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Here are the best Xbox Series X/S accessories

We’re drawing ever closer to the first anniversary of Microsoft’s Xbox Series X/S consoles.

In November 2020, Microsoft expanded the Xbox family with two next-generation consoles. The Xbox Series X is a high-end console aimed at consumers looking for the latest and greatest hardware, while the Series S is an entry-level console for players who don’t need 4K graphics. Since their release, Microsoft and their third-party partners have been releasing accessories for the new consoles the gaming experience.

What sets the Xbox Series X/S apart from the PlayStation 5 and Switch is that many accessories and peripherals from the Xbox One generation are compatible with the new consoles. That’s not to say that there aren’t new and improved controllers, headsets, and chargers though. Is it worth spending the money on the latest headset? We’ve made the following list to help you decide.

Here are the best accessories for the Xbox Series X/S.

Xbox Wireless Headset

Xbox headset

Microsoft’s Xbox Wireless Headset is a great entry-level gaming headset for players. The wireless headset features Bluetooth audio with buttons to sync the headset and mute the mic. It also has rotating earcups that adjust the volume as you play.

The Xbox Wireless Headset supports Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, and DTS Headphone: X. Additionally, the headset will keep you gaming thanks to its 15-hour battery life.

Recently, Microsoft released the Xbox Stereo Headset, a cheaper, wired counterpart to the Xbox Wireless Headset if wireless functionality isn’t a must-have feature. For more on the Xbox Wireless headset, check out our story about the accessory from earlier this year.

Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headset — $129

Xbox Wireless Controller

Xbox Series X controller

The new Xbox Wireless Controller is an iterative redesign of the Xbox One controller that was developed for release alongside the Xbox Series X/S. It features minor design upgrades like textured grips, textured triggers, and a new D-Pad.

On top of that, the Xbox Wireless Controller features a new Share button to easily take screenshots and record gameplay. And the controller can also be used on your mobile device and tablet thanks to the included Bluetooth.

Xbox Wireless Controller – Carbon Black for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows 10 Devices — $75

Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2

Xbox Elite Controller 2

It’s hard to talk about Xbox controllers without bringing up the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2. Our very own Patrick O’Rourke called it the best gamepad he’s ever used. This high-end version of the Xbox controller is designed for players who want more customization options when they play.

The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 supports Bluetooth and can be paired to Xbox consoles, mobile devices, and PC. The controller also comes with interchangeable thumbsticks, D-Pad options, and rear paddles. Additionally, players can remap their buttons and create three “profiles” to use depending on the games or genres they’re playing.

Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 – Xbox One Elite 2 Controller Edition — $249

Seagate Storage Expansion Card – 1 TB

As of now, the Xbox Series X is available with 1TB SSD memory and the Xbox Series S supports 512GB. However, in both cases, nearly 200GB is taken up by system files. To get more SSD space, Microsoft has partnered with Seagate for a 1TB expansion card.

Using this SSD expansion, you’ll be able to retain those fast loading speeds the internal SSD offers while taking advantage of key features like Xbox Velocity Architecture, which improves the performance of games played via backwards compatibility.

Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S 1TB Solid State Drive – NVMe Expansion SSD for Xbox Series X|S — $289

Razer Kishi Mobile Game Controller

Razer Kishi

Along with updating its consoles, Microsoft has also been expanding its Xbox Cloud Gaming initiative. With cloud gaming now accessible on iOS and Android via Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, bringing the tactile controller experience to mobile has become essential.

Razer’s Kishi Mobile Game Controller mirror’s the Xbox controller. You’ll find the same button layout and asymmetrical thumbsticks. And when it’s not in use, the Kishi controller is collapsible, making it a great travel companion.

