset is already found in the entry-level Surface Pro 11 (which has a 13-inch display), while the more powerful model packs the Snapdragon X Elite.

It may not be the top-tier chipset, but the Snapdragon X Plus can still deliver strong performance and battery life and, along with the smaller screens, will help limit costs.

Eyeing up the iPad Pro

The report also mentions the new, smaller Surface Pro is being lined up to go head-to-head with the 11-inch iPad Pro (which starts at $999 / £999), putting it firmly in the portable productivity category.

And the writing could be on the wall for the Surface Laptop Go, as the new, smaller Surface Laptop looks to be the natural successor with its backlit keyboard and higher resolution touchscreen.

While these devices are set to be cheaper than their big-screened siblings, the sources were keen to stress that these will still be premium offerings with metal frames. So don’t expect bargain price tags to be attached here – we’re likely looking at around $800-$900 (likely £800-£900 for those in the UK).

Release dates for the new Surface hardware is currently being pegged for April / May. Though we may not have to wait long to find out more, as Microsoft has already confirmed a Surface event for 30 January in New York City.

Whether these smaller Surface devices will break cover here remains to be seen as the event is being billed as "a major announcement from Surface for Business".

There’s good news coming out of CES 2025 for fans of PC gaming handhelds. Microsoft’s VP of Next Generation, Jason Ronald, offered hope to those frustrated with the Windows experience on these devices.

The Windows operating system on handhelds such as the Asus ROG Ally X, Lenovo Legion Go and Ayaneo Flip DS is leagues behind when putting gaming front and centre compared to Valve’s console-centric, Linux-based software on the Steam Deck and newly announced Lenovo Legion Go S.

Speaking during the ‘The Future of Gaming Handhelds’ roundtable at the show, and then in more detail to The Verge, Ronald revealed Microsoft wants to combine the Xbox console operating system with Windows, saying: "Our goal is to put the player and their library at the centre of the experience.”

There appears to be a realisation at Microsoft that the current Windows operating system on a handheld gaming device is just too fussy and needs to change: “We’re focused on really simplifying that and making it much more like a console experience,” Ronald explained.

The end of Windows as you know it

While Microsoft isn’t ready to completely ditch Windows, Ronald emphasises that what it wants for handhelds going forward is “not the Windows desktop that you have today.”

Instead, Microsoft plans to adapt it by leveraging the Xbox OS and putting that interface front and centre on portable devices, resulting in a controller-friendly system which handheld gamers are familiar with.

“The reality is the Xbox operating system is built on top of Windows. So, there’s a lot of infrastructure that we built in the console space that we can bring to the PC space and really deliver that premium gaming experience on any device.”

And there’s more good news, as we’re not going to be waiting years to learn more about the vision. Ronald cheekily added: “I think we’ll have a lot more to share later this year.

“I think it’s going to be a journey and I think you’ll see a lot of investments over time that you’re starting to see already, but we’ll have a lot more to share.”

If you're an iPad user then it's been a good week for you. Not only has iPadOS 18.2 arrived, bringing a host of new Apple Intelligence features like Image Playground and Genmoji, but the Microsoft Teams app has also been updated to add a new feature.

As spotted by 9to5Mac, those of you who use Microsoft Teams on your tablet will now be able to connect and use an external webcam for your video calls, rather than having to use your iPad's built-in camera.

Apple announced support for external webcams connected via USB-C back in 2023 when it revealed iPadOS 17. The feature was detailed at WWDC23 and Apple released an API back then too, allowing third party app developers to work on delivering support.

It might have taken over a year for Microsoft to then bring that to the table for Teams but good things come to those who wait and here we are. In a blog post, Microsoft said: "We’ve made connecting an external camera to your iPad a seamless experience.

"With support for iOS 17, Teams users can now easily leverage the capabilities of USB-C-connected cameras for higher-quality video conferencing."

Many of the more recent iPads offer decent built-in cameras, as well as features like Center Stage that will keep you in the frame even if you move around the room on a video call. An external webcam can be beneficial if you want a higher resolution however, as well as if you want a different position for example.

The Microsoft Teams app is available for iPhone, iPad and Vision Pro and it can be downloaded from the App Store.

It requires iOS 16 or iPadOS 16, but the support for external webcams needs an iPad with USB-C – like the iPad mini (A17 Pro), iPad Air (M2), iPad Pro (M4) or iPad (10th generation) – and that device needs to be running iPadOS 17. The latest software is iPadOS 18.2.

Xbox could soon rollout an update that introduces a feature Xbox Series X and Series S players have requested for years. Even Xbox One owners might benefit.

It will reportedly add the ability for players to stream their digitally owned games on their console or other devices, over Xbox Cloud Gaming.

At present, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members can stream a curated list of titles over the internet. That works on mobile, Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K models, select Smart TVs from Samsung, and even Xbox's own consoles. However, this expansion of the service will open up cloud gaming for 1,000s of titles.

You could play any of your purchased games without having to download them, therefore. And on your phone, too.

It is likely to be what was hinted at by Xbox's president, Sarah Bond, when she posted on X that Android phone owners will soon be able to play Xbox games directly through the Xbox app.

That's as a result of a recent court ruling claiming Google's app policies to be unlawful, allowing third-party app stores on Google Play.

Now there's additional proof that Xbox has ambitious plans for its streaming service. As reported by The Verge, a developer has discovered that Microsoft is adding references to "stream your own games" to Xbox Cloud Gaming.

Redphx even posted on X a video of his findings: "First look at the 'Stream your own games' feature on xCloud, coming to the service next month," he wrote.

He also suggests that while the service will be available for games you've already bought (and future titles you might add to your library), it'll only be available to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers.

We'll find out for sure soon though, with The Verge's Tom Warren, who is somewhat an Xbox expert, claiming that it'll start to roll out to select Xbox Insiders in November.

Microsoft will soon launch a competition to win a custom Xbox Series X.

Encased in a golden finish, the Xbox comes with a similarly custom Xbox Wireless Controller and has been created to celebrate the forthcoming launch of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.

However, entering the draw to win the unique Series X will not be easy – the company is encasing the console in a special puzzle box inspired by the Bethesda game. Entrants must solve the puzzle to be eligible for the sweepstake.

There are further caveats too – the puzzles will only be found in Microsoft Experience Centers in London, New York and Sydney. You'll have to visit the stores themselves and check out the dedicated displays.

They will be available from 12 November 2024 to 6 January 2025.

There will be another chance to enter the draw, however, as Bethesda will also offer places in the sweep via its social channels at a later date.

Each puzzle box and custom console reportedly took more than 350 hours to create. It looks like the sort of stone plinth Indy would find treasure on. The controller has an interesting look too, with a rugged leather aesthetic and jewel-like buttons.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle will launch on 6 December for Xbox Series X/S and PC. It'll also be available on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass from day one.

It features an all-new story which is set in 1937 and between the first two movies – Raiders of the Lost Ark and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. It's an action-adventure game with plenty of its own puzzles and is mostly played in first-person.

The game is being developed by MachineGames – the team behind the superb Wolfenstein tiles, The New Order, The Old Blood and Wolfenstein II.

A PS5 version of the game is also coming, although that will follow in spring next year.

It was only a few months back, in May of this year, that Microsoft revealed its all-new CoPilot+ PCs – the company's take on the AI PC, with an artificial intelligence companion at beck and call to assist with your tasks.

Now the technology company has just revealed a major upgrade for CoPilot, with the introduction of CoPilot Voice. As the name suggests, this feature update is all about voice interaction – but with four voices to choose from and a conversational level of use that has to be heard to be believed.

The responses are faster, it's easy to interrupt and redirect your experience, for a more fluid interaction that appears to be a major step forward. Microsoft has even humanised CoPilot Voice to include more advanced inflections and even conversational fillers. It'll make the best laptops even better from a user experience point of view.

The world of AI PCs is quickly advancing: from Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite to Intel's Core Ultra Series 2 powering these systems, chip-makers are getting better at offering hardware that can deliver the goods. Microsoft's Surface Laptop 7 is a great example of an AI laptop in its prime.

There's more from this Microsoft update, too, with Think Deeper added to the suite of CoPilot features. This is designed to solve complex maths and logic problems, as prompted by you.

There's also CoPilot Vision in the works for a future update, which operates natively in the Microsoft Edge browser and can effectively (with your permission) "see what you see and hear what you hear" as you navigate. In combination with CoPilot Voice you can easily ask for context-based suggestions with in-browser information used as source material in the AI assistant's answers.

There's more to come, too, with Microsoft's Click to Do feature functioning in a similar way to Google's Circle to Search – enabling contextual search based on what's showing on screen, with simplified results to say, shop, locate an image, and more.

In addition, Windows will be bringing improved search functionality, removing the necessity to be ultra-specific by, say, filename. Thanks to AI, Windows on CoPilot+ PCs will be able to determine queries to return search results, including descriptions of pictures, for example.

The new CoPilot app begins rolling out from today, 1 October, bringing a fresher, lighter new look with it. The Think Deeper and CoPilot Vision features will roll out first to CoPilot Pro subscribers via CoPilot Labs – Microsoft's way of offering early access to new feature drops.

CoPilot Plus is a Microsoft initiative to try to make "made for AI" laptops mainstream and desirable. The Surface Laptop 7th Edition is from Microsoft itself, making this effectively the first official CoPilot Plus laptop. 

