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The Framework Desktop and Linux have shown me the path to PC gaming in the living room

The Framework Desktop and Linux have shown me the path to PC gaming in the living room

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I’ve long dreamed of doing all my gaming on PC — a single platform that’s easily upgradeable and lets me play my overstuffed Steam library wherever and however I like. The Steam Deck is a fantastic handheld, but for my living room, I want something more powerful that works as well on my TV as it does at a desk. Believe me, I’ve tried. Gaming laptops are noisy and awkward, desktops are too chunky, and Windows is annoying to navigate without a keyboard and mouse. I had hoped that Valve’s Steam Machine experiment was my ticket, but it crashed and burned long ago. Nothing’s ever been as easy as a PlayStation 5.

But I’m newly optimistic. I’ve spent the past couple weeks using the Framework Desktop with a clever Linux distro called Bazzite: an open-source take on SteamOS. It’s a lot like installing the Steam Deck’s game mode and Proton compatibility layer for playing Windows games, and you can still optionally access a desktop for work too. It took me less than an hour to set up, and I’m now able to play PC games on my TV at 4K / 60fps — on a box that is smaller than a PS5, doesn’t get too noisy, and can be woken up from my couch with a gamepad.

This combo matches the simplicity of a docked Steam Deck, but it’s so much more powerful. And while a Framework Desktop isn’t as portable as a handheld — or even a laptop — it’s easy to move from room to room. I’ve even taken to working from it at my desk during the day, then moving it to the living room for after-hours game time. Sometimes you don’t want to play games in the same place you just worked for nine hours.

I so very badly want this to be the future of PC gaming.

It’s the year of Linux on the desktop in the living room.

The Framework Desktop is an ideal vessel for a Steam Machine-like experience. At 4.5 liters, it’s much smaller than most living room gaming computers, and much more powerful than your average home theater PC or streaming box. It’s way more expensive than a PS5 Pro — the Desktop starts at $1,099, or $1,999 for the AI Max+ 395 version I tested here with 16 CPU cores, 40 graphics cores, and 128GB of RAM — but it’s also much more than a gaming console.

I loved the Framework Desktop as a full Windows PC when I reviewed it earlier in August. And Bazzite is one of the easiest and most user-friendly desktop Linux incarnations. Bazzite makes it easier than ever to break away from Windows if you’re boycotting Microsoft, looking for an escape from Windows 10 before it’s cut off from updates in October, or just tired of Windows 11’s incessant pushing of services you don’t care about and attempts to extract recurring revenue from your wallet. The installer is easy, there’s a very capable OS if you switch over to desktop mode with a mouse and keyboard, and if you still need Windows for specific apps or games, you can always dual boot, like I did.

The Framework Desktop makes a nice fit in a TV stand with a Switch 2 and PlayStation 5.

Most people are not going to move a PC back and forth from the living room to the office, but this convertible setup works great with the Framework.

The only drawbacks I found were when I needed to run apps that aren’t compatible (like Adobe’s Creative Cloud suite) or the inevitable moments I had to open the Terminal to run simple commands. Many essential apps have native Linux support, like Chrome, Slack, Signal, Spotify, and Discord. And plenty of others can run with some compatibility help via Wine. But if much of your work and everyday computing needs are web-based, you’re good as gold on Linux.

Using Bazzite in desktop mode took me back to the days when I experimented with Ubuntu “Gutsy Gibbon” in college. (Didn’t we all give in to the temptation of the cube back then?) Linux is genuinely fun to use and tinker with. And Bazzite has a nice, somewhat no-frills aesthetic I admire.

1/4

Bazzite has a clean and tidy look in desktop mode.

Linux can and will drive the uninitiated down many rabbit holes, with lots of Googling how to do little things you take for granted on Windows and macOS, like understanding what the hell the KDE Wallet Service is (it’s for managing passwords) or remapping the Caps Lock key. I gave up on the latter and just remapped it at the hardware level on my keyboard with VIA.

But small frustrations aside, both the gaming side and desktop side of Bazzite are fantastic. While my job of reviewing laptops will always mean extensively using Windows, macOS, and some ChromeOS, it’s been kind of freeing to break away (even if just for a little bit) from the oppressive grips of the big three.

Now, if you’re interested in trying Bazzite and living a bit of that Linux life yourself, here’s how I set it up. It’s not totally foolproof, but it’s straightforward if you’re the tinkering type and can follow some simple guides (which I’ll link to).

The second NVMe slot on the Framework Desktop’s main board makes the Windows and Linux dual boot setup super easy.
Photo: Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge

A Noctua fan is ideal for the Framework Desktop, especially if you’re using it in your living room. It’s a lot quieter than the cheaper Cooler Master option.
Photo: Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge

Since I already had Windows 11 installed from my review of the Framework Desktop, I opted to install Bazzite on the second internal NVMe drive. You can dual boot from a single drive, with some precautionary measures, but it’s not uncommon to find forumgoers warning that Windows 11 can disrupt things like the boot order after running an update. Since sharing game files across Windows and Linux is also complicated, I decided to keep the OSes completely separate — which helped reinforce my work / play separation. I use the Bazzite drive for most of my gaming needs and boot into Windows when I need it for work (running Lightroom Classic for photo editing) or games that require it (PC Game Pass games, multiplayer titles with stricter anti-cheat measures, etc.).

I followed Bazzite’s official guide, cross-referenced Framework’s tutorial for the Laptop 16, and I was living the Linux life in less than an hour. Bazzite’s site has a user-friendly ISO picker for downloading the file you need to install the OS — typically by burning the ISO to a USB flash drive using a tool like Rufus. If you prefer video to written guides, Mike’s Tech Tips on YouTube is an invaluable resource, with a pleasant, calming voiceover to boot.

I only encountered one technical issue running Bazzite: There was no audio coming through the HDMI connection to my TV, despite my attempts to select “External Device” or “Default (External Device)” as my source. For some reason, this was fixed by entering desktop mode and switching the source there. It’s worked fine since.

It’s easy to alter the boot order of the Framework Desktop to prioritize the Bazzite drive. Booting up puts it right into Bazzite and its Steam Deck-like Big Picture Mode. And then, to access Windows without restarting and mashing an F-key to get to the boot menu, you can set up a script to reboot into Windows right from Bazzite’s Steam interface. You just go into the Bazzite desktop, open the Terminal, and type in the ujust code below. It does the work for you and adds a “boot-windows” option to the Steam Library.

Code: ujust setup-boot-windows-steam

Bazzite’s Game Mode Home Screen is basically Steam’s Big Picture Mode. You can see my “reboot into Windows” shortcut in the top row.

Bazzite’s Game Mode Home Screen is basically Steam’s Big Picture Mode. You can see my “reboot into Windows” shortcut in the top row.

