Topics

Asus Xbox ROG Ally and Ally X handheld gaming consoles boot directly into Xbox mode.

Windows 11 Xbox mode reportedly uses less RAM vs stock Windows 11 but it doesn't result in more gaming performance

Windows 11 users can now log directly into a new "Xbox mode". Xbox mode replaces Windows 11's normal UI with a controller-friendly UI that can integrate multiple game stores like Steam and Epic. Xbox mode also frees up some resources to improve gaming performance. However, the end result is rather disappointing.

Fawad Murtaza, 16 Jun 2026 11:33

Gears of War: E-Day pre-order price in Europe shown

Microsoft slashes Xbox game prices in Europe, including Gears of War: E-Day pre-orders

With the memory shortage impacting budgets, some buyers are seeing unexpected relief. Microsoft has listed new Xbox games for less than what Europeans typically pay. The first-party Fable and Gears of War: E-Day pre-orders are available for €69.99 rather than €79.99.

Adam Corsetti, 15 Jun 2026 22:24

Xbox strategy chief clarifies comments on gaming ads: “interrupting the gameplay experience would be bad”

Xbox strategy chief Matthew Ball clarified that his recent comments were misinterpreted and did not signal plans to introduce intrusive in-game ads, stressing that “interrupting the gameplay experience would be bad.”

Rahim Amir Noorali, 15 Jun 2026 17:24

Xbox Series X and Series S consoles shown

Xbox buy now, pay later program leaks after CEO addressed Project Helix console price

Microsoft may be considering financing to make Xbox console prices more palatable. A Better xCloud datamine revealed a buy now, pay later option through PayPal or Klarna. Payments for games or the Series X, S, or upcoming Project Helix would be split into interest-free, monthly installments.

Adam Corsetti, 15 Jun 2026 17:02

The Power Project X Ray Project Flight Deck Wireless Controller has a removable faceplate.

PowerA teases Project X-Ray Flight Deck Wireless Controller for Xbox

PowerA and Meridian GMT are working together on an Xbox wireless controller made for flight simulation. Called Project X-Ray, the controller has a swappable faceplate with markings for aircraft and helicopter controls.

Habeeb Onawole, 14 Jun 2026 15:30

Ex-PlayStation boss hints Xbox consoles will die, with Microsoft prioritizing Windows

A former PlayStation executive expects that Microsoft will dramatically rethink its hardware strategy. Already optimizing Windows for gaming, it could abandon conventional Xbox consoles. Project Helix looks like another step toward this transition, but the memory shortage may spell doom for the hybrid.

Adam Corsetti, 13 Jun 2026 03:39

A picture of Xbox Chief Strategy Officer Matthew Ball from the interview

Xbox's Strategy Chief is painting in-game ads as the next big move in games

Xbox strategy chief Matthew Ball says in-game advertising could become a key tool to offset rising development costs and ease pressure on hardware, software, and microtransaction prices. Drawing comparisons to ad-supported streaming tiers, Ball argues that carefully placed ads could broaden access to major gaming franchises without eliminating premium, ad-free experiences.

Rahim Amir Noorali, 12 Jun 2026 19:03

Microsoft may be losing hundreds on each Xbox console sale, despite price increases

Every console purchase is reportedly negatively impacting Microsoft’s bottom line. Even after Xbox price increases, the memory shortage has limited any chance for hardware profits. An insider explains how missteps with first-party games and Game Pass have also failed to offset the losses.

Adam Corsetti, 12 Jun 2026 18:23

Xbox’s next 100 days: Sharma and Booty outline major 'reset'

Xbox is preparing a major “Next 100 Days” reset, with CEO Asha Sharma and chief content officer Matt Booty acknowledging overexpansion, weak profitability, and declining annual revenue despite heavy investment.

