Microsoft is raising prices for the Xbox console and its games, forcing consumers to pay $100 extra for the Xbox Series X and up to $80 for upcoming first-party titles. The Xbox Series X now starts at $599. The new price already appears on Microsoft.com and some retailer sites, though others are still selling Xbox consoles at their original prices, so you may want to buy right now if you'd been eyeing a new Xbox."We understand that these changes are challenging, and they were made with careful consideration given market conditions and the rising cost of development," Microsoft said on a support page.It's no secret that Trump’s tariffs on Chinese goods are causing many vendors to consider price increases to offset import costs. Chinese-made consoles, including the Xbox, currently face a 145% tariff. Microsoft declined to comment on whether the tariffs contributed to the price hike.Recommended by Our EditorsOn the game front, Microsoft says it expects "to adjust the pricing of some of our new, first-party games starting this holiday season to $79.99." That comes after Nintendo said it plans to charge $80 for some Switch 2 games, and raised prices on some Switch 2 accessories due to tariffs.Here’s a full breakdown of the price increases, which also include accessories: Xbox Series S 512 — $379.99, up from $299.99Xbox Series S 1TB — $429.99, up from $349.99Xbox Series X Digital — $549.99,  up from $449.99Xbox Series X — $599.99, up from $499.99 Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition  —$729.99, up from $599.99Xbox Wireless Controller (Core) — $64.99, up from $59.99  Xbox Wireless Controller (Color) — $69.99, up from $64.99Xbox Wireless Controller – Special Edition — $79.99, up from $74.99Xbox Wireless Controller – Limited Edition — $89.99, up from $84.99Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (Core) — $149.99, up from  $139.99Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (Full) — $199.99, up from $159.99Xbox Stereo Headset — $64.99 up from $59.99Xbox Wireless Headset — $119.99, up from $109.99The change doesn’t bode well for gamers. A few weeks ago, Sony increased prices on its PlayStation 5 console by roughly 10-15% in Europe, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. There's no word on whether it will do the same in the US.

Posted on : May 1, 2025 By Tech World Times Gaming  Rate this post Blackjack is a popular card game. It’s easy to learn but hard to master. One version of the game is called double-deck blackjack. It uses only two decks of cards. This changes how the game works. A smart player uses the right strategy to win more. This article is your guide to Double Deck Blackjack Strategy. What is Double Deck Blackjack? Double-deck blackjack uses two decks of 52 cards. This is less than the usual six or eight decks. Fewer cards mean the odds change. Players can track the cards more easily. This helps in making better decisions. In this version, the dealer usually hits on a soft 17. Sometimes, players can double down after a split. Rules may change from one casino to another. Why Strategy is Important Blackjack is not only about luck. It is also about making smart choices. Using the right strategy lowers the house’s edge. This means the casino has less chance to win. In double-deck games, smart strategy is even more important. Since there are fewer cards, mistakes can cost more. A good Double Deck Blackjack Strategy gives players better control. Basic Rules You Should Know Before using any strategy, you must know the rules: The goal is to reach 21 or less and beat the dealer. Number cards keep their value. Face cards count as 10. Aces count as 1 or 11. If your cards go over 21, you bust and lose. Knowing the rules helps you understand the next step—strategy. Learn the Basic Strategy Chart The basic strategy chart tells you what to do in each situation. It’s made using math and card probability. Follow the chart to decide when to hit, stand, split, or double. Here are a few simple tips from the chart: Always hit if your hand is under 8. Stand if you have 17 or higher. Always split aces and 8s. Never split 5s or 10s. Double down if you have 11 and the dealer shows a low card. This chart is different for double-deck games. Make sure you use the correct one. Pay Attention to the Dealer’s Card Your decision depends on the dealer’s upcard. If the dealer shows 2 to 6, they are weak. If the dealer shows 7 to Ace, they are strong. Use this to decide your move: If the dealer is weak, you can stand on lower hands. If the dealer is strong, hit until you reach at least 17. Understanding this is key to using a good Double Deck Blackjack Strategy. When to Double Down Doubling down means you double your bet and get one more card. This is best when you are likely to win. Common times to double down: You have 10, and the dealer has 4 to 6. You have 11, and the dealer has 2 to 10. You have a soft 16 to 18, and the dealer shows a 4 to 6. These are strong hands. The chance of winning is higher here. Know When to Split Pairs