In a significant stride toward inclusive gaming, Microsoft has unveiled the Proteus Controller—a modular gamepad designed to empower Xbox gamers with disabilities. Developed in collaboration with ByoWave under the ‘Designed for Xbox’ program, this innovative controller offers unprecedented customization, enabling players to tailor their gaming experience to individual needs.

A Modular Marvel: The Proteus Controller

The Proteus Controller distinguishes itself with a unique “snap and play” design, comprising interchangeable cubes that include buttons, directional pads, and analog sticks. This modularity allows for over 100 million configurations, accommodating a wide spectrum of physical requirements and gaming preferences. Additionally, the controller features customizable LED lighting, adding a personal touch to each setup.

Seamless Compatibility and Accessibility

Designed for seamless integration, the Proteus Controller is compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows 10/11 PCs. The kit includes left and right handles for a traditional gamepad feel, a USB-C charging cable, and a Bluetooth dongle, ensuring players have everything needed to start gaming right out of the box.

Pricing and Availability

The Proteus Controller is available for USD 299 in the United States, Europe, the United Kingdom, and Canada. This pricing reflects the advanced customization and accessibility features that the controller offers.

Advancing Accessibility: Microsoft’s Ongoing Commitment

The introduction of the Proteus Controller underscores Microsoft’s dedication to advancing accessibility in gaming. Building upon the foundation laid by the Xbox Adaptive Controller, released in 2018, Microsoft continues to innovate in creating inclusive gaming solutions. The Adaptive Controller, priced at $99.99, features large programmable buttons and 19 3.5mm jacks for external inputs, allowing for extensive customization.

In addition to hardware advancements, Microsoft has implemented software updates to enhance accessibility. Notably, the Xbox Adaptive Controller now supports more accessories connected via USB ports, with each port accommodating up to 12 buttons, a second stick, and a hat switch. This update, based on community feedback, is part of Microsoft’s broader initiative to make gaming more inclusive.

The Bigger Picture: Accessibility in Gaming

According to the World Health Organization, over 1 billion people worldwide live with some form of disability. In the United States alone, there are approximately 46 million gamers with disabilities.

These statistics highlight the critical need for accessible gaming solutions. By introducing the Proteus Controller, Microsoft is not only expanding its product lineup but also setting a new standard for inclusivity in the gaming industry.

Microsoft’s launch of the Proteus Controller marks a significant milestone in the journey toward inclusive gaming. With its modular design, extensive customization options, and seamless compatibility, the Proteus Controller empowers gamers with disabilities to engage in immersive gaming experiences tailored to their unique needs. This innovation reflects Microsoft’s unwavering commitment to making gaming accessible to all, ensuring that every player can enjoy the thrill of gaming without limitations.

India on Sunday rejected the new climate finance package of a meagre $300 billion annually by 2035 for the Global South at the UN climate conference here, calling it “too little and too distant”.

The $300 billion figure is a far cry from the $1.3 trillion the Global South has been demanding over the past three years of talks to tackle climate change.

Making a statement on behalf of India, Chandni Raina, Adviser, Department of Economic Affairs, said they were not allowed to speak before the adoption of the deal, undermining their trust in the process.

“In continuation of several such incidents of not following inclusivity, not respecting country positions… We had informed the presidency, we had informed the secretariat that we wanted to make a statement prior to any decision. However, this is for everyone to see, this has been stage-managed. We are extremely disappointed,” she said.

“The goal is too little, too distant,” Raina said, asserting that it is set for 2035, which is too far away.

“Estimates tell us that we need at least $1.3 trillion per year by 2030,” she said.

The $300 billion does not meet the needs and priorities of developing countries. It is incompatible with the principle of CBDR (Common but Differentiated Responsibilities) and equity, regardless of the battle with the impact of climate change, Raina said.

“We are very unhappy and disappointed with the process, and we object to the adoption of this agenda,” the Indian negotiator said, drawing loud cheers in the plenary room full of diplomats, civil society members and journalists.

Supporting India, Nigeria said the $300 billion climate finance package was a “joke”. Malawi and Bolivia also lent support to India.

Raina said the outcome clearly reflects the unwillingness of developed countries to fulfil their responsibilities.

She said developing countries are the most impacted by climate change and are being pushed to transition to low-carbon pathways, even at the cost of their growth.

They are also facing unilateral measures, such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, by developed countries, which does not make the transition easier.

Raina said the proposed outcome will further affect the developing world’s ability to adapt to climate change and greatly impact its climate goal ambitions and growth.

“India does not accept the goal proposal in its present form,” she said.

The new climate finance package for developing nations, or the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), replaces the $100 billion figure pledged in 2009.

Issued after tiring, mind-numbing negotiations that continued for an extra day, it said that countries would marshal a total of $300 billion per year by 2035 from a wide variety of sources — public and private, bilateral and multilateral, including alternative sources.

The $1.3 trillion figure is in the document, but it calls on “all actors,” including public and private, to “work together” to reach this level by 2035.

It does not place the responsibility solely on developed countries.

ZEE Entertainment CEO Punit Goenka, who resigned from the post of Managing Director last week, has also withdrawn himself from reappointment for the post in the coming AGM, according to an exchange filing.

While sharing Goenka’s resignation letter to exchanges on Saturday, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) said he is “withdrawing his consent for his re-appointment as Managing Director of the company as proposed in the Notice of the ensuing Annual General Meeting”.

Earlier on October 18, 2024, the ZEEL board approved the proposal for Goenka’s reappointment for a five-year term, effective from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2029. Goenka’s present tenure as Managing Director & CEO of the company was scheduled to finish at the 2024-end.

Goenka’s re-appointment was subject to approval from the shareholders, in the coming AGM, which is scheduled to be held on November 28. However, on November 18 Punit Goenka, son of media baron Subhash Chandra, resigned as the Managing Director of Zee Entertainment.

Earlier, the ZEEL board had enhanced the performance targets for Goenka for his re-appointment, according to a filing by the company.