Month: August 2024
Microsoft’s new Xbox Adaptive Joystick puts accessibility at the center
Image: Microsoft
Microsoft is launching a new $29.99 Xbox Adaptive Joystick early next year that’s designed for players with limited mobility. It’s a wired companion for existing Xbox controllers, and includes four buttons, an Xbox thumbstick, and two additional buttons for bumper and trigger controls.
The Xbox Adaptive Joystick allows you to operate a controller without having to use both hands, making it ideal for any players who might have difficulty using the thumbsticks on existing controllers. All the buttons are fully customizable, and there are a variety of 3D printable thumbstick toppers to customize the sizes, heights, and width of thumbsticks.
“From very early on with the adaptive joystick, we had disability community be hands-on with early designs and functional prototypes,” explains Kaitlyn Jones, senior accessibility product manager at Xbox, during a gamescom stream. “Even from a software perspective, we’ve really heard from our players that they’ve wanted an affordable joystick for their adaptive controller, but also something that fits in seamlessly with their existing setup.”
Image: Microsoft
The joystick has four buttons and easy access to an Xbox thumbstick.
You can connect the Xbox Adaptive Joystick to Microsoft’s Adaptive Controller for a full adaptive setup, or you can plug it directly into a PC or Xbox. It can even be mounted, thanks to a threaded insert like you’d find on a camera tripod.
Community feedback played a big role in shaping this hardware. Microsoft visited a hospital in Seattle with a box of prototypes for one particular feedback session. “We got feedback on the grip size, shape, the number of buttons, and where the buttons are located,” says Chris Kujawski, principle designer at Xbox.
Alongside Microsoft’s own Xbox Adaptive Joystick, the company has also revealed a new $59.99 Lite SE controller from 8BitDo that’s also designed for gamers with limited mobility. It has low-resistance buttons and hall effect joysticks, and all the bottons are accessible at the top of the controller.
Image: 8BitDo
8BitDo’s new accessibility controller.
Microsoft has also built a new toggle hold feature for Xbox controllers that’s available to test for Xbox Insiders today. “This new feature is intended to help make using a controller even easier and supports players who have difficulty holding prolonged button presses,” says Microsoft’s gaming accessibility team. “Similar to sticky keys on a computer, assign any button or port on the Xbox Adaptive Controller, Xbox Adaptive Joystick, or Xbox Elite Series 2 controller to stay pressed until pressing again to release.”
The Xbox Adaptive Joystick also comes with improved packaging that’s similar to what Microsoft did with its previous Xbox Adaptive Controller. Microsoft is also improving the accessibility of the packaging for its three new Xbox Series S / X console options that are launching in October.
The Xbox Adaptive Joystick will launch in early 2025 in select Xbox markets worldwide and will be sold exclusively through the Microsoft Store, priced at $29.99.
Image: Microsoft
Microsoft is launching a new $29.99 Xbox Adaptive Joystick early next year that’s designed for players with limited mobility. It’s a wired companion for existing Xbox controllers, and includes four buttons, an Xbox thumbstick, and two additional buttons for bumper and trigger controls.
The Xbox Adaptive Joystick allows you to operate a controller without having to use both hands, making it ideal for any players who might have difficulty using the thumbsticks on existing controllers. All the buttons are fully customizable, and there are a variety of 3D printable thumbstick toppers to customize the sizes, heights, and width of thumbsticks.
“From very early on with the adaptive joystick, we had disability community be hands-on with early designs and functional prototypes,” explains Kaitlyn Jones, senior accessibility product manager at Xbox, during a gamescom stream. “Even from a software perspective, we’ve really heard from our players that they’ve wanted an affordable joystick for their adaptive controller, but also something that fits in seamlessly with their existing setup.”
Image: Microsoft
The joystick has four buttons and easy access to an Xbox thumbstick.
You can connect the Xbox Adaptive Joystick to Microsoft’s Adaptive Controller for a full adaptive setup, or you can plug it directly into a PC or Xbox. It can even be mounted, thanks to a threaded insert like you’d find on a camera tripod.
