If you’re looking to take your first steps in the smart home space, nothing’s easier than deploying a smart plug. Just stick one in an outlet, plug the lamp or small appliance you want to control into it, install a smartphone app, and you’re done!  While there are dozens of smart plugs to choose from, few offer as many features as what Shelly says its Shelly Plug Gen4 can deliver. This Matter-certified smart plug supports Zigbee as well as Wi-Fi, and can be integrated into any of the major smart home ecosystems, including Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, Home Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings. Install the Shelly app on your smartphone and you’ll also get local control of the device for maximum privacy. The Shelly Plug Gen4 has integrated energy monitoring that can track power consumption in real time. Capable of supporting 15-amp loads up to 1800 watts, the plug has built-in safety features that offer protection in the event of over-wattage, over-current, and both over- and under-voltage scenarios. The Shelly Plug Gen4 will be available in two colors.Shelly The plug measures 2.01 x 2.52 x 1.5 inches (HxWxD), so a single plug won’t block an adjacent outlet, and two plugs should fit in a standard duplex outlet. It has an LED backlight that displays the plug’s on/off status while doubling as a night light (users can adjust the LED’s color and brightness). An onboard ambient light sensor can also be programmed to change the backlight’s behavior as well as turn the plug on and off. Advanced smart home users will be attracted to the plug’s support for Shelly’s own scripting language and script library, as well as JavaScript, to create advanced automations. In its press release, Shelly pointed to one example of a pre-configured script that can automatically reboot networking equipment in the event of an internet outage. Being an on/off device that supports small appliances such as space heaters and motorized devices such as fans and air purifiers, the one feature the Shelly Plug Gen4 can’t deliver is lamp dimming, but that’s to be expected. The Shelly Plug Gen4 is available now at Amazon and other retailers for $19.99. We’ll have an in-depth review soon. This news is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best smart plugs. Read...

Looking for a gaming laptop that won’t break the bank this holiday season? The HP Omen 16 may be just the laptop for you, especially now that it’s on sale for $1,000 at B&H. That’s a massive $520 off, down from its original $1,520 price with a crazy 34% discount. B&H has it labeled as “limited supply at this price,” so be quick if you’re interested! View this B&H deal The HP Omen 16 runs on an Intel Core Ultra 7 255H processor paired with 16GB of RAM, a configuration that’s fast enough for day-to-day tasks, including all your work apps, browser tabs, and running Windows 11 Home, which comes pre-laded on the 512GB SSD. That’s pretty tight storage for a gaming laptop of this caliber, but it’s hard to complain given the price drop—and fortunately there’s a second M.2 PCIe 4.0 slot, so you can expand the storage with a second SSD down the road. The crown on this laptop, though, is the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 graphics card that unlocks the latest DLSS 4 features and turns this into a real gaming machine that’s capable of playing all the popular titles today and for years to come. You’ll have a great time on this laptop’s 16-inch 1920×1200 IPS display with its 165Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth visuals that are perfect even for competitive gaming. It’s also solid on ports, with HDMI 2.1 for an external monitor, a USB-C that supports video and power delivery, a fast USB-A for an external drive two more USB-As for peripherals, Gigabit LAN, and 3.5mm audio. The 70-watt-hour battery is neither terrible nor great, and the 5.35-pound weight keeps it from being too portable. But come on, it’s a gaming laptop. You can’t expect ultra-portability with these specs! Get the HP Omen 16 for $1,000 at B&H before supply runs out and this deal expires. To sweeten things up, you’ll even get a 6-month subscription to Bitdefender Total Security for five devices, as well as a free game to pick between Battlefield 6, Dying Light: The Beast, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and Sid Meier’s Civilization VII. It’s one of the best gaming laptops around $1,000 right now. Save a whopping $520 on this Core Ultra 7 laptop with RTX 5060 GPUBuy now from B&H Read...

