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Next Xbox Will Have Two Models, Just Like the Current Xbox
One of the more maddening aspects of the Xbox 360 has been Microsoft’s insistence on a “two model” strategy. A bare-bones, cheap version, and a souped-up expensive one. It’s helped shift units, especially since Kinect’s release, but it’s also held other Xbox 360 games back since developers can’t assume everybody has, say, a hard drive.…
By Luke Plunkett Published November 24, 2011 -
Microsoft Responds to XBOX CYBER FRAUD Story
Sure, it’s natural to raise an eyebrow or two when a publication like The Sun warns of XBOX CYBER FRAUD, but in this case, the tabloid was spot-on, even if the language could have been a little less inflammatory. Responding to the story, Microsoft has confirmed that “a number of Xbox LIVE members appear to…
By Luke Plunkett Published November 23, 2011 -
New Kinect Hardware For Windows Gets Up-Close and Personal
Making Kinect Windows-friendly is more than just a fancy new SDK and some marketing materials. Developers are going to need some tweaked hardware as well, and Microsoft is prepared to deliver with a Windows version of Kinect capable of accurate sensing as close as 50 centimeters from the sensor. In a post on the official…
By Mike Fahey Published November 22, 2011 -
British Tabloid Warns of Xbox Live Con Artists
Phishing scans are not unique to the Xbox 360. They aren’t even unique to game consoles. Anytime you connect to the internet, your passwords, your info. and your credit cards could be at risk. According to British tabloid The Sun (I know!), con artists are going after gamers. Crooks are sending out emails, directing people…
By Brian Ashcraft Published November 22, 2011 -
New Xbox Dashboard Launches On December 6
As the headline states, Microsoft announced overnight that the new Xbox 360 dashboard, one designed to bring the company’s user interfaces on console, PC and mobile phone closer together, will be out on December 6. Aside from looking nicer, the new dash also has better (read: more deeply-integrated) voice recognition for Kinect users, while it’ll…
By Luke Plunkett Published November 22, 2011 -
Minecraft on Xbox 360 Promises ‘Innovative New Crafting Interface’
You’ve seen Minecraft‘s Xbox 360 trailer, now see a dozen of its screenshots. Two of them showcase what will be “an innovative new crafting interface,” according to a fact sheet from Microsoft. “A streamlined interface opens at the press of a button, and players can choose from several categories of items to create,” says the…
By Owen Good Published November 18, 2011 -
Meet the Official Console of the NFL
It’s the Xbox 360. Maybe you’ve heard of it? Today, Microsoft and the National Football League announced a multi-year deal that not only makes the Xbox 360 the official console sponsor of NFL, but is also partnering with NFL Play 60 to promote youth fitness. NFL Play is a youth health and wellness program designed…
By Brian Ashcraft Published November 17, 2011 -
Xbox Almost as Old as the Assholes on Xbox Live
Happy birthday, Xbox! You turn 10 today. Microsoft is celebrating your birthday by selling people a much prettier version of Halo: Combat Evolved They did not get you a bicycle. Honestly, they barely talk about you anymore. They prefer your younger brother, though I think they’re even more proud of that alien-looking thing that plugs…
By Stephen Totilo Published November 15, 2011 -
How Do Game Reviewers Feel About Playing Halo: Combat Evolved All Over Again?
Before the folks at 343 Industries can prove to us they are a worthy successor to the Halo development throne, they must first show us that they respect the franchise’s roots. This has been accomplished by dying those roots to make them a little less gray. Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary has just hit store shelves,…
By Mike Fahey Published November 15, 2011 -
The Cloud is Coming to the Xbox
Microsoft’s Brian Prince has told a panel at GDC China “you will be seeing things in the Xbox platform that’s cloud-specific. I’m already doing it, it’s really exciting, but I can’t tell you about it or else I’ll get fired.” [Gamasutra]
By Luke Plunkett Published November 15, 2011 -
Should You Buy Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary ? No.
It’s been ten years since Bungie gave Xbox gamers the first Halo game, a console first-person shooter that didn’t feel like the weak sister to the genre’s PC alpha dogs. From that single title grew blossomed one of video game’s most successful franchises, one which reshaped what it meant to play video games with other…
By Evan Narcisse Published November 14, 2011 -
Claim Your Rightful Place on the Halo Living Monument
Master Chief would be nothing without the millions of players that have taken control of him over the past decade. Microsoft and 343 Industries recognize your heroic sacrifices with the Halo Living Monument, an interactive memorial that will honor you as long as it makes financial sense to keep the website running. With Halo: Combat…
By Mike Fahey Published November 14, 2011 -
Halo Jumps into Hell in This Web Series
Halo: Helljumper is one of many Halo fan films, but it doesn’t look like any old Halo fan project. It looks fantastic The Halo: Helljumper web series kicks off next January. More info at Helljumper‘s Facebook page Halo: Helljumper Official Trailer [YouTube] You can contact Brian Ashcraft, the author of this post, at [email protected]. You…
By Brian Ashcraft Published November 14, 2011 -
Xbox Live Adds a New Account Every Two Seconds, Says Microsoft
Every two seconds on Xbox Live, someone adds a Gamertag like xX_tehPwnz0rz69_Xx, according to the service’s chief of marketing. Addressing the London Games Conference, Xbox Live’s Robin Burrowes said that Call of Duty and Kinect have shot up enrollment to 35 million at the end of 2010, adding another 15 million today, reports Develop Contrast…
By Owen Good Published November 12, 2011 -
For $850, You Can Make Halo Movies Like This
There are tons of Halo fan films. Tons. Here’s another, but what sets it apart is how the filmmakers were able to squeeze blood from stones. Shot for only US$850, Halo: Faith is a short film that was born out of an “simple conversation” between filmmakers back in Oct. 2010. The effects aren’t as good…
By Brian Ashcraft Published November 11, 2011 -
Xbox Live’s Hack Wasnt a Hack, Says Microsoft
Last month, a surprisingly large-scale hacking attack went down on Xbox Live, all centred around EA Sports’ FIFA 11 and FIFA 12. Microsoft today acknowledged the intrusions, but is adamant they weren’t the result of hacks Microsoft’s online safety director Doug Park has told Eurogamer “It’s not a hack, it’s really just a different way…
By Luke Plunkett Published November 11, 2011 -
Get a Wii for Under $100 at Walmart on Black Friday
Walmart is sending out mailings to customers, letting them know what Black Friday deals are in their area. While Kotaku hasn’t seen the ads for everywhere, it has seen the one Atlanta. This is it. While some of the smaller items will vary from store to store, the blue chip items—here, a blue Nintendo Wii—should…
By Brian Ashcraft Published November 10, 2011 -
Microsoft Stores Becoming Competitive Multiplayer Hubs for Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary Launch
If you’re like me, you’ve yet to step into one of Microsoft’s fine, fine retail emporiums. Nothing against ‘em, it’s just that you can get everything online nowadays. Pizza. Liquid refreshment. That goes from online competition, too, but, Microsoft’s going to be stocking its stores full of all three to commemorate the impending release of…
By Evan Narcisse Published November 9, 2011 -
Xbox.com To Upgrade Its Social and Video Features in the Coming Days
In preparation for the upcoming Xbox 360 dashboard update, Microsoft has announced that they’ll be updating the website Xbox.com over the coming days to implement some of the dashboard’s new features before it launches on consoles later this winter. Users will be able to search the Zune store online and buy and rent movies from…
By Kirk Hamilton Published November 8, 2011