Gears of War 2 Zune Coming on Nov 7, Preorders Start in the Morning [Gizmodo]

The maps are converted singleplayer levels from the game’s campaign mode, tuned up for conquest mode, Gordon says.

The rest of the zunecast "blogcast" deals with the GTA IV Live Weekend (about to expire) and about 30 minutes of major Zune pimpage, including a not-so-arch remark about how well it works with the 360 and how "other devices" don't because they "changed their protocol." Who knows, maybe all this cross-marketing is Microsoft tipping its hand toward bringing Zune Marketplace to Xbox Live. Remember, both services are down at the same time, beginning at 12:01 a.m. PDT tomorrow.

Show #294 [Major Nelson, thanks Nathaniel V.]

It's nice to see them try, really, but I'd rather have had something a bit more spectacular to kick things off instead of an older game and cards. Still, I suppose when you find yourself in a really comfortable public restroom somewhere it's just the sort of stuff to keep the lines outside going for hours.

We have not seen, on the consumer side of our business, a slowdown.

Guess that explains those studio closings, huh.

Microsoft Xbox unit sees no consumer slowdown-exec [Guardian via Xboxer]

"Everyone thinks we are a software company," said Bach. "That's true. But, we have been in the hardware market for 26 years now. Games and phones, we have only been in these markets for a short time but we are seeing great success."

Microsoft makes phones? Perhaps the great success lies in keeping me completely unaware of this! Bach spent some time during the conference talking up upcoming Zune features, such as the ability to play games, which I am almost positive will justify my Zune purchase whenever the choose to get around to adding that. Hey, did you hear the new models are hitting next week, allowing you to download songs directly from the Zune? Picking up the new iPod Touch instead? Just checking.

Game on, says computer giant [Alberni Valley Times]

Obama made a splash with gamers earlier this month when he said in an interview that the last game he played was Pong. Did Microsoft shoot a 360 straight out to him the second they read that, I asked.

No, not that anyone knows of.

What about here in Denver. Did they set up a console in his hotel to give him something to relax with.

No.

But, it turns out Microsoft did gift someone. Actually a lot of someones. A bunch of the nearly 4,500 delegates in Denver each got their own Democratic National Convention branded. The idea is that attendees will eventually be able to download speeches and political videos. The Zunes are also pre-loaded with content including, I'm told, one game.

And the RNC folks are getting one too Gizmodo discovered.

Portable XBox 360/Zune Phone Fantasy is Exactly What Microsoft Should Make [Gizmodo]

The news sounds worse for Microsoft than Gamestop, though. It's 5,000 fewer stores through which Microsoft can grow sales of the Zune, and it whacks a natural cross-sell to Xbox gamers — who in the future might get exposed to XNA games on their console, and be interested in a portable device that plays them.

If you want a Zune, this really doesn't affect you. There's any number of big box retailers and online stores that can deliver it today or overnight. But long-term, it does speak to the health and adoption of the device and, ultimately, decisions that put features and content on yours.

GameStop to Stop Zune Sales [theStreet.com]

Earlier this year at GDC, we got to check out a little preview of what Zune XNA gaming might look like — check here for a refresher, and check here for what we've learned on how multiplayer might go down.

One of the things we talked about was the network play, and we've had people doing prototypes internally of multiplayer shoot-'em-ups both in versus and co-op.

I'm really looking forward to people using their networking ability to use peer-to-peer games...I'm sure we're going to see some peer-to-peer race games, kart-style games - those are going to be fun.

The Zune's touchpad will hopefully make for a decent controller, but we haven't gone hands on with it yet. Graphically, Zauri, the only game demoed via video, was simple in nature, but the addition of music library support could make for interesting shooter gameplay.

That puts Microsoft's E&DD team up over a half-billion for fiscal year 2008, which, if they continue to perform positively, will go a long to proving Robbie Bach right about profitability. Hey, they might not be Nintendo numbers, but it's a step in the right direction. After losing billions upon billions since the creation of the Xbox business, two quarters of profit is good news for Microsoft.

Do I hear some of you chanting three-peat(TM)?

Microsoft Reports Record Second Quarter Results [Microsoft]

What I want to do at E&D [the entertainment and devices division] is build an entertainment service that can connect, that has a screen and buttons and a speaker, so you can watch what you want, where you want, how you want.

