Latest news with #AsusROGAlly
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Microsoft may have shelved its Xbox Handheld, and the reason is Windows 11
Microsoft has temporarily shelved development of its own Xbox handheld gaming device to prioritize improving Windows 11 performance for third-party gaming handhelds, according to sources familiar with the company's plans. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The decision represents a strategic shift as Microsoft faces mounting competition from Valve's SteamOS platform. The tech giant's internal first-party handheld project, which was targeting a 2027 launch alongside the next Xbox console, has been put on hold while teams redirect efforts toward optimizing Windows 11 for devices like the upcoming Asus ROG Ally successor, codenamed " Project Kennan ." Windows Latest reports that Microsoft announced the reprioritization internally, though no layoffs have occurred as a result of the decision. Microsoft's rumored handheld with Asus remains a priority Microsoft's partnership with Asus remains unaffected by the internal handheld delay. Project Kennan, expected to launch later this year with AMD's Z2 Extreme processor, represents Microsoft's near-term handheld gaming strategy. The hardware development is reportedly complete, with software optimization now the primary focus. The shift comes as SteamOS poses an increasing threat to Windows' gaming dominance. Recent tests show significant battery life and performance improvements when SteamOS is installed on Windows-based handhelds like the Legion Go and ROG Ally, though users lose access to services like PC Game Pass. Microsoft continues developing next-generation Xbox cloud systems at its Redmond headquarters, aiming to match NVIDIA GeForce Now 's latency performance. The company also cancelled its cloud-focused mini console "Hobart" as part of broader strategic realignments. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now While Microsoft maintains long-term ambitions for a native Xbox handheld, the immediate focus on third-party partnerships and Windows optimization reflects the competitive pressure from established platforms like Steam Deck ahead of the company's June 8 Xbox Showcase .
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Business Standard
23-05-2025
- Business Standard
Now, you can use SteamOS on Asus ROG Ally, other handheld gaming consoles
Valve, the American video game publisher and digital distribution company, has released a major update to SteamOS – the operating system that powers its popular handheld gaming device, the Steam Deck. The new version, SteamOS 3.7.8, introduces several improvements for Steam Deck users but also for those using other handheld devices like the Lenovo Legion Go and Asus ROG Ally. SteamOS expands beyond the Steam Deck Until now, SteamOS was primarily developed for the Steam Deck. With this update, Valve is officially supporting a wider range of devices. For the first time, users of the Lenovo Legion Go and Asus ROG Ally will be able to install SteamOS more easily using a recovery image provided by Valve. A recovery image allows users to restore their Steam Deck to its original state by wiping all data and reinstalling the operating system. This move enables gamers who prefer these Windows-based handhelds to switch to Valve's gaming-focused OS. Valve has published installation instructions, though it notes that support for non-certified devices is not yet final. Improvements for Steam Deck users Bluetooth microphone support in Desktop mode: Players can now use the microphone on their wireless earbuds, but only when the Steam Deck is in desktop mode. This feature is not yet available in gaming mode. Remote power-on via Bluetooth controller: Owners of the Steam Deck LCD model can now turn on the device remotely using a Bluetooth controller. Previously, this feature was exclusive to the OLED model and is particularly useful when the device is docked to a TV. Battery care feature: Users can now limit battery charging to 80 per cent to protect long-term battery health when the device is constantly plugged in. Technical upgrades: These enhancements are supported by a newer version of Arch Linux, updated Mesa graphics drivers, and an upgraded Plasma desktop environment. Also Read Valve's broader vision for SteamOS Valve's updated FAQ suggests the company is working with additional partners to release officially licensed 'Powered by SteamOS' devices. This could include more handhelds or even mini-consoles that run SteamOS out of the box. Market rumours also suggest that Valve is developing a wireless VR headset, reportedly named 'Deckard.' According to The Verge, this could be part of a broader initiative to build a full SteamOS-powered living room console—reminiscent of the earlier Steam Machines concept.