Splitting means you turn one pair into two hands. You place a second bet and play both hands. Smart splits include: Always split Aces and 8s. Never split 10s, 5s, or 4s. Split 2s, 3s, or 7s if the dealer has 2–7. Split 6s if the dealer has 2–6. Use this part of your Double Deck Blackjack Strategy to boost your chances. Count Cards If You Can Card counting is easier with two decks. You don’t need to be a genius to do it. Just track which cards are high or low. Here is a simple system: Count +1 for cards 2 to 6. Count 0 from 7 to 9. Count -1 for 10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace. If your count is high, more high cards are left. This is good for the player. Note: Card counting is not illegal, but casinos dislike it. Be careful when using it. Don’t Take Insurance Insurance is a side bet. It is offered when the dealer shows an Ace. It pays 2 to 1 if the dealer has blackjack. But this is not a smart move. It has a high house edge. Avoid taking insurance. It’s not part of a good strategy. Manage Your Bankroll Don’t bet more than you can lose. Set a budget before you play. Stick to it. Divide your money into small bets. Don’t chase losses. Winning at blackjack is a long game. Smart money habits keep you playing longer. Practice Before You Play Before playing at a real casino, practice online. Many websites offer free double-deck blackjack games. Use these to test your skills. Practice using the basic strategy chart. Learn the moves until they feel natural. This helps you stay calm and smart in real games. Final Tips for Success Here are a few final tips: Stay focused and avoid distractions. Don’t drink alcohol while playing. Don’t play when tired or angry. Take breaks to stay fresh. A clear mind helps you follow your Double Deck Blackjack Strategy better. Conclusion Double-deck blackjack is fun and full of chances to win. But you must play smart. Using the right strategy makes a big difference. Start with the basic chart. Learn when to hit, stand, split, and double down. Know the dealer’s strength. Practice card counting if you want to go further. And always play with a clear mind and set budget. That’s how smart players win. With time and practice, your skills will grow. The right Double Deck Blackjack Strategy will help you enjoy the game more—and win more too. Tech World TimesTech World Times (TWT), a global collective focusing on the latest tech news and trends in blockchain, Fintech, Development & Testing, AI and Startups. If you are looking for the guest post then contact at techworldtimes@gmail.com

Are you tired of paying more and more for video games? Too bad. Game prices have been creeping up from major publishers for the last few years, with plenty of gamers spotting a recent jump in Nintendo’s first-party prices. Microsoft’s Xbox brand is following suit, and it’s not even waiting for a new console launch to do it. As of today, US prices of every current Xbox game console have shot up. IGN reports that the base model Xbox Series S with 512GB of storage is now $380 (up from $300), and the Series X gets a $100 bump across the board, with the top-end 2TB model going from $600 to $730. Some Xbox controllers—still the de facto standard for PC gaming—are bumping up by $10, while the much-loved Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 jumps by $10 to $20 based on what extras you get with them. According to the announcement page on Microsoft’s Xbox support site, “some of our new, first-party games will launch at $79.99 beginning this holiday season.” It doesn’t make a distinction between console and PC titles, which typically launch at the same time. While Microsoft didn’t explicitly spell out the Trump’s administration’s unprecedented taxes on imports from China as a reason for the hardware price increases, the fact that headset pricing increases apply only to the US and Canada would seem to point the finger at tariffs. The aggressive price increases might seem insane considering how far Microsoft has fallen behind Nintendo and Sony in the home console space, but Microsoft is arguably in an advantageous position when it comes to rising prices for hardware and software. Microsoft has spent years hyping up its games-as-a-service Xbox Game Pass subscription and streaming, and pushing hard on a campaign that says the screens you already own are an Xbox with no console purchase required. And that’s saying nothing of Microsoft spending a hundred billion or two on first-party publishers, like Activision-Blizzard and Minecraft maker Mojang. Microsoft has also been spreading its major published games onto the PlayStation and Switch. Game Pass, if not Xbox itself, is emerging as a more affordable option for those who want to play new games without sinking hundreds or thousands into new consoles or gaming PCs. Price increases won’t exactly help Game Pass, but it might make it look more appealing in context. But that won’t make it any easier to pony up $200 for an Xbox Elite controller, especially since more affordable options are disappearing.

