In order to take full advantage of all the features of Windows 11, you need a Microsoft account. (It’s possible to use Windows 11 without a Microsoft account, but the company doesn’t want that and is trying their darndest to get users onto Microsoft accounts.) And when you’re using a Microsoft account, it’s imperative that you remember your password. But what do you do when you accidentally forget that so-very-important password? Normally, with any other digital account, you just click the “I forgot my password” link and get a password reset email. But you can only do that if you have a backup email or phone number registered. That’s why Microsoft is adding push notifications in Windows 11 to remind you to add an email address or phone number to your account if you haven’t yet. This way, if you do ever forget your password, you’ll have a backup method for password recovery. The new push notification reminders are currently being tested in update KB5053660 for Windows 11 Insiders in the Dev and Beta channels, reports Windows Latest. The feature will likely roll out to the general Windows 11 public later this spring. Further reading: You can now use passkeys with Microsoft accounts Read...

At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros PCIe 4.0 host memory bus performance Heatsink-less S93 is a super bargain Five-year warranty Cons One of the slower drives in its class Our Verdict The Addlink A93/S93 is a solid-performing PCIe 4.0, DRAM-less NVMe SSD that can save you a few bucks. But the A93 with its heatsink faces heavy competition from many similarly priced and often faster SSDs. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today PCIe 4.0 host memory buffer (HMB) SSDs like the Addlink S93 / A93 (heatsink) are all the rage these days. Without the cost of DRAM primary cache added to the mix, the modules are cheaper to produce and can still match DRAM-designs in most performance areas. That said, the 1TB version of the S93/A93 I tested ranks low among a list of very fast SSDs — primarily due to a very slow time in our 450GB write compared to the 2TB competition. Read on to learn more, then see our roundup of the best PCIe 4.0 SSDs to for comparison. What are the Addlink S93’s features? The S93 is a 2280, PCIe 4.0 x4 (four lane) NVMe 2.0 SSD sporting a Phison P27T controller and 162-layer TLC NAND. It’s a host memory buffer design, which means in lieu of DRAM, your device’s memory is used for primary caching duties. When it first showed up, HMB designs were slower than DRAM in most areas. Now they regularly compete well in terms of sequential throughput, though DRAM still rules when it comes to random 4K operations. The gap seems to be slowly closing though. Addlink warranties the S93/A93 for five years and the drives feature a 300TBW per every 1GB of capacity rating. That’s a bit on the parsimonious side — actually, half of what we normally see from TLC drives. The S93 is bargain, the A93, not quite so much. The back of the S93 NVMe SSD. TBW indicates the amount of data that may be written under warranty. Note, that you may be able to write a lot more than that before the drive turns read-only. This is basically a vendor risk calculation. How much is the S93/A93? The S93 we tested is very affordable at $68.44 for the 1TB, $133.44 for the 2TB, and $268.44 for the 4TB. The heatsink on the A93 adds more bucks than I was expecting, making the 1TB version $84.44, the 2TB $149.44, and the 4TB capacity $312.44. The S93 is bargain, the A93, not quite so much. It’s a nice heatsink, but few users need one and the graphene heat spreader/label on the S93 dissipates a fair amount of heat. How fast is the Addlink S93? The 1TB S93 Addlink proved mostly competitive performance-wise, if not up there with the best we’ve seen. What dragged down its overall performance to 24th out of 29 PCIe 4.0/HMB/TLC SSDs that I’ve tested was its miserable 450GB write time. That’s primarily thanks to having only half the NAND of its competitors available for secondary caching. All three PCIe 4.0/DRAM-less/TLC competitors listed in the chart — the Lexar Play 2280, WD Black SN7100, and the Teamgroup T-Force A440 Lite — are 2TB models. As you can see, CrystalDiskMark 8 rated the S93’s sequential transfer abilities highly when queues were in play. But the single-queue performance was more than a bit off the highly ranked WD Black SN7100’s. As you can see, CrystalDiskMark 8 rated the S93’s sequential transfer abilities highly when queues were in play. But the single-queue performance was a bit off the competition. Longer bars are better. Random performance in CrystalDiskMark 8 was better, and actually comparable with a single queue in play. The Lexar’s tragic numbers in these tests were largely a matter of subpar caching, as they turned competitive when we reduced the CrystalDiskMark 8 data set to 16GB. Random performance in CrystalDiskMark 8 was a bit better, and actually comparable with a single queue. Longer bars are better. I have nothing to complain about with the A93/S93’s 48GB transfer times. It’s good in common real-world scenarios. I have nothing to complain about with the S93’s 48GB transfer times. Shorter bars are better. The 450GB is where being only 1TB in capacity hurt the S93/A93 — there’s simply less NAND to treat as SLC secondary cache. However, the slowest write speed was still a SATA-like 600MBps, so this isn’t quite as tragic as you might think in the grand storage scheme. The 450GB is where being only 1TB in capacity hurt the S93 compared to the competition — there’s simply less NAND to treat as SLC secondary cache. Shorter bars are better. Again, in its 2TB flavor, the S93/A93 would likely have ranked a good deal higher. Note that originally I was set to test the heatsink-clad A93 that Addlink also provided. Alas, to use the SSD in my upside-down secondary PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot, the heatsink had to go. Rather startlingly, the two NAND chips came off the PC board along with the heatsink and its thermal coupling material. This should not happen, and was a first for me after performing numerous other similar operations. Make sure you opt for the bare S93 if you don’t need or can’t use a heatsink. Should you buy the Addlink S93/A93? The S93/A93 is hardly a barn burner in the category, but it will do the job, and in its S93 incarnation it’s outstandingly affordable. That said, I recommend the 2TB version and looking for it on sale. How we test Drive tests currently utilize Windows 11, 64-bit running on an X790 (PCIe 4.0/5.0) motherboard/i5-12400 CPU combo with two Kingston Fury 32GB DDR5 4800MHz modules (64GB of memory total). Both 20Gbps USB and Thunderbolt 4 are integrated to the back panel and Intel CPU/GPU graphics are used. The 48GB transfer tests utilize an ImDisk RAM disk taking up 58GB of the 64GB of total memory. The 450GB file is transferred from a 2TB Samsung 990 Pro which also runs the OS. Each test is performed on a newly NTFS-formatted and TRIM’d drive so the results are optimal. Note that in normal use, as a drive fills up, performance may decrease due to less NAND for secondary caching, as well as other factors. This can be less of a factor with the current crop of SSDs with far faster late-generation NAND. Caveat: The performance numbers shown apply only to the drive we were shipped and to the capacity tested. SSD performance can and will vary by capacity due to more or fewer chips to shotgun reads/writes across and the amount of NAND available for secondary caching. Vendors also occasionally swap components. If you ever notice a large discrepancy between the performance you experience and that which we report, by all means, let us know. Read...