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Time of India
Project Kennan: Xbox's handheld breaks cover in leaks, Asus ROG Ally 2 prototype spotted
Image via Xbox. The first images of the Asus ROG Ally 2 have appeared online as a result of official certification from the US Federal Communication Commission (FCC), but there is a catch: the gaming handheld comes in two versions, one of which has an Xbox button. The Asus ROG Ally gaming handheld range, which is marketed as a rival to Valve's Steam Deck, enables users to play PC and Android games while on the go and supports marketplaces like Steam and GOG. Operation Sindoor India's air defence systems shoot down Pak drones in J&K, Punjab & Rajasthan India-Pakistan tensions: Delhi airport issues travel advisory Operation Sindoor: Multiple explosions heard at several Pakistan air bases Now, these leaked images are going to boost the enthusiasm of the fans to a whole new level, regarding the upcoming console. Xbox themed Asus ROG Ally 2 images get leaked The Xbox button is placed directely above the D-pad. (Image via FCC) These leaked images have been uncovered first by 91mobiles from an Indonesian certificate filing, and VideoCardz , on the other hand, linked them in an FCC listing . They display two new ROG Ally consoles: a black model with a single button with the unpainted but recognizable Xbox emblem, and a white, vanilla counterpart. Some restricted specifications are also revealed in that listing, including a 7-inch, 120Hz LCD display that is comparable to the first generation. The Xbox edition comes with an 8-core, 36W AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme CPU, while the white version has a less potent 4-core, 20W chip. According to the images, the Xbox button was next to the left stick and above the D-Pad. The next Xbox tablet, code-named Project Kennan by Microsoft, will be more powerful than the white ROG Ally 2 tablet. Additionally, instead of the ROG Ally's blocky, sloping form, the design now features additional molded controller grips on each edge. As of now, there is no official release date available for these consoles. Given that certification is already underway, a release is probably imminent. Computex, which starts on May 20 and is just one day after Microsoft's own Build conference starts on May 19, is where Asus frequently releases new gear. Project Keenan, an Xbox portable that has been the subject of months of rumors and is supposedly scheduled for release this year. But it's not the Xbox portable console. Instead, it appears to be a Windows gaming device made by Asus, a third-party manufacturer. It's still unknown if Windows 11 or a custom made dedicated Xbox operating system will be used in the Xbox version of the ROG Ally 2. The next Xbox ROG Ally 2 is expected to have robust compatibility for Xbox Game Pass, just like other Asus ROG Ally tablets that are currently on the market. However, all leaks must be treated with caution until ASUS and Microsoft release official information. Read More: Here's what Microsoft may be planning for its handheld Xbox console
Metro
07-05-2025
- Metro
Xbox handheld pic leaks in new photos of collaboration with Asus
Photos have emerged of Xbox's upcoming Asus handheld collaboration, which is expected to be released later this year. Microsoft has been teasing plans for two separate handhelds for some time now, with one being a next gen device and the other a third party collaboration. Based on a teaser trailer from last month, the latter appears to be a team-up with Asus, which launched its own handheld gaming device, the Asus ROG Ally, in 2023. The company's collaboration with Xbox, codenamed Project Kennan, has now seemingly leaked in full, through a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) listing in the US. As reported by VideoCardz, the pictures appear to show two variants of the upcoming Asus ROG Ally 2. The white version looks like the standard version of the handheld, while the black version is believed to be the Xbox device, aka Project Kennan. There isn't much to differentiate the two systems on the surface – very dusty exterior aside – but a button on the upper left of the black device appears to show a dedicated Xbox button (it's lacking any colour, but you can just about see the 'X' outline). This same button is on the white version too, although it doesn't appear to have the same Xbox marking. According to the leaked listing, the black Xbox model will be more powerful than its white counterpart. The former is said to use the Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor with 8 cores and 36w TDP (thermal design power), while the white model uses AMD Aeirth Plus with 4 cores and 20w TDP. It's unclear whether the Xbox version will have a dedicated operating system, or if it will simply have better integration with the Xbox app through Windows. Considering Microsoft is working on another handheld though, which is a few years away, this will likely intended only as a stop-gap solution to test the market. More Trending Interestingly, Microsoft recently debuted a new 'Xbox PC' brand as part of its reveal for Gears Of War: Reloaded, so it's possible this Asus device could fit under that moniker. However, don't expect this to come cheap. The original Asus ROG Ally costs around £599 through the official store, and after Microsoft's recent price hikes due to US tariffs, it's likely this device will burn a significant hole in your wallet. Aside from the price, the big question is when this handheld will be officially shown. Microsoft has an Xbox summer showcase on June 8, but considering this is primarily an Asus device, it might instead debut at the Computex 2025 trade show on May 20, 2025. Email gamecentral@ leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter, and sign-up to our newsletter. To submit Inbox letters and Reader's Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here. For more stories like this, check our Gaming page. MORE: Nintendo Switch 2 is less than a month away – here's where you can pre-order MORE: Games Inbox: Was GTA 6 Trailer 2 a disappointment? MORE: 8 hidden details from GTA 6 Trailer 2 that show how the game will play
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
Now that the Series S costs even more, I can't help but feel Microsoft wants us to look at handhelds and say, "this is an Xbox"