Razer Kishi Mobile Game Controller/Gamepad for iPhone iOS — $98

Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 Headset

Turtle Beach Headset

For Xbox users looking for an alternative to Microsoft’s first-party offering, Turtle Beach has released their own high-end headset. The Stealth 700 Gen 2 headset is the company’s premium offering for Bluetooth audio. It’s comfortable for long gaming sessions thanks to the Aerofit cooling-gel infused ear cushions, even when wearing glasses.

The headset has 50mm Nanoclear speakers for crisp audio, and you’ll find independent on-ear controls for game and chat volume alongside syncing functionality. The headset also features a flip-to-mute mic that nestles into the headset’s design.

Turtle Beach Earforce Stealth 700X GEN 2 Wireless Gaming Headset for Xbox One and Xbox Series X — $199

Thrustmaster TMX Racing Wheel

Thrustmaster racing wheel

One staple of Xbox’s games catalogue is the Forza franchise. Between Forza Motorsport and the open-world Forza Horizon series, racing games are an important part of Xbox game lineup. With Forza Horizon 5 nearing its release, it’s a great time to invest in a racing wheel.

The Thrustmaster TMX Racing Wheel is designed for Xbox consoles and PC. The layout is designed with ergonomics in mind, splitting the buttons between both sides of the wheel. Thrustmaster also includes a pedal set that features a wide footrest, adjustable pedals, and a brake pedal.

Thrustmaster TMX Racing Wheel for Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One/PC — $269

PowerA Dual Charging Station

Xbox controller Power A charging station

PowerA has a compact, easy-to-use charging station for Xbox players. The charger includes two 1100mAh rechargeable batteries to insert into the Xbox controllers, replacing the need for AA batteries.

The charging station supports two controllers at once to ensure you always have a controller for your next play session. The base itself is designed to with minimalism in mind, so it won’t stand out on beside your console or display.

PowerA Dual Charging Station for Xbox – Black, Wireless Controller Charging, Charge, Rechargeable Battery, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One – Xbox Series X – $29

There are plenty of options available for Xbox players looking to expand their accessory lineup. With everything from entry-level headsets to high-end devices for expanding your storage, Microsoft and its partners have accessories for every type of player.

MobileSyrup utilizes affiliate partnerships and publishes sponsored posts. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content, though MobileSyrup may earn a commission on purchases made via these links.

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Here’s the content coming to CBC Gem in October 2021

CBC has shared the full list of movies and shows coming to its ‘Gem’ video streaming service in October.

You can view the full list of content coming to the platform below:

October 1st

  • Call the Midwife: season 8
  • What’s Your Ailment
  • The Office UK: season 1
  • There Are No Fakes
  • Jamie Cooks Italy

October 5th

  • Sort Of

October 6th

  • Diggstown
  • War of the Worlds: season 2

October 8th

Firecrackers

October 15th

  • Sherlock: season 2
  • R.L Stine’s the Haunting Hour: season 3
  • Daughter

October 17th

  • Writing the Land
  • The Great Canadian Baking Show
  • A Suitable Boy

October 22nd

  • Smother
  • Diego Star
  • Fatima in Kabul

October 29th

  • Pen15 Animated Special
  • Felicia’s Journey
  • Dreamland: The Burning Black Wall Street
  • R.L Stine’s the Haunting Hour: season 4
  • Grand Designs New Zealand: season 4

CBC Gem offers free viewing with ads or a $4.99 per month subscription for ad-free viewing. It’s available on iOS, Android, the web, tvOS, Fire TV and Android TV.

You can see what came to CBC Gem in September here.

Image credit: CBC

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Mobile Syrup

Google is making it easier to stay informed and track wildfires with Maps

As part of a drive to make Google Maps more useful during emergency situations, the Mountain View, California-based company is making it simpler to locate the most up-to-date information regarding wildfires.

After launching a tool in late 2019 to help people track wildfires, Google has now added a new wildfire layer to its Google Maps, which users will be able to turn on and off to see the most up-to-date information on several wildfires at once.

