Microsoft Xbox Series S design, price gets announced

Microsoft has responded to leaks about the Xbox Series S and showed off the next-generation console, which has the smallest form factor yet. The more affordable Xbox Series X is priced at US$299 (around CA$393). Microsoft plans to share more details "soon." According to Windows Central, the retail price will supposedly come with a US$25 (approx. CA$33) Xbox All Access financing option, which the company reportedly will push via different retailers and through a massive global rollout. 

The leaks released earlier showed that the Xbox Series S is small enough to fit inside an Xbox Series X. It might be roughly as powerful as the Xbox One X. This console and the more powerful Xbox Series X will reportedly launch on November 10. The Series X is also rumoured to be priced at US$499 (roughly CA$656) with a US$35 (around CA$46) Xbox All Access financing option.

'Minecraft' will get PSVR support this month

Mojang/Sony

If you own a PlayStation VR and play Minecraft, you'll appreciate this new announcement from Sony. The company revealed on Monday morning that the game would get PSVR support this month. It won't announce a firm release date yet as the free update is still not quite ready. The update will roll out for all PlayStation 4 players.

Minecraft's developer Mojang worked with SkyBox Labs to refit its virtual reality tech it uses on other platforms to work on the PSVR. The update will let you play Minecraft's entirety on the PSVR, with two primary VR modes: Immersive and Living Room (a.k.a. virtual screen). There will also be more settings to tweak, so the game plays to your liking.

Source: Engadget

Facebook test lets some users view Instagram stories on main app

Source: ec_wife/Twitter

A new test Facebook is running allows some of its users to watch their Instagram stories on the main app. You'll be able to differentiate between Facebook and Instagram stories by the colours around the profile photo. Facebook stories will have blue circles, while Instagram stories will have the pink and orange hue of the app's icon. 

Facebook emphasizes that only your Instagram followers who have linked their Facebook accounts (and who initially can see your stories) will see this new option on Facebook. But they will need to opt into this setting. Facebook is doing a "limited test," with a company spokesperson confirming the feature "respects all existing privacy settings," and that Instagram users who want to keep their stories off of Facebook altogether can do so 

Source: The Verge

Spotify spotted testing out new 'Car Mode' design

It looks like Spotify is trying to revamp its Car Mode. App researcher Jane Manchun Wong spotted the changes. The Car Mode home page is getting larger grids for recommended playlists, a redesigned navigation bar, and a new banner that promotes Spotify control using Google Assistant. The player UI is also getting a new look with larger buttons to make it easier to control the app. 

According to Wong, other features Spotify is testing include a new animation for new likes and allowing free users to play content offline for 30 minutes a day. Offline listening is currently only available to its Premium subscribers.

With this potential update hitting the app, it looks like Spotify is cozying up to Google. The streaming service recently launched a free Google Nest Mini giveaway for Premium users.