11/20, 12:45pm
AbingtonIP launhces class action MS lawsuit
Texas-based law firm AbingtonIP has launched a class-action lawsuit against Microsoft for its large-scale ban of Xbox 360 users from the Xbox Live online gaming community who have illegally modified their consoles. The firm acknowledges that modification of the consoles is against the terms of use for Xbox Live, but argues that the timing of the bans generated Xbox Live revenues, thanks to the release of popular online titles such as Halo 3: ODST and the more recent Modern Warfare 2.
more
11/16, 6:05pm
Mad Catz Wireless-N aids X360, PS3, PC
Mad Catz today dipped into networking with its own wireless bridge. Meant as an alternative to the official Xbox adapter, the Wireless-N Gaming Adapter takes the Ethernet connection from an Xbox 360, 20GB PlayStation 3 or any computer and turns it into an 802.11n Wi-Fi signal. The peripheral doesn't reach full 802.11n speeds but can still peak at 150Mbps.
more
11/16, 3:35pm
Feature tweask include smart sorting
Cynical Peak has released v2.3 of Rivet, its Mac media streaming software. The app shares music, video, photo and podcast content with consoles on a local-area network, namely the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3. Material can be pulled direclty from Aperture, iPhoto or iTunes libraries, though video can only be streamed from custom folders.
more
11/13, 4:10pm
October sales number show Wii back on top
While Sony's PS3 has outsold Microsoft's Xbox 360 in October after the introduction of the lower-priced $300 slim PS3, Nintendo's Wii is back to the top of the sales charts, according to data collected by NPD. Still, the market is being saturated, as the Wii's sales in October of 2008 were nearly 300,000 units stronger. These numbers also came during an overall software sales slump, which fell 18 percent from the same period last year.
more
11/13, 1:05pm
Best Buy Thanksgiving sale flyer leaked
The flyer for Best Buy's Black Friday/Thanksgiving sale has been leaked on the Internet ahead of its official release thanks to a copy posted today. Among the 'doorbusters' are a $300 PS3 bundle that includes two games, while an Xbox 360 bundle with six games will carry the same sticker price. Another front-page deal involves a 46-inch, 120Hz LED-backlit Samsung HDTV with free home delivery, hook-up and recycling for $1,600, or $1,000 off.
more
11/12, 6:30pm
Xbox 360 fall update due next week
Microsoft today confirmed that its Xbox 360 fall update should go live for all users next week, on November 17th. The upgrade will give those outside of the preview program the major features promised in late spring, including Facebook and Twitter, Last.fm streaming and 1080p Zune Marketplace videos.
more
11/11, 12:15pm
Project Natal price, ship targets slip out
Microsoft hopes to price Project Natal low enough that virtually every gamer can add it, a major rumor claimed on Wednesday. Alleged sources of MCV's argue that the Xbox 360 motion controller is being designed with a price target of £50 (about $80) or less with 14 games, presumably mini-games, included in the box. The target is such that Microsoft hopes for "impulse buy" customers and may even drop to £30 ($50).
more
11/10, 11:00am
X360 11n wireless adapter now available
After a premature release, Microsoft's 802.11n Wi-Fi adapter is now on sale through Newegg. It provides multiple times more bandwidth than the original 802.11g adapter and uses MIMO (multiple in, multiple out) through twin antennas to both provide a more reliable signal as well as to extend range. Microsoft claims up to twice the range of the earlier technology.
more
11/06, 10:30am
MS glass interface uses eyes, gestures, voice
Microsoft chief research officer Craig Mundie as part of his college tour this week demonstrated a unique concept for a future computing interface that would in many cases go without any touch input. Although it would support pens for precise input, the transparent glass display would also recognize voices and detect touch-free gestures, much as with the Xbox 360's upcoming Project Natal. The system can also detect eyes and navigate based on their gaze.
more
11/05, 7:30pm
Adapter to replace current 802.11g model
Microsoft's 802.11n adapter for the Xbox 360 has surfaced in Costco's online store for a slightly discounted price of $88. The accessory previously popped up in GameStop's inventory slated for November 3rd, although the listing was later removed. Costco claims the adapter is scheduled for shipment a week later on November 10th.
