A new Xbox has launched – but it doesn't look like a console
Microsoft has taken Meta's Quest 3S headset and dressed it up in Xbox's Carbon Black and Velocity Green. It's the first limited edition Quest headset ever, and I've got to admit, it's got some serious shelf appeal.
The bundle is quite the care package. You get the custom 128GB headset, matching Touch Plus controllers (for the full Xbox experience), an Elite Strap for comfort, a limited-edition Wireless Controller, and three months each of Meta Horizon+ and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. That's a lot of gear before you've even pressed start.
The partnership between the brands isn't exactly new – they first rolled out Xbox Cloud Gaming on Quest back in 2023 – but this is the most physical expression of that alliance yet. It's the gaming giant's way of saying, 'Who needs a telly when you can game on a floating screen hovering in your living room?' And thanks to cloud gaming, you've got access to a hefty library of titles like Avowed, Oblivion Remastered, and the gloriously swampy South of Midnight, all without a console in sight.
It's also a win for continuity. If you start a game in VR, you can continue it on your console or PC, without missing a beat. Progress, achievements, and that unsaved moment of panic mid-boss fight? All travel with you.
The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition is available now for $400/£400 from Meta, Best Buy, Argos, and EE. Supplies are limited – and knowing Xbox fans, this thing might vanish faster than your storage space.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Stuff.tv
3 days ago
- Stuff.tv
The iOS 26 public beta is coming to your iPhone very soon – here's how to download it
It's time for the latest upcoming Apple phone software to be available for you to download as a public preview ahead of its official launch in early September. iOS 26 could be available for your iPhone as early as later today, according to rumour. Indeed, iOS 17 and 18 went into the public beta phase in mid-July, so a release now would be a little later. The iPhone software will debut as part of the Apple Beta Software Program which will also see all of Apple's upcoming software releases emerge in early form. So we can expect public betas for iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, tvOS 26, HomePod software 26, watchOS 26 as well as upgraded firmware for your AirPods. As usual there are plenty of updates in the new software. Liquid Glass design language has already proved quite a talking point and Apple has already revised certain aspects of it as a result of feedback in the previous developer betas. As you have probably noticed, Apple's software has taken a bit of a leap this time around in terms of its name – the software releases now have next year's date appended to them rather than a version number per se (so while we got iOS 18 last year we aren't getting iOS 19 this time around). How to install iOS 26 or iPadOS 26 on your iPhone or iPad 1. Make sure your device is compatible. iOS 26 doesn't run on all of the same devices that could run iOS 18 and this version officially ditches support for the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max – all of which are from 2018. Check out the iOS 26 system requirements. 2. Note that early release software can be buggy, even in public beta form. We strongly recommend you don't install any kind of pre-release (beta) software on an iPhone or iPad you use every day and especially not if it's something you rely on. Remember to always back up your data first. 3. Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates and choose the iOS 26 Public beta (we don't recommend you choose the Developer beta unless you really know what you're doing and never do this on a device your regularly use). Plug your phone in or place on a wireless charger if compatible. 4. Once you've done so, go back out to Settings > General > Software Update. It may take a little while, but you'll see the beta become available for download in the same way as any other software update for your Apple device. You'll most likely get several updated beta releases between now and early September's full release. If you want to install the final version instead of another beta after the full iOS 16 release, go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates and turn them off. Apple Passkeys explained: how passwords are old news and how Microsoft and Google are involved, too
Stuff.tv
4 days ago
- Stuff.tv
Smarter laptops for sharper minds – meet the AI-powered PCs at Currys
Laptops aren't just laptops. They're powerful tools to help us work, create, and play, wherever we are. But they're not all made equal. Enter the latest generation of Copilot+ PCs with Intel® Core™ Ultra processors – all of which come supercharged with powerful AI features that are transforming how we write, call, browse, and create. And unlike some flashy tech fads that promise the future but deliver frustration, these notebooks truly deliver. Whether they're transcribing your notes in real time, or reducing background noise on an important call, they're quietly doing clever things without you even realising. Each one of these Copilot+ PCs is packed with purpose-built AI hardware – Neural Processing Units (NPUs) that take the strain off your processor and power new tools with impressive battery efficiency. You'll also find dedicated Copilot keys, giving you instant access to Microsoft's AI assistant with a single press. It's tech that adapts to how you work – not the other way around. With that said, here are five of the smartest picks available at Currys right now. Asus Zenbook S 14: ultra-thin power with AI at its core One of the thinnest and lightest Copilot+ PCs available, the Zenbook S 14 is a masterclass in AI-enabled productivity. Its powerful Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor includes a lightning-fast NPU for speeding up creative tasks like image editing