This new functionality brings Copilot on par with competitors like Google Gemini and ChatGPT, transforming the AI from a simple chatbot into a proactive personal assistant.

How Microsoft Copilot Reminders Work

The standout feature of this update is cross-device synchronisation. You can prompt Copilot on your Windows 11 desktop to “remind me to call the bank in 20 minutes,” and the notification will trigger as a push alert on your Android or iOS device.

Key features include:

• One-Time & Recurring Alerts: Set simple timers or complex recurring tasks, such as “Remind me every Monday at 9 AM to review the team presentation.”
• Dynamic AI Content: You can set reminders that generate new content each time. For example, “Teach me a new Portuguese word every morning.”
• Natural Language Processing: Copilot understands relative time and context, allowing you to set reminders for “later today,” “next Friday,” or “in 15 minutes.”

How to Set Up Copilot Reminders on Your Phone

To ensure your reminders actually reach you, a few configuration steps are required:

1. Install the Mobile App: You must have the Microsoft Copilot app (or the Microsoft 365 app) installed on your Android or iOS device.
2. Enable Notifications: Crucially, you must permit notifications for the Copilot app in your phone’s system settings. Without this, the alerts will be silenced.
3. Sign In: Use the same Microsoft Account on both your PC and your mobile device to enable cloud syncing.
4. The Web Method: If using the web version (copilot.microsoft.com), you can manage these via the Profile Menu > Reminders section.

Usage Limits: Free vs. Pro

Microsoft has implemented a tiered system for the number of active reminders a user can maintain:

• Free Users: Can create and manage up to 5 active reminders.
• Microsoft 365 Subscribers: Can maintain up to 20 active reminders.

Why This Matters for Windows 11 Users

While the notifications are currently exclusive to mobile devices, the ability to trigger them from the Windows 11 taskbar or the Copilot sidebar significantly reduces “context switching.” You no longer need to pick up your phone or open a separate “To Do” app to ensure you don’t miss a deadline; you simply tell your PC what to do, and your phone handles the alert.

What’s Next?

As of February 2026, Microsoft is still testing whether these alerts will eventually “pop up” natively on the Windows 11 desktop. For now, your smartphone serves as the primary hub for all Copilot-driven task management.

The post Microsoft Copilot Cross-Device Reminders: How to Send Alerts Directly to Your Phone appeared first on IT Beast | Information Technology News, Views, Research & Analysis.

Whether you are a subscriber to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, or the new Game Pass Premium tier, there is something major waiting for you this February.

The Headliners: RPGs Take Center Stage

The star of the show for many is undoubtedly Avowed (arriving Feb 17). Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, this first-person RPG is one of the most anticipated titles of the year and will be available specifically for Game Pass Premium subscribers.

Joining it is the modern classic Kingdom Come: Deliverance (Feb 13). If you haven’t experienced Henry’s grounded, medieval journey in 1400s Bohemia, now is the perfect time—especially with the sequel gaining massive critical acclaim.

Action and Sports: From Pirates to the Gridiron

If you prefer something a bit more “insane,” Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii (Feb 3) is a must-play. Star as the legendary Goro Majima in a pirate-themed spin-off that features naval combat and the series’ signature over-the-top brawling.

For sports fans, Madden NFL 26 (Feb 5) hits the service just in time for the off-season hype, available for Ultimate and PC Game Pass members.

Full Xbox Game Pass February 2026 Schedule (First Batch)

Hidden Gems to Watch Out For

Don’t overlook the smaller titles in this update. High on Life 2 brings back the raunchy, talkative weaponry that made the first game a viral hit, while Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora offers a stunningly beautiful open world for those who missed it at launch.

What’s Leaving Game Pass in February?

As with every update, we have to say goodbye to a few titles. Madden NFL 24 is scheduled to leave the service on February 15. Make sure to finish up your season or grab the game at a 20% member discount before it’s gone!

Final Thoughts

With the inclusion of Avowed and the Kingdom Come series, Xbox Game Pass in February 2026 is looking like one of the strongest months in the service’s history. It’s clear Microsoft is leaning heavily into high-quality RPG content to keep subscribers engaged through the early part of the year.

The post Xbox Game Pass February 2026: Avowed, Kingdom Come, and Pirate Yakuza Lead a Massive Month appeared first on IT Beast | Information Technology News, Views, Research & Analysis.

