headsets Archives

Winsage

December 26, 2024

How to Use Windows on Meta Quest 3 Headsets

At Ignite 2024, Microsoft announced enhanced support for Windows applications on Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S devices, allowing users to access Microsoft’s suite of tools without additional software. Users can create multiple virtual windows for multitasking, such as switching between Microsoft Teams and spreadsheets. Previously, users accessed Windows apps via Air Link, Remote Desktop in Horizon Workrooms, or third-party software. The new integration allows streaming from a Windows 11 PC or virtual Windows Cloud PC, enabling quick access to Windows applications in an XR environment. This functionality includes creating multiple virtual monitors or a single large monitor while maintaining visibility of physical surroundings. The experience is supported by a program called “Volumetric Apps.” Microsoft has discontinued its “Windows Mixed Reality” platform but continues to support XR innovators. Microsoft also announced the end of software support for HoloLens 2 in 2027 and hinted at a new deal with Samsung for OLED displays for a future mixed-reality headset.

BetaBeacon

December 22, 2024

Android XR could be Google’s Daydream redemption, and VR games can help

Daydream had issues such as draining phone batteries and lack of smartphone support. Google abandoned Daydream just as Quest began to take off. Google could potentially regain ground in the XR market by focusing on gaming, offering a curated selection of apps, supporting hand-tracking and controllers, and utilizing powerful hardware like Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2. The success of Android XR will depend on how well Google can differentiate itself from competitors like Meta and Apple.

AppWizard

December 21, 2024

An Android OS preview: Five key trends we expect in 2025

Google is set to unveil Android 16 several months earlier than usual, with a stable build anticipated in Q2 2025. The developer preview is already accessible, and public betas are expected to roll out in Q1 2025. Android 16 will include major features, while a subsequent release in Q4 may focus on stability improvements and optimizations, possibly labeled Android 16.1. Google is reverting to smaller tiles in the interface for Android 16, and enhanced multitasking capabilities are anticipated for foldable devices. Google is integrating AI features into its ecosystem and collaborating with manufacturers like Honor and Samsung for new device launches. The gradual merging of Android and ChromeOS aims to enhance user experience. Google is also collaborating with Samsung and Qualcomm to introduce Android XR for extended reality headsets and glasses, with the first hardware expected in 2025.

AppWizard

December 21, 2024

Top 15 Best PC Games – December 2024

Tyler Graham is an associate writer in CNET's home energy and utilities category, a recent graduate from Seton Hall University, and has been with CNET for seven months. He has attended a White House press conference, engaged in energy product testing at CNET's Testing Labs, and authored an article on federal solar policy. His expertise includes Community Solar, State Solar Policy, Solar Cost and Accessibility, Renewable Energy, Electric Vehicles, and Home Internet for Gaming. Ajay Kumar is an editor with over a decade of experience in tech journalism, having previously worked at Newsweek, PCMag, and Digital Trends. His expertise includes consumer product reviews, buying guides, and tech news, particularly in mobile products and electrical challenges in prewar apartment buildings.

Winsage

December 21, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 strikes a sour note as audio bug hits the update, leaving some PCs silent

Windows 11 version 24H2 has audio output issues affecting certain devices, causing silence from built-in speakers, Bluetooth devices, and headsets. Microsoft has acknowledged this problem in its release health dashboard and identified Dirac Audio software, specifically the cridspapo.dll file, as the cause. A temporary block on the 24H2 update has been implemented for systems using Dirac Audio to prevent further complications. Microsoft is working with Dirac to develop a new driver to fix the issue, which will be distributed through Windows Update once available. Users on earlier versions, such as Windows 11 23H2, are not affected by the audio bug. Additionally, there is another issue where some PCs unexpectedly play sound at maximum volume.

Winsage

December 20, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 breaks audio and Auto HDR, update blocked on affected PCs

The Windows 11 24H2 update, released in October, has caused issues for users, particularly with audio output and the Auto HDR feature. Microsoft has acknowledged that the audio issue affects systems from an undisclosed manufacturer using Dirac Audio and the cridspapo.dll file, preventing sound output through various devices without a workaround. The Auto HDR feature is experiencing glitches, including incorrect colors and system crashes, with the only temporary fix being to disable it. Microsoft has blocked the update on affected systems until these issues are resolved.

Winsage

December 20, 2024

Microsoft coughs up yet more Windows 11 24H2 headaches

Microsoft has identified several issues with the Windows 11 24H2 update, leading to the implementation of safeguard holds. Users have reported significant audio disruptions, particularly with integrated and Bluetooth audio devices, linked to the cridspapo.dll component in Dirac Audio technology. A compatibility safeguard hold has been placed on affected devices, preventing the update from being available until a necessary driver is released by the manufacturer. Additionally, gamers using Auto HDR technology are experiencing problems with incorrect color displays and unresponsive games, prompting Microsoft to recommend disabling Auto HDR as a temporary solution.

Winsage

December 19, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 upgrades blocked on some PCs due to audio issues

Microsoft has implemented a safeguard hold on the Windows 11 24H2 upgrade for systems using Dirac audio enhancement software due to compatibility issues that disrupt sound output. The problem is associated with the cridspapo.dll software component, which affects integrated speakers, Bluetooth speakers, and headsets, rendering them non-functional after the upgrade. Users are advised not to manually upgrade their devices until Dirac releases a fix for their audio driver. The safeguard hold will remain until the issue is resolved. Affected users can check for safeguard holds in Windows Update settings. Additionally, Microsoft has introduced another upgrade block for Windows 11 24H2 concerning systems with Auto HDR due to compatibility issues causing game freezes.

Winsage

December 19, 2024

Two new bugs discovered in Windows 11 24H2 release

Microsoft has acknowledged two new bugs in the Windows 11 24H2 release. 1. An audio output issue affects integrated speakers, Bluetooth devices, and headsets, particularly in systems using Dirac Audio. Microsoft has temporarily suspended the update for certain devices from an undisclosed manufacturer, and no workaround is currently available. 2. The Auto HDR feature, which converts SDR content to HDR for gaming, is causing incorrect color displays and game freezes. Microsoft has advised gamers to disable this feature, and the update has been blocked for devices with Auto HDR enabled until a solution is found.

Winsage

December 19, 2024

Microsoft confirms even more Windows 11 24H2 bugs: audio output is now affected

Windows 11 version 24H2 has two notable bugs affecting gamers and audio functionality. One issue involves the Auto HDR feature for gamers, while the other affects sound output across devices due to complications with the cridspapo.dll file, which is part of Dirac Audio technology. Microsoft has implemented a temporary update block for certain devices from a specific manufacturer due to these audio issues, preventing sound through integrated speakers, Bluetooth devices, and headsets. Users can check for updates to see if their devices are impacted, and currently, no workarounds exist. Microsoft plans to release an updated driver to resolve the issue and lift the upgrade block. Additionally, another audio bug in this version causes systems to output sound at 100% volume, which Microsoft is also addressing.