At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Compact form factor with efficient cooling Powerful AMD Zen 4 CPU performance for office, multitasking, and creation Dual 2.5 Gbit/s Ethernet ports Triple display support including DisplayPort 2.1 (8K/60) 32GB DDR5 in dual channel and 1 TB NVMe SSD included Quiet and energy-efficient operation in everyday use Cons No NPU, no USB4, or Thunderbolt AI focused systems are better positioned for the future SSD and iGPU work below their theoretical capabilities Our Verdict The Alliwava H90 Pro hits an exciting sweet spot: extremely compact, really quiet, and very energy-efficient; yet significantly faster than classic office mini PCs. The addition of HDMI, DisplayPort, dual 2.5 Gbit LAN, and 32GB DDR5 make it a versatile desktop computer. If you need USB4, Wi-Fi 7, and NPU features, you’ll have to find them in much more expensive AI mini PCs. Otherwise, everyone else gets a lot of computing power for their money here. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Alliwava H90 Pro Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best Prices Today: Check today’s prices Alliwava H90 Pro: The specs CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS, 8 cores / 16 threads, 3.8 to 4.9 GHz, Zen 4 architecture, 35 watt TDP, 4 nm production GPU: AMD Radeon 780M, 12 compute units, up to 2,600 MHz, shared memory Memory: 32GB DDR5-4800, dual-channel, 2× SO-DIMM, expandable up to 256 GB according to the manufacturer Mass storage: 1 TB NVMe SSD, M.2-2280, PCIe-NVMe Cooling: Vapor chamber cooling system (MSC 2.0) with quiet fan and SSD heatsink, dust protection air inlets Video outputs: 1 × HDMI (2.1), 1 × DisplayPort (1.4) plus additional DisplayPort/Alt mode via USB-C; up to three monitors in parallel operation, DP up to 8K @ 60 Hz USB: 1 × USB 2.0, 3 × USB 3.x Gen1, 1 × USB 3.2 Gen2×2 (20 GB/s), incl. USB-C Connectivity: 2 × 2.5 Gbit LAN (Realtek RTL8125), Wi-Fi 6E (MediaTek MT7922), Bluetooth 5.2 Operating system: Windows 11 Pro pre-installed, automatic activation when connected to the internet Dimensions: 52 × 130 × 127.5 mm (H × W × D) Weight: approx. 360 g (0.8lbs) More and more manufacturers that are still relatively unknown are entering the mini PC market. Alliwava is a small supplier of mini PCs that – unlike well-known brands – deliberately focuses on a price-to-performance-orientated market segment. Instead of expensive flagship models with NPU, Thunderbolt docking, or premium gaming design, Alliwava focuses on solid hardware in compact cases, good value for money, and practical features suitable for everyday use. In our review we put it to the test to see if it lives up to these standards. Alliwava H90 Pro: Design After unpacking and the first impressions, the H90 Pro immediately looks like a typical IT favorite: small enough to disappear behind the monitor, but with port layout and cooling that are more reminiscent of a full-blown desktop. The H90 Pro has a simple, functional look: aluminium tray at the bottom, plastic lid in carbon look at the top, plus perforations on the sides for ventilation. Christoph Hoffmann At around 13 × 13 × 5.2 centimeters and around 360 grams (0.8 lbs), the housing remains very compact. At the same time, Alliwava accommodates a fully-fledged AMD Zen 4 platform with Ryzen 7 8745HS and Radeon 780M – all at street prices of less than $700. The front is clearly structured: several USB ports, an audio socket and a discreetly illuminated power button. This makes the mini PC inconspicuous enough for the office without appearing cheap. Christoph Hoffmann It gets exciting when you look under the hood: Alliwava uses a newly designed metal frame with a vapor chamber and MSC 2.0 cooling system, plus dust-protected air inlets on the bottom and sides. This is anything but a matter of course in this size class. In practice, the cooling design results in very quiet operation – even under load. Compared to devices such as the Minisforum AI X1 Pro or Geekom A9 Max, the H90 Pro is visibly more compact. These models also rely on powerful