Latest news with #GameBar
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Microsoft unveils ROG Xbox Ally handhelds with AMD chips, Xbox features, and more
Microsoft has introduced two new handheld gaming PCs, the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, at the Xbox Games Showcase on Sunday. These devices mark Microsoft's first Xbox-branded handhelds, developed in partnership with Asus. Both models aim to deliver portable gaming experiences with distinct hardware choices: the ROG Xbox Ally runs on an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, while the ROG Xbox Ally X features the more powerful AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chipset. Let's take a look at what these new handhelds have in store for you. Both handhelds come equipped with 7-inch full HD LCD displays with a 120Hz refresh rate. Asus has integrated FreeSync Premium technology to reduce screen tearing and is also protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus with DXC anti-reflective coating. Both models feature new grip designs inspired by the Xbox Wireless Controller, intended to accommodate a broader range of hand sizes. Also read: Microsoft launches Xbox Copilot beta on Android app to assist gamers with real-time support Furthermore, Microsoft is planning to launch the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X this holiday season across 24 markets, including Australia, France, Japan, Singapore, the UK, and the US. Other regions where the ROG Ally series is sold, such as India, may receive the devices later. Microsoft will provide more details on pricing, compatible accessories, and pre-orders in the coming months. The ROG Xbox Ally aims to target casual gamers with 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 512GB of SSD storage. The ROG Xbox Ally X is aimed at more demanding users, offering 24GB of LPDDR5x RAM and double the storage capacity. Both devices feature similar button layouts, though the Ally X adds upgraded impulse triggers, while the standard Ally includes hall effect triggers. A new Xbox button offers quick access to chat, apps, and settings via an enhanced Game Bar overlay. Also read: PlayStation Days of Play Sale: Spider-Man 2, God of War Ragnarök, and more games get big price cuts Moreover, Microsoft has adjusted Windows 11 to optimise the handheld experience. The operating system minimises background activities and delays non-essential tasks, freeing up system resources for gaming to improve performance and frame rates. The devices include an upgraded Game Bar integrating Asus's Armoury Crate, which will allow users to control input settings and advanced device options, alongside accessing their home library, game launches, and chat features. The gaming library aggregates titles from Xbox, Game Pass, and other PC storefronts. Also read: Apple Arcade to add UNO: Arcade edition, What the Car? and more in June game lineup For launch, Microsoft is partnering with Roblox to ensure native optimisation on both handhelds. The company is also working with other game developers through a program designed to highlight games optimised for handheld play. Additionally, the AI-powered Gaming Copilot, accessible through the Game Bar, offers personalised assistance to launch games faster, improve skills, and connect with gaming communities. Battery capacity differs between the two devices, with the ROG Xbox Ally carrying a 60Wh battery and the Ally X featuring an 80Wh battery. Both come with a 67W charging stand for power.
Android Authority
3 days ago
- Android Authority
The main issue with Windows handhelds is Windows, but the Xbox ROG Ally tries to fix that
TL;DR Microsoft has announced the Xbox ROG Ally and Xbox ROG Ally X handhelds, coming this holiday season. These Windows handhelds boot directly into a controller-friendly UI and feature an Xbox button to summon the Game Bar overlay. Microsoft has also turned off various Windows elements in the name of gaming performance. We've heard for a while now that Microsoft and ASUS were working together on an Xbox-branded ROG Ally handheld. Now, the companies have indeed announced the Xbox ROG Ally and ROG Ally X devices. These machines aren't actually handheld Xbox consoles, as they're still running Windows 11. However, Microsoft says it's made plenty of changes to the software experience. This is good news, as the UI and software experience have long been the biggest issues with Windows-based handhelds. Major software changes For starters, Microsoft says the Xbox ROG Ally handhelds will boot directly into the 'Xbox full screen experience' for a more intuitive and efficient handheld environment. 'With new modifications that minimize background activity and defer non-essential tasks, more system resources are dedicated specifically to gameplay,' Microsoft added. A Microsoft executive told The Verge that it managed to claw back 2GB of RAM by turning off the desktop wallpaper, taskbar, and a 'bunch' of other Windows processes. However, users can still jump into the traditional Windows environment if they'd like to do so. These handhelds also offer an Xbox button to summon the Game Bar overlay, which includes ASUS Armory Crate integration. Finally, Microsoft notes that it's also optimized the lock screen and task switcher for controller input (better late than never, I guess). Otherwise, you can still access other stores on the device, including Steam. Xbox ROG Ally: What about hardware? The two Xbox ROG Ally models share several features, namely a 7-inch 120Hz IPS LCD screen (1080p, Gorilla Glass Victus), microSD expansion, M.2 2280 SSDs that can be swapped out, Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 6E, and 65W charging. The standard Xbox ROG Ally has an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, a 60Wh battery (up from 40Wh in the original Ally), 16GB of RAM, 512GB of internal storage, and two USB-C ports (USB 3.2 Gen 2 with DisplayPort 2.1). However, the Xbox ROG Ally X model ups the ante with an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip (an upgrade from the vanilla ASUS ROG Ally X), an 80Wh battery, 24GB of RAM, 1TB of internal storage, and a USB-C port (USB 4.0 with Thunderbolt 4 compatibility). Interestingly, ASUS claims that playing in Silent Mode on the Xbox ROG Ally X will 'feel like' playing in Performance Mode on the previous Ally X while still offering more battery life. Unfortunately, the company isn't dishing out specific battery life figures just yet. Microsoft and ASUS haven't revealed pricing just yet, either, while only confirming that the handhelds will be available this holiday season. Expect to find the Xbox ROG Ally line in a variety of markets, including Australia, Europe, Japan, the Middle East, the UK, and the US. However, Microsoft adds that the handhelds will eventually be available in other markets where ROG Ally models are already sold. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
The Verge
3 days ago
- The Verge
Posted Jun 8, 2025 at 2:05 PM EDT 0 Comments
Older Windows handhelds are getting Xbox full-screen upgrades too. If you already bought a Windows gaming handheld, you might not need to upgrade your hardware to get the overhauled Xbox app, Game Bar, and Windows OS that Microsoft and Asus just announced. Xbox exec Roanne Sones:
