At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Innovative concept High-quality workmanship and materials 8,000 hertz polling rate Hot-swap sockets (3- and 5-pin) Removable wrist rest Cons High price No dedicated (but switchable) numpad Requires a lot of space Wired only Our Verdict The Corsair Galleon 100 SD is a high-quality, all-in-one gaming keyboard with integrated Stream Deck features, excellent typing performance, and versatile controls, but it’s bulky, wired, and best suited for users who will actually use its many extra functions. Price when reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Corsair Galleon 100 SD Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best Prices Today: Check today’s prices With the Galleon 100 SD, Corsair is trying something new: for the first time, a mechanical keyboard integrates Elgato’s Stream Deck technology. The result is a full-size gaming keyboard that replaces the number pad with 12 freely assignable LCD keys, two rotary controls, and a 5-inch display. The concept is aimed at gamers, streamers, and creative professionals alike–in other words, anyone who needs comprehensive control and information at a glance while gaming, producing, or live streaming, without taking their hands off the keyboard. Our test report clarifies whether this innovative hybrid input device lives up to those expectations and justifies its price of $349.99. Friedrich Stiemer Corsair Galleon 100 SD: Design and workmanship At first glance, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD makes a solid impression. The housing is made of milled aluminum (CNC metal) and weighs in at a considerable 3.08 pounds, ensuring that the keyboard sits firmly on the desk. Corsair uses black PBT double-shot keycaps, which promise durability and abrasion-resistant lettering–a quality feature that’s appreciated in professional environments. Visually, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD combines classic gaming elements such as per-key RGB lighting and a discreet light bar (“mood bar”) along the upper edge of the housing with the eye-catching Stream Deck module on the right-hand side. An ergonomic palm rest with memory foam padding attaches magnetically, significantly improving long-term comfort. Corsair’s layout decisions are likely to spark discussion. Where the number pad would normally be located, the Stream Deck unit now takes pride of place, meaning the number pad has been completely omitted. Standard keys such as the arrow and navigation blocks, on the other hand, remain in their usual places. For many gamers, a keyboard without a numpad is nothing unusual, but typists will have to rethink their approach. Although the 12 LCD keys can be assigned as a numeric keypad when needed, for example, for entering numbers in Excel, this remains only a limited substitute for a physical numpad. In addition, some users may find the placement of the macro keys on the right-hand side to be a potential design disadvantage. In the heat of the moment, you have to take your right hand off the mouse to reach them. Standard gaming keyboards tend to place additional macro keys on the left-hand side, where they can be accessed with the keyboard hand. Friedrich Stiemer However, Corsair argues that the Stream Deck keys are integrated “within natural reach” and were designed as part of the keyboard from the outset. In practice, this will depend heavily on the user: right-handed users who use the mouse may find reaching the display keys on the right awkward, while streamers can easily access them with their left hand during breaks. Ultimately, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD impresses with its first-class workmanship and thoughtful design, which doesn’t feel overloaded despite the many extras. Rather, the keyboard stands out as an eye-catching feature on the desk. Corsair Galleon 100 SD: Technology and features The heart of the Corsair Galleon 100 SD is undeniably its full-fledged Stream Deck integration. A total of 12 freely programmable buttons with small LCD displays allow you to trigger complex actions, launch applications, or switch entire profile sets at the touch of a button. Sitting above the 3×4 key matrix is a five-inch (12.7 cm) color display with a resolution of 720×1280 pixels. The mini screen is topped by two multifunctional rotary controls with pressure function, which can be used as volume controls, media control, or creative fine adjustments. This entire control unit is seamlessly embedded in the keyboard, making separate macro pads or external Stream Deck devices virtually redundant. Particularly elegant is the fact that each LCD button adapts in real time to the active application or game, dynamically displaying user-defined icons or text. This effectively turns the buttons into next-generation macro keys, similar to those already familiar from Corsair’s Elgato Stream Deck product lineup. Friedrich Stiemer An entire article could be devoted to the possibilities offered by the Stream Deck keyboard combination. The range of applications is enormous: in games, predefined profiles allow you to trigger special abilities, use inventory shortcuts, or start complex command chains (“multi-actions”) at the touch of a button, without having to open menus or memorize cryptic hotkeys. Ready-made profiles and icons are already available for many popular games in the Elgato Marketplace. But the Galleon module also has a lot to offer beyond gaming: it can be used to control Spotify, operate chats or messengers, and accelerate creative workflows. Meanwhile, the integrated display provides helpful real-time information. For example, system monitoring data such as CPU/GPU load and temperatures, audio levels, or even the weather. Streamers will also appreciate having chat messages, Twitch status, timers, or viewer counts directly on the keyboard in their peripheral vision, eliminating the need to constantly look at a second monitor. Overall, Corsair’s approach is to minimize context switching: all important commands and information should be where “your hands and eyes belong,” namely on the keyboard. Corsair Galleon 100 SD: