GamerBlips - Latest Microsoft News Articles

Microsoft Denies Claim of 1 Million Banned 360s

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:19:00 +0000

Right around last week's release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 , Microsoft issued a wave of Xbox Live bans, with some reports saying they totaled between 600,000 to as many as 1 million modified consoles. While the extent of the bans was certainly immense (a glance at Craigslist following the culling proved that conclusively enough), Xbox Live general manager Marc Whitten denies the number was as stratospheric as a million. "We didn't release the number. I cannot explain to you why people would think it was a million people. It wasn't a million people," Whitten said in an interview with VentureBeat, where he also called the process of banning XBL users a "cat and mouse game." "These were people that were pirating software," Whitten explained. "We try to keep sanctity of life from a safety and anti-cheating perspective and we protect our partners...I think we do a really good job understanding what people are doing on ...

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A Good (or at Least Fairly Decent) Look at Sony's Magical Wand

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:57:40 +0000

Click for a larger view While Microsoft has been quite open with Project Natal, showing it to anyone who will look and taking it on talk show after talk show following E3, Sony has been much quieter about their unnamed motion control peripheral. In most cases, there isn't even a very good look at it to be found online. That is, until now. Sony gave those in attendance at their media and investors conference a better look at the revised form of what I'm calling the Wonder Wand. As you can see in the image above, it has at least six buttons placed upon it, including the standard four PS face buttons, a big central button between them, and the home button below. Plus, as you can plainly see by the text, it features force feedback, a gyroscope not unlike that in the Wii MotionPlus, an accelerometer, and something called "rendition by light," which may involve that bulb on top that looks like it should be sticking out of the mouth of a clown.

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Microsoft to Reveal More of Project Natal at Gamefest in February 2010

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:29:42 +0000

While earlier rumors of information surrounding the release of Project Natal were dismissed a inaccurate, Microsoft has gone on to confirm that it will reveal more information to developers at its Gamefest conferences in February, which are planned for the U.S., U.K., and Japan. For the multi-track American event, Microsoft says it will be have "two full tracks solely dedicated to disclosing never-before seen details of game development using Project Natal." One will regard designing for the peripheral, while the other discusses the device's technical aspects.

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Law Firm Mulls Class Action Suit Over Modded Xboxes

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:28:00 +0000

You know all those Xbox Live users who were banned from the network recently for, apparently, connecting modified 360s to Live? Law firm Abington IP is considering filing a class action lawsuit against Microsoft on behalf of interested/eligible ban-ees. Abington's website is looking for you if you: "Are an Xbox Live subscriber, had your modified Xbox console banned from Xbox Live, were not refunded a prorated sum for the time left on your subscription or have experienced other problems as a result of being banned, and would like to participate in a class action against Microsoft" The site also compares the mass-bannination to Microsoft using the "most indiscriminate 'weapons' in its arsenal in an effort to combat piracy," resulting in "a great deal of collateral damage." I spoke to an attorney at Abington to get a little more info on the potential lawsuit, and he wasn't offering anything on-the-record about the potential suit, so it looks ...

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Lick Up This Trailer For The New Guitar Hero 5 KISS Track Pack

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:17:00 +0000

Guitar Hero 5 fans can now rock their painted faces off to some brand new tracks from rock legends, KISS. The new track pack includes three tracks (“Modern Day Delilah,” “I Was Made for Loving You,” and “Lick It Up"), and will set you back $1.99/160 Microsoft Points/200 Wii Points per track, or $5.49/440 MSP/550 WP for the pack. While you wait for the black and white paint to dry on your hands, go ahead and check out the new trailer for the track pack to see what kinds of rock-foolery await you: Watch Larger Version | Watch HD Version

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Microsoft's Recent Xbox Bans May Result in Class Action Suit

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:49:00 +0000

Consumer specialists want banned Xbox owners to come forward in potential class action suit.

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Xbox 360 | Xbox Live ban class-action suit being mulled

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:18:23 +0000

Law fim puts out call for gamers tossed from Microsoft's online service in pre-Modern Warfare 2 purges. In the error message displayed by as many as 1 million Xbox 360s reportedly banned from Xbox Live earlier this month , Microsoft told gamers that there was "no recourse" for violating the system's terms of use agreement. The intellectual property law firm Abington IP apparently disagrees, as it is looking for banned Xbox Live members interested in a possible class action lawsuit against Microsoft. There is no recourse for Terms of Service violations…except maybe legal recourse. The firm claims that Microsoft waited until the release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 to ban systems in order to maximize sales. The firm believes that sales of Modern Warfare 2, the recently released Halo 3: ODST, and overall Xbox Live subscriptions would all have suffered had the ban been instituted earlier. While Abington IP ...

