Monday, April 30, 2018

This week's Xbox Deals with Gold and Game Pass Endless Sale feature Battlefield and Call of Duty

Every week Microsoft and certain publishers discount numerous games for Xbox Live users.

Every week Microsoft and certain publishers discount numerous games for Xbox Live users. Some deals are available only to Xbox Live Gold members and others are available to anyone who utilizes the service through a "Spotlight" sale. A wide variety of titles, ranging from small experiences to massive blockbusters, are available for substantially less. There's also a "Game Pass Endless" sale taking place until May 8, 2018. This week, prominent games like Battlefield 1 and Call of Duty: WWII are on sale. Here's a look at all of the discounted titles.



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Get your Microsoft and Windows questions answered in our AskDan video series

Our #AskDanWindows video series on YouTube is going steady with weekly releases. The video shorts are designed to let Windows Central Executive Editor Daniel Rubino answer readers' questions in video format.

A few years ago we started #AskDanWindows. While I still answer individual questions on Twitter, jump into comments on stories, and even hit Reddit to engage with our audience, I figured it'd be better to record and share my thoughts on YouTube so everyone who wants to can benefit.

The problem was consistency on our part, with sporadic videos every few weeks (or months). Starting in mid-2017, we decided to make the #AskDanWindows series run weekly, but with a shorter format. So far, we have kept to that schedule (except for a holiday or two)! And we've really got some good momentum going.

You provide the questions I answer, and therefore the content, so it's important we get the best of the best. So jump into the AskDan forums and inquire about a variety of topics. Please. And I'll do my best to answer those questions.

The goal is to pick three questions each week that have broad audience appeal (so don't ask how I can fix a problem with your computer.)

Visit the AskDan forums at Windows Central

Anyway, jump in, discuss all things Microsoft, Windows 10, laptops, gaming, mixed reality, or whatever else is on your mind. This is not just about me, either, because we have some very authoritative forum members who can often add insight of their own.



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Pure Farming 2018 gets better visuals, new vehicles, and free goats on PC

Buckle up, farmer, there's a storm brewing on the horizon.

Farming simulators are sleeper hit games — low profile, but somehow widely popular. Today, Techland Publishing and developer Ice Flames released a new patch for Pure Farming 2018 on PC. Update 1.1.5 addresses more than 130 bugs and brings over seventy gameplay features. The content should come to Xbox One and PlayStation 4 soon from what we understand.



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Dell XPS 15 laptop giveaway! Enter here at Windows Central!

Dell's refreshed XPS 15 is here and we're giving you the chance to win one! Check this out!

As part of Dell's flagship consumer line, the XPS 15 has never shied away from power. But with its 2018 refresh, the XPS 15 (9570), Dell is kicking things up a notch with amped up graphics and Intel's latest processors. It's a great laptop and we're excited to announce that we're giving one away to one of you! Keep reading for details!

How to enter to win the Dell XPS 15 laptop giveaway!

The prize

One lucky reader will win a Dell XPS 15 laptop!

The rules

There are multiple ways to enter, each with varying point values, in the widget at the bottom of this post. Complete all of the tasks by clicking each option in the widget for maximum entries and your best shot at winning. Keep in mind that all winning entries are verified and if the task was not completed or cannot be verified, a new winner will be chosen. The contest is open internationally, but any customs fees or taxes incurred during shipping are the responsibility of the contest winner.

The giveaway is open until May 9, 2018, and the winner will be announced right here in the widget shortly after the close date.

Good luck!

We're giving away a Dell XPS 15 laptop!



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What's new with the Settings app for the Windows 10 April 2018 Update

The April 2018 Update for Windows 10 delivers a ton of improvements and new options to the Settings, and here's everything you need to know.

While the Settings app is still a work in progress, the Windows 10 April 2018 Update (version 1803) introduces a lot of new options and improvements that bring the experience one step closer to make Control Panel completely obsolete.

On version 1803, the Settings app debuts with a revamped interface using more elements of the Fluent Design System. You'll find a number of new options that are new to Windows 10, or have been ported from Control Panel, many of the settings have been reorganized or updated, and a lot more.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll show you the improvements, tweaks, and changes included in the Settings app starting with the April 2018 Update.



