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Posts with tag microsoft

60GB Xbox 360 shows up for preorder at Circuit City, two days later than Amazon

by Joshua Fruhlinger, posted Jul 20th 2008 at 3:26PM

Xbox 360 preorder at Circuit City
If you're looking to step up to a 60GB Xbox 360 but have an irrational fear of Amazon, Circuit City just put it up for pre-order. The price is still $349.99 but ship date is August 6, two inexplicable days later than Amazon. The site lists an HDMI output with upscaling DVD player, which is nice to see. Other than that, all else looks to be the same -- no Circuit City bonuses like cables, games, or other schwag.

[Thanks, Dave]

Microsoft takes in $60b, sells 180m Vista licenses since launch

by Ryan Block, posted Jul 19th 2008 at 6:02AM


Microsoft's been touting its "fastest annual revenue growth since 1999," which resulted in a princely $60.42 billion dollars in its last fiscal year, but the number that has us rapt? Vista licenses sold since launch about 18 months ago: 180m. Damn, not too shabby a clip -- especially considering that they moved 20m licenses moved in month one, 40m licenses moved after the first 100 days, and 140m licenses by last April. But at roughly 10m licenses per month, that means Vista's still a couple years out before it surpasses XP, and with a bit of luck, by then we'll have already moved on to Windows 7.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Microsoft launching SideWinder X6 keyboard this fall?

by Ryan Block, posted Jul 19th 2008 at 1:53AM


Say, is this a Microsoft SideWinder-branded keyboard? Looks like it might just be. It looks like it'll go by the name of SideWinder X6, and feature a detachable numeric keypad, programmable keys, and "cruise control" (don't quote us, this is from a translation) which emulates a steady keypress. It'll run $80 in September -- that is, if this doesn't just turn out to be pure rumor.

[Thanks, Husar]

Update: Reader RainMotorsports points out that the side profile looks, well, unconvincing. Certainly right, especially when you ask yourself where those giant knobs went. Hey, we never said this was a sure thing!

NPD: Wii usurps Xbox 360 as best selling US game console, pulling away

by Thomas Ricker, posted Jul 18th 2008 at 1:17AM


It's neck-and-neck but Nintendo looks to have just slipped past Microsoft in terms of total US sales for current generation game consoles. What's more, it's pulling away with a 3:1 sales lead for the month of June. NPD Group reports more than 666,000 Wii consoles were sold in June compared to 405,500 PlayStation 3s and 219,800 Xbox 360s. That makes for a total of 10.9 million Wiis sold in the US since it launched in November of 2006. Impressive. Even more so considering that Microsoft had a one year head-start to reach a second place position of about 10.4 million US console sales.

Microsoft doing two new Xbox 360 colors: bright red and green

by Ryan Block, posted Jul 15th 2008 at 6:54AM


Come September 30th you'll be able to yourself some Microsoft Xbox 360 controllers in limited edition bright red and green colors. The packages will be slightly different, however, with the red including a Play & Charge Kit (i.e. rechargeable battery and USB cable) for $65, while the green (and how -- shown above) comes straight for $55. Unapologetically, Microsoft lists the "SKU role" for each controller as "profit driver." Indeed.

Gallery: Microsoft doing two new Xbox 360 colors: bright red and green

Xbox 360's overhauled Dashboard: the gallery

by Ryan Block, posted Jul 15th 2008 at 3:12AM


Oh yeah, we almost forgot that we have shots of the new Xbox 360 Dashboard -- check 'em out below. Hit up here and here for more on the big fall overhaul that will make your Xbox 360 Dashboard experience basically unrecognizable, for better or worse.