But is it also the best laptop? The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 is probably the cutest of all these AI laptops – of which there are now plenty of Snapdragon X Elite-toting options – and it has the best-feeling touchpad, a decent keyboard, and an established almost timeless design that continues to impress.

However, like the other Surface lines, Microsoft charges a fortune for upgrades – making this seem less of a deal than rivals like the Lenovo Yoga 7x if you’re not happy with the (admittedly perfectly serviceable) base spec. Microsoft's choice of screen, while great on its own, doesn't quite match the sharper OLED displays you get elsewhere too. 

Surface Laptop 7th Edition: Price & Availability

More than any other laptop of this class, the appeal of the Microsoft Surface Laptop varies depending on the model you pick. Yep, even though they all look largely the same. 

There are 13.8-inch and 15-inch laptops, and I'm reviewing the smaller version. It starts at £1049 ($999 / AU$1899), the 15-inch model £1349 ($1299 / AU$2399). The price disparity isn't as wide as that sounds, though, as the 13.8-inch Surface has a lower spec floor. 

That also hints at the biggest Surface Laptop 7 issue: Microsoft charges a lot for upgrades. The entry-level model has a Snapdragon X Plus CPU and 256GB storage. You're looking at £200 ($200 / AU$300) just for an additional 256GB storage, which is pretty steep. 

Microsoft Surface 7 review: Design

This Surface may be part of a new breed of laptops but if you've ever clapped eyes on a Surface Laptop 7, it's going to seem familiar. 

Microsoft's Surface Laptop 7 style has thinned out screen surrounds this time, finally. It's a slight modernisation of an already sound design. Microsoft likes its rounded corners, which extend to the display, giving this Surface a softer-friendlier appearance than the vast majority of laptops. 

It comes in gold, as seen here, or there's blue if you want an unconventional colour. But if you prefer a plainer look, black and silver editions are out there too. And all-round build impressions are stellar – a slight cut above all the other CoPilot Plus laptop we've used, bar possibly the Samsung Galaxy Book Edge. 

The Surface Laptop 7 is incredibly stiff – and in a very positive way. The screen part feels super-strong, and there's virtually zero flex to the base. Microsoft aimed for MacBook-grade feel with the Surface line, and has achieved it. There’s almost zero screen wobble too, even though you can open this laptop up with a single finger – a paper-thin but still rather nice characteristic common among the most expensive laptops. 

So, yeah, as long as you don't want something that looks new and unique, you'll likely love the Surface Laptop outer design. And the 13.8-inch model is a portability dream, weighing 1.34kg. Sure, that's not the lightest ever, but I love that the heat-grille-free bottom means there's no worry about blocking the cooling when working with the laptop on your knees, or on a bed. 

Microsoft Surface 7 review: Display

While it feels wrong to do so, I'm going to have to complain about the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7's screen. By any sane standard, this is a great display. But having spent the last few months reviewing CoPilot Plus laptops, a couple of little issues jumped out at me.

First, sharpness is only okay. Coming from the 3K-res Lenovo Yoga 7x, the Surface Laptop does look a tiny bit pixellated by compare. This is a 2304 x 1536 pixel screen, meaning it's closer to Full HD (1080p) than Ultra HD (4K). 

It's also an LCD display, not an on-trend OLED panel. Its black floor isn't even close to that of the OLED rivals. Does it matter for work? Hell no, but the perfect blacks of OLED really come in handy for movie-watching, particularly with today’s laptops. 

Almost all higher-end laptop have screens of a way taller shape than that of normal movies. They ain't widescreen, and Microsoft leans into this more than most with a 3:2 aspect ratio. This means big black bars when you watch movies and TV, and with an LCD they glow in a dimmed room. That doesn't happen with OLED.

That's the bad bits done though. The Surface Laptop 7's display still has lovely colour, a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, and solid maximum brightness of 560 nits. The screen coating is tough Gorilla Glass 5 too, although there's no anti-reflective coating. 

Microsoft Surface 7 review: Keyboard & touchpad

I've had it my head that for the last few years that Microsoft has been gradually diluting the feel of its laptop keyboards. Maybe my standards have changed, or I was just too into the idea of old glories, because the Surface Laptop 7's one is pretty great.

Considering the official specs put travel at a just-okay 1.3mm, these keys feel surprisingly substantial. There's a satisfying meaty springiness to their action. It's like Apple's MacBook style, but after a 6-month weight training programme. I still think the Lenovo Yoga 7x has the best keyboard among this early wave of laptops with Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite on board, mind. 

There is a white key backlight too, which is nice. What no other model can quite match, though, is the sheer consistency of quality in the inputs of the Surface Laptop. As well as having one of the best keyboards in this class, the Surface Laptop 7 has probably the single best touchpad. 

Sure, it's not a giant like the Samsung Galaxy Book Edge's, but it combines an ultra-smooth textured glass surface with a best-in-class clicker. It's also a haptic clicker, meaning you can click every square millimetre of the pad. 

When Microsoft first started playing around with these haptic pads, I thought they'd traded in one of the best touchpad designs ever for something flat-out inferior. It's back on track now. The clicker response is far more defined than those first-gen designs, and you can make it even more snare-drum-punchy in Windows settings. 

Microsoft Surface 7 review: Performance 

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 I'm reviewing has a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor with 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD. It's a good all-rounder spec, but is far from the easiest to recommend in this family thanks to Microsoft's old trick: charging a fortune for upgrades. 

Like an airport car rental that seems cheap until you look at all the additional charges, the Surface Laptop basics are arguably a hot deal. But with this model you end up paying a fair whack more for an extra 256GB storage and a couple of additional processor cores. 

The big question: can you live with just 256GB storage? If you can't and want to get a top-tier spec it's easy to end up spending far more than you might fork out for a Lenovo Yoga 7x.

There's another little issue. According to my tests, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 is a bit less powerful than the Lenovo Yoga 7x I tested, despite having a slightly uprated version of the Qualcomm X Elite processor. 

How does that make sense? My take is the Surface Laptop is tailored to make virtually no noise regardless of what you do. Sure, it has a fan array, but you'll have a hard job hearing it in all but the quietest of rooms. 

That's an admirable characteristic in a mainstream lifestyle PC, but raises the question of how worthwhile the jump from the base Snapdragon X Plus to the Snapdragon X Elite really is.

You should also consider the compatibility issues that come with these new Qualcomm Snapdragon PCs. While their performance is solid – great, even – and they can have a crack at running just about everything, I did encounter the odd incompatible application, games that didn't run properly (or at all), and peripherals that weren't recognised. 

If you want rock-solid legacy support, you might want to stick with an Intel CPU laptop instead. But the other benefits of Qualcomm at the core are quite compelling, like the battery life. 

Microsoft Surface 7 review: Battery Life

Five hours of YouTube streaming took just 29% off the battery, suggesting it can grind its way through around 17 hours of online video playback. Microsoft claims 20 hours, and that's local playback, so we're looking at a pretty on-the-money claim for once. 

This laptop doesn't have the highest capacity cell in its class, at 54Wh, but it's far from the largest laptop to begin with. That'll also help keep the weight down, so it's a sensible trade-off. 

One crucial part to take into account when shopping for these laptops is that while their light-use stamina is awesome, it becomes much more ordinary with taxing work. It's only going to last a couple of hours of gaming, unless you play something fairly light. 

Like other recent Surface PCs, the Surface laptop 7 uses Microsoft's proprietary magnetic connector for charging. But if you forget to take one on a trip, you can just use one of the two USB-Cs on the side. Handy. 

Other than that we only get one classic USB-A and a headphone jack. It’s a better array than some (such as the Lenovo), but you'll need an adapter/cable to read a memory card or connect to a TV. 

Other features? The Surface Laptop 7 has an okay Full HD (1080p) webcam, not quite at the level of the Surface Pro. And the laptop has respectable stereo speakers with decent volume and tone, just a step or two below the best in terms of bass and projection. 

Microsoft Surface 7 review: Verdict

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 is a top-notch MacBook Air alternative. Its entry price is reasonable, the design is great and the consistent sense of quality throughout is admirable.

Microsoft pulls its usual wheeze with upgrades, though, asking for a lot of cash at every turn. And given the Surface Laptop seems to value quiet operation over raw peak performance, this isn't the obvious pick for power fiends.

If you can get by with meagre storage space, or find a deal on the Surface Laptop, this could be one of the best routes into this new style of AI-ready laptops. Just be careful when picking your perfect spec.

Also consider

There are a few key alternatives to the Surface Laptop 7th Edition, and at least one comes directly from Microsoft. The Microsoft Surface Pro is the hybrid version of this model. It’s probably less comfortable for all-day working, but can also be used a bit like a graphics tablet. 

The closest director competitor might be the Lenovo Yoga 7x. It has a higher starting price but comes with higher-end components as standard and, according to our testing, actually performs better than the upgraded Surface Laptop. It also has a lovely 3K resolution OLED screen.

Want a bigger screen? If the 15-inch version of this very model isn’t enough, check out the Samsung Galaxy Book Edge. It comes in a 16-inch version, and is made with similarly fantastic build quality standards. The keyboard feels much shallower, though, and while the touchpad is way larger, it can’t match the Surface Laptop’s on feel. 

You might have already noticed but Microsoft systems have suffered a huge outage worldwide, which has affected its own services and many other businesses. This includes broadcasters, airlines and banks.

