Microsoft News Roundup: Intel Arc GPUs, new Xbox dashboard, Windows 11 on Surface Duo, and more
Intel’s upcoming Arc desktop GPUs and the Surface Duo running 3-D games headline our news roundup this week.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Things are ramping up in the world of tech. While we aren’t quite into Techtober, announcements are aplenty these days. Over the last week, we saw Intel share the specs of its upcoming Arc desktop GPUs, Microsoft unveil a new color for the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, and got a first look at the revamped Xbox user interface that’s in the works. Here are the biggest stories from the last week.
Intel shares Arc GPU specs
Intel has teased its Arc desktop GPUs for quite some time. We’ve seen ray-tracing benchmarks and a drip feed of details since the graphics cards were announced, but Intel hadn’t shared full specs before this week. The tech giant took the wraps off its upcoming GPUs by sharing thefull specifications of its Arc A-series lineup.
The Intel Arc A770 is at the high end of the A-series, closely followed by the Arc A750. While we’ll have to use the cards in the real world for complete testing, they look like they’ll compete with thebest graphics cardsfrom AMD and NVIDIA.
Apple unveils iPhone 14
While not directly Microsoft or Windows related, Apple’s annual iPhone event is the big news in the tech industry. Any announcement Apple makes has ripple effects throughout the industry, so you can expect the smartphone market to be shaped by the newly announcediPhone 14andiPhone 14 Pro.
Apple also unveiled the Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch Ultra, Apple Watch SE, and AirPods Pro 2. Our friends over at iMore coveredeverything announced at the Apple eventlive and after the fact.
If you’rereallyinto Apple announcements, you can evenlisten to the music from the event. The best part? It’s not a forced U2 album.
Microsoft unveils white Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller is one of thebest Xbox controllers, but it is rather pricey. Thankfully, Xbox enthusiasts will have a more affordable way to get an elite controller soon. Microsoft announced the white version of theXbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2.
Get the Windows Central Newsletter
All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.
While the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller has an impressive feature set, it has been plagued with malfunctioning shoulder buttons and other issues. Microsoft said that it’s heard complaints “loud and clear” and that it will improve the quality of the components in the controllers.
The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 is also on the way to Xbox Design Lab, allowing players to customize the design of their controllers.
Xbox dashboard being revamped
In what appears to be an annual occurrence, Microsoft is working on arevamped dashboard for its Xbox consoles. The UI has a refined home screen that makes it easier to access the settings menu and other content, all while requiring less movement from a user. Here are some of the biggest changes
Microsoft is asking for feedback to help shape the new dashboard through the Insider program.
Windows 11 on Surface Duo can now play 3D games
Microsoft’s Surface Duo is supposed to run Android, but that hasn’t stopped people from forcing Windows 11 onto it. The Windows 11 on Surface Duo project is run by an independent developer that’s determined to get Windows to work on Microsoft’s foldable phone. This week, we saw a major step forward for the Frankenstein foldable.
TheSurface Duo can now natively run 3-D games, including Minecraft and Skyrim, when running Windows 11. The impressive feat was accomplished when developer Gustave Monce smoothed out graphical glitches with the setup. Even after the fix, you shouldn’t expect much in terms of performance. Titles often drop to single-digit FPS rates. But hey, what do you expect from an Android phone being forced to run Steam on Windows 11?
Who needsXbox Cloud Gaming?
This is the craziest thing I’ve seen in a while. Full 3D game running on Surface Duo in Windows 11. pic.twitter.com/60N4SHsqTESeptember 3, 2022
Review roundup
Games, gadgets, and more get reviewed each week by our team of experts. Here’s a look at everything we reviewed over the last seven days.
Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