High-end technology and mechanical switches Of course, all this would be of little value if the basics weren’t done right. But the manufacturer also positions the Corsair Galleon 100 SD as an uncompromising high-end gaming keyboard. Inside, the in-house Axon chip with hyper-polling up to 8,000 hertz is at work, which, according to the manufacturer, forwards inputs to the PC up to eight times faster than standard keyboards with 1,000 hertz. Professional gamers benefit from ultra-low latency and FlashTap SOCD technology, which ensures that when opposite direction keys are pressed simultaneously, the last direction pressed is always prioritized. In plain terms, this allows for more precise movement such as lightning-fast counter-straffing in shooters without inputs blocking each other. N-key rollover with 100 percent anti-ghosting is also included, ensuring that any number of simultaneous keystrokes are reliably recognized. Friedrich Stiemer Corsair uses MLX Pulse switches. These linear mechanical switches actuate after just two millimeters and require only about 45 grams of force, giving them as a smooth feel similar to Cherry MX Red switches–exciting for enthusiasts! The switches are pre-lubricated from the factor, ensuring a smooth typing experience without scratchiness. They are also designed to offer a deliberately “thocky” sound profile, i.e. a rich, duller keystroke instead of the usual high-pitched click. To further suppress annoying ping noises, the entire key matrix rests on gaskets and six layers of sound-absorbing foam. In practice, this results in an extremely high-quality typing experience: each keystroke sounds muffled and full, while the keyboard remains highly responsive. Friedrich Stiemer Those who prefer to use their own switches in the Corsair Galleon 100 SD can swap the MLX Pulse for other 3- or 5-pin switches at any time thanks to hot-swap sockets – Corsair has also thought of the DIY community here. The technical features are rounded off by a detachable, sleeved USB-C cable (1.8 meters) and a USB pass-through port in the form of an easily accessible USB-C socket on the keyboard. This allows you to conveniently connect a headset, gamepad, or USB stick to the front without having to crawl under your desk. However, the Galleon 100 SD is a purely wired gaming keyboard. Given the power-hungry displays and 8 kHz technology, Corsair has consistently opted against wireless, which we find understandable for this device concept. Friedrich Stiemer Corsair Galleon 100 SD: Software As innovative as the hardware is, the software approach of the Corsair Galleon 100 SD is equally unusual. Surprisingly, the keyboard does not support the usual Corsair iCUE software; instead, two alternative solutions are employed. Corsair has developed a new web application called “Corsair Web Hub” for all classic keyboard functions (lighting, macros, profiles, polling rate, etc.). This is a browser-based configuration tool that requires no installation and accesses the keyboard directly when needed. Changes to lighting or key assignments are set via the web interface and then stored on the Galleon’s 8-megabyte onboard memory. The advantage? No permanent background software is required after setup. Web Hub can be closed, yet the settings remain in the device and even continue to function on another PC. We were able to easily adjust the RGB color for each key in Web Hub, define effects, and deactivate the Windows key in game mode. Macro recording and special features, such as the FlashTap SOCD settings, can also be adjusted through the Hub. Corsair’s approach of conserving system resources while still allowing extensive personalization is fundamentally commendable. Friedrich Stiemer The downside is that Elgato’s Stream Deck app must be running in parallel for the Stream Deck functions to work. The LCD buttons and display are configured entirely via the established Stream Deck software, including drag-and-drop assignment of actions, installation of plug-ins from the Marketplace, and management of profile pages. In principle, Galleon owners get the same powerful range of functions here as with a separate Stream Deck. However, the separation of the software is likely to be a thorn in the side of many Corsair fans: the recently released Corsair Vanguard keyboard (which pursued a similar special concept) was already criticized for fragmenting Corsair’s ecosystem. Users note that it’s “stupid to have to install a second piece of software just for the display.” Others ask in frustration whether Corsair is giving up on iCUE, as this is now the second product to be released without iCUE support. The fact remains that lighting synchronization or central control with other Corsair devices via iCUE is not possible with the Galleon 100 SD. If you want to control your Corsair mouse, headset, or PC lighting in sync with your keyboard, separate solutions must be used for the time being. Corsair could address this shortcoming in the future by integrating the systems more closely. For example, an iCUE plug-in that displays basic information on the keyboard display, similar to what the external iCUE Nexus display offers, would be desirable. Friedrich Stiemer On a positive note, Corsair does not require a user account or cloud access thanks to Web Hub. The settings remain local and the tool is very resource-efficient. Streamers and power users will appreciate the established Stream Deck software workflow anyway, as it offers an unrivalled range of options in its category such as plug-ins for Twitch, OBS Studio, YouTube, Discord, Philips Hue, and many other apps. In everyday use, however, this means that the Corsair Galleon 100 SD requires some initial configuration effort, as two interfaces have to be used. But once you’ve set up your profiles and settings, everything runs reliably. Thanks to onboard memory, the keyboard even starts in hardware mode with a basic profile on a foreign computer, and the Stream Deck app can automatically load profiles as needed once it’s running. Overall, Corsair’s software strategy for the Galleon 100 SD is unconventional, but it reflects the company’s focus on delivering