If you are in an MP3 aisle, we want to be the connected MP3 player. That's mainly connecting artist and audience together, mostly around the culture of music. Yes, we'll do video. Yes, we'll do games. But the heart and soul of that brand is music.

Xbox is the most connected game experience. When you go down the gaming aisle, you'll see we can do things others can't do. We keep hitting on the idea of connections.

Today we have Xbox live for $50 a year. We have Zune Pass at $15 a month. We don't have a rationalized premium version yet. Fast forward a little bit, and you can image a menu like DirecTV. There is basic, there is enhanced, there is movie pack and NFL Sunday ticket.

Allard discusses topics such as the "billion dollar decision" to include a hard drive as standard with the original Xbox, pushing voice chat features via Xbox Live, and the beating of acceptance expectations for Live. He also touches on future Zune and Xbox 360 integration, including theoretical Xbox Live Marketplace to Zune transfers, plus the online enabled evolution of games.

I found J's thoughts on the Wachowski brothers attempts to expand The Matrix franchise to as many mediums as possible. Something tells me we'll see more of that kind of brand extension in games sooner rather than later.

Live is 5: J Allard [Xbox]

I love games and maybe for someone with a 40-minute commute, it might be an interesting scenario. Thus far, the market really hasn't proven out that it is a great scenario. Customer satisfaction with what has been done isn't that high.

The other challenge is with the platform. The games that you bought in your fifth generation don't run with your sixth generation. ... The rate of innovation, turnover, and variety of form factors makes it a tricky proposition. That said, we have a lot of flexibility and a lot of magical software. What we've done with XNA is an incredibly portable environment designed to abstract some of the hardware differences. We'll see where that takes us. We're always thinking, but the Zune isn't playing Halo 3 anytime soon.

These developments will surely come give Microsoft enough time, but quite simply, the Zune 2 gave us nothing new to expand the stagnant but promising 360 media experience. And sure, a couple of classic games tied in with XBLA titles never hurt anyone. Maybe for an extra 100 points or something?

Because if the Zune is really expected to compete with the iPod in the next decade, Microsoft only need look to Live.

Zune Q&A with Microsoft's J Allard [via nextgeneration]

As I write this I am listening to the haunting strains of Ancient Machine from the Halo 2 Volume 1 soundtrack on Halo Zune. The Zune, sent my way from Microsoft, is pretty neat looking, and does have a slew of original content, but it's still a Zune. That is to say, while I love the huge screen for video playback and the great all-you-can-eat music service, I'm still ticked that it skips when playing some music back and that Microsoft still hasn't gotten around to adding television and movies to their store.

Hit the jump for the full list of packed in goodies and a gallery of the Zune's case and box. I'd say if you're a huge Halo fan this player is a must, if not, maybe wait for the price to drop. Of course by then, you probably won't be able to find this special edition, which is pretty damn slick looking. I'm curious, what would you have wanted out of a Halo Zune, I mean besides a Master Chief to carry it around for you?Brian Crecente

Music
•Halo Original Soundtrack
•Halo 2 Original Soundtrack, Vol. 1
•Halo 2 Original Soundtrack, Vol. 2

Videos
•Halo 2: Theatrical Trailer, 45 sec
•Halo 3 ViDoc, 7 Min (documentary)
•Halo 3 ViDoc, 7 Min (part 2)
•Halo 3 ViDoc, 7 Min (part 3)
•Halo 3: e3 2006 Announcement Trailer, 2 Min
•Halo 3: Starry Night, 45 sec
•Red vs. Blue: The Blood Gulch Chronicles (Parts 1-6)
•Red vs. Blue: Turn On, Tune In, Zune Out (Zune welcome video by RvB characters)

Photos
•Halo Brand Imagery, 4 Photos
•Halo Concept Art, 33 Photos
•Halo Graphic Novel, 13 Photos (Not the entire novel)
•Halo Marketing Concepts by Concept Arts, 45 Photos
•Halo Paintings, 27 Photos
•Halo Storyboards, 10 Photos

Microsoft cross-promotion at its best! On June 15th, a special Halo 3 Zune music player will be available exclusively at GameStop for US $249.99. The 30GB black device (better than brown!) comes pre-loaded with tons of Halo, Halo 2 and Halo 3 goodies like vids, music, trailers and artwork for you to stare at on that 3-inch screen. Hit the jump for the details. Yes, the details! Brian Ashcraft

