Microsoft explains why we haven't seen a Surface-branded MacBook Neo competitor yet

windowscentral.com Sep 26, 2026

Microsoft explains why we haven’t seen a Surface-branded MacBook Neo competitor yet

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Sep 26, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

At the Snapdragon Summit, Microsoft Surface VP Brett Ostrum explained why Surface has not entered the low‑cost gaming laptop market, citing the success of OEMs like Dell and ASUS in that segment. Ostrum noted that Surface focuses on premium tiers—Entry Premium, Premium, and Ultra Premium—starting above $1,000, and that the company will consider future options but currently sees no need to compete directly with Apple’s MacBook Neo. The discussion highlighted Surface’s strategic shift toward high‑end devices, with the Surface Laptop Ultra slated for release on October 7.

💡 Why It Matters

· The decision underscores Surface’s prioritization of premium innovation over price‑competitive gaming laptops, potentially reshaping the market’s competitive dynamics.

Read full article on windowscentral.com

These are my favorite iPhone 18 Pro & Pro Max cases so…

Apple released the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max, adding new colors such as Glacier, Burgundy, and Deep Black. The article reviews several protective cases, highlighting ultra‑thin options from Pitaka and Nomad, a customizable E‑Ink case from Xtremm Inno, a rugged Rokform model with a locking system, a leather alternative from Andar, and a budget-friendly Spigen Nano Pop. Each case is evaluated on weight, thickness, protection, and unique features, with prices and availability on Amazon noted.

💡 The review guides buyers on balancing style, protection, and functionality for a premium device, helping them choose a case that complements the iPhone’s new aesthetic and practical needs.

tomsguide.com · Sep 26

I found this hidden trick that makes Pro Controls on my iPhone…

Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max now allow users to fully customize the Pro Controls layout, a feature that lets photographers pin essential tools—such as shutter speed, focus, or ISO—where they prefer. The new interface is accessed by long‑pressing any side‑panel icon, revealing an overlay of all manual settings. Users can select two to eight controls, drag them into a desired order, and save the arrangement. This update follows Apple’s gradual rollout of manual controls, offering a more tailored shooting experience for advanced iPhone photographers.

💡 By enabling personalized control placement, Apple empowers creators to streamline their workflow, reducing the time needed to adjust settings on the fly. This shift signals a deeper commitment to professional‑grade photography on mobile devices.

tomsguide.com · Sep 26

I found this hidden trick that makes Pro Controls on my iPhone…

Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max now allow users to fully customize the Pro Controls layout, a feature long requested by enthusiasts. By opening the camera app and long‑pressing a side icon, users access an overlay with all manual settings and can select two to eight controls. Dragging icons into a preferred order and saving the layout lets photographers position tools like shutter speed or focus sliders exactly where they need them. This tweak enhances the device’s manual shooting experience, offering a more tailored workflow for advanced users.

💡 The ability to reconfigure Pro Controls gives creators immediate, personalized access to essential tools, reducing the need to navigate menus and speeding up shooting in dynamic situations.

playstationlifestyle.net · Sep 26

PS5 Update Adds Cool New Theme The Last of Us Fans Will…

Sony Interactive Entertainment released a September 2026 PS5 system update that adds an animated Welcome Hub background celebrating Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us franchise. The new theme, visible in all regions, features Ellie’s progression across Part 1 and Part 2, with Joel and Abby appearing in the backdrop and a thunder animation for visual flair. Users can access the background via Welcome Hub > Backgrounds > Games, and the update is applied automatically, though manual system feature updates are available through Settings > System > System Feature Updates.

💡 The addition gives longtime fans a fresh, immersive way to honor a landmark series directly on their console, reinforcing Sony’s commitment to integrating popular IP into core system aesthetics.

appleinsider.com · Sep 26

Apple owes Taction $5.7B after losing haptic feedback IP trial

A jury ruled that Apple must pay Taction Technologies more than $5.7 billion for infringing patents tied to the Apple Watch’s Taptic Engine. The verdict found Apple infringed two claims in one patent and one claim in another, though it did not find willful infringement. Apple failed to invalidate the claims and was ordered to pay $5,721,961,750. Taction celebrated the win, while Apple maintains it did not use the technology and will appeal.

💡 The judgment underscores the high stakes of patent protection in consumer electronics, revealing how a single component can trigger multi‑billion‑dollar liabilities. It also signals that even dominant firms can face costly legal setbacks when their innovations overlap with existing patents.

ign.com · Sep 26

The 8BitDo Ultimate 2C Is One of the Best PC Gaming Controllers…

Amazon has reduced the price of the 8BitDo Ultimate 2C wireless PC gaming controller to $23.99, a 20% discount from its $29.99 list price. The controller, available in lavender, offers premium features such as magnetic Hall Effect joysticks and triggers, reinforced metal rings, custom‑mapped bumpers, a turbo button, and rumble vibration. It supports Bluetooth and a 2.4 GHz USB dongle with a 1,000 Hz polling rate, and works with Windows, Steam, and mobile devices, making it suitable for handheld PCs like the Steam Deck.

💡 The discount makes a high‑quality, feature‑rich controller accessible to budget‑conscious gamers, potentially shifting purchasing habits away from pricier options.