Microsoft has released update KB5062660 for Windows 11 24H2, and that means the iconic “Blue Screen of Death” has officially been replaced by the long-awaited “Black Screen of Death” (which coincidentally shared the same BSOD acronym). We previously reported on this when Microsoft began testing the new black screen in a preview version of Windows. With this optional cumulative update, the change is now available to all Windows users. How to get update KB5062660 Update KB5062660 is an optional update for Windows 11 24H2, which means the OS won’t automatically download it even if it’s available. You have to install it manually using Windows Update. Alternatively, you can also download and install update KB5062660 directly from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The full name of the update is 2025-07 Cumulative Update Preview for Windows 11 Version 24H2, and it’s available for both x64 and arm64 systems. After installing update KB5062660, Windows 11 will be brought up to Build 26100.4770 and will gain a preview of all the new features Microsoft plans to release on Patch Tuesday in August 2025. That future update will be auto-installed on all compatible computers. The new Black Screen of Death The most obvious new feature of update KB5062660, which you hopefully won’t see any time soon, is the Black Screen of Death that replaces the former Blue Screen of Death. The only difference between the two BSODs is visual, as nothing changes from a technical standpoint. Not only does the new BSOD have a black background, but it also no longer shows the sad emoticon or the QR code in addition to explanatory text. Instead, the new BSOD only informs you that a problem has occurred and that Windows needs to be restarted. The problem with the new BSOD is that it’s usually only displayed for about two seconds before it disappears, so a Windows user who isn’t expecting a BSOD might not even recognize that Windows has run into a problem before it restarts, especially if you’re preoccupied with something else (e.g., on your phone or talking with someone). Other new features in the update According to Windows Latest, update KB5062660 will bring many improvements for so-called AI PCs, and many of these new features will be exclusive to Copilot+ PCs. In addition, the controversial Recall feature is to be introduced to EU users, though you’ll be able to block access to Recall for certain applications and websites. Recall will only work locally on your PC, and you’ll be able to disable Recall completely in Windows settings. Another improvement brings faster recovery for Windows computers that run into widespread issues. The new Quick Machine Recovery feature automatically detects and fixes widespread issues via Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), attempting to restore the PC by downloading a patch from Windows Update. This new feature is designed to help repair computers that can no longer boot up. Further reading: Microsoft explains how the new wireless PC-to-PC migration feature works Read...

At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Long battery life Anti-glare display is easy on the eyes Good, clean build Quiet operation Cons High and variable pricing Performance falls short of competition Our Verdict The HP EliteBook X Flip G1i is a solid 2-in-1. However, its performance could be better and it could be a little lighter. Additionally, the added cost of its business features hampers its overall value. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: HP EliteBook X Flip G1i Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best Prices Today: Check today’s prices The HP EliteBook X Flip G1i joins the EliteBook X G1i in HP’s new lineup of business laptops. The company has done an impressive job keeping the 2-in-1 remarkably close to the non-flip model in appearance, though 2-in-1s always come with some trade-offs. This 2-in-1 laptop is a heavier version of the non-flipping EliteBook X G1i, and it comes with a higher price alongside (often) slightly lower performance. It’s still a decent laptop, but once you factor in the added cost of HP’s business features, it won’t make sense for anyone who doesn’t need the whole corporate package. HP EliteBook X Flip G1i: Specs and features Model number: B89B7UA#ABA CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 268V Memory: 32GB LPDDR5x-8533 Graphics/GPU: Intel Arc Graphics 140V Display: 14-inch 1920×1200 IPS, Anti-glare Storage: 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD Webcam: 5MP + IR Connectivity: 2x Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C with Power Delivery and DisplayPort 2.1 Alternate Mode, 1x USB-C 10Gbps with Power Delivery and DisplayPort 1.4 Alternate Mode, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x USB-A 5Gbps, 1x 3.5mm combo audio Networking: WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 Biometrics: Windows Hello fingerprint, facial recognition Battery capacity: 68 watt-hours Dimensions: 12.36 x 8.66 x 0.7 inches Weight: 3.17 pounds measured MSRP: $2,869 as-tested ($2,689 base) The HP EliteBook X Flip G1i has a base price of $2,689, and this comes with an Intel Core Ultra 5 226V chip, 16GB of memory, and 512GB of storage. Our test unit upgrades the CPU to an Intel Core Ultra 7 268V and doubles the memory while bumping the price up to $2,869, though it’s also available from CDW for $2,449. HP also offers configurations with 1TB of storage and 5G modems. The prices get more than a little confusing as you dig deep though. The prices mentioned so far are the “MSRP” for pre-configured models. HP also allows customization, but this comes with an even lower starting