Project Helix is the codename for the next generation Xbox console and it will be able to run PC games, just as previous rumours suggested.

Xbox’s new boss has only been on the job for a couple of weeks and already she’s announced the next generation Xbox console. Although, as rumoured, it’s not a traditional console and sounds like it’s going to be closer to a gaming PC.

There’s no mention of it on the Xbox website yet, but CEO Asha Sharma announced it suddenly via a tweet on her personal X account, on Thursday evening. The official Xbox account then posted an animation of the logo five minutes later.

‘Great start to the morning with Team Xbox, where we talked about our commitment to the return of Xbox including Project Helix, the codename for our next generation console,’ wrote Sharma. ‘Project Helix will lead in performance and play your Xbox and PC games. Looking forward to chatting about this more with partners and studios at my first GDC next week!’

The next generation Xbox has long been rumoured to be a ‘PC in a box’ and not a normal console and this seems to confirm it. Former Xbox exec Sarah Bond previous described the next gen Xbox as being a ‘very premium, very high-end curated experience.’

‘You’re starting to see some of the thinking we have in this handheld [ROG Xbox Ally X], but I don’t want to give it all away’, she said, following an annoucement of a partnership with AMD.

Unless she’s secretly been involved behind the scenes before now, there has been no time for Sharma to influence Project Helix’s design, so whatever Bond was describing is what Project Helix is. However, Sharma will certainly be responsible for its marketing and pricing.

Various other rumours have suggested that the new device will be able to run rival online shops, such as Steam and Epic Games Store, and have backwards compatibility with older Xbox consoles and games, but whether that’s true we’ll have to wait and see.

GDC is the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, which runs from March 9 to 13 and while it rarely results in any news of interest to ordinary gamers it is one of the most important venues for publishers, developers, and other related companies to meet up and discuss the industry.

The Xbox team will be there to try and drum up support for the new format, no doubt touting the PC compatibility as proof that it will be very easy to develop for.

Although its full reveal was delayed by the memory crisis, Valve’s Steam Machine is believed to be taking a similar approach, not in terms of playing console games, but in the fact that it’s a more user-friendly PC that can take a console’s place under a TV. It is also expected to be expensive, although perhaps not as much as Project Helix.

How Microsoft is going to get round the problem with RAM and other component shortages is unclear. The boss of AMD previously hinted that the next gen Xbox would be released in 2027, but the component situation has only worsened since then.

A recent report suggested that soon only high-end gaming PCs would be viable for manufacturers, which seems to fit Project Helix’s profile and could mean that it’s not been significantly delayed.

Whether the next gen Xbox will have exclusive games – as in games that only run on it and not the Xbox Series X/S – is unclear but Sharma has already hinted at some kind of rollback of the company’s multiformat policy. Although whether she’ll really prevent key games appearing on PlayStation 5 and Switch 2 is unknown.

Given the random nature of this annoucement it’s impossible to guess when the next one might come but it’s more than possible that Xbox could tease it at Summer Game Fest in June and at The Game Awards in December, where the Xbox Series X was originally unveiled.

They could also host another Developer Direct showcase of their own, at any time, or… simply post another tweet with more info.

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Sources claim it is ‘only a matter of time’ as he remains in a critical condition

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Soham killer Ian Huntley has allegedly been declared blind following an assault in prison.

Huntley, 52, was urgently taken to hospital last Thursday after the attack at HMP Frankland in County Durham. Insiders revealed that medical staff “worked miracles” to save him, and that prison officers initially believed he was dead when they discovered him lying in a pool of blood.

Earlier this week, the Mirror disclosed that if Huntley recovers, he will not be returned to the notorious jail. His injuries are so severe that he is instead expected to be transferred to Ashworth Hospital on Merseyside.

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Reports suggest that Huntley was given a mere 5% chance of survival after being hit multiple times, resulting in serious head injuries. Emergency services were called to the Category A prison around 9am on February 26.

