Windows Central

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and Warzone devs on making one of the biggest live-service games in the world ? "Some teams see launch as the finish line. For us, it?s the starting gun"
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:51:42 +0000
As Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and Warzone starts Season 2, its devs joined us to talk how they're handling the challenges of live-service game development.

WWE 2K26 releases a new gameplay overview trailer ? new match types, Start-of-Match actions, and more
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:10:06 +0000
Wade Barrett from WWE provides a breakdown of WWE 2K26's new match types and gameplay improvements in this newly released gameplay trailer.

Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection has a free demo out now for Xbox and PC ? carry progress to the full game
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:01:52 +0000
Capcom has released a free playable demo of Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, the next and biggest entry in Monster Hunter's JRPG spin-off series for platforms. Here's what you can expect from the demo.

A popular Grammarly alternative is killing its browser extension unless you pay ? blames AI in the process.
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 19:35:34 +0000
LanguageTool, a popular grammar checker, is killing its free browser extension and opening it only to paid, premium users.

Windows 11 now locks Storage settings behind admin rights ? and it?s going to confuse a lot of people
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 18:17:35 +0000
Accessing the Storage settings on Windows 11 now triggers a UAC prompt, giving admins an extra layer of security over system files and device security.

This new promo video of the ?Windows 11 phone? concept makes the NexPhone look shockingly real ? triple?booting Windows 11, Android, and Linux on actual hardware
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 18:04:43 +0000
The NexPhone runs Windows 11, Android, and Linux. With a Q3 2026 launch and a $549 price tag, it's a bold attempt to revive the "PC in your pocket" dream.

5 more TOP recent ID@Xbox greats ? Ever wanted to be an egg, or quarantine potential zombies? This list is for you.
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 17:30:44 +0000
From zombie admin to pest control, these ID@Xbox titles are great to get you over the January slump.

'Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth' Xbox Play Anywhere launch date slated for June 3, 2026 ? more details on Part 3 coming later this year
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 16:31:35 +0000
Pre-orders are live now for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, the remake trilogy's open world middle act.

Windows 11 beats Linux for most people ? here are 4 reasons why, whether fans like it or not
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 15:12:50 +0000
Windows 11 offers better app compatibility, hardware support, gaming, and less friction than Linux for most desktop users. Here's why it still wins.

Microsoft Teams in January: The 3 best features for multitasking ? and a sneak peek at what's coming next
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 14:45:10 +0000
Microsoft Teams finally adds a native "pin on top" mode and a revamped Shared tab for links.

AI agents in OneDrive want it to be the ultimate productivity hub ? but you'll need a Microsoft 365 Copilot license to create one
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 13:57:22 +0000
Microsoft recently shipped AI agents in OneDrive to general availability for AI-powered document search and analysis, but you'll need a Microsoft 365 Copilot license to access the tool.

Crimson Desert's 2nd gameplay showcase highlights combat and player progression ? I can Chokeslam and Angle Slam enemies in this game? Sign me up now.
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 13:48:28 +0000
Pearl Abyss has released Crimson Desert's 2nd gameplay overview video, this time covering the game's complex combat system and in-depth player progression system.

This reliable Windows laptop uses Qualcomm's Snapdragon X processor for all-day battery life and productivity performance ? now under $450
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 12:02:35 +0000
Best Buy has a 40% discount on the ASUS Vivobook 14, an efficient and dependable laptop for workplace productivity, featuring a Snapdragon X processor, 29 hours of battery life, 16GB of RAM, and more.

Microsoft wants to focus on "engineering quality" by re-hiring Windows veteran Hayete Gallot as its new security chief ? allowing Charlie Bell to focus on "durable, high quality-experiences"
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 11:44:49 +0000
Satya Nadella announces that security boss Charlie Bell is moving to focus on engineering quality, and he'll be replaced by Microsoft veteran Hayete Gallot.

Valve's Steam Machine delayed by AI-driven component shortages ? pricing and launch dates for its VR and controller remain a mystery while RAM and storage prices soar
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 10:31:28 +0000
Valve's gaming PC, controller, and VR headset are tentatively scheduled for the first half of 2026, but exact pricing and release plans are in limbo.