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Deal  When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. Save big on Xbox consoles and accessories while Microsoft increases prices Taras Buria Neowin @TarasBuria · May 1, 2025 11:10 EDT Image by Depositphotos On May 1, 2025, Microsoft announced a significant price increase for all Xbox Series X|S consoles and various accessories, such as controllers and headsets. All these devices are now much more expensive (effective May 1), but the good news is that you can still buy a new console or controller at an old price or even less. Note: the following prices are likely to change at any moment. Prices are valid at the time of publishing this article. The new price for the Xbox Series X 1TB without an optical drive is $549, but you can save $102.63. The standard Xbox Series X with an optical drive now costs $599.99, but Amazon still sells it at $499.99. The 1TB Xbox Series S now costs $429.99, so if you buy one now, you save $83. As for the cheapest Xbox Series S with 512GB of storage, Microsoft increased its price to $379.99, but Amazon is offering one at $273.99, which is even lower than the launch price of $299.99. Moving to controllers, all Special Edition gamepads now cost $79.99, but you can save up to 17% on the Pulse Cipher and Sky Cipher. Xbox Wireless Controller Special Edition Pulse CipherElite Series 2 controllers are also still available at the lowest price of 2025 (we reported that a few days ago). The Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller with extra accessories is currently $141.99 ($199.99 is the new price) This Amazon deal is US-specific and not available in other regions unless specified. If you don't like it or want to look at more options, check out the Amazon US deals page here. Get Prime (SNAP), Prime Video, Audible Plus or Kindle / Music Unlimited. Free for 30 days. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Tags Report a problem with article Follow @NeowinFeed

Meta has eliminated key privacy protections for Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses users in a policy update that took effect April 29th. The company now permanently enables Meta AI with camera functionality unless "Hey Meta" voice commands are completely disabled, while simultaneously removing users' ability to opt out of having their voice recordings stored in the cloud. These recordings are kept for up to a year for Meta's product development, with the company only deleting accidental voice interactions after 90 days. Users can manually delete individual recordings but cannot prevent the initial collection. Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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05/01 — 2025 by abduzeedo Dive into the rich illustration history of Charles Dickens's novels with a new digital gallery. Discover Victorian art and storytelling. Stepping into the world of classic literature often brings to mind the words themselves. But for fans of Charles Dickens, the visual side is just as key. His novels weren't just read; they were seen. A new online resource, the Charles Dickens Illustrated Gallery, shines a light on this often-overlooked partnership between author and artist. Think about how we consume stories today. Trailers, movie posters, cover art – visuals draw us in. Back in Victorian times, illustrations served a similar purpose for serial novels. As Michael John Goodman, the creator of the gallery, points out, print shops would display illustrations from the latest monthly part in their windows. This was the Victorian-era trailer, building anticipation and intrigue . Dickens understood this power. He wrote his stories knowing they would be illustrated. He even briefed his illustrators on characters and scenes before writing them, ensuring the visuals were ready for publication . This makes the illustrations more than just pictures; they offer a window into Dickens's creative process and Victorian visual culture. The Charles Dickens Illustrated Gallery brings over 2,100 of these historical illustrations together. It includes the original illustrations for his novels, Christmas books, and collections. You'll also find illustrations from notable editions like the Household Edition and the Library Edition, which features 500 illustrations by Harry Furniss alone . Getting these illustrations online is a process. Goodman describes the tangible nature of scanning the old books – the "whirr and buzz" of the scanner creating a workshop feel. After scanning, the images need digital cleanup in Photoshop to remove signs of age like foxing or staining. Then comes the work of adjusting contrast and brightness so they look their best on modern screens . The concept of a "gallery" is central to the project's design. It echoes those Victorian shop windows, allowing users to browse and contemplate each illustration at their own pace . It's a way to celebrate the artists who contributed so much to the success and reception of Dickens's work. Looking through the gallery, you see the distinct styles of different illustrators. Images like the dramatic scene in or the atmospheric street view in  capture the essence of Dickens's narratives. The detail in illustrations like  or the character portrayal in  highlight the skill involved. Even a seemingly simple image like  from a Christmas book holds historical and artistic value. These illustrations were crucial to how readers first experienced these stories. The gallery encourages users to download, share, and use the illustrations. It's a resource for research, remixing, or simply browsing for inspiration . The goal is to make these important visual artifacts accessible, addressing the frustration of finding poor-quality or missing illustrations in some modern editions . Exploring this collection offers a unique perspective on classic literature and the art of illustration. It reminds us that storytelling is often a multi-sensory experience, where words and images work together to create something lasting. Dive into the gallery and see how illustration shaped the world of Charles Dickens. www.charlesdickensillustration.org  Illustration artifacts  Tags illustration

