All the effort was halted by Copilot. Well, likely other things as well, but still.
From the 360 era to just after the One launch, it was Games For Windows Live which was pretty hated and an attempt I think to shoehorn the Xbox Live approach into PC (it originally launched in 2007 and required Gold to play online - thankfully Steam helped see that off, and by 2008 the requirement was dropped).
Since then Windows has tried to get better for gaming, unsure when the ethos changed but as Microsoft entered its “we work with everyone” era things started to improve, to the point now yes they may finally be able to marry console and PC, whereas back then trying to bring console to PC was poorly done as they were too far apart
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I’m basically talking about something new to windows that makes it fresh. Just the thought kids and teens could have this be their starting point rather than the windows screen. It’s very akin to a mobile. Looking at this makes me wonder how windows could have been perhaps even during the windows phone era had the Xbox team been leading it. I honestly hope Asha’s team are not more of the windows and AI that seem devoid of cool design. I think Spencer and Bond were really unto something. I’m seeing more videos of people talking about this Xbox mode and it’s really looking like it could be pretty big.
Let’s see if they can make other products better as well.
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Excited for the stream of Stranger than Heaven today!
Let’s fucking go!
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They really hyping up on the presentation, so I can’t wait for not just the game but the show production.
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Think the idea is this mode will be default for Helix and maybe gaming handhelds etc, but not forced on users.
They did try both the Windows Mobile boxes design and simpler layouts in Windows 8 (particularly as it launched with a load of touchscreen computers) - it was hated by almost everyone, as those used to Windows felt treated like children and it was a pain in the ass to reach advanced settings, while those that liked mobile or simpler layouts found Windows underneath still needed too much tweaking.
The “mobile app store” design in Windows 10 (and particularly 11) has also bombed pretty hard - I’ve not seen anyone use it apart from for Microsoft apps, and the Android store plug in still doesn’t appear used much no matter how much Google pushes it.
Now Windows is a bit more user friendly and this mode allows controller use and easier big screen / simplified access, they’re ready but I think it’ll remain something you have to seek out except on Xbox branded stuff as Microsoft have been burnt in the past
You got it. Can’t wait.
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“The lawsuit was brought about by Alex Neill, who is representing consumers that purchased PlayStation digital content between August 2016 and February 2026. The action accuses PlayStation of having a ‘near monopoly’ on digital games and add-on content on PlayStation platforms. The case asserts that Sony sets strict terms and conditions on developers, and charges a 30% commission on every purchase, which results in “excessive and unfair prices”. It claims the prices are out of proportion to the costs.
Sony’s counter-argument is that there is sufficient competition against its store and platform, and that the fees it charges developers allows it to sell hardware at a lower price to consumers.”
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Wait so are they going to have to go back to subsidizing their console and lowering hardware prices to defeat this? Cuz that’d still be a win for consumers. Albeit a temporary one probably.
There’s an Xbox Wire post talking about military appreciation with COD. Makes me wonder if that the state of the current US administration and what the military is currently doing is going to negatively impact COD sales this year.
New boot up coming next Wednesday. Sound on! pic.twitter.com/9HHrZHwjpH
— Asha (@asha_shar) May 6, 2026
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I wonder if that means Series owners get the PC update as well.
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Getting ready for a long run.We are launching the Forza Feedback Portal: the new and only way to send us suggestions, report bugs, and vote on other existing topics. The Portal is active starting today. Read the complete news at: https://t.co/tt3iP4W5EN pic.twitter.com/f6oz4L6fFz
— Forza Horizon (@ForzaHorizon) May 6, 2026
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I couldn’t see a thread for it but RUSE being available again is good. RUSE is easily one of my favourite RTS games. Worked really well on console. By no means the deepest, but it has a really enjoyable campaign and some great MP possibilities.
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Long since the original release, it has returned to Xbox.
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Xbox has now launched Microsoft Jewel for FREE on PC with support for Xbox achievements.
— Idle Sloth (@IdleSloth84_) May 7, 2026
There are 28 achievements worth 1,000 Gamerscore
Xbox Store:https://t.co/olbbvC30YL
True Achievements have the list of the achievements https://t.co/FA5VPu8xyz pic.twitter.com/7hiTjai8uM
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