HiTechEdge

Tag: Windows 10

  • Xbox Controller Firmware Update Improves Connectivity

    Xbox Controller Firmware Update Improves Connectivity

    Microsoft is rolling out a firmware update for Xbox controllers that improves connectivity.

    Xbox controllers are used for a variety of devices, not just the Xbox. The controllers are popular with gamers on Windows 10, iOS and Android. Microsoft’s latest update is designed to improve controller connectivity.

    “These controllers now support Bluetooth Low Energy, which delivers better compatibility across devices and allows for better pairing experiences,” the company announced on its blog. “You will be able to play wirelessly on Windows 10 PCs, iOS 15+, and Android devices with Bluetooth Low Energy for remote play from your console or cloud gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on the go. After installing the firmware update, these controllers will remember one Bluetooth host (e.g., smartphone) and one Xbox Wireless host (e.g., Xbox console), so you can quickly and seamlessly switch between previously connected devices with a simple double tap of the pair button.”

    The new firmware is available for Bluetooth-enabled Xbox One controllers, Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 and Xbox Adaptive Controllers.

  • Microsoft Brings Xbox Cloud Gaming to iOS

    Microsoft Brings Xbox Cloud Gaming to iOS

    Microsoft has brought its much-anticipated Xbox Cloud Gaming service to Apple’s iPhone and iPad.

    Microsoft has been expanding its Xbox gaming platform beyond its namesake console. As part of that endeavor, Microsoft has been working to bring its Xbox Cloud Gaming service to market, as that will enable the widest adoption.

    After a beta in April, for both iOS and Windows 10 PCs, Microsoft has announced the service is now out of beta and available to all Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members.

    Best of all, the company says the experience will be seamless across all devices.

    Cloud gaming provides seamless play across your devices. When you’re streaming games on a PC or mobile device, your game is playing from Xbox hardware in a Microsoft datacenter. This means you can jump into a game, connect with your friends, and play through the Xbox network just as you’ve always done. That’s right, your game saves are just the same wherever and whenever you play, so you can pick right back up from where you left off. 

    Microsoft’s announcement is good news for gamers, and should be a big win for the company.

  • Microsoft Hosting Special Windows Event June 24

    Microsoft Hosting Special Windows Event June 24

    Microsoft is preparing to unveil the next generation of its Windows operating system, just weeks after killing Windows 10X.

    Microsoft has been working on reinventing Windows for some time, with Windows 10X a major part of that endeavor. The new version of Windows reportedly had a streamlined interface, abandoned legacy code and was being optimized for multi-screen devices. Unfortunately, the pandemic forced Microsoft to refocus on existing efforts to help meet customers immediate needs.

    When Microsoft announced it was killing Windows 10X, the company said it would incorporate its design elements and features into existing products. It appears the world is about to see the fruit of those labors.

    Microsoft has announced a Windows event on June 24, with the tagline: “Join us to see what’s next for Windows.” CEO Satya Nadella and Chief Product Officer Panos Panay will both be presenting at the event.

  • Qualcomm Releases Next-Gen Snapdragon for Arm-Based PCs and Chromebooks

    Qualcomm Releases Next-Gen Snapdragon for Arm-Based PCs and Chromebooks

    Qualcomm has released the Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 processor to help further Arm-based Windows PCs, as well as Chromebooks.

    Apple upended the PC industry when it announced it would switch its Mac computers to its own custom silicon. Apple’s new M1 processors are the evolution of the same Arm-based chips Apple has used in iPhones and iPads for years. Shortly after the announcement, former Apple executive and Be, Inc. founder Jean-Louis Gassée predictedMicrosoft would be forced to follow suit, due to the advantages Arm’s architecture offers over Intel.

    Qualcomm is working hard to help the Windows and Chromebook world embrace Arm-based chips with its new Snapdragon 7c Gen 2.

    “Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 brings the leading innovations of our compute portfolio to the next generation of entry-tier and affordable devices. Laptops powered by this platform will redefine mobile computing for education users, first line workers, and everyday light consumers, enabling reliable and powerful devices that feature advanced AI, and support for multi-day battery life,” said Miguel Nunes, Senior Director, Product Management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “We are excited to bring this next generation upgrade to our entry level platform, for the very best mobile PC experiences.”

    Qualcomm has simultaneously released Snapdragon Developer Kit, aimed at helping developers test their Windows 10 applications on the Arm-based chips.

    “We have a proud history of creating helpful developer tools in coordination with Microsoft, and the Snapdragon Developer Kit is the latest outcome of that collaboration,” said Miguel Nunes, Senior Director, Product Management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “This developer kit provides an affordable alternative to other consumer and commercial devices. With the smaller desktop configuration, this kit gives developers more flexibility than notebook options, and at a lower price point. We remain committed to helping developers address requests from customers, while reducing the overall cost of deployment.”