As far as Linux has come, the Framework Desktop, or any other PC running Bazzite, probably isn’t the one gaming PC to rule my living room. Setting aside the requisite tinkering, there are still games it cannot play, either because they’re from services that aren’t supported (like PC Game Pass) or they reject Linux because they fear cheaters (like Fortnite or Valorant or the Battlefield 6 beta).

But color me impressed by Bazzite and even further by the Framework Desktop. I see why Bazzite has been gaining popularity with PC gamers. The time is ripe for Steam Machines to make a triumphant return, and I think this time it can work. Bazzite and devices like the Steam Deck and Framework Desktop are all showing the way.

Photography and screenshots by Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge.

A screenshot of an intersection in Cyberpunk 2077.

Cyberpunk 2077 is demanding in 4K, but the Framework with Bazzite runs it decently.
Image: CD Projekt Red

In my review, I found that the Framework Desktop is best equipped for 2.5K gaming, but the top-end Ryzen AI Max Plus 395 APU I’m using in this “Steam Machine” setup can do 4K at 60-ish frames per second on a TV. How smooth it runs and how good it looks depends on the game. Here’s a brief overview of some games I’ve been playing on it:

  • Cyberpunk 2077: Playing Cyberpunk at 4K at around 60fps meant setting it to medium preset (no ray tracing, of course) with FSR set to balanced, and it looked and played great. Flipping on some “fake frames” with frame generation pushed it into the mid-80s. Not bad at all!
  • Helldivers 2: It plays and looks great in 4K with medium settings and render scale set to balanced, hovering around the mid-60s. In busier areas it sinks to the 50s and briefly into the 40s when there are big explosions.
  • Street Fighter 6: SF6 is meant to be locked at 1080/60, which is no problem. You can push it to 4K and still get a solid 60fps with most details and settings set to “normal” (medium).
  • Monster Hunter Wilds: This is a bit of a torture test, due to Wilds’ infamously poor PC performance (though it’s been slowly improving). The game defaulted to FSR Ultra Performance mode and the lowest texture settings, which makes it look like a PlayStation 3 game. To keep things in 4K and actually looking decent I used FSR Performance and medium textures and turned on frame generation — this kept frame rates in the 70s or close to 80, which could bump to over 100 by dropping down to 2560 x 1440. Textures still aren’t great, but that’s just kind of how Wilds is unless you’re on top-tier hardware. It manages to play well overall and look solid.
  • Elden Ring Nightreign: Just as on Windows, Nightreign plays at 4K / 50-ish on medium settings, or locked in at the 60fps max if bumped down to 2.5K. (Boy, what I’d give for a FromSoftware title with FSR / DLSS support.)
  • Peak: A-okay at 4K on medium settings, with frame rates well into the 80s or higher.

Although some Windows games run better on Linux than on Windows, not all do. Black Myth: Wukong was about the same on either platform, but Cyberpunk 2077 actually ran 15fps slower in my benchmarks on Linux than in Windows with the same settings.

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Beyond the script: creating characters that think

The most noticeable impact of AI falls on the inhabitants of these virtual worlds, Non-Player Characters (NPCs). We’ve all seen a classic city guard who repeats the same line of dialogue endlessly or an enemy running along a predictable path. Modern AI leaves these simplistic automatons behind.

Instead of a rigid script, today’s NPCs perceive and react to the world around them. They utilize complex algorithms to navigate difficult environments, find cover, or coordinate group attacks. More impressively, they learn from player behavior. Imagine an enemy that notices you always use stealth and begins setting traps. This creates a much more engaging experience, the world feels less like programmed challenges and more like intelligent agents with their own goals.

  • Dynamic pathfinding: Characters don’t follow predefined routes. They can analyze the environment in real time and figure out the best way to the destination point. Remarkably, they cope with that even if the terrain changes suddenly.
  • Behavioral trees: Developers apply complex decision-making models. This allows NPCs to choose from a wide range of actions based on current situations, making them highly unpredictable.
  • Machine learning: Some advanced systems train NPCs by having them observe human players. This allows them to adopt effective strategies that a developer might never have programmed manually.

Worlds without end: the magic of procedural generation

Creating a whole world where gamers will learn to survive takes much time and effort. Building every tree or mountain manually is a rigorous task. AI-driven Procedural Content Generation (PCG) turns out to be a solution here. Designers, technical artists, and engineers use the PCG as a toolset of helpful components. The framework creates game content automatically and generates believable environments.

AI technologies allow designers to avoid manually scattering random trees if they need to depict a credible forest landscape. Instead, the AI algorithm learns the rules of a forest ecosystem. The combination of realistic views and the engineer’s initial intent in the setting captures players and makes them enjoy the game. For example, No Man’s Sky used PCG to create a virtual galaxy with billions of planets. Planets have their unique flora and fauna. Players can fight with alien species or trade with them to get necessary resources or equipment. The game fosters a sense of exploration and impresses with its scale. The future of AI in GameDev lies in this ability to create believable worlds.

A game that knows you: the personalized experience

The Ghost in the Machine: How AI is Crafting the Future of Gaming Worlds For decades, playing a video game was like following someone’s elaborate script. Every character and branching path was meticulously created by a developer. While impressive, these environments were ultimately finite and predictable. They had boundaries, not just on the map, but in their very code. Modern reality has changed it. Artificial intelligence is transforming the virtual world from static landscapes to dynamic systems with no pre-written steps. The gaming environment is becoming smart, and the players enjoy total immersion and engagement in the process. Beyond the script: creating characters that think The most noticeable impact of AI falls on the inhabitants of these virtual worlds, Non-Player Characters (NPCs). We’ve all seen a classic city guard who repeats the same line of dialogue endlessly or an enemy running along a predictable path. Modern AI leaves these simplistic automatons behind. Instead of a rigid script, today’s NPCs perceive and react to the world around them. They utilize complex algorithms to navigate difficult environments, find cover, or coordinate group attacks. More impressively, they learn from player behavior. Imagine an enemy that notices you always use stealth and begins setting traps. This creates a much more engaging experience, the world feels less like programmed challenges and more like intelligent agents with their own goals. Dynamic pathfinding: Characters don’t follow predefined routes. They can analyze the environment in real time and figure out the best way to the destination point. Remarkably, they cope with that even if the terrain changes suddenly. Behavioral trees: Developers apply complex decision-making models. This allows NPCs to choose from a wide range of actions based on current situations, making them highly unpredictable. Machine learning: Some advanced systems train NPCs by having them observe human players. This allows them to adopt effective strategies that a developer might never have programmed manually. Worlds without end: the magic of procedural generation Creating a whole world where gamers will learn to survive takes much time and effort. Building every tree or mountain manually is a rigorous task. AI-driven Procedural Content Generation (PCG) turns out to be a solution here. Designers, technical artists, and engineers use the PCG as a toolset of helpful components. The framework creates game content automatically and generates believable environments. AI technologies allow designers to avoid manually scattering random trees if they need to depict a credible forest landscape. Instead, the AI algorithm learns the rules of a forest ecosystem. The combination of realistic views and the engineer’s initial intent in the setting captures players and makes them enjoy the game. For example, No Man’s Sky used PCG to create a virtual galaxy with billions of planets. Planets have their unique flora and fauna. Players can fight with alien species or trade with them to get necessary resources or equipment. The game fosters a sense of exploration and impresses with its scale. The future of AI in GameDev lies in this ability to create believable worlds. A game that knows you: the personalized experience It is interesting to play a game as long as it is unpredictable. AI allows for tailoring playing experiences to individuals. This is possible due to the AI analyzing the skill levels, performance, and preferences of players. The game adapts to your style of playing and makes subtle adjustments to the game in real time. This is far more than just a simple “easy, normal, hard” difficulty setting. Dynamic difficulty adjustment: The system detects your performance and adjusts the game levels accordingly. For example, it might slightly reduce enemy numbers or provide more resources. Vice versa, if you’re doing well, the algorithm keeps the challenge. Personalized content: It’s great to know your decisions impact the storyline of the game. AI might notice you prefer a certain weapon type and start dropping more powerful versions of it. In narrative games, it can alter future plot points based on the choices and emotional reactions it observes from the player. Besides, the system might adapt in-game rewards to players’ preferences. For example, you can receive new gear, abilities, or characters.   Social customization: AI may suggest players with the same skill levels to keep the competitive environment. At the same time, it may also offer personalized NPCs, which adds to the general immersive experience. Conclusion To summarize what was mentioned before, AI allows for never having the same gaming experience twice. This makes gameplay exciting for gamers, yet the development process becomes challenging and demands high competence from the specialists. Therefore, game studios partner with a specialized AI development company in the United States to create unforgettable playing grounds. And the amazing news is that it is only the beginning. AI continues to develop and inspire improvements in all the spheres where it is applied. #Ghost #Machine #Crafting #Future #Gaming #WorldsAI

