Thermaltake's gaming hardware brand Tt eSports is the first to integrate Synaptics IronVeil fingerprint sensor into the mouse, with its new Tt eSports Black V2 gaming mouse. Placed slightly above where your right thumb would grip the mouse, this 4 mm x 10 mm rectangular sensor scans your thumbprint with an accuracy of 1/50,000 false-pass and 3/100 false-fail; letting you use the IronVeil software to authenticate a variety of things.

IronVeil technology is FIDO compliant, and is natively supported by Windows 10 and Windows Hello, letting you log-in or wake/unlock your machine using your thumb. It's also supported by various e-commerce websites, MMO games (login and quick in-game micro-transactions), game DRM services (such as Steam and Origin), and multi-step authentication by popular social-media websites. The rest of the mouse's feature-set is identical to the Black V2 that's already in the market for $49.99. The IronVeil-integrated variant of this mouse will launch soon, at $59.99.

Microsoft, in a tactfully-worded blog post by Exec VP for its Windows and Devices Group, Terry Myerson, announced that it won't support older versions of Windows (eg: Windows 7 and Windows 8.1) on the latest/upcoming processors. The software might run on the new hardware, but the company won't provide enterprise support for such platforms. This could include software updates, as the platform won't technically meet the software's requirements.

In the post, Microsoft named upcoming platforms from the big three CPU makers - Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm, to which the company will provide enterprise support only for Windows 10. These include the 7th generation Core "Kaby Lake" processors from Intel, "Bristol Ridge" processors from AMD, and the "8996" SoC from Qualcomm. Machines running a select few models of Core "Skylake" processors will receive enterprise support, but only till 17th July, 2017. After this date, only the most critical security updates will be released for the OS running on those platforms.

Worldwide PC shipments totaled 71.9 million units in the fourth quarter of 2015 (4Q15), a year-on-year decline of -10.6%, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker. Although total shipments were in line with already conservative expectations, the news nonetheless ended 2015 as the first year below 300 million units since 2008. The holiday quarter achieved a modest uptick compared to the third quarter, but the year-on-year decline in 2015 shipments was nevertheless the largest in history, surpassing the decline of -9.8% in 2013.

The PC market continued to face persistent challenges from longer-PC lifecycles and competition from mobile phones and tablets, despite the slowing growth in those markets. However, economic issues like falling commodity prices and weak international currencies, as well as social disruptions in EMEA and Asia/Pacific that disrupted foreign markets were a larger factor for 2015. Changes in the OS market also had a significant impact with the end of support for Windows XP and promotions of low-cost PCs driving a surge in replacements in 2014 that combined with the launch of Windows 10 and a free upgrade program to delay new system purchases in 2015. Lastly, while some very attractive new PCs have been launched, the market is taking some time to respond to new OS and hardware configurations - deciding when to upgrade and evaluating slim, convertible, detachable, and touch variations vs. more traditional PCs. Nevertheless, many of these products have received positive reviews and there's potential for a faster commercial transition to Windows 10 in 2016 than we saw for prior versions of Windows."

AMD unveiled Radeon Software Crimson Edition 16.1 Beta. The latest version of AMD's suite, which provides drivers and system software for its Radeon GPUs, comes with a large complement of game-specific performance/stability improvements. This includes bug-fixes specific to Fallout 4, Just Cause 3, Star Wars: Battlefront, Call of Duty: Black Ops 3, and Assassin's Creed Syndicate. Grab the driver from the links below.DOWNLOAD: AMD Radeon Software Crimson Edition 16.1 Beta for Windows 10/8.1/7 64-bit | Windows 10/8.1/7 32-bit

CyberPower Inc., a global manufacturer of custom gaming PCs, gaming laptops, and performance workstations, will unveil some PC gaming eye candy when it debuts a new series of 2-in-1 gaming & streaming PCs, a 34-inch curved screen All-In-One, a new line of gaming laptops, and several gaming PC series that are "VR Ready" at CES 2016. CyberPowerPC's new products can be previewed at the Aria Penthouse Suite, 3730 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas, NV during CES 2016.

