Microsoft reveals Xbox Series S and X details

Microsoft has announced that the Xbox Series S and Series X consoles will launch on November 10, available for pre-order from September 22.

Both consoles will be available via Microsoft’s Xbox All Access scheme, with access to its monthly video game subscription service, Game Pass.

The Series S is said to be “the smallest Xbox ever”, while the Series X is the most powerful Xbox ever made.

The Xbox Series X will have an RRP of NZ$799, while the Series S will have an RRP of $549.

Microsoft was forced to release early details of the Series S after information leaked online.

Huawei launches HarmonyOS to rival Android

Huawei Technologies is bringing its own mobile OS to smartphones by the end of the year, which the company hopes will be an alternative to Google’s Android operating system.

Huawei’s HarmonyOS was initially unveiled in August last year and will now come to smartphones this year as an answer to Android.

During a conference on Thursday, streamed live on YouTube, the company’s chief executive for the Consumer Division, Richard Yu, and the president of the Consumer Business Group’s software department, Wang Chenglu, explained that the company is fighting for survival in the face of the sanctions placed by the US.

“The milestone that we’re marking is that we are supporting Huawei devices from HarmonyOS 2.0, but at the same time HarmonyOS may also be available to other vendors’ devices. HarmonyOS will be available to all hardware manufacturers,” Chenglu told the audience.

Bose goes after Apple AirPods Pro with new QuietComfort Earbuds

Bose has unveiled its latest model of wireless earbuds, which are said to rival the Apple AirPods Pro.

Bose says the new QuietComfort Earbuds deliver “constantly balanced sound”, with a Transparency mode that allows the sound of your surroundings to pass through the buds.

The new volume-optimised Active EQ technology automatically boosts lows and highs as you change the volume, which the company says solves the issue of the disappearing bass when you turn the volume down in most earphones.

The earbuds have a battery life of around six hours, Bluetooth 5.1, and an IPX4 water-resistance rating that protects them from sweat and rain, allowing people to wear them while working out.

The QuietComfort Earbuds are available for pre-order worldwide.