Minecraft Windows 10 Edition Beta gives the game an Oculus Rift-friendly VR makeover
Last year, Microsoft announced that a virtual reality version of Minecraft was in the works. Today Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta gains VR support, as Microsoft works with the Oculus Rift team to produce a more immersive version of the game.
In terms of controlling the VR version of Minecraft, you have the option of using a keyboard and mouse, or sticking with your trusty Xbox One controller. There are also a host of new VR-specific options to work with.
Xbox Summer Update is rolling out bringing closer Windows 10 integration
It's another couple of days until Windows 10 Anniversary Update rolls out to users, but Xbox One users now have something very exciting to download -- the Xbox Summer Update. Previously available as a preview, the latest system update sees the arrival of Cortana, background music and much more.
Major Nelson has announced that the rollout of the update starts this weekend, but there is no guarantee of when it will arrive on your Xbox One. If you're the impatient kind, you'll be pleased to hear that you can force the update to download and install it straight away!
Prior to Windows 10 Anniversary Update, Microsoft slashes Surface Pro 4 and Xbox One prices
The Windows 10 Anniversary Update is on the horizon, and many fans of Microsoft's desktop operating system are excited. It's not hard to see why -- this is the best version of Windows ever, and it's about to get better at no extra charge.
Prior to the much-anticipated update, however, Microsoft is slashing prices on two of its most popular Windows 10 devices -- the Surface Pro 4 and Xbox One. While not all models are getting the discount, budget hunters should be excited.
Microsoft's smaller Xbox One S launches August 2
It has been a few weeks since we learned about the slimmer Xbox One S, and now we know when eager gamers can get their hands on the new console. August 2 is the big date which also sees the launch of Windows 10 Anniversary Update.
As well as being smaller, the Xbox One S also features a built-in power supply (bye bye, power brick!), up to 2TB of storage, and support for 4K Ultra HD with High Dynamic Range (HDR). The newly announced launch date is not just the date the console hits retail stores in many regions, it is the date those who have pre-ordered should receive their Xbox One S. In all, three versions of the console are available.
Microsoft's back to school deal helps students save $300 on Surface and Xbox One bundle
Microsoft today introduces a pretty sweet back to school deal, giving students the option to save $300 with the purchase of a Surface device and an Xbox One console. Part of the bundle are three free extras, one of which is a wireless controller.
The promo is valid for all configurations of the Surface Book and Surface Pro 4, and starts at just $878. For the money, students get the base Surface Pro 4 and a 500GB Xbox One game bundle. The two devices are normally available to students for $809.10 and $279, respectively, when purchased separately.
Respawn and Electronic Arts reveal Titanfall 2 release date for Xbox One, PC, and PlayStation 4
While E3 2016 doesn't officially begin until June 14th, gaming news is starting to come fast and furiously. For example, the new Xbox One S console has leaked prematurely; I am sure Microsoft is not happy about this.
Electronic Arts and Respawn on the other hand, have chosen to intentionally release information early regarding one of its fan-favorite franchises. Titanfall 2, the sequel to the wildly popular shooter, will be coming to Xbox One and PC this year. The title will also come to PlayStation 4; this is significant, as the original did not come to Sony's console. Curious of the release date? Read on for more info!
New slim Xbox One S boasts 4K support, 2TB HDD and a vertical stand
Rumors have been circulating for some time about the arrival of a new Xbox One console, and now an image of the new model has leaked out. Known as the Xbox One S, the updated console is not just slimmer than the current Xbox One, but also boasts additional features.
Widely expected to be announced at the E3 expo which kicks off on Tuesday, Microsoft describes the Xbox One S as 'sleeker, slimmer, sharper'. At the moment no details of pricing or launch date are known, but the leak does gives up interesting titbits.
Is Microsoft bringing Xbox One game streaming to Windows 10 Mobile?
If a discovery by a reddit user is anything to go by, Xbox One game streaming could be making its way to Windows 10 Mobile. The Xbox Beta app from the latest Fast Ring Insider Preview build appears to include references to streaming games from an Xbox One to a mobile device.
Reddit user, eric5949, noticed that a new 'Play from console' option has appeared on his handset. Microsoft has not said anything about this feature yet, but it's possible that it's something we could see later in the year in Windows 10 Anniversary Update.
