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Xbox One controller gets more rumble, design refinements (hands-on)

The newly announced Xbox One is getting a new controller to go with it. It looks a lot like the Xbox 360's controller, but with what Microsoft says are 40 "technical and design innovations" on top of its 8-year-old predecessor.

So what's the big new change? Not the action buttons, directional pad, analog sticks, or triggers -- which are all in the same place. Instead, all these things have been refined. The thumbsticks, for instance, now have textured ridges and are now 25 percent easier to move, which Microsoft says will make long play sessions less … Read more

Microsoft's Xbox One: The details

Microsoft has unveiled the new Xbox, and it's called Xbox One. It's Microsoft's first new console in more than seven years. Yes, we've had many expectations for this console, especially since Sony and Nintendo have already taken their first steps in the next-gen landscape. Here's what you need to know that was announced at Microsoft's event in Redmond, Wash.

The Xbox 360 debuted in the fall of 2005, which feels like a million years ago...even if it's only seven and a half. It's high time for a new console, even if … Read more

Microsoft unveils Xbox One

Microsoft on Tuesday unveiled the Xbox One, the newest version of its popular game console.

Don Mattrick, president of Microsoft's interactive entertainment business, said the company wanted to design and build the "ultimate all-in-one home entertainment system."

The Xbox One will be available around the world later this year.

The Xbox One includes games, TV, movies, music, the Web, and apps. It has Skype and live TV capabilities, as well as voice recognition to switch between programs, new gesture recognition, and the ability to operate multiple programs at the same time. And users make group video calls … Read more

HTC One makes video call from summit of Everest

This might not be what the Taiwanese company had in mind when it wanted its HTC One to be on top of the world, but thanks to British mountaineer Daniel Hughes, the high-end Android phone is the first to make a video call from the highest point on Earth.

Hughes, who's trying to raise $1.5 million for Comic Relief -- it's also the highest ever Red Nose -- spoke to BBC News yesterday from the summit of Everest. … Read more

Sprint buys Handmark, OneLouder to boost ad service

Sprint Nextel has acquired Handmark and its unit OneLouder Apps to boost its Pinsight Media+ advertising service, the wireless carrier said Monday.

The deal for the mobile app developer and advertising company immediately gives Sprint an experienced advertising team, an ad platform, and top-rated mobile apps that serve millions of customers each day. Handmark and OneLouder will continue to operate under their current brand names and will remain in their current Kansas City location, Sprint said. OneLouder President Evan Conway will lead the company. Handmark founder and CEO Augie Grasis will join a new advisory board to provide direction to … Read more

Forced to live with BB10, and kind of liking it

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Irony may be funny to the gods of Olympus, but it's a cruel lesson for us mortals. I found this out the hard way at BlackBerry Live 2013. Within minutes of arriving at my hotel I managed to misplace my lovely HTC One test unit. As a result, my backup BlackBerry Z10 was suddenly promoted to first-string smartphone duty. … Read more

HTC One volumes to double in May

HTC will be ramping up production of its flagship HTC One device, and capacity will double this month from April's, as the company looks to make up for lost sales due to component shortages that delayed the phone's launch in various markets.

Focus Taiwan reported Thursday that the production capacity for HTC One is rising on a month-to-month basis as its component supply chain issues improve. Jack Tong, president of HTC North Asia, said manufacturing volume will double in May from the previous month and will rise further in June to meet "strong demand."

"Our … Read more

Plan each maneuver in a WWI dogfight

Sid Meier's Ace Patrol is a turn-based airplane dogfighting game that offers an interesting combat system for serious strategy-gaming fans.

As a turn-based strategy game, you'll plan and execute each plane's maneuvers and attacks one at a time, then watch the computer-controlled enemies execute their moves. Though it is fairly slow-paced relative to run-of-the-mill air-combat games, executing a balanced combat plan is definitely satisfying.

Set in World War I, Ace Patrol lets you fly in air combat missions using tactical maneuvers you earn as you level up your pilots. Your starting set of moves includes basic maneuvers, … Read more

My life with the Fitbit Flex activity tracker

My series on living with four different activity trackers returns to the Fitbit because there's a new Fitbit in town, the Fitbit Flex. The new wristband version of the Fitbit corrects some of the deficiencies I found with the Fitbit One, such as tracking my standup paddleboarding better and making me feel more motivated to hit my daily activity goal.

The Flex sells for $100, just like its clip-on sibling, the One. It weighs about half-an-ounce, and never felt heavy or uncomfortable around my wrist. But getting the clasp to close takes a little practice. Like Brian Bennett in … Read more