performance without unnecessary overhead and on leveraging proven software (Elgato) rather than pushing iCUE onto the new hybrid concept. Corsair Galleon 100 SD: Gaming, streaming, and productivity In everyday use, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD proves to be a real all-rounder. For gamers, it offers everything you would expect from a modern premium keyboard: precise, responsive keystrokes, no ghosting or input lag, and, thanks to its solid construction, a stable foundation even when gameplay gets intense. The new features fit surprisingly organically into the gameplay. Take MMORPGs or MOBAs, for example: instead of memorizing complex keyboard shortcuts, you can simply assign potions, skill combos, or chat messages to the LCD keys and see the corresponding icon at a glance. Ready-made profile presets for many games make it easy to get started–for instance, you can operate instrument buttons in Flight Simulator or purchase equipment kits in Counter-Strike at the touch of a button without leaving the main game. We immediately triggered healing in a battle royale game using the Stream Deck button, giving us a slight time advantage by bypassing the inventory menu. Switching between game-specific lighting profiles (such as highlighting the WASD keys) also worked flawlessly via Web Hub and was clearly indicated on the display. Friedrich Stiemer The strengths are even more evident in everyday streaming. Here, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD transforms into a full-fledged studio deck: press two or three buttons, and the intro sequence starts, the microphone goes live, and the facecam fades in. During the stream, you can use the controls to mix the sound or switch between scenes without ever moving your fingers far from WASD or the chat keyboard. The small display is especially helpful, allowing us to constantly keep an eye on our live chat and viewer numbers. This made it easy to notice new questions in the chat and respond without taking our eyes off the game. Another practical feature: system resource indicators on the keyboard informed us if GPU usage became critical while streaming. A quick glance was all it took. For streamers who frequently switch between the game and streaming tools with Alt-Tab, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD provides noticeable relief and saves time. Everything is at your fingertips, as the keyboard becomes the command center for the entire live session. But the Galleon 100 SD also shines in productive workflows. In video and image editing programs, for example, we assigned important shortcuts to the LCD keys: a single press could control tools in Photoshop or start an export process in Adobe Premiere, among other things. The rotary knobs are ideal for continuous zooming on timelines or scrolling through long documents. If you make a lot of calls from your home office, a key can be assigned to mute your microphone in Teams or Zoom, with a red status indicator on the LCD key. Friedrich Stiemer For music lovers and frequent listeners, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD offers complete media control: skip tracks, fine-tune the volume, play and pause–all without reaching for the mouse. Even classic office users benefit. A Stream Deck plug-in, for example, can be used to execute predefined macros in Excel at the touch of a button or to control presentations in PowerPoint. In short, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD can increase productivity if you’re willing to adapt your working environment a little. Of course, there are also use cases where the Galleon concept reaches its limits. For example, anyone who spends hours every day hammering away at columns of numbers in spreadsheets will miss the real number pad, as the virtual number keys are only a makeshift solution here since you first have to switch to a suitable profile. In addition, it takes a little getting used to at first to exploit the full potential of the many extra control options. However, once you have set up your personal workflow, many things are much smoother than with separate devices or pure software control. In the test run, after a short time we couldn’t work without the additional displays and buttons, because you quickly get used to the luxury of having everything under control. The typing and writing performance of the Corsair Galleon 100 SD itself is excellent. The MLX switches feel linear and very smooth; thanks to the factory lubrication, there is no scratching or jumping. The muffled typing noise is striking: a rich “thock” with every keystroke, far removed from the sharp click of a blue switch or the hollow echo of some cheaper keyboards. Colleagues in the room found typing on it to be much more pleasant than on conventional gaming keyboards. Corsair’s efforts with seals and foam have paid off here. At the same time, we also registered every keystroke precisely, even in hectic gaming situations, no matter how fast the inputs were. The extremely high polling rate of 8,000 hertz may hardly be noticeable to the average player, but in combination with the robust construction, the keyboard feels absolutely direct and responsive at all times, which is a decisive factor for e-sports players and demanding gamers. Friedrich Stiemer Corsair Galleon 100 SD: Criticisms As impressive as the Corsair Galleon 100 SD is in terms of features and performance, there are a few points of criticism that cannot be ignored. Firstly, the price: $349.99 is a hefty sum for a keyboard. Objectively speaking, you do get two devices in one, i.e. a professional keyboard plus a Stream Deck, but the investment needs to be carefully considered. In fact, for the same money, you could buy a separate high-end keyboard and a larger Stream Deck (such as the Stream Deck XL with 32 keys) and still have some money leftover. The Corsair Galleon 100 SD is therefore clearly aimed at enthusiasts who appreciate the added value of integration and are willing to dig deep into their pockets for it. For casual gamers without streaming ambitions, the price-performance ratio is rather unfavorable, as they would leave many