Category: XBOX

  • Xbox One Will Only Work In Certain Countries At Launch Excluding India

    Xbox One Will Only Work In Certain Countries At Launch Excluding India

    If you were thinking about ordering the Xbox One via a relative/friend abroad and use it in India before it officially launches here, Microsoft wants you to forget about it. 

    Just when you thought Microsoft couldn’t go a day without some new anti-consumer disaster it’s been revealed that the Xbox One is so reliant on its online connection that it won’t even turn on in some countries, no matter where you buy it from.

    Microsoft’s Xbox One preorder information page states that the console will only support Live in only 21 countries at launch, and therefore presumably won’t work anywhere else.

    Xbox One

    The problem is there are only 21 supported countries at launch (depending on who you ask there are around 206 countries in the world) and that doesn’t include Portugal, Poland and most of Eastern Europe, or Japan and the rest of Asia (including India).

    The full list of supported countries is Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and United States.

    Microsoft have described this as a “staged approach” to marketing their new console. Their regional vice president for sales and marketing in Asia stated that they were still working on allowing Asian gamers a “great experience”, including localised content.

    The only alternative for people residing in India (or the other countries omitted) would be to create a new Xbox Live account that pretended to be based in a supported region

    In contrast, Sony has said that the PlayStation 4 will be region-free, like the PlayStation 3.

  • Microsoft Abandons India and other Asian Countries, Xbox One to come Late 2014

    In what feels like a painful abandonment of enthusiastic gamers of Asia, Microsoft has delayed the launch of its new console the Xbox One in Asia by a whole year. Alan Bowman, Microsoft’s Regional VP for Sales and Marketing in Asia, says that the new console will launch in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and India around late 2014.

    This delay even after Microsoft has declared these countries as gaming high-growth areas, with sales of consoles and games booming in 2013. Alan Bowman also said that the new Kinect sensor will require less space as compared to this generation’s Kinect and will fit right in with Asian countries “where there is a lack of living room space” (we wouldn’t be too sure of that)

    in any case for all those who cant wait, there is always Palika Bazaar and Lamington Road for those imported consoles!

    [VIA]

  • EA announces Mirror’s Edge for PC, PS 4 and Xbox One (PR)

    EA announces Mirror’s Edge for PC, PS 4 and Xbox One (PR)

    EA at E3 2013 announced the rebirth of their 2008 franchise Mirror’s Edge for next generation consoles including PS 4 and Xbox One. Powered by DICE’s proprietary Frostbite technology, the game will be heading to Xbox One, the PlayStation4, and PC in 2014.

    “We introduced Mirror’s Edge and Faith to gamers five years ago, and we’ve waited for the right moment to reunite them,Thanks to the Frostbite engine and a new generation of platforms, we are now able to deliver a richer world that players will be able to explore with a new level of freedom in both movement and action.” said Sara Jansson, Senior Producer, DICE. 

     

    [toggle title=”Press Release”]DICE Heralds the Return of Mirror’s Edge
    Category:
    EA Games Label
    Monday, June 10, 2013 2:30 pm PDT

    LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–DICE, an award-winning studio of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) and developer of the blockbuster Battlefield™ franchise, today announced that fan-favorite Mirror’s Edge™ is in early stages of development. Mirror’s Edge was first introduced in 2008 and fans quickly elevated the game’s heroine “Faith” into a videogame icon. Gamers and critics worldwide praised its unique characters, highly stylized world and fresh take on first person action adventure. The new Mirror’s Edge reboots the franchise for the next generation with advanced visuals and an all-new origin story for Faith. Powered by DICE’s proprietary Frostbite™ technology, the game will be heading to Xbox One®, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PlayStation®4, and PC.

    “We introduced Mirror’s Edge and Faith to gamers five years ago, and we’ve waited for the right moment to reunite them,” said Sara Jansson, Senior Producer, DICE. “Thanks to the Frostbite engine and a new generation of platforms, we are now able to deliver a richer world that players will be able to explore with a new level of freedom in both movement and action.”

    To view the Mirror’s Edge teaser trailer, please visit www.mirrorsedge.com, where fans can also sign up for the official Mirror’s Edge newsletter. Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/mirrorsedge and follow us on Twitter® at www.twitter.com/mirrorsedge and #MirrorsEdge. Press assets are available at http://info.ea.com. To follow all of EA’s news during E3 and watch the replay of the Mirror’s Edge unveil, visit www.ea.com/e3.