  • Sn This one

  • Nascar

    Why NASCAR allowed teams to refuel without penalty late in The Clash
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 21:08:09 +0000
    NASCAR?s senior competition leadership says there were ?multiple layers? to the decision to let teams refuel without penalty on Wednesday in the middle of a sleet-affected and caution-riddled Cookout Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium.
    The decision drew the ire of several crew chiefs, those who filled their tank before the start of the race or those who took fuel at the expense of their track ...Keep reading

    Chris Gayle has no doubt Denny Hamlin will lock in for 2026 NASCAR title run
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:02:46 +0000
    Denny Hamlin returned from a tumultuous off-season by scoring an eventful top-5 in the Cookout Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on Wednesday night.
    Like much of the field, it wasn?t pretty, and Hamlin survived the chaos better than his peers more than anything else, but it was a top-5. He did it in his first race this season in which he will have to start nursing a re-injured surgically repaired ...Keep reading

    Carson Hocevar signs lengthy extension to keep him at Spire until 2030s
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 18:59:57 +0000
    Carson Hocevar isn't going anywhere, signing a long-term contract extension with Spire Motorsports that extends all the way into the 2030s. 
    The 23-year-old went full-time in the Cup Series in 2024 with Spire, and has helped elevate the team as one that can compete for race wins. While he is has yet to reach Victory Lane at the Cup level, Hocevar has three top fives and 15 top tens in 81 ...Keep reading

    Winners and losers from NASCAR's Clash at the Madhouse
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 18:06:26 +0000
    NASCAR is back, and the season got its unofficial start with the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium. The event was delayed several days due to historic snowfall, and ended up racing through rain and sleet as Mother Nature continued to throw curveballs at NASCAR.
    But in the end, we saw something that's only ever happened twice before -- a driver won the Clash before actually winning a ...Keep reading

    Spotter Brandon Wilkinson gets first NASCAR Cup win at Clash
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 08:49:15 +0000
    Just over a year ago, Brandon Wilkinson was still spotting Super Late Models full-time across the Southeast.
    Now, and while it doesn?t officially count, he is a first-time Cup Series spotter alongside his driver Ryan Preece and crew chief Derrick Finley after dominating the second half of the Cookout Clash on Wednesday night.
    It doesn?t count because the Cookout Clash is a preseason ...Keep reading

    The Ryan Preece Show is back on its brightest stage
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 08:00:03 +0000
    For the first time ever, the NASCAR Cup Series got to experience a full episode of The Ryan Preece Show because Wednesday night in the Cookout Clash was exactly that.
    It was also the unedited, unfiltered ?fuck yeah? version of the show, too.
    This was Preece Lightning, the 2013 Whelen Modified Tour champion, and a racer who was the man to beat every time he unloaded across the eastern ...Keep reading

    Officiating for the NASCAR Cup Clash was a bit of a mess
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 04:27:22 +0000
    It was just a non-points exhibition race but the Cup Series garage did not feel like the Cookout Clash was the finest hour from race control to those on the ground directly communicating with teams.
    Walking through the garage, there were several crew chiefs and veteran crew members who felt like the Sanctioning Body needed to do some work over the next week to mend some fences between ...Keep reading

    Shane van Gisbergen stars in the rain, leads NASCAR Clash before late crash
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 03:46:56 +0000
    Shane van Gisbergen spent the first half of the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray in the back half of the field. During that first time, he got into it with Austin Cindric and former Trackhouse teammate Daniel Suarez.
    At one point, he spun Cindric out in frustration and radioed, "People just kept running into me and I got sick of it." 
    In regards to Suarez, he added: "It's the third time the ...Keep reading

    Tearful Ryan Preece wins mad wet/dry NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 03:01:09 +0000
    An emotional Ryan Preece couldn't stop himself from tearing up and dropping a celebratory F-Bomb as he claimed victory in the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium.
    The Madhouse lived up to its name, as the race -- which was already postponed several days due to snow -- featured a record 17 cautions, and ended on wet-weather tires after sleet hit the track mid-race at around lap 100.
    Preece ...Keep reading


    Fox News Headlines

    Stock up on winter car essentials under $50 before you need them
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:57:58 GMT
    Driving in inclement winter weather is full of risks ? be prepared for anything with these winter car essentials.