Features: •Special-edition collectible. Fully customized with a "Halo 3" graphic overlay and collectible packaging

•Pre-loaded "Halo" content. Packed with videos, music and artwork from the famed "Halo" franchise, an exclusive new episode of "Red vs. Blue" from the fan-adored machinima creators Rooster Teeth Productions LLC, and more. The content package includes the following:
•Music:
•"Halo: Original Soundtrack" — complete album
•"Halo 2: Original Soundtrack," Volume 1 — all tracks by Marty O'Donnell and Michael Salvatori
•"Halo 2: Original Soundtrack," Volume 2 — complete album
•Videos:
•"Halo 3" "Starry Night" advertisement
•"Halo 3" E3 2006 announcement trailer
•"Halo 2" theatrical teaser trailer
•Three documentary videos on the making of "Halo 3"
•A custom episode of "Red vs. Blue" just for Zune
•The first six episodes of "Red vs. Blue" Season 1
•Artwork. More than 120 images are included, including game concept art, storyboards, paintings, and conceptual marketing imagery.
•Enhanced Xbox 360 experience. Gamers can plug it in and turn it up to enjoy their music, pictures or videos on the go or in the living room. Player can just plug their Zune into any Xbox 360 to enjoy their content on the best screen and speakers in the house. They can also stream music directly from their Zune to create a custom soundtrack for any game.
•30GB digital media player. Gamers get the new "Halo 3" look and the same great Zune features. Users can store up to 7,500 songs, 25,000 pictures or 100 hours of video:3
•Big, bright screen. The 3-inch LCD video screen works in portrait or landscape mode.
•Built-in FM radio. Users can tune in to their favorite local stations.
•Wireless Zune-to-Zune sharing. Users can beam select music and pictures to friends wirelessly — device to device.2
•Personalized Zune. Users can create a custom background with their favorite picture or image.
•Zune Marketplace. Users can download songs individually or choose a Zune Pass subscription to get unlimited downloads for a flat monthly fee.
•Zune software. Users can automatically import most music, pictures and videos from iTunes and Microsoft Windows Media Player, including existing playlists and song ratings. Some content is protected by the service from which it was purchased, and cannot be imported.

In Microsoft's attempts to make the Xbox 360 even more of a digital hub, and hopes of boosting sales of the Zune digital music player, Microsoft will soon be launching a kind of Zune Marketplace on the Xbox 360. In order to use it, you will first be required to subscribe to the service—roughly $15 for one month, and $45 for three months.

While the prices seem steep, keep in mind that you are getting unlimited access to the entire collection of music offered to Zune users.

This one just doesn't really make that much sense. In many ways, it's like paying my toaster to download movies so I can watch them on a microwave. Then again, at least I actually know people who own a microwave. Kim Phu

Music Downloads Coming to 360? [360 Monster]

That $315 million loss for the quarter doesn't look as bad when you compare it to the previous year's quarter, which showed a $402 million operating loss. Overall, though, the company saw revenue of nearly $14.4 billion. Which is a lot.

Microsoft says it has now shipped out some 11 million Xbox 360s worldwide with 500,000 of those shipments from the first three months of 2007. That 500K is down from the previous year's quarter, when the company sold 1.7 million current-gen consoles.

Anyway, still with me? I know it's boring. To sum up, Xbox still losing money, Microsoft still making money. Bill Gates still insanely rich. Michael McWhertor

Don Mattrick may have resigned as head of Electronic Arts' Worldwide Studios back in 2005, but his heart never left the industry, and now he's back. In a phone call to Newsweek today, Peter Moore and Mattrick himself were on hand to announce his new position as a strategic advisor for Microsoft's Entertainment and Devices division.

Apparently, Moore and Mattrick had been in talks ever since he left EA, exploring a number of opportunities for the two to work together, and this is the arrangement that they came up with.

Loot: Don Mattrick, Former Head of Electronic Arts' Worldwide Studios, Joins Microsoft As a Strategic Adviser for Entertainment and Devices [N'Gai Croal's Level Up]

279 days ago, give or take a few hours, J Allard should have appeared on stage at Microsoft's 2006 E3 press conference wearing a dreadlock wig. He should have done this after losing a particularly bad bet to Newsweek's N'Gai Croal.