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Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers DLC Hits Rock Band Next Week

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:33:00 +0000

Coinciding with the release of the band's new Live Anthology album, six more live tracks from Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers are coming to Rock Band next week. Also on the way are singles from Kelly Clarkson, P!nk, and the Go-Go's. Individual tracks are priced at $1.99 (160 Microsoft points; 200 Wii Points), with the Tom Petty six-pack planned for a $9.99 (800 Microsoft points) price tag. Keep an eye out for these tracks next Tuesday, November 24 on Xbox Live and the Wii, and next Thursday, November 26 on PlayStation 3: "Our Lips Are Sealed" by the Go-Go's * "Miss Independent" by Kelly Clarkson * "Who Knew" by P!nk * "A Thing About You (live)" by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers * "American Girl (live)" by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers "Even the Losers (live)" by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers "Here Comes My Girl (live)" by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers * "Mary Jane's Last Dance (live)" by Tom Petty & the ...

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Upcoming Xbox Live Deals of the Week and Games on Demand Revealed

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:21:00 +0000

Since Microsoft instituted the "Deal of the Week" program on Xbox Live, there's always a thought that lingers each time I go to buy something on the Live Marketplace. I just know the following week is going to discount whatever it is I'm buying. More often than not I'm wrong, but it's still something I continue to think about. If you're the same way, you'll be interested to know what Microsoft has in store for the Deal of the Week for next week. Starting on November 23, the "See the Future" DLC for Fable 2 will be available for 400 Microsoft Points ($5), Peggle for 400 points ($5), and Death Tank for 800 points ($10). The following week, on November 30, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 will be available for just 240 points ($3). As for the additions to the Games on Demand catalog for next week, you can expect to see Saints Row 2 and Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures added on November 24. No price was attached ...

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Sky TV uptake surprises Microsoft

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:59:38 +0000

Exec shocked by early demand

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Banned PSN player takes aim at Microsoft, Nintendo

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:44:57 +0000

Gamer appeals tossing of case against Sony, files new suit against Microsoft over red ring failure, Nintendo for disabling homebrew channel.

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First Tech, Design Details Of Project Natal To Emerge At Gamefest In February

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:24:00 +0000

Microsoft this week said the latest technology and design details for its upcoming 3D camera solution Project Natal will emerge at Mirosoft's annual Gamefest on February 10 and 11, 2010 in Seattle. The Gamefest conference is targeted at video game industry professionals and media interested in learning more are developing games on Microsoft-owned platforms such as Xbox 360. The Project Natal technical track will teach attendees how to approach development for the new control solution. ...

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Xbox Live ban class-action suit being mulled

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:18:23 +0000

Law fim puts out call for gamers tossed from Microsoft's online service in pre-Modern Warfare 2 purges.

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Microsoft To Offer Free Xbox Live Weekends To Silver Members

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:02:00 +0000

Starting this weekend and in the days ahead, Microsoft will offer free Xbox Live services to Silver members on the weekends, giving them a chance to try out recently-launched features. New social networking features like Twitter and Facebook just launched on Xbox Live on November 17, and Silver members will be able to try them in addition to the online multiplayer normally only available to Gold subscribers. As revealed by Xbox Live program manager Larry ...

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Natal and Halo teams ramp up at MS

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:16:09 +0000

Microsoft on a hiring spree

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British intelligence spooking Xbox Live

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:52:45 +0000

Adverts, gamer pictures, themes and videos to hit Microsoft's online service as part of a recruitment drive by the GCHQ.

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News: MGS hints at more Shadow Complex

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:28:00 +0000

Jobs going on Natal, 343 teams too. Microsoft is seeking talented people to bolster the Natal team at MGS and help "drive the success of Gears of War and Shadow Complex". That's our first glimpse of a future for Chair's triumphant Xbox Live Arcade game. Mind you this isn't surprising given its critical (9/10 on Eurogamer) and commercial success. Even less surprising is news of more Gears of War, a series Epic has long talked of expanding. Read more...

