Microsoft/Xbox Store To Add Payment Option With Venmo

When entangling with Xbox updates, Microsoft constantly implements new features for its platform on both Xbox One and the current Xbox Series X|S systems. Recently, it was announced a new Xbox voice report feature will be going live for Xbox Insiders. This new tool enables users to record & submit audio in-game to report harassment. So far there is no expected time for when the feature will be available for all. Additionally, the Xbox firm also rolled out a new update this week that more users can experience. In that, the official Xbox home dashboard faces a new revision incorporating more space for the background and other tasteful improvements. Even more, there is additional categorization elements welcomed in the update too. In a new press release from Venmo, it is revealed that the Xbox Store alongside the greater Microsoft Store is to implement Venmo as a valid form of payment moving forward. At Microsoft, our commitment to creating the best experience for customers is at the center of everything we do, whether it’s for entertainment or productivity. The addition of new PayPal payment method options delivers on this commitment and offers even more flexibility for customers with tools that work for them and their goals. Ajith Thekadath, Microsoft Vice President of Global Payments “For over 16 years, PayPal checkout has been a trusted method for Microsoft Store customers to purchase products like Surface devices and Xbox consoles and accessories, as well as Microsoft 365’s product suite. We are thrilled to expand our partnership with Microsoft to offer them access to our full suite of capabilities that will create a beautiful customer experience across the entire shopping journey,” says PayPal SVP of Strategic Accounts Kurt Campisano. The press release also notes using Venmo as a payment option also recognizes to split payments for the transaction. The arrangement also includes PayPal Pay Later too that welcomes fixed payment options through the service if users are not committed to buying games outright. Currently, the update is available for the U.S., U.K., Australia, Germany, France, Spain, and Italy for PayPal Pay Later. No regions were mentioned for Venmo aside from the U.S. Do you plan to use Venmo or PayPal Pay Later on Xbox? Source: PayPal

New Update Adds Revamped Dashboard To Xbox

Notoriously, many users across the internet hold some resentment towards Xbox. For one, the home dashboard for its consoles since leaving Xbox 360 has been on the top of its lists – and can you really blame the stack of complaints? While Microsoft did iterate on the dashboard, it can still be better. The Xbox firm was even late supporting 4K for the home menu as it was patched in nearly a year after release of Xbox Series X|S. Additionally, Microsoft did address it plans to further improve the dashboard again. One of the biggest complaints is the little amount of room for the background is shown. And for Xbox Insiders in the past, the work-in-progress only made it worse as more ads took the dashboard over. But, it was told that it plans to dramatically reduce this for users come the full release across all systems. On Wednesday, Microsoft rolled out the official update for the new Xbox dashboard. Along with it comes new organization & personalization features for users to make this new upgrade more of their own. Starting today, a new Home experience is rolling out to all Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles. This update is designed from player feedback and makes it easier to discover new games, rediscover games you already love, connect with communities, and create a more personalized experience. Ivy Krislov, Xbox Experiences Senior Product Manager Lead “Improving the Home Experience has been truly a Team Xbox effort —from engineers to designers to researchers and many more. We started by investing in infrastructure that would allow us to try different layouts of the page with different content for different situations and customers,” the post continues reading. “We then evaluated many different elements of the design process including what people interact with in the experience, how easy it is for people to complete the action they want to take, and how satisfied they are with the overall experience. Once we had a version that was ready to share, we started to roll it out to our Xbox Insiders.” Recently, Microsoft confirmed a new update will be rolling out for Xbox Insiders enabling the option to record audio in-game which can be submitted and used to report players. There is no word on when the feature will be fully released to all users. You can read the full report by heading here. What has you interested in the new Xbox dashboard update? Source: Xbox Wire

Blasphemous 2 Pre-Orders Are Now Live

Blasphemous 2 from The Game Kitchen and Team17 Digital is now available for pre-order on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series XlS and PC. A Digital Deluxe version – exclusive to Steam – is also available to preorder and includes the Blasphemous II official soundtrack and digital artbook. The Penitent One awakens as Blasphemous 2 follows him once again in an endless struggle against The Miracle. Dive into a perilous new world filled with mysteries and secrets to discover, and tear your way through monstrous foes that stand between you and your quest to end the cycle once and for all. Alongside the global launch on digital platforms from August 24, physical editions of Blasphemous II will be available in Europe for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S from Astragon Entertainment, and in the US on September 15. Blasphemous 2 will cost $29.99 USD and 10% discount will be applied to pre-orders. The physical editions of Blasphemous II will retail at $34.99 USD for Xbox Series XlS and PlayStation 5 while the Nintendo Switch version will be $39.99 USD if you wish to get a physical edition.

