Microsoft
Microsoft business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
Morning Tech Bits
Microsoft is reportedly working on eliminating the "compiling shaders" wait times experienced by PC gamers. The article also briefly mentions a peculiar trend of RAM kits being sold with one fake stick alongside a real one.
Xbox Gaming Copilot Coming to "Current-Generation Consoles" This Year
Microsoft announced that its AI assistant program, Copilot, will be coming to current-generation Xbox consoles later this year. Previously available on PC, mobile, and the ASUS ROG Ally, Copilot can assist players with in-game questions and tasks. Sony is also reportedly experimenting with similar AI-assist features for PlayStation.
Project Helix dev kits not going out until 2027 | TAG
Microsoft has revealed that developer kits for its next-generation console, codenamed Project Helix, will not be released until 2027, featuring custom AMD chips with advanced ray tracing and upscaling capabilities. Separately, a surprise public playtest for Secret Door and Dreamhaven's Shadowstone has launched, Nintendo is preparing an update for Pokémon Pokopia, and Square Enix has surprise-launched Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD on Xbox Series X/S and PC. Additionally, Jeff Kaplan explained his departure from Blizzard, and deals for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 consoles and games are available.
Will there actually be any such thing as a Project Helix "native" game? | Opinion
Microsoft's GDC keynote revealed details about Project Helix, its next-generation Xbox hardware, which appears to be a PC-like console designed for enthusiasts. The device is expected to play PC games and back-catalog titles, blurring the lines between Xbox and Windows. Key unanswered questions revolve around third-party store integration, particularly Steam, and whether dedicated 'Helix native' games will exist, suggesting a potential shift away from console-specific software.
Microsoft Is Bringing Gaming Copilot To Xbox Series This Year
Microsoft is bringing its AI-powered Gaming Copilot feature to Xbox Series X and S consoles later this year, according to project manager Sonali Yadav. The feature, already available on Windows and mobile, offers personalized coaching, in-game assistance, and recommendations. Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma also commented on the upcoming "Project Helix," the codename for their next-generation Xbox console.
ID@Xbox at GDC 2026: Indie Developers at the Heart of Great Games
Xbox highlighted its commitment to indie developers at GDC 2026, emphasizing their crucial role in delivering innovative and successful games. The company discussed policy changes aimed at improving game discovery on the Xbox Store and reaffirmed its support for sustainable game development through programs like ID@Xbox and Game Pass.
Microsoft Seemingly Cancelled “This is an Xbox” Campaign
Xbox has seemingly discontinued its "This is an Xbox" marketing campaign, with related pages on the Xbox Wire website now showing 404 errors. The campaign, which promoted the idea that various devices could be considered an Xbox due to services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Game Pass, was reportedly spearheaded by former Xbox president Sarah Bond. Bond has also announced her departure from Xbox, with Asha becoming the new lead.
"We are not powerless, every action matters" - Indie studio Speculative Agency returns Microsoft Xbox funding and urges others to boycott
Indie studio Speculative Agency has returned funding from Microsoft's Xbox developer program and joined the 'No Games for Genocide' boycott. The studio, currently developing 'All Will Rise', cited concerns over Microsoft's complicity in Israeli genocide as the reason for their decision. Narrative director Meghna Jayanth stated that collective action can pressure corporations like Microsoft to change their practices.
The PlayStation 6, PS6 Handheld and Project Helix May Still Launch Next Year
Insider claims suggest Sony and Microsoft are still targeting a Holiday 2027 launch for their next-generation consoles, including a rumored Sony handheld. Despite ongoing memory shortages, development kits are expected to ship in 2027, with the PlayStation 6 potentially featuring 30GB of GDDR7 RAM and the handheld 24GB.
Microsoft removes its 'This is an Xbox' marketing campaign and is slowly purging all mention of it
Microsoft has removed its 'This is an Xbox' marketing campaign, which broadly defined the brand beyond traditional consoles to include various devices and cloud gaming. The company is also purging mentions of the campaign from its platforms, suggesting a shift in strategy possibly related to future hardware like Project Helix.