CyberPowerPC will debut the first 2-in-1 gaming & streaming PC with its Pro Streamer series. Pro Streamer models come pre-installed and configured with the OBS open source streaming and recording program and XSPLIT live streaming applications so you can start streaming immediately. CyberPowerPC pre-installs your streaming software to match your hardware so you'll get a great quality stream out of the box. Pro Streamer will be offered in three models including the latest 6th Gen Intel Core i3 processor for good quality lag free streams, or up to a 6th Gen Intel Core i7 processor for the highest quality stream. Pro Steamer systems include 8GB DDR4 memory, 128GB SSD, H110 Mini-ITX mainboard and an Avermedia Live Gamer HD capture card. Pro Streamer prices start at $1899 for an Intel Core Intel Core i5-6600K + NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 4GB GDDR5 system along with the Core i3-6100 3.70GHz "Standard" streaming setup with Windows 10 Home.

Patriot, a leading manufacturer of SSDs, computer memory, flash storage solutions, mobile accessories and gaming peripherals, today announced the release of their latest solid-state drive offerings, the Patriot Hellfire M.2 PCIe SSD and the Hellfire PCIe AIC (Add-in Card).

The Hellfire will be Patriot's first M.2 PCIe SSD, and an impressive one at that. With a Gen 3 x 4 interface and NVMe 1.2 compliant, the Hellfire M.2 will reaches speeds of up to 2,500MB/s read and 600MB/s. Designed with the needs of content creators, gamers and PC enthusiasts in mind the, Hellfire will lower latency while increasing the productivity and response times of any PC, laptop or notebook. The Hellfire M.2 will be released in capacities of 240GB, 480GB and 960GB in a M.2 2280 form factor to fulfill the high performance storage needs of consumers looking to upgrade their systems. Powered by the Phison 5007 controller and MLC NAND, the Hellfire will be your weapon of choice when battling those latency bottlenecks.

Today at CES, we introduced our portfolio of next gen devices: eight new laptops, desktops and monitors across our YOGA, ideapad and ideacentre brands that upgrade nearly every PC experience from work, gaming to entertaining. Leading with the YOGA 900S ultraportable convertible laptop, the new collection offers people distinct choice in performance, aesthetic and mobility.

We engineered the YOGA 900S to be beautifully slim and noticeably lighter than previous models at 12.8 mm and 999 g with a new carbon fiber construction. The Windows 10 laptop features up to 10.5 hours of video playback so travelers can slip it into their carry-on luggage and fly from Las Vegas to London on a single charge. The convertible laptop's 360-degree watchband hinge with four modes makes it easy to work through a long-haul flight in laptop mode with up to Intel Core m7 processor, or to scan social media feeds in tablet mode. It delivers an immersive entertainment experience, thanks to Dolby Audio Premium for crisp sound and optional QHD screen (2560x1440) for crystal clear resolution. New to the YOGA family, it now supports an optional active pen so artists and note-takers alike can unleash their doodles and to-do lists, or annotate webpages on the Microsoft Edge browser using the touch screen.

AMD released the WHQL-signed version of Radeon Software Crimson Edition 15.11.1 as the new 15.12 WHQL. It addresses a variety of game-specific issues, including rendering errors on Star Wars: Battlefront; bugs on Fallout 4; texture-compression issues with Just Cause 3; poor CrossFire performance with Call of Duty: Black Ops 3. It also addresses a critical issue in which the driver would either spool fan-speeds all the way up to 100% on load, or lock them down at 30%, causing certain GPUs to overheat. A variety of bugs specific to the Radeon Settings app were also addressed.

DOWNLOAD: AMD Radeon Software Crimson Edition 15.12 WHQL for Windows 10 64-bit | Windows 10 32-bit | Windows 8.1 64-bit | Windows 8.1 32-bit | Windows 7 64-bit | Windows 7 32-bit

At a media event held in China, graphics card maker GALAX revealed Futuremark's next big 3D graphics benchmark. The unnamed next-gen 3DMark suite will include DirectX 12 game tests, including one titled "Time Spy." This game test (GT) features a museum-like 3D scene, rich in eye-popping lighting effects, and GT scenes from previous-generation 3DMarks serving as miniature exhibits within the test.

