PCWorld
Switch to Windows 11 Pro for 10 and get serious security, speed, and focus tools
When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. TL;DR: Until May 31, you can get a lifetime license to Microsoft Windows 11 Pro for $9.97 (MSRP $199) and unlock faster performance, stronger security, and a more modern Windows experience with a one-time payment . There's a point where your computer stops feeling like a tool and starts feeling like something you're constantly working around. Slow startup, clunky multitasking, and security settings you barely want to think about -- it all adds up. Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is built to clean that up with a smoother interface, stronger protection, and productivity features that actually keep pace with how you work.
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This 99 project management tool keeps tasks, docs, and sprints in one place for up to 10 users for life
When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. Lyra Project Management is an all-in-one team workspace with unlimited projects and lifetime access for up to 10 users, now only $99 (reg. Most project management setups involve at least two or three tools that don't talk to each other cleanly. Lyra puts tasks, documentation, sprint planning, and analytics in one place, and a lifetime license for up to 10 users is only $99 right now (reg. Teams organize work through issues and sub-issues with priorities, statuses, and assignees.
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Microsoft has finally fixed the Windows 11 BitLocker lockout issue
Microsoft's May 2024 update (KB5089549) resolves the Windows 11 BitLocker lockout issue that prevented users from accessing their PCs without recovery keys. PCWorld reports the problem originated from April's update (KB5083769), which affected devices with specific BitLocker Group Policy and TPM configurations, primarily impacting corporate systems. Users should install the latest Windows 11 update to fix the BitLocker recovery prompt issue and restore normal system access.
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New Xbox Elite 3 controller spotted. Here's the one thing it needs
PCWorld reports that Microsoft is developing two new Xbox controllers spotted in Brazilian regulatory filings: a compact mobile controller and the Xbox Elite Controller 3 with Wi-Fi connectivity and swappable battery. The Elite Controller 3 features significant upgrades including direct Wi-Fi connection for cloud gaming, new D-pad, scroll wheels, and Cloud mode for low-latency Xbox Game Pass streaming. Despite these improvements, the controller needs drift-resistant Hall effect thumbsticks, which third-party controllers under $30 already offer, to justify its premium positioning. There are, allegedly, two new official Xbox controllers headed down the pipeline from Microsoft. Regulator filings have revealed a smaller mobile controller that works over Wi-Fi as well as a revamped version of the much-loved Xbox Elite premium design. They're interesting in and of themselves, but I don't think I'm alone in saying they both need just one thing to make me consider buying. Both controller models were spotted in the database of Anatel, the Brazilian equivalent of the US Federal Communications Commission, apparently getting wireless certification. This generally happens before a retail product release, though certification isn't always a guarantee that a product will appear on shelves.
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The PC hardware slump is real. So is the reason to keep caring
PCWorld reports a significant decline in PC hardware sales, with major motherboard vendors like Asus and ASRock experiencing drops up to 37% in sales projections. Despite current market challenges, future innovations like PCIe 8.0 specification and AMD's FSR 4 support for older graphics cards suggest continued technological advancement. The analysis questions whether declining sales indicate long-term reduced interest in PC building or temporary market conditions affecting the industry.
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AI is still waiting for its VisiCalc moment
PCWorld explores how AI still lacks a transformative "killer app" like VisiCalc was for early personal computers, despite recent advances like Anthropic's Claude for Small Business. While new AI tools integrate with platforms like QuickBooks and PayPal for business tasks, public skepticism remains high due to reliability concerns and unpredictable AI behavior. The industry continues searching for universally valuable AI applications beyond specialized uses, as current solutions haven't achieved the widespread adoption that would make AI truly indispensable. The arrival of Claude for Small Business earlier this week marked an interesting moment-and a savvy strategic move-for Anthropic. Rather than saddling web browsers with more AI slop or trying to slather AI onto perfectly good user interfaces that don't need improving, Anthropic is attempting something both less flashy and potentially more fruitful: finding a practical, agentic AI-powered application for everyday business owners looking to make ends meet. The bag of tricks included in Claude for Small Business is somewhat predictable, running the gamut from "ready-to-run" agentic workflows to connectors for PayPal, QuickBooks, HubSpot, Canva, DocuSign, and more. With these tools, business owners can use Claude to help to plan their payrolls, reconcile their books, analyze their cash flow, spin up promotional campaigns, and so forth.
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This viral Dutch Fish Doorbell is peak internet
When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. The Dutch Fish Doorbell mixes livestreams, crowdsourcing, and conservation in all of the best ways. Every spring in the Dutch city of Utrecht, thousands of fish attempt to migrate through the city's canals to reach spawning grounds, but locked flood gates stay shut for long stretches to manage water levels. So the city came up with a weirdly charming solution: a fish doorbell. The site, called Visdeurbel --or Fish Doorbell--lets anyone in the world help the fish out.
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EDU Unlimited turns online learning into a one-time 20 purchase instead of ongoing tuition costs
When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. TL;DR: Score lifetime access to EDU Unlimited for just $19.97 through May 31 (MSRP $600) and unlock 1,000+ online courses across tech, business, creative skills, and more with a single payment. Online learning can get expensive fast, especially when a single course or boot camp can run into the hundreds or even thousands of dollars. EDU Unlimited by StackSkills flips that model by giving you one-time lifetime access to a massive library of 1,000+ courses across a wide range of subjects for just $19.97 during this limited-time offer (MSRP $600). From coding and marketing to creative hobbies like photography or design, StackSkills lets you build your dream skill-set at your own pace, without the pressure.
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MSI's heavy-duty monitor arm handles 49-inch ultrawides. It's 80 now
When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. MSI's MAG MT201W monitor arm hits an all-time low price of $80 and supports displays up to 49 inches. One of the best things you can do for your home office? Lift your monitor off your desk. It also clears up much-needed desk space.
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AMD is bringing FSR 4 to older Radeon cards, but you'll have to wait
AMD is expanding FSR 4 upscaling technology beyond RDNA 4 cards to older Radeon GPUs, addressing gamer frustration over initial exclusivity. PCWorld reports that RDNA 3 cards (RX 7000 series) will receive FSR Upscaling 4.1 in July, while RDNA 2 cards (RX 6000 series) must wait until early 2027. The expansion will benefit over 300 games by July for RX 7000 owners, significantly improving gaming performance across AMD's graphics card lineup.
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