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8BitDo's charging dock for Xbox controllers costs just $20 right now

8BitDo is predominantly known for its excellent gamepads of all shapes and sizes , but it makes other accessories too, including a charging dock for the Xbox Wireless Controller that is currently 20 percent off. Right now you can grab the officially licensed dock for $20, down from its regular price of $25. 8BitDo’s charging dock is compatible with the Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One variants of the Xbox Wireless Controller and uses magnetic contact charging to juice up your pad. It comes with a 1

Xbox Ally handhelds will be available October 16, but we still don't know the price

Xbox gamers will have a new option for taking their library on the go this fall. During Gamescom 2025, ASUS revealed that the Xbox Ally handheld consoles will be on store shelves on October 16. We heard a thorough explanation of the specs and availability for the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X this summer, but the arrival date is the only new info to come from the major gaming event in Cologne. There's still no price available for these handhelds, but we expect to receive that critical detai

Topics: ally come new rog xbox

We Now Know Everything About the First Xbox Handheld (Except the Most Important Thing)

The Asus ROG Xbox Ally is a mouthful of a name for a device, and yet I can’t stop saying the name—like I’m casting a spell—as we slide further toward the end of the year. At Gamescom in Cologne, Germany, Microsoft and Asus are giving players a chance to wrap their mitts around the strange Xbox controller-like grips of the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X. While the companies will tell you when you’ll eventually be able to pick one off a store shelf, they’re not quite ready to tell you how much it’ll co

Microsoft and Asus’ answers to SteamOS and the Steam Deck launch on October 16

Asus and Microsoft will be launching their ROG Xbox Ally series of handheld gaming PCs starting October 16, according to an Asus announcement that went out today. An Xbox-branded extension of Asus' existing ROG Ally handheld line, the basic ROG Xbox Ally and more powerful ROG Xbox Ally X, both run a version of Windows 11 Home that's been redesigned with a controller-first Xbox-style user interface. The idea is to preserve the wide game compatibility of Windows—and the wide compatibility with mu

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 arrives on November 14

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will launch on November 14. Microsoft revealed the release date for the upcoming shooter sequel alongside a new trailer during Opening Night Live at Gamescom 2025. Notably, while Black Ops 7 will be on PC, PlayStation and Xbox at launch, it'll skip the Switch 2, despite a binding legal agreement between Microsoft and Nintendo that requires that the company's consoles receive the same access to Call of Duty as Xbox. Similar to past games in the series, Call of Duty: Bla

Gears of War, Dragon Age and Herdling Coming to Xbox Game Pass in August

Gears of War is one of the most iconic Xbox series, spawning sequels, spinoffs and books. I fell in love with the series almost 20 years ago when the original landed on the Xbox 360. So I can't wait to play the remastered edition of the game, called Gears of War: Reloaded, when it launches on Xbox Game Pass on Aug. 26. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, a CNET Editors' Choice award pick, offers hundreds of games you can play on your Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, smart TV and PC

Topics: game pass pc play xbox

ROG Xbox Ally: Specs, Price Leaks and How It Compares to Steam Deck

The Steam Deck has yet to find a real competitor in the PC handheld gaming device battle. Other hardware companies, including Asus, Lenovo and MSI have tried, but so far, their devices keep falling short. Asus plans to try to take another swipe at the crown, though, this time with the help of Microsoft. In June, the two revealed their partnership for a new handheld device: the ROG Xbox Ally. This handheld will come in two variants and will attempt to bring the Xbox console experience to a porta

Microsoft hints at ‘more affordable’ Xbox Cloud Gaming plan

is a senior editor and author of Notepad , who has been covering all things Microsoft, PC, and tech for over 20 years. Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. Two years ago we learned, thanks to the FTC, that Microsoft was working on a separate “dedicated” version of Xbox Cloud Gaming. Microsoft Gaming CFO Tim Stuart then hinted, a few months later, that there could be a free version Xbox Cloud Gaming in exchange for ads. Now, Microsoft is hintin

Best Lunch Boxes and Backpacks for the 2025 School Year

Back-to-school is just around the corner, and with the start of the new school year right around the corner, you may be looking for the perfect backpack and lunch box for your kids. As kids start a new grade, these items can inspire excitement and even motivation. Picking out a backpack and lunch box used to be simple. These days, the options (and price points) seem to be limitless. The good news is that at least lunch boxes have gotten a major upgrade in recent years -- they can actually keep

The viral Toniebox is exactly what both kids and parents want from a smart device (and it's on sale)