spec and a much higher starting price of $3,755. To make matters even more confusing, the pre-configured models are already steeply discounted despite having just launched. Though our test configuration shows an MSRP of $2,899, it was just $1,699 at the time of testing (and an otherwise identically spec’d 5G modem-equipped model was somehow even $200 cheaper), and the base specification sat at $1,349, almost half of its MSRP. Just to add a pinch of extra spice, HP also offers separate configurations that are technically the same as other configurations but come with three-year warranties and Wolf Pro Security packages (instead of the one year that comes with other models). The HP EliteBook X Flip G1i is built to be a modest but not mind-blowing performer. HP EliteBook X Flip G1i: Design and build quality IDG / Mark Knapp The HP EliteBook X Flip G1i has a bit of sleeper design that won’t stand out in a work environment but does offer some subtle elegance. It combines smooth curves and a consistent color scheme, looking polished but not extravagant. It mostly looks thoughtfully done while in its laptop mode, though the extra bit of display below the screen bezel and thicker top bezels detract somewhat from the design. HP designed a few things thoughtfully for the laptop being used in tablet mode, as well. The lid and base snap together magnetically to prevent them from flopping around. The stylus can also latch magnetically to the lid or over on the left edge when not in use. All that said, the base and lid don’t line up when the laptop is folded open. I think 2-in-1s always look a little odd folded open anyway, but this only makes it look a little bit weirder.  The construction is nicely done with aluminum across much of the build. The display is surprisingly sturdy, flexing far less than I see on most laptops. The keyboard deck also has surprisingly little give. Underneath, the laptop stands on simple rubber feet to provide clearance for the bottom grille, which covers up two fans — surprising to see paired with a low-power processor.  It’s also satisfying to see a laptop that doesn’t play tricks. The grilles beside the keyboard have speakers in them (even if it’s just a small section, as do the slots at the front of the base. The vents in the rear also actually exhaust heat (mostly). After testing an HP laptop that had aesthetic grilles and a Dell that had a faux exhaust port, I can’t take any of that for granted. HP also made solid use of the available space. Though the arrow keys are crammed in, HP squeezed in Page Up and Page Down keys. It also kept the function row compact to make space for Home, End, Insert, and Delete keys (though F12 and Home have to share a space). The webcam at the top of the display is somewhat unfortunately positioned. I find I’m always touching it when I open the laptop. And with a built-in privacy shutter there, I often manage to close the shutter by mistake, too. On the plus side, HP made a little cutout to help with opening the lid — something it omitted on the recent OmniBooks much to my dismay in attempts to open those laptops. The base of the HP EliteBook X Flip G1i isn’t heavy enough to make one-handed opening possible, though. The HP EliteBook X Flip G1i measures 0.7 inches thick and weighs in at 3.17 pounds, so it’s not ultra-thin or ultralight, but it’s not terribly heavy, and it still remains thin enough to slip easily into bags. It adds a bit of weight next to the standard model, which uses magnesium in its construction and weighs just 2.72 pounds, yet it otherwise has almost the exact same measurements, even ending up a hair thinner.  The HP EliteBook X Flip G1i also comes with a compact 65W charger that weighs under a half pound and separates out into three pieces, essentially letting you choose your own USB-C cable (or replace it if something goes wrong).  HP EliteBook X Flip G1i: Keyboard, trackpad IDG / Mark Knapp The HP EliteBook X Flip G1i doesn’t exactly boast my dream keyboard, but it’s still good. The keycaps don’t have much contour to them, so it can be a little tricky to make sure I’m centering my fingers on them. They also feel a little soft, failing to provide much tactile sense of having pressed them. That said, they are quick and poppy, making speedy typing fairly easy. They’re also stabilized well, which helps counteract their largely flat design. I was quickly able to get up to speed typing at 118 words per minute, which is about as fast as I get without a truly exceptional keyboard. Occasionally I’d botch my hand position after shifting around, but most of the time my accuracy was on point.  The trackpad is plenty large for a 14-inch laptop. It’s not super wide, but it’s tall and fills most of the available space. The gliding surface is wonderfully smooth, and there’s a gentle physical click that doesn’t feel cheap at all.  HP EliteBook X Flip G1i: Display, audio IDG / Mark Knapp HP hasn’t opted for the prettiest or sharpest display, but the HP EliteBook X Flip G1i gets a very useful one. One of its highlights is the anti-glare finish, which is incredibly effective and makes viewing the screen very easy. The 1920×1200 resolution isn’t too bad on a 14-inch panel, but plenty of systems are offering greater resolution. It would have been nice to see a faster refresh rate to smooth out visuals though. On the bright side, the screen hits an admirable 424 nits and bests most IPS panels with a 1460:1 contrast ratio. It’s also a respectably colorful screen with 100% coverage of the sRGB color space.  