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Knowledge Base

How to switch your Microsoft account for the Dolby Access app in Windows 11

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If you’re like me you prefer to use multiple accounts on your Windows PC. The only problem with this is that managing accounts can be infuriating when it comes to licensing and app access (looking at you Xbox Game Pass for PC).

I’ve wanted to test out how Dolby Atmos for headphones sounds with Diablo IV, and that’s when I realized that the Dolby Access app only refers back to the currently signed in store account. This can be an issue for those who originally bought a Dolby Atmos license on the Xbox or another PC (Dolby Access allows licensing for up to 10 devices).

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Xbox basics: how long can an Xbox One stay on before overheating?

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overheating

For all of the costs of console gaming, it’s no wonder so many want to eek out as much value as possible. Preventing damage is par for the course. And if you’re someone who grew alongside the Xbox 360, you know just how much console defects, namely bad thermals, can add to overall cost (the infamous Red Ring of Death).

Thankfully, Microsoft course corrected with the Xbox One. Compared to the PS4, it’s much quieter and cooler. But you’re still going to want to keep certain factors in mind to prevent it from running too hot.

How long can you keep the Xbox One on until it overheats? Theoretically speaking, it’s going to depend on a lot of factors. In most cases, you’ll be absolutely fine with extended gaming sessions going well beyond 5 hours. The Xbox One, along with the Xbox Series X|S, were built with longevity in mind. In fact, the Xbox One was designed to be powered on continuously for 10 years.

Keep reading for our guide on how to minimize the risk of overheating, best practices, and what causes a console to run too hot.

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Console basics: can you transfer Xbox games to PS4?

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transfer

Gaming today is a lot of the unthinkable of yesterday. From the ability for Xbox One players to play with PS5 players to transferring progress from one platform to another, things are a lot more open than they were just 10 years ago.

But if you’re someone looking to change platforms there are still some stubborn restrictions. And if you’ve got a catalog of games, whether physical or digital, you’re probably wondering – can I transfer games from one platform to another?

Unfortunately, whether you’re moving from Xbox One to PS4 or PS5 (or PlayStation to Xbox), you won’t be able to transfer your discs or digital licenses. Neither Sony or Microsoft allow consumers to play the competing version of a game on their platform.

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Xbox Series X|S basics: what to know about the WiFi

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For all of the advantages of Ethernet, sometimes WiFi is a must in the world of console gaming.

I’ve been solely using WiFi ever since picking up my Series X and despite the odd hiccup it’s been more than serviceable.

The built in WiFi card offers everything I could need. Better yet, I haven’t found my connection to Xbox live to be throttled.

What can you expect from the Xbox Series X|S WiFi performance?

As it turns out, almost everything you could need streaming, online gaming, and downloading the latest titles.

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Forza basics: does FH4 have Tesla cars?

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mountain look off in winter forza horizon 4

Play as you please and do what you want – one of the best aspects of Forza Horizon 4 is the ability to jump in and get going almost immediately. I’m one that would have enjoyed a more handcrafted approach to some of the game’s aspects, but it’s undeniably excellent evoking freedom.

Variety also cues an experience that is never too bogged down by feeling samey. Unfortunately, there are some exclusions in the car roster that may leave some fans wanting more.

If you’re wondering whether the game has Tesla vehicles, this isn’t the game to enjoy one of Elon Musk’s pillars of output.

Forza Horizon 4 does not feature any Tesla cars and most likely never will with the looming release of Forza Horizon 5. Content production for the game has come to a standstill.

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PS4 essentials: can the PS4 run at 120 fps?

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how many hz

Each year it seems like there are a set of must have features across gaming. In 2021, that means high refresh rates, 8K support, and a slew of new ways to increase general fluidity.

If you’re someone looking to hop on the 120 fps bandwagon with your PS4, you’ll unfortunately have to wait until you lock down a PS5 or Xbox Series X.

No PS4 models support 120 fps both due to power and required spec of HDMI. It goes without saying that the PS4 also can’t handle 144 fps.

High refresh rates have only just now broken into the console space thanks to the bleeding edge tech found in the Xbox Series X and PS5.

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Xbox essentials: does Xbox Series X come with a USB-C cable?

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cable not included

There’s nothing quite like unboxing a next-gen system. The anticipation of the old mixed with finally letting go of an aging console feels just right.

For me, the experience of unboxing and setting up the Xbox Series X was effortless when compared to prior consoles. The console literally pops up right in front of you as you open the box, and everything is tidily tucked away.

Read more on Xbox: How the Xbox Series X|S shine a light on performance

Within a few minutes I was off to gobble up all of the bandwidth I could thanks to Game Pass.

You’ll find that Microsoft provides everything you need to get up and go but, thanks to changes in cable standards, you might be confused as what is and isn’t provided. More specifically, the use of USB-C might be different than what you’re used to around the house.

Does the Xbox Series X include a USB-C cable?

Unfortunately, the console does not come with a USB-C cable despite relying on it to play without batteries. You will find a pair of AA batteries included in the packaging, but the only cables provided are the power and HDMI cords.

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PS4 essentials: can you download disc games on PS4?

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bits and discs

I still remember the brilliance of downloading Halo 3 DLC with no need for brick and mortar stores. The immediacy and convenience made playing that much more palatable and exciting.

Since then, consoles like the PS4 have completely changed the availability of digital games. No longer a novelty, digital downloads have transformed the way we play.

But for those using a mix of discs and digital on the PS4 it can be confusing as to the two work together.

Can disc games on the PS4 be downloaded? Do you need to buy a game twice?

The short of it is that you can’t download disc games. You’ll need to have the disc inserted into the PS4 every time you want to play.

Alternatively, you could sell the disc version of the game and buy a digital license on the PlayStation store.

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Display essentials: do monitors affect fps?

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from hz to fps

Despite TV manufacturers catering to gamers, monitors largely remain a much better option in terms of faster response times. New TVs offer features like Auto Low Latency Mode and Variable Refresh Rate, but monitors have offered much better latency for over a decade.

While not important to all players, lower latency and higher fps means more fluid gameplay and a greater level of control. For those playing first-person shooters and fighting games, a better response time can mean a competitive advantage over those playing on laggy displays or lower specced machines.

Just how do monitors affect fps?

Technically, monitors only affect fps indirectly. They’re responsible for the visible frame rate that a player will see, and it’s the reason why those with powerful machines opt for 144Hz displays.

No matter the in game fps, a 60Hz display will only ever output 60 fps.

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PS4 essentials: can you connect PS4 to a hotspot?

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hotspot gaming

Between travel and spotty home internet, mobile hotspots are incredibly convenient for those that need to hop online in a pinch. They allow your phone to serve as a wireless router and function very similarly to one that an ISP would provide.

Can you connect a mobile hotspot to consoles like the PS4?

Thankfully, yes. Using your hotspot with the PS4 will be like any other use case. The only difference is that its usefulness will depend on what exactly you’re doing on the PS4.

You can also use a mobile hotspot to play online on the PS5.

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