Windows Insiders will be happy to see that GPU utilization is now being tracked in the task manager in the latest version of Windows 10 Preview Build (16226).

The GPU utilization graph is located under the “Performance” tab under task manager. It shows core utilization of different GPU workloads (3D, encoding, etc), GPU memory utilization, and driver version. The resource monitor includes a more detailed breakdown of individual GPU processes.

Keep in mind that you’ll have to be signed up with Windows Insider to get this update now or you’ll have to wait until Microsoft releases the next Windows update.

Read the full patch notes at [...]

Firefox version 54 finally adds multi-process support, bringing it in line with the modern browser process design.

Before version 54, Firefox had all of its tabs and extensions running on one process. When one tab stops working in the process tree, the problem could manifest other tabs or cause the whole session to shut down. In contrast, browsers like Google Chrome separates each tab into its own process which makes Chrome blazing fast and more stable, but it comes at the price of using more memory and resources than other browsers.

Recognizing the need for multi-process, but also recognizing the drawbacks of allowing unlimited processes to be created, Mozilla [...]

In a recent job posting, Blizzard subtly dropped hints indicating that it’s planning on working on remastered editions of several of its classics such as Diablo and Warcraft. The job listing states:

Classic Games is looking for a renaissance designer to harmonize that which was, with that which will be. Warcraft, StarCraft, and Diablo await your machinations. If you have the desire to rise to that challenge, we’d love to hear from you.

It’s unclear if Blizzard is simply looking for an extra hand to integrate its classic lineups into newer titles or if in fact they’re planning on full remasters of their classics, but considering they recently [...]

Last week, Microsoft held a major event in Shanghai, China where the big news of the day was the release of the new Surface Pro. However, that’s not all that was revealed. During the event, Microsoft also revealed that they’re releasing Windows 10 China Government Edition, a custom version of Windows 10 designed specifically for the Chinese government.

The new version of the Windows 10 operating system was designed after two years of cooperation between Microsoft and the Chinese government. Based on Windows 10 Enterprise Edition, the Windows 10 China Government Edition allows additional functionality such as the ability to use your own encryption, control [...]

A keylogging vulnerability has been discovered in HP laptop’s audio driver, says the independent Swiss security firm Modzero.

The security concern stems from the way the audio driver handles inputs from media control keys. The driver process, called MicTray64.exe, records when media keys are pressed and change settings accordingly.

This is harmless on its own, but the problem is that the driver also writes keystrokes to a text file called MicTray.log. If the file is obtained, the attacker can extract personal information such as passwords and credit card numbers.

The situation is made worse when the MicTray.log is not created or doesn’t exist. [...]

Google as finalized the acquisition of Owlchemy Labs, the studio responsible for the beloved Job Simulator.

The move is undoubted to expand Google’s focus on VR. With the release of Android 7 Nougat, Google released Daydream VR for Android phones. It’s also actively participating in the development of VR content for other platforms such as the HTC Vive. With the acquisition, Google is looking to leverage the small but experienced team of developers at Owlchemy Labs to further improve VR content.

In the Owlchemy Labs’ blog post, the team stated that the acquisition does not mean the end of content development for other platforms.

The [...]

Developers of popular transcoding tool, Handbrake, issued an urgent message on Saturday warning its users that one of its download servers have been compromised. The original installation file has been replaced with one that may be laced with a malware.

The notice is directed towards users who have downloaded Handbrake on Mac between May 2 and May 6. If you fall within the specified group, then there’s a 50% chance of having a malware installed on your Mac. The developers urge its users to verify the installation file’s checksum, a number generated to ensure the integrity of the file, before running it. For those who have already installed the program, [...]

Shortly after revealing Windows 10 S and the Surface Laptop, Microsoft is planning to “show the world what’s next”, this time in Shanghai.

The theme of this event is unclear. The barren teaser site starkly features an image of Shanghai city and #MicrosoftEvent banner.

Microsoft fans have their fingers crossed for an updated Surface Pro. Despite an excellent quarter, Microsoft saw a 26% dip in Surface revenue. A refresh on the Surface Pro 4 is desperately needed, and a new Surface Book can’t hurt either. Many are also  holding out on the possibility of a Surface Phone.

The event is just three weeks away, so more information should [...]

According to a recent Reddit post, Reddit user Khemist49 recently purchased a bunch of old Blizzard stuff off Ebay and came across an interesting disk labeled “STARCRAFT Gold Master Source Code”. Upon realizing the disk actually contained the gold master source code for the original StarCraft game, Khemist49 got in touch with Blizzard, and promptly sent the disk back to Blizzard where it was confirmed to be genuine, known to be missing and possibly stolen.

As StarCraft source code is a major trade secret for Blizzard, if the source code were leaked, this could have serious consequences especially as StarCraft has regained some popularity recently with [...]

Microsoft announced the Surface laptop and Windows 10 S during its #MicrosoftEDU conference today.

Windows 10 S is an overhauled version of Windows RT designed to compete against Google’s Chrome OS. All software for Windows 10 S must be downloaded via the Windows Store, meaning that 3rd party applications won’t be able to run unless they’re approved by Microsoft.

Are the flashbacks of Windows RT haunting you? Don’t be, Microsoft has enhanced Windows 10 S in several ways to avoid a repeat of the same mistake.

The biggest challenge for a single software distribution source is its ecosystem. During the [...]