The latest update adds heavy hitters and indie darlings alike, including fan-favorites like RimWorld, Blasphemous, and the legendary RPG Divinity: Original Sin 2.

What is Xbox “Stream Your Own Game”?

For years, cloud gaming was limited to whatever was available on Game Pass. The Xbox Stream Your Own Game feature changes that by allowing you to play games you’ve purchased digitally through the Microsoft Store on almost any device—whether it’s a smartphone, a Samsung TV, or an Amazon Fire Stick.

With over 1,000 titles now supported, Microsoft is inching closer to its vision of “gaming anywhere,” effectively turning every screen into an Xbox.

New Standout Titles Added to the Cloud

The latest wave of games brings some of the most addictive and critically acclaimed experiences to the cloud. Here are the highlights:

• RimWorld Console Edition: A survival strategy sim known for its deep storytelling and “monstrously addictive” gameplay. Its turn-based and management roots make it perfect for streaming.
• Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition: Before Baldur’s Gate 3 took the world by storm, Larian Studios perfected the CRPG with this masterpiece. Its turn-based combat is ideal for cloud play, as it’s less sensitive to minor latency.
• Blasphemous: One of the best Metroidvanias of the decade. While its brutal difficulty requires a stable connection, the ability to take this dark, pixel-art odyssey on the go is a huge win for fans.
• Other Notable Additions: Age of Wonders 4, Five Nights at Freddy’s: Security Breach, Jurassic World Evolution, and Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor.

Full List of New Streamable Titles (February 2026)

The library has grown to include various genres. Some of the new additions include:

• Biomutant
• Company of Heroes 3
• Dead Island Definitive Edition
• Killing Floor 2
• Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous
• Vampyr
• World of Outlaws: Dirt Racing 24

How to Stream Your Owned Games

To take advantage of these new additions, you must be an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate member.

1. Ensure you own the digital version of the game.
2. Launch the Xbox Cloud Gaming app or website.
3. Navigate to the “Stream Your Own Game” section.
4. Pair a controller and start playing—no console required.

The Future of Xbox Cloud Gaming

Microsoft isn’t stopping here. Rumors suggest an ad-supported free tier of Xbox Cloud Gaming is on the horizon, which could open the ecosystem to millions of new players. Additionally, a new dashboard interface is currently in testing, bringing the sleek look of the Xbox Series X|S console to the web and mobile browsers.

By allowing users to Stream Your Own Game, Microsoft is proving that your library isn’t tethered to your living room. Whether you’re a strategy fan wanting to manage your colony in RimWorld or an RPG lover diving back into Divinity, the cloud just got a whole lot better.

The post Xbox Cloud Gaming Expansion: Huge List of New “Stream Your Own Game” Titles Added appeared first on IT Beast | Information Technology News, Views, Research & Analysis.

Modern computing has never been more flexible. Between custom desktops, single-board computers, thin clients, and mini PCs, there’s a device for almost every niche. But as impressive as mini PCs have become, they’re still being misunderstood.

Mini PCs are excellent at supporting your setup. They are far less convincing when asked to replace it.

Why Mini PCs Punch Above Their Weight

Let’s start with what mini PCs do exceptionally well.

Thanks to efficient embedded CPUs and modern instruction sets, today’s mini PCs are surprisingly capable. They’re perfect companions for home labs, container hosting, and lightweight server tasks, especially during a time when RAM prices are flirting with absurdity.

Containers, in particular, are a natural fit. Because they share the host kernel, you can spin up dozens of Docker containers, Podman pods, or LXCs without overwhelming the system. Documentation servers, monitoring dashboards, reverse proxies, and automation tools all run beautifully on low-power hardware.

Even a sub-$150 Intel N100 mini PC can handle this role with ease—especially when paired with Proxmox and lightweight Linux distributions.

Mini PCs Shine as Backup and Redundancy Nodes

Another underrated use case? Backups.

Mini PCs make excellent secondary nodes for 3-2-1 backup strategies. While most models can’t house 3.5-inch HDDs, many support 2.5-inch drives—which is more than enough for offsite Rsync or snapshot-based backups.

Run something like TrueNAS with Tailscale, add a spare drive, and you’ve got a compact, always-on backup system that quietly does its job in the background. Just don’t leave SSD-based backups unplugged for extended periods—data retention isn’t magic.

Yes, They Can Handle Everyday Computing

Mini PCs aren’t just for nerds with server racks.