It is interesting to play a game as long as it is unpredictable. AI allows for tailoring playing experiences to individuals. This is possible due to the AI analyzing the skill levels, performance, and preferences of players. The game adapts to your style of playing and makes subtle adjustments to the game in real time. This is far more than just a simple “easy, normal, hard” difficulty setting.

  • Dynamic difficulty adjustment: The system detects your performance and adjusts the game levels accordingly. For example, it might slightly reduce enemy numbers or provide more resources. Vice versa, if you’re doing well, the algorithm keeps the challenge.
  • Personalized content: It’s great to know your decisions impact the storyline of the game. AI might notice you prefer a certain weapon type and start dropping more powerful versions of it. In narrative games, it can alter future plot points based on the choices and emotional reactions it observes from the player. Besides, the system might adapt in-game rewards to players’ preferences. For example, you can receive new gear, abilities, or characters.  
  • Social customization: AI may suggest players with the same skill levels to keep the competitive environment. At the same time, it may also offer personalized NPCs, which adds to the general immersive experience.

Conclusion

To summarize what was mentioned before, AI allows for never having the same gaming experience twice. This makes gameplay exciting for gamers, yet the development process becomes challenging and demands high competence from the specialists. Therefore, game studios partner with a specialized AI development company in the United States to create unforgettable playing grounds. And the amazing news is that it is only the beginning. AI continues to develop and inspire improvements in all the spheres where it is applied.

#Ghost #Machine #Crafting #Future #Gaming #WorldsAI">The Ghost in the Machine: How AI is Crafting the Future of Gaming Worlds For decades, playing a video game was like following someone’s elaborate script. Every character and branching path was meticulously created by a developer. While impressive, these environments were ultimately finite and predictable. They had boundaries, not just on the map, but in their very code. Modern reality has changed it. Artificial intelligence is transforming the virtual world from static landscapes to dynamic systems with no pre-written steps. The gaming environment is becoming smart, and the players enjoy total immersion and engagement in the process. Beyond the script: creating characters that think The most noticeable impact of AI falls on the inhabitants of these virtual worlds, Non-Player Characters (NPCs). We’ve all seen a classic city guard who repeats the same line of dialogue endlessly or an enemy running along a predictable path. Modern AI leaves these simplistic automatons behind. Instead of a rigid script, today’s NPCs perceive and react to the world around them. They utilize complex algorithms to navigate difficult environments, find cover, or coordinate group attacks. More impressively, they learn from player behavior. Imagine an enemy that notices you always use stealth and begins setting traps. This creates a much more engaging experience, the world feels less like programmed challenges and more like intelligent agents with their own goals. Dynamic pathfinding: Characters don’t follow predefined routes. They can analyze the environment in real time and figure out the best way to the destination point. Remarkably, they cope with that even if the terrain changes suddenly. Behavioral trees: Developers apply complex decision-making models. This allows NPCs to choose from a wide range of actions based on current situations, making them highly unpredictable. Machine learning: Some advanced systems train NPCs by having them observe human players. This allows them to adopt effective strategies that a developer might never have programmed manually. Worlds without end: the magic of procedural generation Creating a whole world where gamers will learn to survive takes much time and effort. Building every tree or mountain manually is a rigorous task. AI-driven Procedural Content Generation (PCG) turns out to be a solution here. Designers, technical artists, and engineers use the PCG as a toolset of helpful components. The framework creates game content automatically and generates believable environments. AI technologies allow designers to avoid manually scattering random trees if they need to depict a credible forest landscape. Instead, the AI algorithm learns the rules of a forest ecosystem. The combination of realistic views and the engineer’s initial intent in the setting captures players and makes them enjoy the game. For example, No Man’s Sky used PCG to create a virtual galaxy with billions of planets. Planets have their unique flora and fauna. Players can fight with alien species or trade with them to get necessary resources or equipment. The game fosters a sense of exploration and impresses with its scale. The future of AI in GameDev lies in this ability to create believable worlds. A game that knows you: the personalized experience It is interesting to play a game as long as it is unpredictable. AI allows for tailoring playing experiences to individuals. This is possible due to the AI analyzing the skill levels, performance, and preferences of players. The game adapts to your style of playing and makes subtle adjustments to the game in real time. This is far more than just a simple “easy, normal, hard” difficulty setting. Dynamic difficulty adjustment: The system detects your performance and adjusts the game levels accordingly. For example, it might slightly reduce enemy numbers or provide more resources. Vice versa, if you’re doing well, the algorithm keeps the challenge. Personalized content: It’s great to know your decisions impact the storyline of the game. AI might notice you prefer a certain weapon type and start dropping more powerful versions of it. In narrative games, it can alter future plot points based on the choices and emotional reactions it observes from the player. Besides, the system might adapt in-game rewards to players’ preferences. For example, you can receive new gear, abilities, or characters.   Social customization: AI may suggest players with the same skill levels to keep the competitive environment. At the same time, it may also offer personalized NPCs, which adds to the general immersive experience. Conclusion To summarize what was mentioned before, AI allows for never having the same gaming experience twice. This makes gameplay exciting for gamers, yet the development process becomes challenging and demands high competence from the specialists. Therefore, game studios partner with a specialized AI development company in the United States to create unforgettable playing grounds. And the amazing news is that it is only the beginning. AI continues to develop and inspire improvements in all the spheres where it is applied. #Ghost #Machine #Crafting #Future #Gaming #WorldsAI

AI in GameDev lies in this ability to create believable worlds.