more
11/04, 3:05pm
Microsoft cuts go beyond planned 5K
Microsoft today confirmed late rumors and said it has cut 800 additional jobs. The positions are spread across many of the company's divisions and are above and beyond the 5,000 cuts planned at the start of the year. No direct explanation is given other than that the company says it still has to "manage [its] businesses closely" and watch for where it can trim costs.
more
11/04, 2:35pm
Walmart confirms day of deals
Yesterday's leak of Walmart offering several sales on consumer electronics products has been confirmed today by the big-box electronics retailer. The one-day deals are slated to start on Saturday, November 7th at 8AM. The leaked image matches Walmart's official products down to the prices and includes an Xbox 360 Arcade gaming console coming with a $100 gift card for $199. The headline offering, according to Walmart, is a 46-inch plasma HDTV with 1080p resolution and three HDMI ports for $788.
more
11/03, 5:00pm
Walmart weekend deals on electronics leaked
Walmart will be selling Xbox 360 Arcade edition for $199 bundled with a $100 gift card this upcoming Saturday, Kotaku reported on Tuesday. If true, this would be the best deal for the popular gaming console to date. At the same time, the leaked inventory screen capture reveals a number of other items on sale, including a $148 Sony Blu-ray disc player and a 42-inch Sharp TV for $498.
more
11/03, 4:35pm
LaCie Network Space 2 now out in 1TB capacity
LaCie on Tuesday revealed its latest storage solution, the Network Space 2 Network Attached Storage (NAS) and media server. Again designed by Neil Poulton like many of LaCie's similar products, the Network Space 2 is user friendly thanks to the preloaded LaCie Network Assistant. This allows users to customize the dashboard with widgets, which let them access networks and drive information as well as user accounts and drive capacity.
more
10/29, 11:05am
Nintendo Wii rumored to get Netflix streaming
Leaked images that were not made public reveal the Nintendo Wii will soon get Netflix streaming capabilities, StreamingMedia reported on Wednesday. The source is said to be someone involved with the project, who confirms the development is already in testing stages and the arrival of the service is due fairly soon.
more
10/29, 7:40am
DSi LL has larger screen for Internet use
Nintendo quickly confirmed rumors today by unveiling the DSi LL. Its screens have increased by more than an inch to 4.2 inches each and are seen as better for Internet access as well as for gameplay. It also gets a larger, more comfortable second stylus and a battery life that increases from 2.5 hours to three during active gameplay.
more
10/26, 7:05am
PS3 Netflix deal breaks Xbox exclusive
Netflix this morning broke its once-exclusive Xbox 360 deal with Microsoft by offering Netflix for PlayStation 3. The link will let any US-based PS3 owner with a Netflix subscription stream movies and TV shows online; they can also add movies to the queue and rate titles. Early on, the service will depend on customers owning a free Blu-ray disc that draws on BD-Live for Internet access, but the service should eventually be integrated into the PS3's firmware.
more
10/23, 12:00pm
Netflix going international, to a new device?
During a Thursday third quarter earnings report, Netflix has revealed increased revenues thanks to a 22 percent increase of streaming video use, and this from a smaller subscriber base. At the same time, CEO Reed Hastings revealed Netflix will become available for streaming on another electronics device, though he did not offer any other specifics. Hastings did indicate game consoles are also key to the expansion of the service, which could spell an end to the exclusivity of Netflix on Microsoft's Xbox 360.
more
10/23, 9:20am
Microsoft faces third quarterly decline
Microsoft today reported its third consecutive decline in quarterly revenue. The company's total revenue during the summer dropped a sharp 14 percent year-over-year to $12.92 billion and is attributed almost exclusively to the Windows division, whose own revenue fell 38.76 percent to $2.62 billion. It also saw a decline in the overall health of its Business and Online Services groups.
more
10/22, 7:00pm
Major Nelson says no Blu Xbox
Xbox Live Programming Director Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb tonight quickly denied Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer's statements pointing to an Xbox 360 Blu-ray player. He now claims that Ballmer was referring to PC drives and repeats Microsoft's frequent public statements that it has "no plans" to add Blu-ray. He maintains instead that the Zune Video Marketplace will be the only HD video option in the near future.
more
10/22, 7:55am
Ballmer sees Blu-ray external only
Microsoft chief Steve Ballmer may have inadvertently tipped off his firm's plans for an external Blu-ray drive for the Xbox 360 in a talk in advance of today's Windows 7 launch. The executive is doubtful that it will ever be built-in but does tell Gizmodo that an external Blu-ray drive will be an option. He doesn't provide details but is unexpectedly confident that the hardware is enroute.