With at least 8GB of RAM, most x86 mini PCs can comfortably run Windows 11 and handle everyday tasks like:

• Web browsing
• Document editing
• Media playback
• Emails and printing

Their tiny footprint makes them ideal for cramped desks, media centers, or minimalist setups. Add excellent power efficiency to the mix, and you get a system that sips electricity while staying productive.

Where Mini PCs Start to Fall Apart

Now for the reality check.

Mini PCs are small—and physics doesn’t negotiate.

Limited airflow means limited cooling. Smaller heatsinks and fans make sustained workloads a challenge, and thermal throttling is almost inevitable under heavy CPU load. Pair that with mediocre factory thermal paste, and performance ceilings arrive quickly.

Then there’s graphics performance. Most mini PCs rely entirely on integrated GPUs. While Intel Quick Sync is great for video transcoding, it won’t help you run modern games, edit 4K video, or train local AI models.

Upgradability: The Biggest Deal-Breaker

This is where mini PCs lose the argument completely.

You can’t swap CPUs.
You don’t get proper PCIe expansion.
NIC upgrades, HBAs, and dedicated GPUs are off the table.

For tinkerers, power users, and serious gamers, this lack of flexibility is a hard stop. If your workload evolves, your mini PC doesn’t—it just becomes obsolete.

Final Verdict: Perfect Sidekicks, Poor Replacements

Mini PCs are not failures. They’re specialists.

They’re excellent as:

• Secondary servers
• Container hosts
• Backup nodes
• Energy-efficient office PCs

But expecting them to replace a gaming rig or a full-fledged server is setting them up to fail.

If you need raw performance, expandability, or long-term flexibility, a mini-ITX or micro-ATX system is the smarter move.

Mini PCs are the Robin to your Batman—fantastic support, terrible solo act.

For additional insights, references, and useful resources, feel free to explore the external links connected to our blog website. These links direct you to trusted platforms, tools, and articles that support and expand on the topics discussed here, helping readers gain broader perspectives, deeper understanding, and up-to-date information beyond our own content.

The post Mini PCs Are Brilliant Secondary Nodes—but Terrible Primary Machines appeared first on IT Beast | Information Technology News, Views, Research & Analysis.

You know that moment when you leave a loud room and suddenly realize how noisy it actually was? That’s exactly how switching from Windows to Linux feels.

Once you experience an operating system that doesn’t interrupt you with pop-ups, nudges, and subtle sales pitches, it becomes painfully clear just how much advertising Windows users have been conditioned to tolerate. And Microsoft’s latest move—adding yet another ad to the Windows 11 Start menu—only reinforces that realization.

Windows 11 Is Showing Ads Where They Don’t Belong

According to reports spotted by Windows Latest, Windows 11 has begun displaying a new OneDrive advertisement directly inside the Start menu. The message appears in a bright yellow warning box and urges users to:

“Action advised—back up your PC”

Clicking “Continue” doesn’t offer choices or flexibility. Instead, it sends users straight to the OneDrive setup screen, pushing Microsoft’s cloud service as the default—and only—option.

What was once rare has now become routine.

Microsoft Is Turning Windows Into an Ad Platform

This isn’t an isolated incident. Over time, Microsoft has steadily increased the number of promotional prompts baked into Windows itself. These ads primarily push Microsoft’s own products and subscriptions, and Windows 11 now even includes in-OS subscription management, blurring the line between an operating system and a storefront.

The message is clear: Windows is no longer just software you own—it’s a delivery system for Microsoft services.

Outside the EU? You Don’t Get a Choice

There’s a small silver lining for users in the European Union, where stricter regulations may force Microsoft to display alternative cloud providers alongside OneDrive. But for users elsewhere, OneDrive is the default, the fallback, and the recommendation—whether you asked for it or not.

Choice, it seems, is region-locked.

Why Linux Feels Refreshingly Quiet

Linux distributions don’t sell you things. They don’t nudge you toward subscriptions. They don’t embed ads into system menus that are supposed to help you launch apps, not marketing funnels.

After switching to Linux, the absence of constant prompts feels almost surreal. No warnings disguised as advice. No “action required” messages that just happen to benefit the OS vendor. Just an operating system doing its job.

The Bigger Problem: Normalizing OS-Level Ads

The real issue isn’t OneDrive. It’s the precedent.

When ads appear in the Start menu—one of the most fundamental parts of the operating system—it signals a shift in priorities. User experience takes a back seat to engagement metrics, upselling, and ecosystem lock-in.