Maria Diaz/ZDNET My kid had been asking for a Toniebox for two years, but I always talked her out of it. I'm no Grinch, but each set basic starter kit is $100. Then we finally got one during a Prime Day sales event. Testing a Toniebox has not only convinced me that it's perfect for my kids and worth every penny, but it's such a great device that I'd recommend it to any parent of young children. Here's why. Also: I ditched my Bluetooth speakers for this slick turntable - and it's more practical

The 20 Best Xbox Games Right Now

Over the past two decades, Microsoft has turned the Xbox brand into a veritable juggernaut in the console gaming world. The Xbox Series X and Series S, the combined fourth generation of the Xbox, have sold over 21 million units. The Xbox One, which was still supported until 2023, sold over 58 million units worldwide. As Microsoft shifts its focus toward supporting console and PC gamers alike with the Game Pass subscription service, there's never been a larger ecosystem of Xbox consoles to choos

The Xbox app for Windows on Arm will soon let you download games

is a senior editor and author of Notepad , who has been covering all things Microsoft, PC, and tech for over 20 years. Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. Microsoft is adding the ability to download ARM64 compatible games to its Xbox app for Windows on Arm. Windows Insiders can now test a new update to the Xbox app that lets them install games locally, instead of having to rely on Xbox Cloud Gaming. Currently, the Xbox app on devices like th

PUBG: Battlegrounds will leave PS4 and Xbox One behind later this year

PUBG: Battlegrounds is finally ready to ditch last-gen consoles. On Wednesday, the developer said that the game will transition to PS5 and Xbox Series X/S on November 13. Although the battle royale has been playable on current-gen consoles all along, it was running as a PS4 or Xbox One game. That helped it cast a wide net (and probably make more money), but it also came with technical limitations. The company said the move to current-gen will "provide our players with a more stable gameplay env

Topics: gen ps5 pubg series xbox

There’s a new Xbox emulator on Android, but here’s why you should run away from it

Hadlee Simons / Android Authority TL;DR The supposed first Xbox emulator on Android, Xanite, has launched in V0.1. It is not able to emulate Xbox games, and it appears to be nothing more than an empty shell. Updates are promised in the coming weeks, but don’t get your hopes up. Emulation on Android has come a long way in recent years, with systems up to and including the Nintendo Switch and PS3 now playable. However, despite coming out way back in 2001, the original Xbox still doesn’t have a

Tribit Stormbox Mini+ Review: A Great Cheap Portable Speaker

If you’re shopping for a portable Bluetooth speaker, it’s a given that you want good sound. With a budget of $75-$150, there is no shortage of great options, including WIRED favorites like the JBL Flip 7, Beats Pill, and Tribit StormBox 2. If your travel ambitions have already soaked up most of your cash, you have fewer choices. Spending less always involves a tradeoff, but Tribit’s StormBox Mini+ ($40) involves far fewer compromises than you might think, and it even throws in a few features th

The First Xbox Handheld Could Be Coming Sooner Than You Think

Microsoft may be ready to announce an official release date for its long-awaited Xbox handheld (or at least, the one that’s not actually being made by Xbox). The most recent reliable leaks suggest the Asus ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X will hit the scene in October, with Microsoft planning to share pricing and preorder info later this month. The end of the year is shaping up to be open season for handheld PCs, though I’m still biting my bottom lip to get used to the sting of what may be very expensiv

How to watch Gamescom 2025 and what to expect

It feels like Summer Game Fest is only just in our rear view mirror and yet there's another video game extravaganza on the horizon. Gamescom is the planet's largest gaming event and we're sure to find out about a bunch of interesting new games at the Opening Night Live showcase. Xbox is broadcasting from the show floor across two days, and there will be other presentations that are worth keeping an eye on. Gamescom is taking place between August 20 and 24 this year, and we're learning bits and

Heretic and Hexen have received a surprise remaster from Nightdive Studios

Nightdive Studios and id Software have announced a surprise remaster of fantasy shooters Heretic and Hexen. The games are now available for modern consoles in a new release, dubbed Heretic + Hexen, that includes support for co-op, cross-platform multiplayer and community-published mods. Heretic + Hexen combines Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders, Hexen: Beyond Heretic and Hexen: Deathkings of the Dark Citadel into a single bundle. On top of making the updates necessary to get the games runni

Mark your calendar: The ROG Xbox Ally release date just leaked

TL;DR The release date of the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X will reportedly be October 16. The date comes from a leak focused on Europe, but other regions may follow suit. Xbox is expected to show off the handhelds and begin pre-sales during its Gamescom showcase on August 20. Xbox’s upcoming handhelds have been making waves since rumors about them began, but one key detail has remained elusive until now. A new report claims the official release date of the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X will be on Octo

Honesty Boxes in Scotland (2024)