more
10/20, 4:15pm
Altec intros amp-like portable speaker
Altec Lansing on Tuesday introduced a new gaming console speaker system, its Stage-Gig. Resembling a guitar amp, the amplified speaker is made to work with Rock Band, Guitar Hero, and DJ Hero titles on any gaming console. The 6.5-inch woofer contains a horn-loaded silk tweeter and has 40W of power. For easy portability, a carrying handle is built in, and the device can be daisy-chained with others thanks to a built-in AC outlet and RCA connections.
more
10/19, 8:20am
Microsoft ad shows store launch details
Microsoft has confirmed plans to open its first Microsoft store on Windows 7's launch for Thursday. The Arizona Republic ad promises the Scottsdale store will open at 10AM and is providing multiple incentives to spur early traffic: the first 1,000 visitors get gift bags and tickets to an Ashley Tisdale concert at 5PM. Every PC buyer on launch day gets a free HP printer and a copy of Office 2007 Home & Student.
more
10/16, 3:25pm
GameStop launches two-tone Xbox 360 gamepad
Video game retailer GameStop is now offering a specially made Xbox 360 controller. The limited-edition device is the first official multi-colored gamepad for the Xbox 360, and will begin shipping the week of October 19th. The controller includes a Play & Charge Kit and is covered in faux carbon fiber with red accents.
more
10/15, 12:40pm
Microsoft retail timed with new OS
Microsoft's planned retail store openings will start just in time for Windows 7's appearance next week, a leak late yesterday may reveal. A single source for the WSJ says the first store, in Scottsdale, Arizona, should open either on Windows 7's October 22nd release date or within a few days afterwards. However, it would be the only store to launch near the OS as the Mission Viejo, California store would only open a few weeks later.
more
10/08, 12:00am
Adds 1-touch backup, user replaceable drives
Iomega tonight launched a sweeping update to its StorCenter network-attached storage (NAS) hub. The company has added a host of new features both in hardware and software, including support for Bluetooth, Windows' Active Directory, improved energy savings, user replaceable drives, remote access and a one-button backup.
more
10/06, 5:45pm
MS considers Mac Zune app an option
Microsoft today acknowledged that it has debated porting the Zune software and its according services to the Mac or even to portable Apple devices like the iPhone and iPod. Director of Communications for TV, Video and Music Jose Pinero explained to Mary Jo Foley that it's one of "a lot of options" for platform expansion but also stressed that the Zune platform isn't tied to players like the Zune HD or even necessarily to Microsoft. Its own platforms take highest priority but aren't exclusive.
more
10/05, 8:50pm
802.11g model expected to see price drop
Confirming earlier reports, Microsoft's upcoming 802.11n adapter for the Xbox 360 has landed in GameStop's inventory for $99. The accessory integrates dual antennas designed to maintain faster data speeds, while the improved performance should enable users to stream 1080p videos available through the new Zune movie service.
more
10/05, 5:25pm
QNAP rolls out TS-410 home NAS
QNAP furthered its push into mainstream network-attached storage on Monday with the TS-410. While resembling its work-oriented drives, the NAS is meant for the home and has built-in DLNA and UPnP servers to share media over a local network, including to the PS3, Xbox 360 or to iPhones and iPod touch devices through an iPhone app. It also brings BitTorrent, FTP and HTTP downloaders to grab files no matter which computers are online.
more
09/29, 12:40pm
Console, gamepad deals
In a bid to spur upcoming holiday sales, Microsoft has announced two new gaming bundles. The first is the Xbox 360 Elite Holiday Bundle, which links the high-end version of the 360 with Pure, an all-terrain racing game, and the kids' action title Lego Batman. The bundle should already be in Canadian and American stores, and cost approximately $299 US. The Elite is distinguished by a 120GB hard drive and HDMI output.
more
09/24, 7:50am
PS3 Final Fantasy XIII and 1m slim PS3s sold
Sony kicked off the Tokyo Game Show with a special model of the PS3 for Japan as well as word of runaway sales for the slimmer model worldwide. The company's home country is receiving a special Final Fantasy XIII Lightning Edition of the console that both gives it a 250GB hard drive, making it the first to get the extra storage, and adds a special white design with pink artwork of the game's central character Lightning on the top. The model doesn't include a copy of the game but should ship for the equivalent of $455 on December 17th.