For users who have no alternative due to work or software compatibility, this is frustrating. For everyone else, it’s increasingly becoming a reason to look elsewhere.

Final Thoughts: It’s Never Been a Better Time to Switch

Windows 11 continues to add features nobody asked for—while quietly removing the feeling that your PC is truly yours. Meanwhile, Linux keeps doing the opposite: improving usability while staying out of your way.

If you’re tired of being advertised to by your own operating system, switching to Linux doesn’t feel radical anymore—it feels logical.

The post Windows 11 Start Menu Ads Are Getting Worse—and They’re Pushing Users to Linux appeared first on IT Beast | Information Technology News, Views, Research & Analysis.

If you’ve ever spent hours wrestling with PowerPoint slides or struggling to turn your messy notes into clean infographics, Google’s NotebookLM might just become your new best friend. At IT Beast, we’re always on the lookout for tools that make tech work easier, and this one’s a real find.

What’s NotebookLM?

It’s an AI-powered tool from Google that reads your documents, notes, and research materials, then helps you create professional-looking presentations and infographics without the usual headache.

The Magic: From Mess to Masterpiece

Here’s what makes it special: you dump in your raw information—whether that’s PDFs, Google Docs, web pages, or just plain text—and NotebookLM gets to work. Within seconds, it can generate:

• Polished PowerPoint presentations with proper structure and design
• Eye-catching infographics that actually make sense
• Clear summaries of complex information
• Visual timelines and data representations

No design degree required.

How It Works (The Simple Version)

1. Upload your content – Drop in whatever materials you’re working with
2. Tell it what you need – Ask for a presentation, infographic, or specific visual
3. Get instant results – NotebookLM creates professional-quality output in seconds
4. Tweak if needed – Make changes by simply asking

The tool understands context, so it doesn’t just slap words on slides randomly. It actually organizes information logically and presents it in ways that make sense.

Why IT Beast Recommends This for Startups

We work with startups every day at IT Beast, helping them build affordable custom solutions. NotebookLM fits perfectly into that mission. Here’s why:

• Zero cost – Free with a Google account
• No learning curve – Start creating immediately
• Professional results – Looks like you hired a designer
• Time saver – Spend minutes instead of hours on presentations

For cash-strapped startups building pitch decks or marketing materials, this tool is a lifesaver.

Who Should Use This?

Pretty much anyone who needs to present information:

• Students creating project presentations
• Business professionals preparing pitch decks
• Teachers developing educational materials
• Marketers building campaign visuals
• Researchers summarizing findings
• Startups putting together investor presentations

The IT Beast Take

NotebookLM represents exactly the kind of innovation we love covering—it democratizes professional design and makes powerful tools accessible to everyone. You bring the ideas and content; it handles the tedious work of making everything look good and flow smoothly.

As we always say at IT Beast, the best technology is the kind that gets out of your way and lets you focus on what matters. NotebookLM does exactly that.

Want more insights like this? Subscribe to IT Beast at itbeast.in for regular updates on the latest IT tools, trends, and affordable solutions for startups. Our expert team brings you practical tech knowledge you can actually use.

The post Free AI PowerPoint Presentation Tools: Create Infographics and PPTs in Seconds with NotebookLM, IT Beast appeared first on IT Beast | Information Technology News, Views, Research & Analysis.

Windows 11 may be nearing the end of its 2025 development cycle, but Microsoft still has one final batch of upgrades on the way. Starting December 9, 2025, the last Patch Tuesday update of the year will roll out with a surprisingly long list of improvements — polishing the design, expanding AI features, and modernizing legacy components.

This update applies to Windows 11 version 24H2 and 25H2, though features may arrive gradually thanks to Microsoft’s Controlled Feature Rollout (CFR) system.

Let’s break down the 16 biggest features and changes coming this month.

1. Windows Search Finally Matches Start Menu Design

After years of awkward inconsistency, the Windows Search panel now has the same height and layout style as the Start menu. This small but important visual fix finally brings coherence to two of the most-used UI elements.

2. New “Share with Copilot” Button on the Taskbar

A new, optional feature adds a Share with Copilot action directly in app thumbnails on the Taskbar. With one click, users can launch Copilot Vision for instant AI-powered context on the selected app.

A new app-hover animation also smooths transitions across the Taskbar.