Rahim Amir Noorali, 12 Jun 2026 09:22

Warthog shown in Halo: Campaign Evolved Xbox version

Halo: Campaign Evolved performance preview finds Xbox superior to mid-range PC

The Xbox Series X may be a reasonably cost-effective way to enjoy Microsoft’s Combat Evolved remake. A Halo: Campaign Evolved performance preview shows the console maintaining 60 fps with ray tracing. Meanwhile, only a high-end PC avoided frame rate drops and CPU throttling.

Adam Corsetti, 11 Jun 2026 23:12

A promotional image for Spyro: A Realm Reborn

Microsoft let Spyro's developers go free to score an important publishing win instead

Toys for Bob’s split from Activision Blizzard restored the studio’s creative independence after years spent supporting major live-service franchises under shifting corporate priorities. Microsoft and Activision backed the move on the condition that Xbox publish the studio’s next project, resulting in Spyro: A Realm Beyond, a new multiplatform entry that gives Microsoft a strategic win without retaining full control.

Rahim Amir Noorali, 11 Jun 2026 20:42

Xbox exclusives is a risky bet, but this new strategy could make it work

Xbox leadership believes going back to Xbox exclusives is a good idea. While some fans may disagree, the team is moving forward with the strategy with more exclusives every year.

Vineet Washington, 11 Jun 2026 19:23

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl banner with Xbox consoles shown

CEO Asha Sharma teases third-party Xbox exclusives, despite slow console sales

First-party exclusives may not be the only perk of owning an Xbox console. CEO Asha Sharma suggested that more third-party games could launch only in Microsoft’s ecosystem. Even so, with a smaller install base, publishers prefer multi-platform releases on the PS5 and Switch 2.

Adam Corsetti, 11 Jun 2026 18:14

The official Windows 11 branding, serving as the backdrop for Microsoft's new Shared Audio feature.

How to use the new Windows 11 Shared Audio feature

Learn how to use the Windows 11 Shared Audio tool to broadcast sound to two Bluetooth headsets at once, along with the hardware requirements.

Darryl Linington, 11 Jun 2026 16:27

Asha Sharma during Bloomberg Tech interview.

Xbox major layoffs incoming as insider tips Asha Sharma’s first ‘reset the business’ move

With Ubisoft going through a major restructure that will affect around 380 employees, Microsoft is said to be doing something similar. An insider has suggested that the Xbox division will go through a round of major layoffs next month.

Vineet Washington, 11 Jun 2026 01:04

Xbox Series X25 console seen in front of exclusive games

Criticism of CEO Asha Sharma's Xbox exclusives stance reposted by CSO Matthew Ball

Confusion lingers about Microsoft’s return to Xbox exclusivity. Chief Strategy Officer Matthew Ball shared a post criticizing CEO Asha Sharma for inconsistent messaging. He later claimed it was a mistake, but it remains unclear which games will abandon multi-platform releases.

Adam Corsetti, 10 Jun 2026 20:52

Gears of War: E-Day PS5 logo spotted on deleted Xbox podcast

A deleted Official Xbox Podcast episode briefly showed Gears of War: E-Day artwork with a PS5 logo, reigniting claims that Microsoft changed the game’s platform plans shortly before presenting it as an Xbox exclusive.

Rahim Amir Noorali, 10 Jun 2026 07:47

Xbox All Access banner with Xbox consoles shown

CEO Asha Sharma hints at cheaper new Xbox console in 2026 to tackle rising prices

Microsoft hopes to rejuvenate hardware sales, but the Series X and S can strain budgets. In a recent interview, CEO Asha Sharma alluded to a more affordable Xbox console in 2026. The storage and memory shortage also threatens to inflate the Project Helix price without a solution.

Adam Corsetti, 10 Jun 2026 04:06

Buggy Dell and HP software bricking Windows 11 PCs

Many Windows 11 users are facing infinite reboot loops and BitLocker recovery screens. Telemetry confirms faulty Dell and HP utilities are to blame.

Darryl Linington, 09 Jun 2026 14:55

Today's mandatory Windows 11 cumulative update enforces critical Secure Boot certificate updates alongside deep subsystem performance upgrades.

