mixer
Latest
Xbox One adds game sale alerts and expanded parental controls
Sometimes, the most important Xbox One updates are less about interface changes and more about conveniences -- in this case, for bargain hunters and concerned parents. Microsoft is rolling out an October update whose centerpieces are more powerful parental controls and a sale-savvy Wish List. The parental tools now let you limit time for specific apps and games, not just the system. You can ensure that your kids only play Fortnite for an hour each day, or limit their YouTube sessions to half-hour bursts. The restrictions you set will apply on both Xbox One and Windows, so your kids can't defy the rules by sneaking in some PC time when the console kicks them off.
Razer built an RGB microphone that displays live stream emotes
If you're a livestreamer determined to stand out from the pack with flashy effects, Razer has your back. It's introducing a Seiren Emote microphone whose 8x8 LED screen displays (what else?) emotes in sync with Twitch and Mixer stream events, including through common tools like Streamlabs and XSplit. You can display a custom channel emote when someone subscribes, a puking rainbow emote when someone thanks you in chat, or seemingly anything in between. It'll even sync with Chroma-compatible gear, so your mic can go berserk alongside your Hue lights and headphones if you're so inclined.
Microsoft lets Xbox Game Pass holders support their favorite Mixer streamers
When Microsoft launched Mixer Direct Purchase back in 2018 it did so to help reward streamers for bringing new games and features to viewers' attention. Now, it's adding a new way to support creators. From today, Mixer partners will receive $3 compensation for every new member that joins Xbox Game Pass and credits their channel with a code, so you can show your favorite streamers some extra love.
Adidas signs Ninja to its first pro gamer deal
Popular gaming streamer Tyler Blevins, better known as Ninja, has secured yet another brand deal. And this one may be the biggest one of them all. Ninja has just revealed a partnership with Adidas, making him the first pro gamer ever to be signed by the brand. The German sportswear giant told Engadget that the deal with Ninja is intended to show its commitment to gaming culture and "supporting creators who show dedication to excelling in their field." Moving forward, Adidas said, it will continue to find new ways to support the 2.3 billion gamers across the world. The company added that, ultimately, it is here to help athletes make a difference in their game -- no matter what games they're playing.
Ninja calls out Twitch after his dormant channel highlights porn (updated)
Ninja (aka Tyler Blevins) has largely avoided any bad blood between him and Twitch following his jump to Mixer, but that apparently didn't last long. The well-known streamer has posted a video chastising Twitch for not only using his dormant channel to promote other streamers, but to let porn find its way into those recommendations. As esports consultant Rod Breslau observed, the number one stream on Twitch the morning of August 11th was a bootleg porn broadcast that lasted for more than two hours -- imagine someone looking for Fortnite gameplay only to find X-rated material.
Ninja already has a million subscribers on Mixer
Well, that was quick. Tyler Blevins, better known by his online handle "Ninja," has already racked up one million subscribers on Mixer. "Thank you for all the incredible support," he said on Twitter. "I haven't felt this good in a long time." It's an impressive feat considering Mixer is smaller than Twitch and Tyler only announced his exclusivity deal last week. For now, anyone can nab a free one-month subscription to Ninja's channel. After September 30th, though, fans will have to pay a fee -- probably $5.99 -- for subscriber perks such as custom emotes and ad-free streams.
Top 'Fortnite' streamer Ninja is ditching Twitch for Mixer
Tyler "Ninja" Blevins is one of the most popular streamers on Twitch. Or at least he was. He announced in a video posted Thursday he'll be streaming exclusively on Microsoft's Mixer from now on.
Watch 'Sea of Thieves' on Mixer to get free DLC
Would the promise of free (virtual) stuff tempt you ditch Twitch and opt for Microsoft's alternative game live streaming service? That's what Mixer is banking on, and is launching Mixer Loot, a way for players to "earn in-game content" if you've watched a "cool moment." The first Mixer Loot festival will run from April 30th to May 5th, and involve people watching 30 arena battles in Sea of Thieves. Do so on compatible channels, and you'll get the Obsidian Six item pack, which includes the Eye of Reach and a Spyglass.
Mixer highlights the top 'Apex Legends' streamers with new leaderboards
Apex Legends has grown its player base at lightning speed since it appeared almost out of the blue in February, citing 50 million players after just over a month since release. It's not much of surprise, then, that livestreaming platform Mixer has just added it to its HypeZone, a dynamic stream that showcases the players mere moments away from achieving victory in different games, which includes the likes of Fortnite, PUBG and Call of Duty: Black Ops 4.
