EA details upcoming Star Wars Battlefront II content

More Star Wars Battlefront II content is on the way!

Star Wars Battlefront II has had its fair share of issues since launch. Initially, the game was panned for its pay-to-win microtransaction model, and then delayed updates irked numerous consumers. Luckily, EA posted a roadmap of future content which should hit the game relatively soon. There are a lot of exciting changes coming in the near future!

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Microsoft is selling the Surface Studio for up to £1000 off in the UK

You can now save yourself some serious cash on a brand new Surface Studio from Microsoft, but you probably shouldn't buy one anyway.

For the first time ever, Microsoft is selling its Surface Studio at its online store for a discounted price in the United Kingdom, with savings of up to £1000 on offer depending on the model you go for. Microsoft has never sold its Surface Studio for a discount before now, which means Microsoft is likely trying to shift the last of its stock to make room for the rumoured Surface Studio 2.

The entry-level Surface Studio is now available for £2,399, which is saving you a large sum of £600. If you want to go all out, you can save yourself up to £1,000 by going for the top-tier model, which is now on sale for £3,187. Still incredibly expensive, but definitely not as expensive as it used to be.

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How to install mods for Skyrim Special Edition on PC

Bethesda has re-released Skyrim for every electronic device in living history, including the trust microwave. As for the Special Edition on PC, many wondered why the company even bothered since graphics are only marginally better, but what makes this latest version so good is the addition of 64-bit support. This unlocks the full potential of Skyrim and the modding scene, which should enable for a more stable experience (especially when you hit the 200 mod marker).

Here's a quick guide to get started installing mods on PC. We'll be using the Nexus Mod Manager, which is universally recommended to keep things organized and to make installing larger packages an absolute breeze.

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Dell Inspiron 15 7000 vs. XPS 15: Which is better for you?

Both have 4K display options and dedicated GPUs, but which comes out on top?

Leading the way when it comes to Dell's 15-inch Ultrabooks is the XPS 15 9570, rocking some impressive hardware in a design we're familiar with. A small step down is the Inspiron 15 7570, a cheaper alternative that still has a lot going for it. If you're shopping for a new laptop that's about this size, both of these are likely being considered. Let's break things down to help you decide which is better.

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Keep yourself protected with VPN Unlimited for just $33.99!

Using the internet is becoming increasingly risky, and many people aren't taking the precautions necessary to protect their data and ultimately themselves. Using a VPN to protect yourself is never a bad idea, but free services are often unreliable, slow, and unsafe.

What you need is an affordable VPN service with a proven track record to keep your data private while you browse the internet. You have several devices, so you need it to work on multiple platforms, and you need servers close to you so you don't suffer from slow speeds.

Right now, Windows Central Digital Offers has a sale on a lifetime subscription to the award-winning VPN Unlimited. Typically sold as a subscription for $60 per year, with this deal it's a one-time payment of $39.99 for a lifetime subscription for up to five devices — and for a limited time you can save an extra 15% when you use coupon code JULY4TH when checking out.

Save an additional 15% with coupon code JULY4TH Learn More

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When is Microsoft announcing Surface Andromeda? #AskDanWindows 50

On this week's episode of #AskDanWindows we're going to talk about everyone's favorite rumored device Andromeda, if Surface Studio 2 is still expected this fall, and should Microsoft charge for Windows upgrades again as to avoid advertising?

Grab your favorite PC, a cup of coffee and jump in!

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How to add storage to Microsoft's Surface Book 2 on the cheap

Can you upgrade the storage in a Surface Book 2?

Microsoft's Surface Book 2 is a powerful laptop with a modular design, a touch display available in two sizes, and a high price. One way to save a bit of money at checkout is to dial back the size of your solid-state drive (SSD). You can save hundreds of dollars by opting for a 256GB storage option rather than a 1TB option.

Even if you did opt for a big 1TB solid-state drive (SSD), the reality of media today is that it will eventually fill up. In either case, you're probably wondering how to get a bigger drive when the Surface Book 2 doesn't have hardware that's easy to upgrade. Despite no longer being available from the Microsoft Store, this solution also works with the original Surface Book and Surface Book with Performance Base.

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What you missed this week on CordCutters.com

It's all Amazon Fire TV, all the time. OK, a lot of the time. Some of the time.

The Amazon Fire TV Cube is now shipping, and we've reviewed the little box. The short version? It's really good, actually. But definitely not perfect, and maybe not for everyone. But there's a real reason to give it a good look.

Have a taste:

In hindsight, it's pretty clear exactly what we should have expected. Amazon Fire TV is a known entity. We've used it for years, and it's a great option for streaming TV. Amazon Echo is a great hands-free voice assistant thing. We've used Alexa for years.

Combine the two in cube form, and we've got the Amazon Fire TV Cube. It sits atop the three current models of Fire TV, and is sort of an offshoot in the Echo line. A more capable Echo Dot, if you will. You plug it into your TV, teach it a little bit about what all you have hooked up, and it controls things reasonably well. Your display, speakers or sound bar, other devices.

What else did you miss this past week?