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Best Accessories for Dell XPS 15 in 2018



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Egyptian shooter 'Immortal Redneck' now runs at 4K 60 FPS on Xbox One X

Immortal Redneck

Immortal Redneck is a first-person shooter set in Egypt with "rogue-lite" elements. This means that the game mixes old-school shooter action with permanent death and permanent upgrade mechanics. Frantic gameplay, twitch controls, and an arcade feel meet randomly-generated dungeons, an expansive skill tree, and various character classes in this thrilling game.



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Microsoft begins rolling out the Windows 10 April Update

The Windows 10 April Update is now available to download!

Microsoft has today began rolling out the Windows 10 April Update for select devices via Windows Update, and has also made available an upgrade tool for those that don't want to wait for the update to show up automatically. The April Update has been in development since last year, and is packing lots of new features and changes to enjoy.

If you're a Windows 10 user who can't wait for the upcoming April Update to reach you via Windows Update, Microsoft is now allowing users to download the update manually via the Windows 10 April Update upgrade tool. The tool is now available on Microsoft's website, and you can download the tool directly from here.

You can now also download an ISO via the Windows Media Creation Tool, which will come in handy if you're planning to upgrade or clean install the April Update on a number of different PCs. Those waiting for Windows Update might be waiting a while, as Microsoft likes to roll out the updates in waves, meaning you might not get it for a couple of months yet.

Make sure you check out our Windows 10 April Update written review for a rundown of all the noteworthy new changes coming in this release!



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Windows 10 April 2018 Update common problems and fixes

If you're having problems upgrading to the April 2018 Update, in this guide, we'll highlight the most common issues and the steps to resolve them.

The Windows 10 April 2018 Update (version 1803) has finally arrived, and it's rolling out worldwide as a free update for compatible desktops, laptops, and tablets. The new version is the fifth major refresh that Microsoft is releasing (the first of two updates coming out this year), and it delivers a new set of features and changes to improve productivity, performance, and security.

However, a new release also means new potential problems because feature updates are not the same as those quality updates you get every month. Instead, every new release of Windows 10 goes through significant code restructuring which can introduce compatibility issues as well as bugs that can negatively impact the experience.

Alongside the issues that may appear as a result of the new version, you may also come across problems that aren't necessarily problems with the new feature update. Sometimes, an installation could fail because of outdated drivers, conflicts with programs, and configurations you may have applied that will prevent installing the new version.



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How to delay the Windows 10 April 2018 Update while still getting updates

If you're not ready to start using the Windows 10 April 2018 Update, there are a few ways to delay the new version temporarily.

The Windows 10 April 2018 Update (version 1803) is scheduled to arrive on April 30, and during the next several months the Microsoft servers will be busier than usual delivering the new major update to millions of compatible devices.

The update will be slowly rolled out, initially targeting newer devices and then slowly expanding to older and untested Windows computers. This is to ensure a smooth rollout, and to take care of any showstopper bugs before they reach too many PCs. If you're not ready to deal with a major update, or just want to wait for a while, there are a few ways to delay the Windows 10 April 2018 Update while still receiving maintenance updates.



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Twitter releases its new Windows PWA app on Windows 10 Mobile

The Twitter PWA has made its way to Windows 10 Mobile, but that's not necessarily a good thing.

Twitter has today updated its app on Windows 10 Mobile to the new PWA version that recently launched on Windows 10 desktop. Unfortunately, this means Windows 10 Mobile users will no longer receive things like push notifications, as notifications from the Twitter PWA relies on service workers to function, and Windows 10 Mobile does not support service workers.

The new Twitter PWA, while excellent on Windows 10 desktop, is less excellent on Windows 10 Mobile. Microsoft left Windows 10 Mobile behind at Redstone 2 when it switched to the feature2 branch, and has such does not have any of the new improvements to PWA support that Redstone 4 introduced on PC. This means that while the Twitter PWA works, it does not have many tie ins with the OS.

