Microsoft Raises Xbox Game Pass Prices and Launches New Standard Tier
- Written by Shipra Sanganeria Cybersecurity & Tech Writer
- Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor
Microsoft announced this week that it is raising prices and restructuring its Xbox Game Pass subscription services. The basic console tier is also being replaced with a new Game Pass Standard tier, which will not include day-one releases.
Microsoft’s global price hikes for Game Pass services predominantly impact subscription tiers that provide access to day-one releases. For example, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will rise by $3, jumping from $16.99 to $19.99 per month. Similarly, PC Game Pass, which includes day-one releases, will see a $2 increase from $9.99 to $11.99 per month.
According to the BBC , the increase in Game Pass prices was anticipated, particularly following the Xbox maker’s announcement in May 2024 to include Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 in its Game service. Previously in 2023, Microsoft raised the cost of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription for the first time since its launch, citing competitive market conditions, as reported by The Verge .
In addition to the price hike, Microsoft’s new Xbox Game Pass Standard option, priced at $14.99 per month will not include day-one titles published by Microsoft like the Great Circle and Black Ops 6. However, it will include an online multiplayer option, which is not part of the existing Xbox Game Pass Console subscription.
New Xbox Game Pass Pricing and Structure
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate – will now cost $19.99 per month. This tier includes day-one releases, access to full games catalog on cloud, PC, and console, online multiplayer, and EA Play.
- Xbox Game Pass Standard – The newly launched tier, priced at $14.99 per month, includes online multiplayer and access to a back catalog of Xbox Game Pass games, but does not provide access to day-one releases.
- Xbox Game Pass Core – The price remains unchanged at $9.99 per month, but the 12-month subscription has increased from $59.99 to $74.99. It includes online multiplayer and access to around 25 games.
- Xbox Game Pass for Console – Existing subscribers pay $10.99 per month, but this plan is not available to new subscribers. However, if an existing subscriber turns off automatic payments or allows their membership to lapse, they’ll lose access and will have to subscribe to other available plans. This tier includes online multiplayer and access to over 25 games.
- PC Game Pass – will now cost $11.99 per month. It includes EA Play, access to the games library on PC, and day-one releases.
Photo by Isaac Mehegan on Unsplash
Google Maps Rolls Out Speed Limits On iPhones And CarPlay
- Written by Andrea Miliani Former Tech News Expert
- Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor
Google Maps finally rolled out its speedometer and speed limit features on iPhones and CarPlay across the globe.
According to TechCrunch , this new update comes years after it was added for Android users, in 2019. Now Apple users can catch up and get the benefits of the speed limits visualizations.
Depending on the region, TechCrunch explains that users will get their speed in kilometers or miles after they start driving toward their destination. However, those interested in getting this information will probably need to adjust their settings.
Drivers can go to settings, then navigation, and adjust their driving options to see the speed indicators. Just like other navigation apps, Google Maps will let users know when they are driving over the speed limit by using different colors and alerts.
On its support page , google provides more information on this feature. “If the Speed Limits feature is available in your location, the speedometer in the app will let you know if you’re driving too fast. The speed indicator will change colors if you go over the speed limit,” states the site.
Google also warns users that the speedometer is just informational and that it might differ from the vehicle’s speedometer indicator. Drivers must compare and consider the most reliable source.
The update was first spotted in India and Google confirmed recently that it’s rolling it out globally. A few users on social media have reported spotting the new feature and shared their thoughts. “My Google Maps updated and now displays my current speed next to the speed limit – that’s a handy feature,” said one user on X. “Google Maps on iOS has finally started showing vehicle speed and speed limits on iOS. Noticed it yesterday,” added another one.
Google Maps on iOS has finally started showing vehicle speed and speed limits on iOS . Noticed it yesterday. pic.twitter.com/iSp1PbYfFO — Varun Krishnan (@varunkrish) July 10, 2024
Google Maps has announced other new features this year like using AI to improve search for charging stations for electric vehicles and travel recommendations also powered by AI.