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Download Saints Row 2 on Xbox Live next week

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:17:00 +0000

Microsoft details Games on Demand releases. Microsoft's detailed some of the upcoming Xbox Live content, including next week's Live Arcade and Games on Demand releases. Click here to read the full article

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Microsoft faces possible lawsuit over bannings

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:49:15 +0000

Banned users strike back

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15-Year Old Calls 911 When Parents Seize Xbox

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:08:13 +0000

CNET News relays a story from the Chicago Tribune of a 15-year old boy from Buffalo Grove, Illinois, who called 911 to ask whether his parents were within their rights to take away his Xbox. The boy soon hung up, said Commander Steve Husak, but officers went to the residence anyway to inform the youth that yes, his parents do indeed have such a right, and that maybe he should consider listening to them. Why they chose to take it away remains unknown, though one can only guess. Upon learning of this, Microsoft's Director of Programming for Xbox LIVE, Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb, would say "No no no NO folks. Do NOT do this." We concur.

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Gamer Fails at Suing Sony, Goes After Microsoft and Nintendo Instead

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:35:56 +0000

One lawsuit-happy gamer by the name of Erik Estavillo didn't have much luck when he tried to sue Sony Computer Entertainment America for banning him from the PlayStation Network, so he has instead decided to try his luck against the industry's other two big platform holders. And at the same time, no less.

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Sony Considering Subscription Model for PSN

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:06:00 +0000

The free service of the PlayStation Network had some thinking it would force Microsoft to follow suit and drop their Gold charges; but it now looks like the situation may turn out the other way around. Eurogamer reports that a presentation from Sony mentioned a "new revenue stream from subscription" for the PlayStation Network. In a statement, Kaz Hirai said the company is "studying the possibility of introducing a subscription model, offering premium content and services, in addition to the current free services." Right now any of these plans seem to be in the brainstorming phase, but we could see the new model coming. No doubt the ailing economy would affect this decision. That said, there's no reason for PlayStation 3 fans to panic just yet. Hirai's wording was careful, but seemed to indicate that the current services, like free online play, would stay free. Even if Sony introduced some new features and charged for ...

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Xtival returns to Live next weekend

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:40:00 +0000

Xbox 360 "festival" will run 27 to 29 November. Microsoft has announced that it will hold another Xtival "online party weekender" between 27 and 29 November. Click here to read the full article

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Microsoft Details Xbox Live Free-For-All Weekends

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:02:00 +0000

For those Xbox Live Silver members out there looking to get a taste of the latest Live update released earlier this week, you’ll get your chance very soon thanks to some upcoming free access weekends. Netflix streaming, Facebook, Twitter, online multiplayer, and more will all be free of charge for all regions except Europe from 12:00 PM EST on Nov. 20 to 12:00 PM EST on Nov. 23. European regions will be given access from 17:00 GMT on Nov. 25 to 17:00 GMT Nov. 30. Of all the Live features though, I have to say one of the biggest reason you should check it out over the weekend is 1 vs. 100 . Seriously, it's surprisingly enjoyable, and the presentation is fantastic. Just give it a shot. That's all I'm saying. What’s keeping those Xbox Silver members out there from upgrading to Gold? Source: Major Nelson

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Small Developers: Minimizing Risks in Large Productions - Part II

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:39:39 +0000

Microsoft, EA, Insomniac, and Ubisoft veteran Troy Dunniway continues an earlier article in discussing some of the major risks involved in transitioning from a small to large development team and how to identify and avoid them.

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Banned Xboxes The Latest Craze

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:49:00 +0000

Looks like Microsoft's bannage of modded Xbox 360s may have backfired a bit. Now the banned...

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Xbox 360s on the Cheap for Those Who Don't Care About LIVE

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:49:17 +0000

With Microsoft banning Xbox LIVE accounts belonging to modded Xbox 360s, what is the owner of such a device to do? Some are trying to get around it, of course, while others are (predictably) ready to give up the ship and start selling their neutered consoles on eBay, Craigslist, and the like. As such, you might want to beware if you're in the market for a cheap Xbox. That is, unless you don't care about LIVE, in which case there are probably some deals to be had. The Consumerist notes "Reading the listings is sort of sad, actually. Some sellers claim to have no idea why their boxes were banned, others are being perfectly honest about modding the console and violating Microsoft's Terms of Use. Gamer beware."