In the UK, Sky News was unable to broadcast live for hours this morning, on Sky Q or Sky Glass, only returning to screens around 9.25am, while Xbox Live went down for Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S owners since roughly 11pm last night (Thursday 18 July).

Some reports suggest that there was an issue with an anti-virus update that took down Microsoft servers globally. American Airlines, for instance, claims that a cybersecurity firm, Crowdstrike, pushed a huge update that "bricked machines". The Swiss Federal Office for Cyber Security has come to the same conclusion.

If so, this could result in a massive undertaking by companies around the globe.

Crowdstrike is said to have 24,000 customers – each of which businesses with many employees and computers under their control. It is claimed that the solution could be that every affected PC and machine will need to be rebooted manually. That could prove a mammoth task for some firms who have thousands of PCs and systems in their operations.

It is currently unconfirmed, but the BBC suggests this is the likely source and process facing many this morning.

It could also explain why Sky News is back, with some other systems gradually returning – Xbox Live is also back up and running, for example – but disruption continues in many fields.

The BBC also reports that hospitals in multiple countries are having to reschedule operations, including NHS services in the UK, airlines have grounded planes, and many cash machines around the world are currently offline.

The Alaskan police even reported that their 911 services were down.

We'll bring you more on the outage as we get it.

Want to feel old? The Microsoft Surface Pro family has been around for more than a decade. Some of that time was spent treading tech water. But the Microsoft Surface Pro 11th Edition marks the biggest change in years. And, to be honest, Microsoft doesn’t deserve all that much credit for it. Not for the hardware anyway.  

This is the first Surface Pro with a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor "made for AI" — one not all that different from the kind you might find in a high-end phone. That may sound like bad news, but it’s actually not. The Microsoft Surface Pro 11th Edition is a powerful, ultra-long-lasting laptop that’s better than ever for gaming and everyday productivity — and one of the best laptops 2024 has to offer. 

Microsoft Surface Pro 11th Edition: Price & Availability

The starting cost is pretty high, at £1,049 in the UK, but this nets you a respectable spec, with 16GB RAM and a 256GB SSD. 

Make sure to account for a Surface Keyboard too, though. One isn’t included and I think is an essential part of the Surface Pro puzzle. But it's a further £139, taking the package to £1188.

Microsoft does charge a bundle for internal upgrades, too, with the combination I’m reviewing costing an eye-watering £1988. Yikes! That's into MacBook Pro territory. 

Microsoft Surface Pro 11 review: Display

The fundamentals of the Surface Pro haven’t really changed all that much since the early days. This is a hybrid PC with a totally removable keyboard. Kind of like a super-tablet, if you will. It features an integrated kickstand on the back, so the screen part can stand up on its own without the keyboard if you want. 

I still don’t get why you’d buy a Microsoft Surface Pro 11th Edition without a keyboard, though. If you want a tablet to mess around with, buy one of the best Apple iPads. The Surface Pro’s job is to be the most legit hybrid around. But Windows 11 still doesn’t sing when used in pure tablet mode, so get that keyboard locked in. The two combined are still no thicker or heavier than a good 13-inch ultraportable. 

As usual, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11th Edition’s casing is all-metal. It looks and feels fantastic, and is if anything more metallic-feeling than earlier generations. A Microsoft rep told me there’s greater use of recycled aluminium in the alloy these days, to up the sustainability angle. And aluminium brings the metal feel magnesium leaves at the door. 

I've always largely bought into the Surface Pro concept, even if I think it’s a bit small for the sheer amount of time I use a laptop. As an 8-hour-a-day work PC I'd rather use the Surface Laptop 6 instead. But not every laptop needs to be made for me. I can see why this will be the best lightweight laptop option for many other users. 

Microsoft Surface Pro 11 review: Display

One reason for that jump in cost is the Surface Pro's new OLED screen, available in the higher-price versions of this 11th Edition laptop. Does this make it worth the asking price though? As already said, you pay a small fortune for what you get, but this display is lovely.

It's a 2880 x 1920 pixel panel with super-rich colour, excellent brightness and a 13-inch diameter. This laptop feels smaller than a classic 13-inch laptop because the 3:2 aspect ratio is so tall. But it does give apps a decent amount of space to luxuriate. 

This one is way ahead of the laptop pack for brightness too. It can reach 600 nits in normal use, which is around a 50% bump over the average slim and light laptop. And if you watch an HDR video you see the real maximum brightness of 850 nits. 

We’re not quite at the brightness of the best phone, but we’re getting there. And whether you get the LCD or the OLED version, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11th Edition also supports a pressure-sensing stylus. 

Microsoft Surface Pro 11 review: Keyboard & touchpad

Microsoft sent me its new Flex Keyboard to try out. It’s lovely, but the price is intimidating: £440 when bundled with a stylus. 

The substantive changes it makes are almost all for the good, though. Microsoft says the Flex Keyboard is further stiffened with additional layers of carbon fibre, and it now works wirelessly and has a haptic touchpad rather than a classic mechanical design. 

I was not the biggest fan of Microsoft’s first experiments with haptic touchpads in the Surface line. Its classic clickers were some of the best ever made, and early haptic ones were a downgrade. But, fair play Microsoft, the Surface Pro 11’s haptic pad is excellent. The click isn’t weak and shallow-feeling (which is a common issue with these haptic pads), the surface area is larger than the old design, and it is ultra-smooth textured glass. 

We’re in a time of even more pretty expensive laptops using so-so plastic touchpads these days. To get such a fab glass one on a millimetres-thick accessory? This is impressive stuff. 

The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 keyboard is just as lavish but, much like the screen, it wouldn’t necessarily be my first pick for my day job. It’s not cramped as such. The keys have great, if shallow, feedback. The backlight looks good. The spacing is just fine. But the cut-down side keys do take some getting used to, and the design just isn’t the same as that of a laptop. 

Used like a laptop, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 relies on its kickstand, making use on your knees feels all kinds of wrong. Microsoft gets close to a 'best of both worlds' experience here, but there are always compromises. It's going to depend on your preference, really, and for those working on train commutes this flexibility might actually be more ideal than not. 

Microsoft Surface Pro 11 review: Performance & software

This is among the very first devices to use one of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Elite chipsets. And it’s also one of the first CoPilot Plus laptops, Microsoft’s certification that unlocks a handful of AI features in Windows 11. 

Right now these include an AI image generation element in Paint, live transcription of audio between languages, webcam effects for video meetings, and Recall (which records your activity so you can ask Windows 11’s AI bot what the hell you were doing on the second Tuesday of last month). That last one might be the most useful, but a series of valid privacy and security issues have seen it delayed.

In use, these CoPilot Plus features are absolutely not worth upgrading for. You can find very similar online alternatives to Paint’s CoCreator online, and it doesn’t work without an internet connection — offline AI was meant to be a key draw of this CoPilot Plus family. And live translation has been in the works at Google for a while. 

There’s plenty here to like here besides, though. The Microsoft Surface Pro 11’s Snapdragon Elite has processor power similar to an Intel Ultra CPU and graphics power similar to a 13th Gen Intel Core i7, while using less power.  

Remember when Apple started using its own processors in 2020 and caused a big fuss? This is Windows’s equivalent and, sure enough, the Snapdragon Elite’s power is in the same ballpark as Apple’s M-series chipsets. 

Compatibility is the big question mark here, as the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 uses a "compatibility layer" to let software not made for these processors work. It’s impressive, but not perfect (just as we said of Apple at the time of its silicon transition). And that’s why Microsoft also makes the Surface Pro 10 for business, with Intel Ultra processors rather than these new-fangled Snapdragon ones. 

I tried more than 25 games on the Surface Pro 11, released from the 90s to recent years, and almost all of them worked just fine. You can play The Witcher 3, Grand Theft Auto 5 or Bioshock Infinite, no problem. 

Cyberpunk 2077 is a bit too demanding for the laptop. It can run with significantly cut-down settings, but doesn’t look as good as it could, and it kept on crashing during my testing. 

A few other games didn’t run, but it’s tricky to tell whether that’s a Snapdragon issue or something more basic. I couldn’t get Ultimate Underworld to play but, hey, that is 40 years old. 

Some other niggles may prove to be more significant. My colorimeter, a screen-testing tool, wasn't recognised. And Adobe at one point apparently blocked the use of its apps ahead of the release of versions made specifically for his hardware.

Most normal Windows apps run fine, and feel fast, but there’s real early adopter risk that your favourite app or game may not work close to release. And some may never work. So bear that in mind. 

Unlike the MacBook Air, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 does use a fan, which starts up when the PC is under significant pressure. However, it never generates much noise. And while the rear of the casing also gets fairly warm, you'll only notice if you’re actually using the thing like a tablet. 

Microsoft Surface Pro 11 review: Battery life

Long stamina is one of the big sells of these Snapdragon laptops. The Surface Pro 11 has never really had killer longevity... not until now anyway.

Despite having the smallest battery of all the first wave of CoPilot Plus laptops, this hybrid can still last up to 14.5 hours of YouTube streaming according to my usage. Microsoft claims 14 hours of local video playback. Finally, a manufacturer claim that's on the money. 

When playing The Witcher 3, the Surface Pro 11 will last around two hours. It’s not as impressive, sure, but is still better than you’d get from an Intel processor gaming PC. And there’s no significant loss of performance when running off the battery either, which is great. 

AMD CPU laptops are famous for their battery stamina, but they only achieve that through major performance limiting when on battery power. This Snapdragon alternative doesn't need to do that. 

