Tag: Series

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The Verge

Microsoft is pausing Xbox Design Lab on October 14th, before you get to unwrap your Series X

If you are planning to design your very own Xbox controller ahead of the Xbox Series X and S launch on November 10th, you might want to act fast. Microsoft is temporarily shutting down its Xbox Design Lab on October 14th. Announced back in 2016, Xbox Design Lab brings a lot of flexibility and personal flair to the Xbox One controller. For $80, you have access to over 40 different color options for the various parts of the controller, adding up to over a million different combinations in total. A couple years ago, I designed one for a close friend and was amazed how much customization I could do; it didn’t feel like I was just creating another color variant, but a truly unique personalized product. My friend loved it, telling me they thought I’d bought a rare controller online. But starting October 14th until sometime in 2021, Microsoft says the service will be “offline temporarily so that we can bring you some updates.” The company didn’t say why or exactly when in 2021 the service will be back online, but it’s likely that Microsoft is preparing to expand the service to include customization features for the new Xbox controller. Unlike the PS5’s DualSense controller, which strays away from the design of the DualShock series in terms of design and color scheme, the new Xbox Series X and S controller has a pretty familiar design. Microsoft says the controller’s “size and shape have been refined to accommodate an even wider…Continue readingMicrosoft is pausing Xbox Design Lab on October 14th, before you get to unwrap your Series X

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Tech Radar

Here’s how to pre-order an extra Xbox Series X controller

Xbox Series X pre-orders are now live, allowing Xbox fans to ensure they’ve lined up their next-gen console ahead of its release on November 10. But it’s worth noting that the standard Xbox Series X (and Xbox Series S) only comes with one Xbox Wireless Controller bundled in.  If you’re someone who enjoys a bit of couch co-op with your friends, then you’re going to want to pre-order an extra controller to ensure that you and your friends can team up from launch day. It’s true that the Xbox One controller will work on the Xbox Series X/S, but the new Xbox Series X controller (or Xbox Wireless controller) boasts lower latency, better connectivity, a new D-pad and a dedicated share button. What’s more, it’s compatible with Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Windows 10 PC, iOS, and Android. In addition, an emphasis on accessibility means the controller features a “more-inclusive, ergonomic design” as well as a textured grip on the bumpers, triggers, and back. The Xbox Wireless controller costs £54.99 / $59.99. Considering that’s the same RRP as a current Xbox One controller – but with better performance – we think that’s pretty good value. The icing on the cake is that you get a choice of colors: black, blue, or white. Check it out below: UK Xbox Wireless Controller | Available in Black, Blue or White | £54.99 at MicrosoftYou can pre-order the Xbox Wireless controller from the Microsoft Store for £54.99. The controllers come in Carbon Black, Shock…Continue readingHere’s how to pre-order an extra Xbox Series X controller

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Tech Radar

Xbox Series S pre-orders live now: where to buy the cheap Xbox

Xbox Series S pre-orders are live, and while we’ve seen stock dipping in the US over the last hour, Best Buy has just released its next wave of consoles. That means you’ll find Xbox Series S pre-orders back on the market right now but you’ll have to be quick to grab your console. We’ve seen stock run out in minutes over the course of launch day, with the first wave of Xbox Series S pre-orders only holding on in a few retailers. If you’re out of luck now, you can check out more retailers to browse on your hunt for Xbox One S pre-order stock just below.  Over in the UK, however, stock seems to be holding up well. Retailers like Very and AO currently have Xbox Series S pre-orders available, but we don’t know when this luck will run out so don’t delay too long. We’re showing you everything you need to know about securing your Xbox Series S pre-order today. You’ll find quick links to retailers offering early orders just below, with more information on previous stock levels further down the page.  There’s plenty drawing the crowds to the cheaper Xbox today. Xbox Series X pre-orders cost an extra $200, and the super cheap Series S is uniquely positioned to appeal to a wide range of shoppers. We’re rounding up everything you need to know about Xbox Series S pre-orders right here, as well as going into more detail on exactly what you get for your cash in…Continue readingXbox Series S pre-orders live now: where to buy the cheap Xbox

