Xbox has forged a partnership with Dolby to bring the Dolby Atmos (for audio), and Dolby Vision (for display) to console and PC gaming, with a 2-year exclusive contract for the deal. This means that Sony's PlayStation and the Nintendo Switch would have no chance to feature Dolby's product support for their console, but having it with Xbox comes with a catch.
Xbox and Dolby's Exclusive Partnership
Detail of the buttons on a Microsoft Xbox Series X wireless controller, taken on October 9, 2020.
The catch is that, despite having bought the console or other services under Microsoft's Xbox, users would still need to pay for the Dolby license to start or continue its use while gaming. Yes, this is a paid service, and users would need to purchase the license from Xbox and Dolby to use it for the two years it would stay on the platform.
Users may opt not to purchase, but it would only mean that they cannot use Dolby's Atmos and the HDR display, Vision while playing Xbox games on either consoles or the PC platform. These powerful features and tools from Dolby have been one of the most sought-after features in the world for tech to feature support, with Xbox being the latest partner of the venture.
Xbox has been a long-time user of the Dolby features, ever since 2017 with its Xbox One that has been one of the main features of the console. While regular display and audio are enough for gaming, the presence of Dolby within it can give users and players a more immersive experience that may take gaming to the next level.
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Xbox, Dolby to Bring Atmos and Vision with a Catch
Living room with a Microsoft Xbox Series X home video game console alongside a television and soundbar, taken on October 9, 2020.
The partnership forged was an exclusive deal for two years, and according to Engadget, there is also a need to pay for the license which is $15 per console or user account to use the features. This can apply to displays or PCs that have components that are capable of featuring support for Dolby's technology.
One Microsoft accessory is known for this, and it is the Xbox Wireless Headset, which has been released amidst the craze of the Xbox Series X and features support for Dolby Atmos audio. The wireless gaming headset can use Atmos for free until September of this year, as the purchase of the device has a partial license already coming with it.
However, after September, owners of the Xbox Wireless Headset would need to pay for the license, of the same amount to continue its use, or opt to use the regular audio and video as offered by the Xbox.
Dolby is also working with Xbox to test the Vision HDR for Xbox Series X|S games that would be coming for this year, adding a treat to gamers with their license purchase of the products.
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This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Isaiah Richard
