Microsoft has finally made all Copilot+ PCs—not just the Snapdragon ones—eligible for all of its AI-powered Copilot+ features. Well, almost. If you’ve been paying attention, you know that the Windows world is badly fragmented. Not only are users split between Windows 10 and Windows 11, but Windows 11 users aren’t even all on the same version. Now, over the past year, AI has added another wrinkle with Microsoft mainly developing its Copilot+ PC features for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X platform while neglecting AMD’s Ryzen AI 300 and Intel’s Core Ultra 200 series processors. Fortunately, that’s changing. On Monday, Microsoft wrote in a blog post that PCs powered by AMD Ryzen AI 300 series, Intel Core Ultra 200V, and Snapdragon X series processors are all eligible for “exclusive Copilot+ PC experiences like Live Captions, Cocreator, Restyle Image, and Image Creator.” The word “like” offers some wiggle room, since other AI-powered experiences—such as the ability to resize photos—is only available in the Photos app on PCs running on a Snapdragon chip. Still, it’s a major step up for AMD and Intel. Microsoft and its partners launched Copilot+ PCs in May 2024, showing off all of its favored AI features on Snapdragon machines. Although Microsoft promised that it would soon bring those features to Copilot+ PCs powered by AMD and Intel, months passed… Microsoft then eventually released Windows Recall for Copilot+ Snapdragon PCs, then offered that feature to AMD and Intel-based Copilot+ PCs in December. There are still exceptions, however. Monday’s blog post also mentioned Voice Access, an easier way to talk to your PC “using more descriptive and flexible language.” But nope. That feature is only for Copilot+ PCs with a Snapdragon chip, not for AMD or Intel PCs (which will receive Voice Access capabilities later this year). “Some of these innovative experiences for Copilot+ PCs are available via the March 2025 Windows non-security preview update (which requires the November 2024 non-security preview update),” Microsoft wrote. “Over the next month, we will gradually roll out these features via the Windows controlled feature rollout (CFR) to consumers.” If you own a Copilot+ PC with a qualifying AMD or Intel chip, the best way to get the new updates is to go to Settings > Windows Update and turn on “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available.” Either check frequently for the new update or just let it be pushed to your PC. Read...

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By now, you’ve heard of the U.S.’s decision to levy tariffs on imports—all goods made in China, as well as select materials worldwide, like steel and aluminum. At the time of this article’s publishing, taxes on products coming from Canada and Mexico also were likely to begin early April, with additional tariffs proposed for more materials and products worldwide. I covered the details about these tariffs in a FAQ, as well as a set of highlights for a shorter way to get up to speed on the situation. I also created a breakout of sample cost increases so you could better see what actual purchases could look like. But most news has focused on the immediate dollars-and-cents effect of these new taxes. What’s been talked about less are the other ways tariffs will impact the tech industry—consequences that could dampen or even drive back certain aspects that we currently take for granted. At best, we’ll see a temporary blow. At worst, we could feel this hit for years to come. Harder to obtain Technology has become more available to the masses over time. Long ago, personal computers were a rare luxury, found only in homes of enthusiasts or the well-to-do. But as popularity rose, devices and hardware became easier to get. People wanted to spend their money on fresh gear—and so supply became more plentiful. Remember when EVGA made graphics cards? Yeah, they don’t any longer, after looking at the cost of that part of their business. Let’s hope the tariffs don’t cause other companies to make similar moves within tech.Brad Chacos / Foundry But when prices go up, demand goes down. Companies already have an incentive to slow the rollout of new products due to the economic instability brought about by the tariffs. If you add on a weakened appetite from consumers for discretionary purchases, vendors have reason to pull back on the production. They may become slower to release successors to products or even a wider variety of products. In particular, smaller companies decide to pause or stop product lines.  Industry insiders expressed this very sentiment to me when discussing the tariffs and their effect. Without the ability to make accurate forecasts, businesses have to proceed with more caution. They’ll either produce less of their usual devices or hardware—or opt out of selling certain items altogether. After years of ever-growing options for consumers, shrinking down to fewer choices will be a sad step backward. Price stagnation (or even increases) Intel’s Kaby Lake Core i7-7700X launched just a couple of months before AMD’s first-generation Ryzen CPUs, sporting a 4-core, 8-thread processor. By fall, its Coffee Lake Core i7-8700K successor had added two more cores and four more threads. Competition makes a difference.Adam Patrick Murray / Foundry Innovation and competition help lower costs for technology. Manufacturing becomes more efficient, growing demand spreads production