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Best RAM Deals as of June 30, 2018

RAM prices are crazy right now, so we're here to help you make the best purchase decision. These are best RAM deals available.

Building a PC right now is hard, between pretty insane GPU prices and equally-mad RAM pricing.

It makes finding a good deal more important than ever, so we're here to help you make the best decision you can.

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HDHomerun Quatro is down to one of the lowest prices we've seen!

HDHomerun Quatro has — wait for it — four tuners, so you can watch up to four shows at one time on multiple devices. ($119 at Best Buy)

Our favorite OTA streaming box at its best price ever!

If you're in the market for a good over-the-air tuner that also shares that sweet free television with almost any device on your network, today is a good day to buy. Best Buy has the HDHomerun Quatro on sale for just $119, which is one of the lowest prices we've seen.

Why HDHomerun? It's got the easiest setup of any of the OTA streaming boxes we'e used. (So long as you don't need DVR or want to use it with Roku.) Just plug it in, fire up the app, and you're good to go. And the quatro has four tuners, so you can watch different channels on multiple devices — up to four, because quatro — at the same time. It's perfect if you have multiple televisions in your house, or know that you'll be watching on multiple mobile devices at the same time.

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'Anthem' for Xbox One and PC: Everything we know so far

Anthem is the next big franchise from renowned developer, BioWare. Here's everything we know so far, ahead of its slated 2019 release.

Last year Electronic Arts revealed its next major franchise, "Anthem." Showcased alongside the Xbox One X, the game showed the potential to be one of the publisher's most promising new franchises in some time, rivaling Tom Clancy's The Division and Destiny.

An appearance at E3 2018 shed further light on the elusive new project, breaking down its story, class-based gameplay, and long-term progression. We've brought together everything we know so far about Anthem and what to expect ahead of its planned February 2019 debut.

See at Microsoft Store See at Amazon

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Assassin's Creed is veering too far away from its original formula

By becoming more combat-focused, Assassin's Creed becomes less like itself.

Last year's Assassin's Creed Origins was a leap of faith into risky territory for the franchise, but it ended up paying off. Most people loved the game, including our own Xbox editor Matt Brown, and the addition of systems from other role-playing games (RPGs) offered a new style of play for gamers.

However, while Origins was fun, I don't think the changes it brought were a good fit for the series. And with Assassin's Creed Odyssey adding more of these types of mechanics, the problem is only getting worse.

Here's why I think Assassin's Creed is losing its identity.

Preorder at Microsoft Store Preorder at Amazon

Fighting tyranny head on

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Most anticipated Xbox One games launching next week: Defiance 2050, Red Faction Guerrilla, and more

Every week, numerous games launch on Xbox One, but which ones truly stand out? Here are some of the biggest and most anticipated titles launching across Microsoft's platforms next week.

Next week we have one new "AAA" release on Xbox One, but there are still a few surprises here and there. Notably, Red Faction Guerrilla Re-Mars-tered is finally launching on the console, and Defiance 2050 transports you to a world filled with alien-slaying goodness. With that in mind, here are all the biggest games launching next week, between July 2 and July 6, 2018.

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Battlefield V: Everything we know so far

Battlefield V returns to its roots through a new, immersive lens. Here is what we know so far.

Electronic Arts (EA) has debuted the next entry in its Battlefield shooter series, following a brief reveal event in May. While its initial trailer left many with mixed opinions, further details have pitched a promising future for the title.

Here we wrap up everything you should know about Battlefield V, ahead of its launch this fall.

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Win a custom $2,500 Windows Central gaming PC from PowerBuilds!

We are partnering with Mixer's PowerBuilds show to give away a custom Windows Central gaming PC!

PowerBuilds is a new show from Mixer featuring Justin Robey and Brenna Duffitt from the Xbox team at Microsoft. During the show, Brenna and Justin build all sorts of insane custom PCs using 3D-printed parts, expensive components, and of course, tons of extremely important RGB lights. They also give those epic PCs away too, live on their show on Mixer.

We're teaming up with PowerBuilds to give away a custom Windows Central-branded gaming rig, with an estimated value of around $2,500! You can check out the full spec over here, but the highlights include a Core i7-8700K CPU, a GTX 1070 GPU, 32GB of DDR4 memory, and a 1TB SSD for tons of storage.

Follow PowerBuilds on Mixer

PowerBuilds will complete the construction LIVE on their show on WatchMixer, which is every Friday 6PM US Eastern / 3PM US Pacific / 11PM UK. So be sure to tune in to check it out.

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How to set up and use iCloud Photos on Windows 10

Here's how to keep your iPhone and iPad photos in sync with your PC using iCloud Photo Library on Windows 10.

Of course, Apple would prefer if you used a Mac alongside your iPhone or iPad, but it isn't silly enough to assume that folks would give up their Windows PCs and go all-in on its hardware. As such, some of the core services you'll be using on those mobile devices are also available for Windows.

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Amazon's portable Tap speaker with Alexa built-in has dropped to $85

No summer adventure is complete without some good music.