From the looks of it, your DirectX 12 compatible GPU is in for a trial by fire, in what promises to be an exciting next-gen 3D benchmark. The benchmark renders at 1080p, 1440p, or 4K, and is said to be "5 times" heavier on your GPU than "Fire Strike," Futuremark's DirectX 11 test that featured in the 2013 release of the suite. What's more, the benchmark will explicitly require Windows 10 64-bit, since it requires Direct3D 12 API support, and needs >2 GB of memory. Futuremark mentioned an "early" Q1-2016 launch for this benchmark.A video presentation follows.

FinalWire Ltd. today announced the immediate availability of AIDA64 Extreme 5.60 software, a streamlined diagnostic and benchmarking tool for home users; the immediate availability of AIDA64 Engineer 5.60 software, a professional diagnostic and benchmarking solution for corporate IT technicians and engineers; the immediate availability of AIDA64 Business 5.60 software, an essential network management solution for small and medium scale enterprises; and the immediate availability of AIDA64 Network Audit 5.60 software, a dedicated network audit toolset to collect and manage corporate network inventories.

The new AIDA64 release introduces advanced SMART disk health monitoring, implements enhanced support for Samsung NVMe SSDs and various power supply units, and supports the latest graphics and GPGPU computing technologies by both AMD and NVIDIA.DOWNLOAD: FinalWire AIDA64 v5.60

ASUS today announced the latest X Series laptops - X456, X556, and X756. These 14-, 15.6- and 17.3-inch laptops feature elegant glossy, spun-, or brushed-metal-effect finish chassis and are available in five expressive colors: Chocolate Brown, Navy Blue, Arctic Snow, Glamour Red, and Icicle Gold. ASUS X Series is powered by up to the latest 6th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, and feature up to NVIDIA GeForce 940M graphics for gaming-grade Full HD visuals. In addition, ASUS Eye Care technology reduces blue light emission by up to 33% to protect users' eyes during long hours of use.

Intel Core performance and NVIDIA graphics
ASUS X Series laptops are powered by the up to latest 6th-generation Intel Core i7 processor with up to 8GB RAM (expandable to 16 GB), and NVIDIA GeForce 940M graphics. With Windows 10 preinstalled, X Series is ideal for daily computing and entertainment tasks. Users can opt for a 2 TB hard disk, or upgrade to a solid-state disk for faster data access speeds.

ASUS today announced two new N Series laptops, the 15.6-inch N552 and the 17.3-inch N752. These are the latest and most powerful models in this entertainment-focused range, delivering unprecedented performance from the latest 6th-generation quad-core Intel Core i7 processors with gaming-grade NVIDIA GTX series graphics.

The new models incorporate the latest and fastest technology, including 10 Gbit/s SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.1 Gen 2) with the revolutionary Type-C port, DDR4 RAM, and ultra-fast PCIe 3.0 x4 SSD storage options. Stunningly-detailed, immersive visuals with accurate color reproduction are provided by up to 4K/UHD (3840x2160) wide-gamut IPS displays. Both models feature exclusive ASUS SonicMaster audio, incorporating ICEpower technology, for incredible sound quality. The aluminum-clad, easy-to-open design of N552 and N752 is practical yet sophisticated, with a wealth of gorgeous design details that make these stunning laptops stand out from the crowd.

In this episode of TechPowerUp News, AMD's upcoming Radeon R9 380X graphics card, which could heat things up under the $300-mark; the major performance boost Windows 10 gets with its new build-10586; Steam Hardware finally hitting the shelves; and NVIDIA's new Jetson TX1 computing module for robots and drones, which leverage deep-learning.

Microsoft released its first major update to Windows 10, with its centerpiece being a performance boost specific to the OS. Redmond claims that with this update, Windows 10 will be up to 30 percent quicker to start-up than Windows 7, and will have higher "performance in everyday tasks." The company also updated Cortana, its voice-assistant, to take inputs from your device's pen. Now you can simply scribble something in Cortanta's notebook, and it will recognize the information, such as phone numbers, e-mail addresses, physical/postal addresses; event and movie bookings; etc. Windows 10 is available for free to current users of Windows 7 and Windows 8.1.

