Amazon warns Surface Laptop 7 shoppers as Mojang unveils massive visual update to Minecraft and Microsoft leaks a potential new feature for the Xbox app on Windows 11

Over the past week, Microsoft remained rather subdued on the news scene, yet there was a significant surge of news within the Windows and Xbox spheres as temperatures skyrocketed in the northern regions.

Last week, Amazon included a cautionary notice on the product page of the Surface Laptop 7, Mojang revealed a significant graphical overhaul for Minecraft, and HP disclosed details about 25 new devices.

Surface Laptop 7 returns

Amazon currently displays a message to potential buyers of the Surface Laptop 7, informing them that this product is often returned by customers.

The advice suggests that potential buyers should look into the details about the device or product, including customer feedback and ratings, prior to finalizing their purchase.

It’s worth noting that Amazon doesn’t provide a detailed explanation for the frequent returns of the Surface Laptop 7. The reasons might range from customers not being satisfied with the product, to potential hardware issues.

Regardless if the causes are trivial or stem from individual tastes, it’s not appealing for Microsoft or the Surface line that the Surface Laptop 7 is being consistently returned. As a premier product, the Surface Laptop 7 shouldn’t require frequent returns.

The Surface Laptop 7 garnered favorable opinions from technology reviewers and boasts a favorable rating on Amazon. However, the cautionary notice on its product page is concerning – more specifically, it’s the yellow warning box that catches the eye.

Minecraft “Vibrant Visual” update

Over the course of the recent Minecraft Live event, it was revealed that we can anticipate a significant upgrade to the game’s aesthetics. One of the intriguing highlights from the showcase was the unveiling of the “Vibrant Visuals” enhancement.

For fans who appreciate the timeless aesthetic of Minecraft, there’s no cause for concern regarding the introduction of Vibrant Visuals. Rest assured that the gameplay mechanics and core systems will stay unchanged.

The update isn’t really a major renovation, but rather a fresh layer of paint on the existing design. The distinctive cubic style of Minecraft will endure for quite some time.

In essence, the Vibrant Visuals update enhances textures, lighting effects such as directional light, volume-based fog, among other aspects. The changes are most noticeable in terms of lighting, shadows, and reflections.

The upcoming months will see Vibrant Visuals being delivered for Minecraft: Bedrock Edition. As for the Java Edition, it’s expected to get this update at a later time.

I’m hoping that the new update featuring Vibrant Visuals gets implemented in Minecraft. With past visual updates facing delays and cancellations, there’s a bit of cautious optimism surrounding this upcoming announcement.

Leaked Xbox/Steam integration

Microsoft is actively enhancing the Xbox application on Windows 11, focusing on optimizing the gaming experience for computers with less screen space. Previously, we introduced the compact mode of Xbox Game Bar and a user-friendly on-screen keyboard designed for use with a gamepad.

It seems that Microsoft could potentially develop a Steam-like filter for the Xbox app’s game library. This functionality was hinted at in a Microsoft blog post, though it was later taken down.

Based on the removed illustration, we don’t have much information regarding the possible Steam filter update. This ambiguity leaves room for interpretation: it might imply a significant revamp of the game library within the Xbox app on PC, or simply be speculative enthusiasm.

HP announces dozens of PCs

25 new devices, including laptops, all-in-one desktop computers, compact PCs, and gaming laptops, were unveiled by HP at their Amplify conference this week.

Instead of going through every device myself, I’ll let you check out Rebecca Spear’s comprehensive review! She covered the EliteStudio 8 AiO G1i, OmniBook 7 Aero 13, and all the upcoming HP devices in her recap from the Amplify conference.

The EliteStudio 8 AiO G1i could be the standout device from the event, but this largely depends on personal preference and how you utilize your computer. Our Editor-in-Chief Daniel Rubino has already had a sneak peek at the EliteStudio 8 AiO G1i and admits that he wishes he had such a PC during his college days.

Windows Central Podcast

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2025-03-23 21:40