    About Electronic Arts

    Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA) is a global leader in digital interactive entertainment. The Company delivers games, content and online services for Internet-connected consoles, personal computers, mobile phones and tablets. EA has more than 285 million registered players and operates in 75 countries.

    In fiscal year 2013, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $3.8 billion. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, EA is recognized for a portfolio of critically acclaimed, high-quality blockbuster brands such as The Sims™, Madden NFL, FIFA Soccer, Need for Speed™, Battlefield™ and Mass Effect™. More information about EA is available at www.ea.com/news.

    Mirror’s Edge, The Sims, Need for Speed, Mass Effect, Battlefield, Frostbite and Origin are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. and its subsidiaries. John Madden, NFL and FIFA are the property of their respective owners and used with permission. PlayStation is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.[/toggle]

  • Microsoft Xbox One Priced : US $ 499 coming to 21 Countries in November

    Microsoft Xbox One Priced : US $ 499 coming to 21 Countries in November

    Microsoft has announced the prices and availability of its new Xbox One Console at their E3 Press Event. The console will go on sale in 21 countries in November for a retail price of  $499.99 in the U.S., £429 (GBP) in the U.K. and €499 (EUR) in European markets. Roughly translated, the Xbox One can be expected in India for a price of Rs. 30,000 including taxes. 

    Every Xbox One system sold will include the new Xbox One console — which features a 500GB hard drive,1 Blu-ray player and built-in Wi-Fi — the new Kinect, one Xbox One Wireless Controller and a free 14-day trial of Xbox Live Gold for new members.

    Several titles were announced to be available by launch time from developers including but not limited to 343 Industries, Crytek, Turn 10 Studios, Respawn Entertainment, Remedy, Kojima Productions, Capcom and Insomniac Games. 

    jago_vs_sabrewulf_13

    The trailer of Halo for Xbox One, was highly unexpected yet well received. 

    Microsoft Studios is committed to making Xbox One the best place to play games, with more titles in development and more exclusives coming than at any time in the history of Xbox, With amazing games such as ‘Forza Motorsport 5,’ ‘Ryse: Son of Rome,’ ‘Dead Rising 3,’ ‘Titanfall,’ ‘Halo Xbox One,’ ‘Kinect Sports Rivals,’ ‘Project Spark’ and ‘Quantum Break,’ Xbox will continue to lead the industry with the biggest exclusives, new IP and blockbuster franchises that will delight gamers for the next decade and beyond.”  said Phil Spencer, corporate vice president, Microsoft Studios. 

    Gamers who reserve the following exclusive Xbox One Day One edition launch titles, also available in limited quantities at major retailers while supplies last, will receive special bonus content:

      • “Ryse: Son of Rome.” Exclusive multiplayer map and sword with bonus attributes.
      • “Forza Motorsport 5.” Access to four cars tuned to the top of their class.
      • “Kinect Sports Rivals.” Exclusive sporting equipment that separates your Champion from the rest of the world.
      • “Dead Rising 3.” Exclusive Frank West and Chuck Greene Tribute Packs with bonus attributes.

    [Via]

  • Microsoft Targets Another 25 Million Xbox 360 Sales

    Microsoft Targets Another 25 Million Xbox 360 Sales

    Microsoft is still aiming for another 25 million sales of their eight-year-old Xbox 360 console, bringing the total to 100 million units sold. Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s senior VP of Interactive Entertainment Business, speaking to OXM, said they expect half of these sales will come from new Xbox 360 owners, while the other half will be old console replacements.

    Speaking with OXM, Mehdi said of Microsoft’s hopes for Xbox 360, “We believe over the next five years we can break a 100 million unit installed base. That’s something we’re shooting for, it’s not a financial plan as such, it’s just rough numbers if you will.

    The company plans to bolster 360 sales with a “Huge Announcement” at the upcoming 2013 E3 show, according to the report.

    Microsoft Game Studios executive Phil Spencer recently told GameSpot:

    “I think the Xbox 360 is going to be very vibrant for many years. In fact, we have a huge, I think it’s huge, Xbox 360 announcement for E3 that I keep wanting to talk about, but I can’t. I think it will surprise people. I loved what we did last year with Minecraft; bring Minecraft to the box; six million units later it’s kind of a beast. I think there’s a lot of life in the Xbox 360 for years to come.”

    As regards hopes for Xbox One, it’s obviously a bit early to say, but Medhi does think next gen consoles as a pack can trump sales of their predecessors as handily as the latter trumped sales of theirs.

