Microsoft has just announced its new Xbox Wireless Headset, and it now comes with a free Dolby Atmos license. Previous versions of the headset required owners to buy a license separately. This is normally a $15 purchase, covering up to 10 Windows or Xbox devices. Another notable upgrade is its battery life, which, according to Microsoft, has increased to 20 hours of playtime.
Regarding the Dolby Atmos license, Microsoft once posted that it had an exclusivity window for Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision with Dolby. This was later proven to be false as the company clarified that the post was published in error. However, the fact that this headset comes with a license saves users some money and may help more people try out the technology. Our best gaming headset list also includes some headsets that come with a Dolby Atmos license, like the Audeze Maxwell.
The new Xbox Wireless Headset model doesn’t just have audio improvements. The microphone now features voice isolation and improved auto-mute, so that external noises cannot muddy up your audio output. After all, clear communication is crucial when communicating with the team to win.
Apart from Dolby Atmos support, this new headset works with Windows Sonic and DTS Headphone:X. Windows Sonic is a spatial sound solution found on Windows computers. DTS Headphone:X is another 3D sound solution for Windows, but it requires a free download from the Microsoft Store. All three are designed to help enhance game audio and make it more immersive for the player. If the sound is not good enough for your liking, you can adjust it using the Xbox Accessories app.
To reduce latency, the Xbox Wireless Headset comes with a Qualcomm S5 Gen 2 chipset. It also features Bluetooth 5.3 support.
Currently, the Xbox Wireless Headset is available for purchase for $110. While Microsoft hasn’t revealed which regions it’s in stock, it’s available both online and from retailers in select regions.
With Samsung’s Unpacked now coming up after CES, the Engadget crew had a chance to catch its breath this week. But we still kept an eye on the deal machine to find out which tech sales could get your money’s worth. Right now, we’re seeing some great deals from Apple – one on the latest iPad mini and another on the new 15-inch MacBook Air – as well as a first-time discount on the Kindle Colorsoft ereader.
There are a few discounts on Bluetooth trackers that’ll help you keep track of your keys and bag. And Best Buy is still running a promotion giving away three free months of Apple TV+ so you can start watching the just-released second season of Severance. Here are this week’s best tech deals you can still get today.