Microsoft's June 2026 Patch Tuesday: High-stakes updates and hidden features

Microsoft's June 2026 Patch Tuesday introduces core shell performance updates and expanded Task Manager NPU metrics, alongside critical Secure Boot certificate-validation requirements.

Darryl Linington, 09 Jun 2026 12:19

The cloud-managed Microsoft Autopatch platform handles core enterprise software updates to maintain fleet compliance.

Microsoft Autopatch adds Secure Boot report to block boot loops

Prevent enterprise BitLocker recovery loops and boot failures. The new Microsoft Autopatch Secure Boot status report validates critical firmware certificate updates.

Darryl Linington, 08 Jun 2026 08:59

A screengrab of Xbox CEO Asha Sharma speaking to Bloomberg

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma: Still “figuring out” platform exclusives

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma says Microsoft is still determining its approach to exclusivity as it balances expanding its publishing reach with strengthening Xbox hardware and Game Pass. Rather than adopting a blanket policy, the company plans to evaluate each title individually amid renewed industry debate over console exclusives.

Rahim Amir Noorali, 08 Jun 2026 05:52

Retail box shown for Gears of War: E-Day PS5 version

Gears of War: E-Day PS5 was reportedly finished before Xbox exclusive game shift

If Microsoft changes its mind about a Gears of War: E-Day PS5 version, the port may not need much work. An insider explained that a completed build for the PlayStation console exists. Stores revised pre-orders after learning that the game would be an Xbox exclusive on its October release date.

Adam Corsetti, 07 Jun 2026 23:49

A promotional image for Nvidia's upcoming Spark superchip

Microsoft and Nvidia are betting on AI to make old x86 Windows apps run better on next-gen RTX Spark PCs

Microsoft and Nvidia are positioning AI as a practical bridge for improving legacy x86 Windows app performance on emerging Arm-based PCs powered by RTX Spark and Snapdragon X hardware. While agentic AI and emulation tools may ease app conversion and compatibility, demanding legacy software, games, and security-heavy systems will still require developer intervention.

Rahim Amir Noorali, 07 Jun 2026 17:23

The Microsoft campus in Redmond, Washington.

Microsoft forced into policy retreat over rogue zero-day researcher Nightmare Eclipse

Microsoft backtracks on legal threats against hacker Nightmare Eclipse following intense industry backlash over unpatched Windows Defender zero-days.

Darryl Linington, 07 Jun 2026 12:33

Halo: Campaign Evolved screenshots and skins leak before Xbox Games Showcase 2026

Gamers don’t have to wait until the Xbox Games Showcase to see new Halo: Campaign Evolved screenshots. An Xbox Store leak revealed a wide variety of characters, skins, and gameplay. The June 7th broadcast could announce the remake’s release date and price for the Xbox, PS5, and PC.

Adam Corsetti, 06 Jun 2026 04:35

Xbox CEO to lower Project Helix price, even as consoles suffer from memory shortage

In an interview, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma acknowledges the anxiety surrounding the Project Helix price. She plans to use innovation to ensure that the new Xbox console is accessible to buyers. The storage and memory shortage could force Microsoft to compromise on the hardware’s specs.

Adam Corsetti, 05 Jun 2026 22:33

Windows Secure Boot certificates from 2011 expire June 24.

Microsoft Secure Boot AMA June 2026 highlights fleet risks

Enterprise IT fleets face significant BitLocker risks and Intune telemetry gaps following the recent Microsoft Secure Boot AMA engineering session in June 2026.

Darryl Linington, 05 Jun 2026 10:33

As PS5 price increase craters UK sales, Xbox consoles boosted by exclusive game

Higher-cost PlayStation consoles have dented Sony’s advantage over Microsoft. In the UK, May sales of the systems plummeted by 50% since April, with the Series X|S nearly drawing even. Forza Horizon 6 was also a factor, showing that Xbox exclusive games can influence hardware sales.