Microsoft pulls the plug on Project Spark
Out of the blue, Microsoft has announced that Project Spark is closing down. The Xbox One experiment which made it possible for just about anyone to create and publish games is to be killed off "after much consideration".
The service will be completely offline by 12 August meaning that after this date it will no longer be possible to upload or download content. Microsoft stopped development of Project Spark last year, but users had hoped that it would just be left to its own devices; this sunset announcement means that this is no longer the case.
Weak Lumia sales prove Microsoft should put an end to Windows 10 Mobile
It is hard to take Windows 10 Mobile seriously when Microsoft announces sales of just 2.3 million Lumias in a whole quarter. If you ever thought that the platform can actually be competitive in today's market, now is the time to wake up. This year, smartphones sales are expected to reach 1.5 billion units. If Microsoft manages to move 10 million Lumias in 2016, Windows 10 Mobile's market share would likely be around the one percent mark.
Microsoft is not the only Windows Phone/Windows 10 Mobile vendor, but it is the largest by far. It sells about 90 percent of the smartphones running the tiled operating system, so its performance has a major impact on the platform's popularity.
Win a free Xbox One and custom controller from Microsoft in the comfort of your PJs
The Xbox One is a marvelous game console and media player. In my living room, it has replaced both my Roku and Blu-ray player, lessening the number of unsightly wires. Best of all, of course, are the high-quality games, providing many hours of entertainment.
Understandably, not everyone can afford such a costly piece of tech. If this game console is not in your budget, I have some good news; Microsoft is giving one away at Pax East 2016. As an added bonus, the company is including a custom controller. Don't worry, if you aren't going to Pax, you can participate from home in your pajamas -- aka PJs -- too.
Thrustmaster announces TMX Force Feedback racing wheel for Xbox One and Windows 10
Illegal street racing is totally dangerous. Quite frankly, not only can you injure or kill yourself, but even worse, you can impact innocent pedestrians. Luckily, if you have the need for speed, video games can give you your racing fix in a safe environment.
Today, Thrustmaster announces the TMX Force Feedback racing wheel for Xbox One and Windows 10 (plus Vista, 7, and 8x). For under $200, you can take your games to the next level with a feedback-focused racing wheel.
Is Microsoft considering launching a digital market for second hand Xbox One games?
The gradual move from physical media to digital downloads has taken its toll on one section of the video games business -- the second hand market. The idea of selling back a digital copy of a game may seem as strange as the idea of selling an MP3 you no longer listen to, but it could be something that Microsoft is considering.
In a survey apparently being shown to Xbox gamers, Microsoft asks whether they would be interested in the idea of selling back their digital purchases. Presented in the way it is -- it's suggested that games could be bought back for 10 percent of their original price -- it may not seem like a great deal, but it's interesting to see that Microsoft is thinking about testing the water in this area.
DVR capabilities are on their way to Xbox One
Although the Xbox One is undoubtedly a games console at heart, Microsoft wants it to be so much more. It's part of the reason for the blurring of boundaries between Windows 10 on the desktop and the Xbox One's version of the operating system, and there are already a number of media center features to be found. But things are on the verge of improving. A lot.
It's one thing to be able to watch OTA TV broadcasts on your console, but we've all become used to the notion of time-shifted viewing. DVR functionality -- the ability to pause and record shows as they are broadcast -- has been promised for some time, and now it's undergoing internal testing at Microsoft, strongly suggesting that a public release is not too far away.
Cross-platform support means Xbox One gamers will be able to play PS4 opponents
Microsoft has announced that cross-network play is coming to Xbox One. This means that as well as being able to play against other Xbox One owners and those running Windows 10, gamers will also be able to play against people who are using a PlayStation 4.
This is the announcement that Xbox Live subscribers have been waiting for, and it's something that gamers have been begging for for years. It's not something that's going to happen overnight however. Microsoft may have got the ball rolling, but it's going to need support from Sony as well as game developers -- although it's hard to imagine that they won't give it.
Recent Headlines
Most Commented Stories
Betanews Is Growing Alongside You
Only a fool still uses Windows 7
© 1998-2025 BetaNews, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy - Cookie Policy.