AMD posted what could be its final release of Catalyst, before the company switches drivers over to the new Radeon Software Crimson Edition, with a slick new configuration utility. Dubbed Catalyst 15.11 Beta, these drivers come with optimization for Call of Duty: Black Ops III, besides game-specific bug fixes for Star Wars: Battlefront, and Ashes of the Singularity.DOWNLOAD: AMD Catalyst 15.11 Beta for Windows 10/8.1/7 64-bit | Windows 10/8.1/7 32-bit

MSI, leading in motherboard design, completes the PRO Series motherboard line-up with the launch of the all black Z170A SLI PLUS motherboard. Inheriting DNA from the critically acclaimed X99A SLI PLUS motherboard, the Z170A SLI PLUS is powerful, packed with features and styled with class.

Offering an enhanced experience and the best in productivity and reliability the Z170A SLI PLUS motherboard has been configured to satisfy even the most demanding user. With twice the speed of USB 3.0, USB 3.1 Type-C is ready to connect the latest devices to with the most ease. Reward your ears with Audio Boost, powered by a Realtek ALC1150 codec and other high quality audio enhancing components. NVIDIA SLI and AMD CrossFire support, with improved Steel Armor PCI-E slots, are sure to satisfy 3D graphic and programming demands of any designer or developer. To boost performance and productivity, the Z170A SLI PLUS motherboard uses Military Class 4 components together with unique designs as DDR4 BOOST, Turbo M.2 and Click BIOS 5.

In the beginning, there were NVIDIA Detonator and ATI Catalyst. Detonator made way for GeForce Software, but Catalyst pulled through for another decade. These are the brand names GPU makers use to label their drivers, because GPUs are devices that warrant frequent driver updates to keep up with new software and performance improvements. AMD, after consolidating most of its visual computing divisions into the Radeon Technologies Group under technocrat Raja Koduri, made its first major announcement, re-branding AMD Catalyst as Radeon Software. Its first release gets a special name - Radeon Software Crimson Edition 15.11.

AMD's new nomenclature for its drivers involves firmly placing the Radeon brand name, replacing "Catalyst," followed by "software," indicating that these are not just drivers, but a suite of applications designed to give you control over your visual computing experience; with "Crimson Edition" being the major version for the year 2015-16, and 15.11 denoting November 2015, retaining the date-based version numbering scheme. These could come with extensions such as "WHQL" or "Beta." The first Crimson Edition drivers will be WHQL-signed.

Lenovo today unveiled the new YOGA 700, a premium Windows 10 convertible laptop with four usage modes (laptop, stand, tent, tablet) designed for performance and portability. Avid travelers who need a thin and light option will find the 11-inch YOGA 700 as the ideal travel companion, while the 14-inch option packs powerful performance for those who need additional speed and reliability. Both options come with a responsive 10-point multitouch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS display and Dolby DS1.0 Home Theater certified stereo speakers, allowing users to enjoy crisp visuals and clear sound whether working in a café or streaming a favorite show at home.

Ultra portable, the 11-inch YOGA 700 weighs only 1.1 kg and measures 15.8 mm thin. With up to seven hours of battery life, the YOGA 700 allows travelers to work or play their way: watch a movie in stand mode, give a business pitch in tent mode, or navigate a map in tablet mode. Suited for movie buffs and social gamers, the YOGA 700 offers a vibrant 10-point multitouch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS display with Dolby DS1.0 Home Theater certified stereo speakers. Whether at home or in transit, the convertible lets users enjoy sharper visuals and clearer sound without paying more for a premium multimedia experience.

ZOTAC International, a global innovator and leading manufacturer of graphics cards, original manufacturer of Mini PCs, introduces a more capable and more energy efficient ZBOX Mini PC with Intel Braswell processors.

ZOTAC ZBOX Mini PCs are getting more capable, adding more value than ever before. Both ZBOX BI323 and CI323 nano are powered by an Intel Braswell quad-core processor utilizing a 14 nanometer low-power process with tri-gate transistors, vastly improving energy efficiency without compromising computing power. ZOTAC is also introducing a USB 3.0 Type-C port on the front for hassle free expansion or connectivity on both models.