For example, the Twitter PWA on Mobile no longer has a live tile, and as already mentioned, does not have push notification support. This means those on Windows 10 Mobile won't get notifications when someone sends you a message or retweets you on Twitter. It also has no dark mode.

On the plus side, the new Twitter PWA brings with it all the updated Twitter changes, including the increased character support, the ability to bookmark tweets, and more. Perhaps the update was pushed out in error, or maybe Twitter thinks users on Mobile won't mind missing out on things like push notifications. Regardless, what are your thoughts on the new Twitter PWA for Mobile? Let us know in the comments.



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What reviewers are saying about the Ryzen 2nd generation processors

Rounding up what some smart people on the internet have said about AMD's latest generation Ryzen processor.

If, like me, the announcement of the 2nd generation Ryzen processors from AMD pricked your ears with excitement, you've no doubt been scouring the web for as much information as you can find.

The majority of the online reviews have focused on the range-topping Ryzen 7 2700X, but for a lot of people that's the one they're most interested in. I haven't taken delivery of my own yet (boy am I looking forward to rebuilding my PC), so I'm yet to experience it first hand.

But there's plenty of smart people out there who have. Here's what some of them are saying about the latest from AMD.



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Upgrade your old storage with the $58 Crucial BX300 240GB solid state drive

At this price, you can't go wrong.

The Crucial BX300 240GB solid state drive is down to $58.39 on Amazon. That's one of the lowest price we've seen on a drive that normally runs around $88. The price expires at the end of the day because it's part of a huge Amazon one-day sale on PC gear.

You can also get the 120GB version for $48.02. It was as high as $60 in early April, but I don't know why you'd do that when you can get double the space for $10 more.

The BX300 is an internal SSD that was released in August 2017. The BX series is an entry-level series of SSD, but because it's the entry-level version of a much older model (the MX300), it's actually both cheaper and faster. The only difference the BX series doesn't have as large a storage capacity as the MX series, so you get 240GB instead of 275GB. The BX300 has 4.5 stars based on 255 reviews.



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Best Accessories for Razer Blade Stealth of 2018

Accessorize your Blade Stealth with this fine little lot.

The Razer Blade Stealth is a terrific ultrabook, great for use at home and on the go. But like most laptops, you can always make it a little better with some great accessories.

With that in mind, here's the stuff you should be looking at for your own Razer Blade Stealth.



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Microsoft 365 adds phishing, ransomware protections for small businesses

Small businesses are getting access to a new set of security features with Microsoft 365.

Microsoft is looking to give small and medium-sized businesses some added protection against ransomware and fishing attacks with some new security features headed to Microsoft 365 Business.



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Fortnite Season 4 officially begins May 1

Season 3's Battle Pass expires very soon and there is no waiting for the next one.

It's not entirely unsurprising, given the Season 3 Battle Pass in Fortnite Battle Royale expires in a matter of hours, but Epic Games has officially announced Season 4 will begin on May 1.



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These are the best Windows 10 apps of April 2018

From previewing files to controlling your smart lights, these are the best Windows 10 apps I looked at in April 2018.

This month I reviewed apps that helped me set my smart lights to disco mode, and that let me listen to my favorite content wherever I am. Here are the best Windows 10 apps of April 2018.

Seer and Quicklook

This month I compared Seer and Quicklook, two similar pieces of software. They both aim to replicate the Seer feature from Mac computers, allowing you to preview images with a simple press of a key. In my testing, I found that both apps had strengths and weaknesses but ultimately differed very little. The one that you choose comes down to personal preference, but both of them allow you to easily preview content on your PC.

Both apps are available for Windows 10. Quicklook is free, and Seer has a free version, but to keep Seer up to date for life you'll have to pay $12.18.

Get Quicklook in Microsoft Store Get Seer on 1218's website



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Amazon's one-day sale on PC gear has low prices on mice, keyboards, and more

Get what you need.

