Microsoft’s next-generation Xbox will focus on ‘XCloud’ game streaming

EA Exec: Consoles Will Be Inside Smart TVs in 10 Years, Frostbite Will Support User Generated Content

In an interview with GamesIndustry, EA’s Executive Vice President of Strategic Growth Matt Bilbey talked about the opportunities that would be unlocked cloud-based streaming of games via devices such as Smart TVs. Obviously, one could wonder where the home consoles made by Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft go, and Bilbey suggested that they could be embedded into Smart TVs, likely as apps.

“The console makers are smart groups. I think they’ll find new roles that consoles can play in people’s lives. And it could be that the console actually exists in the smart TV. Or the next PlayStation just exists on your phone, and that then pushes the experience to all the different screens you have access to.

Bilbey also shared another interesting tidbit in the interview. While discussing the ever-growing trend of players creating their own content in games, he suggested that EA’s now ubiquitous Frostbite engine is being upgraded to allow the creation of user-generated content.

“Working with EA Chief Design Officer Patrick Söderlund and his team, if we’re able to give accessibility and a level of creation within our games for kids or adults to create their own content, I think that’s probably a bigger opportunity over the next 10 years than us saying we’re going to do a PvZ movie. That will inspire a completely new generation or demographic into gaming, who will want to create rather than play and compete. And EA Chief Technology Officer Ken Moss and his team are looking at how we can continue to evolve Frostbite to allow that creation opportunity for our games.

https://wccftech.com/ea-consoles-smart-tvs-frostbite-ugc/
 
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https://www.destructoid.com/the-sec...ill-reportedly-ship-this-october-518381.phtml

The second version of the Xbox Elite controller will reportedly ship this October

Just one week until Xbox's gamescom reveals
Three years after the Xbox One Elite controllerdebuted, it seems as though Microsoft will be ready to release a revamped version. There have been reports in the past that Microsoft is working on a new Elite controller, but recent information makes it seem like a fairly imminent reveal.
According to The Verge's senior editor Tom Warren, the second version of the Elite controller is currently codenamed "Washburn," and it'll ship this October at a price of $149. Previous rumors have said this controller will improve on its predecessor by featuring: Windows 10 Bluetooth support, a USB-C port, a built-in battery pack, adjustable thumbstick tension, three-level hair trigger locks, a switch to swap between three preset profiles, longer key travel for the paddles, and new grips that are allegedly more resistant to wearing down.
If this information is correct, we likely won't have to wait long for confirmation. Xbox's gamescom announcements include "new bundles and accessories." A new Elite controller certainly qualifies as the latter. Xbox's gamescom edition of "Inside Xbox" airs on Tuesday August 21 at 7:30am Pacific.
 
built in battery pack? That sounds great. If you're not technical or have the nuts to open it up and replace the battery yourself when it takes a s*** you've gotta throw it out. Great idea. I've already had to open and replace the batteries in 2 of my PS4 controllers.