The Sun now reports that Huntley has been declared blind after being struck in the eyes. It is claimed that he is not expected to regain consciousness, reports the Mirror.

A source informed the publication: “It is now looking like he will not pull through, barring a miracle. Huntley never recovered from the battering and never stood much of a chance of doing so.

“His condition has not really improved since day one despite the best efforts of doctors. It looks like it’s only a matter of time. It could be days, it could be weeks. It is probably for the best. Few people will shed a tear.”

Providing an update on his condition today, a Durham Constabulary spokesperson confirmed: “There has been no change in the 52-year-old man’s condition overnight – he remains in hospital in a serious condition.”

Following the brutal attack last Thursday, the double killer was transported to hospital by ambulance, accompanied by armed police vehicles positioned both ahead and behind. Two prison officers and an armed guard travelled inside the ambulance throughout the high-security transfer.

A source revealed: “He was placed in an induced coma because he was so close to death. The team from the helicopter travelled with him but he could not be evacuated by air in case of any complications. He was transported by road because he was in a coma; this helps to keep him stable.

“The helicopter then travels to the hospital to collect the medics. Two armed officers are guarding Huntley around the clock at the hospital.”

Huntley is currently serving a life term following his conviction for the murders of schoolgirls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in August 2002. He won’t be considered for parole before 2042 at the earliest.

The singer was arrested on suspicion of operating her vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs following a traffic stop in California on Wednesday evening

Britney Spears was spotted driving “erratically” in the moments leading up to her arrest on suspicion of operating her vehicle under the influence, according to police.

The 44 year old was taken into custody in California on Wednesday evening, a California Highway Patrol (CHP) spokesperson confirmed. Authorities revealed the singer “showed signs of impairment and submitted to a series of field sobriety tests” following the traffic stop.

The spokesperson explained: “At approximately 8.48pm, a black BMW 430i was reported to the CHP’s Ventura Communications Centre for driving erratically at a high rate of speed on southbound US-101 near the Borchard Road exit in Newbury Park.”

READ MORE: Eamonn Holmes ‘can’t get up’ and needs carers in ‘horrendous’ health updateREAD MORE: Wayne Couzens ‘petrified’ and ‘fears he’ll be next’ after Ian Huntley beating

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Spears, who officers confirmed was driving alone, was subsequently arrested for “driving under the influence of a combination of drugs and alcohol” and transported to Ventura County Main Jail, situated north west of Los Angeles.

Chemical test results remain outstanding and the investigation continues, authorities stated. She was released from custody at approximately 6am local time.

A spokesperson for the star commented: “This was an unfortunate incident that is completely inexcusable. Britney is going to take the right steps and comply with the law and hopefully this can be the first step in long overdue change that needs to occur in Britney’s life. Hopefully, she can get the help and support she needs during this difficult time.

“Her boys are going to be spending time with her. Her loved ones are going to come up with an overdue needed plan to set her up for success for well-being.”

Back in 2007, Spears swerved a criminal hit-and-run prosecution by settling damages after paparazzi captured her colliding with another vehicle whilst attempting to park in a California car park, before departing after inspecting the damage to her own motor.

Her latest arrest follows February’s sale of a portion of her back catalogue rights to music publisher Primary Wave for an undisclosed sum. The deal materialised following the conclusion of Spears’ 13-year conservatorship in 2021, which had governed her professional choices and financial affairs since its establishment in 2008.

More recently, Spears teamed up with Sir Elton John on a 2022 release, and subsequently joined forces with Black Eyed Peas frontman Will.i.am on a track entitled Mind Your Business in 2023.

Throughout her illustrious career, Spears has notched up six UK number one singles and eight UK top 10 albums. She has additionally worked alongside major artists including Madonna, Rihanna, Iggy Azalea and Backstreet Boys.

In 2024, the pop star declared she would “never return to the music industry” and dismissed rumours of a forthcoming album in an Instagram statement.