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Engadget

The Apple Watch Series 6 is already discounted at Amazon

Buy Series 6 (44mm gold) at Amazon – $415 Buy Series 6 (44mm silver) at Amazon – $415 Buy Watch SE (GPS + Cellular 40mm) at Amazon – $320 There are two things to keep in mind with these discounts. First, not every model is on sale, so make sure to check the pricing of the specific one you want before adding it to your cart. Second, many Series 6 and SE models will take a couple of weeks to ship due to high demand. However, you can place your order now to lock in the lower price and simply wait a while to get your new smartwatch. We have yet to fully review the $399 Apple Watch Series 6 and the $279 Apple Watch SE, but both made good first impressions. The former is Apple’s new top-of-the-line wearable, featuring all of the perks that the Series 5 had in addition to an updated processor, a blood oxygen sensor, an always-on altimeter and a number of new features introduced in watchOS 7. The Apple Watch SE is an entirely new device that sacrifices a few hardware perks — namely an always-on display, blood oxygen sensor and ECG abilities — for the sake of a lower price tag. All new Apple Watches come with a three-month free trial of Fitness Plus, Apple’s new exercise subscription service that’s slated to debut before the end of the year. If you want to be truly safe, you can wait for our full reviews before…Continue readingThe Apple Watch Series 6 is already discounted at Amazon

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Mashable

These are the TVs to buy to make the most of PS5 and Xbox Series X

New Xbox and PlayStation consoles are almost here, which means you might need two things: To learn terms like “8K” and “120Hz,” and to eventually buy a new TV. If you refresh enough retailer websites, you might be able to nab a pre-order for the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series S and X. Sony’s machine launches on Nov. 12, while Microsoft is getting a head start on Nov. 10. Both consoles bring more graphical horsepower than their predecessors, but that means you might also need to upgrade your TV to get the most out of them.  It can be a little confusing to figure out exactly what these consoles can do and what you might need to accommodate them. Allow us to explain. What do 8K, 120Hz, and all those other terms mean for me? TVs have gotten wild. Image: Wu Xiaoling / Xinhua via Getty Images Video games are fun, but nothing is more fun than screen resolutions. Actually, maybe a lot of other things are, but this is still important to know if you want a PS5 or Series X. There are four different screen resolutions that will come into play: 1080p: This is probably the max resolution your current TV outputs, unless it’s either really old or really new. The high watermark of the “HD” era, 1080p is shorthand for 1920 pixels wide by 1080 pixels high. Supported by all modern consoles. 1440p: A sort of half-step resolution that measures 2560×1440 on a regular display. Supported…Continue readingThese are the TVs to buy to make the most of PS5 and Xbox Series X

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Tech Radar

Pre-orders for Xbox Series X and Series S South Africa: retailers, pricing

After much hype and build-up, the Xbox Series X and Series S are available for pre-order in South Africa.  The Series X is Microsoft’s most powerful console while the Series S is the smallest, most affordable, offered by the company.  South Africans are joining 37 other countries which have opened pre-orders for delivery on November 10.  The price tag of the two consoles retails at an estimated R11 999 for the Series X and R6 999 for the Series S. Although these could differ across platforms. Retailers offering pre-order AVO (Nedbank)  BT Games Esquire   Game Game 4 U HI Hi-Fi Corp Incredible Connection Loot.co.za  Makro Nexus Retail PnP  Raru Sportscene  Takealot Total Sports  ZAPA  Source linkContinue readingPre-orders for Xbox Series X and Series S South Africa: retailers, pricing

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Tech Radar

iPhone 12 series might get a new addition – and a new name

Apple’s customary September event came and went, showcasing some upgraded iPads and Apple Watches. However, what’s an annual meet without the customary flagship? Now, just as the company is  readying iPhone 12 series for an October launch, we hear rumours of a fourth variant.  Till date, all the reports had suggested that the iPhone 12 series is likely to come in three variants – the vanilla iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max. Now a leaker suggests that there could be yet another addition which could be christened the iPhone 12 Mini.  Twitter tipster, L0verodream says the iPhone 12 Mini would add to the lineup and might pack in a 5.4-inch display, bigger than the iPhone SE 2020 and still a compact form factor in the year 2020.  (Image credit: GSMArena) The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro are likely to come with 6.1-inch screen size and the top of the line iPhone 12 Pro Max is said to come with a 6.7-inch display upfront. The iPhone 12 mini is said to pack in a dual rear camera setup while the other three iPhone 12 series are likely to sport a triple rear camera stack.  The moniker “Mini” is not new in Apple’s world. We have seen iPad mini, Mac mini, and even iPod mini back in the days. The iPhone 12 mini will be the first in the iPhone lineup to have this moniker. If the rumours turn out to be true, the iPhone 12 mini…Continue readingiPhone 12 series might get a new addition – and a new name