“Just tap on a fire to see available links to resources from local governments, such as emergency websites, phone numbers for help and information, and evacuation details,” reads Google’s blog post about the new feature. “When available, you can also see important details about the fire, such as its containment, how many acres have burned, and when all this information was last reported.”

According to Google, the new wildfire tracking feature will roll out globally this week for Google Maps on Android, with iOS and desktop updates coming in October.

Further, Google states that the new feature will be expanded to cover additional fires and information regarding fires in the United States, courtesy of data from the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), with Australia following suit. Hopefully, a similar tie-up with the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC) will result in Canadians getting the expanded feature as well, considering there are about 140 active wildfires in Canada right now.

CIFFC also has an interactive map of ‘Out of Control,’ ‘Being Held,’ and ‘Under Control’ wildfires, which you can check here.

Image credit: Google

Source: Google

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Canada will decide whether to ban Huawei 5G tech in ‘coming weeks’

The question of whether Canada will permit Huawei technology onto the country’s 5G mobile network will soon be answered, according to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

When asked by reporters, the PM said that the government “will no doubt be making announcements in the coming weeks,” as per an article by Reuters.

Trudeau’s statement comes a week after Huawei’s chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, was allowed to return to China after being on house arrest in Vancouver for three years.

Canadian police arrested Meng in December 2018 over fraud charges levied against her by the United States government.

Since Meng’s arrest, some have called into question whether Huawei devices should be allowed in Canada.

These concerns came to a head in June, when a leaked government report compiled by Clairvoyance Cyber Corp for Public Safety Canada was made public through an Access to Information requisition

The report claimed there was an increase in cyberattacks carried out using Huawei devices in Canada following Meng’s arrest.

According to Reuters, all four other countries in the “Five Eyes” — an international intelligence alliance, of which Canada is the fifth member — have instituted their own national bans against Huawei’s 5G devices.

Those countries are Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Source: Reuters

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Mobile Syrup

Digital resources for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The 24-hour crisis line for residential school survivors and family is 1-866-925-4419.

Hope for Wellness has a 24/7 toll-free helpline available for all Indigenous Peoples at 1-855-242-3310, and offers online chat-based counselling services.

The federal government has declared Thursday, September 30th Canada’s inaugural National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, in honour of the lost children and survivors of Canada’s residential school system, their families and communities.

As a statutory holiday, the purpose of this day is to pause and reflect on the history and ongoing effects of the country’s abusive residential school system, which operated from the 1870s until 1996 under the joint administration of the Canadian government and Christian churches.

In the lead-up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, here are some resources to learn more about Indigenous Peoples’ calls for action and justice, charities to support, how to identify what Indigenous lands you (and your digital footprint) stand on, and the role of technology in reconciliation.

Read the 94 calls to action published by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

Read the 231 calls for justice published by the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

Watch the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network’s (APTN) special programming for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Donate to Indigenous charities in your area.

Use Native Land Digital’s interactive map to identify what Indigenous territories, treaties, and languages exist on the land where you live.

Add the ‘Web Acknowledgement‘ Chrome browser extension by caleblstone to discover on which Indigenous lands the websites you visit are physically stored.

Read Katłįà (Catherine) Lafferty’s report for IndigiNews about the experts and programs working to “lift barriers for Indigenous Peoples in B.C.’s booming tech industry.”

Read Jarret Leaman’s article in BetaKit explaining why “Canadian tech must embrace Indigenous reconciliation.”

Read Mélissa Godin’s feature in The Globe and Mail on how “poor internet connectivity has affected nearly every aspect of life” for residents of Nunavut.

Read Aisha Malik’s story for MobileSyrup celebrating Indigenous TikTok creators who are “using the app to spread laughter and connect with others.”

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PlayStation’s ‘Blockbuster’ sale offers up to 70 percent off 100+ games

PlayStation’s latest promotion, the ‘Blockbuster Games Sale,’ offers discounts of up to 70 percent on 131 titles.