Since this is a 2-in-1, the screen also supports touch and stylus input. The touch is responsive, but not as responsive as it might have felt with a faster refresh rate. The anti-glare finish of the display helps give the screen a pleasantly smooth feel to swipe across, and it helps hide finger oils. The stylus can also prove a powerful input tool, offering accurate input with pressure and tilt sensitivity, though how useful it is will depend on the software you use. How well you can avoid palm inputs while inking will also depend on your software. Unfortunately, there’s no quick toggle to lock out touch controls.  HP has squeezed surprisingly good speakers into the HP EliteBook X Flip G1i. It has a set of four speakers, giving it more than enough volume (too much for close listening when maxed out) and surprising depth. The speakers put out more bass than I’ve come to expect from most laptops. They can be a little harsh with overly crisp high-end, but are generally pleasant to listen to with the volume kept below 50%.  HP EliteBook X Flip G1i: Webcam, microphone, biometrics The 5MP webcam on the HP EliteBook X Flip G1i can look good, but it’ll take a bit of work. Regular lighting will still leave you dealing with a grainy, noisy image as the camera struggles with anything less than a bright, directly lit subject. If you set up in front of a bright window, you should be looking great though.  You can also use the camera for easy sign-on with Windows Hello facial recognition. Since this laptop may be folded over into tablet mode without the keyboard immediately accessible, that can prove especially handy. There’s also a fingerprint scanner integrated into the power button. Both options prove quick and easy.  The HP EliteBook X Flip G1i has a great pair of microphones for handling video calls. They capture my voice very clearly while eliminating background noise from fans or air conditioners and even removing the sound of me clapping in the middle of a recording. This was a pleasant surprise after the mics on the non-flipping version of this laptop performed so much worse.  HP EliteBook X Flip G1i: Connectivity IDG / Mark Knapp The HP EliteBook X Flip G1i offers respectable connectivity. It doesn’t squeeze in a ton of ports, but it has enough. On the left side, you’ll find a pair of Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, and an audio combo jack. Both Thunderbolt ports can handle video output and charging as well. Surprisingly, the right side of the system also has a USB-C port, though it’s just a 10Gbps port. But the perk of that extra USB-C port is that you can use it for charging, too, letting you conveniently charge the device on either side. The right edge also includes a 5Gbps USB-A port and a little lock slot. If you get one of the 5G models, there’s also a SIM card slot over there, though that space is filled in on our test unit.  Wireless connectivity is solid with Wi-Fi 7 on deck and Bluetooth 5.4 Both have proven fast and reliable in testing. Even in less-than-ideal conditions, with 5GHz Wi-Fi having to go through a few walls, the HP EliteBook X Flip G1i was able to take good advantage of my fiber internet connection. And Bluetooth was quick to pair and re-connect to devices. HP EliteBook X Flip G1i: Performance The HP EliteBook X Flip G1i is built to be a modest but not mind-blowing performer. That just comes with the terrain when using a low-power processor. But the price of the machine really adds up, and at $2,899, it’s wide open to competition from all sorts of machines. The non-flipping HP EliteBook X G1i is available for $2,283 with the same internal specs. The $1,749 Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition may not be designed as an enterprise laptop, but it’s still similarly equipped. HP’s own OmniBook X Flip 14 boasts a similar design and a much lower $1,509 price tag. And for heavy workloads, the $1,699 Asus ProArt PX13 includes a high-performance AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and a discrete Nvidia RTX 4050. Aside from that other EliteBook, all of these competitors also feature 2880×1800 OLED displays and 2-in-1 designs to match the HP EliteBook X Flip G1i.  IDG / Mark Knapp The HP EliteBook X Flip G1i offers good overall performance. PCMark 10 is a holistic office benchmark that tasks the system with a wide variety of common workloads, and a score above 5,000 is generally indicative of a well-rounded machine that will keep up with everyday computing. As good as the system performs here, it’s not leading the crowd by any means. It performs neck-in-neck with the non-flip model, and it lags behind the other three systems. The key culprit in that shortfall appears to be the storage used in the system, as the other three systems all performed significantly better in the App Startup and Spreadsheets portions of the test, where SSD speed can give a leg up.  IDG / Mark Knapp The HP EliteBook X Flip G1i’s CPU performance isn’t helping it much. The Intel Core Ultra 7 268V isn’t bad, offering excellent single-core performance and modest multi-core performance, though it falls well behind the multi-core speeds offered by the AMD chips in the OmniBook and Asus ProArt systems. The HP EliteBook X Flip G1i also tends to get less out of its chip than its non-flipping counterpart, and it even manages to fall behind the Lenovo system using what should be a slower Core Ultra 7 258V. Across four versions of Cinebench, the Yoga 9i leads the HP EliteBook X Flip G1i in multi-core performance despite trailing in single-core performance, suggesting it’s better able to handle the heat of all-core workloads than the HP EliteBook X Flip G1i.  