costs over a wider field, and/or the tech is succeeded by something even fresher. But if tech gear becomes less varied and harder to get, those factors won’t be as dependable as an influence on price. How much you’ll pay for a laptop, phone, or piece of hardware will likely stick where it is—or go up. As my colleague Gordon Mah Ung loved to point out, Intel sold consumers 4-core, 8-thread CPUs for years, always at similar MSRPs. And when Team Blue launched its first 10-core processor, the suggested price was a staggering $1,723. Fast forward a year, after AMD released its first generation of Ryzen chips, and Intel’s top consumer chip had inched up in core count, with the $359 Intel Core i7-8700K sporting 6 cores and 12 threads. Its closest rivals? The $329 Ryzen 7 1700 and $399 Ryzen 7 1700X, both of which sported 8 cores and 16 threads. This history lesson shows that consumers get less value when fewer options exist. Companies can charge whatever they want when faced with less pressure to keep pushing the envelope. Slower release of new products Should early adopters become more reluctant to try out new gadgets, companies could stop trying novel new form factors, like this tri-fold smartphone.Luke Baker If you’re a company facing economic uncertainty, how much would you want to invest in different products? Likewise, if you’re a consumer looking at devices with fewer or smaller upgrades that cost as much as the previous model, will you want to buy anything new? It’s a bit of a standoff, and one that the tariffs could spark. For example, let’s say you’re used to buying a replacement phone every two years. But if the features don’t change dramatically, and prices remain high (especially for flagship models), perhaps you’ll stick to what you’ve already got in your pocket. Companies might then not push novel form factors as hard, like tri-fold phones and other variants. Similarly, Nvidia and AMD could continue to delay their attention to budget gamers, instead choosing to focus on graphics cards that will bring in more cash. Sure, Intel is the lone holdout for the budget range, but its market share remains low, and its launches aren’t as regular. Budget gamers might then continue to hold out, biding their time with progressively lower graphics settings and frame rates. (But real talk, if your GTX 970 still does it for you, keep rocking that GPU until its well-deserved retirement.) So while engineers will continue to announce newer protocols and standards (think Wi-Fi 7 or PCIe 7.0), the time to an actual launch may be much further in the future than we’re used to. And that pace change could feel like a screeching halt compared to the boom of the past couple of decades, depending on how big a slowdown is. Unpredictable pricing A close up of a circuit board. Copper is often used in circuit board traces.Michael Schwarzenberger / Pixabay Until recent years, technology’s progress also often resulted in a predictable routine for prices, too. Current devices got cheaper, and the stuff that replaced them often stayed the same price or even lowered, thanks to improved manufacturing or higher demand. Before the tariffs, that reliability in pricing trends started to waver due to factors like rising production costs. And now with these additional taxes dropped on top, we consumers may no longer be able to trust in steady pricing. First, as companies shift manufacturing locations, their logistical costs will increase. But how much is still to be determined, based on resources (e.g., new staff hiring, training, etc.) and the ability for a business to absorb current tariff costs. Some larger corporations may take a hit in an effort to keep their part of the industry more stable, for example. Additional tariffs could also cause sudden changes to MSRPs. Given how the current U.S. import tariffs were enacted, more could be announced very suddenly as well, with a notice of just a few days. Graphics cards enthusiasts (and just PC gamers in general) know how painful supply shortages can be, especially when it comes to street prices.EVGA The prospect of new tariffs looms large, too—in February, the U.S. executive branch proposed a 25 percent tariff on all semiconductors, with the intent to sharply raise the tax over time. More recently, a 25 percent tariff on copper was suggested. (You’ll find copper in circuit boards, wiring, and a lot more related to tech.) If these tariffs stack on top of the existing 20 percent on all Chinese-made goods, you could see a sharp rise in costs for products with multiple components affected by these additional taxes. Another wrinkle: When I last spoke with industry insiders, multiple sources told me they were still learning exactly how the tariffs would be applied. So they themselves are scrambling to adjust and adapt. Finally, if costs go up and availability decreases (as discussed above), you may have more trouble predicting actual retail prices. Street prices could go a bit wild, too. We can look at the GPU market for a glimpse into that chaotic, terrible universe: Few cards are available at the announced price, and any remaining stock is higher due to partner cards adding on extras. Any other cards are only available through resellers at huge markups. Before the pandemic, you could easily shop for devices and hardware, with the expectation of regular sales or discounts. Now surplus budgeting may be a requirement whenever you’re preparing for a new purchase. Read...

