Intel’s Arrow Lake-S desktop processors just got better inside your PC, without you doing anything, all thanks to OTA (over-the-air) software updates.

These Arrow Lake processors, launched last year as the Core Ultra 200S series, received a muted response at release. However, new testing indicates that performance has improved substantially since then. According to benchmarks published by Phoronix, the flagship Core Ultra 9 285K now runs about 9% faster on average under Linux compared with its launch results. It achieves these gains while using 15% less power.

In simpler terms, your Arrow Lake PC will get slightly better at gaming and many other tasks, automatically. These improvements come entirely from software updates, including microcode refinements, kernel tuning, and compiler optimizations that have allowed the hardware to perform as originally intended.

Why the Gains Matter

Arrow Lake’s launch was marked by inconsistent performance and efficiency that fell short of expectations. The new data shows how much software can influence hardware behavior, reinforcing that significant gains do not always require new components.

Intel is also addressing performance on Windows systems. The company has released an “Application Performance Optimizations” (APO) tool that adjusts CPU power distribution in real time. Early testing shows up to a 14% increase in frame rates in some games. If Windows updates continue to align with Linux improvements, Arrow Lake owners may see similar benefits across both platforms.

Why Should You Care?

Users who already bought Arrow Lake processors effectively gain a free upgrade simply by keeping drivers and software updated. For those who avoided the platform due to early reviews, the improved stability and efficiency may change its appeal as the platform continues to mature.

The European Union issued a €120 million fine (about $140 million) against X on Friday for violating the Digital Services Act. Elon Musk’s social media platform was found to be using its popular blue tick verification deceptively.

It marks the first time a company has been penalized under the law. Elon Musk responded on X with a one-word post: “Bullshit.”

The dispute intensified a day later when Nikita Bier, X’s head of product, accused the European Commission of exploiting an internal posting format to boost reach for its announcement about the fine.

Bier claimed the Commission used a format reserved for advertisements, despite not using its ad account since 2021. He also alleged the Commission published “a link that deceives users into thinking it’s a video and to artificially increase its reach.” The post in question does contain a video.

In response, X disabled the European Commission’s ad account. The move is unlikely to have a meaningful impact, as the Commission reportedly has not used the account in years.

Regardless of the platform dispute, X remains responsible for the €120 million penalty unless it succeeds on appeal. The company must also present a plan within the next 60 days addressing the “deceptive” use of verified checkmarks or risk additional sanctions.

The European Commission has been contacted for comment by The Verge.

Wateen Telecom has strengthened its partnership with Beaconhouse Group, Pakistan’s largest network of private educational institutions, to enhance managed internet services over SD-WAN and fortify the digital learning infrastructure across the school network.

The agreement was signed by Mr. Ali Ahmad Khan, Chief Operating Officer, Beaconhouse, and Mr. Adil Rashid, CEO, Wateen Telecom.

The signing ceremony was attended by senior representatives from both organizations.

This collaboration builds on a longstanding foundation that reflects a shared commitment to enabling future-ready learning environments powered by secure, scalable, and reliable connectivity – pioneering the future of digital education in Beaconhouse schools across Pakistan.

The upgraded SD-WAN and Wi-Fi infrastructure will enhance classroom connectivity, support high-density usage, and create a more seamless experience for students accessing digital tools, cloud-based apps, and online learning resources.

This initiative reflects Wateen’s ongoing focus on strengthening Pakistan’s digital education landscape, enabling schools to deliver richer, more reliable learning experiences through modern, high-performance connectivity.