    “Every generation, as you’ve probably heard, has grown approximately 30%,” he said. “So this generation is about 300 million units. Most industry experts think the next generation will get upwards of about 400 million units. That’s if it’s a game console, over the next decade.”

  • Xbox One Will Allow Multiple Accounts On Single Xbox Live Subscription

    Xbox One Will Allow Multiple Accounts On Single Xbox Live Subscription

    It seems Xbox Live memberships can not only be used across both the Xbox 360 and Xbox One, but memberships can be used across multiple profiles. This means multiple profiles on a single Xbox One console can use a single Xbox Live Gold membership to be able to access Xbox Live Gold exclusive demos, cross-game chat and, of course, play online multiplayer.

    The “new generation” of Xbox Live will be compatible with both Xbox 360 and Xbox One and allow users to communicate with each other across consoles.

    Microsoft’s president of Interactive Entertainment Business, Don Mattrick, confirmed to Polygon players will be able to chat and communicate across the generational barrier between Xbox 360 and Xbox One.

    So you’re essentially paying for the IP of that console, rather than the online account.

    “We want to make sure that you and your son both have your own account,” Kilgore told Polygon, using the example of a parent and child sharing the same Live Gold membership. “We want you log in to get your stuff, and when he logs in to get his stuff. On that console, if you have Gold, he can use Gold as well.”

    Xbox Live Gold memberships offer a host of features, including online multiplayer games, free game demos, access to the Web via Internet Explorer, and movies and TV shows via services such as Netflix and Hulu Plus (not much use in India). The current membership costs $9.99 for one month, $24.99 for three months, and $59.99 for 12 months.

    [Polygon]

  • Microsoft confirms that the new Xbox One will have a very sensitive Kinect controller.

    Microsoft confirms that the new Xbox One will have a very sensitive Kinect controller.

    All rumors prior to the launch of the new Xbox One related to Kinect seem to be right on the bullseye. The new Kinect controller is uber sensitive and can capture quite a lot of movement. The next-generation Kinect model is capable of tracking motions as minute as wrist rotations, and Microsoft’s Marc Whitten said the new Kinect would even be able to read users’ heartbeats when they’re exercising or when players shift their weight.

     The new Kinect’s main camera is capable of recording 1080P RGB video at 30 frames per second and the new Xbox One Handles roughly 2GB/sec of live data from the new Kinect with ease. 

    Microsoft SVP Yusuf Mehdi showed a demo on stage that shows of the promptness and accuracy of this new sensor towards not only gestures but also voice commands. You can control the console, multitask and even open layer within the console with just voice commands, you will also get pinching, swiping and rotations in the natural format incase you don’t wish to do the talking. 

  • The New Xbox One will run 3 Operating Systems including trimmed down windows

    The New Xbox One will run 3 Operating Systems including trimmed down windows

    While the Microsoft Xbox One has just been announced, the next-generation Xbox will run three operating systems simultaneously. A new revision of the Microsoft Windows 8 /RT designed for tablets, has been re-engineered for the main UI of the Console. This version will be used to run apps like Skype and other non-game titles downloaded from the Xbox storefront. A new virtualization technology similar to Microsoft’s Hyper-V will be used to allocate the bulk of system resources to a second, dedicated “Xbox OS” when the user loads up a game. The Final OS is a sort of mediator between the two operating systems. 

    The triple OS technology will allow the console to have layers on the screen, allowing users to Skype , play games and watch TV simultaneously. These  visual “panes,” which are full 1080p layers generated independently and displayed one on top of the other. 

    Whats more coders will be able to convert their apps to work on this Windows variant opening up a whole new marketplace (one of the biggest) for the developers.

  • Microsoft Unveils The Xbox One!

    Microsoft Unveils The Xbox One!

    Microsoft’s next-generation console is finally here, the Xbox One.

    The Xbox One is all black and features a two-tone finish with both matte and gloss in equal measure; a slot-loading Blu-ray optical drive sits out front on the left face, while a power button with the traditional incomplete circle symbol is emblazoned on the right side (which looks to be touch-based). A new Kinect was also unveiled, and it powers the console — “Xbox On” is being trumpeted as the most important feature.

    “Team Xbox is on a new mission,” Don Mattrick, president of the interactive entertainment business, said.”And that mission is focused on making this an entertainment console.”

    He said the goal is to build a system that lines up games, television and software and that the most important part is that it must be “simple, instant and complete.”

    “It is time for technology to step behind the curtain and you and your entertainment to take the stage,” Mattrick said. 