More good news: the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 doesn’t seem to suffer from any heat-related performance throttling when gaming either. Sure, if it’s 40C in your home, maybe it will. But that fan clearly has a legit job to do. 

There are no major stings in the tail to finish off either. The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 has meaty-sounding and loud speakers, well above the general standard among laptops. And the 5MP (1440p) webcam is great too. One of the CoPilot Plus features baked in will also crop into the view, following you around during meetings. 

Microsoft Surface Pro 11 review: Verdict

The Microsoft Surface Pro 11th Edition might just be the best showcase for this new breed of Snapdragon Elite laptops. It’s extremely portable. The new hardware solves one of the long-running complaints about this family — mediocre battery life — and there are real technical improvements in display tech and keyboard quality. 

If you’re worried about certain software packages working, you should absolutely look into that before buying. Microsoft does make a “for business” (read: Intel processor) version just for that crowd, after all. But for the rest of us this model gives the Surface a fresh injection of life. It's an incredibly versatile PC that we can't help but love. 

Also consider

Microsoft announced the Surface Pro 10 just a few months before the Surface Pro 11. They’re not a full generation apart in one sense, but feel miles apart in another.  The Pro 10 is described as a "for business" PC, and it uses Intel Ultra processors to ensure peak compatibility with apps. It’s nowhere near as interesting as the 11th Edition, though, and won’t last as long off a charge. 

If you like the concept of these new CoPilot Plus PCs but need an all-day work PC, you might want to consider a more conventional design. The Acer Swift AI, Microsoft Surface Laptop 6 and Samsung Galaxy Book Edge all use similar insides, but have larger displays and the classic laptop style that may fit better for daily digital drudgery. 

Microsoft is about to change its Xbox Game Pass service forever. One of the popular subscription tiers is being scrapped, while prices are soaring across the board.

The changes will affect all users, although those currently subscribing to Xbox Game Pass for Console will be impacted most – the tier is being ditched entirely in favour of a new Xbox Game Pass Standard plan.

The main difference between them is that the new tier will not get new games on day one – that will be exclusive to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate going forward.

Existing Xbox Game Pass for Console members will be able to stick with that plan for the time being, including access to day one releases, but new members will no longer be able to sign up to it.

In addition, if subscribers on that tier fail to renew their payments (ie. aren't on automatic payment) they will lose that membership and will be required to sign up to the new plan or one of the others.

Xbox Game Pass Core, PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will remain with the same benefits as before, but prices are rising for each.

As of today, Wednesday 10 July 2024, new members will be charged more.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate now costs £14.99 / $19.99 / €17.99 per month – a raise of £2 in the UK and $3 / €3 in the US and EU respectively.

PC Game Pass now costs £9.99 / $11.99 / €11.99 per month, and a 12-month subscription to Xbox Game Pass Core will now set you back £55.99 / $74.99 / €69.99.

Existing members to each of those tiers will continue to pay the current, lower prices until 12 September 2024.

Players will be able to stack codes for Xbox Game Pass for Console for up to 13 months.

What do you get with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate?

Clearly, the best deal available is still via Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Although its has raised in price for new members, it offers 100s of games, all Xbox's own new releases on day one – including Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 – and some from third-parties, Xbox Cloud Gaming access, PC Game Pass, EA Play, and online play privileges. You also get exclusive discounts on the Xbox Store.

Xbox recently launched Xbox Cloud Gaming on Amazon Fire TV Sticks, so you can play full versions of games on your TV via the Fire TV Stick 4K or 4K Max – you just need a Bluetooth controller.

We suspect it'll arrive on other streaming devices soon, too. So, these price rises are no coincidence considering the player pool could increase significantly soon.

For us, the best way to play Xbox games is still on an Xbox Series X. But who knows what the future will bring? One thing's for sure, it'll be a touch more expensive.

Xbox has been changing strategy of late, releasing former platform exclusive games on rival consoles, and looking into other areas of expansion – such as gaming handhelds.

However, while this all seems like a sudden shift for Microsoft and its games division, it's actually something that's been bubbling up for a while. Back in October 2022, it was revealed that the company was planning to not only offer Xbox Cloud Gaming on third-party devices, such as Samsung Smart TVs, but through its own streaming device – negating the need for an Xbox console entirely.

Project Keystone was leaked after an unannounced device was spotted on the shelf behind Xbox boss Phil Spencer in an X (Twitter as was) post about the 25th anniversary of Fallout.

Looking like a miniature version of the Xbox Series S, but from afar, it was to be a hub for Microsoft's cloud gaming platform alone, as Spencer admitted. However, the concept was (ironically) eventually shelved, with the company switching focus to further third-party streaming deals instead.

Still, we can ponder on what might have been – not least because a patent for Keystone has now popped up online (via Eurogamer).

Featuring a series of diagrams for the now ditched product, it shows a device that's very similar to the prototype shown on Spencer's shelf.

It has an Xbox logo on the front, much like the Xbox Series X and S, although that might have just been a lit decal as there also seems to be a separate power button on the side. There is also what looks to be a rectangular hole for a USB port, perhaps.

Additional drawings, which includes one of the rear, reveal a wired Ethernet connection, HDMI output and a power input. That's about it.

In many ways, it's a shame it never happened, although there are plenty of excellent streaming devices and set-top-boxes on the market that could easily run an Xbox Cloud Gaming app.

Its available through Samsung Smart TVs now, but it'll surely come to the likes of Fire TV and Apple TV eventually. Maybe when an assumed exclusivity deal with Samsung expires, perhaps?

Then the service could really spread its wings.

Those following the last few months of Xbox Series X Pro rumours might be disappointed to learn that Microsoft has no plans to release a mid-generation upgrade to its existing console line-up.

It has instead announced three new Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S variants coming in time for the "holidays" with larger storage space and/or tweaked design. One, in fact, takes something away.

Announced during the Xbox Games Showcase as part of Summer Game Fest, the All-Digital Xbox Series X comes in "Robot White" and has the same 1TB of SSD storage as the original model. However, it ditches the disc drive, with a slight saving on price.

This, it turns out, was the all-digital console many reported as an Xbox Series X Pro a little while ago.

Also joining the lineup are a 1TB version of the Xbox Series S, which almost doubles the SSD capacity to 1TB over the current model, and a 2TB version of the Xbox Series X with a star-spattered design called "Galaxy Black".

The existing consoles will remain on the market too, making for an impressive range of alternatives depending on customers' budgets.

As from the forthcoming holiday season, you can get an Xbox then from £249.99 / $299.99 to $599.99 (expected to be £549.99 in the UK).

What you're unlikely to now get is an Xbox Series X Pro or anything that resembles the circular Xbox "Brooklin" leaked last year.

Speaking during the Games Showcase presentation, Xbox's president, Sarah Bond, unveiled the trio of new models but also hinted that the company is concentrating on a next-gen machine rather than a mid-gen refresh.

"It's our mission to make Xbox the best place to play," she said. "By including the titles from our own studios in Game Pass at launch, by bringing your games into the future with our commitment to game preservation, by pushing the technical boundaries in our future hardware, and empowering you to play your games anywhere you want – on Xbox consoles, PC and cloud.

"This is what defines Xbox today and in the future, and we're hard at work on the next generation."

This suggests we'll have to wait a while for an Xbox Series X follow-up, although better news is that whatever comes next will at least be backward compatible once more.

The ball's now in PlayStation's court.

Microsoft has announced that its biggest game of the year will be on Xbox Game Pass from day one.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will be available at no extra cost to Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and PC owners with Xbox Game Pass when it launches later this year. The only question is whether it will be downloadable to all members or exclusive to a new, rumoured premium tier.

We'll find out more during the Xbox Games Showcase and the following Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Direct on 9 June, but there has been speculation in recent times that the structure of Game Pass could change soon.

Last week, "insiders" took to the forums of ResetEra to claim that Microsoft is set to introduce a different tier system to Xbox Game Pass, which will both simplify the offering and allow the company to charge more for access to its more premium games.

It is claimed that the new Call of Duty will be on the highest tier of the new structure.

However, there's no indication at present that prices will rise again. It might just be that the current top level membership is rebranded and the lower tiers are reconfigured.

Either way, at least Microsoft has put to bed the persistent rumours on the new Call of Duty hitting the platform. It also released a new, live-action trailer to go with the announcement.

It doesn't give away many clues for what we can expect from the game – just some vague soundbites from lookalikes of former world leaders (including the Iron Lady, Margaret Thatcher) – but we don't have too long to wait to find out more.

The livestream on 9 June will be part of Summer Game Fest and kick off at 6pm BST (10am PDT) with the main Xbox Games Showcase – this will highlight announcements and trailers from in-house Xbox studios and third-parties. It will then be followed by the Direct presentation dedicated to COD: BO6, which will feature a deep dive into the game.

You should be able to watch the entire shebang live right here on T3.

Microsoft unveiled new devices it's adding to the Surface lineup during its Build keynote address this week, refreshing its options and integrating AI even further into the hardware.

It's going big on its all-new Copilot+ PCs category, which centres on its AI assistant and suite of tools, and there are a few new features on that side of things for the new flagship, the Surface Pro. 

While the last few years have seen the Surface lineup perhaps focus as much on laptops as the 2-in-1s that launched the brand, the Surface Pro is a return to those roots, and Microsoft says it's 90% faster than the Surface 9. 