    Feds shift to targeted immigration enforcement in Minneapolis under Homan
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:43:57 GMT
    The Trump administration shifts immigration enforcement in Minnesota after protests, sending border czar Tom Homan to manage operations and a drawdown.

    Nearly 40% of cancers can be prevented with 3 lifestyle changes, study finds
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:30:09 GMT
    Nearly half of all cancers could be prevented by eliminating three major risk factors, including tobacco, infections and alcohol, new research reveals.

    Tigers ace Tarik Skubal wins record-breaking $32M in arbitration: reports
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:27:27 GMT
    Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal made MLB history with his record $32 million arbitration award, beating out Juan Soto's 2024 figure by $1 million.

    Anti-ICE 'digital Minutemen' use military-grade surveillance tactics against feds
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:25:26 GMT
    At least 200 groups train civilians in S.A.L.U.T.E. intelligence method to track federal agents in 13 databases, raising national security concerns.

    Trump calls for nuclear experts to work on 'new, improved, and modernized treaty'
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:23:06 GMT
    President Donald Trump called for U.S. nuclear experts to create a new modernized treaty to replace the New START nuclear arms agreement with Russia via Truth Social.

    Winter clothing deals you'll actually want ? big markdowns at Levi's, L.L.Bean and Kohl's
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:13:21 GMT
    Shop today's best deals on apparel and footwear from brands like Spanx, Levi's, Eberjey and more.

    Businessman Rick Caruso considers running for LA mayor in wake of Palisades Fire report
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:11:34 GMT
    Rick Caruso indicated that he is reconsidering his decision to not run for office due to a report regarding Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and the Palisades Fire.

    'Yellowstone' fans shocked as new trailer for Luke Grimes-led spinoff hints major character may be dead
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:10:34 GMT
    "Yellowstone" fans shocked after "Marshals" trailer hints that Monica Dutton may have been killed off in the upcoming CBS spin-off starring Luke Grimes.

    Washington Post top editor admits morale issues plagued paper long before brutal layoffs
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:00:07 GMT
    Washington Post executive editor Matt Murray says morale issues have plagued the paper for years, even before wrenching layoffs of hundreds of journalists.

    Trump claims DNI Tulsi Gabbard was at Georgia election hub search because AG Pam Bondi wanted her there
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 19:58:06 GMT
    President Donald Trump defends DNI Tulsi Gabbard's controversial presence at the FBI search of a Fulton County election facility, citing Attorney General Bondi's request.

    Canadian pop star Tate McRae responds to fan backlash over Team USA support in Olympics ad
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 19:50:06 GMT
    Canadian pop star Tate McRae sparked backlash after supporting Team USA in an Olympics ad, with fans calling her a "traitor" on social media.

    Timeline: NBC host Savannah Guthrie?s mother disappears as sheriff says she may have been 'abducted'
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 19:49:50 GMT
    Officials confirm crime in disappearance of Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother Nancy, who went missing Saturday night from her Tucson home, according to authorities.

    Britain drags feet on IRGC terror designation as Iran-linked center allegedly sells extremist merchandise
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 19:45:10 GMT
    After the EU designated Iran's IRGC a terrorist group, pressure mounts on the U.K. to act with London center allegedly promoting Iranian regime propaganda.

    Jill Biden's ex-husband, now charged with murder, called wife 'greatest thing in my life'
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 19:40:29 GMT
    Jill Biden's ex-husband is charged with murdering his wife he once called "the greatest thing in my life." They were married 40 years before her death.


    Indy Car Racing

    President Trump announces new IndyCar race in Washington, DC
    Fri, 30 Jan 2026 21:18:50 GMT
    An executive order says the Freedom 250 will run near the National Mall in conjunction with the celebration of America's 250th birthday.

    Tim Cindric returns to Team Penske as Scott McLaughlin's race strategist
    Thu, 29 Jan 2026 22:56:09 GMT
    Cindric had previously been the team president and race strategist for Josef Newgarden.