See below for some of the most notable deals:

It’s worth noting that Cuphead is made by Canadian indie developer Studio MDHR and is actually celebrating its fourth anniversary today, September 29th. Meanwhile, Scott Pilgrim is based on the eponymous Canadian graphic novel series and developed by Ubisoft Montreal.

The full list of ‘Blockbuster’ PSN sales can be found here. The promotion ends on October 13th.

Image credit: PlayStation

Via: Lbabinz

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Mobile Syrup

Four PC games are on discount at Humble’s PlayStation Sale right now

Humble’s PlayStation Sale is offering up to 50 percent off on select PC video games.

The sale isn’t very large, as there are only four games available at a reduced price:

You can head over to buy any of these PlayStation for PC games on Humble’s website.

Yeah, you read that right: these aren’t console games for sale, but games that were originally on PlayStation only and are now available to play on your PC.

Source: Humble

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Rolls-Royce switching to all electric by 2030

Luxury automaker Rolls-Royce will stop building gasoline-powered cars by 2030 as it moves to go fully electric. The legacy manufacturer even has plans to release its first electric vehicle (EV) in 2023.

This follows other high-end automakers like Jaguar Land Rover and Bentley. The latter is also moving to an all-electric line by 2030, and the former will be fully electrified by 2025.

The first fully electric Rolls-Royce is set to be called the Spectre and will hit the roads at the end of 2023.

BMW owns the luxury automaker, but it’s only pledging to go 50 percent electric by 2030. It also holds the car brand Mini, which plans to go fully electric by 2030.

At this stage in the move towards EVs, it’s no longer surprising to see a company like Bentley shift to all-electric. If you’re interested in more pictures of the automaker’s Spectre EV, you can visit the Rolls-Royce website. That said, beyond images, the company hasn’t revealed much else about the vehicle.

Source: Rolls-Royce, Reuters

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Mobile Syrup

Rogers expands its Pro On-the-Go service to London, ON

Rogers has expanded its Pro On-the-Go service to London, Ontario to allow for safe contactless support and flexible delivery options.

The Pro On-the-Go service offers individualized one-on-one guidance at clients’ homes, as well as phone delivery and setup assistance on the same day as order. Additionally, the Rogers Pro will also bring along a range of accessories that you can buy, partly replicating the Rogers retail experience at home.

Rogers has an exclusive partnership with mobile retailer Enjoy to provide this service.

Pro On-the-Go launched in October 2019, and has expanded to Greater Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, the Greater Toronto Area, other parts of southwestern Ontario, and Ottawa since.

Image credit: Rogers

Source: Rogers

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Mobile Syrup

Microsoft says the Duo 2 is coming to Canada as some report cancelled pre-orders

As some Canadians report issues with Surface Duo 2 pre-orders, Microsoft insists the phone is still coming to Canada.

“The Surface Duo 2 is coming to Canada,” a Microsoft spokesperson told MobileSyrup in response to questions about the status of Duo 2 pre-orders.

Those questions came after some readers shared on Twitter that Microsoft cancelled their Duo 2 pre-orders after changing the Surface Duo 2 to ‘Coming soon’ on its website.

Further, that change came just hours after the company announced the Surface Duo 2 at its September Surface event. The company previously confirmed to MobileSyrup that the Duo 2 would come to Canada, with pre-orders opening on September 22nd. Further, the phone would be available to purchase at a pricey $1,899 starting October 21st, in line with the U.S. availability.

I wrote a post about how this was a great move following the original Surface Duo’s late arrival in Canada — it all went downhill after that. Shortly after publishing that post, Microsoft’s website stopped letting people pre-order the phone.

A week later, and Microsoft’s website still lists the Surface Duo 2 as ‘Coming soon.’ For now, it looks like Canadians interested in getting the Duo 2 only have the assurance of Microsoft’s continued insistence that Duo 2 will come to Canada at some point.