The Morning After: Our verdict on Apple’s $600 Macbook Neo
Apple's new $600 MacBook Neo offers a capable screen, keyboard, and trackpad with strong build quality, despite using an A-series processor and limited RAM. While not a gaming machine, it handles everyday tasks well, making it suitable for students and desk workers. The article also touches on Microsoft's Project Helix dev consoles, AMD's new chips, and Meta's acquisition of Moltbook.
"This is personal for me" - creators of game about suing murderous billionaires cancel Microsoft deal and join No Games For Genocide boycott
Game developers Speculative Agency, creators of the anti-capitalist deckbuilder All Will Rise, have joined the No Games For Genocide boycott against Microsoft's business ties with the Israeli military. They are returning Microsoft funding and will not release their game on Microsoft platforms. Narrative director Meghna Jayanth cited personal reasons and the broader complicity of the games industry in military and imperial actions.
Phil Spencer Was Good for Xbox, but His Legacy Is Complicated
Xbox VP Jason Ronald stated that players purchasing Xbox Play Anywhere titles spend more than double the hours in-game compared to other players. This initiative aims to increase both spending and engagement for Microsoft's gaming platform.
Fragzone-fredag – En ikon fyller 40!
This episode of Fragzone-fredag celebrates Mario's 40th anniversary, highlighting favorite titles from the iconic character's extensive gameography. The discussion also touches upon Microsoft's upcoming Xbox console, codenamed 'Helix,' and its potential impact on pricing due to its focus on performance.
Gaming Copilot AI Assistant Is Coming To Current-Gen Xbox Consoles This Year
Microsoft announced that its AI-powered Gaming Copilot assistant will be available on current-generation Xbox consoles later this year. The assistant, already in beta for PC and mobile apps, provides in-game advice, game recommendations, and can answer questions based on player profiles. Microsoft is also exploring licensing content for the AI and has introduced an AI-driven highlight reel feature for select titles on the ASUS ROG Ally.
Remothered: Red Nun’s Legacy – Stormind Returns to Close the Survival Horror Trilogy
Stormind is returning to the Remothered series with Remothered: Red Nun's Legacy, the final installment of the trilogy, set to release in 2026. The game will be a standalone experience set 20 years after the previous titles, featuring new gameplay mechanics like melee combat and a 'Hypnosis Mode' for puzzle-solving. It is planned for release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Gaming on ARM: Can Windows 11 Finally Make It a Reality?
Windows 11 is improving the viability of ARM processors for PC gaming through enhanced emulation and cloud gaming integration. While challenges like game compatibility and GPU power remain, ARM laptops offer potential benefits such as longer battery life and lower costs, making them a promising option for casual gamers.
Microsoft’s Next Xbox, Project Helix, Won’t Reach Alpha Until 2027
Microsoft revealed details about its next-generation Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, at GDC 2026. The console will feature a custom AMD chip with significant improvements in ray tracing and a new machine learning-based FSR upscaling technology. Alpha development kits are slated for release to developers in 2027, with a focus on closer integration between Xbox and PC gaming ecosystems.
Microsoft Reveals Project Helix: Xbox’s Next-Gen Console Gets AMD Powerhouse
Microsoft has revealed early hardware specifications for its next-generation Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix. The console will feature custom AMD silicon with advanced ray tracing, neural rendering, and next-generation upscaling technologies like AMD FSR Next. While promising significant performance improvements, potential challenges include real-world performance validation, backwards compatibility, and power management.
Microsoft says Xbox Play Anywhere titles can double spending and engagement
Xbox VP Jason Ronald stated that players engaging with Xbox Play Anywhere titles spend more than double the hours in-game compared to other players. This suggests that the program enhances both player engagement and spending habits for supported titles.