Follow our live blog for the latest updates on Britney’s arrest by clicking here.

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Fernando Alonso did not even take to the track in first practice at the Australian Grand Prix as Aston Martin’s torrid start to the 2026 F1 season continued.

Aston team principal Adrian Newey revealed on Thursday that both Alonso, 44, and teammate Lance Stroll, 27, are unable to complete consecutive laps before vibrations from the Honda power unit cause pain in their hands.

Newey added that both drivers were concerned about “permanent nerve damage” if they completed more than 25 consecutive laps, in Alonso’s case, or 15 laps in Stroll’s case.

As a result, Aston look unlikely to finish the season-opening 58-lap race in Melbourne on Sunday – and the team’s issues continued on Friday, with Alonso withdrawn from FP1.

An Aston spokesperson said: “We’ve found a suspected power unit issue which will prevent Fernando Alonso from taking part in FP1.”

Alonso was seen in normal team gear, as opposed to his racing overalls, in the minutes before the session, seemingly aware that he would not be participating in the session.

The start of first practice – the first race-weekend session in the sport’s new era of engine and chassis regulations – was plagued by issues, with British rookie Arvid Lindblad stopping after just two minutes at the pit-exit.

After being wheeled back to the pits, the 18-year-old did manage to get going around halfway through the session.

Elsewhere, Oscar Piastri complained he “had no power”, but the issue with the McLaren driver was fixed rapidly.

However, reigning world champion Lando Norris was ruled out of the session with 20 minutes left due to a gearbox issue, after completing just seven laps.

Sunday’s race at Albert Park takes place at 4am (GMT); qualifying is at 5am on Saturday.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service say that a crew called to York Hospital at around 2.30pm today after an alarm was activated.

The evacuation took place in the laboratory area of the hospital.

A spokesperson for the trust said: “A fire alarm was activated in the laboratory area earlier today. As a precaution, the area was evacuated for around 20 minutes. The situation has now been resolved, and normal activity has resumed.”

On Wednesday (March 4) evening, property firm Northhold Group announced it has purchased the site, which includes 153 apartments, offices and a leisure complex on the banks of the River Wear.

The buyer pledged to finally bring the “landmark development” to completion and said it will collaborate with Durham County Council to “deliver a vibrant and successful destination for the city”.

Milburngate (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Work is expected to start on completing the site in the coming months.

Reacting to the news, City of Durham MP, Mary Kelly Foy said that the announcement was “potentially good news for the future of Milburngate”.

She added: “For too long it has been sitting in limbo, when it should have delivered jobs, homes and office space many years ago.

“Residents of Durham still require some clarity on this new deal, and need to know how soon things will be moving forward; when we can expect this site to begin delivering for the local economy and, most importantly, in the short term, how the new developer will overcome the issues that have dogged the site for so long.

“I have already reached out to the new owners, requesting a meeting to discuss their plans and timescales for the site, and will be following this up with the local authority too.

“If this deal does finally deliver a fully open and vibrant Milburngate, however, then I would offer my congratulations to Durham County officers for getting this over the line.”

A Premier Inn hotel, Everyman Cinema and BrewDog pub have been built at the site, but the project has been repeatedly delayed and shrouded in controversy since 2022, when it was initially due to open.

Mary Kelly Foy, City of Durham MP (Image: PARLIAMENT)

The collapse of contractor Tolent in 2023 brought progress to an abrupt halt. Since then, ongoing fire safety concerns and alleged defects in the steel framework have prompted further investigations, leaving the site without the necessary certifications to open and still cordoned off.

Last February, Durham County Council’s previous administration agreed to enter negotiations to potentially acquire the site. But the new Reform UK administration said in September it was ‘reviewing its position’ on several projects.

The Milburngate development (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Announcing the purchase on Thursday, Northhold Group added: “Beyond entertainment and hospitality, the development addresses Durham’s growing demand for quality urban living and workspace.

