Microsoft starts testing Dolby Vision HDR gaming on Xbox Series X and S

A few Microsoft Xbox Series X and S users have noticed that the company has started testing Dolby Vision HDR gaming through the latest Xbox Insider Alpha ring release (2104). It's only available for a few games right now, including Borderlands 3, Halo: Master Chief Collection, Wreckfest, and Gears 5. The testers claim Dolby's picture quality is more "refined" than the usual HDR10, which is likely because of the dynamic data that adjust HDR visuals frame-by-frame.

Microsoft plans to release it to the general public "soon," but it hasn't committed beyond saying it will come out sometime this year. For Dolby Vision to work, you'll need a compatible TV.

Source: Engadget

'Mechwarrior 5' Steam version, DLC release pushed back to spring 2021 to avoid 'Cyberpunk 2077'

Source: Piranha Games

Piranha Games doesn't want to go against CD Projekt Red's highly anticipated title and has opted to push back the release of an expansion for MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries and its Steam and GOG versions. Instead of a December 10 release for the Heroes of the Inner Sphere DLC, it'll come out in the spring of 2021. 

"Any developer wants their titles to get as much attention as possible, and obviously sharing a release date with Cyberpunk was less than optimal," the studio noted in a blog post. "Day one sales and marketing are so important to a successful product launch, and we believe that rescheduling our release date will allow MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries to have the opportunity and attention it deserves."

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Apple, Microsoft works on Xbox Series X/S controller support

Microsoft's new controllers for the Xbox Series S/X might not have gone through a big revamp as Sony's DualSense controllers. But that doesn't mean it'll be a seamless update with third-party devices, as is the case with Apple products. The support page for compatible controllers with Apple devices shows that Microsoft and Apple are working on fixing compatibility with the new controllers. The message reads, "Microsoft and Apple are working together to bring compatibility for the Xbox Series X controller to customers in a future update."

It is unclear why it isn't working now, but it's good to hear that the companies are working on a fix. There is no word yet about the compatibility of the new DualSense controllers. But recent iOS developer builds suggest that work is being done here as well.

Source: Engadget

Xbox exclusive 'The Medium' won't come out until January 2021

It looks like one more title is avoiding the launch of Cyberpunk 2077. The upcoming horror game from Blair Witch developer Bloober Team will be pushed back to January 28, 2021. The Medium was initially supposed to launch on December 10 for the Xbox Series S and Series X.

The studio didn't outright mention CD Projekt Red's highly anticipated title. But it said in its release, “It wasn’t an easy choice to make, but one made due to the COVID-19 situation in Poland, as well as the current schedule of other games on the market." 

Source: Engadget