    Yusuf Medhi, senior vice president of Microsoft’s interactive entertainment business, unveiled how voice input can be used to control Xbox One. It will also respond to gesture controls. 

    “Xbox On” turns on the hardware to power up an instant-on system with a new Home dashboard that is near-identical to Microsoft’s Windows 8 operating system.

    xbox one

    There’s instant switching from the Xbox One dashboard to live television (which seems to confirm that HDMI-in rumor). People using Skype on Xbox One will be able to do group chats now.

    Mark Whitten, corporate vice president of Xbox LIVE, said the console can detect your heartbeat when you are exercising, using the Kinect sensor.

    Screen_Shot_2013-05-21_at_1.10.33_PM

    The Xbox One’s controller was created with game players, Whitten said. It will have improved ergonomics and a new d-pad. “This is your controller,” he said. The triggers now have a built-in rumble system, which Microsoft’s calling “Impulse Triggers,” and there’s now also a redesigned D-pad. The battery compartment, meanwhile, is much smaller than the previous version.

    Whitten said the Xbox One will use more power than the entire world did in 1999.

    EA said that it is developing four games for Xbox One: FIFA, Madden NFL, NBA Live, and UFC, which will release within the next 12 months.

    EA Sports Ignite has been unveiled: “to blur the line between real and virtual.” It will utilize the Xbox One’s exclusive updates for enhanced game play.

    “Sports are as much about your head as your feet or your hands,” Microsoft said.

    Forza Motorsport 5 announced for Xbox One and will be available at launch. Microsoft Studios plans to launch 15 new games in the first year of Xbox One, including 8 brand new franchises.

    More developing…

  • Next Xbox comes today, Here is the Roundup!

    Next Xbox comes today, Here is the Roundup!

    The next Microsoft Xbox is going to be announced in a few hours and we know quite a lot of things about it so far (or at least we think).

    The Xbox (next) should carry on Microsoft’s legacy of the gaming industry as it has from the beginning. The Xbox became an icon of the gaming industry the minute it landed, quickly becoming the most popular gaming console, due to the sheer volume of gamer available on it.  Microsoft Studios’ dedication in creating exclusive titles, also had a big role to play here. 

    Price of the Next Xbox

    While most consoles debut around the US $ 499 price mark, we expect the next Xbox to be the same. Microsoft in the U.S., offers the Xbox 360 on subsidy and has tried to work out similar strategies with their sales in India with no real subsidy offers. 

    What real package deals may is unknown, but it appears that Microsoft realizes that the biggest market for games cannot afford Rs. 25000 consoles outright. 

     

    Release Cycle and Branding

    While many rumored names for the next Xbox are floating around, the Xbox Infinity the Xbox ultimate, etc. The most probable name is going to be Xbox 8 ( due to a trademark filed by Microsoft), which could also tie in with the specs of the hardware below. On the flip side Microsoft could simply call it Xbox or if they were to follow in Apple’s footsteps the “New Xbox” or the “Next Xbox”.

    The new gaming console from Microsoft is expected to clash with Sony’s rivaling Playstation, when both will be available around the Christmas holiday season of 2013.

     

    Hardware and Specifications

    Apart from major aesthetic changes, the new Xbox will also get a hardware overhaul. Starting with the 64-bit, 8-core, 1.6GHz processor made by AMD with x86 architecture and 8GB of DDR3 RAM vs the existing 3-core 3.6GHz processor and 512 MB or RAM. The previous architecture was based on PowerPC so the GHz change will actually be better. The GPU is an 800 MHz DirectX 11.x, and will be accompanied by custom hardware for Xbox-specific tasks vs the existing 500MHz GPU. The new hardware will also have a traditional ethernet port, an optical Blu-Ray disc drive( even though rumors pointed to diskless systems, this is a way to curb piracy) , a default 500GB SATA 2 HDD, USB 3.0 ports, and HDMI out and in ports for Full HD/ maybe even 4K video.

    New Xbox Controller

    Many are expecting a Kinect overhaul, and some rumors have pointed to a controller less console ( which in all entirety would be a failure). The new controller is expected to be smaller and more ergonomic. It is also rumored that the new Xbox controller will have an additional set of buttons to enhance the gamers experience. The Kinect sensor is expected to come bundled with the hardware, along with a better optical recognition system which would be able to respond more accurately to movements. 

    The Handheld controllers are expected to come with rechargeable and replaceable batteries out of the box, to one up on Playstation’s rechargeable but irreplaceable batteries.

