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Microsoft launched Cortana as an AI assistant and the flagship feature of Windows 10 in 2015. Now, eight years later, Microsoft is pulling the plug. In a support document, Microsoft said that it’s ending support for the Cortana app, Cortana’s only remaining presence within Windows. ...   PC World

One of the reasons Google’s Gmail achieved mass adoption was because it found which email you were searching for, fast. Now Gmail is revamping the process, calling out the emails it thinks you’re searching for—or should be. ...   PC World

The hottest trend at Computex 2023 is The War on Cables, in which PC accessory manufacturers are doing everything they can to hide power and data cables in PC builds. ...   PC World

At a glanceExpert's Rating ProsLightweight and comfortable designWorks on Windows, Android, iOS, and Nintendo SwitchHall-effect thumbsticks for long-term reliabilityFull remapping and customization support in 8BitDo appConsIncludes charging dock with 2. ...   PC World

Us mighty Photoshop masters might look down on the humble Microsoft Paint, but at least you can use it without signing a second mortgage over to Adobe. Between that, its collection of easy, straightforward tools, and the fact that it’s been packed in free with every copy of Windows for almost 40 years, it’s easy to see why Paint remains popular, even when Microsoft ...   PC World

Nothing infuriates me quite like an ill fitting gaming headset. If it causes an ear ache in less than 45 minutes, I’ll refuse to wear it ever again. If you’re equally picky about your gaming headsets, we’ve got a solid deal for you today. Woot, Amazon’s discount site, is selling the Sennheiser Game Zero Headset for just $49.99. ...   PC World

The Mozilla Foundation will soon no longer support users of Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and macOS 10.12, 10.13 and 10.14 with updates for the popular Firefox browser. For a short time, an ESR (Extended Support Release) or LTS (Long-term Support) version will be available for these users before support finally ends in 2024. Mozilla announced the information in its own support blog. ...   PC World

Trust is everything. I’m not an IT expert, but I have spent decades fielding questions and tending to devices belonging to friends and family. They know I’m going to look out for their best interests. But sometimes when I’m called to action, I discover my nearest and dearest have been making decisions that can harm them. ...   PC World

Internal cable management is the most frustrating part of building a desktop PC. Wait, that’s not right — the most frustrating part is making sure all your parts are compatible. Okay, that’s not right either — the even more frustrating part is how expensive all those parts are. ...   PC World

Imagine the scene: It’s a quiet Friday Night. You comfortably sit down to play—finally, it’s game time after a long week. How about firing up Cyberpunk 2077 and seeing what “Path Tracing” Overdrive mode is all about? You heard it was gorgeous, and highly demanding on even the mightiest hardware. ...   PC World

In the modern working world, you need a machine that’s flexible and agile. You never know when you might have to work on a plane or from a coffee shop. Fortunately, you don’t have to break the bank for a high-quality, versatile laptop. For a limited time, you can get a refurbished Lenovo ThinkPad 11e Gen 5 Celeron 11. ...   PC World

When the release of a new blockbuster title is imminent, most gamers will want to play the game as soon as possible—and now two men from Japan became criminals in the process. This is what happened when they couldn’t wait for the release date of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. ...   PC World

The $35 Raspberry Pi has long enabled fun projects that required just a little computing power—but during the height of the pandemic, it became difficult to get hold of one. Supply chain issues hit the production of these affordable boards hard, causing shortages that have lasted since 2021. ...   PC World

The War on Cables is raging, aiming to make the main chamber of your desktop PC as clean as a vegetarian’s barbecue grill. Corsair’s newest idea is on display at Computex: A system of fans, AIO coolers, and other gear that can be daisy-chained across an entire desktop with one string of cables. ...   PC World

“Hey, can you send me that pic?” If that question sounds familiar, a new Windows 11 feature that Microsoft is testing may prove to be handy. Microsoft tied Android phones a bit closer to Windows 11 today, introducing a new feature that will allow you to access your phone’s photos via File Explorer while untethered. ...   PC World

What’s the most popular PC-based virtual reality headset? If you said the Valve Index, you’re wrong: it’s the Meta Quest 2. Yes, the stand-alone, wireless headset from Facebook’s parent company is by far the most popular option, even for gamers who just want something to connect to a PC, because it’s cheap and has tons of tools for doing so. ...   PC World

Hello from Taiwan! In this episode of The Full Nerd, Gordon Ung and Adam Patrick Murray are live from MSI’s booth to talk about the hottest PC hardware trends of Computex 2023. But not just Gordon and Adam—they’re joined throughout the show by scintillatingly smart folks like Paul from Paul’s Hardware, Dr. ...   PC World

