Daniel Rubino
Daniel Rubino is the Editor-in-Chief of Windows Central. He has been writing about Microsoft since 2007 when the site first launched under WMExperts (and later Windows Phone Central). In 2010, he took over duties as editor-in-chief, moved to executive editor in 2020, and returned to editor-in-chief in 2022. In addition, he manages the staff, directs content, and is a YouTube personality, head reviewer, analyst, and podcast co-host. His interests include Windows, laptops, next-gen computing, and, for some reason, watches. He's been reviewing laptops since 2015 and is especially fond of 2-in-1 convertibles, ARM processors, new form factors, and thin-and-light PCs.
Before working on Windows Central, Daniel was a polysomnographer at Weill-Cornell Medical College and NY Presbyrtiaran in New York City, a movie theater projectionist for 17 years, Emergency Medical Technician in Connecticut, and was studying for a Ph.D. in linguistics in the neurology of language. In addition, he has studied at Sienna College, the University of Connecticut, Boston University, and the CUNY Graduate Center with political science and linguistics degrees.
Latest articles by Daniel Rubino
The Grid Studio ‘exploded’ Lumia 520 is a must-have for any hardcore Windows Phone fan
By Daniel Rubino published
So, you liked Windows Phone? Prove it by buying a mounted and framed Nokia Lumia 520 to hang on your wall!
Steam Deck Dbrand skin and screen protector review: Tricky to get on, but worth the effort
By Daniel Rubino published
If you want to spice up your Valve Steam Deck, you can’t go wrong with Dbrand. Just be warned that the skin is not the easiest to install. Luckily, the screen protector is flawless.
October 26, 2012 – The mega midnight launch of Microsoft Surface RT in New York City (Photos)
By Daniel Rubino last updated
In a rare celebration, Microsoft launched Surface RT to a massive crowd in New York City on October 26, 2012. Here are some photos from that night we took when we lined up to get one.
What’s the point of Surface? 10 years on
By Daniel Rubino last updated
Microsoft Surface has always been about pushing the boundaries and setting the bar for computing, and that hasn’t changed, although it has evolved.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2 review: Small enhancements make a big difference
By Daniel Rubino last updated
Little has changed with the Surface Laptop 2, but it's still a thrill to use.
Surface Studio 2 review: Smart upgrades make this the most desirable PC (a lot of) money can buy
By Daniel Rubino last updated
The Surface Studio 2 finally lives up to its promise with a powerful new GPU and faster storage.
HyperX debuts Cloud MIX Buds True Wireless with unique 2.4GHz and Bluetooth for gamers on-the-go
By Daniel Rubino published
New earbuds from HyperX set the bar for ultra-performance when gaming, thanks to their innovative 2.4GHz connectivity.
Dell announces all-new redesigned XPS 13 and XPS 13 2-in-1 premium laptop and folio PCs for 2022
By Daniel Rubino last updated
The XPS 13 (9315) and XPS 13 2-in-1 (9315) are Dell’s latest premium Intel-based laptops that offer an alternative to the super-futuristic XPS 13 Plus announced earlier this year.
Apple may be copying Microsoft’s Surface strategy (again) with rumored new 12- and 15-inch MacBooks
By Daniel Rubino published
The post-PC era is definitely not dead, and Apple is waking up to the fact. That also means bad news for Windows laptops if Apple convinces more people to switch.
Windows Notepad picks up ARM64 support, while Media Player can now sort songs and albums by date added
By Daniel Rubino published
Insiders are getting first dibs on updated inbox apps like Notepad, which now runs natively on ARM, and some new improvements to Media Player. Here are the details.
Surface Duo 2 picks up 3rd party messaging app support for Glance Bar, Slim Pen 2 enhancements, improved charging, and more
By Daniel Rubino last updated
A new update for Surface Duo 2 finally enables support for third-party messaging apps for the Glance Bar, adds many improvements for Slim Pen 2, improved device stability, and much more.
HP Spectre x360 16 review: With a UHD+ OLED display and RTX 3050, this laptop is one of a kind
By Daniel Rubino last updated
The laptop that does a bit of everything.
Microsoft's Head of HoloLens is resigning; Mixed Reality Hardware goes under Windows & Devices division while its future is unclear
By Daniel Rubino last updated
After repeated accusations of bad behavior, Alex Kipman is resigning, and the mixed reality hardware group will be under Panos Panay and the Windows & Devices team.
Surface Laptop Go 2 review: Faster, longer battery life, and now more affordable
By Daniel Rubino published
Microsoft iterates on the already great Surface Laptop Go 2, making it a better deal with substantially better performance for this charming little notebook.
Surface Laptop Go review: This delightful mini PC gets (almost) everything right
By Daniel Rubino last updated
The Surface Laptop Go is a smaller Surface Laptop, and it gets nearly everything right, making it an easy sell.
Microsoft claims Microsoft Teams for Windows 11 is now significantly faster due to improvements in the code
By Daniel Rubino published
The dev team behind Microsoft Teams has shared data showing the results over the last year to enhance performance in its popular collaboration app significantly.
ARM64 support arrives for Spotify in the latest beta for Windows 10 and 11
By Daniel Rubino published
For those running Windows on ARM, a native version of Spotify beta is now available.
Razer Barracuda X review: Multi-device gamers rejoice at this go-anywhere $99 headset
By Daniel Rubino last updated
Razer's new headphones are fabulous for multi-device people who want the same audio profile on their phone, PC, or Nintendo Switch. Just don't lose the dongle!
Razer announces new premium Barracuda Pro headphones with ANC, huge 50mm drivers, THX amplifier, and HyperSpeed Wireless
By Daniel Rubino published
For those who want active-noise cancelation, larger 50mm drivers, a THX amplifier, and options for 2.4GHz or Bluetooth 5.2, Razer’s new Barracuda Pro premium headphones are the ticket.
A new report calls out Alex Kipman and other Microsoft execs for 'verbal abuse and sexual harassment'
By Daniel Rubino published
In a new article from Insider, ‘golden boy’ executives at Microsoft are accused of bad behavior, with few repercussions.
First look: Panasonic’s new Toughbook 40 Windows 11 laptop is so rugged your floor is scared of it
By Daniel Rubino published
With eight modular xPAK bays, 11th Gen Intel, optional AMD graphics, and the ability to withstand a 6-foot drop, the new Toughbook 40 is as tough as they come.
Eight years ago, Microsoft released the era-defining Surface Pro 3
By Daniel Rubino last updated
Surface Pro 3 was announced on May 20, 2014, and could be considered the defining moment for the laptop-tablet series.
The most important piece of tech I ever owned was the Pocket PC
By Daniel Rubino last updated
Everyone has that moment in life where something changes everything. The year was 2002, and it was Dell's Axim X5 ― my first foray with Pocket PC.
Samsung jumped into foldables way too early — Microsoft's approach to Surface Duo is better
By Daniel Rubino last updated
Which is better displays that bend in half or just have dual-screens that behave as one? At least when it comes to cost and durability Microsoft's dual-screen approach is the better bet. Here's why.