    The new Hardware, along with controllers and Kinect have been with Game developers for a while now, but since each unit is tightly packed, coded and covered in stripes, not a lot has leaked out from design perspective. 

     

    TV or Gaming Console (or Both?)

    Microsoft’s Nancy Hellens – a former boss at US TV station CBS has been brought on to spearhead new TV-esque entertainment experiences. Uk based, Lift London is working on new gaming experiences, Microsoft Soho Studios has already put out interactive TV-like games based on Sesame Street and Discovery Channel. Now well a lot of heat around different types of TV’s systems is in place, Microsoft could bundle these features into the new Xbox and make the package a lot worth for the owner. Replacing the likes of recoding boxes and streaming accessories. 

    A move along such lines would also replace devices, like Nexus Q or even Apple TV from living rooms. 

    Microsoft has already clarified that the launch will be for the hardware and not for the games, which would be announced possibly at E3, but expect at least a few titles to show up for  a wonderful preview. 

  • Upcoming Xbox 720 To Utilize Microsoft IllumiRoom Projection Technology?

    Upcoming Xbox 720 To Utilize Microsoft IllumiRoom Projection Technology?

    Microsoft’s Illumiroom could play a role in the future of the next-generation Xbox, according to a new preview video released ahead of this week’s CHI 2013 event which promises to reveal more technical details about this proof-of-concept system.

    Illumirooom

    IllumiRoom is a wide-angle projector that’s situated on your coffee table, pointed at your big-screen TV. The current prototype has a Kinect strapped to the projector, but the final version will have a Kinect sensor built in. The built-in Kinect uses an automatic calibration process to captures the color and geometry (shape, depth) of the wall behind and furniture around your TV.

    Then you hook the IllumiRoom up to your next-generation Xbox (wirelessly), and watch in awe as peripheral projection takes you to new levels of game immersion.

    The video goes on to state that the new technology “can extend the gaming content out of your TV, creating a truly immersive experience. Or we can selectively show game elements, like explosions, or make it snow in our living room.”

    Microsoft will have had to have got permission from Valve to include their game in the demo, so it suggests they’ve already been shopping the technology around to developers in order to get them interested in supporting it.

    Entirely self-calibrating and theoretically working in any room containing the next-generation Xbox, Microsoft realises that, like with Kinect, there may be issues with the technology. 

    “While there are many unanswered questions regarding peripheral projected illusions, we hope we have demonstrated that they are worth answering.”

    [youtube id=”0qyM5kRU-KM” width=”100%” height=”300px”]

    [The Verge]

  • Microsoft and Airtel launch Xbox 360 combo offer

    Microsoft and Airtel launch Xbox 360 combo offer

    Airtel and Microsoft have tied up to deliver a unique set of offers to prospective buyers of Airtel connections and Xbox 360 consoles, or even owners of both or either. In the form of Airtel broadband and free Xbox LIVE gold memberships. The offer is valid in Delhi, NCR, Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore till June 30.

    Up for grabs for new owners is a Xbox 360 4GB Kinect model with an Airtel Broadband connection for Rs 15,500. The new buyers will get 10 free Xbox 360 games, a 12 month membership of Xbox LIVE gold and up to Rs 4,888 off on the Airtel broadband connection.

    Consumers can now enjoy a smooth Xbox LIVE entertainment experience which includes the best multi-player action that Xbox is so well known for on an Airtel broadband” – Microsoft Corporation India Business Group Lead (Interactive Entertainment Business) Anshu Mor said.

    Interestingly, Existing Xbox 360 owners who buy a new Airtel broadband connection will get Rs 4,888 off and a three month membership for Xbox LIVE gold. But if you already have an Airtel connection and buy a new Xbox 360 you will get 10 free games and a 12 month membership for Xbox LIVE gold worth Rs 10,699, along with savings of Rs 4,888 on an Airtel Broadband upgrade.

    We are confident that our-tie up with Microsoft… deliver a much-awaited and enhanced experience for gaming lovers”- Bharti Airtel CEO (Homes and Office) Najib Khan said.

     

  • Xbox Live Outage Forces Gamers Offline During Peak Weekend Hours

    Xbox Live Outage Forces Gamers Offline During Peak Weekend Hours

    The Xbox Live gaming and entertainment platform suffered a major outage for several hours on Saturday, rendering significant elements of the console useless.

    Gamers were unable to sign into their accounts so were unable to engage in multiplayer action, or access the suite of entertainment apps that are tied to Xbox Live subscriptions (i.e. Netflix, YouTube, etc.).