“The development includes office space and 153 built-to-rent apartments, positioning the city centre as an attractive location for both working professionals and residents seeking contemporary city living.

“We welcome discussions with contractors and prospective tenants who would like to be part of Milburngate’s future.”

Andrew Husband, leader of Durham County Council, said the recent sale will boost the local authority’s plans to improve the city centre and create an innovation district.

The Reform councillor added: “We welcome the news of the sale of the Milburngate development to a new developer, particularly given that they have already set out their intention to bring the site to completion and ensure it can fulfil its potential in this prime location at the heart of Durham City.

“We look forward to the development being completed as soon as possible and contributing to our exciting plans for the wider Durham Innovation District in the city centre.”

Placing your sofa in front of the radiator might be seen as a great way to make the room look more aesthetic by hiding the heater in plain sight.

But Joana Sadovskaja, a sofa expert at Lovesofas, has warned that placing your sofa too close to the radiator could be costing you money.

By placing your sofa in front of your heater, it can risk disrupting how your home heats up.

Not only can this obstruct the flow of the hot air in the room, it can also reduce the efficiency of your heating system.

As a result, this can lead to uneven room temperatures resulting in your heating system having to work harder, which could potentially increase the cost of your energy bills.

Joana also warned that placing the sofa too close to a radiator may contribute to mould growth as it can trap moisture and condensation behind the sofa due to little ventilation.

Putting furniture in front of a heater can also cause damage to your upholstery due to potential excessive heat exposure.

This may cause the upholstery to shrink over time, resulting in sagging cushions, colour fading, and a worn-out appearance.

Joanna said: “Excessive exposure to heat can also cause the upholstery to shrink and sag over time, resulting in a worn-out appearance.

“It’s also important to note that different materials react uniquely to heat exposure. 

“While leather may fade and crack, synthetic fabrics can melt or warp, so understanding how your upholstery responds to prolonged heat is key to protecting its longevity.

“Placing a sofa too close to a radiator can also obstruct airflow, reducing the efficiency of your heating system. 

“This not only leads to uneven room temperatures but also causes your heating system to work harder, potentially increasing your energy bills.

“In spaces with limited ventilation, positioning furniture too near a heat source can trap moisture and cause condensation behind the sofa, which could result in mould growth.”

While ideally placing a sofa in front of a radiator should always be avoided, Nicholas Auckland, heating expert at Trade Radiators, has a solution for Brits short on space.

If you’re struggling for floor space, she says you should try and place your sofa a minimum of 12 inches away from your radiator to try and combat damage, mould and heating issues.

Nicholas said: “If you have limited space then I advise that your sofa is positioned at minimum of 12 inches away from the surface of the radiator.

“This should allow heat to circulate without causing significant damage to your sofas fabric.

“For further protection you can also attach a reflective sheet to the back of your sofa, this will reflect the heat directly back to the radiator so that it isn’t absorbed by the sofa.

“In addition, you can even use a sofa cover to protect the upholstery of your sofa. 

“There are a wide range of sofa covers online so you may be able to find one that is a match for your sofa’s original fabric.’

“If you’re looking to invest in a permanent solution then a vertical radiator is ideal.

“Vertical radiators take up less horizontal wall space due to their small width which allows them to be placed in a variety of positions around a room, leaving free wall space to place your sofa.”

Soham murderer Ian Huntley has reportedly been declared blind after a brutal attack at HMP Frankland in Durham

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Soham murderer Ian Huntley has reportedly been declared blind following an attack in prison.

Huntley, 52, was urgently taken to hospital last Thursday after the assault at HMP Frankland in County Durham. Sources revealed that medics “worked miracles” to save him, and how prison staff assumed he was dead when they discovered him in a pool of blood.

Earlier this week, the Mirror disclosed that Huntley will not be returned to the jail known as Monster Mansion if he recovers. His injuries are so severe that he will instead be transferred to Ashworth Hospital on Merseyside, reports the Mirror.

