Microsoft Unveils Rog Xbox Ally Handheld Video Game Devices

Microsoft says that its coming ROG Xbox Ally handheld gaming devices will be available by the year-end holiday season, with pricing soon to be disclosed. Ina FASSBENDER / AFP/File
Microsoft says that its coming ROG Xbox Ally handheld gaming devices will be available by the year-end holiday season, with pricing soon to be disclosed. Ina FASSBENDER / AFP/File
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Microsoft Unveils Rog Xbox Ally Handheld Video Game Devices

Microsoft says that its coming ROG Xbox Ally handheld gaming devices will be available by the year-end holiday season, with pricing soon to be disclosed. Ina FASSBENDER / AFP/File
Microsoft says that its coming ROG Xbox Ally handheld gaming devices will be available by the year-end holiday season, with pricing soon to be disclosed. Ina FASSBENDER / AFP/File

Microsoft on Sunday unveiled its first Xbox-branded handheld gaming devices, touting them as a way to play its vast library of titles anywhere.

Two "ROG Xbox Ally" models made in a partnership with Taiwan-based ASUS will be available by the year-end holiday season, Xbox president Sarah Bond said during an online event showcasing games heading for the platform, AFP said.

"The Xbox Ally is an Xbox you can hold in your hands, bringing together the power of Xbox and the freedom of Windows," Bond said.

"On this Xbox, you can play games across your entire library, including all the Windows PC game stores from Xbox and Battle.net to Steam, GOG (Good Old Games platform) and Ubisoft Connect."

The peek at Xbox Ally came just days after the release of Nintendo's Switch 2, the handheld console that could score record early sales for the Japanese "Super Mario" creator.

The Nintendo device, which features a bigger screen and more processing power, is an upgrade to the Switch that became a global phenomenon with hit games such as "Animal Crossing."

Microsoft promised to disclose pricing and release date details for Xbox Ally in the coming months.

Both Xbox handhelds appeared similar to Microsoft console controllers in terms of buttons, toggles and grips but looked elongated to provide room for center screens.

"When you power on your Xbox Ally, you'll boot directly into the Xbox full screen experience, a new feature optimized specifically for handheld gaming," Microsoft said in a release.

"The Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X are perfect for players looking to take an approachable gaming experience with you during travels -- whether it's between airports, or between the comfiest chairs in the living room."

 



Apple Names Insider Sabih Khan as COO

The Apple logo is seen on the Apple store at The Marche Saint Germain in Paris, France July 15, 2020. (Reuters)
The Apple logo is seen on the Apple store at The Marche Saint Germain in Paris, France July 15, 2020. (Reuters)
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Apple Names Insider Sabih Khan as COO

The Apple logo is seen on the Apple store at The Marche Saint Germain in Paris, France July 15, 2020. (Reuters)
The Apple logo is seen on the Apple store at The Marche Saint Germain in Paris, France July 15, 2020. (Reuters)

Apple on Tuesday named insider Sabih Khan as its chief operating officer, taking over from Jeff Williams, as part of a long-planned succession.

Khan, who has been with Apple for 30 years and is currently the senior vice president of operations, will take on the new role later this month, the iPhone maker said in a statement.

Before joining Apple's procurement group in 1995, he worked as an applications development engineer and key account technical leader at GE Plastics.

Williams will continue to report to CEO Tim Cook and oversee the company's design team and Apple Watch.

The design team will report directly to Cook after Williams retires late in the year.