The tablet-come-laptop will be powered by either the Snapdragon X Elite or Snapdragon X Plus depending on which configuration you opt for, and looks like it has an attractive design with that familiar kickstand. 

It has a 13-inch display that can be outfitted with an OLED panel if you pay for the optional upgrade, and can now power up to three external 4K displays, with two USB 4 ports for connectivity. 

That OLED, of course, means that it once again will be duking it out with Apple's newest iPad Pro model for the "pro-grade tablet" market. 

That might make it an ideal professional hub, especially since it can obviously fulfil all of the things you'd want from a tablet, including using a stylus and full touch-screen capabilities. 

To go with this all, though, Microsoft unveiled a whole new pack of features for Copilot, which will have its own button on the keyboard, as most new Windows machines now do. 

Recall will let you search for things you remember seeing on your computer without needing to have saved files. Cocreator in Paint will let you instruct the app to help you get to a desired endpoint while you create an image. Finally, Live Captions will bring the option of live subtitles for any English-speaking audio coming through your computer's speakers.

Each sounds fairly powerful, although whether they're system sellers is a question that will take longer to answer. 

Meanwhile, Microsoft also took the wraps off the new Surface Laptop, a more conventional device that still looks nice and slick. 

It gets a 120Hz refresh rate display and the choice between a 13.8-inch or 15-inch version depending on what you want. 

Both the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop are available to pre-order now from Microsoft if you're interested, and they both start at $999 for their most basic version, so there's plenty of comparing to be done.

Microsoft opened its annual Build developer conference with a keynote dedicated to AI and, in particular, its new category of laptops and tablets powered by Copilot.

Called Copilot+ PCs, each device has the company's artificial intelligence features build in. They include Microsoft's own new models – the 2024 Surface Pro and Surface Laptop – and also multiple products from third-party manufacturers.

These include Acer, with its Swift 14 AI, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo and Samsung. Each brand will have a number of different Copilot+ PCs available, in multiple configurations, starting from mid-June. They will be priced from around £1,000 / $1,000.

The Swift 14 AI, for example, will be £1,199.

Another feature of Copilot+ PCs (for now, at least) is that they will run on Qualcomm's new Snapdragon X Series chipsets – Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus.

The Snapdragon X Elite CPU has 8 high performance cores and 4 efficiency optimised cores, designed for speed and more efficient power usage. There is also a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) to run AI processes faster than ever before.

In terms of new features, Microsoft has also announced new AI and Copilot experiences that will be available on the forthcoming PCs.

Recall allows you to find things you have done on your PC quickly and visually, whether that be visiting a website, opening a document, or another task. It gives you a timeline of snapshots that you can speedily scroll through to, so you can stop when you see the process you need.

There is also Cocreator, which will build a detailed AI generated image from simple sketches you make in Paint.

Third-party apps will also be able to use the new NPU for faster AI processing, such as Adobe's creation tools, like Photoshop with its Firefly systems, and Algoriddim’s djay Pro, which can use AI to help mix music tracks.

Microsoft says that many of the Copilot+ PCs are available to pre-order now, with shipping to start on 18 June 2024.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is just about the perfect 2-in-1, blending all the functionality of a laptop with the flexibility of a tablet – and Windows 11 can of course adapt to either mode with ease. Get some work done or just sit back and consume some content, it's up to you. 

View the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 deal here

With the Surface Pro 9 such an appealing device, we're excited to see it reduced by a considerable £300 over at Amazon – a 27% drop. We checked at CamelCamelCamel, and this is the lowest that this laptop-tablet hybrid has ever been, giving you another reason to pick it up.

Down from its previous price of £1,099, the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 will now set you back just £799. That's a very competitive price for one of the best pieces of hardware that Microsoft makes – and because Microsoft is making the hardware, you know the Windows 11 software is going to run beautifully.

In our Microsoft Surface Pro 9 review, we described the 2-in-1 as a great choice for your next computing device, one that's easy to use and lightweight, as well as offering a sharp, vivid 13-inch display. Under the hood we've got a capable Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of SSD storage (plenty for most users).

"While it may not be the most portable tablet or the most powerful laptop," we wrote in our review, "it does offer a happy medium between the two – something you don't often get elsewhere". And that versatility is an important factor in deciding whether or not this is a purchase that's worth your while.

At the lowest price it's ever been at, we'd say this Microsoft Surface Pro 9 deal is very much worth looking into. You can spend the money you save on a Surface Pen and a Surface Pro Signature Keyboard – these are both sold separately and will enable you to get the most out of the Surface Pro 9.

Xbox Insiders have started to receive a software update that adds a great new feature for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers.

They will test it first before it will roll out to all players, but it's especially exciting for those who make use of the Xbox Cloud Gaming service that's part of membership.

That's because it finally adds keyboard and mouse support for games, which potentially opens up the cloud streaming platform to a far wider array of titles, including PC strategy games. It also means that some games, such as first-person shooters could offer mouse controls as well as gamepad – something many hardcore gamers prefer.

The update is available to Xbox Insiders on the Alpha-Skip-Ahead ring, so is only in its early stages of public testing. Those on the Insiders program get early system software builds to try out new features and capabilities before they make it onto every Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.

However, some features released in preview builds never make it into the wider world, so don't hold your breath quite yet.

What Game Pass games can be played with keyboard and mouse?

The games list released by Xbox for its trial is limited. The service is also currently only available through supported browsers (Edge and Chrome) and the Xbox App on Windows PCs for those enrolled in the PC Gaming Preview.

However, there is the possibility that further accessory support could come to Xbox consoles too in future.

Here's the current list of games available to play on Xbox Cloud Gaming using keyboard and mouse for Insiders:

• Age of Empires 2
• ARK Survival Evolved
• Atomic Heart
• Deep Rock Galactic
• Doom 64
• Fortnite
• Gears Tactics
• Grounded
• Halo Infinite
• High on Life
• Pentiment
• Sea of Thieves
• Sniper Elite 5
• Zombie Army 4 Dead War

Xbox has also posted release notes on the update, including some extra details on how to get it to work.

As of tomorrow, 28 March, all Game Pass Ultimate members will gain access to Diablo IV as part of the latest batch of titles added to the service.

These days it's hard to tell where a tablet ends and a laptop begins, 2-in1 machines are super popular now and for good reason. They combine sleek form factors with touchscreens and laptop-level power. 

One of the chief culprits is Microsoft with its excellent Surface range of laptop/tablet hybrids. Now for Amazon's Spring Sale you can grab the ultrafast Surface Pro 9 for a cut price. The i5 model is on sale for £829 but we like the suped-up Intel Core i7 version more. Not only is it the superior machine, it's also the better deal with a massive 38% off. That brings its price down from £1599 to a steal at £999, the lowest it has ever been. 

With that i7 processor and 16GB of RAM, the Surface Pro 9 we've highlighted is capable of mixing it with the best laptops without worry. But then when you're bored of work, you've also got a powerhouse tablet with a gorgeous 13" screen, perfect for use with a stylus like the Surface Slim Pen 2 which offers tactile feedback to imitate the feel of drawing or writing on paper. 

It's not just a powerhouse machine, but practical too. The Pro 9 features an impressive battery life and despite its slim frame, it has two USB-C ports to boot. Of course, as a Microsoft device, it's a dream to use with its Office suite of software as well.

This model doesn't include the compatible keyboard, but I would suggest getting one if you can, it not only makes it easier to use as a traditional laptop but also acts as a neat cover when folded over.  

If you're after an ultra-portable laptop, you might not have thought about the Surface, but it could be your next must-have.

Microsoft will be holding an event on Monday 20 May where it will talk about its vision for AI across Surface and Windows. It's expected that the event - which is invite-only - will see the reveal of consumer versions of the Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6.

The details come from The Verge, who says that media have been invited to the event, which is scheduled as an appetiser for Microsoft Build, which starts on 21 May. That's not the only event that Microsoft has in its calendar: it's also going to be talking about a "new era of work" on 21 March.

The March event is likely to see the reveal of new Surface models aimed at business, with Microsoft saying that the digital event will cover "scaling AI in your environment with Copilot, Windows, and Surface."

The hardware might take a slight backseat, but it could be an early reveal of what to expect at the consumer event due to be held in May. It's also expected that Microsoft will use these events to talk about new AI features in Windows 11, including an AI Explorer, which will be Copilot-powered feature designed to help you search your history, to find conversations, documents, or webpages you were previously working on, according to Windows Central.

What to expect from the Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6

The last Surface Pro launch saw two versions of Microsoft's two-in-one announced: there was the Intel version and the Microsoft SQ3 version. The latter of these was based on Qualcomm's hardware with built-in 5G and a couple of changes over the Intel version. It offered better battery life and a great video calling experience, but still had some compatibility and performance issues.

It's expected that the next-gen Surface will be available running on the new Snapdragon X Elite hardware - which is said to bring a significant performance boost - while still retaining Intel options too. Otherwise, it's expected that there will be an OLED display.

The Surface Laptop 6 is also expected to offer Intel and Snapdragon X Elite versions, with Microsoft expected to launch these devices as their first "AI PCs". The Surface Laptop is expected to have a design upgrade with slimmer bezels and a Copilot key among other tweaks.

While these new devices might be revealed in March, the versions that you'll want to buy as a consumer won't be announced until the event in May.

Microsoft has big plans to refresh its Surface device lineup in the next month, according to a new report. 

We will see fresh redesigns for its best laptops, with a Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 to launch at an event on 21 March, the company told The Verge. 