The online conference that might change video games for good
Language is a tool, and just like any tool, it has equal capacity to inflict both good and bad on the world. Language is a beautiful, human thing; the connective tissue that transfers culture, knowledge and critical information across borders and generations. It's also a means of segregation and detachment, erecting invisible walls among neighbors and strangers alike, impeding coexistence on a global scale.
The Game Awards will stream on more than 40 platforms next month
The end of the year is fast approaching, which means awards season is getting into full swing. The Game Awards takes place December 6th at 9PM ET at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, and this year, it will stream live on more than 40 video platforms.
Microsoft’s Mixer game streaming service adds new ways to interact
Microsoft's game streaming service and Twitch competitor, Mixer, is entering its second season, and with it comes a slew of new features to help fans engage and allow streamers to make more money. The first addition is Skills, which will let viewers send animated stickers and GIFs, launch effects like fireworks and laser shows or keep digital beach balls bouncing. Skills can be bought, and using it will help streamers financially. But for users that don't want to drop cash, they can use Sparks (new, earnable tokens) instead. Sparks can be earned by watching streams, and those Sparks can then purchase Skills.
Razer's new headset frees your beautiful face while streaming games
If you're into streaming games on the likes of Twitch, YouTube or Mixer and you'd like to showcase more of your beautiful face to your viewers, Razer's Ifrit headset might be worth your consideration. Instead of bulky over-ear headphones (which might mess up your magnificent mane too), it combines earbuds with a mounted "broadcaster-grade" condenser mic.
'Forza Horizon 4' activates in-game bonuses for Mixer streams
Following a move we've seen executed by GTA Online and Facebook, Microsoft is using Forza Horizon 4 in-game bonuses to drive livestreams of the game on both the viewing and broadcasting sides. It gives streamers more reasons to play, and, of course, more opportunities to show it off to potential players.
Roland's latest smartphone mixer can record your entire band
Your phone's mic is fine for quick audio memos and the like, but if you want to record music on it, you need something a little more robust. Roland revealed a palm-sized audio mixer at CES in 2017, a little device called Go:Mixer that could record up to five audio sources to your phone. Now the company has a new version, the Go:Mixer Pro, a similarly small sound mixer that can handle up to nine instruments at one time, including powered mics, guitars, basses and other line-level instruments.
Microsoft’s Twitch rival adds instant highlights
Microsoft's live-streaming service Mixer is about to become a touch more memorable. Starting from today, Mixer Partners and owners of verified channels will be able to record 30-second clips of their most epic streaming moments -- just like on Twitch. Mixer is also endowing its HypeZone channel with similar enhancements; from now on, the channel will automatically record the final climactic minute of a stream, and display the resulting clip on both the Streamer's channel and the HypeZone channel.
Microsoft marks Mixer's first year with improved eSports streams
In the past year since changing names from Beam to Mixer, Microsoft's game-broadcasting app has gone through a slew of updates and brought forth a number of innovations. Redmond says last December, the app had over 10 million active monthly users, and that the service keeps growing. The next year promises even more.
Xbox One update can automatically put your TV in game mode
Starting today, Microsoft is rolling out its"Spring Update" for the Xbox One, but it isn't done adding new features for the season. The update that all users will get over the next few days adds "auto low latency mode" which works with compatible TVs to make sure they're in "game mode" when the console is connected to reduce any lag. If it's hooked up to a PC display compatible with AMD's FreeSync tech, then it will match the refresh rate and frame output to end stuttering and tearing. The One S and One X now support FreeSync 2 with HDR, as well as 1440p for monitors that deliver a resolution between 1080p and 4K Ultra HD.
Microsoft Mixer streams now support Lightstream Studio effects
Microsoft's Twitch competitor Mixer makes livestreaming pretty straightforward thanks to a broadcast feature built directly into Xbox One and Windows 10. However, if you want to make your streams looks a bit more polished with effects and overlays, things can get complicated. Today, the company is announcing a new partnership with Lightstream Studio, which will help streamers give their broadcasts a professional visual edge.
Xbox One will automatically use your TV's game mode
Many TVs have a game mode that disables image processing to reduce lag, but it can be a pain if you regularly do things besides gaming. Do really want to switch the mode off every time you want to watch Netflix? You might not have to before long. Microsoft has unveiled a bevy of upcoming Xbox One updates that include support for Auto Low Latency Mode. If you have a compatible TV (some Samsung models will qualify), it'll recognize your Xbox and invoke its low-lag mode only when you're actually playing -- all your TV's processing will come back the moment you curl up with a movie. The improvement arrives later in 2018.