CPUs (Ryzen AI 9 HX 370), but require larger cases with significantly more volume. The Sapphire Edge AI 370 undercuts the H90 Pro once again in terms of height, but Alliwava’s cooling concept is more accessible – without magnetic lids or a rotated board, but with an easily-to-get-to interior and standardized components. Alliwava H90 Pro: Processor, GPU, RAM, and SSD The H90 Pro is surprisingly fully equipped. The centerpiece is the AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS (8C/16T, 3.8-4.9 GHz, 35 watts TDP) based on the Zen 4 architecture, combined with the integrated Radeon 780M (12 CUs, up to 2,600 MHz). There is also 32GB DDR5-4800 in dual channel (2 × SO-DIMM, upgradeable to 256GB) from Kingbank Technology and a 1 TB NVMe SSD (M.2 2280, PCIe NVMe, Gen4 according to the manufacturer, in practice more in the Gen3 performance range). Crystal Disk Info identifies the internal SSD as 1 TB NVMe PCI3 3.0 x4 – without reference to the manufacturer. The connectivity is one of the clear plus points: A total of five USB ports are available (including a 20 GB/s port), plus an HDMI port, two DisplayPort outputs and two 2.5 Gbit LANs. Alliwava itself advertises triple display support via HDMI 2.1, DP 1.4 and USB-C, including 8K at 60 Hz via DisplayPort – a detail that we especially appreciate. Christoph Hoffmann The H90 Pro relies on dual 2.5 GbE (Realtek RTL8125) and Wi-Fi 6E (MediaTek MT7922) for the network. Bluetooth 5.0 is also available. Alliwava H90 Pro: Operating system The Alliwava H90 Pro comes with Windows 11 Pro pre-installed, which is activated when there is an active internet connection. The operating system on our test device was still Windows 11 23H2 – release date 31 October 2023 – so a major update to Windows 11 25H2 was necessary in several steps immediately after setup. This is typical for smaller manufacturers who do not update their images regularly. Christoph Hoffmann After the update, Windows runs stably and smoothly. We downloaded the AMD drivers for the Radeon graphics card and the chipset from the Internet and installed them. Christoph Hoffmann A particularly good point is that Alliwava does not install any bloatware or unwanted additional software. The system’s performance harmonizes well with Windows 11: The Ryzen 7 8745HS, the 32GB RAM, and the NVMe SSD ensure a very smooth user experience. Boot times remain short, programs open quickly and there are no noticeable delays even with many browser tabs or Office programs running at the same time. For typical scenarios – office work, web applications, media playback, home office, even light image and video editing – the H90 Pro offers a remarkably smooth experience under Windows 11. Once the mini PC has been properly updated after unpacking, you get a stable, fast, and unproblematic system that leaves little to be desired in everyday use. Alliwave H90 Pro: Performance The Ryzen 7 8745HS belongs to the Hawk Point family and is essentially a Zen 4 chip with eight cores, 16 threads, and up to 4.9 GHz boost. The integrated Radeon 780M shares the DDR5 memory with the CPU and scales strongly with the RAM clock and power budget. In the H90 Pro, the processor works with rather conservative power limits; the total consumption under full load remains at around 60 to 80 watts and is clearly moderate in everyday use. With its performance scores, the H90 Pro ranks quite well in the field of current Ryzen 7 mini PCs – with a clear focus on office and all-round productivity tasks, but slightly slower gaming performance. PCMark 10 with 6,209 points shows a system that effortlessly covers typical office, web, and collaboration workloads. Essentials (9,380 points) and Productivity (8,864 points) are on a par with well-configured 8745HS or 7840HS compact PCs. The Digital Content Creation section with 7,456 points indicates that photo workflows, simple 4K editing projects, or streaming setups run smoothly without entering the region of dedicated GPUs. Christoph Hoffmann The 3DMark CPU profile with 5,486 points with maximum threads, 5,238 points with 