Author Archives: Sarah Fielding

Microsoft bans ‘unauthorized’ third-party Xbox controllers and accessories

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Microsoft is putting its foot down when it comes to unauthorized controller use. The company has begun banning any third-party Xbox controllers and accessories that aren't part of the "designed for Xbox" hardware partner program. A gamer posted the news to Restera after plugging in an Xbox-compatible controller and receiving a notification about the ban.

The error code is explained in detail on Microsoft's support blog: "From the moment you connect an unauthorized accessory and receive error code 0x82d60002, you'll have two weeks to use the accessory, after which time it will then be blocked from use with the console." Microsoft's advice? Get in touch with the company you bought the controller from and return it — a bit savage, but very clear.

Microsoft's motivation for the crackdown could stem, in part, from a desire to block cheat devices like Cronus Zen. Fellow gaming companies have been working hard to ban their use during gameplay. Of course, Microsoft's decision could also stem from a probable increase in sales of their own controllers and accessories.

Brook Gaming, one of the companies with impacted products, released a statement assuring customers that it would "spare no effort in identifying potential solutions" to this new policy. In the meantime, there's likely to be a drop in sales for its and other third-party manufacturers' Xbox products.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/microsoft-bans-unauthorized-third-party-xbox-controllers-and-accessories-124703807.html?src=rss

Amazon’s Echo Show smart displays fall back to all-time lows

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A few of the Echo Show devices are touting major sales right now, dropping to their all-time-low prices. The 2023 third-generation Echo Show 5 has fallen to $40 from $90 — a 56 percent discount. The Echo Show 8 is marked down nearly as much, with a 54 percent discount bringing its price to $60 from $130. 

The third-gen Echo Show 5 is a great option if you're looking for a simple smart home device that does all the basics your family needs. Its 5.5-inch 960 x 480 resolution display is perfect for checking the weather, picking a song or displaying your favorite photos. It also has a 2MP camera for making video calls or checking in on your home while you're away. Listen to Prime Video, Spotify and more through its 1.7-inch speaker. 

While there's a newer Echo Show 8 available, there's still a lot to love about the second-gen model (and not just that it comes without a $150 price tag). The eight-inch screen has a 1,200 x 800 resolution display that can do all the same things the Echo Show 5 can, just in better quality — plus, it can stream Netflix, while its counterpart can't. The Echo Show 8 also comes with a 13MP camera with auto-framing to look your best while on video calls. 

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/amazons-echo-show-smart-displays-fall-back-to-all-time-lows-114005160.html?src=rss

Amazon’s Echo Show smart displays fall back to all-time lows

Posted on by

A few of the Echo Show devices are touting major sales right now, dropping to their all-time-low prices. The 2023 third-generation Echo Show 5 has fallen to $40 from $90 — a 56 percent discount. The Echo Show 8 is marked down nearly as much, with a 54 percent discount bringing its price to $60 from $130. 

The third-gen Echo Show 5 is a great option if you're looking for a simple smart home device that does all the basics your family needs. Its 5.5-inch 960 x 480 resolution display is perfect for checking the weather, picking a song or displaying your favorite photos. It also has a 2MP camera for making video calls or checking in on your home while you're away. Listen to Prime Video, Spotify and more through its 1.7-inch speaker. 

While there's a newer Echo Show 8 available, there's still a lot to love about the second-gen model (and not just that it comes without a $150 price tag). The eight-inch screen has a 1,200 x 800 resolution display that can do all the same things the Echo Show 5 can, just in better quality — plus, it can stream Netflix, while its counterpart can't. The Echo Show 8 also comes with a 13MP camera with auto-framing to look your best while on video calls. 

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/amazons-echo-show-smart-displays-fall-back-to-all-time-lows-114005160.html?src=rss

Sony’s WH-1000XM5 ANC headphones drop to $330

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While there are plenty of good headphones on the market, Sony's WH-1000XM5 ANC model is really in a league of its own. Now, the temptation to pick up our favorite wireless headphones of the year has spiked thanks to an 18 percent discount, dropping Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones to $330 from $400. This deal brings them just $2 short of their Prime Day all-time-low $328. 

So what makes the WH-1000XM5 headphones so great even a year and a half after Sony released them? The headphones have an unmatched mix of features, including a remarkable sound quality that is crisp and clear while providing a punchy bass during 30 hours of battery life. The M5 comes with eight ANC mics — double that of its predecessor. Plus, the wireless headphones have an updated fit that makes the 0.55-pound device feel light and remarkably comfortable. It's no surprise we gave them a 95 in our initial review. 

Sony's top-tier headphones also have all the controls you need without having to pick up your phone. You can use physical and touch control buttons to change the song, make a call or change the noise mode (which can also change automatically as you move throughout the day). The Speak-to-Chat feature will even pause your audio as soon as you start talking. 

If you're more of an earbuds person, Sony's WF-1000XM5 buds are down to a record-low price of $250. These just came out this summer and they feature a ton of improvements like upgraded drivers, new chips and a big bump in sound quality. The WF-1000XM5 are more comfortable than their predecessors, and they support advanced features like adaptive sound and Speak-to-Chat.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/sonys-wh-1000xm5-anc-headphones-drop-to-330-100824048.html?src=rss