Microsoft is raising US Xbox console prices yet again
Microsoft has announced that the price of Xbox Series S and Series X consoles is due to increase next month. This is the second time this year that the company has raised prices and the jump from the initial launch prices are quite extreme.
A 512GB Xbox Series S console is now a massive 25 percent more expensive than when it first went on sale – up from $300 in 2020, through $380 earlier this year, up to $400. For now, the price changes on impact the US.
Microsoft brings AI to the Game Bar with Gaming Copilot
It seems that nothing is immune to being injected with AI – certainly not if Microsoft is involved. Now the company is bringing Gaming Copilot to the Game Bar.
Currently in beta testing, Gaming Copilot is now available in Game Bar for Windows PC for Xbox Insiders enrolled in the PC Gaming Preview. The arrival of Copilot in another Microsoft tool is far from being surprising, but just what does this mean for gamers?
Microsoft tests unifying gaming libraries across devices
Microsoft has new options for gamers signed up to the Xbox Insider program looking for more from their gaming libraries. In addition to a cross-device play history that can be accessed from Windows and Xbox, there is also a significant update to the Xbox PC app.
Following an earlier library update, Microsoft says that it remains committed to making it “the go-to destination for your games” by adding cloud-playable console titles to the Xbox PC app.
Microsoft is no longer selling or renting movies and TV content
Out of the blue, Microsoft has killed off its digital storefront for movies and TV shows. The sudden change means that the Microsoft Store can no longer be used to buy or rent this type of content on Windows or Xbox.
There has been no big announcement about the decision to stop offering such content, but a support document makes Microsoft’s decision clear. The company stresses that anything that has been paid for will remain accessible.
Microsoft accounts now have a sleek new sign in experience with a dark mode option
The next time you sign into your Microsoft account you may well be greeted by a new look. Microsoft has started the roll out of what it is calling a “new sign in experience” as the company uses its Fluent 2 design language to revamp the UI and UX. For better or worse, this is an attempt to create an “unmistakably Microsoft” look and feel.
The changes affect users of Windows, Xbox, Microsoft 365, and more, and Microsoft predicts that the majority of users will see the new look by the end of April. As part of the redesign, users are being given more choice; there is now a dark mode option.
Microsoft launches modular Proteus Controller to make PC and Xbox gaming more accessible
Microsoft has teamed up with Byowave to produce a highly customizable, modular controller designed for those who find traditional gamepad-style controllers difficult or impossible to use.
The announcement coincides with Global Accessibility Awareness Day, which falls on the third Thursday of May each year. Comprising cube-like modules and interchangeable faceplates that allow for dozens of configurations, the Proteus Controller lets users create a completely personalized gaming experience.
Microsoft unveils Porsche 75th Anniversary Collection of Xbox Series X gaming consoles
Porsche is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, and so the car-maker has partnered with Microsoft to create something truly special. Together, the companies have unveiled a limited collection of custom Xbox Series X consoles and Xbox Wireless Controllers inspired by six iconic Porsche motorsport cars. Sadly, these exclusive gaming systems won't be available for purchase. However, fans have the chance to win them through a sweepstakes.
The partnership between Porsche and Microsoft's Turn 10 Studios dates back to 2005, and it has brought co-branded elements to the popular Forza franchise. From the original Forza Motorsport to the latest release, Forza Horizon 5, Porsche vehicles have consistently been an integral part of the racing experience. This collaboration has allowed fans to enjoy the thrill of driving a Porsche in the virtual world -- without actually buying one of the expensive vehicles.
Microsoft launches new Xbox and brings PC Game Pass titles to NVIDIA GeForce NOW
In a series of announcements at Xbox Games Showcase 2023, Microsoft has revealed that Game Pass subscribers will soon be able to stream select PC games through NVIDIA GeForce NOW. This means that a library -- albeit a limited one -- of PC games will be playable on low spec PCs, Macs, Chromebooks, mobile devices, TVs and more.
The company also announced a new Xbox console -- the Xbox Series S 1TB in Carbon Black. Priced at $350, the gaming system will be available later this year.