TL;DR: Get a lifetime license for Microsoft Office Pro and Windows 11 Pro for only $54.97.  The apps you get from a Microsoft 365 subscription are essential, but by nature, you’re never done paying for software subscriptions. There’s never a point where you just own the apps. It’s like paying rent, but the thing you’re renting is basic productivity. If you want a more permanent answer, there are still a few Microsoft Office lifetime licenses available, and this one even comes with Windows 11 Pro, all for $54.97 (reg. $438).  The Microsoft Office license comes with  Word Excel PowerPoint Outlook Teams OneNote Publisher Access You can install each of these apps on one computer once, so don’t put them on a beater PC you’re about to throw out. There are no recurring costs of any kind.  This is a good time to get Windows 11 Pro because Microsoft is going to phase out Windows 10 soon. 11 Pro also has some impressive tools for productivity, advanced security, and a sleek interface.  It comes with tools like snap layouts, virtual desktops, and enhanced search, along with professional features such as Azure AD and BitLocker encryption. Copilot, Windows 11’s AI assistant, also means you can get quick answers to questions to generate content. Through March 30 at 11:59 p.m. PT, it’s only $54.97 to get Microsoft Office Pro 2021 and Windows 11 Pro for life.    The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle – $54.97 See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change. Read...

It features artworks created on the TV show Extraordinary Portraits, hosted by Bill Bailey. Read...

Mecalux has introduced generative AI to its Easy WMS system, enhancing user interaction and streamlining logistics across 1,100 warehouses worldwide. Read...

The production inspired by a beloved Roald Dahl book is tipped to be the show to see in Southland this year. Read...