At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Zippy processor performance Nice keyboard A wide array of connectivity options Chic design Cons Battery life isn’t competitive The display’s 16:9 aspect ratio feels a little cramped Our Verdict The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 is a solid upgrade over the 2023, featuring a faster processor and a touchscreen display, with only minor drawbacks that hardly impact the overall performance. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 is a good buy, full stop. I know I’m starting strong out the gate, but with an updated processor and a display with touch capability, it’s a solid improvement over the 2023 model. While it does have a few drawbacks, they’re so small they’re practically microscopic, as they don’t take away from the overall experience. Read on to learn more, then see our roundup of the best Chromebooks for comparison. Asus Chromebook Plus CX34: Specs The new Chromebook Plus CX34 is a refreshed version of the 2023 model. This time Asus swapped out the Intel Core i3-1215U processor for an Intel Core i5-1335U, which offers notable improvements (we’ll get into that in the performance section). Other than upgrading the CPU and adding touch capability to the display, the design is the same as it was before. Asus fine-tuned the inside components, but left the fresh-looking design alone.  Model number: CX3402CVA-I5128 CPU: Intel Core i5-1335U GPU: Intel Iris Xe RAM: 8GB RAM Storage: 128GB (universal flash storage) Display 14-inch 1920×1080, touch enabled, 60Hz, 16:9 aspect ratio Networking: Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6E Dimensions: 0.74 by 12.9 by 8.4 inches Weight: 3.17 lbs Price: $499 Asus Chromebook Plus CX34: Design, build quality IDG / Ashley Biancuzzo The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 is pretty much identical to the 2023 model. The snowy white shell is a feast for the eyes, and the plastic exterior has a nice sheen to it. As far as aesthetics go, it’s attractive and modern. Like I said of the previous iteration, it’s sophisticated enough for an office environment without drawing too much attention. While build quality is acceptable for a laptop in this price range, I worry it might show wear and tear over time.  I noticed the lid has a slight flex to it. When I laid the laptop flat on a table and pressed a finger down on the bezel, the lid gave way to the pressure. However, it’s not all bad. The keyboard deck feels more solid than the lid–I didn’t hear any creaking when I applied pressure to it. The 180 degree hinge also feels tight and secure, but not restricting and stiff. The build quality isn’t bad by any means, but I’d recommend handling it with a gentle hand.  The upgraded processor and touch enabled display make a big difference, adding great value compared to the 2023 model, which was missing those features. Asus Chromebook Plus CX34: Keyboard, touchpad IDG / Ashley Biancuzzo The keyboard is comfortable to use for long periods of time, but the omission of a backlight had me scratching my head, as it was included in the older model. I prefer backlit keyboards because I like writing in a low-light environment–I like the ambiance of it! Bright lights also trigger migraines for me, which is another reason why I prefer a low-light environment. That said, in terms of using the keyboard, I managed 98 words per minute on Monkeytype–I’m a pretty fast typist when I’m locked in.  The touchpad is pleasant to use as well. It measures about five inches wide, which is a big enough size for someone with smaller hands (hi!). It’s smooth and responsive, and the slippery surface of the touchpad is great for multitouch gestures like two-finger scrolls and pinches and stretches. I didn’t notice any erratic cursor movement, either. Asus Chromebook Plus CX34: Display, webcam, speakers IDG / Ashley Biancuzzo The 1080p display is fine for daily tasks, but it’s nothing remarkable. All Chromebook Plus models come with a 1080p display, which is the new standard now. While it may not be the brightest or most vibrant of screens, I’m pleased by the new touch function. The 2023 model didn’t have a touch display, so this is a great addition that adds more value overall. The matte finish also helps cut down the glare from direct sunlight. My only sticking point is with the 16:9 aspect ratio. I prefer displays with a 16:10 aspect ratio, as that one extra inch of space makes a world of difference, especially when I’m editing a review or adding things to a spreadsheet. It’s not a huge deal breaker for me, as most laptop displays come with a 16:9 aspect ratio, but I like to see more of the screen. Oh, the display also folds flat for versatile viewing angles, though I didn’t use it this way as I don’t find it very practical. The 1080p webcam is suitable for work calls, but not much else. As with most built-in 1080p webcams, you need a good amount of lighting to look good. The webcam’s microphone also captures sound well enough and filters out a good amount of background noise. The built-in ChromeOS tools also allow you to blur your background or improve noise cancellation. Again, it’s fine for a work call, but if you want to look your absolute best, you should invest in an external webcam.   