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Tropico 3 demo on Xbox Live

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:00:00 +0000

Try your hand at island dictatorship. A Tropico 3 demo has just appeared on Xbox Live Marketplace, reports Microsoft mouthpiece, Major Nelson. Click here to read the full article

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PS3 Firmware Version 3.10 Released, Adds Facebook

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:53:47 +0000

Oh, that crafty Sony. We wondered when PS3 Firmware 3.10 was announced two days ago when, exactly "coming soon" meant, and how much later after Microsoft released their own update that we would see it. It turns out the answer is just one day later. Not only will PS3 owners finally be able to add friends and update their statuses, but Sony says the update gives developers the opportunity to add "trigger points" to PS3 games for Facebook integration. Sony also states that this is the "the first phase of a variety of new features to further connect and enhance the online social experiences of PlayStation 3". Twitter coming soon, perhaps? Oh yeah, you also can now use a grid layout for photos, and update your friends list with different colored backgrounds.

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No More Heroes headed for 360, PS3 - Report

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:43:12 +0000

Japanese magazine scans suggest Grasshopper Manufacture's original Wii action game is making the leap to Sony and Microsoft's systems.

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News: Microsoft: Natal launch details not accurate

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:59:49 +0000

Will announce firmer details in 'good time'.

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Natal launch details remain unclear

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:46:03 +0000

Microsoft still has deciding to do

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Analysis: Industry Faces Steep Odds Against Year-Over-Year Growth

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:09:00 +0000

[After a year of major sales declines, does the industry have a shot at posting growth for 2009? In our Gamasutra-exclusive analysis, Matt Matthews looks at the year-end prospects ahead of the crucial holiday season.] According to Anita Frazier, analyst for the NPD Group, the Xbox 360 was the dominant platform during October 2009 with hardware, software, and accessories totaling around $290 million. Just behind Microsoft's console was the PlayStation 3 with a significant $279 ...

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Free Xbox Live Weekend Gives Users a Chance at Facebook, Twitter

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:07:03 +0000

Xbox Live Silver users who don't want to shell out the $50 for a year of Gold are in luck, as this weekend Microsoft will be offering yet another of their free Xbox Live Weekends from Nov. 20 to 23. This time around, the focus will be on giving viewers the opportunity to try out the console's new social features, such as Facebook, Twitter, Last.fm, and Halo Waypoint. Players will also get a chance to check out the first episodes of the new season of 1 vs. 100. Europe will also get a weekend later, but theirs will run longer from Nov. 25 to 30. But what if you actually want to play games? Aren't there some fun new multiplayer titles to check out on Xbox Li...oh wait. There totally is.

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Xbox UK Head: Natal Rumors "Weren't Accurate"

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:31:19 +0000

Last week we reported on rumors surrounding the launch of Project Natal. Details leaked about an alleged November 2010 release, and a $50 to $80 price-point. Now Microsoft is saying the rumors are unfounded, as there is still much to be determined. The comments came from the London launch of the Xbox 360 Autumn update. Asked for confirmation of the rumors, Xbox UK head Neil Thompson and Xbox Europe head Chris Lewis were dismissive: "No. They weren't accurate, they were rumours. I've got nothing more to say about it", said Thompson. "We're still very much in the baking on Natal and there's a lot of things to get decided on it." Lewis responded in kind. "Now you know better than to listen to that stuff! We will announce in good time," he said. "I'm not going to be specific about what they [Natal games] might be, I will say however we're committed to ensure those experiences are unique, compelling and very exciting right from the outset. That has to happen and that will happen." Even if Microsoft ...

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Modders Already Working on 360 'Un-Ban' Hack

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:40:27 +0000

Just a little over two weeks ago, Microsoft banned a pretty hefty number of modded 360 consoles. Apparently the hacking community is already hard at work at countering this measure. 360Mods is reporting that a hacker going by the alias 'c4eva' is working on a firmware revision for the Lite-On and Hitachi DVD-ROM drives the 360 uses to bypass online security tests. The mod is titled iXtreme LT (which stands for light touch). If successful, users would be able to play pirated games and DVDs without worry. According to DailyTech, the fix is currently unavailable, but modders are hard at work on it.