Microsoft Minecraft comes to Chromebooks
Chromebooks are only for business and general use computing, right? I mean, you can't do gaming on a Chromebook, right? Actually, these days, you absolutely can play some video games on Google's ChromeOS laptops. Case in point, today, the search giant announces that one of the most popular games of all time, Minecraft, is now officially available for Chromebooks!
Users can now purchase Minecraft: Bedrock Edition directly from the Google Play Store on their Chromebooks. This version includes access to the Minecraft Marketplace, where players can explore and acquire unique content, as well as the ability to join Realms and play with friends.
Microsoft delivers game-changing updates to The Sims 4 on Xbox
Ladies and gentlemen, gather 'round! Microsoft has heard your cries, your pleas, and your heartfelt desires for a better Sims 4 experience on Xbox. And boy, oh boy, have they delivered! After diligently collecting feedback from all you passionate Simmers out there, they have worked their magic and unleashed a wave of updates that will make your virtual lives more thrilling than ever before. Brace yourselves for a journey of button-smashing delight and gaming glory. Let's dive right in and explore the marvelous changes that await us!
First up, the bumper buttons. Oh, how they used to confuse us with their ever-changing functions depending on the game mode. In Create a Sim (CAS), they would whisk us away from one Sim to another, while in Live Mode, they would warp time itself. But fear not, for Microsoft has answered your prayers. They have aligned the stars, straightened the planets, and unified the bumper buttons across CAS and Live Mode. Now, with a simple press, you can seamlessly switch between Sims in both modes. And what about adjusting game speed in Live Mode, you ask? Well, hold on tight, because the triggers have taken on the responsibility of time manipulation. The power is in your hands!
Microsoft brings PC Game Pass to 40 additional countries
Microsoft may be an American company, but make no mistake, the Windows-maker will happily accept money from consumers in any country. And so, today, Microsoft announces its popular PC Game Pass service is expanding to 40 new countries, opening up the platform to millions of additional gamers around the world.
The service will now be available in new countries including Albania, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Guatemala, Iceland, Kuwait, Latvia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Malta, Oman, Panama, Peru, Qatar, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Tunisia, Ukraine, and more.
Microsoft is rolling out an energy-saving software update to Xbox consoles
Anyone with an Xbox Series X or S can expect to see a software update from Microsoft in the near future that will change the way their console uses energy-saving power modes.
The company has announced that it is rolling out an update that should dramatically reduce power consumption when an Xbox is not in use. The update will switch consoles to using Shutdown (energy saving) mode, which Microsoft says can cut power usage by up to 20 times.
Microsoft releases Windows 11 Build 22616 with a new feature -- Controller Bar
Today, Microsoft rolls out a new Windows 11 build to Insiders on the Dev and Beta Channels. This flight includes a few changes and fixes, including sorting a problem with the 'Show hidden icons' flyout in the system tray.
The big new addition in Build 22616 though is the new 'controller bar' aimed at Windows gamers with an Xbox controller.
Microsoft is preparing to hit Xbox users with in-game ads: report
Over the years, Microsoft has found a variety of ways to bombard its customers with ads. As well as using Windows 11 to promote its own Edge web browser, the company has also used the Start menu to "recommend" apps to people.
And now it seems as though Xbox gamers are next. A new report says that Microsoft is working on a program that will display third-party ads in Xbox games. So, what is going on, and is it as bad as it sounds?
Microsoft's furry Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Xbox controllers are magnets for stains, foul odors, and other grossness
Microsoft unveiled the newest Xbox controller today and it is both disgusting and disturbing. As part of a promotion for the upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog movie sequel, a furry/hairy controller was created in two colors -- red and blue. The colors represent Sonic (blue, duh) and Knuckles (red).
While the controllers look... interesting, they are sure to be very gross. Many gamers eat food while gaming, so you can only imagine all the Doritos and Cheetos dust that will get stuck in the fur. Not to mention, during long gaming sessions, your hands will sweat and cause the controller to get wet and smelly. Hell, this new controller could end up being ground zero for a future pandemic. Gross!
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