16 threads and 4,418 with 8 threads shows a cleanly scaling multi-core performance. As expected, the gap to the single-thread score (890 points) is clear and confirms that the 8745HS works as a classic 8-core all-rounder: high multi-thread performance for compilation, virtualization, or parallel workloads, without coming close to the top of the HX-370 or Core Ultra top models from our tests. These usually offer 15-30 percent more reserves in synthetic tests, but are significantly more expensive. Christoph Hoffmann The GPU performance is exciting. A Time Spy score of 2,446 points with 2,186 graphics points and 7,549 CPU points is slightly below typical 780M systems with a more aggressive configuration. Many 7840HS or 8845HS mini-PCs with fast LPDDR5X RAM are closer to 3,000-3,300 points. The Radeon 780M cannot fully realise its potential because Alliwava leaves the RAM at 4,800 MT/s and operates the APU with moderate power limits. Christoph Hoffmann In practice, this means: Full HD gaming on medium settings runs stably in many titles, but current AAA games or WQHD/4K remain clearly in the “best-effort” range. 3DMark’s Steel Nomad Light with 2,027 points and 15 FPS shows exactly this same picture: playable in moderate presets, clearly GPU-limited in the harder variants. Solar Bay with 10,295 points emphasises that the iGPU is quite powerful by mobile-APU standards, but does not compete with discrete mid-range graphics cards. Geekbench AI Pro is interesting: 3,617 (Single Precision), 1,566 (Half Precision) and 7,371 quantized are solid values for a pure CPU/GPU solution. However, in direct comparison to NPU-based systems – such as the Ryzen AI HX 370 mini PCs or the Intel Core Ultra 9 in the Geekom IT15 – the H90 Pro lacks the dedicated AI unit, meaning that AI workloads require more energy and computing time. For classic desktop AI (local LLMs, image generation in moderate resolution), the combination of Zen 4 cores and 780M is still sufficient as long as you don’t expect maximum throughput rates. Christoph Hoffmann In terms of mass storage, CrystalDiskMark delivers values in the upper PCIe 3.0 segment with around 3,569 MB/s read and 3,102 MB/s write. High-end Gen 4 SSDs theoretically achieve twice as much, but the difference is hardly noticeable in everyday use (booting, loading apps, project workflows). Christoph Hoffmann Is the Alliwava H90 Pro worth it? All in all, the H90 Pro is positioned between classic 5800U/5825U office boxes and the current AI flagships with HX-370 or Core Ultra 9 in terms of performance. The mini PC from Alliwava is strong in everyday and productivity tasks and (still) sufficient for light gaming and content creation, but lacks an AI accelerator and won’t break any records for iGPU performance. Read...

Google recently announced in a blog post that it’s expanding the autofill capabilities of its Chrome browser with four new features. If you’re tired of endlessly churning through form after form on websites, and if you regularly rely on autofill to speed up your day-to-day browsing, then you’re going to find these enhancements useful. Here are the autofill improvements: If you’re signed into your Google account, Chrome can now automatically pull in your name, email address, and Home/Work addresses as needed. This is great when you’re shopping or ordering a service for the first time. If you have details like loyalty card numbers, travel details, and vehicle information saved to your Google Wallet, Chrome can now pull those details automatically. When you book accommodations and rentals, save that information to your Google Wallet and Chrome will autofill for you whenever a form needs those details. The autofill interface for Chrome on Android is improved, making it easier to select between autofill suggestions. Chrome has improved its recognition for different address types around the world, resulting in more reliable autofill in different regions across the world. These changes are already rolling out to Chrome users on desktop, Android, and iPhone platforms as relevant. Read...