One of the most obvious changes this will bring is the likely addition of a new Copilot key on both laptops' keyboards, embedding new AI features right there in the hardware, rather than just as a feature in the operating system.

This has seen the standard Windows keyboard get a redesign for the first time in years, and could take some getting used to. 

However, there will be other fairly major revisions, too, including the exciting change to an OLED display for the premium Surface Pro 10. This should make for delightfully inky blacks and pin-sharp details, and it'll also seemingly be HDR compatible for vibrant colours, with an anti-reflective coating.

The display on the Surface Pro 10 will apparently be topped by an ultrawide webcam, too, making it hopefully ideal for working flexibly and taking video calls. 

Without knowing its display resolution, that sounds like a pretty fantastic laptop option, display-wise, and it's expected to be powered by an Arm processor, as will the Surface Laptop 6. Both may also ship with Intel configurations, though, which could be available a little sooner. 

This more affordable laptop should get some welcome tweaks, too, including thinner bezels (these were quite chunky on the last model, for all its other strengths). It will also have a more rounded-off design, the addition of haptic feedback for its touchpad, and two USB-C ports (plus one USB-A) for connectivity. 

Microsoft hasn't said anything publicly about an event later in March, but with this report now gaining traction it'll be interesting to see if it sticks something in the diary officially soon. 

The Verge's sources indicate that the Intel versions of these new laptops will be available in April, while those using Arm processors will arrive somewhere closer to June, so depending on the configuration you favour you might be able to get your hands on one relatively soon. 

While we await to hear whether Sony will launch a PlayStation 5 Pro later this year, it seems that Microsoft could pip its rival to the post.

It is heavily tipped to be launching a new Xbox Series X model as soon as this coming summer.

Exputer claims to have heard from its sources that an Xbox Series X with no disc drive could be released in June or July. It is also said to be white rather than the traditional black – to look more like the Xbox Series S.

There's no word yet on pricing, while the only mention of feature changes (beyond the removal of the disc drive) concerns an improved internal heatsink and "upgraded Nexus card" for network connectivity.

However, it could be that this is the Xbox "Brooklin" console that was discovered in court documents last year, which would make the new machine a bit more interesting than a disc-less Series X.

That proposed console comes with a circular design, a much beefier 2TB of SSD storage, and a USB-C port on the front for "power delivery".

Its wireless connectivity also gets a step up – to Wi-Fi 6E, which means you should get as good an internet connection as you would if you used Ethernet. The documents also revealed better Bluetooth, with a jump up to Bluetooth 5.2 for lower latency.

A new controller was also leaked at the same time, with new haptic feedback capabilities that rival the PS5's DualSense. However, there's no mention of that in Exputer's report.

What we don't yet know is whether the new console will gain a performance boost, to truly make it an Xbox Series X Pro, or whether it'll just be an all-digital refinement of the existing model. But, with an alleged PS5 Pro and new Nintendo Switch 2 console both looming large, we wouldn't be surprised to learn that there's more to this new mid-generation Xbox than initially thought.

Xbox has hit the headlines a lot of late, with its future very much under the spotlight. However, a podcast released last week settled the nerves for a fair few fans and Xbox console owners.

There was even talk of a new Xbox console (which we're calling Xbox Next for now). We might even see new hardware this year.

But, what that might look like is up for debate, and one rumour that's been circulating recently is that the gaming arm of Microsoft might even be looking at the handheld market very closely. Some industry experts, such as Windows Central's Jez Corden, have even suggested that an Xbox handheld (the Xbox Series P or Series H, as some have called it) is in the works.

Now a new interview with the head of Xbox, Phil Spencer, has poured further fuel onto the fire. He has revealed to Tom Warren at The Verge that not only is he a fan of the form factor, the company could learn a few lessons from Nintendo and the success of the Switch.

"What keeps people from playing certain hours? Well, there’s some sleep, school, and kind of normal life, but some of it is just access," he explained.

"Do I have access to the games that I want to play right now? Obviously, we’re kind of learning from what Nintendo has done over the years with Switch, they’ve been fantastic with that.

"So, when I look at Steam Deck and the ROG and my Legion Go, I’m a big fan of that space."

However, Spencer didn't quite confirm that a handheld is in development.

"I’m a big fan, but nothing to announce."

What makes it more intriguing is that the Xbox boss did hint that future hardware would be "unique".

I" will say I’m very proud of the work that the hardware team is doing, not only for this year, but also into the future.

"[We’re] really thinking about creating hardware that sells to gamers because of the unique aspects of the hardware."

So, is an Xbox handheld possible?

While Spencer cites the Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck and other PC handhelds, he must surely also have one eye on the performance of the PlayStation Portal. Sony's remote play device goes back out of stock as quickly as it manages to get units onto shelves.

And considering that device only connects to a home PS5, just think what Xbox could do with Game Pass on a portable machine. It wouldn't even need to offer remote play for Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S – everything could be streamed over the cloud.

It's certainly in a great position software-wise to launch a handheld, so we feel it's not beyond the realms of possibility that we'll see an Xbox Series P sometime in the near(ish) future.

There has been a lot of gossip about Xbox in recent times. It has only sold half the amount of its current generation consoles as Sony, and there is a lot of talk about it ripping up the playbook when it comes to platform exclusives – suggesting that it will start to release all of its Xbox Game Studios titles on rival machines.

Some have even suggested that we might have seen the last ever Xbox console already.

That might be a bit extreme, but there's definitely something up at Xbox towers, and we're about to find out exactly what. The head of Microsoft's gaming arm, Phil Spencer, is to speak with fellow Xbox executives Sarah Bond and Matt Booty on a special podcast to be released today.

On it they will detail the future of the brand and, we hope, what it means for Xbox hardware going forward.

Here's everything you need to know about the podcast, including when it'll be live online and what to expect.

When will the special Official Xbox Podcast be available?

Xbox will post its likely pre-recorded podcast today, Thursday 15 February 2024 at 12:00 PT.

Here are the times for your region:

• US West Coast: 12:00 PT
• US East Coast: 15:00 ET
• UK: 20:00 GMT
• Central Europe: 21:00 CET
• India (New Delhi): 00:30 IST (16 February)
• Japan (Tokyo): 04:00 JST (16 February)
• South Korea (Seoul): 04:00 KST (16 February)
• Australia (Sydney): 07:00 AEDT (16 February)

How to listen to the special Official Xbox Podcast

We hope to host the Official Xbox Podcast right here on T3 closer the time.

However, you can also listen to it on Xbox's official YouTube channel or "wherever you listen to your podcasts".

Will this be the death of Xbox Series X, Series S and future Xbox consoles?

We don't yet know how much the Xbox executive team will reveal about future console plans, but it's hugely unlikely that it will be scrapping hardware completely.

Instead, we expect Xbox head Phil Spencer, its president, Sarah Bond, and the head of Xbox Game Studios, Matt Booty to discuss a new strategy of releasing games across multiple platforms.

In all honesty, it doesn't make business sense to restrict its first-party titles to a console lineup that only makes up a fraction of the market and is unlikely to ever make up enough ground.

On top of this, Xbox is investing heavily on cloud gaming, so wants its titles on every device anyway – basically anything with an internet connection and access to a screen. So, it's been splitting from the age-old console release traditions already, and for several years.

We'll find out for sure soon.

There has been a lot of talk about the next Microsoft console recently, with suggestions that the company will skip an Xbox Series X Pro and go straight to Xbox "Next" (or so it is affectionately being called for now).

It now seems that there could be a major rethink on how that new console will operate, too. There are suggestions that Microsoft could not only produce its next machine without a disc drive, it could ditch physical game releases entirely.

While discussing the recent, devastating job losses at Xbox and Activision Blizzard, Windows Central reporter Jez Corden posted on X (via Comicbook.com) that among the departments shut down are those dedicated to releasing games on physical formats.

"Microsoft has also shut down departments dedicated to bringing Xbox games to physical retail," he wrote "Which if you've seen the digital-only Xbox console leaks... well, you can get an idea of where Microsoft is going here."

He refers to the round Xbox Series X "Brooklyn" model that leaked last September as part of its Activision acquisition court battles. Confirmed by Xbox boss Phil Spencer as genuine at the time, it showed a version of the console without a disc slot.

Spencer since revealed that the products in the leak were part of early internal plans and may never come to fruition, but there's further evidence to suggest we're heading for a disc-less future.

Walmart in the US is ditching Xbox games from its shelves, it is said, while Game in the UK has recently announced that it is scrapping its age-old trade-in service.

Many fans of physical game media often claim that it's the ability to resell or trade-in disc copies that continues to make them better options. But with that capability shrinking or disappearing entirely, there could be a smaller market for physical releases.

Add the fact that Xbox has effectively lost this round of the console war to its biggest rival, with the PlayStation 5 thought to have sold at least double the amount of units, and you can see why the company is at least considering a switch to cloud and digital game downloads only. For good or bad.

BT broadband customers in the UK are urged to check their recent bills as they may have accidentally been charged a £10 Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription fee.

Customers are reporting the additional charge, even if they haven't signed up for membership, nor own an Xbox Series X, Series S, or Xbox One.

"I logged into my BT account online and saw that they charged me an extra £10 and that money had come out of my account," said Sue from London to the BBC.

"I actually thought I'd been hacked, so I phoned them up... and they explained that it was a BT error."

The Beeb then discovered other customers were affected, including one of its own employees. The employee was told it was a "known issue".