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Forza Motorsport 3 Gets Free DLC Pack, Holiday DLC revealed

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:10:00 +0000

For those Forza Motorsport 3 fans out there looking to spice up their car collection you’ll be pleased to know that Turn 10 has released the “Hyundai Genesis Coupe Car Pack” on Xbox Live Marketplace . The free DLC pack includes the Rhys Millen Racing Red Bull Hyundai Genesis Coupe, the HKS Genesis Coupe, and a one-of-a-kind Forza 3 Genesis Coupe. Microsoft also announced that a “Hot Holidays Car Pack” will be released on Dec. 8 for 400 Microsoft points, and will include “some of the world’s most anticipated super cars and purpose-built race cars of 2010, including the recently unveiled Ferrari 458 Italia.” Turn 10 will also be offering the new 2010 Audi S4 as a free download to tease the holiday pack. So what do you think Forza 3 fans? Worthy downloads? What cars would like to see included in the holiday pack?

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Microsoft: Recently Revealed Project Natal Details Were "Rumors"

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:51:00 +0000

Last week, Stephen “Retractions are for losers” Johnson told you about supposed launch details being leaked about Microsoft’s motion-control technology Project Natal. Well, during an event last night in London for the latest Xbox 360 update, Xbox UK head Neil Thompson told GamesIndustry.biz that those leaks "weren’t accurate, they were rumors." Thompson went on to say that Microsoft is "still very much in the baking on Natal and there’s a lot of things to get decided on it." Well, that certainly puts a lot of questions to rest, namely, "What’s the strangest way to incorporate baking into a discussion about the development of a motion-control technology?" While it pains me to agree with Stephen "Making it hard to agree with me since 1986" Johnson, the $80 price point, 5 million units available on release date and 14 launch titles wouldn’t be that surprising in the least. That’s why Thompson’s ...

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Xbox Live Gold free this weekend in the US, Europe next weekend

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:37:00 +0000

With hot new online games releasing and a host of new features being added to Xbox Live, Microsoft is giving all Xbox Live Silver users a chance to enjoy the perks of Gold membership, this Friday through Monday.

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Free Forza DLC Released, More Coming Next Month

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:36:00 +0000

Amidst all the talk about Dragon Age: Origins , Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 , and Assassin's Creed 2 , it's easy to forget that Forza 3 came out not too long ago. Microsoft hasn't forgotten, and to keep you playing, they've delivered a free DLC pack today, known as the "Hyundai Genesis Coupe Car Pack." Downloading it will land you three new cars to use: a Rhys Millen Racing Red Bull Hyundai Genesis Coupe, the HKS Genesis Coupe, and a special Forza 3 edition Genesis Coupe (pictured above). Additional cars will be coming to the Xbox Live Marketplace on December 8 in the form of the "Hot Holidays Car Pack." For 400 Microsoft Points ($5), that car pack will add at least 10 new late model cars, including the brand new Ferrari 458 Italia. To whet the appetite of prospective buyers, a free car -- the 2010 Audi S4 -- will be released as a free download alongside the premium priced DLC pack. Over the next two weeks, ...

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Xbox 360 | Twitter, Facebook, Last.fm now live on Xbox Live

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:07:48 +0000

Xbox Live Update: Microsoft rolls out fall update for Xbox 360's online service; Gyromancer, Diner Dash head to XBLA; GRID now a GOD. Nearly a year ago to the day, Microsoft reinvented Xbox Live with a complete visual overhaul and introduction of a bevy of new services, headlined by Netflix on-demand video streaming. Today, the publisher rolled out this year's Xbox Live fall update, bringing with it the much-hyped introduction of social networking Web sites Facebook and Twitter , as well as Zune HD video support and Internet radio service Last.fm (which is owned by GameSpot parent company CBS Interactive). A look at the Facebook interface on Xbox Live. The Twitter and Facebook tabs can be found in the My Community channel on the Xbox Live's dashboard. Twitter integration will allow gamers to post tweets through Xbox Live, but outside of actual games. With the Facebook add-on, Xbox Live gamers can sync their gamertags ...