A game that knows you: the personalized experience

The Ghost in the Machine: How AI is Crafting the Future of Gaming Worlds For decades, playing a video game was like following someone’s elaborate script. Every character and branching path was meticulously created by a developer. While impressive, these environments were ultimately finite and predictable. They had boundaries, not just on the map, but in their very code. Modern reality has changed it. Artificial intelligence is transforming the virtual world from static landscapes to dynamic systems with no pre-written steps. The gaming environment is becoming smart, and the players enjoy total immersion and engagement in the process. Beyond the script: creating characters that think The most noticeable impact of AI falls on the inhabitants of these virtual worlds, Non-Player Characters (NPCs). We’ve all seen a classic city guard who repeats the same line of dialogue endlessly or an enemy running along a predictable path. Modern AI leaves these simplistic automatons behind. Instead of a rigid script, today’s NPCs perceive and react to the world around them. They utilize complex algorithms to navigate difficult environments, find cover, or coordinate group attacks. More impressively, they learn from player behavior. Imagine an enemy that notices you always use stealth and begins setting traps. This creates a much more engaging experience, the world feels less like programmed challenges and more like intelligent agents with their own goals. Dynamic pathfinding: Characters don’t follow predefined routes. They can analyze the environment in real time and figure out the best way to the destination point. Remarkably, they cope with that even if the terrain changes suddenly. Behavioral trees: Developers apply complex decision-making models. This allows NPCs to choose from a wide range of actions based on current situations, making them highly unpredictable. Machine learning: Some advanced systems train NPCs by having them observe human players. This allows them to adopt effective strategies that a developer might never have programmed manually. Worlds without end: the magic of procedural generation Creating a whole world where gamers will learn to survive takes much time and effort. Building every tree or mountain manually is a rigorous task. AI-driven Procedural Content Generation (PCG) turns out to be a solution here. Designers, technical artists, and engineers use the PCG as a toolset of helpful components. The framework creates game content automatically and generates believable environments. AI technologies allow designers to avoid manually scattering random trees if they need to depict a credible forest landscape. Instead, the AI algorithm learns the rules of a forest ecosystem. The combination of realistic views and the engineer’s initial intent in the setting captures players and makes them enjoy the game. For example, No Man’s Sky used PCG to create a virtual galaxy with billions of planets. Planets have their unique flora and fauna. Players can fight with alien species or trade with them to get necessary resources or equipment. The game fosters a sense of exploration and impresses with its scale. The future of AI in GameDev lies in this ability to create believable worlds. A game that knows you: the personalized experience It is interesting to play a game as long as it is unpredictable. AI allows for tailoring playing experiences to individuals. This is possible due to the AI analyzing the skill levels, performance, and preferences of players. The game adapts to your style of playing and makes subtle adjustments to the game in real time. This is far more than just a simple “easy, normal, hard” difficulty setting. Dynamic difficulty adjustment: The system detects your performance and adjusts the game levels accordingly. For example, it might slightly reduce enemy numbers or provide more resources. Vice versa, if you’re doing well, the algorithm keeps the challenge. Personalized content: It’s great to know your decisions impact the storyline of the game. AI might notice you prefer a certain weapon type and start dropping more powerful versions of it. In narrative games, it can alter future plot points based on the choices and emotional reactions it observes from the player. Besides, the system might adapt in-game rewards to players’ preferences. For example, you can receive new gear, abilities, or characters.   Social customization: AI may suggest players with the same skill levels to keep the competitive environment. At the same time, it may also offer personalized NPCs, which adds to the general immersive experience. Conclusion To summarize what was mentioned before, AI allows for never having the same gaming experience twice. This makes gameplay exciting for gamers, yet the development process becomes challenging and demands high competence from the specialists. Therefore, game studios partner with a specialized AI development company in the United States to create unforgettable playing grounds. And the amazing news is that it is only the beginning. AI continues to develop and inspire improvements in all the spheres where it is applied. #Ghost #Machine #Crafting #Future #Gaming #WorldsAI

It is interesting to play a game as long as it is unpredictable. AI allows for tailoring playing experiences to individuals. This is possible due to the AI analyzing the skill levels, performance, and preferences of players. The game adapts to your style of playing and makes subtle adjustments to the game in real time. This is far more than just a simple “easy, normal, hard” difficulty setting.

  • Dynamic difficulty adjustment: The system detects your performance and adjusts the game levels accordingly. For example, it might slightly reduce enemy numbers or provide more resources. Vice versa, if you’re doing well, the algorithm keeps the challenge.
  • Personalized content: It’s great to know your decisions impact the storyline of the game. AI might notice you prefer a certain weapon type and start dropping more powerful versions of it. In narrative games, it can alter future plot points based on the choices and emotional reactions it observes from the player. Besides, the system might adapt in-game rewards to players’ preferences. For example, you can receive new gear, abilities, or characters.  
  • Social customization: AI may suggest players with the same skill levels to keep the competitive environment. At the same time, it may also offer personalized NPCs, which adds to the general immersive experience.

Conclusion

To summarize what was mentioned before, AI allows for never having the same gaming experience twice. This makes gameplay exciting for gamers, yet the development process becomes challenging and demands high competence from the specialists. Therefore, game studios partner with a specialized AI development company in the United States to create unforgettable playing grounds. And the amazing news is that it is only the beginning. AI continues to develop and inspire improvements in all the spheres where it is applied.

#Ghost #Machine #Crafting #Future #Gaming #WorldsAI">The Ghost in the Machine: How AI is Crafting the Future of Gaming Worlds

For decades, playing a video game was like following someone’s elaborate script. Every character and branching path was meticulously created by a developer. While impressive, these environments were ultimately finite and predictable. They had boundaries, not just on the map, but in their very code. Modern reality has changed it. Artificial intelligence is transforming the virtual world from static landscapes to dynamic systems with no pre-written steps. The gaming environment is becoming smart, and the players enjoy total immersion and engagement in the process.

Beyond the script: creating characters that think

The most noticeable impact of AI falls on the inhabitants of these virtual worlds, Non-Player Characters (NPCs). We’ve all seen a classic city guard who repeats the same line of dialogue endlessly or an enemy running along a predictable path. Modern AI leaves these simplistic automatons behind.

Instead of a rigid script, today’s NPCs perceive and react to the world around them. They utilize complex algorithms to navigate difficult environments, find cover, or coordinate group attacks. More impressively, they learn from player behavior. Imagine an enemy that notices you always use stealth and begins setting traps. This creates a much more engaging experience, the world feels less like programmed challenges and more like intelligent agents with their own goals.

