Microsoft Unveils New Xbox Wireless Headset

[GFreeman]

Sound shapes the way we experience games, adding dimension and depth to every action, interaction, and atmosphere. From the epic swell of a battle soundtrack to the quiet tension of a stealth mission, audio plays a crucial role in creating unforgettable gaming moments. That's why we've refreshed the Xbox Wireless Headset, introducing key enhancements to elevate your audio experience to new heights.

Now featuring Dolby Atmos at no additional cost, this updated headset delivers immersive, spatial audio that brings games to life in vivid detail. We've also improved battery life, offering up to 20 hours of playtime, upgraded the microphone with enhanced auto-mute and voice isolation for crystal-clear communication, and now feature Bluetooth 5.3. Combined with its sleek, all-black design, the new Xbox Wireless Headset remains an essential addition to any gaming setup.



The new Xbox Wireless Headset delivers an exceptional sound experience, powered by advanced spatial audio technology. With built-in support for Dolby Atmos, Windows Sonic, and DTS Headphone:X, you can experience sound with stunning precision, allowing you to pinpoint every footstep, explosion, or whisper. Dolby Atmos, now included at no extra cost, transforms your audio experience by revealing depth, clarity, and details like never before, creating a sound experience you can feel all around you.

Clear communication is essential, whether you're strategizing with your squad or catching up with friends. The upgraded Xbox Wireless Headset includes advanced auto-mute and voice isolation, ensuring your voice comes through loud and clear while minimizing background noise. Direct pairing with Xbox consoles, along with Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity for PC and mobile devices, allows you to seamlessly switch between platforms without the need for dongles or extra setups (see xbox.com/headset-compatibility for more details). Plus, with Qualcomm S5 Gen 2 technology, you'll enjoy ultra-low latency wireless connectivity for smooth, uninterrupted gameplay.

Long gaming sessions require maximum comfort, and the new Xbox Wireless Headset is designed with that in mind. Its adjustable headband and plush earcups provide a snug, comfortable fit, while the sleek, all-black design effortlessly complements any gaming setup. With up to 20 hours of battery life on a single charge, you can focus on gaming without the hassle of frequent recharges. The extended mic boom ensures your voice is heard clearly, even during the most intense moments. Need to adjust your audio mid-game? The intuitive on-ear controls make it easy to fine-tune your game/chat balance without interrupting the action. And for players who want even more control, the Xbox Accessories app offers deeper customization, allowing you to tailor the headset to your personal preferences.

The new Xbox Wireless Headset is available now in select Xbox markets worldwide for $109.99 USD ERP, visit Xbox.com or your local retailer, including the Microsoft Store, for more information.



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[remekra]

Had the original one. They advertised it with Atmos back then too. Problem is when you use it wirelessly (it it Xbox Wireless headset after all) on PC with official Xbox wireless adapter - Atmos in 95% of games does not work. Stutters, breaks off. MS support had nothing for me, there are at least two threads on MS forums and after all the years still nothing. Switched to Corsair Virtuoso XT because of that, they also advertise Atmos but at least it works.

 

[bonehead123]

m.E.H....

It's da cans, I tellz ya, da cans

 

[vgm]

Had the original one. They advertised it with Atmos back then too. Problem is when you use it wirelessly (it it Xbox Wireless headset after all) on PC with official Xbox wireless adapter - Atmos in 95% of games does not work. Stutters, breaks off. MS support had nothing for me, there are at least two threads on MS forums and after all the years still nothing. Switched to Corsair Virtuoso XT because of that, they also advertise Atmos but at least it works.

I have the same Headset which was released 2 yrs ago in India and the new one barely fixes anything. Dunno why SBC is still used in BT 5.2 with Qcomm Sound when APTx and others are better. What I did to fix constant audio stutters was switch to Xbox Wireless Accessory dongle which uses Wifi 2.4/5G with better audio and spatial audio is much better on PC. I haven't tried Atmos gaming but in low data music BT on android and iOS works much better than Windows BT stack on bot 10 & 11. When you enable mic in BT it reduces audio quality to mono unless you use the accessory otherwise you need to buy Surface Headsets which are priced 3x than xbox with similar internal hardware.

 

[remekra]

I have the same Headset which was released 2 yrs ago in India and the new one barely fixes anything. Dunno why SBC is still used in BT 5.2 with Qcomm Sound when APTx and others are better. What I did to fix constant audio stutters was switch to Xbox Wireless Accessory dongle which uses Wifi 2.4/5G with better audio and spatial audio is much better on PC. I haven't tried Atmos gaming but in low data music BT on android and iOS works much better than Windows BT stack on bot 10 & 11. When you enable mic in BT it reduces audio quality to mono unless you use the accessory otherwise you need to buy Surface Headsets which are priced 3x than xbox with similar internal hardware.

Like I wrote, I used it with Xbox Wireless adapter from the start, audio is much better than BT. But still if you go to Windows Store, download Dolby Access to get Atmos for Headphones (there's a trial) you will have issues in most games that support Atmos. Audio breakup, stutters etc etc.

Problem is with adapter maybe not enough bandwidth or something else because if you connect the headset with USB, it works correctly.
I reported it to MS, to Dolby, both don't care.
Not one review of the headset mentioned it.
And MS was giving free 60 day trial for Atmos, they are still on Dolby page advertised as supporting Atmos.
And it's not just me, there are threads on MS forums with tens of pages, with user reporting it.
So yeah, curious to see if it will be the same with this one. Wireless adapter didn't change so I think yes.

 

[Cheeseball]

I have the same Headset which was released 2 yrs ago in India and the new one barely fixes anything. Dunno why SBC is still used in BT 5.2 with Qcomm Sound when APTx and others are better. What I did to fix constant audio stutters was switch to Xbox Wireless Accessory dongle which uses Wifi 2.4/5G with better audio and spatial audio is much better on PC. I haven't tried Atmos gaming but in low data music BT on android and iOS works much better than Windows BT stack on bot 10 & 11. When you enable mic in BT it reduces audio quality to mono unless you use the accessory otherwise you need to buy Surface Headsets which are priced 3x than xbox with similar internal hardware.

This is normal because there is no updated aptX codec/implementation for Windows. HP had their own driver made for their laptops (because they also had a Qualcomm audio chipset on them) but its wonky at best.

You also have to pay for licensing (and add the Qualcomm chipset on both the host and the client device) to use any of the aptX technology.