Tag: halo

Halo Infinite 2020 Xbox, PC Trailer Released

Halo, the almost two-decade long-running series will launch its latest entry in fall 2020. The multi-billion dollar franchise that comprises of video games, feature films, and novels will culminate the vast and detailed storyline in its 6th title in the main story. The legendary first-person shooter game that cemented many of the fundamentals of the genre will be the launch title for the new generation Xbox.

Microsoft initially teased Halo Infinite at E3 in 2018. It unveiled the game studio’s plan on going back to the original artwork and styling like the first three games in the series. The trailer at E3 has given the iconic Master Chief (the protagonist) a lot more screen time. The Chief was seen slotting in Cortana’s chip into his helmet, with her voice also being heard later at the Control Room, suggesting her possible return.

Halo Infinite will launch alongside the company’s next-generation consoles, codenamed Project Scarlet. The game will also be available to Xbox One and, for the first time since Halo 2, on PCs. Microsoft earlier in the year announced the entire lineup of the Halo franchise will be ported to PC. In the new trailer, an unnamed engineer is seen resuscitating the Spartan, Master Chief.

343 Industries, the team behind the game states that Halo Infinite will be a “spiritual reboot” of Halo. The game will feature new characters and a “perfect starting point” for new players. This implies that the game would be set on the titular Halo ring just like the first title 20 years ago.

Also Read: Nokia Reportedly Plans On Releasing Two 5G Smartphones In Q3 Of 2019

The story will bring distinct challenges for the Master Chief along with new and repeating characters. Halo Infinite is rumoured to be an open-world version of Halo. The game will run on the new Slipspace Engine developed by 343 Industries. This will provide ample power for future Halo entries and experiences. Glimpses of the engine’s capabilities are seen in the trailers that carry the “in-game captured footage” tag.

June 10, 2019
PC Gamers Will Get To Test Out Halo: The Master Chief Collection Pre-Release

After Microsoft announced the arrival of the hugely popular Halo Series on PC, gamers have been ecstatic about it. Tweets clearly depict how excited people are because Halo is depicted as the game which helped sell Microsoft’s Xbox in the first place. Following the announcement, Microsoft has revealed that PC gamers will be granted the opportunity to test out the game ahead of its release.

Halo Insider Program

Selected gamers who are a part of the game Insider Program will be able to test out the features of the game before it comes out. The Insider program will accept feedback and insights from gamers regarding the in-game progress and gameplay. Noteworthy, there is a chance that not everyone who signs up for the Insider program may get selected for the testing phase.

About Halo

First released for Microsoft’s Xbox in 2014, the Halo franchise will be available to play on PC via popular gaming portal, Steam. The franchise package will include Halo Reach, Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, and Halo 4. It is interesting to note that all the iterations of the game will not be released at once, instead, Microsoft plans to release all the games in chronological order. This means that Halo: Reach will be the first game that will land in the hands of gamers. Even though the game was first released in the year 2010, it’s still a classic and is rated as one of the best gameplay experiences of all time by gamers worldwide

Also Read: Xiaomi Launches The Black Shark 2 Gaming Smartphone With Snapdragon 855 SoC

It is still not clear whether Microsoft will include support for 4K resolutions and 60 fps in the early iterations of the game. Fans are excited for the same though, probably because they will get to re-live the entire game universe all over again, this time in enhanced configurations. Furthermore, if players own the game on Xbox, they won’t be able to use the same copy on PC. This means that interested gamers will have to purchase a separate copy of the game in order to run it on their PCs. As of now, no concrete release date has been provided by the American company.

March 19, 2019
Halo: Spartan Strike is Now Out for iOS, Steam And Windows

Halo is back again with its newest top-down shooter game. Partnering with Vanguard Games, Microsoft Studios and 343 Industries have launched Halo: Spartan Strike. The new story is touted to be different from previous releases.