Ready to send Alexa+ bargain hunting with your credit card? That’s the idea behind the latest shopping feature for the revamped and AI-enhanced Alexa, who you can now snap up deals for you the moment she spots them.  Launching today, Alexa+’s new “auto-buy” feature does pretty much what it says: It gives Alexa+ permission to buy items from Amazon on its own, using your default payment method.  The way it works is simple: Just ask Alexa+ about an item available for sale on Amazon. Personally, I’m thinking about snagging a new Sonos Era 100 speaker for my new apartment, so I asked Alexa+ how much it costs. The current price: $219, quite a bit more than I’m willing to pay.  Now, if the Sonos Era 100 ever fell to $100, I’d buy it in a heartbeat. So I gave Alexa+ a little task: “Alexa, put the Sonos Era 100 on my auto-buy list for $100.” (I doubt the Sonos Era 100 would ever get a discount that steep, but you never know, right?)  “Perfect,” Alexa said, “Your auto buy has been set up successfully.”  Now, Alexa+ has permission to buy that Sonos speaker the moment its sale price drops to $100 or less, without any further input from me.  If Alexa+ goes ahead and buys something on your auto-buy list, it will use your default payment method and shipping address. Once Alexa notifies you that it’s made an auto-buy purchase, you’ll have 24 hours to cancel it. Items on your auto-buy list will stay active for 30 days; after that, you’ll need to re-add them if you want Alexa+ to keep watching for the deal.  It’s a clever feature, although it also reminds me of the old Alexa’s shopping misadventures from years past—remember the kids who convinced Alexa to spent more than $150 on a dollhouse and cookies? Hopefully the new AI-infused Alexa won’t go on any unauthorized shopping sprees like that.  Other related Alexa+ shopping features launching today include automated deal tracking (“Let me know if the Dyzon cordless vacuum drops below $300”), as well as the ability for Alexa+ to offer personalized shopping suggestions for a friend or loved one with an upcoming special event (like a birthday). Also, the Echo Show 15 and 21 are both getting a “Shopping Essentials” tool that tracks orders in real time.  This story is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best smart speakers. Read...

In a post published yesterday on Google’s The Keyword blog, Google unveiled a series of new features for the universal Android XR platform for XR headsets and glasses. Right now, Android XR is mainly used by Samsung’s Galaxy XR headset, but the hope is that more and more manufacturers will possibly adopt Android XR going forward. One of the major innovations in this batch of updates is the new PC Connect feature. With PC Connect, you’ll be able to connect your Galaxy XR headset to your Windows PC, then pull in a specific window or even your entire desktop into the Galaxy XR device. The windows pulled in via PC Connect can be used side-by-side with native Google Play apps, allowing you to be more productive within your XR environment. Those windows from your PC can also be games, essentially allowing you to stream games from your PC to your headset. Android XR also has a new Travel Mode that keeps your XR view stable even when you’re in a bumpy environment, like a car or a plane or a train. This way you can keep using your Galaxy XR headset in cramped locations without feeling disoriented or getting nauseated. Lastly, Android XR is introducing a new feature called Likeness, which is a realistic XR representation of your face that mirrors your expressions and hand gestures in real time. When using Android XR for video calls, your Likeness will make the interaction feel more authentic and natural. These new features for Android XR—PC Connect, Travel Mode, and Likeness—are already rolling out in beta form. Read...

Discord now admits that their Windows 11 app uses unnecessary amounts of memory, reports Windows Latest. To address this, the communication platform is currently testing a new feature that automatically restarts the application whenever RAM usage exceeds 4GB. Fortunately, the test won’t have Discord randomly shutting down in the middle of an active session. It will only trigger the automatic restart if the app has been running for at least an hour and the user has been inactive for at least 30 minutes and isn’t in a voice or video call. Furthermore, the Discord app can only be automatically restarted like this once per day maximum. The Discord app’s memory usage is typically around 1GB, but due to the way the underlying Electron app framework works and how it’s implemented, the app’s memory usage can quickly balloon out of control as more servers and features are loaded. Read...