features unused. Secondly, the software situation: as described, Corsair is currently forcing users to use a dual setup consisting of Web Hub and the Stream Deck app. This means more configuration effort and potentially two applications running in parallel. Compared to the familiar “everything under one roof” philosophy of iCUE, this is a step backwards in terms of convenience and ecosystem. Those who already own several Corsair devices in particular will miss having centralized control. Although the setup runs stably in testing, the fragmentation remains a drawback. Especially since Corsair itself initially relied on Web Hub only for the Vanguard keyboard series and only later promised iCUE support. They could have learned from past feedback here. On a positive note, however, Corsair is taking an interesting approach with its resource-saving web configurator, which may even be more attractive to purists than the iCUE software, which is often criticized for being bloated. Friedrich Stiemer Thirdly, the lack of a wireless option. While technically understandable, the absence of wireless functionality could be a drawback for some users. In an age where even many high-end keyboards offer Bluetooth, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD is strictly tied to its USB cable. This may not be a problem on a desk with a stationary PC–on the contrary, the fixed connections (including the USB hub) have their advantages. But anyone hoping to position the keyboard more flexibly or switch quickly between multiple devices will always need to reconnect the cable. Fourthly, the space requirement. Despite the omission of the numpad, the Galleon 100 SD isn’t a space saver. Its width is roughly the same as a standard full-size keyboard, as the Stream Deck module occupies the space that would otherwise be freed up. The palm rest, combined with the height added by the display and controls, further contributes to the keyboard’s overall profile. In cramped setups, the keyboard could feel a bit bulky, though the palm rest can be removed if space is limited. Weighing 3.08 pounds, the keyboard doesn’t budge on the desk, but its heft makes it far from travel-friendly. LAN party goers, in particular, may hesitate to carry this battleship. Friedrich Stiemer Fifthly, the concept itself. As ingenious as the idea of an “all-in-one” input solution is, it’s aimed at a very specific target group. After all, a Stream Deck, whether separate or integrated, only makes sense if you actually use it. If you’re not interested in automating processes or optimizing your streaming or work setup with macros, you’ll be paying a lot for buttons and functions that may go unused. Not everyone will make full use of the keyboard’s expensive array of features in everyday life. That said, this risk is inherent to any specialized tool. Corsair at least provides everything you need to reap long-term benefits, including a large community of existing profiles and plug-ins. Read...

Lithium-ion batteries are used in smartphones, laptops, electric cars, and stationary energy storage systems. Although their design has hardly changed in years, one key problem remains: the gradual aging of cells. That’s why lithium-ion batteries lose capacity over time. A team of researchers at the University of Maryland (via NewScientist) have discovered a new solution that could extend the service life of lithium-ion batteries, all without changing internal cell structure or existing production processes. Why do lithium-ion batteries age? Every lithium-ion battery consists of two electrodes: a negative anode and a positive cathode. Between them is a liquid electrolyte through which lithium ions migrate when charging and discharging. Over time, this electrolyte deteriorates and the byproducts are deposited as extremely thin layers on the electrodes. This byproduct effect is actually desirable on the anode, where it forms a stable layer that protects the electrode from further wear and tear, making the battery more durable. Unfortunately, not so for the cathode, which operates under highly oxidizing conditions and doesn’t form a comparable protective layer. Thus, aging and deterioration. How the new solution works The team, led by materials scientist Chunsheng Wang, investigated a new approach that doesn’t tweak the electrodes but rather the electrolyte in between. Inspired by known reactions from organic chemistry, they adjusted its properties so that ion transfers are more controlled. The effect is that the electrolyte no longer deteriorates randomly but in a controlled manner, forming a uniform and stable protective layer on the cathode, which slows down further degradation. Crucially, no exotic materials are required for this. According to the researchers, it uses chemicals and processes already used in the battery industry. Another advantage of this process is its flexibility. The composition of the protective layer on the cathode can be varied. A thicker layer increases stability and extends the battery’s service life but slows down ion transport, while a thinner layer allows for higher power and energy densities but results in faster wear. This would allow batteries to be tailored to their specific application—for example, maximum durability in stationary energy storage systems or maximum performance in electric vehicles. What does this mean for you? It remains to be seen how much this new solution will actually extend the service life of lithium-ion batteries. The technology is in an early testing phase and reliable long-term data isn’t yet available. Nevertheless, experts are optimistic about it. Energy storage expert Michel Armand from Spanish research center CIC energiGUNE described the controlled formation of a protective layer on the cathode as an important step towards longer-lasting batteries. For consumers, nothing will change in the short term. In the medium-to-long term, however, this solution could help batteries in everyday devices retain capacity and improve longevity without manufacturers having to develop completely new cell types. Further reading: Is it bad to leave your laptop always plugged in? Read...