World Update XIV Out Now For Microsoft Flight Simulator Adding New Additions To Central Eastern Europe

This year, Microsoft Flight Simulator has extended its reach in terms of its World Updates to the reaches of the world’s oceans. In this, we saw World Update XII grasp for New Zealand and its range in the eastern hemisphere. Additionally, World Update XIII continued this with Oceania featuring a collective of regions enhanced for the game. At the June Xbox Game Showcase, Asobo Studios revealed more is coming. Later this year, a new Dune collaboration is expected to drop in November alongside the theatrical release of Dune Part 2. Moreover, 2024 is to feature a new ‘Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024’ which includes new roles to pursue across all aviation occupations. This week, Asobo Studio roles out World Update XIV which features new emphasis on Central Eastern Europe. This new update features improvements to over a handful territories. You can read the full list below: Bosnia & Herzegovina Banja Luka Cross Mountain Kozara National Park Pocitelj Clock Tower Sarajevo Srebrenik Fortress Tjentiste Memorial Croatia Dubrovinik Kamerlengo Castle Krk Bridge Nehaj Fortress Palagruza Lighthouse Plitvice Lakes National Park Porer Lighthouse Rijeka Airport Split Czechia Bouzov Castle Hluboka Castle Hruboskalsko Jested Tower Karlstejn Castle Konopiste Castle Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape Pilgrimage Church of Saint John of Nepomuk Prague Vltava River Hungary Basilica of Esztergom Budapest Hungarian Parliament Building Miskahuszar Statue Monostori Bridge Pannonhalma Archabbey TV Tower, Buda Hills Slovakia Bratislava Castle Bojnice Castle Calvary Banska Stiavnica Kamzik TV Tower Monostori Bridge Poprad-Tatry Airport Spis Castle Tatry Mountains Slovenia Bled Castle Bled Island Italian Charnel House Predjama Castle Rihemberk Castle Solkan Bridge Zuzemberk Castle “Microsoft Flight Simulator World Update XIV: Central Eastern Europe captures the majesty, charm and allure of Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina. The region bristles with history, architectural wonders, and stunning scenery. The Central Eastern Europe countries beckon exploration from above with never-before-seen fidelity,” the team writes. “Microsoft Flight Simulator assembled fresh, full-coverage aerial imagery, digital elevation data and more from our partners at Bing Maps and Maxar to create this update. […] Rounding out this latest release, Microsoft Flight Simulator World Update XIV includes three discovery flights: Prague in the Czechia, Sarajevo in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Budapest in Hungary. “ What has you most excited for World Update XIV? Microsoft Flight Simulator is out now for Xbox Series X|S & PC. Source: Asobo Studio

Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection Hits 1.32 Million Units Sold

Capcom announced that Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection has sold over 1.32 million units as of June 30, 2023. This comes from their consolidated financial results for the 1st Quarter of fiscal year 2023. Two weeks after the game came out in April, Capcom shared the Legacy Collection sold 1 million units so since April 28 the game sold an additional 320,000 units. Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection is now the 5th best selling game in the franchise (thanks Rockman Corner) behind Mega Man 11. The collection brought ten mainline games to modern platforms with online versus, Battle Chip trading and even Download Chips. The Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection is available for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and PC. Source: Rockman Corner

Fortnite V25.0 Update Brings Futurama’s Bender, Fry and Leela Outfits & More

Fortnite has revealed what is coming with the Futurama collaboration in its latest V25.0 update. Bender, Fry and Leela Outfits are crashing in from New York. Not only are the outfits out now, but players can find Bender’s Shiny Metal Raygun on the battlefield. The three new outfits are now available to purchase along with the matching accessories in the Item Shop.  The Bender Bending Rodriguez Outfit Includes the Universe 1 Bender alt Style and the Ben Rodriguez Back Bling. Along with that, the Unbendable Girder Pickaxe is available to purchase in the shop. The Philip J. Fry Outfit includes the Universe 1 Fry alt style and Hypnotoad Back Bling. The Giant Nutcracker Pickaxe comes with this outfit and is in the item shop.  The Turanga Leela Outfit comes with the Universe 1 Leela alt style and Nibble Back Bling. The Solid Gold Fiddle Pickaxe is available in the shop.  You can’t have a Fortnite collaboration without a Glider and Emote coming with it. The Planet Express Ship Glider and Zoidberg Scuttle Emote are now available in the Fortnite Item Shop.  Until v25.30, Bender’s Shiny Metal Raygun can be found from the ground, or Bender himself if you have the Bars. “Fire an infinite supply of plasma with this weapon — but be careful because it’ll overheat and need to cool down if you fire too much at once!” You will not find Bender’s Shiny Metal Raygun when it comes to Fortnite tournaments.