Adam Corsetti, 04 Jun 2026 17:27

GitHub Copilot's CLI interface running in a terminal window.

GitHub Copilot credit caps trigger surprise workspace lockouts

A stealth multiplier update tied to the recent GitHub Copilot pricing change is draining annual subscriber quotas up to four times faster than expected.

Darryl Linington, 04 Jun 2026 11:33

Majorana 2 pushes us closer to meaningful quantum compute.

Microsoft unveils Majorana 2, wants useful quantum computing by 2029

Microsoft has unveiled Majorana 2, a next-generation quantum chip it says brings practical quantum computing closer to reality. The company claims significantly improved qubit stability and a path toward commercially useful quantum systems by 2029.

Satvik Pandey, 04 Jun 2026 10:05

The Microsoft campus in Redmond, Washington, where teams are preparing for the high-stakes June 9 Patch Tuesday rollout.

June 9 Patch Tuesday incoming as Secure Boot deadline looms

Microsoft's June 9 Patch Tuesday is the final deployment window before 2011 Secure Boot certificates begin expiring on June 24. Unpatched devices lose security protection.

Darryl Linington, 04 Jun 2026 09:33

The new Surface Laptop 8 is running on the Snapdragon X2 series of chips. Reportedly launching June 16.

Detailed leak reveals new Surface Laptop 8 (Snapdragon X2): Full specs, colors, release date

A detailed new leak has revealed that Microsoft is set to launch the ARM-based Surface Laptop 8 on June 16, 2026. Featuring Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 Elite and Plus chips, the new models offer up to 80 TOPS of AI performance, a new "Jade" color option, and an anticipated OLED display upgrade. Key specs include up to 32 GB of RAM and user-replaceable SSDs.

Martin Filipov, 04 Jun 2026 02:28

Surface Laptop Ultra in Platinum (the other color is called Nightfall).

Surface Laptop Ultra detailed specs, upgrades officially revealed: A MacBook Pro with Windows 11?

Microsoft has now officially revealed the detailed specs for the Nvidia RTX Spark-powered Surface Laptop Ultra. In addition to the 15-inch mini-LED display, and up to 128GB of unified memory, you get a 30% larger trackpad, a user-replaceable SSD, and connectivity options including a mysterious new USB-C port, which Microsoft is keeping a secret.

Martin Filipov, 03 Jun 2026 23:26

The Surface Laptop Ultra has a new, oversized USB-C port.

Nvidia RTX Spark Surface Laptop Ultra has a unique new USB-C port, reveal hands-on images

Microsoft’s new Nvidia RTX Spark-powered Surface Laptop Ultra could introduce a groundbreaking new feature with a mysterious, oversized USB-C port. Hands-on reports suggest the unique USB-C port may support a magnetic, breakaway design for enhanced security and convenience.

Martin Filipov, 03 Jun 2026 15:59

CVE-2026-41089 allows unauthenticated attackers to execute code on Windows domain controllers with SYSTEM privileges.

Windows Netlogon CVE-2026-41089 exploited: Priority patch needed

CVE-2026-41089, a critical Windows Netlogon flaw rated CVSS 9.8, is now actively exploited. Unpatched domain controllers face full SYSTEM-level compromise with no credentials needed.

Darryl Linington, 03 Jun 2026 11:01

Microsoft's concept badge looks a lot like a phone.

Microsoft reveals Android-based AI device to rival iPhone: Qualcomm SoC, top-facing camera, small display, 5G

Microsoft has revealed Project Solara, and the smart badge, a wearable device designed to replace traditional app-based smartphones with an agent-first AI interface. As Microsoft initiates internal testing and prepares for enterprise pilots, it enters a critical race against OpenAI’s rumored 2027 AI phone, signaling a major shift toward specialized, context-aware hardware.