    Indy 500 champ Josef Newgarden is still getting acclimated to seeing former teammates in new places
    Wed, 28 Jan 2026 19:36:15 GMT
    Newgarden is still trying to get acclimated to seeing longtime teammate Will Power and Ron Ruzewski, Penske?s ex-managing director, working together at a rival team.

    Alex Palou ordered to pay McLaren Racing $12M in breach of contract suit
    Fri, 23 Jan 2026 19:07:19 GMT
    It is not clear if Chip Ganassi, the team owner Palou drives for in IndyCar, is covering any of the losses.

    Why Colton Herta is leaving IndyCar for junior series F2
    Thu, 22 Jan 2026 21:43:19 GMT
    Herta says he hopes to race in the Indianapolis 500, despite potential conflicts with his F2 schedule.

    Will Power is determined to make Penske regret writing him off as he joins Andretti
    Mon, 19 Jan 2026 03:19:50 GMT
    Power's determination and experience are expected to boost Andretti's performance this season.

    Six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon receives a knighthood from New Zealand
    Wed, 31 Dec 2025 19:22:56 GMT
    ?I?ve been called a lot of things, but I never thought that ?Sir? was going to be one of them," Dixon said.

    Rahal Letterman Lanigan adds Mick Schumacher, son of seven-time world champ, to 2026 IndyCar lineup
    Wed, 26 Nov 2025 19:13:24 GMT
    Mick Schumacher is coming to America to jump-start his racing career.

    Valentino Rossi passes on McLaren's Indy 500 seat, Ryan Hunter-Reay steps in
    Sat, 22 Nov 2025 19:34:06 GMT
    Rossi is considered one of the greatest motorcycle racers ever and is the only road racer to have competed in 400 or more Grands Prix.

    Indy 500 winner Alex Palou has likeness unveiled on Borg-Warner Trophy
    Thu, 20 Nov 2025 00:13:54 GMT
    As he has for every winner of the "500" since 1990, renowned sculptor Will Behrends crafted Palou's image for the Borg-Warner Trophy.

    Ryan Hunter-Reay joins Arrow McLaren for 2026 Indianapolis 500
    Thu, 13 Nov 2025 23:25:31 GMT
    Hunter-Reay, the 2014 winner of the "500" and 2012 IndyCar Series champion, will drive the No. 31 Chevrolet.

    AJ Foyt Racing signs Indy NXT runner-up Collet for full 2026 IndyCar campaign
    Thu, 06 Nov 2025 20:56:35 GMT
    Caio Collet will drive the No. 4 Chevrolet with backing from Brazilian logistics company Combitrans Amazonia in all 17 IndyCar races.

    McLaren vs. Palou: A $20.7M lawsuit over broken promises and disappearing messages
    Wed, 05 Nov 2025 21:18:07 GMT
    Closing arguments have been presented in McLaren's lawsuit against IndyCar champion Alex Palou.

    2026 Indy 500, Brickyard 400 tickets on sale now
    Tue, 28 Oct 2025 12:45:00 GMT
    Tickets for 2026 marquee events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are now on sale online. Here's what you need to know.

    Formula One driver Mick Schumacher returns to Indianapolis to turn laps on road course in an IndyCar
    Mon, 13 Oct 2025 22:10:02 GMT
    Mick Schumacher got a glimpse of the Indianapolis 500 in May. Whether he makes this area his next racing home is still to be decided.

    Officials explore bringing IndyCar race back to Cleveland
    Wed, 01 Oct 2025 18:30:16 GMT
    The Greater Cleveland Sports Commission confirmed it is exploring the potential opportunity to bring an IndyCar race to the streets of downtown Cleveland in 2028.

    Andretti Global hires Ron Ruzewski as team principal, reuniting him with driver Will Power
    Wed, 24 Sep 2025 17:00:06 GMT
    Ruzewski, a former Team Penske executive, will start in January. He replaces Rob Edwards, who will become chief performance officer for TWG Motorsports.


    ESPN Sports Headlines

    NBA trade buzz: All the moves that did and didn't happen on deadline day
    Thu, 5 Feb 2026 15:56:23 EST
    The 3 p.m. ET trade deadline has come and gone, and Giannis is still in Milwaukee. Catch up on everything that went down.