1 May, 2025 FranklinTill’s Caroline Till believes designers need to up their game to build a more eco-friendly future. We’re being fed a lie. A lie that transitioning to a flourishing, sustainable and circular future is too difficult. That our systems are too complex. That it will take too long. That there isn’t a viable alternative. That our economy will collapse if we push for a different model. But anyone who came to Tarkett’s inaugural Inspire Circular event on Monday afternoon will tell you something different. Because there was one resounding message that came out of the event. A single, unifying, unmistakable belief that was voiced by every speaker across three sessions – from designers and architects, to academics and economists. A sustainable, circular future is entirely within our grasp. We know how to get there, and every single person has the agency to change our current damaging and extractive economic system. But we need to reclaim the narrative. Because at the moment it’s being controlled by actors who want to protect the status quo by telling us that change and adaptation are impossible. The future of our economy and society will be shaped by whether or not we let them succeed. It will be shaped by our ability to change the narrative and mobilise a world that’s being told it’s too difficult. “No-one is pretending the transition will be easy. But don’t for a minute let anyone fool you into thinking it’s impossible.” What was so striking at the event was the deep conviction that designers and architects have a vital role to play in changing the system. Sometimes conversations about “systems change” can feel overwhelming. We experience a sort of cognitive overload where it all feels too big and complicated, and we revert back to business as usual. But these are human systems. Ever-evolving, and man-made. Who better to re-design and shape them than designers? Every single person in our industry can contribute to small shifts which will lead to much bigger changes in the system. We have more agency than we give our industry credit for. So how can we do it? How can designers work within their sphere of influence to mobilise and drive the change we need to see? Here’s what we learned from our panelists. Collaborate There’s a huge opportunity to radically increase collaboration within and across industries: sharing information and developing systems that keep products, materials, and energy flowing across industries. Tarkett, for example, looks beyond its own industry for collaboration opportunities and now uses waste calcium carbonate from the Dutch water industry and pine rosin from Scandinavian paper mills in its EcoBase carpet tile backing. Sarah Dodge from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation described how co-opetition takes things even further, with competitors collaborating strategically to create mutual value or tackle shared challenges without undermining their competitive edge. Re-use Waste doesn’t exist in nature, so it shouldn’t exist within our human ecosystems. So what would happen if we stopped talking about waste? Could we flip the script and talk about demolition waste as assets? How can we more formally connect deconstruction with reconstruction to establish reuse as the default option? Work locally and bioregionally We need to take more localised approaches when designing and building, ensuring we’re connected to place and locale, and making full use of localised materials and knowledge – whether harvesting from local or regional sources, or excavating from previous buildings and structures. As Jonny Buckland from Studio Saar explained, “We need to ensure architecture reflects a story that’s rooted to place, and the value that brings to people locally.” Cíaran Malik of the Architectural Association had a similar perspective, suggesting, ‘the circular economy should be the first shelf we go to. We should be thinking first of locally sourced materials and circular economy materials – a really interesting aesthetic would come out of that.” Fire imaginations Designers and architects have the power to make circularity more attractive. We need to show the beauty and possibility of buildings and products made from secondary materials, that come with their own textured and imperfect histories. As designers, we also need to feed our own imaginations. We need to get curious about materials, ask questions and experiment more. Don’t use complexity as an excuse Over the last decade we’ve seen a huge evolution of measurement metrics and frameworks to support the journey to circularity. They serve a purpose, but we need to be careful that measurement doesn’t become the end goal. Complex metrics can distract us from the more simple goal of extracting as little virgin material as possible, and eliminating waste by keeping materials in the loop. Sustainability is an adaptation challenge, and we can choose how to go about it. As Ioannis Ioannou from London Business School explained in his keynote, the transition to better alignment between our economy, our people and the planet’s finite resources is going to happen one way or another. We still have time to decide whether it’s orderly, or chaotic and crisis-driven. If, like me, you’d prefer an orderly transition, then we as an industry need to up our game. We need to start telling a different collective story that speaks of collaboration, beauty and possibility. We need to start making shifts within our sphere of influence that will drive demand for circular approaches that help our unsustainable economic system to evolve. No-one is pretending the transition will be easy. But don’t for a minute let anyone fool you into thinking it’s impossible. Caroline Till is the co-founder and executive director at FranklinTill, which supports brands and other organisations to use design and material innovation to shift towards a more sustainable future. Industries in this article Brands in this article What to read next Opinion “Sustainability is no longer enough” 6 Jan, 2025