Community feedback played a big role in shaping this hardware. Microsoft visited a hospital in Seattle with a box of prototypes for one particular feedback session. “We got feedback on the grip size, shape, the number of buttons, and where the buttons are located,” says Chris Kujawski, principle designer at Xbox.
Alongside Microsoft’s own Xbox Adaptive Joystick, the company has also revealed a new $59.99 Lite SE controller from 8BitDo that’s also designed for gamers with limited mobility. It has low-resistance buttons and hall effect joysticks, and all the bottons are accessible at the top of the controller.
Image: 8BitDo
8BitDo’s new accessibility controller.
Microsoft has also built a new toggle hold feature for Xbox controllers that’s available to test for Xbox Insiders today. “This new feature is intended to help make using a controller even easier and supports players who have difficulty holding prolonged button presses,” says Microsoft’s gaming accessibility team. “Similar to sticky keys on a computer, assign any button or port on the Xbox Adaptive Controller, Xbox Adaptive Joystick, or Xbox Elite Series 2 controller to stay pressed until pressing again to release.”
The Xbox Adaptive Joystick also comes with improved packaging that’s similar to what Microsoft did with its previous Xbox Adaptive Controller. Microsoft is also improving the accessibility of the packaging for its three new Xbox Series S / X console options that are launching in October.
The Xbox Adaptive Joystick will launch in early 2025 in select Xbox markets worldwide and will be sold exclusively through the Microsoft Store, priced at $29.99.
SoftwareOne in ongoing discussions with potential buyers after Bain Capital deal collapse
Following the collapse of the acquisition deal with Bain Capital in March, SoftwareOne announced on Wednesday that it’s in ongoing discussions with potential buyers as the Swiss IT services company reported a slowdown in revenue growth and revised its full-year
The post SoftwareOne in ongoing discussions with potential buyers after Bain Capital deal collapse first appeared on Tech Startups.
Following the collapse of the acquisition deal with Bain Capital in March, SoftwareOne announced on Wednesday that it’s in ongoing discussions with potential buyers as the Swiss IT services company reported a slowdown in revenue growth and revised its full-year […]
The post SoftwareOne in ongoing discussions with potential buyers after Bain Capital deal collapse first appeared on Tech Startups.
Slack AI Can Be Tricked Into Leaking Data From Private Channels
Slack AI, an add-on assistive service available to users of Salesforce’s team messaging service, is vulnerable to prompt injection, according to security firm PromptArmor. From a report: The AI service provides generative tools within Slack for tasks like summarizing long conversations, finding answers to questions, and summarizing rarely visited channels.
“Slack AI uses the conversation data already in Slack to create an intuitive and secure AI experience tailored to you and your organization,” the messaging app provider explains in its documentation. Except it’s not that secure, as PromptArmor tells it. A prompt injection vulnerability in Slack AI makes it possible to fetch data from private Slack channels.
Read more of this story at Slashdot.
Slack AI, an add-on assistive service available to users of Salesforce’s team messaging service, is vulnerable to prompt injection, according to security firm PromptArmor. From a report: The AI service provides generative tools within Slack for tasks like summarizing long conversations, finding answers to questions, and summarizing rarely visited channels.
“Slack AI uses the conversation data already in Slack to create an intuitive and secure AI experience tailored to you and your organization,” the messaging app provider explains in its documentation. Except it’s not that secure, as PromptArmor tells it. A prompt injection vulnerability in Slack AI makes it possible to fetch data from private Slack channels.
Read more of this story at Slashdot.
Snag the Nespresso Vertuo Pop Plus Coffee and Espresso Maker for Only $139 Today
Make barista-quality coffee and espresso at home with this 30% discount at Amazon right now.
Make barista-quality coffee and espresso at home with this 30% discount at Amazon right now.
Volkswagen’s long-awaited electric ID.Buzz pricing and range revealed
After keeping up with the Volkswagen ID.Buzz electric van for a while, we finally have more details about this retro-yet-modern vehicle. The exact release date isn’t yet specified, but the company claims it will be available in the US within this year. Volkswagen also released information about different trims, pricing and range.