For those of you not up on this fascinating bit of game lore, here's the story from N'Gai's mouth:

The following May, Microsoft hosted a small dinner at Morton's steakhouse in downtown Los Angeles for a handful of journalists attending that year's E3 trade show in Los Angeles. The Xbox side included Allard, Xbox Live marketing manager Aaron Greenberg, and PR maven David Hufford; on the media side, Game Informer editor-in-chief Andy McNamara, G4 producer Tom Russo and Business 2.0 writer and TV host Geoff Keighley were among the invitees. As the steak was consumed and the wine imbibed, the subject of Ken Kutaragi's new baby—set to be unveiled in less than 48 hrs—naturally arose once again. And within a few minutes, it was clear that our positions hadn't changed in the slightest.

So fueled by the liquid courage of Morton's finest Cabernet, we gentlemen decided on a friendly wager. The bet: whether the PSP would reach worldwide shipments of 10 million units within the same 12 month span of time it had taken the PS2, give or take 3 months. We took the pro; Allard, the con. If we were correct and the PSP hit its mark, Allard would wear a dreadlock wig for the entire month of May, including the week of E3 2006. But if Allard were right and the PSP missed our agreed-upon milestone, he would get to shave our dreads. Onstage. During the Xbox E3 2006 press conference. In front of 1,500 attendees. (Did we mention that wine was involved?)

Naturally, what happened in Los Angeles didn't stay in Los Angeles. Word spread among the folks at Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo, other publishers and among a few of our fellow journalists. During a September 2004 interview with Kutaragi in his Tokyo offices, Molly Smith, then head of U.S. PR, asked us to tell her boss of our wager. We did. He chuckled. We asked him whether he thought our six-year-old dreads would be safe from the covetous Allard. He looked us dead in the eyes and said "Yes." And just ten months after the PSP's December launch in Japan, Kutaragi was proven correct, leaving our prized dreads intact.

While Croal would have most assuredly manned up and gotten shaved in front of a hooting crowd of Microsoft employees and journalists, it looks like Allard ducked out of the show entirely.

But to be clear, the bet has him wearing that wig for an entire month, and we saw him at the hotel prior to the show, wig-free.

It is time, Allard, to put your money where your mouth is. I don't plan on letting this go until I see a picture of you in front of a sizable crowd wearing said wig. Do the right thing, you know you've gotta. Brian Crecente

Double Life: The Level Up Staff Looks Back, Wistfully, At Its First 100 Posts [Level Up]

Ps. Happy 100th Level Up, consider this our present.

So, the iPhone is coming. If you are American, soon. For those living in other countries (like me), you'll have to wait longer (like me). The phone's portable game possibilities once again stir up talk of Apple expanding further into the market. Apple honcho Steve Jobs seems to be adding his two cents as well. From Time:

All technologists believe their products are better than other people's, or at least they say they do, but Jobs believes it a little more than most. In the hours we spent talking about the iPhone, Jobs trash-talked the Treo, the BlackJack, the Sony PSP and the Sony Mylo ("just garbage compared to this"), Windows Vista ("It's just a copy of an old version of Mac OSX") and of course Microsoft's would-be iPod killer, Zune.

Trash-talking the PSP certainly points to Apple's interest in gaming. But, what does that statement really mean? And more importantly, when will Steve Jobs start wearing something besides black sweaters? I mean, come on. Brian Ashcraft

Jobs Talks iPhone [Time, Thanks Brent!]

Bloomberg is reporting that Microsoft will start introducing video games for their Zune music player within the next 18 months to match what Apple is doing with their iPod.

``I love the interface, I love the screen,'' Peter Moore said at a dinner with reporters during the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

The story goes on to talk about the Zune's expected sales versus iPod sales. Blah, blah, blah. Interesting timing, since I just mentioned like 10 minutes ago that rumor I heard about Apple beefing up games for their iPod. Brian Crecente

Microsoft Will Add Video Games to Zune by July 2008 (Update4) [Bloomberg]

By: Brian Crecente

The interview was, as I said earlier, a bit fragmented due to the nature of the forum. When you get five geeks to sit around the table with Bill Gates, chances are they aren't going to want to all talk about the same things.

While Gates spent a bulk of the time talking about stuff as varied as his charity work (it's going to blossom when he semi-retires next summer), the amount of spam assaulting his mailbox (next to none recently) and his penchant for speeding, yet not dying when he was younger. (Yes, that old gem.)