Changing the name of an institution as storied as the Royal Opera House is a statement of intent if I ever saw one. It's a declaration that the Royal Ballet and Opera are stepping into a new era together, solidified by their partnership with DesignStudio, which has resulted in a refreshed identity. The aim was to reposition this cultural powerhouse for the future. It's also very clear that the rebrand celebrates both art forms equally, elevating their collective spirit while reaching out to broader, more diverse audiences. For Julien Queyrane, creative director at DesignStudio, the opportunity to work on such a revered name was both a privilege and a challenge. "As a true cultural icon, it was a tremendous privilege to collaborate with the Royal Ballet and Opera on this new vision," he says. "Our rebrand captures the breadth of this new offering by elevating and celebrating all art forms in a way that feels highly inclusive." Initially prompted by the organisation's shift from "Royal Opera House" to "Royal Ballet and Opera," the project quickly became much more ambitious. "From the outset, we saw this as a bigger opportunity: not just to design a logo, but to help redefine how the Royal Ballet and Opera present themselves to the world," says Julien. The name change signalled a refreshed energy and unity across the organisation, reflecting not only the stars of the stage but the unsung heroes behind the scenes – from the costume designers and musicians to the set builders and crew who bring each performance to life. DesignStudio set out to create a brand that honours that collective spirit while balancing reverence for tradition with an appetite for change. While the new brand is rooted in the institution's illustrious past, it also bursts with a contemporary vitality and feels ready to inspire loyal followers and newcomers alike. At the heart of the new identity is the concept of a "Living Timeline", chosen to celebrate continuity, reinvention, and evolution. "The Royal Ballet and Opera are not fixed in the past or defined by the present – they are constantly evolving," says Julien. This mindset formed the foundation for the three strategic principles guiding the rebrand: Reveal, Reconnect, and Reimagine. Drawing inspiration from the archives, the team uncovered a treasure trove of historic typefaces, posters, and colourways and reinterpreted these elements through a contemporary lens. The design language is dynamic, weaving the richness of the past into a fresh, modern aesthetic that feels anything but nostalgic. On the verbal side, senior copywriter Dominique Lecci developed a tone of voice that captures the same spirit. Built around three principles—sharp, evocative, unexpected—the new tone is expressive and flexible, allowing communications to be dialled up or down depending on the audience. "It celebrates the artistry on and off the stage in a way that feels resonant for every audience—from long-time supporters to first-time visitors," Dominique explains. The Living Timeline isn't just a conceptual flourish—it's the connective thread running through every aspect of the brand, from the revived marque to the modernised colour palette. One of the most striking elements of the rebrand is the new marque, a reimagined symbol drawn from the organisation's archives. "We spent a lot of time in the archives with the RBO's creative team, exploring past marques," says Julien. "What stood out to us were the designs that had more gravitas and those that felt bolder and tighter together." Rather than reinventing the wheel, the team evolved a historic design, enhancing its elegance and fluidity for today's diverse applications. The flowing curves of the new marque evoke the lyrical beauty of opera and the structured precision of ballet, seamlessly bridging past and future. Importantly, the updated marque has been crafted to shine across print, digital, and environmental platforms, which is vital for an institution that now spans everything from live performances to global streaming. DesignStudio approached the project with a clear understanding that modernising a heritage brand requires delicacy. The goal wasn't to discard the past but to create an identity that feels expressive, inclusive, and at home across multiple channels. "We refreshed the entire brand ecosystem, from colour palettes and textures to art direction," Julien explains. The team paired a modern serif with a strong grotesque typeface, capturing both the grandeur and emotional depth of the art forms they represent. A vibrant extended colour palette rooted in Royal Ballet and Opera's signature red ensures the brand can flex across different moods, productions, and platforms. The result is a brand that feels alive, whether emblazoned on venue signage, animated on streaming services, or inviting exploration on a social post. Perhaps one of the most unexpected and exciting aspects of the rebrand is the new tone of voice. Heritage brands are often boxed in by tradition, but the Royal Ballet and Opera's reinvention breaks the mould. "People don't always think of heritage institutions as bold or challenging, but it's that mindset that keeps a cultural icon like the Royal Ballet and Opera relevant," says Dominique. Using their "Volume Control" system, the Royal Ballet and Opera's writers can now adjust their voice across different touchpoints, from precise and informative to bold and emotionally charged. This refreshingly agile approach ensures the brand resonates with both die-hard fans and curious newcomers. With the brand now live, there's a palpable sense of optimism around what the Royal Ballet and Opera can achieve with their revitalised identity. "We hope that it sparks curiosity," says Julien. "That someone who might not have previously considered stepping through RBO's doors feels inspired to explore, to book a ticket, to experience something new." Ultimately, the new brand isn't just a visual overhaul; it's a strategic leap forward, crafted to ensure that the magic of ballet, opera, and all the artistry in between continues to captivate audiences – old and new – for generations to come.