  • Dynamic pathfinding: Characters don’t follow predefined routes. They can analyze the environment in real time and figure out the best way to the destination point. Remarkably, they cope with that even if the terrain changes suddenly.
  • Behavioral trees: Developers apply complex decision-making models. This allows NPCs to choose from a wide range of actions based on current situations, making them highly unpredictable.
  • Machine learning: Some advanced systems train NPCs by having them observe human players. This allows them to adopt effective strategies that a developer might never have programmed manually.

Worlds without end: the magic of procedural generation

Creating a whole world where gamers will learn to survive takes much time and effort. Building every tree or mountain manually is a rigorous task. AI-driven Procedural Content Generation (PCG) turns out to be a solution here. Designers, technical artists, and engineers use the PCG as a toolset of helpful components. The framework creates game content automatically and generates believable environments.

AI technologies allow designers to avoid manually scattering random trees if they need to depict a credible forest landscape. Instead, the AI algorithm learns the rules of a forest ecosystem. The combination of realistic views and the engineer’s initial intent in the setting captures players and makes them enjoy the game. For example, No Man’s Sky used PCG to create a virtual galaxy with billions of planets. Planets have their unique flora and fauna. Players can fight with alien species or trade with them to get necessary resources or equipment. The game fosters a sense of exploration and impresses with its scale. The future of AI in GameDev lies in this ability to create believable worlds.

A game that knows you: the personalized experience

The Ghost in the Machine: How AI is Crafting the Future of Gaming Worlds For decades, playing a video game was like following someone’s elaborate script. Every character and branching path was meticulously created by a developer. While impressive, these environments were ultimately finite and predictable. They had boundaries, not just on the map, but in their very code. Modern reality has changed it. Artificial intelligence is transforming the virtual world from static landscapes to dynamic systems with no pre-written steps. The gaming environment is becoming smart, and the players enjoy total immersion and engagement in the process. Beyond the script: creating characters that think The most noticeable impact of AI falls on the inhabitants of these virtual worlds, Non-Player Characters (NPCs). We’ve all seen a classic city guard who repeats the same line of dialogue endlessly or an enemy running along a predictable path. Modern AI leaves these simplistic automatons behind. Instead of a rigid script, today’s NPCs perceive and react to the world around them. They utilize complex algorithms to navigate difficult environments, find cover, or coordinate group attacks. More impressively, they learn from player behavior. Imagine an enemy that notices you always use stealth and begins setting traps. This creates a much more engaging experience, the world feels less like programmed challenges and more like intelligent agents with their own goals. Dynamic pathfinding: Characters don’t follow predefined routes. They can analyze the environment in real time and figure out the best way to the destination point. Remarkably, they cope with that even if the terrain changes suddenly. Behavioral trees: Developers apply complex decision-making models. This allows NPCs to choose from a wide range of actions based on current situations, making them highly unpredictable. Machine learning: Some advanced systems train NPCs by having them observe human players. This allows them to adopt effective strategies that a developer might never have programmed manually. Worlds without end: the magic of procedural generation Creating a whole world where gamers will learn to survive takes much time and effort. Building every tree or mountain manually is a rigorous task. AI-driven Procedural Content Generation (PCG) turns out to be a solution here. Designers, technical artists, and engineers use the PCG as a toolset of helpful components. The framework creates game content automatically and generates believable environments. AI technologies allow designers to avoid manually scattering random trees if they need to depict a credible forest landscape. Instead, the AI algorithm learns the rules of a forest ecosystem. The combination of realistic views and the engineer’s initial intent in the setting captures players and makes them enjoy the game. For example, No Man’s Sky used PCG to create a virtual galaxy with billions of planets. Planets have their unique flora and fauna. Players can fight with alien species or trade with them to get necessary resources or equipment. The game fosters a sense of exploration and impresses with its scale. The future of AI in GameDev lies in this ability to create believable worlds. A game that knows you: the personalized experience It is interesting to play a game as long as it is unpredictable. AI allows for tailoring playing experiences to individuals. This is possible due to the AI analyzing the skill levels, performance, and preferences of players. The game adapts to your style of playing and makes subtle adjustments to the game in real time. This is far more than just a simple “easy, normal, hard” difficulty setting. Dynamic difficulty adjustment: The system detects your performance and adjusts the game levels accordingly. For example, it might slightly reduce enemy numbers or provide more resources. Vice versa, if you’re doing well, the algorithm keeps the challenge. Personalized content: It’s great to know your decisions impact the storyline of the game. AI might notice you prefer a certain weapon type and start dropping more powerful versions of it. In narrative games, it can alter future plot points based on the choices and emotional reactions it observes from the player. Besides, the system might adapt in-game rewards to players’ preferences. For example, you can receive new gear, abilities, or characters.   Social customization: AI may suggest players with the same skill levels to keep the competitive environment. At the same time, it may also offer personalized NPCs, which adds to the general immersive experience. Conclusion To summarize what was mentioned before, AI allows for never having the same gaming experience twice. This makes gameplay exciting for gamers, yet the development process becomes challenging and demands high competence from the specialists. Therefore, game studios partner with a specialized AI development company in the United States to create unforgettable playing grounds. And the amazing news is that it is only the beginning. AI continues to develop and inspire improvements in all the spheres where it is applied. #Ghost #Machine #Crafting #Future #Gaming #WorldsAI

It is interesting to play a game as long as it is unpredictable. AI allows for tailoring playing experiences to individuals. This is possible due to the AI analyzing the skill levels, performance, and preferences of players. The game adapts to your style of playing and makes subtle adjustments to the game in real time. This is far more than just a simple “easy, normal, hard” difficulty setting.

  • Dynamic difficulty adjustment: The system detects your performance and adjusts the game levels accordingly. For example, it might slightly reduce enemy numbers or provide more resources. Vice versa, if you’re doing well, the algorithm keeps the challenge.
  • Personalized content: It’s great to know your decisions impact the storyline of the game. AI might notice you prefer a certain weapon type and start dropping more powerful versions of it. In narrative games, it can alter future plot points based on the choices and emotional reactions it observes from the player. Besides, the system might adapt in-game rewards to players’ preferences. For example, you can receive new gear, abilities, or characters.  
  • Social customization: AI may suggest players with the same skill levels to keep the competitive environment. At the same time, it may also offer personalized NPCs, which adds to the general immersive experience.

Conclusion

To summarize what was mentioned before, AI allows for never having the same gaming experience twice. This makes gameplay exciting for gamers, yet the development process becomes challenging and demands high competence from the specialists. Therefore, game studios partner with a specialized AI development company in the United States to create unforgettable playing grounds. And the amazing news is that it is only the beginning. AI continues to develop and inspire improvements in all the spheres where it is applied.

#Ghost #Machine #Crafting #Future #Gaming #WorldsAI

Open-style wireless earbuds are all the rage these days, but not all the major brands are on board yet. Samsung, for example, still has its semi-open-ear Galaxy Buds 4, but nothing quite as open as the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds or Nothing’s Ear Open. I should say Samsung doesn’t have anything fully open yet.