Gates told the small group that Microsoft has always been about software and that despite their recent jump into some hardware, always will be.

"Microsoft has always been about software that empowers people," he said. "What can happen over the next ten years is probably even bigger than what's happened over the entire history as we get speech and vision just getting rid of constraints: Storage constraints, resolution constraints."

"Microsoft was a software company in 1975 well be a software company 20 years from now, that's what we are good at that's our unique contribution."

He did touch a few times on gaming and for the most part what he said was direct and interesting. Gates, it turns out, is a pretty personable guy.

I even got him to laugh when I asked him to take a picture with me.

Me: Do you mind if I get my picture with you? Last one, promise.
Gates: Sure, though no one ever stops the next person from getting a picture with me.
Me: Give me a fork and a spoon and I'll fight them off for you.

I crack myself up, and at least slightly amuse Gates.

I decided to break down the chat into a group of stories to make it more digestible:

Gates on Vision and Live
Gates the Gamer
Zune is the Xbox of Music
Gates: Xbox is a PC

Also, don't forget to check out our in-person chat with Gates. In it he talks about the new push for the Xbox team, the Xbox as PC trojan horse, how Zune is following the Xbox model and his own personal gaming habits.

CES 06 Keynote

"Zune is very analogous to Xbox One," he said. "That is, a very innovative product with some identifiable features that move the category forward: The larger screen, the WiFi capabilities, sending music around."

"Even more than Xbox, we can upgrade a lot of things we are going to do in the future. For example, we could let you buy music right there on the device. And there are a ton of more things we can do because it is software driven and has a fair bit of capacity." Brian Crecente

So this seemingly has little to do with gaming, but bear with him for a second.

This morning I was checking out Penny Arcade when I came upon Tycho's Zune confessional. Not only did he buy a Zune instead of an iPod, he actually likes it. The thing is, I'm in the same boat. I had the choice of my family gifting me with a video iPod or a Zune and I went with the Zune. And I did this knowing full well what I was getting myself into because I wrote up a review of the player for the Rocky a month or so ago.

So far I've been mostly happy with my brown and greenish player, it's got a wicked sweet screen for playing all of that video content that falls into my computer from the tubes and its got the whole $15 all you can eat service, which is great for checking out new music. I think you college kids call that experimentation.

But I know that deep down that the real reason I picked the Zune, and I suspect this is true for Tycho too, is because I hold out hopes that one day Microsoft is going to announce some crazy, amazing connectivity between it and the Xbox 360. Like maybe it will let me use Live Anywhere and I can use it to track my Rainbow Six Vegas stats or stream video from the Live Store.

I actually pestered Microsoft about this prior to making my decision, haranguing them mercilessly until they finally capitulated with a "I'm sure that's possible one day."

I'm curious if a bulk of Zune owners also happen to have an Xbox 360. I can't imagine I'm the only one investing my loved-ones money on the potential of consumer electronics. Brian Crecente

Penny Arcade

Holy mackeral! Microsoft's resident bald hipster gets a profile in Business Week, and we learn things like:

• J is 37.
• J was a B+ student.
• J made some lemonade computer game as a kid.
• J drives a Ferrari 360 and a Porsche 911. At the same time, possibly.
• J is eXtreme.

Of course, this was already on our radar and in our ratty J picture books that we keep under the mattress. But, here is the real shocker. From the article:

'I love that gravity is unforgiving,' he says. He even blazes through e-mail, jotting down notes all in lower case: 'shift key slows you down,' he writes.

We WOULD have know this, if like, J ever RETURNED our e-mails. Brian Ashcraft

typing in lower case is cool, dood [business week via major nelson]

Ya know, it's gotta be hard. A huge company like Sony making everything from game machines to Spiderman font. How do they do it? What's more, imagine working for someone like Microsoft and having to hide your other consoles. The horror. Fret not, while Sony might have its fingers in too many pots, Microsoft's Robbie Bach says multi-console employees are kosher:

You know, and I think Sony, frankly, suffers a little bit from this problem, which is they're spread really thin across all these areas. And trying to do PSP, competing with Nintendo, PSP to DS; competing with us, 360 to PS3, I think it does strain — it would naturally strain any organization...