Reports claimed that Huntley was given just a 5% chance of survival after he was struck multiple times and left with serious head injuries. Emergency services rushed to the Category A prison at around 9am on February 26.

The Sun now reports that Huntley has been declared blind after being hit in the eyes. It is claimed that he is not expected to regain consciousness.

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A source informed the outlet: “It is now looking like he will not pull through, barring a miracle. Huntley never recovered from the battering and never stood much of a chance of doing so.

“His condition has not really improved since day one despite the best efforts of doctors. It looks like it’s only a matter of time. It could be days, it could be weeks. It is probably for the best. Few people will shed a tear.”

In an update on his condition today, a spokesman for Durham Constabulary said: “There has been no change in the 52-year-old man’s condition overnight – he remains in hospital in a serious condition.”

Following the brutal attack on him last Thursday, the double murderer was rushed to hospital in an ambulance, with armed police forming an escort in front and behind. Two prison officers and an armed officer were inside the ambulance during the high-security operation.

A source said: “He was placed in an induced coma because he was so close to death. The team from the helicopter travelled with him but he could not be evacuated by air in case of any complications. He was transported by road because he was in a coma; this helps to keep him stable.

“The helicopter then travels to the hospital to collect the medics. Two armed officers are guarding Huntley around the clock at the hospital.”

Huntley is serving a life sentence after he was convicted of murdering schoolgirls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in August 2002. He will not be eligible for parole until at least 2042.

Adam Hall, previously of the Washington area, Tyne and Wear, was today (Thursday) brought to justice thanks to the bravery of the victim-survivors.

The 43-year-old has been found guilty of five counts of rape and seven counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent through the intentional transmission of the HIV virus.

Adam Hall, rapist, deliberately gave HIV to seven men (Image: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE)

He was further found guilty of supplying a controlled drug (GHB) and failing to comply with a police investigation after refusing to provide the password to his phone.

The offences relate to seven victim-survivors, between 2016 and 2023. Hall had denied the offences.

During the trial at Newcastle Crown Court, the jury was told that if the HIV virus is undetectable in a person’s system it is untransmittable.

However, Hall knew at various points he had transmittable levels of the virus in his system and intentionally had unprotected sex – and in the majority of these cases raped the victim-survivors.

He becomes only the second person in the UK to be convicted of the intentional transmission of HIV.

Hall was remanded into custody and will be sentenced on April 23.

Police are also appealing for further victims as there is also evidence he has travelled to different parts of the country, including County Durham, Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Manchester, and London.

Northumbria Police Detective Chief Inspector Emma Smith (blonde hair) and Senior Crown Prosecutor Amy Dixon (brown hair) on the steps of Newcastle Crown Court giving a speech (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)

The Senior Investigating Officer Adam Hall’s case, Detective Chief Inspector Emma Smith, of Northumbria Police, said: “Today, we have seen a callous and calculating sexual predator brought to justice.

“Adam Hall has been found guilty of multiple counts of rape and grievous bodily harm through the intentional transmission of HIV.

“He has shown absolutely no remorse for the extensive suffering and distress he has caused.

“We want to recognise the courage shown by the victim-survivors who came forward – it is due to their bravery that he has been brought to justice.

“Our priority remains helping ensure anyone impacted by Hall’s actions receives the support they need.

“Through our extensive investigations we believe that he has had sexual contact with men who have not yet been identified.

“There is also evidence he has travelled to different parts of the country, including County Durham, Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Manchester, and London.

“We would encourage anyone who may have health concerns to seek advice and support from your local sexual health services.

“There are safe places where you can access a broad range of services. We want people to know this is available confidentially and independently of the police.

“Anyone who believes they may be a victim of a criminal offence is also encouraged to come forward to ourselves.

“We have set-up a dedicated webpage for people to contact us, which can be accessed by visiting our website.

“We want our message to be a clear one – we are here for you, we will listen and we will help ensure you receive the support you need.”