3. Spotlight Wallpapers Get Quick Controls

Windows Spotlight now lets you:

• Right-click the desktop → Next background
• Explore the wallpaper → Opens an info page via Bing

Switching wallpapers is now faster and more interactive.

4. You Can Now Disable Drag Tray

Drag Tray — the flyout that appears when dragging files to the top of the screen — finally has a kill switch.

Settings → System → Nearby Sharing
Toggle off Drag Tray.

Love it or hate it, at least now you get to choose.

5. File Explorer Dark Mode Improvements

Dark mode is getting more consistent than ever, with updates across:

• Copy/move/delete dialogs
• Progress bars
• Chart views
• Error and confirmation messages
• Context menus (rolling out gradually)

There’s still a white flash when Explorer loads — Microsoft admits the fix is in progress.

6. New “Device Info” Card in Settings Home

A new card on the Settings Home page shows:

• CPU
• RAM
• Storage
• GPU

Clicking “About your device” opens the redesigned About page.

(Currently rolling out to Microsoft account users in the U.S.)

7. Integrated Mobile Devices Settings

Mobile Devices settings are now fully merged into:

Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Mobile devices

You can add devices, manage permissions, and remove devices — all within one modern UI.

8. Full Redesign of the About Page

The About page has been streamlined with:

• A large desktop thumbnail
• A PC rename option
• “Device info” replacing the old specifications card
• “Device insights” replacing FAQs
• “Windows info” for OS details

It’s far simpler and more readable.

9. Virtual Workspaces — A New Advanced Settings Hub

A brand-new Virtual Workspaces section consolidates all virtualization features:

• Hyper-V
• Sandbox
• Windows Hypervisor Platform
• Containers
• Guarded Host
• VM Platform
• Hyper-V Tools & Services

No more digging through the old Windows Features dialog.

10. More Keyboard & Text Cursor Controls in Settings

You can now adjust keyboard character repeat:

• Repeat delay
• Repeat rate

And additional options include:

• Remapping the Copilot key
• Changing Print Screen behavior
• Cursor blink rate under Text Cursor settings

Once again, the Control Panel loses another piece.

11. Quick Machine Recovery Gets a Simpler Workflow

Changes include:

• “Continue searching” → Now “Automatically check for solutions”
• New unified Look for solutions (Once) setting

This prevents PCs from endlessly looping through recovery checks.

12. Widgets Board Gets a Complete Redesign

The Widgets board now has:

• A navigation bar separating Widgets and Discover
• Integrated settings page (no more overlay window)
• New notification badges
• Option to choose default board

Weather-triggered live updates now open the first dashboard directly.

13. Haptic Feedback for Pen Input

Touch devices with digital pens gain haptic feedback, making UI interactions feel more tactile — especially when:

• Closing windows
• Snapping layouts
• Resizing windows

It brings Windows closer to real paper-like response.

14. Click to Do Gets a New Actions Menu

Copilot+ PCs now see:

• A streamlined top-row menu (Copy, Save, Share, Open)
• A built-in Copilot prompt box
• Automatic menu opening when detecting large visuals

This aligns Click to Do with the modern File Explorer design.

15. Xbox Full Screen Experience Expands to More Handhelds

The console-like Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) is rolling out beyond ROG Ally devices.

Benefits:

• Saves around 2GB RAM
• Simplifies navigation using a controller
• Auto-loads a gaming dashboard instead of the desktop

A desktop rollout is planned later, but not in this update.

16. Windows Studio Effects Now Work on External Cameras

Copilot+ PCs gain support for Studio Effects on:

• USB webcams
• Secondary built-in cameras
• Rear laptop cameras

You can enable enhancements like background blur and eye correction via:

Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Cameras

Final Thoughts

This December 2025 update isn’t just a routine security patch — it’s one of the year’s most polished upgrades. From UI fixes and dark mode improvements to expanded AI tools and gaming features, Windows 11 is quietly wrapping up 2025 on a high note.

The post Top 16 New Windows 11 Features Coming in December 2025 — File Explorer Upgrades, Start Menu Fixes, Virtual Workspaces & More appeared first on IT Beast | Information Technology News, Views, Research & Analysis.

Valve’s upcoming Steam Machine, set for early 2026, is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about mini gaming PCs in years. But when the spec sheet dropped, one detail puzzled everyone:
HDMI 2.0? In 2025? Really?

Turns out the answer is less “Valve forgot” and more “Valve is locked out.”