According to a leak from SammyGuru, Samsung is working on a new pair of Galaxy Buds called the Galaxy Buds Able, and it looks like that unreleased pair might opt for an open-style clip design if illustrations found in recent One UI firmware are anything to go by.

In addition to the open-style design, SammyGuru is also reporting that the Galaxy Buds Able will use bone conduction, which is suited for delivering sound without needing to plug up your ears with silicone ear tips. Another benefit of bone conduction is that it’s not prone to sound leakage, which is often a downside of most pairs of open wireless earbuds. Bone conduction is also often used in more fitness-focused wireless earbuds, so there’s a chance the Galaxy Buds Able might lean into running and other exercise applications.

While clip-style open wireless earbuds aren’t novel—Sony, SoundPeats, and JBL all have their own pairs now—it’d be a departure for Samsung and a big indicator that open wireless earbuds are having a huge moment right now. If the leaks pan out, one of the things I’m most interested to see is whether Samsung endeavors to provide any kind of noise reduction. Though full-on active noise cancellation (ANC) isn’t possible without ear tips, brands like Shokz have managed to provide a surprisingly effective level of noise reduction that scratches a similar itch. Shokz’s OpenFit Pro, for example, are its only pair with noise reduction, but they do have a bulkier design. They’re not exactly clip-style; instead, they loop around the back of your ears with a sound module that nestles into the outer ear.

Since the Galaxy Buds Able aren’t official yet, there’s no word on price or release date, but there’s a chance they could end up being unveiled this summer at Samsung’s next Unpacked event.

#Samsungs #Pair #Galaxy #Buds #Huge #Departureaudio,Galaxy Buds Pro,wireless earbuds">Samsung’s Next Pair of Galaxy Buds Look Like a Huge Departure Open-style wireless earbuds are all the rage these days, but not all the major brands are on board yet. Samsung, for example, still has its semi-open-ear Galaxy Buds 4, but nothing quite as open as the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds or Nothing’s Ear Open. I should say Samsung doesn’t have anything fully open yet. According to a leak from SammyGuru, Samsung is working on a new pair of Galaxy Buds called the Galaxy Buds Able, and it looks like that unreleased pair might opt for an open-style clip design if illustrations found in recent One UI firmware are anything to go by. In addition to the open-style design, SammyGuru is also reporting that the Galaxy Buds Able will use bone conduction, which is suited for delivering sound without needing to plug up your ears with silicone ear tips. Another benefit of bone conduction is that it’s not prone to sound leakage, which is often a downside of most pairs of open wireless earbuds. Bone conduction is also often used in more fitness-focused wireless earbuds, so there’s a chance the Galaxy Buds Able might lean into running and other exercise applications. Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Buds Able, spotted in One UI firmware, feature a unique clip-on bone conduction design that keeps your ears open while delivering sound in a whole new way. Would you trade premium sound quality for more awareness and comfort in your daily listening?… — SammyGuru (@sammygurus) April 20, 2026 While clip-style open wireless earbuds aren’t novel—Sony, SoundPeats, and JBL all have their own pairs now—it’d be a departure for Samsung and a big indicator that open wireless earbuds are having a huge moment right now. If the leaks pan out, one of the things I’m most interested to see is whether Samsung endeavors to provide any kind of noise reduction. Though full-on active noise cancellation (ANC) isn’t possible without ear tips, brands like Shokz have managed to provide a surprisingly effective level of noise reduction that scratches a similar itch. Shokz’s OpenFit Pro, for example, are its only pair with noise reduction, but they do have a bulkier design. They’re not exactly clip-style; instead, they loop around the back of your ears with a sound module that nestles into the outer ear. Since the Galaxy Buds Able aren’t official yet, there’s no word on price or release date, but there’s a chance they could end up being unveiled this summer at Samsung’s next Unpacked event. #Samsungs #Pair #Galaxy #Buds #Huge #Departureaudio,Galaxy Buds Pro,wireless earbuds

semi-open-ear Galaxy Buds 4, but nothing quite as open as the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds or Nothing’s Ear Open. I should say Samsung doesn’t have anything fully open yet.

According to a leak from SammyGuru, Samsung is working on a new pair of Galaxy Buds called the Galaxy Buds Able, and it looks like that unreleased pair might opt for an open-style clip design if illustrations found in recent One UI firmware are anything to go by.

In addition to the open-style design, SammyGuru is also reporting that the Galaxy Buds Able will use bone conduction, which is suited for delivering sound without needing to plug up your ears with silicone ear tips. Another benefit of bone conduction is that it’s not prone to sound leakage, which is often a downside of most pairs of open wireless earbuds. Bone conduction is also often used in more fitness-focused wireless earbuds, so there’s a chance the Galaxy Buds Able might lean into running and other exercise applications.

While clip-style open wireless earbuds aren’t novel—Sony, SoundPeats, and JBL all have their own pairs now—it’d be a departure for Samsung and a big indicator that open wireless earbuds are having a huge moment right now. If the leaks pan out, one of the things I’m most interested to see is whether Samsung endeavors to provide any kind of noise reduction. Though full-on active noise cancellation (ANC) isn’t possible without ear tips, brands like Shokz have managed to provide a surprisingly effective level of noise reduction that scratches a similar itch. Shokz’s OpenFit Pro, for example, are its only pair with noise reduction, but they do have a bulkier design. They’re not exactly clip-style; instead, they loop around the back of your ears with a sound module that nestles into the outer ear.

Since the Galaxy Buds Able aren’t official yet, there’s no word on price or release date, but there’s a chance they could end up being unveiled this summer at Samsung’s next Unpacked event.