Generally speaking, laptop speakers don’t impress me much (I guess I’m channeling Shania Twain here). If you consider yourself an audiophile, you might as well plug in a pair of headphones or earbuds. The Chromebook Plus CX34’s speakers are just okay, but the speakers are downward firing, so it depends on the type of surface you’ve got the laptop on. I had to boost the volume and bring the laptop closer to me in order to hear my playlist.  Asus Chromebook Plus CX34: Connectivity IDG / Ashley Biancuzzo The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 really doesn’t skimp on ports, which is great for a laptop in this price range. It features two USB Type-A, two USB Type-C, one HDMI out, and a 3.5mm combo audio jack. You can also easily hook up to an external monitor, as the USB Type-C ports support DisplayPort. Most Chromebooks in this bracket don’t include an Ethernet port or a micro SD, but the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 comes with a micro SD.  Asus Chromebook Plus CX34: Performance I was impressed with the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34’s day-to-day performance. Compared to the previous model, which came equipped with an Intel Core i3-1215U CPU, the Intel Core i5-1335U CPU inside our review unit delivers faster performance because of its higher core count (10 cores) and better clock speeds (up to 4.6GHz). While the Intel Core i3-1215U CPU still performs well, the Intel Core i5-1335U CPU better handles both single-threaded and multi-threaded performance.  This is evident in the Plus CX34’s Jetstream 2 score. Jetstream 2 assesses single-threaded and multi-threaded performance by measuring JavaScript execution speeds as well as the browser’s parallel processing execution speed. Compared to the 2023 model, which had a Jetstream 2 score of 250.141, the newest iteration is approximately 26 percent faster. The Plus CX34 also had a higher CrXPRT 2 performance score (170) than the recently reviewed Acer Chromebook Spin 312 (140). CrXPRT 2 measures overall performance by simulating real-world tasks like loading web pages, applying filters to images, playing HD videos, and so on. The higher the number, the smoother the performance. In addition to the higher CrXPRT 2 score, it also produced a great Kraken score.  Mozilla’s Kraken benchmark gauges how well a browser can handle JavaScript execution performance. It does this by analyzing sound data, running various decryption tasks, and so on. Unlike CrXPRT 2, a lower score is more desirable here. Essentially, Kraken measures the time in milliseconds it takes for the browser to complete a series of JavaScript tasks. The Plus CX34 beat the Acer Chromebook Spin 312 into the ground with a Kraken score of 397.4ms. That’s roughly 44 percent faster than the Acer Chromebook Spin 312, which had a Kraken score of 710.9ms. Impressive! CrXPRT 2: 170 Speedometer: 344 Basemark Web 3.0: 1,320 Kraken: 397.4ms Jetstream 2: 316.606 Asus Chromebook Plus CX34: Battery life The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 lasted a little over 13 hours on a single charge during my battery test, though I kept the brightness low, which likely impacted the result. With the brightness turned up, real-world use is closer to seven or eight hours. That’s not a bad result by any means, but it’s not the most competitive result I’ve seen. If battery life is a priority of yours, consider the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714, which lasted a little over 15 hours. Asus Chromebook Plus CX34: Conclusion Would I recommend buying the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34? Absolutely. The upgraded processor and touch-enabled display make a big difference, adding great value compared to the 2023 model, which was missing those features. The keyboard is also a joy to type on, the touchpad is responsive without being overly sensitive, and the connectivity options are plentiful. If you can accept the little quirks like the lack of keyboard backlighting and the 16:9 aspect ratio (more of a personal nitpick than a quirk), then this Chromebook is a solid choice. Read...

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