After speaking with Ars Technica, Valve confirmed that the Steam Machine does support HDMI 2.1 in hardware. The real problem?
The HDMI Forum’s licensing model, which blocks open-source drivers—the foundation SteamOS relies on.

And that’s where the trouble begins.

🔧 The Real Roadblock: Closed HDMI 2.1 Drivers Meet Open-Source SteamOS

Valve’s Steam Machine uses:

• A semi-custom AMD Zen 4 CPU
• RDNA 3 integrated graphics
• And SteamOS, powered by open-source AMD GPU drivers

But the HDMI Forum requires manufacturers to use closed-source HDMI 2.1 driver implementations.
These cannot be integrated into AMD’s open-source Linux driver stack.

Meaning:
SteamOS literally isn’t allowed to access HDMI 2.1 features.
Even though the hardware can do it.

So Valve currently has to validate the port in Windows, since that’s the only OS that can legally run the approved closed-source HDMI 2.1 driver.

Awkward, but not unsolvable—hence Valve’s statement that they’re “trying to unblock things.”

⚡ What Valve Is Doing as a Temporary Solution

To push the HDMI 2.0 port beyond its normal limit of 4K60, Valve is using:

✔ Chroma subsampling

This compresses color information so more data fits down the HDMI pipe, allowing:

• 4K @120Hz (with reduced color precision)

In most games, the difference is subtle.
In detailed desktop content? It’s more noticeable.

The fallback option is the Steam Machine’s other video output:

✔ DisplayPort 1.4

Which has more bandwidth and can easily hit:

• 4K @120Hz
• VRR (variable refresh rate)
• HDR

Basically, DisplayPort saves the day for PC monitors.

🎮 But HDMI 2.0 Has One More Problem: No HDMI VRR

HDMI 2.1 adds HDMI-VRR, which helps smooth gameplay by syncing refresh rates.
HDMI 2.0 does not support VRR.

Valve does support AMD FreeSync over HDMI…
…but not all TVs accept FreeSync.

Meaning console-style living room setups may feel more limited.

🧠 So… Will Valve Get HDMI 2.1 Working Before Launch?

Valve has enormous influence in PC gaming.
If anyone can nudge the HDMI Forum into cooperation—or engineer a workaround—it’s them.

But right now, the situation is:

• Hardware supports HDMI 2.1
• SteamOS cannot legally implement HDMI 2.1 drivers
• Valve is working with partners to “unblock” the implementation

It’s a classic Linux-vs-closed-standards clash.

📌 Final Thoughts

Will this stop gamers from buying the Steam Machine?
Not even slightly.

Most users:

• Will use DisplayPort
• Or won’t notice chroma subsampling at all
• Won’t care about the back-end politics of HDMI driver licensing

But this story highlights a bigger issue with Linux gaming:
Closed standards still slow down open-source hardware adoption.

If Valve wants full HDMI 2.1 support, it may have to push the HDMI Forum harder—or spark wider industry change.

The post Valve Says Steam Machine Supports HDMI 2.1 — So Why Is It Still Listed as HDMI 2.0? The Real Reason Explained appeared first on IT Beast | Information Technology News, Views, Research & Analysis.

The holiday sales aren’t slowing down. Even after Black Friday and Cyber Monday, one of 2024’s most loved laptops—the Microsoft Surface Pro 11—has dropped to $999.99, making it one of the best Christmas tech deals this year.

This device earned top recommendations for students, professionals, digital artists, and anyone needing serious performance in a lightweight 2-in-1 body. And even as its successor gains attention, the Surface Pro 11 remains a powerhouse.

Why the Surface Pro 11 Is Still a Beast in 2024–2025

The Surface Pro 11 wasn’t just a good device in 2024—it was the device. Packed with impressive performance, battery efficiency, and a stunning display, it continues to hold its ground today.

Key Specs That Still Shine

• Snapdragon X Elite (12-core) processor up to 4.2GHz
• 16-hour battery life
• 13-inch 2880×1920 OLED display with 60–120Hz dynamic refresh rate
• Copilot+ AI integration with 45 TOPS for fast on-device AI tasks
• 512GB SSD and easy storage upgrade access
• Exceptional speakers, microphone, and camera

When Daniel Rubino (Windows Central’s editor-in-chief) reviewed it, he scored it 5/5, calling it “one of the best Windows laptops you can buy.” That praise has aged extremely well.