Handbrake can hammer a CPU in the large encoding test we conduct, especially in thin-and-light machines that tend to struggle with the heat a time-consuming multi-core workload produces. Sure enough, we see the HP EliteBook X Flip G1i lag behind the pack. Its non-flipping sibling again pulls ahead, continuing to confirm one of the shortcomings of 2-in-1s compared to traditional laptops. And the Lenovo Yoga 9i once again gets the best of the HP EliteBook X Flip G1i. The AMD chips in the OmniBook and ProArt systems again show their great raw performance here.  Intel still has the edge in integrated graphics, and that helps the HP EliteBook X Flip G1i claw back some ground against the OmniBook at least. It performed far better than that system in our 3DMark tests. But it continued to lag behind the Lenovo Yoga 9i, a shortcoming that is hard to excuse more than once. And though the HP EliteBook X Flip G1i may have a lead on the integrated graphics of the OmniBook, it doesn’t get a similar lead against the Asus ProArt PX13, which wields its RTX 4050 (a weak GPU, mind you) to show that there’s still a massive gulf between integrated and discrete GPUs. HP EliteBook X Flip G1i: Battery life The HP EliteBook X Flip G1i recovers some of its credibility when it comes to battery life. I always hope to see a weaker-performing machine turn things around in the battery life department, and the HP EliteBook X Flip G1i largely does. Offering over 20 hours of runtime in our 4K offline video playback test, it trounces the AMD-powered OmniBook and ProArt laptops. It keeps pace with its non-flipping sibling in this test as well, which should come as little surprise since the two machines have the same processor, same battery capacity, and offer very similar displays. Shamefully, the HP EliteBook X Flip G1i loses to the Yoga 9i yet again, and by almost three hours. It’s worth noting that the Yoga 9i’s OLED display gives it some advantages in this specific test, as OLEDs don’t use much power to display the black letterboxing in the video.   The HP EliteBook X Flip G1i fares well in everyday use as well. You probably won’t get away with working for 20 hours on a charge while keeping the display at 250 nits, but it’s easy enough to get through a full workday browsing, replying to emails, and drafting up documents. Better still, thanks to the anti-glare display, I find I can get away with extra battery conservation by lowering the display brightness considerably while still enjoying easy visibility of the display. The same can not be said of the Lenovo Yoga 9i’s glossy OLED panel, which not only will need to be run brighter to offer a similar level of visibility but also won’t get the same black-pixel advantage it had in the video playback test. So, depending on ambient lighting conditions, the HP EliteBook X Flip G1i could regain some ground in real-world battery life.  HP EliteBook X Flip G1i: Conclusion When you’re paying nearly $3,000 for specs you might expect to find in a $1,000 laptop, you probably should expect that the system will pull out all the stops and make the most of what it packs in. While the HP EliteBook X Flip G1i performs decently, it still lags behind substantially cheaper systems in many key areas. I love the display, 1200p and bezel-flanked though it may be. But a screen alone won’t save this system from being tough to recommend. If it were hugely discounted, I’d hop on it, but as long as the Yoga 9i and ProArt PX13 are cheaper, they’ll make far more sensible buys for folks who don’t need the enterprise extras but need more performance or way more performance (at the cost of battery life), respectively. Read...

Crack open your desktop PC for a second. No rush, I’ll wait. Are you looking in there? Good. Do you see a Gigabyte motherboard? Okay, now peek under the CPU cooler. I’ll wait again. Okay, see that CPU? If it’s an Intel processor from 8th to 11th generations (2017 to 2021), you might need a new BIOS update… which may or may not exist. Oh dear. Researchers at Binarly and Carnegie Mellon University disclosed four deep firmware issues to Gigabyte back in April, which could allow attackers to bypass Secure Boot on hundreds of Gigabyte motherboard models. These compromised versions of the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI, also sometimes called by the outdated term BIOS) can be used to run code in a pre-boot environment, essentially compromising the computer long before Windows or another operating system boots. According to BleepingComputer, about 240 Gigabyte motherboard models with Intel chipsets use the American Megatrends parts affected by this firmware, plus tons of devices from other manufacturers that aren’t currently disclosed. Gigabyte already patched the issue on some affected motherboards via the June BIOS update. But given the age of these PCs, many of them are out of service, meaning they’re not scheduled to ever get UEFI/BIOS updates to fix the problem. That is… a problem. Gigabyte Gigabyte issued a security bulletin showing which of the affected systems, by chipset, have been patched. About half are past the End Of Life service date, for which Gigabyte recommends that users “Contact the FAE for support.” FAE stands for Field Application Engineer, basically a more technical sort of corporate salesperson who offers highly specialized service after hardware has been bought and installed. If you bought a Gigabyte motherboard at a retail store, or a PC from a system integrator with a Gigabyte motherboard inside, you don’t have a Field Application Engineer. Reading between the lines, Gigabyte is basically saying “buy a new motherboard.” (Or, considering how old some of them are, “buy a new computer.”) Which, to be fair, is pretty much the same message it’s sending to corporate clients, too. Read...

