The MacBook Neo is taking on the role of a Windows gaming device, and it’s performing admirably.

      With Parallels Desktop and 5GB of dedicated RAM, the MacBook Neo achieved Windows gaming performance that its budget-friendly design didn't seem to support.

      Apple has not marketed its least expensive MacBook as a gaming device. The MacBook Neo, an affordable laptop powered by Apple's A18 Pro chip—identical to the one in the iPhone 16 Pro—was tested for gaming on Windows 11 by YouTuber ETA Prime.

      The results proved to be surprisingly impressive. Utilizing Parallels Desktop, a paid virtualization app with 3D hardware acceleration, the channel ran Windows 11 ARM directly using the Neo’s 8GB of RAM, allocating 5GB to the virtual setup, and it performed better than most would expect.

      Which games performed well?

      Dirt 3 achieved 75 fps at 1200p on high settings, while Portal 2 exceeded 100 fps on medium settings. Skyrim maintained roughly 60 fps at 1200p resolution with medium graphics settings, and Marvel Cosmic Invasion averaged around 60 fps at the highest resolution.

      Performance was enhanced as games were executed as native Windows-on-ARM applications. However, GTA V faced significant issues, with frame rates on Parallels being unplayable. Nonetheless, according to Notebookcheck, the game runs sufficiently through Crossover.

      What significance does this have for everyday MacBook Neo users?

      For those who use their Mac for work but also enjoy playing Windows-exclusive games, the MacBook Neo's capability to run native titles through the Parallels app is encouraging. The cost? Parallels Desktop’s Standard version is $99.99 annually, potentially adding to weekend gaming enjoyment.

      Ultimately, the key takeaway is that the MacBook Neo, despite having just 8GB of RAM (which was noted as a limitation in the video), is capable of running low-to-mid-range Windows games. This challenges the perception that budget Apple hardware is solely for productivity tasks.

      As virtualization technology continues to evolve and Apple includes more RAM in future MacBook Neo models, it may redefine what "budget" means for Apple consumers, further closing the gap between MacBook and Windows laptops.

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      For over five years, Shikhar has consistently simplified developments in consumer technology and presented them in an understandable way.

      Claude has just made its debut in Microsoft Word, and it truly appears to be an enhancement for document tasks.

      Anthropic's Claude can now review, edit, and even debate your Word documents, saving you the effort.

      After launching its Claude extension for Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, Anthropic has now introduced Claude for Microsoft Word, showcasing genuinely impressive capabilities. Anthropic states that it is "designed for professionals who frequently work with documents, especially in legal reviews, financial memo drafting, and iterative editing."

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      From Microsoft to “microslop”: The AI backlash that led to a reassessment.

      How Microsoft transitioned from aggressively integrating AI into everything to quietly refining its approach.

      At some point in 2025, Windows shifted from a functioning operating system to resembling a demonstration for AI. Opening Notepad to jot down notes revealed prompts encouraging summarization. When using Edge, Copilot would greet users from the sidebar. Even applications like Microsoft Paint felt altered, not due to simplification, but because they suddenly aimed to generate, edit, and enhance images for users. Microsoft wasn't merely incorporating AI; it wove it into every aspect of the experience. Initially, this felt invigorating but eventually became overwhelming.

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      The smart home was intended to be open, yet it is evolving into a toll booth.

      Beneath the promise of seamless convenience lies a quieter power grab over discovery, access, and control within the connected home.

      I grew up believing that purchasing a product meant receiving the product itself. A laptop came with its inherent features. A car was associated with its hardware. A printer was still a hassle, but at least it was a one-time issue.

      I noticed a change when my subscriptions transitioned from mostly media to attaching themselves to tangible items. Paying monthly for movies, music, or cloud storage was one thing; however, witnessing the same concept spread to gadgets, vehicles, fitness equipment, and smart home devices—each already carrying a price tag—was another entirely.