Xbox Hardware Revenue Drops 30 Percent As Microsoft Pushes AI Microsofts latest earnings report covering the quarter ending September 30 shows a significant downturn for its Xbox hardware division. Revenue from Xbox consoles fell by 30 percent compared to the same period last year. This decline is particularly notable because it does not yet reflect the impact of recent price increases. The company raised the price of its Xbox consoles by 20 to 70 dollars, but that change took effect on October 3, just after the quarter ended. Microsoft also increased the price of its Game Pass Ultimate subscription from 20 to 30 dollars in October. On a more positive note for the gaming segment, revenue from Xbox content and services, which includes the Game Pass subscription service, remained stable and showed no decline from the previous year. The broader context for Microsoft includes workforce reductions that have impacted the Xbox division. Earlier this year, Microsoft cut its global workforce, leading to game cancellations and the closure of at least one Xbox studio. A reported modern reimagining of Perfect Dark was among the canceled projects. Overall, Microsofts total revenue is up. CEO Satya Nadella highlighted the companys performance, focusing largely on its advancements in artificial intelligence. He stated on social media that Microsoft plans to increase its AI capacity by a substantial 80 percent this year. In other tech news, a new home robot named Neo was unveiled by AI and robotics company 1X. Priced at 20000 dollars, the Neo robot is designed to handle household chores. Initially, its capabilities will be basic, such as opening doors and fetching items. For more complex tasks, the robot will require training via a human teleoperator who controls it remotely. This process allows the robots AI to learn by observing and repeating actions performed by a human. The CEO of 1X explained that this real-world training is essential for the neural network to develop. This does mean that buyers must consent to a human operator viewing their home through the robots cameras. Fans of Stranger Things finally received a full trailer for the shows fifth and final season. The trailer suggests an emotional and action-packed conclusion to the series, a significant shift from the lighter 80s-inspired humor of earlier seasons. The release comes after a three and a half year wait since the previous season. Engadget has also released its list of the best tech of 2025, compiling the highest-rated devices reviewed this year across various categories. The list includes top performers from smartphones and tablets to headphones and gaming consoles, representing thousands of hours of testing by the reviews team. For those looking to manage their finances, a deal is available for the budgeting app Monarch Money. The app, considered a strong alternative for former users of the discontinued Mint, is offering 50 percent off an annual subscription for new users. By using the code MONARCHVIP at checkout on the web, the yearly plan is reduced to 50 dollars. The offer cannot be combined with other promotions.