Why It’s a Perfect Christmas Buy

If you’re a student, office worker, digital artist, or someone who loves the flexibility of a tablet-laptop hybrid, the Surface Pro 11 is a dream. It handles multitasking, creative work, browsing, paperwork, and entertainment effortlessly—and without overheating or battery anxiety.

And now, getting all of that for $500 off is a steal.

Best Current Deals on the Surface Pro 11

Amazon (Best Deal)

• $999.99 (was $1,499.99) — Snapdragon X Elite (12-core), OLED, 512GB SSD

Other Retailers

• Walmart: $999.99
• Best Buy: $1,099.99

If Amazon sells out—and during Christmas it usually does—you still have fallback options.

Other Configurations on Sale

If you want either more power or a cheaper entry point, these versions are also discounted:

• 12-Core X Elite • 32GB RAM • 1TB SSD • OLED — $1,549.99 (was $2,099.99)
• 12-Core X Elite • 16GB RAM • 1TB SSD • OLED — $1,189.99 (was $1,249.99)
• 10-Core X Elite • 16GB RAM • 512GB SSD • LCD — $888.52 (was $1,199.99)

Whether you’re upgrading or trying to stick to a budget, there’s something for every need.

FAQ

What is a 2-in-1 laptop?

It’s a hybrid that works as both a laptop and a tablet—great for productivity and creative work.

Does the Surface Pro 11 run Windows 11?

Yes, it comes with Windows 11 out of the box.

Is a keyboard included?

No. You’ll need to buy the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard separately.

Can I upgrade the storage?

Yes! The SSD is easily accessible through a tool-free door on the back.

If you want a premium AI-powered laptop this Christmas without burning your wallet, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 Christmas deal is hands-down one of the smartest buys of the season.

The post Microsoft Surface Pro 11 Gets Massive Christmas Price Drop — Our Top 2024 Laptop Pick Is Now Under $1,000 appeared first on IT Beast | Information Technology News, Views, Research & Analysis.

A detailed comparison by the YouTube channel ETA PRIME, pitting an early model of the MSI Claw A8 with the Z2 Extreme against the ASUS ROG Ally X with the Z1 Extreme, has provided a first look at the new chip’s real-world capabilities. While synthetic benchmarks show the Z2 Extreme has an edge, the in-game results are surprisingly close.

Z2 Extreme Performance: A Closer Look at the Benchmarks

The Z2 Extreme features a new Zen 5 architecture and 16 RDNA 3.5 integrated GPU cores, an upgrade from the Z1 Extreme’s Zen 4 architecture and 12 RDNA 3 GPU cores. Both APUs run between a 15W and 30W TDP, and the test units both had 24GB of LPDDR5x RAM.

While synthetic benchmarks like Geekbench and 3DMark showed the Z2 Extreme consistently ahead, the real-world gaming performance told a different story:

• Cyberpunk 2077: At 25W TDP, the Z2 Extreme averaged 46.65 FPS, just a 4 FPS difference from the Z1 Extreme’s 42.66 FPS.
• Shadow of the Tomb Raider: The Z2 Extreme hit 64 FPS, while the Z1 Extreme was not far behind at 59 FPS.
• Forza Horizon 5: A similar result, with the Z2 Extreme averaging 80 FPS compared to the Z1 Extreme’s 76 FPS.
• Black Myth: Wukong: The Z2 Extreme had a 5 FPS lead (49 FPS vs. 44 FPS).
• Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered: The gap was a mere 1 FPS (31 FPS vs. 30 FPS).

The Caveath: Drivers Are Key

As ETA PRIME correctly points out, these early results come with a major caveat: the Z2 Extreme’s drivers are still in their early stages. The performance we’re seeing today may not be representative of the chip’s final potential. Much like the initial launches of the Steam Deck and the original ROG Ally, driver optimizations are expected to provide significant performance boosts over time.

“At the time of making this video with the drivers we have for that Z2 Extreme, I wouldn’t run out and upgrade from the Z1 just yet,” said ETA PRIME.

While the current performance gap is small, there’s a strong belief that future updates will unleash the full power of the Z2 Extreme. The upcoming Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X, which will feature the new Ryzen Z2 and Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chips, will provide another important look at how these new AMD APUs perform with more mature driver support.

For now, if you own a Z1 Extreme handheld, there’s little reason to rush for an upgrade. But keep an eye on this space — as drivers evolve, the narrative around the Z2 Extreme’s performance could change dramatically.

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