Stories by Mark Hachman

Microsoft Bing's Black Friday research tools are hit-and-miss

Microsof's Bing search engine adds phone-versus-phone research tools and comparison shopping, but its deals archive doesn't quite live up to what it promises, yet.

Huawei Matebook X Pro review: A few cut corners diminish this otherwise great laptop's value

Average performance and battery life are the two knocks on the Huawei Matebook X Pro, but a great display, audio, discrete graphics and an included USB-C hub elevate it among the top thin-and-light contenders we've tested.

Windows 10 preview build 18282 finally supports smarter Windows Updates, new light theme

Microsoft Windows 10 Insider build 18282 adds several new conveniences, including a long-awaited intelligent Windows Update that won't unexpectedly download and install updates. There's a light theme, too.

Microsoft re-releases Windows 10 October 2018 Update, admits testing needs to improve

Microsoft has re-released the Windows 10 October 2018 update after more than a month's delay, saying it's upgraded its bug-testing procedures.

Microsoft adds LTE options to the Surface Go, making it the always-connected PC it should be

Microsoft announces three versions of the new Surface Go with LTE Advanced, though always-on connectivity will set you back at least $679.

If your Windows 10 PC says it's having activation problems today, here's why

Problems with Microsoft's activation servers have caused Windows 10 Pro PCs to report themselves as Windows 10 Home, and caused other PCs to pop up an error message claiming that they require activation.

Windows 10 blocks pesky notifications with improved Focus Assist feature in Build 18277

Build 18277 of Windows 10 doesn't add many new features, but Microsoft tweaked Focus Assist and the Action Center icons, among others.

Goodbye, Cortana: Microsoft's Javier Soltero leaves, putting the digital assistant's future in doubt

Javier Soltero, who oversaw Microsoft's Cortana for just a few months, confirmed he is leaving Microsoft. Is Cortana destined to become just another technology within Microsoft's AI stable?

Google's Chrome 71 will block 'abusive' ads that trick you into clicking them

Google says its upcoming Chrome 71 browser will take down all ads from sites that allow deceptive advertising.

Hints of Windows 10's 2019 future show up in early '19H1' builds

As Microsoft struggles to release the Windows 10 Oct. 2018 Update, its development teams have moved on to the next version: 19H1. Here's an early list of 19H1 improvements Microsoft has revealed in early builds.

Samsung Galaxy Book 2 tablet hands-on: Performance takes a back seat to battery life

Samsung's Galaxy Book 2 includes the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 850 chip, which enables this Windows tablet to achieve industry-leading battery life at the cost of some performance.

HP Spectre x360 13 (2018) hands on: 'Whiskey Lake' power sits alongside 22 hours of battery life

HP's latest 13-inch Spectre X360 convertible notebook PC includes a boatload of changes: Intel "Whiskey Lake" power, LTE, nearly a full day of battery life, and a new, faceted design that puts the USB-C port at an offset angle.

HP Spectre x360 15 (2018) hands on: HP's convertible notebook leaps to six cores

HP's updated Spectre x360 15 convertible notebook for 2018 boasts up to six cores of processing power; a new, faceted design; and a Webcam kill switch for privacy's sake.

How to manage Windows 10 updates to prevent them from ruining your life

While you shouldn't block Windows 10 updates, you can manage them in Settings. Buying Windows 10 Pro, may be the best solution, though.

Microsoft offers to kill more (of its own) bloatware with a new Windows 10 build

An Insider build of Windows 10 for next year's "19H1" update includes a way for Windows users to get rid of more Windows apps that they may never use.