Although Microsoft maintained a low profile over the last week, the buzz around the Windows and Xbox worlds picked up heat just like the rising summer temperatures in the northern hemisphere.
Throughout the week, Amazon issued an alert on the Surface Laptop 7’s product page, Mojang revealed a significant visual overhaul for Minecraft, and HP introduced a whopping 25 new devices.
### Surface Laptop 7 Returns
Amazon has now placed a notice on the page for those considering buying the Surface Laptop 7. The e-commerce giant mentions that it’s a product that often gets returned.
This warning serves as a gentle nudge for potential buyers to look into the product and read reviews before pulling the trigger. What’s unclear, though, is why these returns are happening frequently. It could range from dissatisfaction with the product to potential hardware problems.
While these reasons might be as simple as personal preferences, it’s not great news for the Surface brand. As a flagship device, you’d expect the Surface Laptop 7 to stay firmly in the hands of customers rather than constantly making the journey back to Amazon. Despite receiving high praise from tech reviewers and maintaining a positive rating on Amazon, this warning certainly raises eyebrows.
### Minecraft “Vibrant Visual” Update
Minecraft fans, rejoice! A major update is set to transform the game’s visuals with something called “Vibrant Visuals,” which was showcased during Minecraft Live last week.
For those that are fond of Minecraft’s classic charm, fear not. The “Vibrant Visuals” update won’t fiddle with gameplay mechanics or the signature blocky graphics. It’s more like adding an eye-catching new layer to the existing canvas.
Focusing on things like updated textures, directional lighting, and volumetric fog, this update brings noticeable changes in lighting, shadows, and reflections. “Vibrant Visuals” will roll out to the Minecraft: Bedrock Edition soon and will eventually make its way to the Java Edition. Fingers crossed it sticks to the schedule, unlike some past visual updates that met delays.
### Leaked Xbox/Steam Integration
In an interesting turn of events, there’s a rumor surfacing about a possible revamp of the Xbox app on Windows, with tighter ties to Steam.
Microsoft’s been actively enhancing the Xbox experience on Windows 11, aiming to improve gameplay on smaller PC displays. We’ve seen the introduction of the Xbox Game Bar’s Compact Mode and an easier-to-navigate on-screen keyboard designed for gamepads.
This time, a Steam filter might be in the pipeline for the Xbox app library. It made a brief appearance in a Microsoft blog post before mysteriously vanishing. Although details are sparse, this feature could suggest a comprehensive update to the Xbox app’s library on PCs – or maybe it’s just a hopeful thought that got a bit carried away.
### HP Announces Dozens of PCs
HP created quite a stir at the Amplify conference, rolling out 25 new PCs. This tech line-up includes everything from laptops and All-in-One desktops to mini PCs and gaming laptops.
There’s no need to drown you in the details of every device right now – Rebecca Spear has you covered with a comprehensive rundown of the highlights from HP’s Amplify conference, spotlighting gadgets like the EliteStudio 8 AiO G1i and the OmniBook 7 Aero 13.
Among these, the EliteStudio 8 AiO G1i stands out, but ultimately, it all boils down to personal preferences and how you use your PC. Our Editor-in-Chief Daniel Rubino even chimed in with a nostalgic take, saying he wishes he had access to such a PC back in his college days.
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