Peripherals and accessories can unlock more potential than you might expect. In this article, we’ll highlight the components that turn a solid PC into a noticeably better gaming system, whether you’re into shooters, MMOs, or story-driven games. A programmable mechanical keyboard is one of the first underestimated devices. Whether it’s macros, hotkeys, or your own RGB profile, customizing your setup can improve focus and responsiveness. Equally important are the switch quality, actuation point, and ergonomics, which ensure greater comfort in the long run. Regular gamers benefit when the keyboard feels precise and consistent, even after hours of use. Hot-swappable models let you replace the switches yourself. This allows you to customize the typing feel exactly to your own preferences. High-quality mouse pads are also often forgotten. Anyone who has played on a smooth, large surface with good grip and tracking will immediately notice the difference, especially in fast-paced shooters. Texture, gliding behavior, and size play a decisive role here. Your mouse and mouse pad should complement each other for the best performance. A precise gaming mouse with a high-quality sensor only develops its full potential when it is moved on a clean, friction-optimized surface. BeQuiet A good gaming headset not only influences the sound, but also the response time. If you can locate opponents precisely, you gain a real advantage and not just in multiplayer games. Comfort, microphone quality, and long battery life ensure a more comfortable gaming experience. Modern headsets offer features such as surround sound, active noise cancelation, and smart audio profiles. Especially in story games or immersive titles such as Cyberpunk 2077 or Hellblade, they enhance the gaming experience enormously. For MMO fans, a mouse with multiple thumb buttons is often more than just a proverbial game changer. Accessing up to 12 abilities with your thumb reduces complex key combinations, keeping you in the flow. Especially in hectic battles or in raids, where timing is crucial, this can make the difference between success and failure. The same applies to games such as MOBAs or battle royales, where speed counts. Yeelight Even inconspicuous details such as a high-quality USB hub on the desk can help. Less cable chaos, easy device changes and charging ports in the right place save time and nerves – especially if the mouse, keyboard, headset, controller and webcam are regularly plugged in and unplugged. Models with power delivery (USB PD) or SD card readers further expand the possibilities. And once you’ve played on a 120 or 144 Hz monitor, it’s hard to go back to a slower display. The higher frame rate not only ensures smoother movements, but also makes inputs more precise and motion blur almost invisible. The difference is particularly noticeable in shooters or racing games. It gets even better with G-Sync or FreeSync–adaptive synchronization prevents tearing and noticeably reduces input lag. Asus A high-quality monitor arm can improve your gaming experience by creating desk space, allowing flexible screen alignment, and promoting better posture. Ergonomic chairs, wrist rests or a height-adjustable table also help to ensure that gaming does not become a strain in the long term. Not every upgrade has to be expensive; even small improvements have a direct effect on your gaming experience. If you invest in the right components, you’ll realize the difference often lies in the details. Read...

If you’re using a laptop as your primary workstation and you want to upgrade your workspace and boost your productivity, then you should really look into getting a docking station. It’s the ultimate solution for expanding what your laptop can do, especially if you get one that’s better than the cheaper entry-level options. I’m talking about something like this crazy 17-port Baseus USB-C docking station that’s now on sale for just $90 on Amazon. That’s a 25% discount off its original $120 price and matches the lowest price it’s ever been. View this Amazon deal This docking station plugs into your laptop’s USB-C port and turns it into 17 full-blown ports that can all be used at once. Yup, seriously. One of the best things about it is that it supports up to three 4K monitors via two HDMI and one DisplayPort, allowing you to craft your dream workstation setup whether you’re a creative, professional, or student. Three 4K monitors should be enough for most folks, especially since the dock also features a ton of other connectivity options. So, what are those other connectivity options? You’re looking at a 100W USB-C Power Delivery port for passthrough charging of your laptop, two USB-C data ports and three USB-A data ports for fast transfers, two USB-A ports for peripherals, SD and microSD card slots, a Gigabit LAN port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. There’s also a 36W DC power input as well as the host port that connects the dock to your laptop. Extra bonuses with this docking station include the LED indicator for connection activity and the detachable stand that allows you to prop it up, freeing up desk space when things feel cluttered. Snag this Baseus 17-in-1 docking station for just $90 and finally get the efficient laptop workstation you’ve been pining for! Save 25% on this super-versatile USB-C dock for your laptopBuy now at Amazon Read...