I’m excited about Panther Lake. More specifically, I like what I see of its integrated graphics—and what it could mean for the future. Panther Lake’s incredible performance isn’t a new concept, of course. AMD was first out the gate last year with splashy, powerful graphics squeezed onto a mobile CPU die. Strix Halo and its performance was the talk of our office in 2025 on multiple occasions, having captured the attention of The Full Nerd crew and other PCWorld staffers alike. But Intel now thrusting its feet into the fire makes a low-key dream of mine feel possible. Intel’s new mobile architecture can nearly rival discrete GPUs, as my colleague Mark found during his extensive testing. I could be apprehensive about the implications for budget discrete graphics cards—and I was asked that very question during the show this week. Yes, it is a little unnerving. I don’t want integrated graphics (however good they are) to replace discrete cards. Being able to swap a video card, especially one that fails or has grown long in the tooth, should not be a privilege available only to those who can afford higher-end cards. Welcome to The Full Nerd newsletter—your weekly dose of hardware talk from the enthusiasts at PCWorld. Missed the surprising topics on our YouTube show or latest news from across the web? You’re in the right place.  Want this newsletter to come directly to your inbox? Sign up on our website!  I want brawny integrated graphics to be an additional choice for PC gamers and DIY builders. Just think of what that could do for small form-factor PCs. For example, take this this lil’ guy from r/sffpc, which does actually sport a discrete RTX 5060 in that 1.8L body. (Gorgeous work on the part of u/Bjoes92, by the way—oh, to be able to CNC aluminum in your own workshop!) Right now, mini-PCs and small form-factor building have a wall between them. But what if that hard line softened? u/Bjoes92 / Reddit In an ideal world, I’d love to see chips like Panther Lake expand beyond laptops to not just mini-PCs, but SFF builds that straddle the line between DIY and bare-bones kits. Perhaps mini-STX (or an even smaller riff on it) could firm up as a standard-option motherboard, where a Ryzen AI Max+ or Panther Lake–style chip is soldered on. Or—if AMD’s surprising hints at CES are any indication—such a mobo could support a sized-down version of socketed desktop parts. (The fact AMD dropped the idea of a mobile chip in a socketed board means I’m not the only person on the planet wondering about this. Heck, it sounds like I’m actually late to the party.)  I’d enjoy doing speed-run SFF builds with a half-DIY, half-bare-bones approach. Lots of performance, low time investment to get up and running, and I can choose my own case and cooling? Heck yeah. It would be a more DIY-friendly version of Intel’s Compute Element concept—and one with legs. (The Compute Element didn’t survive long after its debut in 2020.) Don’t get me wrong. I’m still concerned about the future of budget discrete GPUs. But realistically, consumer technology doesn’t appear poised for the same leaps and bounds in progress as we saw this past decade. So during this slowed period, I’d like to at least see innovation around efficiency—advances that will reduce the necessary size and energy consumption of everyday PC components. With such heavy emphasis in the last decade on pushing the envelope (rightly needed given the years of stagnation prior to AMD’s Ryzen launch), optimization could use some growth. When consumer hardware once again steams ahead, we home users would better benefit from a landscape paying equal attention to optimized hardware. (The cost of living won’t be getting any cheaper, especially when it comes to real estate and energy.) There will always be room at my desk for a full-powered desktop PC, but I love options. I love choice. I really love small PCs. The idea of broader flexibility and power in a mini footprint is exciting to me, too. In this episode of The Full Nerd In this episode of The Full Nerd, Adam Patrick Murray, Alaina Yee, Mark Hachman, and Will Smith dig into Mark’s testing of Intel Panther Lake (and what that means for other 18A products), Arrow Lake refresh rumors, and gaming performance on Windows 10 vs. Windows 11. Will and Mark also share tales of random wildlife. (Will’s take on weasels: “They’re like [mice], but long.”) We also once again go long with viewer Q&A (a whole 45 minutes!), which means y’all have many things to ask us. We love it. (For real.) Willis Lai / Foundry Missed our live show? Subscribe now to The Full Nerd Network YouTube channel, and activate notifications. We also answer viewer questions in real-time! Don’t miss out on our NEW shows too—you can catch episodes of Dual Boot Diaries and The Full Nerd: Extra Edition on our channel, too. PLUS! Adam just teased a new joint endeavor with Retro Gaming Corps… And if you need more hardware talk during the rest of the week, come join our Discord community—it’s full of cool, laid-back nerds. This week’s varied nerd news I found myself poking all over the internet this week for interesting tidbits—and it was surprising what turned up. Obviously, the big news was AMD’s launch of the 9850X3D, which Adam tested for us. But I had never given much deep thought to China’s own memory production before, which Gamers Nexus helped fix for me. (Thanks, Steve!) AMD’s 9850X3D is the best gaming chip you can buy. But that’s not good enough right now.Adam Patrick Murray / Foundry Adam tested the 9850X3D: As I note in my written summary of his findings, it’s…fine. Yes, it’s the best gaming CPU. But the overall landscape for DIY building complicates its appeal. I want to try this now: One determined British dude repurposed the standard telephone wiring in his home for gigabit ethernet. This is absolutely me now researching whether U.S. telephone lines are similarly capable. Sigh: The United State’s cyber defense chief uploaded sensitive information into the public version of ChatGPT. The rise of Chinese memory: This deep-dive from Gamers Nexus into China’s investment into memory manufacturing is both educational and fascinating. Our first glimpse at ChromeOS’s successor.9to5Google I’m nervous: Supposedly, the first look at Google’s new AluminumOS recently leaked—and while I’m hopeful about its eventual launch, I’m also still worried. (What will happen to ChromeOS Flex?) Oops: A five-ton Japanese satellite fell off the rocket it was attached to during flight. Somehow, this feels like a light moment, thanks to the image released by Japan’s space agency illustrating what happened. (Also, my tax dollars didn’t pay for it, so.) The sound will remain forever in my head: Microsoft just purposely broke modem support in Windows 11. The reason makes sense, but the outcome is still a bit sad. Better late than never: Having a succession plan is a wise idea for any group—so this is a smart move on the Linux community’s part. Found the problem: Small form-factor haters criticize builds for not enough airflow. This post in the r/SFFPC subreddit clearly illustrates the real issue. The real cute (yet still very problematic) issue. Catch you all next week—it should be a bit warmer at last. Also, you know how when you live in an area, certain things don’t faze you? For example, earthquakes are normal to me, but PCWorld’s east coast staffers seem mildly alarmed whenever we west coasters mention them.  Well, I had the reverse experience upon learning that you can have a heart attack while shoveling snow. Our east coast crew? They only said, “Oh yeah, that totally happens on occasion out here.”  I’m glad I live in a temperate climate. Alaina This newsletter is dedicated to the memory of Gordon Mah Ung, founder and host of The Full Nerd, and executive editor of hardware at PCWorld. Read...