At a glanceExpert's Rating ProsGood capturesPhone-centricIntegrated RADAROBDII and auxiliary power cablesIncluded 64GB mSD cardConsProhibitively expensiveNeeds magnetic mounting and thinner cablingNeeds Type-C connectorsOur VerdictFeature- and capture-wise, it’s hard to the beat the Thinkware U3000 dual-channel dash cam. We also like the low-power radar-driven parking mode. ...   PC World

If you’re looking to save some money on a mid-range gaming laptop, you best stick around, as we’ve got a fantastic deal on tap for you today. Dell’s currently selling the Dell G16 gaming laptop for $999.99, which is a savings of $300. This laptop features a chic obsidian black color scheme, a backlit keyboard, and powerful internals. ...   PC World

At long last, you can link your iPhone with a Windows PC—at least, you can if you’re running Windows 11. Anyone still on Windows 10 isn’t missing out on as much as you might think, though. You don’t get the same experience as when pairing an iPhone with a Mac. ...   PC World

Computex is the most vital PC show of the year, every year. Just look at the name! Taiwan’s trade show is where computer vendors large and small unveil their latest, greatest gear ahead of the crucial back to school and holiday shopping seasons. If CES is where the industry showcases its vision for the future, Computex keeps it real. ...   PC World

If you’re in the market for a new set of true wireless earbuds, look no further than our Memorial Day Sale. Now through 11:59 pm PDT on 5/31, you can get the JBL Tune 220 TWS True Wireless Bluetooth Earphones for 61% off at just $37.99. JBL is one of the biggest names in audio for good reason. ...   PC World

Macro pads are popular among streamers, and for good reason—mapping shortcuts to a single button press makes life easier. The one of the best-known pads is the ever-popular Elgato Stream Deck, but its time as the reigning accessory might be over. Cooler Master just unveiled its MasterHub device at Computex, and it takes the concept of a macro pad to a whole new level. ...   PC World

If you’ve complained that Windows’ own Widgets simply clutter up your screen with junk stories, pay attention: There are several new, useful widgets that a recent Microsoft app makes available for you to use. ...   PC World

Do you keep a lot of slides, negatives and photo prints? These images retain the memories of your most important moments in life, and they need to be protected. Around the world, billions of images are waiting to be digitized and archived. For digitizing photographic material, it’s a good idea to utilize a dedicated scanner and professional scanner software. ...   PC World

As much as we all might want to buy the most powerful laptops around, it’s not always feasible on a budget. When it comes to sub-$500 laptops, it’s especially important to be smart about your choices. Realistically, you’ll need to make some compromises, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be stuck shopping the bargain bin. ...   PC World

One of the most exciting new technologies we’ve seen this year is Frore Systems’ AirJet, a device that can cool PC components and other electronics using a super-thin, solid-state build with no moving parts. ...   PC World

This week at Computex, Azza unveiled a slew of unique PC cases—but that’s nothing new. This company is known for its eye-catching PC cases. In fact, it’s got a pyramid-shaped desktop case that both confuses and delights me (I aim to achieve this state of mind on a regular basis). These unusual cases are more than just conversation pieces, though. ...   PC World

When it comes to immersive gameplay, a curved monitor makes all the difference in the world. If you’re in the market for such a monitor, you better strap in, as we’ve got an awesome deal for you today. Amazon’s currently selling the Samsung Odyssey G55A monitor for $299.99 for a savings of $50 off the usual price. ...   PC World

Component supplier Gigabyte has some pressing questions to answer. The first and most pressing is, “Why did you put an updater backdoor into your own motherboard firmware without telling anyone?” The second is, “Why didn’t you lock it down in any meaningful way, hoping that it would stay secure simply by not being known?” Such questions were ...   PC World

Luftrum has announced the release of Dub Diva, a dub techno soundset for u-he Diva brought to life through the collaborative synergy of dub techno artists Martin Nonstatic, Ohrwert and... Read More   KVR Audio

Soundpaint have announced a major new release of their free instrument and sampling plug-in. Soundpaint 2.5 enables composers, producers and performers to play sampled instruments with... Read More   KVR Audio

MeldaProduction has updated all its plugins to version 16.06 and released MDrumStrip. Here's what they say about MDrumStrip: When it comes to crafting the flawless drum mix,... Read More   KVR Audio

Ultimate MIDI Plugin has updated Simple Chord Detection, a VST plug-in for Windows for detecting chords, to version 1.3.5. Updates: Added release latency... Read More   KVR Audio