BT suggests that its customers check their bills and report any anomalies: "We recommend that all of our customers remain vigilant and if they notice changes to their account that are suspicious, to contact us as soon as possible to report this," a spokesperson told the BBC.

"We will support and guide them on how to take steps to ensure their account is secure."

You might even have received an email thanking you for activating Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, so it's worth checking your inbox and spam folder, then contact the provider.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is a great subscription service that provides access to hundreds of full price games for one relatively small monthly payment. It includes online gaming access, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Xbox Game Pass for PC, EA Play and several other benefits too.

And, to be fair on BT (and sister company EE), it only charges its customers £10 per month for the service when it usually costs £12.99. In addition, those on its Full Fibre 500 and Full Fibre 900 broadband plans get 6 and 12-months Game Pass respectively at no extra cost.

However, it seems that an automated system error between BT and Microsoft's systems has resulted in other customers also being charged, whether they wanted it or not.

It isn't that long since Microsoft launched its new swathe of Copilot AI tools for businesses to enable in their Office programs, and it's already making them available directly to consumers. 

A new subscription, priced at £19 or $20 a month and called Copilot Pro, will let you unlock Copilot across all of Word, Excel, Outlook, OneNote and PowerPoint (although the Excel version remains a preview). 

That's not all - the subscription will also get you early access to new models from OpenAI, the ability to generate images and, down the line, access to a suite of tools that can let you build your own "Copilot GPT" using a tool that will arrive soon. 

That might be pretty enticing to those who are particularly keen on experimenting with AI, but the tools that are likely to get the most use in the here and now are those additions to how Office programs work. 

For example, you could give Copilot a text-based prompt while making a slideshow in PowerPoint and it'll generate a slide for you completely on its own. 

Or, in Excel, you might prefer to tell it that you want a cell to summarise the average contents of a bunch of other cells - again, it'll make that for you, without you needing to get into the detail of all the equations that might otherwise be needed. 

Those tools could become second nature pretty quickly, so you might well find value in them, although there's no denying that £19 is a somewhat steep monthly cost.

Still, there will be plenty of people who see bundled access to new OpenAI models as being a big bonus - right now it means instant access to GPT-4 Turbo, the newest version available, and it comes without any restrictions on peak times. 

That's quite a big leg-up on normal users who might face wait times and slower timelines when generating from prompts. 

There are a whole heap of FAQs and extra details on Microsoft's website dedicated to Copilot Pro, so if you're curious to learn more about the subscription (or to sign up for it), be sure to check that out. 

There has been a lot of talk about a PlayStation 5 Pro mid-generation update coming next year, but Microsoft will reportedly go one better. It is said to be considering jumping straight to its next generation machine – currently dubbed Xbox Next – to get ahead of its long standing rival.

It could release its Xbox Series X 2 games machine as early as 2026, it is claimed.

Journalist and games industry expert Jeff Grubb, who also recently said the PS5 Pro leaks are "almost certainly" genuine, says his source has knowledge of Microsoft's plans: "That person is now saying that Xbox will have [its] own Xbox Next in 2026, whether that’s the Pro or a full follow-up console."

He also claims that the disc-free update of the Xbox Series X, which leaked in September, has been cancelled in favour of a full refresh: "This leaker is saying that this stuff is cancelled and said they’re going to do the Xbox Next faster than they would’ve done otherwise," said Grubb (via Metro).

That Microsoft would want to replace its current flagship console so soon, without a mid-generation upgrade, does come as somewhat a surprise. However, considering the sales figures of the Xbox Series X in comparison with the PS5, it does make sense that it'd want to get ahead of Sony with the next generation.

Xbox consoles have launched almost simultaneously with PlayStations for the last two generations, and have been greatly outsold both times.

The last time when Microsoft "won" a console war was with the Xbox 360, which launched a whole year ahead of the PlayStation 3.

It's widely thought that a PlayStation 6 won't appear until 2028 at the very least, so getting a rival machine out a year or two beforehand would certainly give Xbox an edge.

That said, Xbox boss Phil Spencer has suggested in the past that the hardware might not be the biggest factor in the expansion of the gaming company. It plans to get Xbox games on "every device and screen" possible, mostly via cloud gaming, so it might be that Xbox Next is simply a streaming device – as previously suggested.

We'll be keeping our eyes on this story though as it progresses.

Microsoft has launched three new Surface devices designed primarily for work, but versatile enough to be used for entertainment too.

They aren't a huge leap over their predecessors in design terms, but new processing and a few added features make them worth considering.

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is the beefiest of the bunch.

As with the original Surface Laptop Studio, it's designed for pro users, and is compatible with the Surface Slim Pen 2. However, it offers "twice the power" over the first model, with 13th Gen Intel Core processing and up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics.

The chassis has been tweaked a little, to include a USB-A port and microSD card slot for the first time. This will enable users to transfer data more easily without the need for third-party accessories.

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 is a more affordable option, which also opts for faster Intel processing, and up to 16GB of RAM. You can also spec it with up to 512GB of storage, while battery life is a highly credible 15 hours.

Again, there's not a huge amount of external difference between it and the Surface Laptop Go 2, but Microsoft claims the renewed internals gives it a major performance boost (88% in comparison with the first Laptop Go, in fact).

The final device on the new roster is the Microsoft Surface Go 4 for Business

It has been tweaked to be more secure for those with jobs that demand safety and data protection. It is has also been boosted performance-wise, with Microsoft claiming that it runs four-and-a-half times faster than the original Surface Go.

There's 12.5 hours worth of battery life, while the screen can be used with a stylus for more precise interactions.

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 starts at $1,999.99 / £2,069 and is available for pre-order now. As is the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3, which starts at $799.99 / £799.

Both of the new devices will ship from 3 October 2023.

We're still awaiting availability and pricing details on the Surface Go 4 for Business.

After the extraordinary couple of days in Xbox towers, where it witnessed a swathe of leaks about its future Xbox console plans, company boss, Phil Spencer, has opened up publicly about the rumours. And he has corroborated them all.

Posting on X (formerly Twitter), he confirmed that the leaked information has indeed come from "old emails and documents". However, he also pointed out that "so much has changed" since those plans were originally drawn up.

The leaks came from documents posted on the website of the Federal Trade Commission in the US. However, it was Microsoft that "accidentally" uploaded slides of its future plans when it made court documents available.

The FTC case against Microsoft's acquisition of Activision was eventually settled out of court, and so redacted transcripts and other filings have been released to the public.

Unfortunately for Xbox though, the confidential slides were also released online and spotted by eagle-eyed gamers.

They revealed that Microsoft has plans for a "pro" Xbox Series X refresh, to be announced next year and released in 2025. A new Xbox Series S is on the cards too, along with a new controller that will enable lower latencies when playing titles through Xbox Cloud Gaming, as it connects directly to the internet.

Also revealed in documents is that Microsoft plans for its next-generation machine to be available in 2028 – a date it also believes rival Sony will target with a potential PlayStation 6.

But, the Gen 10 Xbox console won't be a straight replacement for the Xbox Series X (or pro model), it'll be a hybrid machine that embraces cloud gaming even more than current technologies.

Spencer's comments do suggest that the leaked information may no longer be accurate, although there's little doubt that Microsoft will look to launch a mid-generation refresh of its range – it did so with the Xbox One X, after all.

But that shouldn't mean you hold off buying a current Xbox Series X. The slides revealed that a new model won't be available until the second half of 2025, so that'd be a long time to wait – especially if you want to play Starfield, which is available on Xbox Game Pass right now.

We also fully expect that the new, improved Xbox controller will be backward compatible, so you can always just add one when its potentially available next year.

Despite being the head of Xbox it looks like Phil Spencer is, like most of us, a Nintendo fan too. In fact, he's a big enough fan that leaked emails revealed he wanted to be the man to unite the two gaming giants. 

In the 2020 emails, Spencer describes the Switch manufacturer as "THE prime asset for us in Gaming." and  that if any US company had a chance with Nintendo we (Microsoft) are probably in the best position."

Considering Microsoft's acquisitions of Bethesda and the $69 billion dollar merger with Activision Blizzard, it's clear that the company isn't afraid of making big moves, but Nintendo is at another level still. Nintendo is of course a hardware rival for Microsoft, but it is also the most storied and historic name in gaming, having been around since 1889 and producing consoles since the NES in 1983. 

Spencer however wouldn't plan on a successor to the Switch it seems. In the same email, he describes how it's taking "a long time for Nintendo to see that their future exists off of their own hardware." 

I have to admit having Mario, Pokemon and Zelda on the best gaming laptops (and Xbox consoles) sounds like a ray-tracing dream and would circumvent the Switch's chronic lack of power. It could also massively boost the appeal of Game Pass. The Xbox Series X (and PS5) are great platforms for third-party titles but Nintendo's own exclusives are bona fide system sellers. Some of the best games out there, on more powerful hardware is a no-brainer, but it also would be just plain wrong.

Sony and Microsoft do a good job of delivering performance in a traditional console package, but Nintendo has always been the biggest innovator in the gaming industry. The Game Boy, Wii, DS, 3DS and Switch have all had massive impacts on the gaming landscape. As much as Microsoft might indulge its creativity, Nintendo has always been defined by its unique take on things. Do you really think that Microsoft would make a Plumber stomping on turtles become the most recognisable gaming character in the world? Microsoft has great gaming experiences but they are far more iterative than revolutionary. Just look at Starfield, the big Xbox exclusive of the year. It's a whole host of fun, but essentially just a re-skinned Fallout title. 