and real-time voice transcription – with the added benefit of longer battery life thanks to efficient background processing. The dedicated Copilot key gives you instant access to Microsoft's AI assistant, while Asus' own AI suite handles cooling, audio tuning, and adaptive brightness. You also get a 3K OLED touchscreen that's perfect for pen input or pinch-and-zoom creativity, with cinema-grade visuals to boot. All that, in a body just 1.2 kg and 1.1 cm thick. Proof that power and portability aren't mutually exclusive. MSI Prestige 13 AI+ Evo: quietly clever, effortlessly efficient Some AI features are flashy. Others are quietly making everything better without you ever realising it. The Prestige 13 AI+ Evo is very much the latter – a laptop that uses AI to keep things cool, quiet, and distraction-free while you focus on your work. MSI's built-in AI Engine is designed to detect user activity and optimise performance or battery life accordingly. The AI Noise Cancellation Pro system also uses a trio of beamforming mics to isolate your voice and block out unwanted noise – perfect for busy video calls or remote collaboration. And because the neural engine built into the Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor handles these background jobs efficiently, you still get up to 24 hours of battery life. At under 1kg, with a 2.8K OLED display and premium magnesium-aluminium build, this is a serious featherweight contender with heavyweight intelligence. Asus Vivobook S 14 OLED: smart features that won't break the bank AI on a budget doesn't have to mean shoddy results. The Vivobook S 14 OLED brings plenty of Copilot+ smarts to the table – including a dedicated Copilot key and deep Microsoft integration. It uses the same generation of Intel® Core™ Ultra processors as the more premium picks here, and matches them with 16 GB of RAM and Intel® Arc graphics for creative workflows and casual gaming. But what really sets it apart is how Asus uses AI to smooth your daily routine. Features like Asus' StoryCube – designed to help manage photos and videos – plus AI noise cancelling and AiSense webcam tech, all help to streamline day-to-day tasks and virtual meetings, while its AI noise cancelling and AiSense webcam tech keep you looking and sounding your best on video calls. Battery life runs up to 16 hours too, and the Full HD+ OLED screen is vivid and punchy for both work and play. Lenovo Yoga Slim 9: minimalist design, maximum intelligence The Yoga Slim 9 shows just how invisible great design can be – in the best possible way. There's no visible webcam on this 14in 4K OLED stunner, because Lenovo's tucked it discreetly behind the screen. It appears when you need it, disappears when you don't, and helps deliver one of the cleanest screen-to-body ratios ever seen on a laptop. It's part of what makes the Slim 9 feel so seamless – just like the way it handles AI-enhanced tasks behind the scenes. With 32 GB of RAM, an Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor, and a dazzling DisplayHDR True Black panel, this is a laptop that's built for creative and professional users alike. Add in facial recognition for secure logins and a suite of Copilot features, and you've got a machine that's just as clever as it is elegant. Behind that sleek design is a powerhouse of intelligent computing. Intel's silicon handles demanding tasks, while the AI engine is designed to support features like screen optimisation and noise filtering. A fingerprint reader handles logins in seconds, and the 120 Hz refresh rate keeps every swipe and scroll silky smooth. Lightweight, sharp, and ideal for digital creatives who want AI to enhance their flow – not interrupt it. Overall, these aren't just laptops with an AI sticker slapped on the lid. They're fast, capable machines designed from the ground up to help you think faster, focus better, and get more done with less effort. Better yet, they're all available now at Currys.
Stuff.tv
15-07-2025
- Stuff.tv
We may already know how much the ROG Xbox Ally will cost and you might be surprised
Microsoft recently revealed its Xbox handheld console in collaboration with Asus, as has been long rumoured. Asus is no stranger to handhelds itself with its ROG Ally line. The new handheld comes hot on the heels of the Nintendo Switch 2. It's even branded ROG Xbox Ally to place it alongside the other Asus handheld devices rather than seeming an outlier product. And we may already know how much the handheld will cost – which may be cheaper than you'd expect. 3DJeugos noticed some Google Search store data seemingly scraped from Asus' own website. According to the data, it looks like the Xbox Ally and its beefier Ally X sibling might actually be sticking fairly close to their ROG predecessors' prices. I don't want to get ahead of myself, but if these numbers are accurate, it's great news for gamers or anyone wanting to upgrade their handheld. The leak suggests the Xbox Ally will land at €599, while the Xbox Ally X will sit at €899 in Europe. That's practically identical to the launch prices of their Asus ROG Ally counterparts. Now, Asus never does 1:1 price conversions across regions. VAT, tariffs, and currency wibbles all come into play. Historically, the US price for the ROG Ally X has hovered at around $799, with some stores like Best Buy bumping it to $899 when stock runs dry. So, I expect similar prices in the US and UK. And, down the line, I imagine the handhelds will be ripe for picking at bargain prices. The Z1 Extreme-based ROG Ally X retails for €899 in Europe, but it's been going for $100 off on Amazon Germany lately. It's not quite a year old yet, and is already starting to see some discounts. So, if the Xbox Ally has caught your eye, holding off on buying it may be a smart move. We'll likely get something more official around Gamescom, where Microsoft loves to bang the drum for its gaming plans. Until then, these leaks are your best bet – and I think they give good reason to be excited.