Audiomovers has added live MIDI streaming to the capabilities of their LISTENTO software suite, opening a new phase of remote collaboration. Here's what they say:... Read More   KVR Audio

Loomer has updated String for macOS, Windows, and Linux to version 1.17.3. This minor update for String 1.17 adds a few features and fixes, as well as including the VST 3 version... Read More   KVR Audio

Adam Szabo has updated Viper to version 1.2.0 for Windows, a free update for all Viper users. Viper 1.2.0 is downward-compatible with all previous versions. All existing song-projects... Read More   KVR Audio

Arturia has announced the release of FX Collection 4, which now includes 30 effects, from digital reverbs to multi-engine distortion, along with over 1000 presets, improved accessibility... Read More   KVR Audio

Antares Audio Technologies has announced the release of Auto-Tune Essentials, Antares' most affordable collection of vocal production plug-ins curated specifically for the beginner producer... Read More   KVR Audio

Sound Radix has released an update for Auto-Align Post, its automatic multi-mic phase-matching plugin designed for post-production and dialogue. The latest version, 2.1.1,... Read More   KVR Audio

FeelYourSound has released version 2.3.0 of its MIDI sequencer and effect plug-in ChordPotion (VST + AU). ChordPotion is a composition and performance tool. It can turn any... Read More   KVR Audio

Focusrite has announced an update to its Hitmaker Expansion software bundle, now including Massive from Native Instruments and FAST Balancer. This comprehensive package, available for free... Read More   KVR Audio

UnitedPlugins has updated Pluralis to version 1.2. The power behind Pluralis is in the way it splits the signals and can then process them separately or in different combinations.... Read More   KVR Audio

Noisebud has announced the release of Purr-LoR, a VST2, VST3 and AU plugin for macOS and Windows that automatically finds and adjusts the phantom center. Purr-LoR will automatically... Read More   KVR Audio

SoundToys has updated SoundToys to version 5.4.1. Important bug fixes: Fixes issues where some VST3 plug-ins could recall incorrectly. Fixes CPU spiking... Read More   KVR Audio

AngelicVibes has announced the release of its new virtual instrument Melancholy Keys. Here's what they say: Dive into a world of soulful and emotive piano sounds.... Read More   KVR Audio

PSPaudioware has updated PSP Echo to v1.5.1. New: Native Apple Silicon AAX format. Scaling control with dropdown functionality added. Automation name of controls to hints... Read More   KVR Audio

NUGEN Audio has announced the release of Aligner (actually now v1.1), an automatic phase and polarity alignment tool, designed to speed up workflow and audio synchronisation.... Read More   KVR Audio

Soundiron has announced the release of Delphi Vol.2: The Knightsen Boxgrand Piano, the latest addition to the series 'designed to explore vintage and classic instruments... Read More   KVR Audio

Solid State Logic has announced what they describe as 'the ultimate single fader controller for music creators looking for comprehensive control over their DAW environment':... Read More   KVR Audio

Klevgränd has announced the release of Richter, a compressor plugin for macOS, Windows and iPad in VST2, VST3, AU and AAX plugin formats, saying: Richter is a compressor that... Read More   KVR Audio

iPhone, iPad / Tools / Controllers: This version is for Qu mixers running V1.9* firmware. Qu-You is a personal monitor mixing app for the Qu mixer giving you customised control of a monitor mix on stage using an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. It connects wirelessly to a Qu-16, Qu-24, Qu-32, Qu-SB or...   440Software

iPhone, iPad / Education / Sheet Music & Tablatures: Graphical Notation is an app for music creation and graphical notation using Artificial Intelligence. In addition - CalmusNotation can also receive composed music from CalmusComposer and CalmusPlay - and present the music as graphical notation...   440Software

iPhone, iPad / Portable Studio / Effects: Effectrix is a professional multi-effect sequencer for the iPad. The game-changing tool for creative and effective music production is now available on the App Store: scatter 14 intelligent effects across a sequencer matrix and create unheard-of sound...   440Software

iPhone, iPad / Instruments / Rythme Mach. & Loops: Glitchbreaks is an iOS Universal manipulation tool for “Glitchingâ€? breakbeats. Manipulate beats to create new beats and record them.? 'Glitchbreaks is a sick sample loop glitching app with a groovy interface and nice instant touch control of...   440Software

iPhone, iPad / Education / Games, Ear Trainig: Many music student find learning musical terms very boring, Many music student find learning musical terms very boring, they often drop this part in the examination. With this app, learning musical terms will be fun. If you are a music lover, music...   440Software