    In a statement provided to Game Informer, a Microsoft representative informed that the outage was due to routine maintenance. Some individuals had claimed that hacking brought the service down yesterday. But Microsoft assured that this is false.

    For the most part, Microsoft has addressed the issue and users are now able to sign in to the service, though some lingering issues remain. For example, Microsoft says users may experience “difficulties” creating new or accessing existing Minecraft game saves, and listening to music via Last.fm is spotty. In both cases, Microsoft says it’s working on a fix.

    In the meantime, these problems underscore why gamers take issue with the concept of an always-on console. It’s been rumored that the Xbox 720 (Durango) will feature an always-on Internet requirement, and Microsoft has yet to confirm or deny if the rumors are true. In cases where Microsoft is having problems on its end, an always-on requirement could render the console unusable.

    With Xbox Live outages not exactly a once-in-a-blue-moon occurrence, where would this leave gamers every time the company has problems with the online portion of its service?

    [Game Informer]

  • Kinect for Windows SDK March 18 Update To Bring Kinect Fusion With It

    Kinect for Windows SDK March 18 Update To Bring Kinect Fusion With It

    Microsoft is expected to release Kinect for Windows SDK 1.7 this Monday, March 18th, and the SDK brings with it the long awaited Kinect Fusion.

    Microsoft announced two new gestures for Kinect for Windows, the PC-specific version of its Kinect interface. Within the new Windows for Kinect 1.7 SDK are two new gestures: the “push” or “click” gesture, and a closed-fist gesture for scrolling and panning a screen.

    Bob Heddle, Director of Kinect for Windows at Microsoft states users can expect “push-to-press buttons, grip-to-pan capabilities, and support for smart ways to accomodate multiple users and two-person interactions,” Engadget reports.

    Perhaps most importantly, SDK version 1.7 will include “Kinect Fusion,” Microsoft’s at-home 3D modeling solution that allows the Kinect to capture and fabricate real-time 3D models of people and objects. We first saw Kinect Fusion in action way back in August of 2011, when the concept surfaced as a Microsoft Research project.

    “Kinect for Windows SDK 1.7 will be made available this coming Monday, March 18. This is our most significant update to the SDK since we released the first version a little over a year ago, and I can’t wait to see what businesses and developers do with the new features and enhancements. On Monday, developers will be able to download the SDK, developer toolkit, and the new and improved Human Interface Guidelines (HIG) from our website,” Microsoft stated in an official blog post.

    Bob Heddle, Director, Kinect for Windows at Microsoft, said that these “Kinect Interactions” (as the gestures are called) came about because Microsoft notices that many developers were using the Kinect for core UI functions much more than Microsoft originally expected. Microsoft wanted to standardize those gestures so developers could focus on the unique parts of their apps.

    The company will also make code samples for its open-source channel, the Kinect for Windows development site (CodePlex)

    [Engadget]

  • Microsoft Expected To Reveal Xbox 720 in April

    Microsoft Expected To Reveal Xbox 720 in April

    Following Sony’s PlayStation 4 announcement earlier this week, Microsoft is said to announce the next-generation Xbox console at a media event in April, according to publication Computer and Video Games.

    Sony’s “surprise” PlayStation 4 announcement earlier this week reportedly caught Microsoft off guard at first, according to one Sony senior official that asked not to be named. The person in question said they definitely ruffled some feathers which seems likely considering most expected the two companies to announce their next generation consoles at E3 later this year.

    Further evidence supporting Microsoft’s decision to host a one-off event is the fact that Ustechs, a company that has worked with Microsoft in the past on other media briefings, recently registered the domain XboxEvent.com.

    Leaks for the Xbox 720 (codenamed Durango) have indicated it will feature some serious power internally. An 8-core 1.6GHz processor, 8GB of DDR3 RAM, an 800MHz graphics card, a 6x Blu-ray drive, USB 3.0, and gigabit Ethernet are rumoured to be included.

    Microsoft is also said to include a new Kinect sensor that will include not only better tracking results for large rooms, but will ship with the console by default.

    At its media event, Sony wasn’t able to show the actual hardware for its PlayStation 4, and only detailed a few specs, the new UI, and controller with touchpad. It’s not known if Microsoft will show off the Xbox design at its event. Leaks haven’t pointed to what the design will look like as of yet.

    Baird Equity Research last month said the next-generation Xbox will be sold for $350-$400 in the autumn, right in time for the Christmas shopping season that’s sure to bring a slew of sales to the company.

    [Pocket-Lint]

iGyaan Network
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.