Today, Microsoft will release December’s monthly patch for Windows 11. The last Patch Tuesday in 2025 will be huge, because according to Windows Central, there will be no fewer than 16 new features included in the update. get windows 11 pro for cheap Windows 11 Pro These include various design changes to important elements such as the Start menu, specific improvements to existing functions and completely new features. Let’s take a peek at all new features at a glance. 1. Visual improvement of the Windows search The Windows search field has been visually improved to match the height of the new Start menu design. This should eliminate some inconsistencies in the design. However, there is still the problem that the new Start menu covers large parts of the screen for many users. It remains to be seen whether Microsoft will address this concern going forward. 2. New “Share with Copilot” feature in the taskbar Microsoft’s Copilot AI is also making its way into Windows 11, this time in the taskbar, where the “Share with Copilot” option will soon appear. You will then see a thumbnail of the app you are currently using and can quickly start a conversation with the chatbot via Copilot Vision. In addition, the transition between apps in the taskbar should be smoother when you move the mouse pointer over them. 3. Changes to Windows Spotlight for the desktop Windows Spotlight, the feature for dynamically changing background images in Windows 11, is also receiving improvements. You can right-click on the desktop to change the background more quickly. There is also the “Explore background” option, which provides more information about the background. 4. Option to disable Drag Tray Microsoft is introducing the option to disable Drag Tray more easily. This normally allows you to select files and drag them to the top of the screen to display options for direct sharing. However, many users found this annoying. After the update, you can deactivate Drag Tray under Settings > System > Nearby sharing . 5. Better dark mode in File Explorer There is also something for fans of dark modes. The dark mode of File Explorer has been improved and given a more uniform design in dialogue windows, for example for copying or moving. The confirmation dialogues and other views are also being adapted. However, it is still possible that some elements do not correspond to the new design or that the File Explorer briefly flashes white on startup. Microsoft will continue to work on this. Windows Central 6. New device information card in the Start settings If you are looking for information about your device, you no longer have to click through menus. This is because a new tab called “Device information” appears right on the start page of the settings, which displays information about your PC’s processor, memory, RAM and graphics card, among other things. 7. Settings for mobile devices in the settings A new configuration menu for mobile devices appears in the Windows 11 Settings app. Here you can add new devices, access the settings of connected mobile devices or remove a device from your account. It’s simple and straightforward. 8. Redesign of the info page Microsoft is also changing the look of the info page with the December update. It will now only contain a thumbnail view of the desktop background with an option to rename your computer. Some sections will also be renamed or receive new entries with further information. 9. Advanced settings with virtual workspaces Changes are also being made to the “Advanced” section. It contains a new page called “Virtual Workspaces”, where you can manage virtualization functions such as the Windows Sandbox or protected hosts. 10. Settings for Bluetooth keyboards and text cursors Under Settings > Bluetooth and devices > Keyboard you will find new options for keyboards and text cursors after the patch. For example, the keyboard repetition rate, reassignment of the copilot key or accessibility. 11. New default configuration for Quick Machine Recovery Since September, users have been able to use Quick Machine Recovery to quickly restore Windows 11. Microsoft is improving the default setting for this option in December to make it easier to use. The new configuration only searches for solutions once and then prevents the user from using other options to resolve the problem. This should prevent the computer from continuing to search for solutions in a kind of continuous loop instead of offering targeted help. 12. Redesign of the widgets board On Tuesday, Windows 11 will introduce a new widgets board with a more consistent design. The new widgets will be more clearly separated from the Discover board and will no longer use a page overlay. Notifications will also be displayed with an icon of the board to which they belong. Windows Central 13. Haptic feedback for digital pens Windows 11 devices with touch function receive haptic feedback for the use of pens in the form of vibrations. These accompany the interaction with certain elements, for example when closing windows. 14. New “Click to execute” action menu Copilot PCs have a new context menu called “Click to execute”. Actions such as open, save, copy or share are arranged in this menu. There is also a new input field that allows you to access Copilot more quickly. 15. Xbox full screen mode for more handheld devices The new Xbox Full Screen Mode is now available on more devices. Until now, users could only use it on the Asus ROG Ally and Ally X, but now the full-screen experience in console design can also be used on normal PCs. Navigation should be much easier and smoother, especially with a controller. The mode also reduces the resource consumption of the desktop and saves up to 2GB of memory. You can activate the mode under Settings > Gaming > Full screen experience and then apply the change by restarting. 16. Windows Studio Effects for external cameras If you have a Copilot PC, you can also extend the AI-powered camera features of Windows Studio Effects to secondary cameras. This includes USB webcams and integrated rear cameras. In addition to the new features, the December patch of Windows 11 will also contain some bug fixes and closed security gaps. As always, we will report on these in a separate article. Exclusive: get windows 11 pro for cheap Windows 11 Pro Read...