The Amazon Tap Alexa-enabled portable Bluetooth speaker is down to $84.99 on Amazon. This the first price drop we've seen since last year. While not great as great as some of the deals we saw over Black Friday, it's been a while since the Tap has moved from its $130 price at all.

Unlike other Amazon devices, like the Echo Dot, the Tap isn't chained to an outlet. It has a rechargeable battery that lasts up to nine hours (or eight if you choose the hands-free mode). It does have Alexa built-in and, thanks to that hands-free update, she will respond to your voice from anywhere. Take the Tap to the backyard or the garage and stream your favorite music, then put it back in the kitchen so Alexa can help you cook. Beyond just the portability, the Tap also has the best speakers of Amazon's first generation of devices. Stream your music via Bluetooth for Dolby-powered 360-degree audio.

The Tap has 4.1 stars based on 7,660 user reviews.

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Best Xbox One Controller Batteries, Power, and Charging Accessories

Xbox One controllers are powered by AA batteries, but if swapping out alkaline cells isn't your thing, some awesome rechargeable battery options exist.

There is a wide array of charging solutions available on the market for Xbox One controllers, ranging from cheap and cheerful to premium. Here are some of the best.

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Microsoft's Cortana needs be the best enterprise assistant to survive

Microsoft needs to flex its enterprise muscles and make Cortana an absolute beast of an enterprise assistant.

Cortana, Microsoft's beleaguered digital assistant, has gone from what Microsoft said was "the world's most personal digital assistant" to a virtual unknown among consumers.

Contrary to the enterprise-to-consumer dynamic that drove personal computing's early evolution, consumers are now a major industry driver. Consumer-focused smartphones are a nexus and launchpad for today's multifaceted personal computing experiences. Digital assistants, smart homes, augmented reality (AR) platforms, app ecosystems, smart speakers and more are being propelled into the mainstream by mobile platforms.

Without a smartphone, Microsoft is a non-participant in these emerging segments though it has made attempts. Perhaps the lack of a competitive mobile platform, persistent misinterpretation of the consumer market or ineptness in executing its plans, has led to Microsoft's vanishing consumer presence.

Whatever the reason, Cortana, like most of Microsoft's efforts, has been relegated to the enterprise as prospects for her consumer success wane. Today, making "her" the best enterprise assistant may be the only way Microsoft can ensure her survival.

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OneDrive's 'Known Folder Move' helps keep important files in sync

Known Folder Move will automatically migrate content from your pictures, documents, and desktop folders to OneDrive.

Microsoft is making it easier to keep your important content in sync with OneDrive.

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Your "waterproof" phone ... isn't (IP ratings explained)

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You only need to drop your phone off a boat, or into a puddle, or (yes) into a toilet one time to start yearning for a world in which all smartphones are waterproof. The good news: these days, many of them are at least water-resistant, because they're tested according to a body of standards called the International Protection codes (think: IP68, IP57). The bad news: they're probably not as resistant as you think.

Today on the MrMobile YouTube channel, we'll learn how to decode IP ratings to find out how much water your gadgets can really handle – and because the liquid resistance is only half the story, we'll delve into dustproofing as well. Finally, we bring in the Grand Marshal of Gear Destroyers himself, Zack from JerryRigEverything, to learn how these foreign intruders wreck your gadgets … and what you can do about it if they do!

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With Windows 10 and Surface, Microsoft is (finally) making real consumer gains

Between the Microsoft Store, new Surfaces, and Xbox, Microsoft's latest trend toward genuine consumer success is a welcome change.

In the Windows and Microsoft enthusiast community, there is constant tension. Some believe Surface, Xbox, and Windows 10 reveal the best of what the company has for consumers, while the fates of Windows Phone, Band, and Groove portray a failing company that has its head stuck in the (intelligent) clouds.

The truth lays somewhere in between.

There is no hiding the fact that Microsoft has had some massive failures over the last few years, with mobile being the most damaging. But when you ask non-Microsoft fans about what they see, they tend to be impressed. (See tech journalist Owen Williams's excellent article "The Surface Book 2 is everything the MacBook Pro should be", for example.)

Over the last few months, though, the company appears to have shifted again, and it seems to be moving towards the consumer space. Again. Of course, many at Microsoft would say that they never were pulling away from consumers. But recent shifts and updates make clear it that non-business personal computing is still a focus.

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HTC giving away charming adventure Moss with Viveport subscription bundles

Now you can join the adventures of Quill the mouse for free with a Viveport subscription.

HTC Vive owners are in for a treat with the latest promotion for the device's Viveport subscription service.

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Snag Microsoft's Classic IntelliMouse for just $22

Microsoft's latest IntelliMouse has hit impulse-buy territory at Amazon.

If you've had your eye on Microsoft's newly redesigned IntelliMouse, now may be the time to pull the trigger on picking one up.

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April 2018 Update hits 78 percent of Windows 10 PCs, AdDuplex claims

The Windows 10 April 2018 Update continued its meteoric rise in June.

According to the AdDuplex's latest monthly report, the Windows 10 April 2018 Update has reached 78.1 percent coverage of all Windows 10 PCs the firm has sampled.

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