...The truth is, do we — are there people in Microsoft who have PS2s? And the answer is yes. And that's OK. Are there people at Microsoft that have GameCubes, and the answer is almost certainly yes. It's not a manhood test.

Don't quite follow Bach's logic, seeing as how Microsoft is competing with Sony's PS3 and Apple's iPod, and Nintendo's doing a-okay. Regardless, he does have a point about taking on too much. Mental note: Owning multiple consoles is a good thing. Multiple business, not.

Elsewhere, Bach stirs the inevitable Xbox 360 price drop chatter. He pointed out that Microsoft was currently thinking about how to "cost reduce" the Xbox 360, saying "You have to ask the question, over the life cycle, who has the cost advantage? Who can price most effectively? Who can reach the price points quicker? That has a huge impact on what gets driven." Indeed! Brian Ashcraft

Bach Talks... A lot [Mercury News, Thanks Michael!]

But it gets worse. According to the official Usage Restrictions for TV downloads you can't do anything with them but keep em on your 360.

Video Purchase You are granted a limited, non-transferable, non-commercial license to view and privately display this content solely via your Xbox 360 console as provided herein ane more fully described in the Xbox Live Terms of Use. You may download this content only on your initiating Xbox 360 console and view the content only via such console or via a "roaming" Xbox 360 console in accordance with the Xbox Live Terms of Use.

Limited? Non-transferable? Screw that, you can keep your TV shows. If I don't have the ability to save them off and convert them for portable use what's the point? Brian Crecente

The Dallas Morning New got into GameStop's annual sales conference in Dallas over the weekend.

The con sounded sort of interesting, with playable games on hand and company reps around making their sales pitches to the retailers, three bits of interesting news came out of the event.

First, GameStop is claiming, and I say that because I don't believe them, that they will be the only retailer in the country to have Wii demonstration units available on launch day.

GameStop said at the show that it will be the only retailer at launch to have playable Wii demonstration units in its stores, so gamers can test the "Wiimote" for themselves.

'll be checking that out with Nintendo, but it makes absolutely no sense. Why would Nintendo decide to go with one chain for their demo units, and why pick GameStop when their audience is supposed to be more of the Target or Wal-Mart variety?

GameStop also said at the conference that they haven't yet decided whether to take pre-orders for the Wii or PS3. This isn't because of supply concerns for the two consoles as it much as it is about being gunshy after the 360 launch blew up in their face.

Finally, GameStop says they will be selling the Zune, a first, at their stores.

The iPod competitor will be sold in GameStop stores and other electronics stores when it comes out later this year.

It's GameStop's first foray into the consumer electronics market.

But Mr. Morgan said the partnership with Microsoft makes sense, since the Zune is targeted at the same people who play video games.

"It should be our customer," he said. "That customer has grown up with us."

Mr. Morgan said GameStop could eventually sell other consumer electronics products if those products are likely to appeal to gamers. But games remain the company's focus.

Interesting. Brian Crecente

GameStop Convention [Dallas Morning News, thanks Methane47]

The gadget obsessed mouth-breathers over at Gizmodo point out that Microsoft's answer to the iPod, the Zune, will let you buy your music wirelessly with Microsoft points, that's right the stuff you're using now to buy games on Live.

A single track will sell for 79 Msoft points, or about a buck. Am I the only one who just felt a chill run up their spine? How long till where buying Milk for 100 Microsoft points? Brian Crecente

Fact: Zune In your Hands for $249.99, Songs a Buck, November 14th
[Gizmodo]

When Microsoft's eXtreme hipster J Allard said we were "kinda creepy," he had underestimated us. We are totally creepy. There are four of us staking out four different hotels in the greater Tokyo area, waiting for a glimpse of J's shiny noggin, searching for the scent of his pricey trainers. Mike, thought he had found Allard, only to have his heart broken. Repeatedly. Brian Ashcraft

Previous: Where Is Our J?

Our resident gaming freeloader Scott Spatola spent the afternoon tracking down our favorite little bald xtreme guru, J ("no period") Allard. Every time we see a freshly shaven head, or a polished hairless head, we get giddy and think of J. While the word on the street is that Allard has ditched the 360 to dirty his hands with Microsoft's brown mp3 player, the Zune, J. ("with period") has been spotted in the throes of the Tokyo Game Show. And, several times at that. Brian Ashcraft

CyberNet news reports that a WalMart website screwup listed the Zune's price in advance: $284.00.