For years, Windows users have complained about “ads” touting Microsoft services, showing up in various places. Now the alarm bells should be seriously ringing: Microsoft has publicly disclosed plans for monstrous ads within Copilot, as well as a roadmap to what appears to be AI-driven advertising, too. Last week, Microsoft’s advertising blog outlined what it called the “future of audience engagement.” And you already know what that is: AI. Microsoft believes that not only will generative AI provide a more natural interface for users to shop, but agents will assist them. It gets worse: Brands may even deploy their own agent AI, too. “We are committed to helping brands create agents and making it easy to connect them to our audiences,” Microsoft wrote, via Windows Central. “As the first step in this journey, we are launching a pilot product that enables brands to create smart, AI-based agents on their websites.” “Imagine if a website could talk?” Microsoft suggested. Microsoft Advertising’s new digital ad format plants ads right next to a Copilot window.Microsoft It’s hard to say what’s worse: having a virtual version of Elon Musk knock on your virtual screen and offer to help buy you a Tesla, or just a giant ad pop up once you start digging around for the best EV available. But that’s coming, too. Microsoft now says that it has two new ad formats, “entirely designed with Copilot in mind,” it said. “These ads are interactive in nature, adapting to each user input.” The first is what Microsoft calls an “Advertising Showroom” ad, which appears nothing more than a giant ad alongside a Copilot text box. “For example, if a user starts asking questions to Copilot about a particular product and expresses purchase intent, they may be invited to enter a Showroom ads experience,” Microsoft says. “Here, rich sponsored content complements the organic experience, helping to showcase the product benefits as people ask Copilot more questions. This immersive environment allows users to interact with products in a way that closely mirrors the experience of visiting a physical showroom. In the future, the experience will be even richer, as brand agents will be integrated into the Showroom ads allowing people to engage directly with a virtual brand representative.” Suggested ads within Copilot would dynamically create new ways to shop, Microsoft believes.Microsoft Microsoft is also testing dynamic filters, which apparently is designed to narrow down a search to something you can buy: “This feature removes the friction of typing additional questions and quickly narrows down options that are more likely to drive conversions based on an individual’s preferences,” Microsoft said. But it appears that advertisers won’t even have to buy ads. Instead, Microsoft will create them, just for you! Microsoft has started to create what are known as Dynamic Seach ads, using queries as a basis to crate ads. In the future, Microsoft says, the company will “personalize ads,” such as location and seasonal events, specifically for each user’s context. Time and again, we’ve written features that show you how to turn off ads within Windows. But Microsoft’s new vision for the future of ads — start chatting with Copilot, and a digital gremlin will show up, pushing you to buy the latest sneaker, cereal, or credit card — sure doesn’t seem to be consistent with what Microsoft has said before. Save us, ad blockers! Read...

At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros High-resolution 2K video quality Dual-lens system provides extended coverage Local microSD storage up to 256GB Cons No 5GHz Wi-Fi support Cloud storage requires a separate subscription Our Verdict The Lorex 2K Dual Lens Indoor Pan-Tilt Wi-Fi Security Camera is a feature-rich, versatile option that provides excellent coverage and privacy features. It’s an deal choice for those who want a local storage-first option with PTZ capabilities. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Lorex 2K Dual Lens Indoor Pan-Tilt Wi-Fi Security Camera (model W463AQ-AA) Retailer Price $99.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket While video quality and smart features have improved, many security cameras still share a common limitation: a fixed field of view. If something happens just outside the frame, you’re out of luck. The Lorex 2K Dual Lens Indoor Pan-Tilt Wi-Fi Security Camera tackles this problem with a dual-lens system and 360-degree pan-tilt functionality. One lens offers a fixed wide-angle view, while the other moves to track motion and eliminate blind spots. The idea is to provide more coverage with a single camera, reducing the need for multiple units in larger rooms. In testing, both of this Lorex’s lenses produced sharp, detailed footage, with good color accuracy and contrast in daylight conditions. Specifications This camera is compact, lightweight, and easy to place just about anywhere indoors. It measures 3.19 x 3.19 x 5.30 inches and weighs just over half a pound, making it small enough to sit unobtrusively on a shelf. For a more permanent installation, it comes with a mounting bracket and hardware for attachment to a wall or ceiling. Both lenses capture footage in 2K resolution (which Lorex defines as 2560 × 1440 pixels). The fixed lens keeps an eye on a broad swath of your interior space, while the PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) lens provides a closer, more dynamic view when motion is detected. The pan-and-tilt control enables the camera to monitor a much larger area than a standard indoor cam. The camera’s fixed lens keeps an eye on a wide space while the PTZ lens provides a closer, view when tracking moving objects.Michael Ansaldo/Foundry The camera is also equipped with infrared night vision, enabling up to 32 feet of visibility in the dark to record clear black-and-white footage. Two-way audio allows you to hear what’s happening and talk to anyone in the room through the built-in speaker. The camera also features smart motion detection, distinguishing between people and pets to reduce unnecessary alerts. Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant are supported, allowing you to control the camera with voice commands, such as adjusting the pan-tilt functionality or viewing the live feed on a compatible smart display. For times when you want to disable monitoring, the Lorex uses a physical Privacy Mode that tilts the camera 180 degrees downward, fully covering the lens. This stops recording and streaming, offering a simple way to pause surveillance without powering off the camera. If you consider subscriptions anathema, this camera supports local recording via a microSD card (capacities up to 256GB are supported; a 32GB card comes pre-installed). Your other local storage alternative is to connect the camera to one of Lorex’s Fusion NVRs (the Lorex Fusion NVR–network video recorder–supports up to eight wired and eight wireless cameras). If you want the added security of offsite storage, Lorex does offer an optional cloud subscription. There’s a single-camera plan for $2.99 per month or $29.99 per year that provides 30 days storage for motion-triggered recordings; if you have multiple Lorex cameras, you’ll pay $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year for all of them. Installation and setup The camera comes with everything needed to get started: the camera itself, a 6.5-foot power cable, a power adapter, and a mounting bracket with screws and anchors for wall or ceiling installation. The camera connects to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (there’s no 5GHz support), and setup is handled through the Lorex app. It walks you through the process, from scanning a QR code on the camera to pairing it with your network. Once connected, you can adjust settings, set up motion alerts, and access live or recorded footage. The Lorex app makes it easy to control the camera, adjust detection settings, and review video. Michael Ansaldo/Foundry Performance The Lorex app is straightforward and easy to navigate. The home screen provides a live feed, along with quick access to recordings, motion alerts, and pan-tilt controls. The PTZ movement is smooth and responsive, allowing you to remotely adjust the camera’s position with minimal lag. Customization options are solid. You can adjust motion detection sensitivity, enable auto-tracking, create schedules for recording, and set up smart alerts that differentiate between people and pets and. These features help reduce unnecessary alerts while keeping you informed of important activity. In testing, both lenses produced sharp, detailed footage, with good color accuracy and contrast in daylight conditions. Night vision performance was also excellent. While details naturally softened in low light, the camera still maintained strong visibility. Motion detection was accurate and responsive, effectively distinguishing between people and pets. The camera’s ability to automatically track motion worked well, keeping subjects in view as they moved. False alerts were a rare occurrence, though tweaking sensitivity settings might be necessary depending on placement. [Further reading: TechHive’s take on the best home security cameras.] Should you buy the Lorex 2K Dual Lens Indoor Pan-Tilt Wi-Fi Security Camera? At $99.99, the Lorex 2K Dual Lens Indoor Pan-Tilt Wi-Fi Security Camera is a strong and affordable choice for homeowners who want more coverage with fewer cameras. The dual-lens system and 360-degree pan, 180-degree tilt control allow it to monitor large rooms effectively, making it a good fit for living rooms, playrooms, and open-concept spaces. It’s also ideal for privacy-conscious users. A lot of security cameras rely on software settings to pause recording, but I’m always more at ease if I can see the lens physically blocked as this Lorex model does. If you’re uncomfortable with always-on surveillance, this feature provides extra peace of mind. Read...

