Consoles are no longer used just for gaming. They've become home entertainment systems, often paired with televisions and used in many households to stream content. However, when used for gaming, the unfortunate reality is that, because they're often placed in shared spaces, the gameplay sounds can overwhelm everyone and everything else.
This is a problem faced by many console gamers and not just those who play on Microsoft's Xbox consoles. However, one company wants to solve this problem on Xbox with a premium-priced wireless headphone.
Say Hello to the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Portal Wireless Headset
The biggest issue when using wireless headsets is the audio latency, which isn't as noticeable for daily use. However, for gamers, high audio latency can literally make a game unplayable. It can mean the difference between reacting to an enemy waiting around the corner in time and dying. Not to mention, other factors make wireless headsets not practical for console gamers as well.
The long list of negative issues includes everything from lack of comfort to short battery life and even bad microphones. Because of this, most gamers have not been incentivized to get themselves a wireless headset.
At least, not until now.
Microsoft recently came out with a new program that's geared towards designing accessories for the Xbox consoles. Their first product is the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Portal Wireless Headset. This comes in black, navy, or gray, and will apparently start shipping in May.