Amazon has a huge selection of PC components down to low prices for one day only. The sale features a variety of major brands like Toshiba, HyperX, Logitech, and more. The gear includes both internal parts, like the Seagate 1TB solid state hybrid drive for $60.99, and external peripherals, the Razer DeathAdder gaming mouse for $54.99

Here's a few of the other items on sale:



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How to get the Windows 10 April 2018 Update as soon as possible

Windows 10's April 2018 Update is now generally available, and these are steps to get it as soon as possible.

Providing nothing goes wrong, Microsoft is officially beginning the rollout of the Windows 10 April 2018 Update (version 1803) on April 30, 2018. This is the fifth major release for compatible devices with new features and changes to improve security, privacy, performance, and productivity.

In version 1803, you'll find new features like Timeline, Nearby Sharing, and Graphics settings. Windows 10 continues the gradual rollout of Fluent Design in the Start menu, taskbar, Settings, and throughout the experience. Users get more control over their privacy, such as options to view and delete telemetry data and deny file access to apps. The Settings app receives a lot of tweaks, including a new section to manage fonts, Microsoft Edge gets updated, and a lot more.

As usual, Microsoft is expected to push the new version gradually, meaning that the feature update won't be available on every PC on day one. On April 30, the update will be available for those who want to get it manually, and then on May 8, it'll start rolling out through Windows Update. However, bear in mind that some devices may take up to several months before they get it automatically. However, if you don't want to wait, there's more than one way to force the April 2018 Update onto your computer.



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Protect your favorite gear with these water-resistant Pelican cases on sale today

One of Amazon's daily Gold Box deals features a selection Pelican cases and luggage. These cases come in a variety of sizes, prices, and purposes. Some are waterproof dry boxes, some are filled with foam for tight packing, and some are designed to fit in standard overhead bins. This is a one-day only sale.

Here's a few of the ones on sale:

No matter the case, Pelican covers them all with a lifetime warranty. Check out the full sale for all the other possibilities.

See on Amazon



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Razer Goliathus Chroma adds lights to an already exceptional mousepad

Razer's excellent soft mousepad, the Goliathus, now comes with added Chroma lighting. And it is tremendous.

The Razer Goliathus is one of our favorite mousepads, but for the latest iteration, the company went all-out. The Goliathus Chroma, as you can guess from the name, has Razer's take on RGB lighting worked into it.

It isn't the first mousepad from Razer with Chroma, but it's now the cheapest, and arguably the best.



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Where to buy a used VR headset

VR is expensive. Buying used might be the solution.

From the HTC Vive to the Oculus Rift there are plenty of choices for the best virtual reality (VR) experiences to run through your PC. Most of these headsets start at about $299 and that can seem like quite a commitment to be making for something you're not sure if you like or not.

Used VR headsets are popping up more and more as the technology continues to develop, but the selection is fairly limited for now. We know where you can get used headsets, but there are a few things to consider before diving into second-hand VR.

What to consider before buying a used VR headset

Do you have everything that's required?

You can't just go out and buy a VR headset and expect it to work with your existing computer or phone. For example, if you're considering the HTC Vive, then you're going to need a PC with a top-of-the-line graphics card, a powerful CPU, at least 4GB of RAM, HDMI 1.4 output, and more.



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Cyberlink Screen Recorder 3 combines PC screen recording and editing, but is it worth $50?

A fairly lightweight application that has many different uses and a pretty solid video editor built in.

There are no shortage of ways you can record your PC screen or stream PC or console games to services like Twitch and Mixer, but that hasn't stopped Cyberlink getting in on the act with the latest version of its Screen Recorder application.

Screen Recorder 3 combines both of these features with a fairly robust video editor so that whatever the content you're capturing, you can handle every step inside the same application.

I've been playing with it for a little while and on the whole it's pretty good, but there are some areas that could be more streamlined and a few bugs still to work through.



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Sunday, April 29, 2018

Cliff Bleszinski wants to bring battle royale 'Radical Heights' to Xbox One

Radical Heights would be a good fit in Xbox Game Preview.

Ever since PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds gained popularity, games like Fortnite quickly adopted the "Battle Royale" genre. Now there are numerous such titles out there, with Cliff Bleszinski's "Radical Heights" being the latest entry in an increasingly crowded market.



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