You may need to wait several months for the latest Intel chips to be available in your preferred laptop brands.

      Preferred OEMs are receiving early access, while others will have to wait until mid-2026.

      If you're considering purchasing a gaming laptop with Intel's latest processors, the choice might not be as straightforward as selecting your preferred brand. According to a PCWorld report, Intel is introducing its new Core Ultra 200HX Plus processors in phases.

      This essentially indicates that some laptop manufacturers are gaining early access, while others may experience delays of several months. This situation can be somewhat inconvenient for consumers, as two laptops with seemingly comparable specifications may launch at very different times based on the brand.

      Why are certain laptops receiving the new chips sooner?

      The staggered rollout seems to relate to Intel's supply distribution strategy. The report mentions that laptops from brands like Lenovo (Legion 7i) and Razer (Blade 18) are among the first to be equipped with the new processors. Conversely, devices from companies such as Dell, MSI, Acer, and ASUS might not be available until the second or even third quarter of 2026.

      In summary, Intel appears to be favoring some OEM partners during the initial stages of the launch. Furthermore, Intel has indicated that Core Ultra 200HX Plus-equipped devices will launch "throughout the year," supporting the notion of a phased rollout rather than an all-at-once global launch. Interestingly, the recently announced ASUS TUF 2026 lineup does incorporate the new 200HX Plus series chips, although ASUS has yet to disclose pricing or availability.

      What does this imply for consumers?

      This situation extends beyond internal supply issues, as it directly affects what consumers can actually buy. If a consumer is loyal to a brand like ASUS or MSI, they may face delays of several months for a laptop featuring Intel's latest chips, while those with more flexibility may be able to acquire newer hardware sooner.

      It also complicates comparisons. Some laptops might appear superior simply because they launch earlier, even if comparable models are still forthcoming. Thus, timing becomes as crucial as specifications when selecting the right laptop.

      Varun is an experienced technology journalist and editor with over eight years in consumer tech media. His work spans…

      Google is preparing the Gemini AI app for Mac, featuring Desktop Intelligence.

      The forthcoming app may enable Gemini to interact directly with Mac applications for more personalized responses.

      Google is enhancing its AI offerings on desktop with a dedicated Gemini app for Mac currently in testing, which could introduce a significant new feature called Desktop Intelligence. As reported by Bloomberg, Google has begun private testing of an early version of the Gemini Mac app with selected users. This initiative is part of a broader effort to compete more effectively with desktop AI applications like ChatGPT and Claude, which already offer native Mac experiences.

      The existing version is still in its early stages and lacks some anticipated features, but testing indicates that Google aims for a near-future release. Currently, Mac users primarily access Gemini via the web, so a dedicated app could greatly improve the user experience.

      Here’s your chance to earn $800 daily by working as an AI bully.

      If you've ever expressed frustration at an AI chatbot for not remembering something you just said, you might be the perfect candidate for this job. A startup named Memvid is offering $800 for one day of work, where your sole responsibility is to criticize AI. Yes, as a profession.

      The role is as unpredictable as it sounds. You will spend 8 hours engaging with chatbots, prompting them to remember information, observing their failures, and then continuing to ask questions. Your task is to document every annoying loop and detail of what the AI forgets.

      Microsoft PowerToys update introduces three key enhancements for your Windows PC.

      PowerToys 0.98 has been launched with improvements including a smarter Keyboard Manager, a pinnable Command Palette Dock, and an enhanced CursorWrap experience for users with multiple monitors.

      Microsoft has released PowerToys v0.98.0, a significant update to the widely-used Windows productivity toolkit. This update features a revamped Keyboard Manager, a new Command Palette Dock, and a notably improved CursorWrap functionality for those utilizing multiple monitor setups.