The world of technology is constantly evolving, and sometimes those changes bring unexpected challenges. This week, we're diving into a few issues that are impacting gamers, PC enthusiasts, and even everyday Microsoft Word users. From Xbox controller glitches to AMD graphics card compatibility and handy Word tips, here's what you need to know.
Xbox Controller Chaos: Firmware Update Woes
If you're an Xbox gamer, you might have encountered some frustrating issues lately. A recent firmware update (version 5.23.5.0) for Microsoft's Xbox controllers is causing a host of problems. Gamers are reporting unintended thumbstick movements, sudden disconnections, and incorrect button triggering. Imagine trying to line up that perfect headshot only to have your character veer off course!
According to reports, the problems stem from a new feature for virtual gamepad deadzones that isn't working as intended. One Reddit user pinpointed the issue to a fault with the deadzones on the controller thumbsticks. Xbox support has confirmed the issue, stating that the thumbstick deadzones, which are supposed to activate shortly before returning to center position, are causing unintended movements.
So, what can you do if you're affected? Some users have attempted to reset the firmware on Xbox Elite Series 2 controllers, but this doesn't work for standard Xbox Series X/S controllers. The best course of action for most gamers is to wait for a bug fix patch from Microsoft. In the meantime, you might want to dust off an older controller or hold off on updating if you haven't already.
AMD's UEFI Requirement: A Windows 10 Dilemma
Speaking of upgrades and compatibility, AMD recently announced that its upcoming Radeon RX 9070 and 9070 XT graphics cards will require UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) instead of the older BIOS (Basic Input/Output System). This could present a hurdle for Windows 10 users who are still running older systems with BIOS-based motherboards.
While most modern PCs already use UEFI, a significant portion of Windows 10 users (over 40% of Steam users, according to some estimates) may face compatibility issues. UEFI is an upgrade to BIOS and is required for Windows 11's Secure Boot and other security features. As Microsoft phases out support for Windows 10, these types of hardware compatibility issues are likely to become more common.
While AMD hasn't explicitly stated that the new cards won't work on BIOS-based systems, they've indicated that support and performance won't be guaranteed. If you're a Windows 10 user planning to upgrade to one of these new AMD cards, you might want to consider upgrading your motherboard as well.
Microsoft Word: Mastering the Art of Document Comparison
Shifting gears slightly, let's move away from gaming hardware to something more universally applicable: Microsoft Word. Have you ever needed to compare two versions of a Word document to see what's changed? Word has built-in features that can make this process much easier.
Instead of manually scrutinizing each page, you can use the "Track Changes" feature. This will automatically highlight edits for you. In the Review ribbon, you can select "For All" or "Only Mine" to see the edits you want to focus on.
Alternatively, you can use the "Compare" function, also found in the Review ribbon. Select the original and revised documents, and Word will display the differences in a clear and organized manner. You can even choose to highlight specific types of changes, such as insertions and deletions. This is a great way to quickly identify key modifications between drafts.
These are just a few of the tech-related challenges and solutions making headlines this week. Stay tuned for more updates as the tech landscape continues to evolve!