Deako takes a unique approach to smart lighting with its modular system, and now it’s offering a next-generation switch and app that promises to make installation and configuration even easier than before. The appeal of Deako’s system lies in its use of backplates that, once hardwired to your home’s electrical system, allow you to hot-swap one type of Deako lighting control for another—you don’t even need to turn off the power. If you have an on/off switch controlling your ceiling cans, for example, but you’d prefer to be able to dim those lights, you can just yank the switch out of the backplate and pop in a dimmer. Boom! You’re done. Once you’ve installed a Deako backplate in your electrical box, you can plug in–and later hot-swap–any of its smart or simple lighting controls.Deako Deako is celebrating its 10th anniversary by taking the wraps off an all-new smart switch: the Deako Smart Switch Gen2 ($100, pictured at the top of this page) features an integrated, dual-function LED light bar at its base. In Locator mode, the Beacon Light bar emits a soft glow when the lights it controls are turned off, to help you find the switch in a dark environment. Status mode, meanwhile, provides a visual cue to let you know if the controlled lights are on or off. The feature can be programmed in the Deako app. Deako has added a new Magic Linking feature to its app that automatically configures multi-way circuits (lights that are controlled by more than one switch; i.e., 3-way or 4-way). Once the switches are installed and activated, the app automatically configures them to work together without the user needing to have any electrical knowledge—you don’t even need to do any programming. All of the company’s smart devices support both Bluetooth mesh and Wi-Fi, and they’re compatible with DIY smart home ecosystems such as Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Home Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings as well as professionally installed smart home including Alarm.com and Control 4. Deako also offers a collection of “simple” switches and dimmers that offer local manual control. This news story is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best smart dimmers and switches. Read...

Despite the political environment becoming more polarised, there are still areas where consensus can be found. Read...

One of the most frustrating things about owning a Windows PC is when it crashes, refuses to boot, or simply doesn’t work. Microsoft is preparing to roll out a technology called “quick machine recovery” for consumers to help solve this, after testing it in an enterprise environment. Microsoft tests various features across different Windows Insider testing channels, before eventually pushing them to your PC. Quick machine recovery comes courtesy of Windows 11 Build 26100.4762, part of the Release Preview Channel. It’s the “closest” channel to the traditional Windows updates, so it’s likely to debut on your PC soon. In fact, this preview gathers several features, many of which you might find useful, including “semantic search” in Settings: the ability to describe a problem and let Settings understand what you’re talking about in terms of natural language. Quick machine recovery, however, sounds like a lifesaver in certain situations. It’s been around since March, but only in this recent build has it been specifically turned on for consumer PCs. If your PC glitches and throws a BSOD, it might boot up in what’s known as the Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE), which gathers up several Windows 8-looking options to get things running, from uninstalling updates to playing with the Windows startup settings. The Windows Recovery Environment, with Quick machine recovery taking over for Startup Repair in the upper left.Microsoft What quick machine recovery does is essentially troubleshoot what’s wrong, without you needing to intervene. If a device enters the Windows RE recovery mode, it tries to ping Microsoft via a network connection. If it can, it then sends recovery information directly to Microsoft itself. (Remember the obscure codes that would accompany a Blue Screen of Death? This removes the need for you to take action, and puts the heavy lifting on Microsoft itself.) Microsoft then analyzes the crash data, identifies any patterns of behavior, and then sends down a patch or fix via Windows Update, according to Microsoft’s support documentation. Microsoft does this in two ways: cloud remediation, where the device connects to Microsoft’s servers, and looks for an update; and auto remediation, where your PC will keep periodically checking for a solution. Auto remediation is off by default on home PCs, which makes sense: An example screenshot of auto remediation below shows that it could be an hour or more before your PC checks again. Until then, you’re essentially sitting on your hands. Auto remediation may take a while, so it’s off by default. Microsoft already has a tool called Startup Repair that quick machine recovery essentially replaces. Startup Repair will remain on your PC, in case your PC can’t connect to the internet. Quick machine recovery can also be turned off, and in that case Startup Repair will be the default option if something goes wrong. (This image may be difficult to read because of its formatting, but here’s how Microsoft describes the recovery process.) The new quick machine recovery process workflow.Microsoft Microsoft describes this feature as part of a “gradual rollout” of features attached to this build, so even if you have this build on your PC, you might not see it right away. Semantic search in Settings draws closer Other features in this new build are more familiar. In January, Microsoft made “semantic search” part of its Dev Channel builds, and locked them to PCs with Qualcomm Snapdragon chips inside. Now, this feature appears to be coming to all Copilot+ PCs, though it’s still restricted to Windows on Snapdragon for now. The new “Mu” language model that this feature is built upon is specifically offloaded to the NPU on a PC, Microsoft said in June. Click to Do is also taking advantage of a Microsoft app that you might not be aware of: Reading Coach, which appears in the Microsoft Store. Right-click a word or phrase, and you can then read the text aloud to Reading Coach and it will offer feedback. A similar Immersive Reader option will actually read the text to you, aloud. You can also “Draft with Copilot,” turning that phrase into a “full draft.” Finally, email addresses can be highlighted and turned into Teams meetings, again via right-click. For some reason, Recall snapshots can now be exported to trusted third-party apps, too, but only in Europe. “When saving snapshots is turned on for the first time, a unique Recall export code appears,” Microsoft says. “This code is required to decrypt exported snapshots and is shown only once during initial setup. Microsoft doesn’t store or recover this code. To export, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Recall & Snapshots > Advanced Settings and authenticate with Windows Hello. Choose to export past snapshots (from the last 7 days, 30 days, or all) or start a continuous export. Third-party apps can access exported snapshots only when both the export code and folder path are provided.” To me, Windows Recall seems increasingly risky with the aggressive policing actions now taking place, and I’ve advised (American) readers to turn off Recall. Quick machine recovery, however, sounds like one of those useful features that hide within Windows, such as Windows Sandbox. The difference here is that you don’t need to know about it, and it will simply offer to help when needed most. Read...