Gallery: Xbox 360's overhauled Dashboard: the gallery

Netflix on Xbox 360 and fall's revamped Dashboard / Guide details

by Ryan Block, posted Jul 14th 2008 at 5:12PM Featured Story


US Xbox 360 got some huge news today in Microsoft's new partnership with Netflix, but the Dashboard's got us pretty damned excited, too. We got a chance to sit down with Microsoft, including Shane Kim, VP of Strategy and BizDev for Xbox. Here's what you need to know:

Netflix
  • For now, Netflix will only stream in about-SD resolution.
  • As Netflix transitions to HD, Microsoft said it stands to reason that streaming HD to the Xbox should be feasible. (Read: eventual.)
  • Netflix will be for Xbox Live Gold members only, so you'll be paying that $50 per year if you want it.
  • Netflix video sharing ONLY works with other Netflix / Xbox Live Gold subscribers. You can't share video with a Silver member, or who doesn't subscribe to Netflix.
  • Microsoft doesn't seem to have concerns about redundant content between Netflix and XBLM, or Netflix cannibalizing XBLM sales. Makes sense -- if you had content available to rent or stream with Netflix, you probably weren't going to pay to rent it on XBLM anyway.
Xbox Dashboard / Guide and Live
  • "No functionality goes away" in new Dash -- so you won't be missing anything you have now.
  • Microsoft's Shane Kim says the company has "no plans to create a [Sony] 'Home'-like environment. ... It's about delivering base functionality at the service level." So it sounds like the avatars won't have a Home-like virtual theme-park to run around in.
  • No comment was made about Xbox price drops or how long it will take to get to the all-important $199 price point.
  • There will be no increase in your number of Xbox Live friends. Psh.
  • Don't like the new Dashboard look or avatars? Sorry, sucka, it's a mandatory update. Hey, at least it's free.
  • Microsoft didn't have any comment on what it intends to do about the whole modded controller thing.
  • The content Marketplace will be overhauled and revamped to ensure it's easier to navigate and much more scalable for the huge amount of content it's got.

Microsoft brings Netflix streaming to the Xbox 360 for Live Gold members

by Nilay Patel, posted Jul 14th 2008 at 2:51PM Breaking News


After months of speculation and rumors, Microsoft just announced that it's partnering with Netflix to allow Xbox 360 owners to stream movies from their Netflix queues for no extra charge. Microsoft says the 360 will be the only game system that allows Netflix access for no additional cost -- which isn't entirely accurate, since it sounds like only Live Gold members will get access. Streaming movies can also be shared with your Live party, allowing you to watch content together. Users will have instant access to their Netflix instant access queues, but it's not clear what resolution the content will be streamed at -- we'd guess it's roughly the same DVD-quality res that Roku's Netflix streamer is getting for now, but hopefully that'll change when the service launches in the fall with the new dashboard.

Engadget & Joystiq live from Microsoft's E3 2008 keynote

by Ryan Block, posted Jul 14th 2008 at 2:50PM Featured Story


We're here! The line is already mad long, but we must admit, it feels great to have E3 back at the convention center.

9:47 am PT: Alright! We're waiting in line for the MS press conference! We're feigning excitement through gratuitous use of exclamation points!

9:49 am PT: An MS representative asks us if we have our "passports." We assume she means our press badges and isn't about to whisk us to another country. Mind you, we've always wanted to see the Swiss Alps. Oh, and the chocolate and... okay, we're getting sidetracked.

9:51 am PT: So, if you were trying to spot us in this line, we'd be the ones holding laptops in one hand and typing with the other. We keep bumping into the person in front when the line comes to a halt, what with our eyes glued to our screens. Also, person behind us. STOP READING OVER OUR SHOULDERS. ALSO, YOU SMELL BAD.

Continue reading Engadget & Joystiq live from Microsoft's E3 2008 keynote

Microsoft announces Lips karaoke game with motion-sensitive mics

by Nilay Patel, posted Jul 14th 2008 at 1:49PM Breaking News


We pretty much knew it was coming, but Microsoft just officially announced the Lips karaoke game official. Just like we'd heard, the singalong title will come with a motion-sensitive mic that lights up in time to your voice. The game interface is somewhat similar to Rock Band or Singstar, where you have to hit various pitches accurately to rack up points -- but in addition to the game content, you'll be able to sing along to your own music off a Zune or iPod.