If you’re looking for an affordable laptop with an OLED screen, plenty of RAM, and a long-lasting battery, Best Buy has you covered. The Asus Vivobook S 14 OLED ticks all those boxes and only costs $499.99 right now with this incredible $450 discount. This Asus laptop has a new Intel Core Ultra 5 processor, which also means that it’s a Copilot+ PC compatible with all of Microsoft’s newest AI features. It’s also rocking 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, which is hard to find on a Windows laptop at the $500 price point. Other highlights include 512GB of SSD storage, a 14-inch 1920×1200 screen with a super-vivid OLED panel, Windows Hello support from the IR webcam, and a roomy touchpad. You also get a surprising variety of ports, including double USB-C and USB-A plus full-sized HDMI and a microSD card slot. When we reviewed the Vivobook S 14 last year, PCWorld contributor Chris Hoffman praised its long-lasting battery life (75 watt-hours) and generous specs for the price, with his only complaint being the lack of a touchscreen. Note that the review was for a pricier model with a faster processor, more RAM, and bigger SSD, but the rest of the specs are very similar — and at $700 less, it’s an undeniable bargain. This laptop won’t chew through games or 4K video rendering, but as a budget machine with nice upgrades and great battery life, it’s a fantastic choice. Best Buy probably has plenty of stock (including local pickup options), but there’s no telling how long the discount will last. Get this Asus OLED laptop with 16GB of RAM for just $500Buy now from Best Buy Read...

Want to upgrade your laptop with a proper portable gaming machine? Bring your gameplay into the modern age with this amazing Acer Predator Helios Neo 14 that’s on sale at B&H for $1,300. That’s a dream discount of $550 off its original $1,850 price! You can often find RTX 4070 laptops in this price range, but not ones that also pack a 16-core Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor and a jaw-dropping 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM, plus a speedy 1TB SSD. That’s a phenomenal config that offers a lot of bang for your buck. And that RTX 4070 powering your games will look great on the 14.5-inch IPS display with 3072×1920 resolution (16:10 aspect ratio). You get the color accuracy of IPS tech, plus the fast 165Hz refresh rate that’ll make action-packed scenes both smooth and glorious. As for connectivity, you get more than the usual: a USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 port, another USB-C port with full features, plus two USB-A 3.2 ports, a full-sized HDMI port, a microSD card slot, and a 3.5mm audio port. This enormous discount makes the high-performance Acer Predator Helios Neo 14 well worth it. Grab it now for just $1,300 at B&H and save a whopping $550 that you can put towards another upgrade! Save 30% on this loaded Acer gaming laptop with RTX 4070Buy now from B&H Read...