The Queenstown Lakes District Council began pumping treated effluent into the river in March. Read...

Mini-PCs have been experiencing a real boom in recent years. No wonder, because these small desktop computers are powerful, space-saving, and flexible. This guide shows what a mini-PC actually is, where its strengths lie, and who can benefit the most from buying one. Also, be sure to check out the PCWorld deals page where we highlight the best deals from around the web on mini-PCs, like the latest stellar deal on a GMKtec M3 Plus mini-PC, and more. In fact, mini-PCs are constantly going on sale for staggeringly low prices, so keep your eyes peeled while shopping and keep checking back with us to see the latest and greatest deals. (If you’re reading this article the day it goes live, we’re also tracking the best Amazon Prime Day mini PC deals.) What is a mini PC? A mini-PC is a fully-fledged computer in a small format. In contrast to laptops, mini-PCs do without a battery and screen, which saves weight on the one hand and makes the small housing possible on the other—many models have a volume of less than one liter. At the same time, flexibility remains high: a monitor, mouse, keyboard, or external drives can be freely selected and easily replaced if necessary. If you like it neat and tidy, mount the mini-PC behind the monitor to save space or integrate it discreetly on the desk. Despite their compact design, modern mini-PCs offer enough power for everyday tasks such as office work, surfing, streaming and even gaming. If you know your way around, you can even build your own mini PC with the right components. Mini-PCs come with some advantages over classic desktop PCs The most obvious advantage of mini-PCs compared to a classic tower PC is their compact dimensions. They take up hardly any space, can be tucked away unobtrusively on the desk or behind the monitor and are still powerful enough for many typical applications. Mini-PCs also have clear advantages when it comes to energy consumption: thanks to the use of energy-saving components, they often only require a fraction of the energy of a large desktop. This not only has a positive effect on the electricity bill, but also reduces heat waste and noise levels. Another plus point: mini-PCs often have a modular design. Although they do not offer the same scope for upgrades as large tower cases, many models allow the SSD, RAM, or WLAN module to be changed. This makes them more flexible in the long term than many laptops. Mini-PCs are also attractively priced with many solid models available for less than $400. However, the best overall package of performance, features, and efficiency is usually offered by mid-range builds which will set you back a bit more. Limitations and disadvantages of mini-PCs A mini-PC is not a laptop replacement because it always needs external peripherals such as a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and possibly speakers or a webcam. So if you’re looking for a device with which you can flexibly transition between the living room, office, and café, you’ll unfortunately need to look elsewhere. There are also limits to their performance. While many mini-PCs can easily cope with office tasks, media playback, or light multitasking, they reach their limits with graphics-intensive applications such as 3D games, video editing, or CAD. Although there are some models with a dedicated graphics card, these are usually significantly more expensive and often cannot keep up with classic gaming or workstation PCs in terms of performance. Last but not least, there are also thermal aspects to consider. Compact housings mean smaller fans and less air circulation—which can lead to heat problems and performance-reducing throttling under continuous load. Although many mini-PCs are surprisingly quiet, some models use an audible fan during intensive use to keep the heat in check. What are the best use-cases for mini-PCs? Mini PCs show their strengths wherever space, energy efficiency, and a tidy desk are required. In the home environment, they are usually used as office computers, streaming stations, or compact gaming alternatives for simple games. While they may lack the portable utility of a laptop and the power capabilities of a full-size desktop, they shine when you need something in-between—small enough to save precious desktop space, but powerful enough to do all but the most intensive tasks. Tip: If you want to set up a small workstation for your desk, you can operate a mini-PC with several monitors and use common office software such as Microsoft Office or Google Workspace without any problems. The performance of many mini-PCs is easily sufficient for casual gaming or less computing-intensive games.GMKtek What you should look out for when buying a mini-PC Not all Mini PCs are the same. Depending on the intended use, you should pay specific attention to certain technical features, otherwise you could end up with frustration instead of flexibility: 1. Processor (CPU):The heart of the system determines its performance. An Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 is usually sufficient for office, web, and streaming. If you frequently edit photos or tackle light video editing projects, you should opt for a Core i5/Ryzen 5 or higher. Pay attention to the specified TDP (Thermal Design Power): Models with a higher wattage deliver more power, but generate more heat waste and require more active cooling. Variants with less than 35 watts are particularly quiet and efficient, but generally offer slightly less computing power. 2. Working memory (RAM):8 GB RAM is sufficient for basic applications, more is recommended for multitasking or memory-intensive programs. Ideally, the RAM in the mini-PC is replaceable or expandable—taking the time to look at the technical data or check out tests will help here. 3. Memory:An SSD ensures fast loading times and smooth processes. 256 GB is considered an entry-level size, 512 GB or more is better—especially if you want to locally store a lot of programs or media files. Some mini-PCs also offer space for a second SSD or a 2.5-inch HDD. Read...

