Microsoft makes gaming more accessible with Xbox Adaptive Controller

Microsoft's new Xbox Adaptive Controller is a revolutionary device for more inclusive gaming. Designed to help assist various Xbox One and Windows 10 users and gamers, the Xbox Adaptive Controller, which was revealed in time for GAAD (Global Accessibility Awareness Day) shows Microsoft truly wants to make its products, experiences and ecosystems more accessible to all users.

"By taking an inclusive design approach and considerations of gamers who might not be able to reach all the bumpers and triggers or hold a controller for an extended period of time, for example, we were able to design a controller that provides a way for more fans to enjoy gaming. On our journey of inclusive design, we have taken a wider view of our fans and a more inclusive approach to designing for them," Microsoft's Phil Spencer notes on the Microsoft Blog.

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Apple could possibly ship blue, yellow, and pink iPhones later this year according to analyst

Colour has always played a part in Apple's product strategy with certain colours being sold as exclusive or limited editions at a premium, as well as new colours, preferably red, to inject more interest into older or plateauing product lines.

For 2018, some analysts believe Apple will focus its more affordable iPhone line into more colourful blue, yellow and pink models. This will be for the possible replacement of the iPhone SE, which is the current more affordable basic iPhone which is almost two years old. StreetInsider speculates the coloured iPhones will resemble the iPhone X, but will have more affordable LCD displays,

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Review: Amazon Echo Spot

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Amazon has defined the smart speaker space with its range of Echo devices which serve as speakers of varying size and quality and also work as conduits to smart home systems, entertainment, online search and news and music playback. With a 72 per cent market share in the US and a growing global presence, Amazon’s Echo devices are far from peaking. Thanks to various partnerships, Alexa is shipping on even more devices such as desktop PCs, high end hi-fi speakers and even in-car infotainment devices.

One of the latest devices from market leader Amazon is the Echo Spot which is a smart speaker that also packs a clever 2.5-inch display as well as a camera for video conferencing.  Echo Spot can do everything other Echo speakers can, but it uses the display to show useful information, play back video from YouTube or Amazon Prime Video as well as visualize various responses (i.e. album art for music playback, news briefs, weather updates and other useful information.

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Google Home Max is now available in Canada

Google is releasing its third and its largest and most expensive Google Assistant enabled speaker, the Google Home Max. Google’s  smart speaker, which has been available in the US since late last year, is designed to replace the sound system in big rooms or small apartments.

Featuring Smart Sound. Powered by AI, Smart Sound allows Max to adapt to you and your environment. Once you’ve set up Max, it will automatically tune itself based on where you’ve placed it in the room, within seconds. A simple, “Hey Google, play [insert favourite artist/ band name]” will fill any room with quality sound, allowing you to experience your favourite songs the way the artist intended. Google Home Max will sell for $499.