#Samsungs #Pair #Galaxy #Buds #Huge #Departureaudio,Galaxy Buds Pro,wireless earbuds">Samsung’s Next Pair of Galaxy Buds Look Like a Huge DepartureSamsung’s Next Pair of Galaxy Buds Look Like a Huge Departure Open-style wireless earbuds are all the rage these days, but not all the major brands are on board yet. Samsung, for example, still has its semi-open-ear Galaxy Buds 4, but nothing quite as open as the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds or Nothing’s Ear Open. I should say Samsung doesn’t have anything fully open yet. According to a leak from SammyGuru, Samsung is working on a new pair of Galaxy Buds called the Galaxy Buds Able, and it looks like that unreleased pair might opt for an open-style clip design if illustrations found in recent One UI firmware are anything to go by. In addition to the open-style design, SammyGuru is also reporting that the Galaxy Buds Able will use bone conduction, which is suited for delivering sound without needing to plug up your ears with silicone ear tips. Another benefit of bone conduction is that it’s not prone to sound leakage, which is often a downside of most pairs of open wireless earbuds. Bone conduction is also often used in more fitness-focused wireless earbuds, so there’s a chance the Galaxy Buds Able might lean into running and other exercise applications. Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Buds Able, spotted in One UI firmware, feature a unique clip-on bone conduction design that keeps your ears open while delivering sound in a whole new way. Would you trade premium sound quality for more awareness and comfort in your daily listening?… — SammyGuru (@sammygurus) April 20, 2026 While clip-style open wireless earbuds aren’t novel—Sony, SoundPeats, and JBL all have their own pairs now—it’d be a departure for Samsung and a big indicator that open wireless earbuds are having a huge moment right now. If the leaks pan out, one of the things I’m most interested to see is whether Samsung endeavors to provide any kind of noise reduction. Though full-on active noise cancellation (ANC) isn’t possible without ear tips, brands like Shokz have managed to provide a surprisingly effective level of noise reduction that scratches a similar itch. Shokz’s OpenFit Pro, for example, are its only pair with noise reduction, but they do have a bulkier design. They’re not exactly clip-style; instead, they loop around the back of your ears with a sound module that nestles into the outer ear. Since the Galaxy Buds Able aren’t official yet, there’s no word on price or release date, but there’s a chance they could end up being unveiled this summer at Samsung’s next Unpacked event. #Samsungs #Pair #Galaxy #Buds #Huge #Departureaudio,Galaxy Buds Pro,wireless earbuds

Open-style wireless earbuds are all the rage these days, but not all the major brands are on board yet. Samsung, for example, still has its semi-open-ear Galaxy Buds 4, but nothing quite as open as the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds or Nothing’s Ear Open. I should say Samsung doesn’t have anything fully open yet.

According to a leak from SammyGuru, Samsung is working on a new pair of Galaxy Buds called the Galaxy Buds Able, and it looks like that unreleased pair might opt for an open-style clip design if illustrations found in recent One UI firmware are anything to go by.

In addition to the open-style design, SammyGuru is also reporting that the Galaxy Buds Able will use bone conduction, which is suited for delivering sound without needing to plug up your ears with silicone ear tips. Another benefit of bone conduction is that it’s not prone to sound leakage, which is often a downside of most pairs of open wireless earbuds. Bone conduction is also often used in more fitness-focused wireless earbuds, so there’s a chance the Galaxy Buds Able might lean into running and other exercise applications.

While clip-style open wireless earbuds aren’t novel—Sony, SoundPeats, and JBL all have their own pairs now—it’d be a departure for Samsung and a big indicator that open wireless earbuds are having a huge moment right now. If the leaks pan out, one of the things I’m most interested to see is whether Samsung endeavors to provide any kind of noise reduction. Though full-on active noise cancellation (ANC) isn’t possible without ear tips, brands like Shokz have managed to provide a surprisingly effective level of noise reduction that scratches a similar itch. Shokz’s OpenFit Pro, for example, are its only pair with noise reduction, but they do have a bulkier design. They’re not exactly clip-style; instead, they loop around the back of your ears with a sound module that nestles into the outer ear.

Since the Galaxy Buds Able aren’t official yet, there’s no word on price or release date, but there’s a chance they could end up being unveiled this summer at Samsung’s next Unpacked event.

#Samsungs #Pair #Galaxy #Buds #Huge #Departureaudio,Galaxy Buds Pro,wireless earbuds

I was delighted to see that the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 didn’t skimp on a crappy touchpad. That goes a long way toward improving the experiencing of actually using the laptop on a moment-by-moment basis. I wasn’t annoyed every time I had to click-and-drag or select a bit of text. This one’s biggest weakness is definitely the screen, which is true of just about every cheap Chromebook I’ve tested. The colors are ugly and desaturated, giving the whole thing a sickly green tint. It’s also not the sharpest in the world, as it’s stretching 1920 x 1200 pixels across a large, 16-inch screen. But in terms of usability and performance, the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 is a great value, combining an Intel Core i3 processor with 8 GB of RAM and a 128 GB of storage. For a Chromebook that’s often on sale for $350, it’s a steal.

While we’re here, let’s go even cheaper, shall we? Asus has two dirt-cheap Chromebooks that I tested last year that I was mildly impressed by. The Asus Chromebook CX14 and CX15. Notice in the name that these are not “Chromebook Plus” models, meaning they can be configured with less RAM and storage, and even use lower-powered processors. That’s exactly what you get on the cheaper configurations of the CX14 and CX15, which is how you sometimes get prices down to as low as $130. I definitely recommend the version with 8 GB of RAM, but regardless of which you choose, the both the CX14 and larger CX15 are mildly attractive laptops. You’d know that’s a big compliment if you’ve seen just how ugly Chromebooks of this price have been in the past.

With these, though, I appreciate the relatively thin bezels and chassis thickness, as well as the larger touchpad and comfortable keyboard. The CX15 even comes in a striking blue color. The touchpad isn’t great, nor is the display. Like the Acer Chromebook Plus 516, it suffers from poor color reproduction and only goes up to 250 nits of brightness. It only has a 720p webcam too, which makes video calls a bit rough. But that’s going to be true of nearly all the competition (and there isn’t much).

Of the two models, I definitely prefer the CX14 though, as it doesn’t have a numberpad and off-center touchpad, which I’ve always found to be awkward to use. Look—no one’s going to love using a computer that costs the less than $200, but if it’s what you can afford, the Asus Chromebook CX14 will at least get you by without too much frustration.

Whatever you do, don’t just head over to Amazon and buy whatever ancient Chromebook is selling for $100 for your kid. It’s worth the extra cash to get something with better battery life, a more modern look, and decent performance.

Other Good Chromebooks We’ve Tested

We’ve tested dozens and dozens of Chromebooks over the past years, having reviewed every major release across the spectrum of price. Unlike Macs and Windows laptops, Chromebooks tends to stick around a bit longer though, and aren’t refreshed as often. I stand by my picks above, but here are a few standouts from our testing that are still worth buying for the right person.

Image may contain Computer Electronics Laptop Pc Computer Hardware Computer Keyboard and Hardware