Smart Communications names Heidi Johnson chief product and technology officer as it sharpens AI governance for heavily regulated clients. Read...

The Public Safety Network project was an answer to first responders being let down by communications technology in previous disasters. Read...

Did you know the Super Bowl is just around the corner? January sure moved fast, what with society falling apart and all. Well, if you’re planning to watch the big game this year while the world burns outside, you might as well watch it on a proper screen—like TCL’s 65-inch 4K TV that’s on sale for $499.97 (was $699.99). That’s a lovely 29% off! View this Amazon deal For the price, the TCL T7 delivers exceptional visual quality with QLED technology at 4K resolution, which translates to rich and vibrant colors, vivid contrast, and an overall great viewing experience. The native 144Hz refresh rate ensures fluid responsiveness and smooth motion whether you’re watching sports, movies, or gaming. Indeed, it’s a solid option to pair with your Xbox or PlayStation console. As a smart TV, it runs on the Google TV platform. You’ll find content from various streaming apps in a single interface, and it comes with a remote with easy access to the most popular streaming services. You even can tap the microphone button to issue voice commands. This TV integrates with Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and Amazon Alexa, so you can also use the remote to command your other smart home gadgets. If you order today, you’ll be able to get the TCL T7 delivered with plenty of days to spare before the big game. Grab this 65-inch 4K TV for its lowest price yet and elevate your home media experience! Start watching sports in glorious 65-inch 4K without breaking the bankBuy now at Amazon Read...

Technology that had been installed to monitor land movement was triggered and work suspended just after 10.30am. Read...

Windows 11 is increasingly evolving from a classic operating system to an AI-centric platform. Microsoft is integrating Copilot not as a standalone application, but as a permanent system function. For private users, however, it is not so much the strategic orientation that is decisive as the concrete added value in everyday life. This is precisely where a conflict arises between genuinely helpful functions, technical overload, and limited user acceptance to date. We have already provided an overview of the topic of AI in Windows 11 and the new functions in a separate article. Getting started, visibility, and control in the system Copilot starts directly from Windows. On supported systems, the assistant opens using the key combination Windows + C or via the icon in the taskbar. Copilot can be activated or hidden in the settings under “Personalization” and “Taskbar.” New AI PCs and AI laptops also have a physical Copilot button on the keyboard. This button is only available on AI devices with the appropriate hardware. Classic Windows 11 computers do not have it. The button makes for access easier, but does not add any functional value compared to the keyboard shortcut. The button lowers the barrier to entry, but does not replace understanding or meaningful use. Michael Crider / Foundry Copilot as an everyday tool In everyday use, Copilot primarily assists with tasks that can be described in language. Content can be summarized, texts can be roughly formulated, and longer web pages can be reduced to key messages. Explanations of Windows settings or programs can also be provided quickly. The benefit arises when you use Copilot as preliminary work. Results need to be checked, adjusted, and put into context. Copilot does not replace research and your own evaluation. Analyze files without opening them Windows 11 integrates Copilot in several places in File Explorer. A new option allows you to transfer Office files directly to Microsoft 365 Copilot to obtain summaries or content analyses. However, you need a corresponding subscription to do this. There is a similar function in the right-click menu. Both look the same but work differently. It is precisely this dual integration that causes confusion. Users often do not recognize which Copilot is active. The benefits are real, but the operation remains confusing. Those who don’t know the difference will get different results than expected. Some practice is required here. Microsoft itself obviously doesn’t yet know exactly how and where AI should be integrated into the operating system. That’s why development is dynamic: New features are added, while others are dropped. Microsoft System-wide writing assistant A universal writing assistant is now available in more and more text input fields. It corrects grammar, adjusts style, and shortens texts. This can save a noticeable amount of time for short answers, comments or forms. However, this feature requires a Copilot PC with an integrated NPU, which means that many personal computers are not compatible. In addition, the suggestions are often very neutral and standardized. Without manual editing, the texts can therefore quickly appear interchangeable. Those interested should carefully examine the assistant’s capabilities, for example directly in Notepad. It should be noted that a subscription to Microsoft 365 or even Microsoft 365 Copilot is sometimes required. In such cases, the system will indicate this accordingly. Voice input and voice mode Copilot supports voice input and tests activation via voice command. This works well in quiet living