Martin Filipov, 03 Jun 2026 02:20

GitHub Copilot drops flat-rate billing and developers are not pleased

GitHub Copilot switched to token-based billing on June 1 for 4.7 million paid subscribers. Flat-rate subscriptions are out, AI Credits are in, and agentic users face the steepest cost increases.

Darryl Linington, 02 Jun 2026 11:50

Hands-on with new Surface Laptop Ultra reveals MacBook Pro-like design from all angles

Microsoft’s newly unveiled Surface Laptop Ultra arrives as a high-performance, AI-focused challenger to the MacBook Pro. Featuring a 15-inch mini-LED display, a powerful new Nvidia "RTX Spark" chip, and a sophisticated design with a large haptic trackpad, the device signals a new flagship direction for the Surface lineup ahead of its fall 2026 launch.

Martin Filipov, 02 Jun 2026 09:27

CISA gives Windows admins until June 3 to patch Nightmare Eclipse Defender flaws

CISA's June 3 deadline for the two Nightmare Eclipse Defender zero-days is 48 hours away. YellowKey, GreenPlasma, and MiniPlasma remain unpatched, with GreenPlasma and MiniPlasma carrying no CVE assignment.

Darryl Linington, 01 Jun 2026 09:51

Microsoft has shown off a new high-end Surface laptop

Surface Laptop Ultra: Microsoft shows off powerful laptop with RTX Spark and mini-LED screen

Microsoft has shown off its RTX Spark-powered Surface Laptop Ultra. It is expected to launch later this year with some impressive specifications.

Anil Ganti, 01 Jun 2026 08:15

Windows 11 Build 26300.8553 introduces modular Start menu controls to the Experimental channel.

Windows 11 Insider Build 26300.8553 finally lets you customize the Start menu

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8553 brings a modular Start menu with Small, Large, and Automatic size presets and new privacy tools to the Experimental channel.

Darryl Linington, 31 May 2026 18:46

Microsoft Build 2026 official event branding.

Microsoft Build 2026: What to expect from the June 2 keynote

Microsoft Build 2026 opens June 2 in San Francisco with AI agents, GitHub Copilot updates, and Windows local AI. Here is what developers can expect.

Darryl Linington, 31 May 2026 14:25

The redesign render of the Microsoft tech headquarters in Redmond.

Microsoft faces security community backlash over Nightmare Eclipse

Microsoft's threat to criminally prosecute Nightmare Eclipse has drawn sharp criticism from security veterans, with three Windows zero-days still unpatched.

Darryl Linington, 30 May 2026 14:40

Fans of Xbox exclusives vent as Games Showcase keeps cross-platform PS5 titles

Rival consoles like the PS5 will still appear at the Xbox Games Showcase 2026. Chief Content Officer Matt Booty revealed that any shift back to Xbox exclusives was not imminent. Critics have called for titles that are only available on first-party hardware and the upcoming Project Helix.

Adam Corsetti, 29 May 2026 23:39

CEO says Xbox Game Pass price increase hurt subscriber count, but it's now rebounding

Gamers have rare insight into how Xbox Game Pass price increases affected subscriber counts. In an internal memo, CEO Asha Sharma disclosed that cancellations accelerated. Following the recent Ultimate and PC tier price cuts, more supporters are sticking with the service.

Adam Corsetti, 28 May 2026 22:37

A masked, hooded figure works on a laptop in a darkened room.

Nightmare Eclipse banned from GitHub and GitLab, vows July 14 attack

Nightmare Eclipse has been removed from GitHub and GitLab within days and is threatening a new Windows exploit release on Patch Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

Darryl Linington, 28 May 2026 13:58

Microsoft

Windows 11 Xbox mode reportedly uses less RAM vs stock Windows 11 but it doesn't result in more gaming performance

Microsoft slashes Xbox game prices in Europe, including Gears of War: E-Day pre-orders

Xbox strategy chief clarifies comments on gaming ads: “interrupting the gameplay experience would be bad”