MSI Computer Corp, a leading manufacturer of computer hardware products and solutions, announces the availability of the brand new GS40 Phantom, the world's thinnest and lightest gaming laptop.

Designed for mobile gamers who refuse to compromise on performance, MSI's newest gaming laptop weighs only 3.5 lbs. and measures less than 0.86 inches thick, but is equipped with Intel's 6th Generation Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GTX 970M GPU, and a variety of high-tech components, including PCI-E Gen3 SSD, DDR4 Memory, Super Port, and more.

Dell announced today at Dell World the most significant refresh to its OptiPlex commercial PC portfolio in five years, the Wyse 5050 AIO zero client for VMware, and new cloud multifunction printers to meet the changing needs of the future workforce. Considering the needs of a tech-savvy workforce always on the go, these new offerings are designed to increase employee productivity by helping them seamlessly connect to the business critical data and applications they need to get the job done. In addition, Dell Services is investing more in mobility applications and strategies to strengthen the way its commercial customers stay mobile, productive and efficient.

"We are defining the future of the PC and the role it plays in meeting our customers' most pressing computing needs," said Jeff Clarke, vice chairman, Operations and president, Client Solutions at Dell. "We are investing in this part of our business like never before, bringing new innovations to market that are redefining the role of the PC - whether it's an ultra-mobile 2-in-1, thin or zero client, or a desktop that now handles workloads for a mobile workforce who require a robust collaboration solution."

Intel started selling its first "complete" (not barebones) NUC based mini-PC, the NUC5PGYH. Priced at $255 a pop, this unit includes memory and storage besides the Pentium N3700 "Braswell" SoC based system board, the chassis; and comes with Windows 10 pre-installed. 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB of SSD storage is included, you can opt for more of both. There's also a vacant 7 mm thick 2.5-inch SATA drive bay, so you could expand storage. Modern connectivity includes HDMI, USB 3.0, WLAN, gigabit Ethernet, and HD audio.

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced G752, a powerful gaming laptop powered by a 6th-generation Intel Core i7 ('Skylake') processor and up to NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M discrete graphics. ROG G752 has an aggressive design and sports the new ROG Armor Titanium and Plasma Copper color scheme. It features the ROG-exclusive mobile 3D Vapor Chamber thermal system for more efficient cooling and increased stability, along with a backlit anti-ghosting gaming keyboard with 30-key rollover for precise input. ROG G752 can be upgraded to up to 64GB DDR4 RAM for faster, more energy-efficient performance.

ROG G752 has Windows 10 pre-installed and is powered by the latest 6th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, paired with discrete NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M graphics for superior gaming performance and sharp, detailed visuals. ROG G752 features support for the latest DDR4 memory, which is 30% more efficient and 20% faster than the previous-generation DDR3. The four DDR4 slots allow RAM to be upgraded to a maximum of 64GB.

AMD released Catalyst 15.10 Beta drivers. These drivers address issues with Star Wars: Battlefront Beta, and comes with quality and performance optimization for Ashes of the Singularity in DirectX 12 mode. It also addresses a rare crash that occurs when maximizing a minimized web-browser window with a YouTube 4K video playback in it. Issues with Cyberlink PowerDVD playback on 3D displays connected via HDMI are also addressed.DOWNLOAD: AMD Catalyst 15.10 Beta for Windows 10/8.1/7 64-bit | Windows 10/8.1/7 32-bit

Toshiba's Digital Products Division (DPD), a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today announced dynaPad, a unique Windows 10 tablet that reinvents pen and paper. The world's thinnest and lightest 12-inch Windows tablet, dynaPad measures just 6.9mm thin and weighs only 1.25 pounds2, enabling it to go anywhere. With an included high-precision pen input and optional ultra-thin keyboard dock, dynaPad is designed to encourage creativity and enhance productivity - the ultimate digital notebook.

"This tablet is designed to enable everyone to quickly capture information, effectively organize ideas and better express themselves," said Philip Osako, senior director of product marketing, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., Digital Products Division. "Combining an ultra-thin, pen-capable tablet with Toshiba's suite of productivity applications plus the versatility of Windows 10, we are closer to achieving the vision: truly personal computers that act as a complete medium for learning and expression."