The new story is based in the Halo universe on New Mombasa in the year of 2552. The game consists of 30 different levels while maintaining the objective of leading the UNSC troops through jungles and cities against Covenant and Promethean foes. For aid, the player has a huge arsenal of weapons, abilities and vehicles. In addition to this, players can buckle up against each other in a variety of weekly challenges to earn the top spot on the leaderboard. The achievements can be earned to attain new avatars or emblems on Xbox One.

The game is available for $5.99 on iOS, Windows and Steam. For iOS and Steam users, you can also avail Halo: Spartan assault as a bundle for $9.99. The Indian Windows Store lists the game for Rs. 379. Once purchased on any Windows device, this game can be played across different platforms too. This includes syncing of the game data and progress, as long as it is connected to Steam.

April 17, 2015
Microsoft Releases Two New Trailers and Reveals the Launch Date for Halo 5: Guardians

Microsoft’s Halo is one of the most popular games in the market. This year, the fifth installment will be up for grabs on October 27. The date of launch was mentioned in the two new trailers released by Microsoft during the season finale of “The Walking Dead.”

Both the trailers are shot in live action and seem like a juxtaposition of each other. It shows the scene, but the two characters are on opposite ends in both videos. According to some decrypters on the internet, it is said that a super soldier named Locke believes Master Chief, the protagonist from the previous “Halo” games, is a traitor, but the reason is unknown.

Halo 5: Guardians is developed by game makers. 343 industries who had also created the previous two offerings under the banner of Halo. It is said that the trailer indicates the possibility of controlling multiple characters in the latest version of the game.

Over the years, Microsoft has seen tremendous appreciation and demand for this game. The fifth edition will come to Xbox consoles on 27th October this year; so you know when to clear up your schedule and warm up your Xbox for unending Halo sessions.

Here are both the new trailers for Halo 5: Guardians.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHQiYPiNVEE#t=61

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rd8FWUCCZk

March 30, 2015
Cortana : Is Microsoft Ready For a Catfight With Siri

Siri with her lovely voice introduced the concept of personal assistants (PA) on phones. It was the closest people could get to own their own JARVIS and wasn’t she one snarky lady. Google tried to match up to her, but they could only muster up a personality less voice.

Microsoft is now bringing its answer to Siri and this woman comes directly from the world of Halo. She has been called one of the sexiest women in video game history and GameTrailers put her in the “top 10 babes who are out of your league” list (which for gamers is probably every woman ever.) She was originally based on the Egyptian princess Nerfititi and her name is CORTANA.

Microsoft sure released an impressive introduction video for her:

Cortana was the name Microsoft used during the development process of the app. But as the developers themselves had been in love with her during their endless sessions of Halo, they pressured Microsoft to let the name be for the Artificial Intelligence infused, Windows phone 8.1 personal assistant app.

What Microsoft is really banking on though is Cortana’s ability to “chitchat” with the user. It reminds you of Scarlett Johansson-voiced character Samantha, from the movie ‘Her’. Though don’t get your hopes up yet or be discouraged that she will leave you like Samantha (or Scarlett) left Joaquin Phoenix, because Cortana is just starting out. If Microsoft’s history is to be considered, she will at most disappear behind a blue screen of death (tsk.)

The personality of Cortana is directly inspired by her AI counterpart in Halo. ‘363 Industries’ which produces Halo, was roped in to provide the backstory and character elements for the PA app. These character elements may be what gives Cortana the edge over Siri. Even if its just the predetermined responses, Cortana can carry out a flowy conversation with its user. Maybe someday she will evolve into a personal associate rather than just a personal assistant.

On the Utility front, Cortana (I am trying to use less pronouns for ‘her’ because that’s one sexy name) provides all the functions that Siri and Google Now offer; like setting reminders and calendar, weather and traffic information, writing notes and messages.

The Siri update in the iOS 8 hasn’t been a significant one. Apple has focused more on the interconnectivity element of the OS. They have also integrated Shazam with Siri with other minor tweaks to the app.