environments. In multi-person households or in the evening, voice input remains impractical. Many users still prefer text input. Microsoft is responding to this with parallel text interaction. The vision of a talking PC does not fit into everyone’s everyday life. Foundry AI PCs, NPUs, and local processing AI PCs have a neural processing unit (NPU) that processes selected AI tasks locally. These include live subtitles, studio effects for cameras, and simple classifications. These functions are energy-efficient and do not require a cloud connection. However, many Copilot functions still rely on online services. For private users, the practical difference is therefore less than the marketing suggests. The NPU primarily improves battery life and local effects — but not automatically the quality of Copilot responses. Recall as an example of overambitious features Recall stores screen snapshots to find past content via voice. Recall remains optional and requires active consent, device encryption and Windows Hello login. In practice, the picture is mixed. The quality of the hits remains unreliable. Many users disable Recall for privacy reasons or because of its limited usefulness. Recall clearly shows that technical feasibility does not guarantee everyday value. Microsoft AI agents and new system architecture Windows 11 is currently testing AI agents that perform tasks independently in the background and display their progress directly in the taskbar. One example is a research agent that creates comprehensive evaluations and displays the current status transparently. For private users, this approach theoretically promises additional convenience. At the same time, however, skepticism is growing: Autonomous actions in the file system require a high degree of trust. Microsoft is addressing these concerns with isolated workspaces, explicit approvals, and clear handover mechanisms. Nevertheless, the technology remains a preview feature with correspondingly limited acceptance. Agent Launchers, MCP, and On-Device Registry Windows registers AI agents system-wide with Agent Launchers. These can be launched via Ask Copilot, the taskbar, or the search function. An on-device registry manages capabilities and access rights locally. The Model Context Protocol enables collaboration between agents and tools. For private users, this means more automation in the future, but also more complexity. More entry points increase the learning curve and the risk of overload. Ask Copilot as a replacement for search In new insider versions of Windows 11, Microsoft is testing replacing the classic search with “Ask Copilot.” Files, settings, and apps can then be found using natural language. This works reliably for general queries. For precise file paths or known names, the classic search is often faster. Many users switch depending on the situation. A complete replacement seems unrealistic in the short term. Microsoft Accessibility and side effects AI functions are also reaching classic system areas. The screen reader receives customizable output via natural language. Voice Access simplifies setup. These functions offer real added value, regardless of the AI hype. They show that AI is convincing when it solves specific problems. These functions are being rolled out gradually and are partly reserved for AI PCs with NPUs. Low usage despite maximum presence Despite massive integration, many users rarely use Copilot. Microsoft has already reduced its sales targets for AI. Many users feel that AI in the operating system is imposed on them and is not yet optimally integrated. Creative results are difficult to reproduce. Users often continue to use AI via browsers because they can work more specifically there. The physical Copilot button increases visibility but does not generate acceptance. Hardware constraints and acceptance issues A large proportion of existing PCs do not meet the requirements for AI functions in Windows 11. Many users feel that the switch is being forced upon them. AI notebooks cost significantly more. At the same time, the practical added value of AI functions remains limited. This explains the reluctance to switch, despite the expiry of support for Windows 10. Sam Singleton Practical recommendations for private users Use Copilot selectively: Summaries, short explanations, and text drafts can save you a lot of time. However, always check the results yourself and deactivate functions that do not offer you any added value. Windows 11 remains fully functional even without active AI use. The Copilot button on AI notebooks simply makes access easier — it does not oblige you to do anything. Windows 11 is increasingly evolving into an agent-enabled system. Further AI functions, greater automation, and higher visibility are foreseeable. For users, it is not the sheer number of functions that counts, but their reliability in everyday use. In the short term, Copilot remains a tool for selected scenarios. In the long term, it remains to be seen whether Microsoft will turn mere presence into actual relevance. Microsoft Copilot enhances Windows 11, but it does not replace independent thinking. The greatest benefit comes from conscious, selective use. Many features still seem experimental, some even overly ambitious. Private users would be well advised to view Copilot as an option rather than an obligation. This way, the ubiquitous AI becomes a tool that provides support at the right moment — and otherwise remains discreetly in the background. Read...

