How To Tell If Xbox Controller Has Bluetooth

While Microsoft continues to converge its experiences across Xbox One and Windows 10, programs like Play Anywhere are proving how unified platforms tin be benign to both the consumers and the visitor itself. "Xbox Wireless" shows this philosophy beingness applied to accessories as well, building a hardware ecosystem between Microsoft'south two flagship gaming platforms. Here's everything y'all need to know nearly Xbox Wireless, and its benefits to you as a gamer.

What is Xbox Wireless?

"Xbox Wireless" is a proprietary protocol adult by Microsoft for connecting accessories to Xbox One consoles. Like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Directly, Xbox Wireless enables controllers and select headsets to establish a direct wireless connection with the console, while avoiding the complexities that come up with adapters or concrete cabling.

The protocol first made its debut dorsum with the Xbox One. It served equally the unbranded technology for connecting controllers to the console. Microsoft later expanded its capabilities while ushering in the Xbox Wireless proper name, embracing the technology as its protocol for premium wireless gaming. This likewise led to an expansion to Windows devices via an official adapter, assuasive Xbox accessories to be used on PC.

Today Microsoft now refers to Xbox Wireless as an ecosystem for its licensed accessories, marketing the protocol for its seamless wireless experience across its platforms. With third-party manufacturers starting to release "Xbox Wireless" devices, both Xbox One and PC can hook into the lineup of accessories.

Using Xbox Wireless on Xbox One and Windows ten

If an Xbox Ane owner, you've likely been using Xbox Wireless for years without even knowing it. The radio frequency (RF) module embedded within all Xbox One consoles taps into this protocol and is used to connect to almost wireless accessories. While infrared (IR) and Wi-Fi Directly are used for connecting some devices, this is the sole manner of connecting controllers wirelessly. Xbox Wireless devices can be connected to an Xbox One organization using the "Sync" button located on the front of the panel.

Over on PC, connecting Xbox Wireless accessories is a little more than challenging. The proprietary nature of Xbox Wireless means an official adapter is required, which will fix you lot dorsum $24.99. However, for that price you'll be getting support for viii controllers and their accompanying headsets, which should be more than plenty for any gaming session.

The grade factor of the current Xbox Wireless Adapter isn't exactly elegant. Thankfully, a revised version of the Xbox Wireless Adapter is set to release in the U.S. side by side year, which cuts the adapter'due south size downwardly to a 3rd of the original. Select devices are likewise offering integrated Xbox Wireless fries, though this is currently limited to a subset of pre-built PCs.

Run across Xbox Wireless Adapter at Microsoft

Why use Xbox Wireless?

Existing wireless technologies are available for gaming accessories, but Microsoft opted to develop its own protocol for farther flexibility. Building a device offering around its own specification allows accessories to offer unique functionality while tying hardware down to its ecosystem.

Utilizing a higher frequency connexion than traditional ii.4 GHz Bluetooth, on paper, Xbox Wireless promises a college bandwidth connection for accessories. This, in plow, reduces latency, which can shave off vital milliseconds in competitive titles. The furnishings of this are by and large undetectable merely should guarantee a stable connection for hardcore players.

Xbox Wireless is also able to transmit wireless stereo audio, which is used for dedicated Xbox Wireless headsets. This means the Xbox One controller's integrated 3.5mm jack can as well be used as an audio output too, which isn't available over a Bluetooth connection. When paired with Windows Sonic spatial sound, an impressive virtualized 7.i environment sound experience can exist provided wirelessly.

Ane of the Xbox One controller'due south well-nigh unique features in terms of hardware, impulse triggers, are also limited exclusively to Xbox Wireless. On a standard Bluetooth connection you'll still be receiving a standard vibration, although games with rumble trigger support tin offer a unique edge to the experience.

While these features aren't basis-breaking, they withal contribute toward making for a "premium" experience on Xbox Wireless. Integrated Bluetooth on recent controllers reduces the relevancy of the technology, but tin can however offer value for some gamers.

Xbox Wireless accessories

Due to protocol restrictions on Xbox 1, all wireless controllers use Xbox Wireless for communication. Every bit a result, Xbox wireless controllers should also piece of work on PC with the official adapter.

Microsoft has likewise been expanding beyond controllers, partnering with diverse third-party accompaniment manufacturers to develop Xbox Wireless devices. LucidSound, Turtle Beach and Razer all appear products that autumn in this range, kicking off the first wave of headsets that apply the protocol. These are the headsets announced so far, for use across Xbox One and Windows 10.

Razer Thresher
Turtle Embankment Stealth 700
Turtle Beach Stealth 600
LucidSound LS35X
LucidSound LS15X

Microsoft has also outlined partnerships with Astro, HyperX, PDP, Plantronics, and SteelSeries. These will assumedly deliver variants of Xbox Wireless accessories in the future. Going frontwards, Xbox Wireless headsets can exist identified by an "Xbox Wireless" icon on the box.

Xbox Wireless PCs

Microsoft has unveiled plans to expand the reach of Xbox Wireless via integrated solutions in Windows PCs. Subsequently partnering with hardware manufacturers, Xbox Wireless chips can exist shipped in select devices, which are prepare to become out of the box.

Adoption of Xbox Wireless has been minimal across major manufacturers, with but a small range of prebuilt devices offering this functionality. It'southward unclear whether adoption will increment going forward, though Microsoft is introducing integration on some flagship Surface devices. These are all the Windows 10 PCs currently available with Xbox Wireless integration:

Surface Studio
Surface Volume 2 (15-inch)
Lenovo IdeaCentre Y710
Lenovo Legion Y720
ASUS G703

Nosotros'll be sure to update this piece going forwards if new devices and accessories hit the market.

Your thoughts on Xbox Wireless

What practice you call up of Xbox Wireless so far? Have you been using the official adapter on your Windows PC? If not, why are yous holding dorsum? Make sure to drop into the comments section below and share your thoughts on the technology.

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