Next-gen Xbox rumoured to be a 'TV-friendly PC'

Image: Game Rant

A significant shift in Microsoft's gaming hardware strategy may be on the horizon, with insider reports suggesting the next-generation Xbox console will essentially be a PC housed in a television-friendly shell. This revelation, shared by Windows Central's Jez Corden, indicates a departure from traditional console architecture, potentially simplifying game development and blurring the lines between PC and console gaming.

Click to read more ...

Skype to shut down in May 2025, Microsoft shifts focus to Teams

Image: Microsoft

Microsoft has announced that Skype, the once-dominant video-calling service, will be retired in May 2025. The company will now focus on Microsoft Teams as its primary communication platform. Skype, launched in 2003 and acquired by Microsoft in 2011 for $8.5 billion, played a pivotal role in popularizing free computer-to-computer voice and video calls. However, its user base has dwindled in recent years as competitors like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger gained prominence.

Click to read more ...

LG to bring cloud gaming service to more screens in 2025

Photo: LG

LG is expanding access to its cloud gaming service, Gaming Portal, and adding support for Xbox Cloud Gaming. Gaming Portal, which acts as a dedicated app store for games and organizes cloud gaming services like GeForce NOW and Amazon Luna, is currently only available on LG smart TVs running webOS 23 and up. However, the South Korean technology company plans to bring the feature to its smart monitors and lifestyle screens by the second quarter of 2025. This means you'll be able to play games on these devices without needing a console. With its recent partnership with Microsoft, you'll soon be able to stream Xbox games on your LG screen without needing an Xbox console.

SOURCE

Samsung to discontinue DeX for PC app with One UI 7

Photo:Microsoft, Samsung

Samsung is discontinuing the DeX for PC app, which allows users to mirror their phone's screen on their Windows computer, with the upcoming One UI 7 update. This change was announced on the official Samsung UK website and will likely disappoint some users who have relied on the app for seamless file transfer and a more integrated desktop experience.  

Click to read more ...