With the new 30g iPods going for $249, this is not an especially competitive price point, despite the new features. Perhaps the price was pulled because it isn't the final price at all, but I may be overly optimistic on this point.

And with the new iPod gaming abilities, Microsoft better be taking a hard look at the further possibilities offered by such a neato little device. Unused hardware possibilities, as all PSP owners learned, only end in tears. There is a simmering resentment inherent in knowing a piece of hardware can do more, but not being given the means to use it.

I know they told us the Zune would not be a games machine, but rethinking that decision might be a good move at this point. Eliza Gauger

[CyberNet News]

I dunno if I've ever had this much outrage about anything, ever. In response to the claim that Microsoft's Zune will be able to plug into your Xbox 360 to stream music, pictures and video via a USB cable, Aeropause retorts:

So, what exactly is stopping you useless corporate whores from supporting Mpeg4/DivX/Xvid streaming to my 360 RIGHT NOW via USB? Huh? What is it? NOTHING. That's what. Nothing except the insanely aggravating practice of restricting and handicapping anything and everything that might ever conceivably compete with Microsoft in the past, present, or far distant future.

'Useless corporate whores' is my new catch phrase, I fear. Florian Eckhardt

Microsoft Announces Zune; Xbox 360 Buyers Explode With Anger [Aeropause]

We like J ("No Period") Allard. A lot. At E3, we made sure to book the same hotel and followed him closely. For days. When he gained weight and started to look like Uncle Fester, we worried. So we were so OMG jealous when Gizmodo's Brian Lam interviewed the eXtreme dude on Microsoft's new music player. We did what anyone would and immediately scanned the interview for the part where J talked about us:

Giz: You have a track record for Cool at Microsoft. And the Kotaku guys, they practically stalk you. So, indulge us with some fantasies. Suppose you're in charge of the company. What would you do differently.

J Allard: I wouldn't change much. There are already bright, passionate people at Microsoft who understand digital music, and games, and who are tired of seeing complacency...Maybe I'd hire a bodyguard. The Kotaku stalking thing is kind of creepy.

"Kind of creepy?" J, it's TOTALLY creepy. Brian Ashcraft

Interview Here [Gizmodo]

2old2play is rocking a detailed report on the Zune, the little mp3 player that is being touted as the iPod killer. And it doesn't look so hot. Biggest issue I see so far is the button setup.

That Wheel Thing: Not so cool. Turns out that there's no touch-sensitive scrolling feature here - it's shaped like a wheel, but it's really just buttons. Zune has a menu button on the left of the circle, scroll buttons within the circle, and a play/pause button to the right of the circle. There's also a hold switch just like Apple's on the unit's top, near the headphone port. You press up and down on the "Wheel" to scroll up and down through menus.

Scrollwheel's pretty much de rigeur for handheld music players, I think. I've been reading articles about the thumb-twiddling action and satisfying clicking noises being highly addictive. Frankly, if this thing isn't A) incredibly amazing or B) insanely cheap, it's not gonna make a dent in Apple. Eliza Gauger

More here [2old2play]

Team Xbox, as you might expect from their site name, has a jones for a portable Xbox. So much so that they Photoshopped up the above (or right, depending on your browser width) Portable Xbox, which demonstrates the "basic set of features for a portable Xbox." Apparently, gamers really want a 12:4 screen aspect ratio.

So how possible is it? We don't vouch for their findings, but they think it's doable for three bills or so:

We have taken a look at what the possibilities are for a portable Xbox. Throughout the article, it was proved that there's enough technology already to bring the Xbox platform to a portable game console, even with some of the new features that debuted on the Xbox 360 and the new Xbox Live.

Putting together the required silicon to offer an Xbox experience on a handheld will be a difficult task for whoever designs this portable console, not because of a technology barrier, but because of prices. With the Nintendo DS costing as low as $129.99, and the Sony PSP selling for $199.99, Microsoft will have a hard time bringing the Xbox console to a handheld device at a price lower than $300. The only way people could pay for an Xbox Portable more than what the DS and the PSP cost would be if Microsoft offered with the XP something its competitor can't; not hardware specs so much as software and services.

Well, they've got a point there: Live Anywhere would seem made for an Xbox Portable. Florian Eckhardt

Xbox Portable Explored [Team Xbox]