Honesty Boxes in Scotland Dotted around the Scottish countryside, honesty boxes are a heartwarming tradition reflecting the trust and community spirit of rural life. These unstaffed stands offer all sorts; from fresh eggs and home-baked goods to seasonal fruits and vegetables, and even handmade crafts. This practice not only supports local farmers and artisans but also fosters a sense of integrity and mutual respect among residents and travellers. Here is a selection of the unique things you ca

Microsoft is bringing its Xbox Copilot to the Windows Game Bar

is a senior editor and author of Notepad , who has been covering all things Microsoft, PC, and tech for over 20 years. Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. Microsoft started testing its Xbox Copilot on iOS and Android earlier this year, and now it’s bringing the chatbot to the Game Bar feature on Windows 11. Xbox Insiders can start testing a preview of the Gaming Copilot integration in the Game Bar today, and Microsoft is planning “further opt

8BitDo’s first wireless Xbox controller is a surprise Rare collaboration

is a senior editor and author of Notepad , who has been covering all things Microsoft, PC, and tech for over 20 years. Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. 8BitDo has created its first wireless Xbox controller in partnership with Rare, a game studio acquired by Microsoft. The officially licensed controller features a gold and blue design, with plenty of Easter eggs to celebrate Rare’s 40th anniversary. The $89.99 8BitDo Ultimate 3-mode Contro

We Must Admit That This Video of Two Small Robots Punching Each Other With Boxing Gloves Is Pretty Awesome

These days, robots with varying degrees of impressiveness can manage all kinds of tasks. But two diminutive humanoids seen boxing with outsize gloves at the recent World AI Conference in Shanghai may take the cake. In a video posted to X, AI security researcher Helen Toner — who was, it should be noted, a driving force behind the ultimately failed coup against CEO Sam Altman back in November 2023 — showed off the boxing ring prowess of two short-statured robots from the Chinese company Unitree.

When Flatpak's Sandbox Cracks

Introduction Flatpak promises a secure runtime for Linux applications through container-like isolation, relying on bubblewrap namespaces, syscall filtering, and portal interfaces. In theory, each app should operate inside a strong sandbox, disconnected from the host system. But in reality, experience shows gaps, tiny cracks through which apps may escape with serious consequences. The Sandbox Promise… and the Reality Flatpak applications begin life in a highly-restricted environment: no networ

Dropbox is shutting down its password manager next month – here are the best alternatives

Serving tech enthusiasts for over 25 years.TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust In a nutshell: Dropbox will discontinue its password manager on October 28, permanently (and hopefully securely) deleting any credentials still stored on that date. The company recommends switching to 1Password because it supports importing data directly from Dropbox; however, other options are also worth considering. Dropbox will begin a phased winddown of its password manager next month, and data

After laying off 15,000 employees, Microsoft reveals Xbox Game Pass revenue hit nearly $5 billion

What just happened? Despite Microsoft laying off over 15,000 employees so far this year, the company has just revealed that revenue from its Xbox Game Pass service reached almost $5 billion for the first time over the last year. Overall company revenue for the fourth fiscal quarter was up 18%, while net income jumped 24%. Microsoft's Xbox content and services revenue, which include Xbox Game Pass, was up 13% for the quarter. CEO Satya Nadella said on an earnings call that Game Pass revenue had

Hey Microsoft, is it ‘Xbox PC’ or ‘Xbox on PC’?

is a senior editor and author of Notepad , who has been covering all things Microsoft, PC, and tech for over 20 years. Microsoft first started using the “Xbox PC” term in a blog post announcing the Gears of Wars remaster in early May. It was a new branding effort designed to signal that games are available on PC through its own Xbox PC app and store. The Xbox PC branding didn’t last long though, as Microsoft has now started using “Xbox on PC” instead. Which one is it, Microsoft? The Xbox PC br

Dropbox says it’s time to find a new password manager as it prepares to shut down service

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority TL;DR Dropbox Passwords users will no longer be able to add new passwords on August 28, 2025. The mobile app is scheduled to stop working on September 11, 2025. The password manager will be fully discontinued on October 28, 2025. Dropbox Passwords users will soon have to find a new password manager to store their passwords, usernames, and other sensitive data. The company will be shutting down the service in the next couple of months. Dropbox has announce

Microsoft reports strong cloud earnings, with Windows and Xbox up too

is a senior editor and author of Notepad , who has been covering all things Microsoft, PC, and tech for over 20 years. Microsoft just posted the fourth and final quarter of its 2025 fiscal financial results. The software maker made $76.4 billion in revenue and a net income of $27.2 billion during Q4. Revenue is up 18 percent, and net income has increased by 24 percent. Like clockwork, cloud services are the strong point of Microsoft’s revenue this quarter. Azure revenue grew 39 percent year-ov