Xbox buy now, pay later program leaks after CEO addressed Project Helix console price

PowerA teases Project X-Ray Flight Deck Wireless Controller for Xbox

Ex-PlayStation boss hints Xbox consoles will die, with Microsoft prioritizing Windows

Xbox's Strategy Chief is painting in-game ads as the next big move in games

Microsoft may be losing hundreds on each Xbox console sale, despite price increases

Xbox’s next 100 days: Sharma and Booty outline major 'reset'

Halo: Campaign Evolved performance preview finds Xbox superior to mid-range PC

Microsoft let Spyro's developers go free to score an important publishing win instead

Xbox exclusives is a risky bet, but this new strategy could make it work

CEO Asha Sharma teases third-party Xbox exclusives, despite slow console sales

How to use the new Windows 11 Shared Audio feature

Xbox major layoffs incoming as insider tips Asha Sharma’s first ‘reset the business’ move

Criticism of CEO Asha Sharma's Xbox exclusives stance reposted by CSO Matthew Ball

Gears of War: E-Day PS5 logo spotted on deleted Xbox podcast

CEO Asha Sharma hints at cheaper new Xbox console in 2026 to tackle rising prices

Buggy Dell and HP software bricking Windows 11 PCs

Microsoft's June 2026 Patch Tuesday: High-stakes updates and hidden features

Microsoft Autopatch adds Secure Boot report to block boot loops

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma: Still “figuring out” platform exclusives

Gears of War: E-Day PS5 was reportedly finished before Xbox exclusive game shift

Update | Halo: Campaign Evolved and Gears: E-Day pre-orders and price leak before Xbox Games Showcase

Update | Gears of War: E-Day PS5 pre-order leaks, despite calls for Xbox exclusive games

Microsoft and Nvidia are betting on AI to make old x86 Windows apps run better on next-gen RTX Spark PCs

Microsoft forced into policy retreat over rogue zero-day researcher Nightmare Eclipse

Halo: Campaign Evolved screenshots and skins leak before Xbox Games Showcase 2026

Xbox CEO to lower Project Helix price, even as consoles suffer from memory shortage

Microsoft Secure Boot AMA June 2026 highlights fleet risks

As PS5 price increase craters UK sales, Xbox consoles boosted by exclusive game

GitHub Copilot credit caps trigger surprise workspace lockouts

Microsoft unveils Majorana 2, wants useful quantum computing by 2029

June 9 Patch Tuesday incoming as Secure Boot deadline looms

Detailed leak reveals new Surface Laptop 8 (Snapdragon X2): Full specs, colors, release date

Surface Laptop Ultra detailed specs, upgrades officially revealed: A MacBook Pro with Windows 11?

Nvidia RTX Spark Surface Laptop Ultra has a unique new USB-C port, reveal hands-on images

Windows Netlogon CVE-2026-41089 exploited: Priority patch needed

Microsoft reveals Android-based AI device to rival iPhone: Qualcomm SoC, top-facing camera, small display, 5G

GitHub Copilot drops flat-rate billing and developers are not pleased

Hands-on with new Surface Laptop Ultra reveals MacBook Pro-like design from all angles

CISA gives Windows admins until June 3 to patch Nightmare Eclipse Defender flaws

Surface Laptop Ultra: Microsoft shows off powerful laptop with RTX Spark and mini-LED screen

Windows 11 Insider Build 26300.8553 finally lets you customize the Start menu

Microsoft Build 2026: What to expect from the June 2 keynote

Microsoft faces security community backlash over Nightmare Eclipse

Update | YellowKey fully bypasses Microsoft BitLocker encryption on affected Windows PCs: Bitcoins, personal data at risk

Fans of Xbox exclusives vent as Games Showcase keeps cross-platform PS5 titles

CEO says Xbox Game Pass price increase hurt subscriber count, but it's now rebounding

Nightmare Eclipse banned from GitHub and GitLab, vows July 14 attack

Tags