Photograph: Daniel Thorp-Lancaster

#Chromebooks #Correctchromebooks,laptops,buying guides,google">The Best Chromebooks Are Doing Their Best to Course CorrectI was delighted to see that the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 didn’t skimp on a crappy touchpad. That goes a long way toward improving the experiencing of actually using the laptop on a moment-by-moment basis. I wasn’t annoyed every time I had to click-and-drag or select a bit of text. This one’s biggest weakness is definitely the screen, which is true of just about every cheap Chromebook I’ve tested. The colors are ugly and desaturated, giving the whole thing a sickly green tint. It’s also not the sharpest in the world, as it’s stretching 1920 x 1200 pixels across a large, 16-inch screen. But in terms of usability and performance, the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 is a great value, combining an Intel Core i3 processor with 8 GB of RAM and a 128 GB of storage. For a Chromebook that’s often on sale for 0, it’s a steal.While we’re here, let’s go even cheaper, shall we? Asus has two dirt-cheap Chromebooks that I tested last year that I was mildly impressed by. The Asus Chromebook CX14 and CX15. Notice in the name that these are not “Chromebook Plus” models, meaning they can be configured with less RAM and storage, and even use lower-powered processors. That’s exactly what you get on the cheaper configurations of the CX14 and CX15, which is how you sometimes get prices down to as low as 0. I definitely recommend the version with 8 GB of RAM, but regardless of which you choose, the both the CX14 and larger CX15 are mildly attractive laptops. You’d know that’s a big compliment if you’ve seen just how ugly Chromebooks of this price have been in the past.With these, though, I appreciate the relatively thin bezels and chassis thickness, as well as the larger touchpad and comfortable keyboard. The CX15 even comes in a striking blue color. The touchpad isn’t great, nor is the display. Like the Acer Chromebook Plus 516, it suffers from poor color reproduction and only goes up to 250 nits of brightness. It only has a 720p webcam too, which makes video calls a bit rough. But that’s going to be true of nearly all the competition (and there isn’t much).Of the two models, I definitely prefer the CX14 though, as it doesn’t have a numberpad and off-center touchpad, which I’ve always found to be awkward to use. Look—no one’s going to love using a computer that costs the less than 0, but if it’s what you can afford, the Asus Chromebook CX14 will at least get you by without too much frustration.Whatever you do, don’t just head over to Amazon and buy whatever ancient Chromebook is selling for 0 for your kid. It’s worth the extra cash to get something with better battery life, a more modern look, and decent performance.Other Good Chromebooks We’ve TestedWe’ve tested dozens and dozens of Chromebooks over the past years, having reviewed every major release across the spectrum of price. Unlike Macs and Windows laptops, Chromebooks tends to stick around a bit longer though, and aren’t refreshed as often. I stand by my picks above, but here are a few standouts from our testing that are still worth buying for the right person.Photograph: Daniel Thorp-Lancaster#Chromebooks #Correctchromebooks,laptops,buying guides,google

Asus Chromebook CX14 and CX15. Notice in the name that these are not “Chromebook Plus” models, meaning they can be configured with less RAM and storage, and even use lower-powered processors. That’s exactly what you get on the cheaper configurations of the CX14 and CX15, which is how you sometimes get prices down to as low as $130. I definitely recommend the version with 8 GB of RAM, but regardless of which you choose, the both the CX14 and larger CX15 are mildly attractive laptops. You’d know that’s a big compliment if you’ve seen just how ugly Chromebooks of this price have been in the past.

With these, though, I appreciate the relatively thin bezels and chassis thickness, as well as the larger touchpad and comfortable keyboard. The CX15 even comes in a striking blue color. The touchpad isn’t great, nor is the display. Like the Acer Chromebook Plus 516, it suffers from poor color reproduction and only goes up to 250 nits of brightness. It only has a 720p webcam too, which makes video calls a bit rough. But that’s going to be true of nearly all the competition (and there isn’t much).

Of the two models, I definitely prefer the CX14 though, as it doesn’t have a numberpad and off-center touchpad, which I’ve always found to be awkward to use. Look—no one’s going to love using a computer that costs the less than $200, but if it’s what you can afford, the Asus Chromebook CX14 will at least get you by without too much frustration.

Whatever you do, don’t just head over to Amazon and buy whatever ancient Chromebook is selling for $100 for your kid. It’s worth the extra cash to get something with better battery life, a more modern look, and decent performance.

Other Good Chromebooks We’ve Tested

We’ve tested dozens and dozens of Chromebooks over the past years, having reviewed every major release across the spectrum of price. Unlike Macs and Windows laptops, Chromebooks tends to stick around a bit longer though, and aren’t refreshed as often. I stand by my picks above, but here are a few standouts from our testing that are still worth buying for the right person.

Image may contain Computer Electronics Laptop Pc Computer Hardware Computer Keyboard and Hardware

Photograph: Daniel Thorp-Lancaster

#Chromebooks #Correctchromebooks,laptops,buying guides,google">The Best Chromebooks Are Doing Their Best to Course Correct

I was delighted to see that the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 didn’t skimp on a crappy touchpad. That goes a long way toward improving the experiencing of actually using the laptop on a moment-by-moment basis. I wasn’t annoyed every time I had to click-and-drag or select a bit of text. This one’s biggest weakness is definitely the screen, which is true of just about every cheap Chromebook I’ve tested. The colors are ugly and desaturated, giving the whole thing a sickly green tint. It’s also not the sharpest in the world, as it’s stretching 1920 x 1200 pixels across a large, 16-inch screen. But in terms of usability and performance, the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 is a great value, combining an Intel Core i3 processor with 8 GB of RAM and a 128 GB of storage. For a Chromebook that’s often on sale for $350, it’s a steal.

While we’re here, let’s go even cheaper, shall we? Asus has two dirt-cheap Chromebooks that I tested last year that I was mildly impressed by. The Asus Chromebook CX14 and CX15. Notice in the name that these are not “Chromebook Plus” models, meaning they can be configured with less RAM and storage, and even use lower-powered processors. That’s exactly what you get on the cheaper configurations of the CX14 and CX15, which is how you sometimes get prices down to as low as $130. I definitely recommend the version with 8 GB of RAM, but regardless of which you choose, the both the CX14 and larger CX15 are mildly attractive laptops. You’d know that’s a big compliment if you’ve seen just how ugly Chromebooks of this price have been in the past.

With these, though, I appreciate the relatively thin bezels and chassis thickness, as well as the larger touchpad and comfortable keyboard. The CX15 even comes in a striking blue color. The touchpad isn’t great, nor is the display. Like the Acer Chromebook Plus 516, it suffers from poor color reproduction and only goes up to 250 nits of brightness. It only has a 720p webcam too, which makes video calls a bit rough. But that’s going to be true of nearly all the competition (and there isn’t much).

Of the two models, I definitely prefer the CX14 though, as it doesn’t have a numberpad and off-center touchpad, which I’ve always found to be awkward to use. Look—no one’s going to love using a computer that costs the less than $200, but if it’s what you can afford, the Asus Chromebook CX14 will at least get you by without too much frustration.

Whatever you do, don’t just head over to Amazon and buy whatever ancient Chromebook is selling for $100 for your kid. It’s worth the extra cash to get something with better battery life, a more modern look, and decent performance.

Other Good Chromebooks We’ve Tested

We’ve tested dozens and dozens of Chromebooks over the past years, having reviewed every major release across the spectrum of price. Unlike Macs and Windows laptops, Chromebooks tends to stick around a bit longer though, and aren’t refreshed as often. I stand by my picks above, but here are a few standouts from our testing that are still worth buying for the right person.

Image may contain Computer Electronics Laptop Pc Computer Hardware Computer Keyboard and Hardware

Photograph: Daniel Thorp-Lancaster

#Chromebooks #Correctchromebooks,laptops,buying guides,google

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