This might actually work in Microsoft’s favor. If the users are really able to have a conversation with an Artificially Intelligent PA and enjoy it, they wouldn’t really care about Shazam integration of Siri. For once, Microsoft might take a page out of Apple’s book of taking inspirations from existing technology and turning into revolutionary new idea. Cortana also looks beautiful with the two concentric circles which gets her activated.

Though Cortana doesn’t have natural conversational ability like Samantha, but somehow her semi-robotic voice has its own sex appeal. Microsoft has plans to bring Cortana to countries like UK and China though that would involve going back to recreating the database for a whole new language or accent. That bet will only payout if she performs as per her marketing hype.

As we don’t have access to her yet, we will wait to give you in-depth updates on whether Cortana can be your next best companion.

June 5, 2014
HALO 4 comes to the Gaming world with a Bang

Microsofts biggest game series ever HALO will get its newest edition the HALO 4 to the world today. Microsoft hopes the return of the laconic green-armored super-soldier protagonist of Halo, which has generated $3 billion of revenue since its 2001. The Game launched in 40 countries starting midnight tuesday. The Halo series, made by Microsoft Game Studios, spearheaded the company’s foray into gaming that began with the 2001 launch of the first Xbox. It has sold more than 46 million copies to date and helped the console lead the market ahead of Sony’s

The Game will be launched and will compete alongside Activision Blizzard’s Call of Duty Enterprise.

[quote] “Because there hasn’t been a game to star “Master Chief” for five years, there’s a bit of a pent-up demand,” said Ryan McCaffrey, Xbox Executive editor at videogame website IGN.com. “Call of Duty has taken over as the most popular game on the Xbox, so I think it will be very close,” [/quote]

HALO 4 is expected to haul a large gaming re-ignition with Microsoft, and is being pegged at the biggest thing to have happened to Gaming since the original HALO. Microsoft also held a massive launch event last week in the small country of Liechtenstein in Europe. Some historic landmarks and the countryside of the 62-square mile nation was transformed into a futuristic Halo-like universe and reporters were allowed to test the game.

November 6, 2012
Microsoft at E3! Revamped games, Xbox Music and SmartGlass announced

For the past 5 years, Microsoft has been the star at E3 gaming event. Hence, it was only natural to think that they wouldn’t disappoint this year either. Oh, we were mistaken. The lack of a big surprise and a relative dearth of brand new titles stopped this from being a great conference. Even Usher couldn’t bring the crowd off their seats.

The event started out with a loud and action-filled (obviously) trailer of Halo 4, which was followed by Don A. Mattrick, President of the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft taking over the stage and announcing “We’re on a mission to make entertainment even more amazing”. How we wish.

Halo 5!

Cut to footage of Splinter Cell: Blacklist, Ubisoft Toronto’s first announced title, developed under the stewardship of Jade Raymond. Seems Splinter Cell has morphed into a cross between Ghost Recon and Black Ops. However, an interesting feature was the use of the Kinect Mic to attract the attention of your enemies.

Andrew Wilson, Head of EA SPORTS at Electronic Arts, took to the stage and announced that Kinect support will be coming to Madden 13 and FIFA 13. A Video showed players making subsititutions and adjustments to team formation by shouting at Kinect, just like a real manager probably. Though I’m not sure my neighbor wants to hear me yelling “get Mario off the pitch he’s a liability!”

Microsoft then turned their attention to their first party franchises. Fable The Journey had a brief trailer. Seems like last year’s lukewarm reception to the game made an impact, it looks much better. However, that was only in terms of visuals, with no gameplay showed, so quite how the game has developed in the past 12 months remains a mystery. In a quickfire volley of trailers, Gears of War Judgment got its first airing, apparently casting Baird in the lead role which came as a shock as nobody quite liked Baird. Again, no gameplay but it will be interesting to see how new developer People Can Fly (Bulletstorm) bring their unique attitude to shooters, and how they can make Baird less of a jerk. Forza Horizon and a whopping dollop of dubstep rounded out the trailer, taking the detailed visuals and handling of Forza and transplanting it into open road racing and motor festivals. Resident Evil 6 and Tomb Raider too made blink and you miss appearances.