Newcastle Crown Court

Police are also reminding people that anyone who reports being a victim of any kind of sexual offence has anonymity and should not be identified.

Director of Public Health for Newcastle and Gateshead, Alice Wiseman, has spoken on behalf of public health bodies across the region to encourage those with concerns to access sexual health services.

She said: “This is a devastating case for the victims involved who will have to deal with the consequences of Adam Hall’s actions for the rest of their lives.

“I know that there will be many victims of sexual offences who don’t report what has happened to them and may not seek support.

“We have sexual health services across the region all of which offer free, confidential advice and support. There is no judgement and your health and safety is our priority.

“Regardless of where you live, you can access any public sexual health service in any area. If you read about this case and want to seek advice, then we are here for you.

“We will continue to work closely with the police to ensure support is available to victims, and to anyone else who requires it. You are never alone.”

 To access local sexual health services visit www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/sexual-health-services/find-a-sexual-health-clinic

 Alternatively contact your local GP or sexual health clinic.

 Dedicated webpage for the Adam Hall case: Public Portal

 You can also send police a direct message via their social media channels, use live chat or a report form on the Northumbria Police website

 Those unable to contact police this way can call 101 quoting reference NP-20250604-0640.

The star-studded line up for the region’s most hotly anticipated music event from May 22 to 24 will be announced on Friday (March 5) shortly before the first round of tickets go on sale.

Parts of the venue have already been fenced off and works are underway to bring the event to life, which is set to see some of the biggest names in music descend on our region.

A total of 31,000 tickets are going to be available to grab, with prices starting from £34.50.

Previous headliners have included the likes of Sam Fender, The 1975, Harry Styles and Billie Eilish.

But this is not the first time that the Big Weekend has come to the region – the last time it was at Herrington Park was in 2005, with headliners including the Foo Fighters and The Black Eyed Peas.

Here’s everything you need to know about the event.

When is BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend?

Radio 1’s Big Weekend will take place over three days – May 22, 23 and 24.

Where is it being held?

The Big Weekend is being held at Herrington Park, in Sunderland this year. If you aren’t familiar of where that is, the park can be found opposite iconic landmark Penshaw Monument.

The last time it was held in the region was in 2019, in Middlesbrough, and it was held in Herrington Park in 2005.

Headliners back then included the Foo Fighters and The Black Eyed Peas.

How much are tickets?

Ticket prices have this week been confirmed – here’s how much you’ll need to pay to get in.

Friday

General admission – £34.50

VIP admission – £86.00

Saturday

General admission – £44.50

VIP admission – £106.00

Sunday

General admission – £44.50

VIP admission – £106.00

Where can I buy tickets?

The tickets will be available to buy via Ticketmaster, and you can find the ticket link by going on the BBC website.

When do they go on sale?

The ticket sale dates are staggered.

Tickets for Friday, 22 May will go on sale at 9am on Friday (March 6).

Tickets for Saturday and Sunday (May 23 and 24) will go on sale on March 11.

Are tickets allocated by region?

Yes – the BBC say they have been put into three ‘pots’.

The first pot, which is 30% of tickets, are allocated to Sunderland residents.

A further 60% are for the wider North East including County Durham, Newcastle, Gateshead and Northumberland.

Then, the final 10% will be available to the rest of the UK.

Can I go to all three days?

No. It has been confirmed that you can’t buy tickets for all three days.

You can buy a maximum of two tickets per person per day.

You are allowed to go on Friday and either Saturday or Sunday, but not both.

Are there age restrictions?

Yes, there are age restrictions.

You can only attend on Friday if you are 18 or over.

No restrictions are placed on Saturday or Sunday, but anyone aged 15 or under must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

What is the line-up?

Unfortunately, a full line up for the three day event has not yet been revealed.

Previous headliners have included the likes of Sam Fender, The 1975, Harry Styles and Billie Eilish.