more
09/23, 11:05pm
Wii at $200 on Sept. 27
Nintendo this evening confirmed repeated leaks by formally detailing its price cut for the Wii. The console's regular price will fall from $250 to $200 as of September 27th. The box will continue to include the regular bundle of the system, a Wii remote, a nunchuk and Wii Sports.
more
09/23, 3:25pm
PS3 shortages may follow $300 price
The PlayStation 3 could face shortages during the holidays if its current sales rate keeps up, SCEA chief Jack Tretton warned today. He explained that PS3 sales have tripled since the price drop to $300 and the slim redesign and that it's "conceivable" a sustained surge could lead to some stores running dry due to demand finally outpacing supply. He didn't provide a more specific estimate for when this could happen.
more
09/23, 8:40am
Memo proves Wii dropping to $200
A leaked note today has all but confirmed Nintendo's plans to cut the Wii's price to $200. The memo sent to Engadget tells staff that Nintendo will announce the cut on the 25th and have it take effect on the 27th. Such a schedule is consistent with Nintendo's past practices of announcing minor console updates on Fridays and of shipping updates on Sundays.
more
09/22, 10:55pm
Device to add $20 over current 802.11g model
Microsoft has allegedly set a price of $100 to purchase the upcoming 802.11n adapter for the Xbox 360, an unnamed "Mole" told Ars Technica. The company recently acknowledged the device's existence, after it had been spotted in FCC documents. Dual antennae are expected to help the system stream 1080p content available through the Zune movie portal.
more
09/22, 11:45am
Xbox 360 Elite now $250 after rebate
Microsoft surprised gamers Tuesday morning with word of an Xbox 360 Elite rebate (link active soon). The deal gives buyer of the 120GB game system a $50 mail-in discount that effectively brings the price of the system down to $250, or the same price as the Nintendo Wii. It lasts only until October 6th.
more
09/22, 8:50am
Netflix CEO talks iPhone, other systems
Netflix should not only branch out to other game consoles but also mobile devices like the iPhone as well, CEO Reed Hastings said later on Monday. Although Microsoft claims an Xbox 360 exclusive for game systems, Hastings expects the streaming version of his video service to eventually arrive on "all" consoles as well as Blu-ray players and TVs. He doesn't have a timetable for when the exclusivity would end.
more
09/21, 8:55pm
Adapter could be sold alongside the Wi-Fi model
Microsoft has allegedly confirmed the existence of an 802.11n adapter for the Xbox 360, according to Joystiq. The accessory was recently spotted in FCC documents, leading to speculation that the company is ready to replace the current 802.11a/b/g model. Microsoft did not provide many details, although it referenced the accessory as "another choice to consumers." The choice of words suggests that the 802.11n adapter may be sold alongside the older model instead of serving as a replacement.
more
09/21, 3:05pm
Next-gen Nintendo Wii coming in 2011?
Speaking in an FT interview, software developer Square Enix's chief Yoichi Wada implied the second-generation Nintendo Wii console will be launched sometime in 2011. When it does arrive, Wada believes the so called Wii HD will be capable of many of the same features of competing gaming systems, namely Sony's PlayStation 3 and Microsoft's Xbox 360. This likely means it will be capable of HD video playback and other multimedia capabilities already offered by its more expensive competition.
more
09/16, 1:30pm
Xbox 360 bundle to indclude Halo 3: ODST, more
Quickly following the recently confirmed Modern Warfare 2 Xbox 360 bundle comes word of a Halo 3: ODST hardware bundle for a European release. This bundle will include a black, 120GB Xbox 360 Elite and matching controller, along with Halo 3: ODST, Halo 3 and access to the online-only Halo: Reach beta.
more
09/15, 11:05pm
Xbox 360 Elite Modern Warfare 2 bundle
Game developer Infinity Ward tonight ended up confirming Microsoft's plans for a 250GB Xbox 360 Elite by detailing a special bundle for the software team's upcoming shooter. The Modern Warfare 2 Limited Edition both includes the added capacity as well as a custom paint scheme for the console, two wireless gamepads and a copy of the game itself. The bundle should already be available for pre-order and will come at $399, a discount compared to buying the individual items separately.
