PCWorld

Best PC hardware and software of 2024–25. Turn flash drive into a PC survival kit. Windows Copilot+ PCs aren’t there yet. Google and Chrome breakup. Intel’s Arc B580 reviewed. Find Chrome passwords.

PCWorld

The U.S. Justice Department wants to break up Google and Chrome • Google hopes to delay the case until a business-friendly Trump gets control of the DOJ—but that may not be the blessing the company hopes for.

Intel CEO steps down after a disastrous 2024 • While Pat Gelsinger says he’s retiring, it’s not hard to see it as getting the boot from Intel’s board.

Windows 11’s contentious Recall AI feature is finally ready to test • You can now try Windows 11’s controversial AI feature on Qualcomm-powered Copilot+ laptops.

Meet Wi-Fi 8, which will trade speed for more reliable experience • Wi-Fi 7 will remain until 2028, when Wi-Fi 8 is expected to take over.

I switched from X to Bluesky: What I love and hate about it so far • Bluesky isn’t the perfect replacement for X, but I’m sticking with it.

Disposable addresses would make Gmail a privacy powerhouse • Your email address can be a liability for online security, but it doesn’t have to go that way.

Windows 10 gets full-screen ads that say buy a new PC already • Microsoft continues to insist that you move to Windows 11, this time by telling you to buy a Surface Laptop.

Trump’s tech tariffs could slam your wallet, bigly • If Trump levels a 60 percent tariff against China, that will hurt your wallet in a big way.

Intel’s Arc B580 is the GPU we’ve begged for since the pandemic • Powered by the new Xe2 Battlemage architecture and a new XeSS 2 frame generation feature, Intel’s $249 Arc B580 is bringing 1440p gaming to the masses.

Elgato Facecam Mk. 2: Superb, but it still can’t hear you • Elgato’s next-generation Facecam offers premium features at a somewhat premium price.

Lenovo Chromebook Duet: Budget brilliance • This update to one of the most popular Chromebooks on the market keeps its good points while enhancing its style and typing experience.

Hide.me VPN: A feature-packed and customizable service with solid privacy credentials • A VPN for those who take their hide-and-seek seriously.

Gigabyte G34WQCP: An excellent budget ultrawide monitor • This $350 ultrawide earns high marks in SDR brightness, contrast, and color performance.

THE BEST PC HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE OF 2024–25 • THE BEST OF THE BEST, AS CHOSEN BY THE PCWORLD EDITORS.

THESE APPS TURN YOUR FLASH DRIVE INTO A PORTABLE PC SURVIVAL KIT • START PORTABLE APPLICATIONS DIRECTLY FROM THE USB STICK. WE PRESENT THE BEST TOOLS FOR WINDOWS, HARDWARE, INTERNET, MULTIMEDIA, OFFICE, AND SECURITY.

WINDOWS COPILOT+ PCS AREN’T THERE YET: 8 MUST-CHANGE UPGRADES FOR 2025 • IF AI IS THE FUTURE OF WINDOWS, COPILOT+ PCS WILL NEED SOME SERIOUS IMPROVEMENTS.

How to find your saved passwords in Chrome • If you’re looking for your saved passwords, here’s where to locate them and their related settings.

How to make an old monitor look more colorful • Tips for getting your monitor’s color up to speed.

Tech Spotlight • A video showcase of the latest trends