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News: Microsoft dismisses Natal rumours

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:24:00 +0000

Launch details "weren't accurate". Microsoft has distanced itself from reports last week on alleged launch details for Project Natal, claiming they "weren't accurate" and insisting there remain "a lot of things to get decided". The comments came last night at the London launch of Microsoft's Xbox 360 autumn update, which launched today, bringing Twitter, Facebook, Last.fm and Zune Video Marketplace to Live users. Asked if reports on pricing and shipments for its motion control technology were correct, Xbox UK boss Neil Thompson replied: "No. They weren't accurate, they were rumours. I've got nothing more to say about it." Read more... > >

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News: Mad Catz: MS could/would not block us

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:52:00 +0000

Wireless-N Xbox 360 adapter wars begin. Mad Catz has told Eurogamer that its Wireless-N Gaming Adapter could not and would not be blocked by Microsoft, despite having the same functionality for a lower price. "Let me make a couple of things very very very clear," explained Alex Verrey, Mad Catz spokesperson. "A lot of sources have been commenting that Microsoft are going to come and lock it out and stop it working or whatever. Well it doesn't work like that because it plugs into the Ethernet port of the Xbox 360 or indeed the PS3 - both consoles pick it up as a wired connection. "There's absolutely no way that Microsoft could conceivably lock it out," he said. "They can't lock it out and nor would they want to." Read more... > >

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New Forza 3 DLC is free

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:22:00 +0000

Three Hyundai Genesis Coupes for your racing pleasure... Forza 3 players can enjoy a sneaky little treat today, after Microsoft and Turn 10 released a free 'Hyundai Genesis Coupe Car Pack' as DLC, and promised some very sexy road-bound goodies next month. Click here to read the full article

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Wii | CNET UK: 60 percent of Xbox 360s have broken

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:56:11 +0000

GameSpot UK's sister site performs survey on British console owners; discovers 60% failure rate for Xbox 360, 16% for PS3, 6% for Wii. Console failure rates have been a common news item throughout the year, with numerous surveys out of the US suggesting that the problem was far greater than Sony, Nintendo and especially Microsoft would like to admit. In August, Game Informer magazine polled 5,000 subscribers and found that a whopping 54.2 percent had reported at least one broken Xbox 360. In September, Electronics-warranty company SquareTrade corroborated the findings to a lesser scale, finding that of the 2,500 Xbox 360 consoles they analysed at random, 23.7 percent failed within two years of purchase. CNET UK found that the red ring of death is a common occurrence in the UK… Now, a survey from CNET UK shows that the situation is similarly dire in the British Isles. The results from an online user-initiated ...

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Interview: Independence Day

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:15:00 +0000

Introversion opens on Microsoft, Subversion, Darwinia+ and more. Once The Last of the Bedroom Programmers, the Robin Hood of Independent Forest, the David to the industry's Goliath, the [that's enough metaphor - Ed], Introversion nowadays finds itself beavering away on an Xbox Live Arcade version of Darwinia+. It's quite the transformation for a tiny studio that won the Independent Games Festival's grand prize a few years ago and celebrated by sticking two fingers up to publishers. Following the developer's turn at Eurogamer Expo 2009, we spoke to managing director Mark Morris to get the whole story. Read more... > >

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Twitter, Facebook, Last.fm now live on Xbox Live

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:07:48 +0000

Xbox Live Update: Microsoft rolls out fall update for Xbox 360's online service; Gyromancer, Diner Dash head to XBLA; GRID now a GOD.

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Xbox Facebook, Twitter update is live

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:58:00 +0000

Last.FM and co now available, MS confirms. Facebook, Twitter and Last.FM functionality has finally gone live on Xbox 360, Microsoft has confirmed. Click here to read the full article

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Last.fm and Microsoft discuss Xbox Live partnership

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:26:37 +0000

Q&A;: Representatives from the music-streaming service and platform holder explain the deal, and what the future holds for third-party services on the Xbox 360.

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Sony Confirms PS3 Firmware 3.10, Implementing Facebook

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:41:46 +0000

Talk about a buzzkill. With not even 24 hours before Microsoft releases their new Facebook-infused Xbox Live firmware update, Sony decides to let the cat out of the bag and confirm rumors that Facebook will be added to the new PS3 firmware update, version 3.10. Apart from adding everyone's favorite internet addiction, the XMB's photo feature will now allow for easier photo viewing, and the friends list experiment Sony tried with version 3.00 has come to an end - a modified version will launch with 3.10, including the ability to color-code your PSN ID. Despite the nice timing, Xbox fans can be happy with the fact that they will be the only home console with Facebook integration for at least some time, as Sony would only give "soon" as a release period for the new firmware.

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