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The Verge

The first Apple Watch Series 6 teardown shows what’s changed

iFixit took apart the Apple Watch Series 6 today, getting an inside look at the new sensors added to enable blood oxygen tracking. There’s also one major piece of hardware that’s disappeared from the Watch: the tech used to enable Force Touch. Force Touch allowed the Apple Watch’s screen to recognize how much force you’re applying, and it’s been a part of the Apple Watch since the first model was released in 2015. But the latest version of watchOS removes Force Touch from prior models, and now it’s clear why: it’s not part of the Series 6 Watch at all. Apple had an equivalent feature, known as 3D Touch, for phones starting with the iPhone 6S in 2015. The tech giant began removing 3D Touch on its smartphones and replacing it with Haptic Touch in 2018. The smartwatch also has a bigger battery and a bigger Taptic Engine than its predecessor. According to iFixit, the 44mm Apple Watch Series 6’s battery is 3.5 percent larger, and the 40mm size’s battery has increased by 8.5 percent. It’s a notable difference for both sizes considering Apple said the Series 6 Watch has the same 18-hour battery life as the Series 5. The latest models have a brighter screen than their predecessors, which may be one reason the battery has been upgraded. If you want to see our first thoughts on the Apple Watch Series 6, check out my colleague Dieter Bohn’s first look at the wearable. Source linkContinue readingThe first Apple Watch Series 6 teardown shows what’s changed

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VentureBeat

Xbox Series X and S preorders may face supply constraints at GameStop

Gaming fans may have as much trouble with Xbox Series X and S preorders tomorrow as they did with PlayStation 5 preorders last week. Supply for the new Xbox consoles is even more limited than it was for Sony’s machine, according to multiple GameStop associates that spoke with GamesBeat. Gamestop employees told us that they have around half as many Xbox Series X and S systems as they did PlayStation 5s. This will likely lead to a situation where the console sells out immediately after going up for preorder. I’ve reached out to Microsoft for a comment about this story, and I’ll update it with any new statement. I’m also reaching out to other retailers to ask about their supply. For GameStop, this may have implications for who can even get a system. At least one sales district is emphasizing bundles and attachment rates over “naked” consoles. What that means is that stores will only try to sell an Xbox if you purchase it with other games and accessories. The goal is to get five additional items attached to any one console sold. But even at stores that are selling consoles on their own, you’re likely to find that these Xbox systems sell out quickly. After polling approximately 10 locations, these stores seem to have between 5-to-10 Xbox Series X consoles and only 2-to-4 Xbox Series S systems. Each store said they had about twice as many PlayStation 5s versus Series X and twice as many PS5: Digital Editions versus…Continue readingXbox Series X and S preorders may face supply constraints at GameStop

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Tech Radar

Xbox is buying Bethesda – will Elder Scrolls 6 be an Xbox Series X exclusive?

Update: It’s been noted by Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier via reporter Dina Bass that future Bethesda games “will be on Xbox, PC and ‘other consoles on a case-by-case basis’”. Games already bound by PS5 exclusivity agreements, like Deathloop and Ghostwire: Tokyo, will continue to release as before.  Original story: Microsoft just made a move that could seriously shake up the next console war. Xbox has entered into an agreement to acquire ZeniMax Media, which owns publisher Bethesda Softworks and game series like Fallout, Doom, The Elder Scrolls and Dishonored.  Nothing specific on console exclusivity is revealed by the statement, or what it means for future multiplatform games that would have previously been planned for release on PS5 – The Elder Scrolls 6 and Starfield, for example. Bloomberg, though, has been told by Xbox’s Phil Spencer “One of the things that has me most excited is seeing the roadmap with Bethesda’s future games, some announced and many unannounced, to Xbox console and PC including Starfield, the highly anticipated, new space epic currently in development by Bethesda Game Studios,” said Xbox head Phil Spencer in a statement. The deal is costing Microsoft $7.5 billion.  It also means Bethesda games will be a fully integrated and permanent part of the Xbox Game Pass offering. When Starfield launches, for example, it’ll be available with the subscription-based service on day one. “With each new console cycle, we evolved together,” notes Bethesda’s Todd Howard on why the collaboration makes sense. “From bringing mods to consoles with Fallout 4, now…Continue readingXbox is buying Bethesda – will Elder Scrolls 6 be an Xbox Series X exclusive?