The first version is the ID.Buzz Pro S, which has an MSRP of $59,995. It’s a rear-wheel-drive-only vehicle that accommodates up to seven passengers. Volkswagen is offering three exterior color schemes: Candy White, Deep Black Pearl and Metro Silver. The interior comes in either Copper (tan) or Moonlight (dark brown) color schemes.
VW / James Lipman
Next is the Pro S Plus, which has an MSRP of $63,495 for RWD and $67,995 for 4Motion AWD. Unlike the Pro S, this model only has six seats, but the higher price includes a head-up display, Harman Kardon 700-watt speakers and power-sliding rear doors, among other features. It comes in the same Candy White or Deep Black Pearl single-color exteriors, as well as an additional interior color: Dune (off-white). For an extra $995, there are eight two-tone exterior colors, including Candy White top with Cabana Blue, Blue Charcoal and more below. The alternative is Metro Silver top with Cherry Red.
The 2025 ID.Buzz’s 91kWh battery should deliver an EPA estimated 234 miles on a full charge (or a slightly more modest 231 miles for those equipped with 4Motion.)
Volkswagen will also offer the launch-only 1st Edition, starting at $65,495 for RWD and $69,995 for AWD. These have a few unique features to set them apart: 20-inch wheels, upgraded audio, roof rail crossbars, “heritage-inspired floor mats” and exclusive badging. The optional glass roof available on the Pro S is also part of the package. It only comes in one of five exterior two-tone color options: Cabana Blue, Mahi Green, Metro Silver, Energetic Orange and Pomelo Yellow, all of which are contrasted with Candy White.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/volkswagens-long-awaited-electric-idbuzz-pricing-and-range-revealed-143929494.html?src=rss
After keeping up with the Volkswagen ID.Buzz electric van for a while, we finally have more details about this retro-yet-modern vehicle. The exact release date isn’t yet specified, but the company claims it will be available in the US within this year. Volkswagen also released information about different trims, pricing and range.
The first version is the ID.Buzz Pro S, which has an MSRP of $59,995. It’s a rear-wheel-drive-only vehicle that accommodates up to seven passengers. Volkswagen is offering three exterior color schemes: Candy White, Deep Black Pearl and Metro Silver. The interior comes in either Copper (tan) or Moonlight (dark brown) color schemes.
Next is the Pro S Plus, which has an MSRP of $63,495 for RWD and $67,995 for 4Motion AWD. Unlike the Pro S, this model only has six seats, but the higher price includes a head-up display, Harman Kardon 700-watt speakers and power-sliding rear doors, among other features. It comes in the same Candy White or Deep Black Pearl single-color exteriors, as well as an additional interior color: Dune (off-white). For an extra $995, there are eight two-tone exterior colors, including Candy White top with Cabana Blue, Blue Charcoal and more below. The alternative is Metro Silver top with Cherry Red.
The 2025 ID.Buzz’s 91kWh battery should deliver an EPA estimated 234 miles on a full charge (or a slightly more modest 231 miles for those equipped with 4Motion.)
Volkswagen will also offer the launch-only 1st Edition, starting at $65,495 for RWD and $69,995 for AWD. These have a few unique features to set them apart: 20-inch wheels, upgraded audio, roof rail crossbars, “heritage-inspired floor mats” and exclusive badging. The optional glass roof available on the Pro S is also part of the package. It only comes in one of five exterior two-tone color options: Cabana Blue, Mahi Green, Metro Silver, Energetic Orange and Pomelo Yellow, all of which are contrasted with Candy White.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/volkswagens-long-awaited-electric-idbuzz-pricing-and-range-revealed-143929494.html?src=rss
Proteus Gaming Controller Hands-On: A Unique Twist for Gamers With Disabilities
Its modular design takes a Lego-like approach to solve a wide variation of needs for handheld controller layouts.
Its modular design takes a Lego-like approach to solve a wide variation of needs for handheld controller layouts.
Proteus: One of the Most Unique Controllers Ever video
This modular controller is designed to be fully customizable to help players with disabilities.
This modular controller is designed to be fully customizable to help players with disabilities.