Stuart Cox says he wants to raise awareness of the damage the stacks can do to the environment. Read...

At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Attractive industrial design Rechargeable battery Excellent keypad/fingerprint reader add-on Reasonably priced Cons Extremely loud during operation App runs very slowly Subscription required for Wi-Fi connectivity Our Verdict This petite retrofit smart lock is a discreet choice for just about any environment, though it’s incredibly loud and its app drags. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Nuki Smart Lock Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best Prices Today: Check today’s prices Nuki has been producing smart locks for Europeans since 2015 and is only now entering the U.S. market. With 10 years of development under its belt, Nuki has reached a level of sophistication that few competitors can boast of—and stateside homeowners get to skip the awkward growing pain years that mar so many early-generation smart home products. The U.S. release of the Nuki Smart Lock is the fifth generation of the product, and it has evolved considerably from its initial design, which had a large battery pack fused to its underside. It now looks like a shrunken version of the now-classic August Smart Lock. Like the August, the Nuki is a retrofit lock that replaces only the interior escutcheon on your door, leaving the exterior as is. As such, it carries no ANSI or BHMA ratings, which aren’t issued for retrofit locks. The Nuki Smart Lock replaces your existing deadbolt’s interior escutcheon; noting else about your lock changes–except that you’ll now be able to open it with an app or with the keypad accessory if you add that to your purchase. Nuki Also like the August, the lock is designed as a cylinder that turns in its entirety to lock and unlock the deadbolt, although measuring just 2.25 inches across, small hands will find it much easier to grip compared to the rather thick August. Anyone shopping for a retrofit smart lock is likely to also consider the Level Bolt, which is even less visually obtrusive than the Nuki Smart Lock. I’d say the biggest advantage the Nuki offers over both August’s and Level’s offerings is its rechargeable battery. More on that in a bit. The Nuki Smart Lock works exactly as you’d expect: Just rotate the lock one way or the other to engage or disengage the lock, as you would with a regular thumbturn. Installation and setup Installation proceeds much like any other smart lock, although Nuki does not include printed instructions with its packaging. Rather, you only get a QR code printed on a slip of cardboard—and because I reviewed this lock before the Nuki officially launched, scanning it took me only to the home page of Nuki’s website. I presume future users will have a more elegant experience, but in any case, I find smart locks to be much easier to set up when you have printed installation instructions, regardless of how sophisticated the app is. Nuki’s app is well designed and easy to use.Christopher Null/Foundry The Nuki app at least does a passable job at walking you through setup. That, combined with years of experience reviewing similar products, I was able to get the lock mounted on the door without much trouble. The process includes attaching an adjustable frame to the door, then using your existing lock’s bolts to connect through your current deadbolt and into the exterior escutcheon. (Unlike some other lock producers, Nuki doesn’t provide the extra bolts that I always appreciate having on hand.) Next, you choose one of three included adapters to slip into this frame and attach to the lock’s tailpiece, depending on its shape, and then you just clip the Nuki lock directly into the frame, with no extra hardware required. There are a few extra pieces in the box whose function I wasn’t entirely sure of (again, no manual), but they appear to be designed for use with locks that have longer than standard tailpieces. The good news is that, presuming you have a standard door and lock, the entire affair goes together with just two screws. A rechargeable battery The Nuki Smart Lock has a rechargeable battery, so you won’t want to misplace the proprietary USB-C cable you’ll need for that purpose.Christopher Null/Foundry The Nuki lock is a sealed device with a rechargeable battery inside. Nuki says the battery should offer up to 12 months of life before it needs a refill via a magnetic cable with a USB-C plug on the other end. Just clip the cable to the charging point on the underside of the lock, connect the other end to a power source, and it’s off and running. The lock can be charged while on the door if you have power nearby (which allows the lock to continue operating), or popped off via a concealed button and charged elsewhere. Note that the charging cable is only about 6.5 feet long, and no A/C adapter is included. While the convenience of the magnetic charger is nice, I’d have been happier with a standard USB-C port, which would allow me to use my own (longer) cable—I’d also worry less about misplacing Nuki’s. Using the Nuki Smart Lock Nuki Physically, the lock works exactly as you’d