Xbox 360 goes 60GB, 20 gigger going for $299 while supplies last

by Paul Miller, posted Jul 13th 2008 at 3:45AM Breaking News

Word on the street was that the $299 price slash we've been hearing about wasn't about carving out a new pricepoint but instead making room for a new 60GB Xbox 360 in its place. Turns out the Mr. Word on the Street nailed this one, with Microsoft finally fessing up to the price drop, and announcing a new fancy 60GB Xbox 360 to fill in at that $349 pricepoint, which will be available in "early August." You can pick up a 20GB "while supplies last," but the $279 Arcade and $449 Elite aren't budging price wise. Oh, and can we just say that this couldn't come at any better a time? We just had to delete August Rush to make room for National Treasure 2, which we'll probably have to drop tomorrow for Fool's Gold. Such is life when you've only got 20GB to work with.

Update: Now up for an Amazon pre-order with an August 4th delivery.

[Thanks, Sean H. and Chris]

Continue reading Xbox 360 goes 60GB, 20 gigger going for $299 while supplies last

Microsoft Wireless Arc Mouse folds up, makes you look cool

by Joshua Fruhlinger, posted Jul 12th 2008 at 8:02AM

Microsoft Arc Mouse
Microsoft has had its share hits and misses as far as product design goes, but this Arc Mouse due this winter looks to be a slick little input device. Wireless and collapsible, the Arc Mouse promises to combine both portability and style for those of you on the "fashion edge" (their words, not ours). Hyperboles aside, this $59.95 optical jobby seems to be the real thing, and comes in both red and black. Look for it for the holiday season littering holiday gift guides.

Xbox 360 "Lips" microphone makes a cameo appearance

by Nilay Patel, posted Jul 12th 2008 at 3:01AM


We're not entirely sure what to make of this, but Gamekyo has some shots of an Xbox 360 wireless microphone rumored to be shipping alongside a Microsoft karaoke game called Lips. Yeah, Lips -- there's even box art, if you don't believe us. The wireless mic looks pretty much like any other wireless mic, except that it has glowing LEDs up the base that "pulse to the rhythm of your voice." Yeah, sure, but can it feel the beat of the rhythm of the night? Expect to see this one pop up next week at E3. Bonus Debarge video after the break.

[Via Joystiq]

Continue reading Xbox 360 "Lips" microphone makes a cameo appearance

More Xbox price cut rumors swirl

by Nilay Patel, posted Jul 1st 2008 at 2:26PM


The chatter surrounding a possible Xbox 360 price cut got a little louder today, as several news outlets have picked up on an anonymously-sourced Hollywood Reporter piece claiming that Redmond will drop the 360 Pro's price to $299 sometime before E3. That jives with all those leaked ads that hinted at a July 6th date, so we'll see soon enough -- and we'll bet you that extra $50 the $279 360 Arcade sees some price cut love as well.

[Thanks, cbost]

J Allard, CXO, surfaces at Microsoft C-level

by Thomas Ricker, posted Jul 1st 2008 at 5:28AM

J Allard, previously of Veep stature, has been elevated to the position of CXO (Chief eXperience Officer) and CTO of Microsoft's Entertainment and Devices Division. That puts the man synonymous with the Zune, Xbox, and once questionable, 80's style in charge of "the technical architecture and user experiences related to products and services of the Entertainment and Devices (E&D) division." He's also cracking the whip on the E&D's "incubation team" responsible for scouting out new opportunities for the division. You know, like the Zune Phone, Xbox 360 with Blu-ray, and Microsoft Surface Sphere. Thus making him the most important man inside Microsoft... from our perspective anyway.

[via Xbox 360 Fanboy]
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