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Future / Phil Hayton It might sound like the beginnings of a cheesy meme, but Microsoft's "this is an Xbox" strategy is now in full swing. Not only is the gaming giant pushing to transform its brand into a platform, but it has even just given players a reason to play Game Pass on gaming handhelds and other devices by increasing its console prices. Ironically, by proclaiming that almost every internet-connected device is part of its ecosystem, Microsoft still has me asking, "What actually is an Xbox?" Yes, it's a console like the Series X or S that can run Microsoft's games natively, but at the same time, even if we ignore the idea of running the system's library using cloud shenanigans, I can install and run every new Xbox game on a handheld or a PC. Prior to Microsoft's price increases, I merely put the decision to launch games simultaneously on console and PC for the greater good of versatility. However, now that the cheapest MS box, the Series S, costs $380, it now feels like a direct reason to pick up something like the Asus ROG Ally or Steam Deck OLED instead. Simply put, if everything is an Xbox, then you're arguably better off buying anything other than the box. Portable PCs are becoming better Valve Xbox alternatives Credit: Future / Phil Hayton Before I pitch the idea of buying a handheld exclusively for Xbox games, I want to clarify that the Series S is still relevant. As much as Microsoft wants to boldly claim that everything is part of its ecosystem, that's not strictly true unless you're exclusively talking about Game Pass. By sticking with an actual console, you're getting a level of backwards compatibility and optimization for new games that just isn't the same when taking a DIY approach on PC, even the company's app does have provisions for bridging the gap. That said, if you boil down the core point of an Xbox in 2025 to being able to play new games on day one, gaming handhelds boast a better value proposition. Yes, the Series S still has a better chance at running any recent releases at a better frame rate and resolution, but with some tweaks, the Steam Deck will provide playable results and provide portable freedom for $10 less than Microsoft's system. Frankly, I think it's bananas that a handheld can remotely keep up with a current-gen system. That's before we even start to explore the slightly more expensive Asus ROG Ally and future handhelds that will raise the portable performance bar even further. If you're big into performance metrics and squeezing the best frame rates out of your hardware, there is still room to argue in favor of a Series S, but to everyday players, the gap might not even be that significant. Credit: Future / Phil Hayton This actually became crystal clear to me a few weeks ago, when my partner and I decided to start playing Split Fiction. As an experiment, I actually decided to install the game on the Ayaneo mini PC AM02 - a tiny rig I keep in my living room that's armed with the same AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS chipset as many handhelds. To my complete amusement, I was able to run the chaotic sci-fi co-op caper at 1080p 60fps without any major visual drawbacks, and my other half figured I was using an Xbox since I was using the console's wireless controllers. The tiny machine boasts roughly the same performance levels as a ROG Ally, so you're talking about a setup that could match the experience as the Series S for not that much more if you pair it with a Steam Deck dock. Before running to your keyboard to shout at me, I know this isn't going to apply to every game. Optimisation is still a huge issue with any PC based machine, and the limited specs of handhelds and mini PCs can be a massive drawback. Still, all it might take is a new generation of devices kitted out with new Ryzen chips with FSR 4 AI upscaling abilities to clear the hurdle, and at that point, there will be fewer reasons than ever to buy a Series S. Xbox Cloud Gaming is creeping in Credit: Future It's easy to forget that Microsoft wants players to start playing Xbox games via the cloud. You could say that's why it's pointing at everything from Fire TV sticks to lightweight handhelds and saying, "this is an Xbox," since not having to buy an expensive system increases its chances of getting you to subscribe. I'm still not convinced that tactic will entice players to completely switch to cloud gaming, and I really still view it as a secondary experimental way to access your library. But, if people end up priced out of buying a new console, it's easy to see why they'd turn to using cheaper devices to stream new releases as a last resort, broadband reliability be damned. Hilariously, that means handhelds like the Logitech G Cloud, a system I honestly used to think was a hard sell, is actually quite attractive compared to the Series S. Right now, you can grab the streaming device for $275 at Amazon, and if you're planning on just playing using that side of Game Pass anyway, it'll mean getting it for $105 less than a Series S. Look, I'm not saying the G Cloud is going to provide a better experience than the Series S. I'd still rather use Microsoft's cheapest Xbox to install games and dabble with streaming if it takes my fancy. However, that doesn't change the fact that cheaper systems like this that are built for cloud gaming are hovering above the price-hiked system like versatile vultures primed to pinch players. Will your next Xbox be a handheld? Probably Credit: Future / Phil Hayton It might sound like I'm saying Microsoft is going to lose Xbox fans to handheld makers due to the price hike. And, in reality, they are, but they're also herding players towards the same waters it's about to jump into. Microsoft has all but confirmed that it's making a handheld of some kind. At the moment, it looks like it'll be a collaborative effort between MS and Asus on something that looks like a ROG Ally but smells like an Xbox, and the main reason for that team-up is to gain Game Pass subscribers. Simply put, if you buy a ROG Ally now instead of waiting for the "Xbox handheld," Microsoft still has a chance of getting you on Game Pass. I mean, we're living in a time where you can now buy exclusives like Forza on PS5, so the idea that the primary focus is services rather than specific hardware makes sense. However, if it did have a preference for your device of choice, especially if you'd have previously bought a Series S, it'd probably be a Windows handheld. Keep in mind that the Nintendo Switch 2 is about to enter the scene with a bang, and its portable play becomes more desirable than ever, the last thing Microsoft will want is to be tethered to a living room setup. Already got Valve's handheld? Swing by the best Steam Deck accessories and best Steam Deck dock for useful add-ons. Alternatively, take a peek at the best gaming laptops for alternative mobile rigs.