expect: Just rotate the lock one way or the other to engage or disengage the lock, as you would with a regular thumbturn. (A calibration mechanism during setup automatically orients the rotation direction.) There’s also an illuminated button on the face of the lock that can be pressed to initiate a lock or unlock sequence without needing to twist the lock itself. Tapping the button gently causes a ring around it to illuminate: A solid circle means the lock is engaged; a U-shaped design means the lock is open. (When the door is unlocked, an LED flashes periodically as a gentle reminder; when the door is locked, all lights remain off.) Nuki’s app is a little convoluted but reasonably easy to master, starting with a walkthrough that connects the lock to both Bluetooth and your 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network. A (lengthy) checklist system then steps you some basic settings before throwing you into the management system. By default, you can either swipe left or right on the app’s home screen to lock or unlock the door, or tap once to access the ability to lock or unlock with a second tap. This LED light ring illuminates to inform you of the lock’s status: A solid ring indicates a locked state, while a half-circle means it’s unlocked.Christopher Null/Foundry The settings menu gives you deep-dive access into advanced features such as fine-grained control over how the button on the lock face works, a night mode that automatically locks the door at night, an auto-unlocking or auto-locking scheduling system, and an automatic lock timer that re-locks the door after it’s unlocked (settable from 30 seconds to 30 minutes). I didn’t have trouble with any of these modes. A geofencing auto-unlocking system is also available, which was mostly effective at registering my arrivals during my testing. Note that through all of this you will be faced with a barrage of come-ons for Nuki Premium, a subscription service whose purpose might not immediately be apparent. Turns out Nuki Premium ($5.90 per month month) is required if you want to use any of the lock’s features over Wi-Fi and to receive real-time activity alerts. Plot twist: This plan is free for life if you buy the lock and enroll in the program prior no later than September 30, 2025. Add-on devices We tested the $159 Nuki Smart Lock with its fingerprint-reader keypad, a $149 option. You can purchase both items as a bundle for $229–a substantial discount over buying the two devices a la carte.Christopher Null/Foundry The Nuki lock offers several add-on peripherals: an external numeric keypad ($59), a keypad/fingerprint reader combo ($149), and a door sensor ($59). I received the keypad/fingerprint reader with my test lock; it’s available as a bundle with the lock for $229. I found the slim keypad to be elegant and effective, with buttons that emit a reassuring click when pressed along with a reliable fingerprint reader. The six LEDs across the top are especially handy, as they illuminate, one by one, when you enter a PIN, so you know for sure that your digits were successfully entered. Oddly, all PINs must be precisely six digits long. User management is a little haphazard, as permissions must be set per device—lock or keypad—separately. With the lock, you can share app-based access (which can be time restricted based on hours of the day and day of the week), which creates a QR code that you send along via other means. With the keypad, access can be configured with a PIN or both PIN and fingerprint (but not just fingerprint), and this access can also be similarly time-restricted. Up to 200 PINs are allowed, but only 20 fingerprints. There is no option to create one-time access codes. If you don’t like the Nuki app, note that the lock also supports Matter over Thread, and I was easily able to connect it to an Apple Home ecosystem. As with most smart locks controlled over Matter, all you can really do is lock and unlock the door (as well as receive iOS notifications about those changes), but this is nonetheless a convenient option if you don’t want to dig into the Nuki app just to open the door. Considering the Nuki app is often quite slow, having this available, at least as an option, is a good idea. This review is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best smart locks. Should you buy the Nuki Smart Lock? My only major issue with the Nuki lock is how loud it is. When I first heard it in action, I thought there was something wrong with it; but no, that’s just how the motor sounds: a lot like an old-school dot matrix printer. If you’re not expecting it, the abrupt, grinding noise can even make you jump a bit. At $159 (for the lock alone), Nuki is competitive in price with August’s flagship lock and most other retrofit locks, but it’s much less expensive than the Level Bolt with Bluetooth + Matter ($229, plus $59 for a numeric keypad). Like that lock, the Nuki’s petite, inobtrusive presentation makes it an appealing choice for homeowners with a strong sense of aesthetics. That said, there’s room for improvement with the scattered and ploddingly slow app—and something must be done about the noisy motor. Read...