Sonos’s first new product since 2024’s Arc Ultra soundbar has finally arrived, but it’s not something you’ll ever find in Best Buy.  Slated to arrive “soon,” the Sonos Amp Multi is like a super-changed version of the Sonos Amp, a wireless device that lets you connect traditional home audio components like turntables, wired speakers, and other devices to your Sonos setup.  While the $800 Sonos Amp can only handle a single zone of audio, the 8-channel Amp Multi can juggle up to four zones, and it also boasts pro-level room calibration technology plus a 2U rack mount for installation in an A/V closet.  No question, the “bespoke” Amp Multi is a serious piece of hardware—so serious that it’s intended only for the professional installer market. Indeed, the usual “buy now” button on the Sonos website has been replaced by a “find an installer” button.  Sonos Even if the Sonos Amp Multi isn’t for you, the arrival of the new—and very much “audio-first” — device signals that Sonos may be back on track after 15 months of turmoil.  The last big hardware release for Sonos was in October 2024, when the Arc Ultra arrived. A follow-up to the Sonos Arc, the newer soundbar packs 14 drivers, 9.1.4 channels of audio, and a special ingredient dubbed Sound Motion, a component that allows the Arc Ultra to deliver impressive low-frequency performance without a separate subwoofer.  The Arc Ultra received warm reviews, in stark contrast to the drubbing Sonos endure following the disastrous reception to the revamped Sonos app in mid 2024, a debacle that left the company reeling and spurred the resignation of its longtime CEO Patrick Spense.  Riddled with bugs and bereft of such basic features as an editable music queue or support for local music sources, the redesigned Sonos app was greeted with near universal derision, with longtime Sonos users threatening to bail on the once-acclaimed wireless speaker platform.  At the same time, Sonos launched the Ace, and pair of wireless headphones that could connect directly to Sonos soundbars but lacked Wi-Fi support, a feature that many eager Sonos fans had expected to ship with the cans. Reviews were middling, and sales figures were said to be disappointing.  The sinking Sonos ship slowly began to right itself with the arrival of interim—and now permanent—CEO Tom Conrad, who oversaw the much needed revisions to the new Sonos app while reportedly shooting down what could have been yet another debacle for the company: a rumored $400 streaming video player that would have potentially seen Sonos jumping into an unfamilar and oversaturated market with a wildly overpriced device.  Instead, the Amp Multi shows Sonos returning to its roots as an audio-first wireless speaker company. Hopefully Sonos’s next product—made for everyday consumers, one would hope—will follow the same path.  This news story is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best smart speakers. Read...

Got any Wemo smart products installed in your home? If so, you’d better get busy, because they’re not going to be smart for much longer.  Belkin, the consumer electronics company behind the Wemo brand, warned customers last summer that it was poised to kill cloud support for the majority of its Wemo smart devices, from smart plugs and light switches to crockpots and air purifiers.  The date Belkin set for switching off its Wemo cloud servers is January 31, 2026—this Saturday. When that date arrives, your Wemo devices will lose any functionality that relies on the cloud, and you won’t be able to control them remotely or via voice commands either.   So if you’re relying on any Wemo smart devices for your smart home and you haven’t already made preparations, it’s time to get cracking.   For a complete list of Wemo devices that are about to get dumb, you can check out Belkin’s official support page. More than two-dozen products are on the list, including smart space heaters, coffee makers, baby monitors, dimmer switches, and smart plugs.  In most cases, the only fix for Wemo devices on the shutdown list is to swap them out with other products. We’ve previously compiled a guide of suitable Wemo replacements, so now’s a good time to give it a gander.  Belkin has said it may offer “partial” refunds for any affected Wemo devices that are still under warranty on or after January 31, but you won’t be able to apply for a refund until after that date.    The good news is that some Wemo smart products can get a second lease on life, provided you’re comfortable with Apple’s HomeKit platform.  There are seven Wemo devices that can be configured to work with HomeKit, including:  Wemo Smart Light Switch 3-Way (SKU: WLS0403)  Wemo Smart Light Switch (SKU: WLS040)  Wemo HomeKit Bridge (SKU: F7C064)  Wemo Dimmer Light Switch (SKU: F7C059)  Wemo Mini Plugin Switch (SKU: F7C063)  Wemo Outdoor Plug (SKU: WSP090)  Wemo Mini Smart Plug (SKU: WSP080)  Nice, but here’s the catch: To use those Wemo devices with the Apple Home app, you’ll need their HomeKit setup codes, and you’ll need the Wemo app to retrieve them—and since the Wemo app is going dark on January 31, you’ll have to get those HomeKit codes before the deadline.   Beyond those seven HomeKit-compatible products, there are four Matter-enabled Wemo devices that work with Thread, and they’re exempt from the Wemo shutdown:  Wemo Smart Light Switch 3-Way (SKU: WLS0503)  Wemo Stage Smart Scene Controller (SKU: WSC010)  Wemo Smart Plug with Thread?(SKU: WSP100)  Wemo Smart Video Doorbell Camera (SKU: WDC010)  Those four devices will continue to work with any Matter controller app even after Belkin shuts off its Wemo servers.  Belkin’s move to shutter its Wemo brand and effectively exit the smart home market didn’t come as a big shock. The company had only released a handful of Wemo devices in the years following its 2018 acquisition by tech giant Foxconn.  “Over the last decade, since Belkin first launched Wemo in 2011, we’ve been committed to providing consumers with innovative, simple-to-use accessories for a seamless smart home experience,” Belkin said when it first announced the coming Wemo shutdown. “However, as technology evolves, we must focus our resources on different parts of the Belkin business.”     This news story is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best smart lights. Read...