Tag

Flight Simulator

All articles tagged with #flight simulator

Honeycomb’s Echo XPC Flight Controller Arrives on Xbox Series X|S This Fall
technology2 days ago

Honeycomb’s Echo XPC Flight Controller Arrives on Xbox Series X|S This Fall

Honeycomb’s Echo Aviation Controller XPC, a 3‑in‑1 flight-sim controller, is getting a console-friendly version for Xbox Series X|S. The XPC will join the PC/Mac Echo controller lineage, offering a compact pad that combines rudder, throttle, and control surfaces. While testing on PC/Mac was positive, Flight Simulator setup on the Xbox may hinge on Microsoft’s interface, and Honeycomb is hoping for Xbox profiles via a future update. The controller is scheduled to launch in fall 2026 with no price or preorder details yet.

Google Earth’s flight simulator goes browser-only, no download needed
tech1 month ago

Google Earth’s flight simulator goes browser-only, no download needed

Google Earth’s hidden desktop flight simulator is now accessible in your browser without any install, by opening Google Earth and selecting Flight Simulator from the Explore Earth tools; for a photorealistic view switch the basemap to Satellite, and while the experience isn’t as deep as Microsoft Flight Simulator it’s still playable with keyboard/mouse controls and a reset option if you crash.

Google Earth Takes Off with Free Browser Flight Simulator
technology1 month ago

Google Earth Takes Off with Free Browser Flight Simulator

Google has added a free, browser-based flight simulator to Google Earth, playable directly in Chrome or Safari without needing to download software. Marketed as a fun enhancement to the web version of Google Earth, the feature revives a decades-old concept and lets users pilot with keyboard and mouse, using arrow keys (and Page Up/Down) to maneuver and adjust speed. The browser version has drawn millions of views, though some users report controls can be tricky.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Faces Turbulence but Aims for Recovery
technology1 year ago

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Faces Turbulence but Aims for Recovery

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 offers an unparalleled virtual reality experience with its realistic recreation of Earth, despite initial launch issues. The game features real-time weather, authentic biomes, and new career paths, pushing the boundaries of traditional flight simulators. While performance challenges exist, especially in VR mode, the game remains a visual feast, requiring powerful hardware for optimal experience. With ongoing improvements, it invites players to explore and fulfill their aviation dreams in a richly detailed virtual world.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Faces Turbulent Launch Amid Mixed Reviews
technology1 year ago

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Faces Turbulent Launch Amid Mixed Reviews

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has faced a problematic launch, receiving an overwhelmingly negative rating on Steam due to long loading times and missing content. The issues stem from server overloads as the game's popularity exceeded expectations, leading to players experiencing crashes and missing planes. Microsoft and developer Asobo Games are working to resolve these issues, apologizing for the inconvenience and promising updates through social media and their website.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Faces Turbulent Launch Amid Negative Reviews
technology1 year ago

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Faces Turbulent Launch Amid Negative Reviews

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has faced significant launch issues, with players experiencing installation problems, long login queues, and game crashes. The game, priced at $70, has received "Overwhelmingly Negative" reviews on Steam due to these issues. Microsoft acknowledged the problems, attributing them to high server demand, and advised players to reboot the game if loading stalls. Similar issues were noted during the launch of its predecessor in 2020.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Faces Turbulent Launch with Negative Reviews
technology1 year ago

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Faces Turbulent Launch with Negative Reviews

The launch of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 faced significant server issues, with many users experiencing long loading times and incomplete installations. The problems arose despite simulated load tests for 200,000 users, as a database cache failed under real demand. This incident coincided with Microsoft's Ignite event, where the company was promoting its Azure cloud services, highlighting a failure in server scaling and planning. The developers have apologized, but the situation underscores the challenges of predicting and managing launch day surges.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Launches with New Features and Game Pass Access
gaming1 year ago

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Launches with New Features and Game Pass Access

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is now available on Xbox Game Pass for Ultimate and PC subscribers, offering enhanced visuals and new features like World Photographer mode and Aviation Careers. Developed by Asobo Studio, the game builds on its predecessor with improved ground details, new activities, and additional global elements such as helipads and glider airports.

"Xbox's Surprise Move: Four Exclusive Games Headed to PlayStation and Nintendo Switch"
gaming2 years ago

"Xbox's Surprise Move: Four Exclusive Games Headed to PlayStation and Nintendo Switch"

Microsoft has confirmed that four of its previously exclusive games, including "Sea of Thieves" and "Grounded," will be available on other consoles such as the PS5 and the Switch. There are reports indicating that Microsoft is considering releasing "Microsoft Flight Simulator" and the next "Doom" game on rival consoles, along with the possibility of "Gears of War" being considered for non-Xbox platforms. This move suggests that the initial batch of four titles could be just the beginning of Microsoft's expansion to other platforms.

Amateurs tested in flight simulator to see if they can land a plane.
aviation3 years ago

Amateurs tested in flight simulator to see if they can land a plane.

The Washington Post conducted a simulation experiment to test whether inexperienced travelers could land a plane in an emergency. Six participants, including four with no pilot experience, were tasked with landing a simulated Airbus A320 after the pilots became incapacitated. None of the novice pilots were confident they could land a plane, and all struggled to varying degrees. The private pilot performed the best, surprising the experts, while the former airline pilot aced the test. The experiment showed that inexperienced travelers should never volunteer to land a plane in an emergency, and that disengaging the autopilot is a big mistake.