Microsoft Just Made Two of Its Biggest Gambles Yet

October 13, 2022

Microsoft’s annual Surface Event is a launchpad for new products, including some very experimental stuff. But we were shocked by two of the announcements made during yesterday’s Surface Event—not only will Microsoft embrace the ARM architecture, but it wants to integrate some very controversial AI with the Windows ecosystem.

Check our top story for a run-down on the 2022 Surface Event, including some notes on Microsoft’s most surprising announcements.

Other Highlights:

• The Meta Quest Pro, a $1,500 headset, has an awful battery life.
• Roku sells smart home products now—wait, what?
• We found the best accessories for your new Amazon Kindle.
• … and more!

-Andrew

We always expect a risky new product to materialize during Microsoft’s Surface Events. But the 2022 Surface Event, which aired the morning of October 12th, included two of Microsoft’s biggest gambles to date—the company is unequivocally embracing AI image generation and the ARM architecture. Read More »

These days we all buy a ton of stuff online, and a good majority of that is likely from Amazon. With online shopping, ratings and reviews are one of the most important factors for many users. Still, it’s important to remember that not everything is what it seems when you’re browsing Amazon’s marketplace. Read More »

If you aren’t using a password manager these days, you’re asking for trouble. However, Apple, Google, Microsoft, Dashlane, and others are working towards a passwordless future using passkeys. Now, Google is finally ready to bring passkeys to our devices.  Read More »

Roku, a company best known for streaming media players and smart TVs, is expanding its product offerings to include smart home devices. Today, the company announced a partnership with Wyze and Walmart to sell a suite of products, including security cameras, video doorbells, smart lights, and plugs. Read More »

This week Meta (formally Facebook) revealed its all-new virtual and mixed-reality goggles, the Meta Quest Pro. It’s a high-end VR headset with a lot to offer at an eye-watering $1,499 price tag, but unfortunately, the battery life will be terrible. Read More »

Everyone wants filtered water, but nobody wants to refill the Brita pitcher. So, forget the pitcher and buy a countertop water filter. This affordable model from iFilter connects to your kitchen faucet and pumps out clean water at the flick of a switch.

General Motors announced it is getting into the solar energy and battery storage business with a new GM Energy division. The new group will take on Tesla and others, letting EV and business owners generate and store electricity. Read More »

Looking to bolster your Plex media server? The Prime Early Access sale is a perfect opportunity to grab discounted HDDs, NAS devices, mini PCs, and disc-ripping equipment. Here are the best Prime Early Access deals for Plex users! Read More »

Shopping for wireless keyboards is a lot more complicated than you’d expect. But between all the weird and wild wireless keyboards, there’s one that’ll suit your needs. Here’s how to find the wireless keyboard that’s right for you. Read More »

The new Amazon Kindle packs plenty of premium features into a compact package. Sure, you could buy this newly released e-reader by itself. But some Amazon Kindle accessories like covers, screen protectors, and tablet stands can take your reading experience to the next level. Read More »

If you haven’t updated your mouse in a few years or are always on the go with today’s hybrid work environment, the new Dell MS700 twistable mouse might be just what you need. It supports multi-device Bluetooth 5.0 pairing and will twist to nearly flat, making it great for travel. Read More »

We live at a time where you can walk into a store, grab some items, and pay without ever interacting with another human. Despite how awesome that sounds, self-checkout has its haters. Let me tell you why it’s great. Read More »

Wireless security cameras can save you the hassle of running dedicated wiring, but they require a strong Wi-Fi signal. Here’s how to get a better signal for your cameras. Read More »

RGB lighting gets an upgrade as part of the Philips Hue line with the easy-to-install Philips Hue Play Gradient LightStrip. Paired with the Hue Bridge, you have complete control over gradient lighting to set a scene that matches your aesthetic if you don’t mind the price tag and yet another wire. Read More »