    Grading every NBA trade: Which teams fared best?
    Thu, 5 Feb 2026 15:56:23 EST
    With the deadline passed, we assess every deal including big moves by the Pacers, Lakers, Wolves and Warriors.

    Sources: Skubal wins arbitration, to make $32M
    Thu, 5 Feb 2026 15:26:16 EST
    Two-time reigning AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal won his arbitration case over the Tigers and will make $32 million this year, sources told ESPN, giving the ace $13 million more than Detroit offered.

    Sources: Clippers trading center Zubac to Pacers
    Thu, 5 Feb 2026 15:32:01 EST
    The Clippers are trading center Ivica Zubac to the Pacers in exchange for Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, Indiana's protected 2026 first-round pick and unprotected 2029 first-round pick

    Draymond remains with Warriors past deadline
    Thu, 5 Feb 2026 15:57:19 EST
    Draymond Green will remain with Golden State past Thursday's trade deadline as the Warriors believe he fits well with the newly acquired Kristaps Porzingis.

    Seahawks 'fully expect' Emmanwori to play in SB
    Thu, 5 Feb 2026 15:26:15 EST
    The Seahawks "fully expect" Nick Emmanwori to play in Super Bowl LX after he left practice yesterday with an ankle injury, coach Mike Macdonald said Thursday.

    Ex-Patriots call 'bullcrap' on Brady's SB stance
    Thu, 5 Feb 2026 15:26:16 EST
    Tom Brady said he doesn't have a "dog in the fight" in this year's Super Bowl, and his former New England Patriots teammates are calling "bullcrap."

    49ers are Rams' opponent for 1st Australia game
    Thu, 5 Feb 2026 15:26:15 EST
    The 49ers will be the Rams' opponent for the first NFL regular-season game in Melbourne, Australia, during the 2026 season.

    'We're poor': Sampson bemoans UH's low budget
    Thu, 5 Feb 2026 15:26:15 EST
    Houston coach Kelvin Sampson said his top-10 team can't sign more recruits because the school's athletic department is "very poor."

    Sources: Knicks acquiring PG Alvarado from Pels
    Thu, 5 Feb 2026 15:57:19 EST
    The Knicks are acquiring guard Jose Alvarado from the Pelicans in exchange for Dalen Terry, two second-round picks and cash, sources told ESPN.

    ? Olney and Passan's MLB offseason lessons
    Thu, 5 Feb 2026 15:26:15 EST
    From more outrage over MLB's top spenders to what to make of deals that never happened, here's what we learned this winter.

    Barnwell?s annual Super Bowl opus: We size up every facet of Seahawks-Patriots and pick the winner
    Thu, 5 Feb 2026 09:57:28 EST
    Can Drake Maye hit enough big plays? Which Sam Darnold will show up? And will defense define this Super Bowl matchup? Let's go deep on Seahawks-Patriots.

    Who makes Mike Macdonald's defense so good? Seahawks to watch in Super Bowl LX
    Thu, 5 Feb 2026 09:10:52 EST
    Devon Witherspoon, DeMarcus Lawrence and Nick Emmanwori are crucial players on Seattle's defense.

    The Faces of the Games: 32 U.S. Olympians to watch
    Thu, 5 Feb 2026 10:02:55 EST
    On Friday, the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics will kick off. From Lindsey Vonn to Amber Glenn, here are the athletes you'll want to know.

    Power Rankings: A static top 5 (for now), but big rises (Kansas) and drops (Gonzaga, BYU) elsewhere
    Thu, 5 Feb 2026 10:35:37 EST
    An upcoming week of tough matchups could result in a shakeup of teams at the top of the rankings.

    Wetzel: Standing on the brink of anything-goes NCAA eligibility
    Thu, 5 Feb 2026 07:55:42 EST
    By not controlling who is eligible, the NCAA is losing the ability to function as an organizing athletic body.

    Ranking the top 10 prospects in all 30 MLB farm systems
    Thu, 5 Feb 2026 11:21:36 EST
    Who is rising in every major league farm system? Kiley McDaniel digs in.

    Anthony Davis traded to Wizards: Trade grades, Dallas' next steps
    Thu, 5 Feb 2026 12:58:22 EST
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