more
09/15, 4:30pm
ViewSonic intros HDTVs, some double as monitors
TV and monitor maker ViewSonic on Tuesday introduced six new LCD HDTVs, ranging from a 20-inch set that can double as a computer monitor to a 42-inch HDTV. Starting from smallest to largest, the 20-inch VT2042 has a resolution of 1600x900, the 23-inch VT2342 gets a 1920x1080 screen while the VT2645 has 1366x768 pixels in its display.
more
09/15, 4:15pm
Home Base shares wireless USB devices
Belkin has introduced its Home Base networking hub on Tuesday, which allows users to share peripherals using their existing wireless networks, including printers, external hard drives or other USB devices. The Home Base is compatible with other Wi-Fi b/g/n devices and will also allow users to automatically back up a connected computer's files onto a designated and connected USB hard drive.
more
09/15, 9:30am
Xbox 360 Wireless N Adapter in testing
The FCC inadvertently revealed through a filing Microsoft's plans to replace its aging Xbox 360 Wi-Fi adapter with a new model. Labeled as the Wireless N Network Adapter, it would not only add the faster wireless speeds but a second antenna to improve reception. The peripheral would as before attach through USB but is now black to color-match the now mainstream Xbox 360 Elite.
more
09/14, 5:40pm
Wii at $200 says Toys R Us
Nintendo will finally react to Microsoft and Sony price cuts with one of its own, a Toys R Us flyer leaked on Monday appears to show. The ad obtained by Kotaku shows the Wii dropping from $250 to $200 for the regular bundle, which packs in Wii Sports. The cut would allegedly take effect for the last week of September, when the ad for the new price is supposed to run.
more
09/09, 6:45pm
QNAP NAS servers get 8TB capacity, hot swap bays
QNAP recently announced it has added two new Turbo NAS servers to its extensive lineup, including the TS-419P for desktops and the rack-mounted TS-419U. Their specs are nearly identical, including the same Marvell 1.2GHz processor, 512MB of DDR2 RAM and support for up to 8TB. Either can hold both 2.5- and 3.5-inch hard drives in four hot-swappable bays. Storage expansion is made possible thanks to four USB ports and two eSATA ports.
more
09/09, 9:10am
Logitech wireless drums, guitar for Wii
Logitech this morning countered the launch of Beatles: Rock Band with the launch of three music game controllers, including its first two for the Wii. The Wireless Guitar Controller for Wii and companion Wireless Drum Controller for Wii both replace the stock plastic controllers with more authentic metal and wood that both feels more natural and is quieter to use. These Nintendo-specific models also have a slot for the Wii remote to provide normal controller functions in a single body.
more
09/07, 11:05am
PS3 Sales Surge in UK
Sony achieved a rare feat in the past week with the PS3 clearly outselling every other console in the UK, data from ChartTrack shows. In what's also the first week the slim PS3 has been available, the smaller and less expensive model helped PS3 sales jump 999 percent. The research firm wouldn't provide hard numbers to MCV but said that the DS Lite, Wii and Xbox 360 all sold in similar numbers and that the PS3 sold roughly three times as many units as these.
more
09/04, 3:20pm
PS3 outsells X360 and Wii
Sony's introduction of the slim PS3 and the resulting price cut have led it to a rare lead in game consoles in North America, weekly data for the end of August shows. While the new model itself wasn't on shelves for most of the August 23rd to 29th period covered by VGChartz, the outgoing 80GB and 160GB models registered 75,931 sales. The number is more than double the 37,167 Sony sold the week earlier and in a rare instance had Sony not only outsell the Xbox 360, which came next with 74,689 sales, but also the Wii's 74,245 units.
more
09/04, 2:05pm
Xbox 360 Halo 3 Wi-Fi bundle
Canadian retailer Future Shop this week went beyond Microsoft's official Xbox price cuts by launching an even more aggressively-priced bundle for the game. First spotted earlier in the week and now online, the Elite Value Bundle gives the typical 120GB Xbox 360 Elite a copy of Halo 3 as well as the Wireless Network Adapter for Wi-Fi. The pack by itself gives the console an edge over the slim PS3 by matching its Wi-Fi and adding a free game in the process.
more