What turned out to be the most interesting announcement of the event was the announcement of Xbox Music and SmartGlass. Microsoft revealed the details of the two concepts at their pre-E3 press conference. Xbox Music will go up against popular music streaming services like Spotify, Apple’s iTunes etc. to bring music to your Xbox console as well as Windows tablets and smartphones. There was no indication of the release date, but Microsoft insisted that while Xbox Music will replace their not-so-successful Zune, it will be more than a simple revamp of that application. The teaser video showed users being able to queue up music and share what they are listening to with friends, much in the same way Spotify does. However, Microsoft said that the unique features for the service will be detailed in the coming weeks.

Xbox Music is aimed at challenging Spotify and iTunes.

Xbox SmartGlass allows users to interact with their Xbox console and television screen using their tablet computers –including Apple’s iPad– and smartphones. The concepts on display included being able to watch a movie on your tablet computer and then transfer it directly to your Xbox and television to pick up where you left off. Interestingly, while you are watching a television show or playing a game on your television with Xbox SmartGlass enabled on your tablet device, the two screens will interact with each other in different ways. For games, there was a concept demo of a player of American football game Madden 13 choosing plays on their tablet while playing the main game on the television, and a concept for FPS Halo where the player could examine weaponry and interact with friends over the Xbox Live service on their tablet. This seems similar to Nintendo’s Wii U console, which comes with a tablet style controller. Microsoft also revealed that Internet Explorer would be making it’s way into Xbox and would be compatible with Kinect and SmartGlass.

The SmartGlass enables your tablets and smartphones to interact with your TV.

The show was rounded off by a Call of Duty Black Ops II trailer which nearly brought the whole center down by sheer volume. It showcased some interesting gadgets, with the player controlling a small drone to wipe out enemies and a sniper rifle that can see through walls. It was classic Call of Duty gameplay, though the near future twist and vehicles add flavour to this most ubiquitous of series.

June 5, 2012
Jabra Launches Halo 2 Bluetooth Headset (PR)

Jabra has launched the revision to their bluetooth headband the Halo. Dubbed the Halo 2 (thats original!) The bluetooth headset revises and ups to Bluetooth 3.0. Stay tuned for us to go hands on with a ton of accessories.

Key specifications of the Jabra HALO2 Bluetooth stereo headset:

Bluetooth 3.0 wireless technology
A2DP for wireless music streaming
AM3D Virtual Surround Sound 2.0 and Power Bass
AVRCP for remote controls (skip track, pause, etc.)
Noise Blackout™ technology with dual microphones
Foldable headband
Talk time – 8 hours
Standby time – 13 days
Micro USB charger
Dimensions – 45mm (D) x 165-190mm (H) x 136mm (W)
Weight – 2.8 ounces

Price is set at Rs. 6499/-

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Jabra launches HALO2, the stylish Bluetooth headband

Enables users to hear music on-the-go in wired or wireless mode without missing a call

Increase/decrease volume, answer/end calls, skip tracks and play/pause music without touching or taking out the phone or music player from the pocket or bag

New Delhi, November 17, 2011: Though, mobile phones are multitasking as portable music players, 89% of the respondents in a study* commissioned by Jabra recently stated that they regularly use a music device other than their phones, indicating a growing need for a headset that’s perfect match for phones as well as music players. Jabra, a GN Netcom brand and a one of the leading Bluetooth headset vendors worldwide, today announced the launch of HALO2, a stylish Bluetooth headband that allows users to enjoy their music on-the-go and yet never miss a call. Building on the high acceptance of Jabra HALO amidst users, the HALO2 version features advanced Multiuse technology, enabling connection with two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. It offers a winning combination of wireless and wired technology as it can be connected to non-Bluetooth music players as well via 3.5mm universal audio jack cable bundled along.