You only need to see last week's Nintendo Direct for the unique imagination the company has. Bringing back a popular racing franchise for the first time in 20 years. as a battle royale, for example is something no one else would have thought of. 

Ultimately, I think of Xbox acquiring Nintendo as a bit like if they announced a brand new series of Friends, or any other classic show, written by ChatGPT. In the short term, it would be exciting and fun to see our favourite characters in 4K HD, but eventually, we would realise it's just not the same anymore. 

WhatsApp has rolled out a new feature that will improve the way you look in photos and videos. It should be available on your version of the app for iPhone and Android now, but if you don't already have it, double check your downloads.

The update adds the ability to send HD videos, as promised by Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg last month. This is in addition to being able to send HD images through chats, which was also rolled out recently.

The new feature is simple to use. If a photo is available in a higher resolution on your phone, you will see a HD icon at the top of the screen next to the edit options before you send it. Tap this and you can choose the resolution – such as "3024 x 4032" for a JPG taken on an iPhone.

The same is true for video. The HD icon will again appear before you send the clip, offering you the option to send it in a higher resolution. You can still choose a standard quality version of the video instead, to save data. There's a file size indicator also listed to help you decide.

HD photos and videos have been available to beta users for a while, but now the rest of us can benefit from the ability to send high-res content too.

There's a lot going on in WhatsApp towers at the minute. A native version of the WhatsApp desktop app for macOS is finally available to all, while screen sharing is another feature that has been added across iOS, Android and Windows versions.

It's clear that Meta is trying to stay one step ahead of Elon Musk's X platform (formerly Twitter), which plans to introduce video and voice calling to the social network soon.

Meta also has Threads, its own direct X rival, but needs to add more features to that service too if it wants to win back the millions of users who originally signed up but have since gone quiet.

Feature drops have arrived but aren't as regular as the ones coming to WhatsApp, it seems.

Lenovo has officially announced its first full-fledged gaming handheld – the Lenovo Legion Go.

First leaked a couple of weeks ago, the device follows the likes of the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally, but also borrows heavily from the Nintendo Switch.

That's because it has detachable controllers, much like the Switch's Joy-Cons. And, also like the Switch, you get a kickstand to prop up the display unit in order to play in desktop mode wherever you are.

It also rivals the Ally directly, more than than the Steam Deck, as it runs on Windows 11 so is not limited to just one digital PC storefront. And it is similarly powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1 series – one of the most powerful mobile processors around.

You do get a larger screen though. The Legion Go sports an 8.8-inch QHD+ (2560 x 1600) IPS touch display with a 144Hz refresh rate. It is capable of brightness up to 500nits.

There's up to 16GB of LPDDR5X (7500MHz) RAM on board, plus up to 1TB of PCIe Gen4 SSD storage. You can also add extra storage through microSD, which supports up to 2TB cards.

To keep things cool, the handheld houses a liquid crystal polymer 79-blade fan and proprietary Coldfront thermal technology.

As well as being able to be removed and used independently, its TrueStrike controllers come with a dedicated FPS mode for shooters. This works through an included base stand for the right controller to effectively turn it into an optical mouse.

There are dual USB-C ports for docking and/or charging, while DisplayPort 1.4 support means you can also use it with a separate monitor.

One of the good things about running Windows 11 on the machine rather than a Steam front end is that you can access different services, including cloud gaming platforms. Lenovo includes three-months worth of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership for good measure, so you can immediately access 100s of games through Microsoft's Xbox Cloud Gaming.

Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi-Fi 6E are provided for connectivity.

The Lenovo Legion Go will be available from October 2023 starting at €799. We're still awaiting UK and US pricing, although we expect it to be around the same equivalent cost in each region.

Once upon a time, online work meant being tied to a desk with an immobile PC at your feet. Then came the laptop which, being portable, meant you had more freedom about where and when you got your work done - but as the name suggests, it's best sat used down. And now, it’s time for a new era of computing, the mega-tablet could open up doors to working literally whenever, wherever and however you like.

Launched at a Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event in August 2023, the 14.6-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra arrived alongside two other, much smaller slates (the 11-inch S9 and 12.4-inch S9 Plus). Each serve different people and different uses, but all of them look set to be amongst the best tablets you can buy this year. 

This is the second model of Samsung’s oversized slate, and comparing it to what came before, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra takes things up a notch with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, as well as an IP68 waterproof rating and a new beige colourway. These latest features add to the tablet’s long list of previous achievements including a stunning AMOLED display and the S Pen which comes in the box. 

The result? A tablet that I would genuinely use day-to-day instead of a laptop. 

Packing the latest in top-of-the-range processing is the main reason why this is a viable laptop alternative. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset has been paired with up to 16GB of RAM which means that it’s powerful enough to handle just about any task you could throw at it, whether that’s managing your spreadsheets, editing photos or having a bunch of apps open at once. In terms of power, it’s on par with top dogs like the Apple iPad Air (2022) and the Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021). 

The Android 13 operating system with Samsung’s One UI 5.1.1 over the top has a few handy tricks up its sleeve, which combined with the hardware, make it well suited to getting work done. 

Firstly, the layout looks like a cross between Android and Windows, with a taskbar at the bottom of the screen when you're inside an app so you can navigate the system similarly to a PC. You’ll also be able to use Samsung DeX mode which makes it look even more like a Windows desktop. As well as that, you can divide up the screen into different apps and windows allowing you to use a few of them at once, which inevitably helps with multitasking. 

For those with a Samsung Galaxy smartphone, Quick Share is a really useful feature letting you move files across devices without any hassle at all, and you’ll be able to edit documents from different devices at the same time with the upgraded Samsung Notes app.

A huge 14.6-inch AMOLED panel gives you plenty of space to work on too. And with a resolution of 2960 x 1848 (WQXGA+) it is bright and colourful as well as accurate and detailed. The screen is a total pleasure to use, whether you're streaming YouTube videos or skimming through long documents, even if it’s a little difficult to see under bright sunlight. It certainly matches up to the best 2-in-1 laptops.

For those who will make use of it, the S Pen being included in the box is a blessing. It'll be particularly useful for anyone who regularly takes handwritten notes or needs to sketch out pictures or diagrams throughout the day. 

I really enjoyed using the S Pen because it's super precise, responding well to both pressure and tilt as well as making a satisfying 'pen on paper' noise when you use it. 

Elsewhere, you'll find a front-facing camera which delivers quality video calls, a speaker system from AKG with Dolby Atmos surround sound, and an in-display fingerprint sensor for extra security. 

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is loaded with just about everything you could need in terms of power, display quality and system features, but thankfully that doesn’t mean it’s in any way bulky. In fact, it weighs a lot less than most laptops at only 732g and it's only 5.5mm thick so it'll easily fit into your bag to take out and about with you.

Realistically, to make this fit for day-to-day use in the place of your laptop, you will need to buy the Slim Book Cover Keyboard, it's not included in the price of the tablet and will set you back an extra $/£200.

That's a lot given the fact that the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra starts at $/£1,199 for the most basic Wi-Fi-only model with 256GB of storage - that's about the same as a decent PC. But what's great is that you can also buy it with 5G connectivity and up to 1TB of in-built storage, should you be willing to splash the cash.

Of course, the huge price tag will be off-putting for some, but I'd quite happily make the switch. If you can afford it and you like the idea of using a portable mega-tablet each day, then the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is worth every penny. 

Earlier this year Microsoft promised to bring Game Pass to NVIDIA's GeForce Now service, and now it's delivered on that promise: from tomorrow, Thursday 24 August, you'll be able to play Game Pass games on the streaming service. Both Game Pass and selected Microsoft Store games will be available and playable.

You're not going to get every single title straight away, because there are still compatibility issues to be addressed with some games. But you'll be able to play big hitters including No Man's Sky, Grounded and Deathloop.

This isn't the first time Microsoft has brought Xbox games to GeForce Now; it was previously available on the service until Microsoft pulled it in 2020, and earlier this year it made a batch of Steam / Epic Games Store games available. But this is the first time since 2020 that Game Pass titles have been playable on NVIDIA's service, and it's a ten-year deal.

In addition to the likes of Halo and Minecraft, Microsoft will also be making third party games available: think Elder Scrolls, Fallout and Call of Duty.

Why is Microsoft sharing Game Pass with NVIDIA?

The short answer: Activision. Microsoft is trying to get regulators to approve its purchase of Activision Blizzard, and part of that approval involves demonstrating that Microsoft doesn't have an effective monopoly on cloud gaming. 

By making PC Game Pass available on a rival streamer, and by also selling Activision Blizzard streaming rights to Ubisoft – which Microsoft also announced this week – Microsoft is clearly hoping to persuade regulators that it isn't a boss to be battled. The sale of Activision Blizzard rights would mean Microsoft wouldn't be able to keep those games as Xbox Cloud Gaming exclusives, and Ubisoft would be free to offer cloud gaming on other platforms.

If you're wondering why you might want to access Microsoft's games through a completely different service, GeForce Now is targeted at a much more hardcore kind of gamer than PC Game Pass – while there's of course overlap between the demographics of both services, NVIDIA's offering is much more focused on graphics performance and low lag. That means that games may end up delivering a better experience streamed over GeForce now than over Microsoft's own cloud gaming service.