According to Ms. Ann Goh, Regional Sales Manager, GN Netcom, responsible for mobile products business in South East Asia, “Jabra HALO2 includes new features like AM3D Virtual Surround Sound (mimics multiple-speaker-sound that seems to come from various directions) with Power Bass, best-in-class digital signal processing (DSP) and proprietary Noise Blackout technology with dual microphones for crisp and clear music and call experience. What’s more, it has touch sensor on side that lets users adjust volume with the swipe of a finger besides a one-touch button to answer / end calls, skip tracks and play / pause songs. All of this can be done without touching or taking out the phone or the music player from the pocket or the bag.”

For comfort, the ear-pieces are cushioned with velvet and when it comes to the glamour quotient, the new metallic color-style makes Jabra HALO2 a really fashionable wear. It has a discreet extension at both the ends to suit different head sizes. Not to forget the intelligent power management or the intuitive on-off capability that saves on battery charge. Jabra HALO2 can be folded at both the ends and switches off when done so, and the moment the user unfolds it back into its regular shape, it switches itself on. Its battery lasts for 8 hours and has a standby time of 13 days. On one side, it displays the battery as well as Bluetooth connectivity status clearly such that users get to know when to charge the headband or when the pairing is weak.

Additionally, users will be able to upgrade their HALO2 with updates from Jabra as and when they become available via the in-built micro USB port. Apple-certified version of the product is also available for iPod, iPhone and iPad users.

Key specifications of the Jabra HALO2 Bluetooth stereo headset:

Bluetooth 3.0 wireless technology

A2DP for wireless music streaming
AM3D Virtual Surround Sound 2.0 and Power Bass
AVRCP for remote controls (skip track, pause, etc.)
Noise Blackout™ technology with dual microphones
Foldable headband
Talk time – 8 hours
Standby time – 13 days
Micro USB charger
Dimensions – 45mm (D) x 165-190mm (H) x 136mm (W)
Weight – 2.8 ounces

* Source: May 2011, GN External Stereo Web Survey

Price: Rs 6499
Warranty: One year local warranty
Availability: Redington (National Distributor)
Contact details: Phone – 044 39181300, Email – [email protected]

About GN Netcom: Through its Jabra brand, GN Netcom is a world leader in innovative headset solutions. With around 850 employees and sales offices around the world, GN Netcom develops and markets a broad range of wireless headsets and in-car speakerphones for mobile users and both wireless and corded headsets for contact center and office-based users. GN Netcom’s business activities also include its original equipment manufacturing (OEM) business. GN Netcom is a subsidiary of GN Store Nord A/S.

For more information, please visit www.jabra.com

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November 21, 2011
Microsoft confirms 3D compatibility in Halo, Xbox 360 Remake

Microsoft has finally confirmed 3D gaming for XBox 360. This comes almost a year after Sony added 3D support to their PS3. Joystiq experienced a demo at Gamescom in Germany, and reports that it only works with the game’s updated graphics mode, and that the game’s producer claims the framerate will stay consistent even in 3D. While there are already a number of Xbox 360 games that support 3DTVs.

Epic Games had also announced earlier this month the Gears of War 3 will also support 3D, but this is the first instance of game from Microsoft. Its good news for those already on the 3DTV bandwagon, but not too great for people who don’t want to loose their sight and hemorrhage their brains with excessive 3D.

[Joystiq]

August 29, 2011
Halo 4 and Kinect Sports Season 2 Announced at E3

During the Microsoft press conference at E3 in Los Angeles on Monday, Microsoft took the liberty to announce and show a sneak preview of Halo 4 Trilogy. Microsoft didn’t discuss much else about the game, but it did also announce that Xbox 360 owners will soon be able to get their hands on Kinect Sports Season 2, which will include golf, baseball, skiing, tennis, and football. Kinect Sports Season 2 is expected to land in time for the holiday season this year. That means not only will there be a limited edition of Halo this year but new Kinect Games to make you shale your bottom.

June 9, 2011