Hoping to see Project Natal sometime soon? Well you’re going to have to wait a bit longer. Thanks to sources and a behind-closed doors Microsoft tour of UK publishers and studios, British game industry magazine, MCV, is reporting that Natal will be released worldwide in November of 2010 with a price of under £50 (which is approximately $82 U.S. dollars). Microsoft is reportedly readying approximately 5 million units for the day one release of Natal. We should also see approximately 14 games for launch day. Microsoft hopes Project Natal will rejuvenate the Xbox 360 thereby extending the life of the console which will be 5 years old when Natal officially launches in 2010.

[Check it out via News.com]

Technorati Tags: Xbox 360, Microsoft, Project Natal

For those of you that have been waiting on the new social networking features of the Xbox 360 to arrive, you’ll want to check out the hands-on overview of the new apps over at News.com. The new features are due to arrive on the Xbox 360 at some point in November and will feature integrations with Facebook, Twitter, and Last.fm. Expect the Xbox Live Video Marketplace to also receive a slight overhaul as it will be called the Zune Marketplace. According to News.com, this follows Microsoft’s desire to make “Zune” their music and video brand.

Of the three social-networking features due to arrive on the Xbox 360, I have to say that the Last.fm one is the app with most functional appeal. Have a social function to hold at home or need some music playing in the background? Seems that Last.fm would be the perfect solution for those needs – simply start it up and let the music stream through to your Xbox 360 from the Net.

Don’t get me wrong of course – the Twitter and Facebook integrations are certainly interesting.. but if I want to check on my friend’s status, I’m more likely to do so on my iPhone or PC than on the Xbox 360. And yes.. Twitter/FB folks – expect many more useless status updates to hit the web once the Xbox 360 integration rolls out because clearly we all need to know that so-and-so is playing Call of Duty 4 right now on some particular map.

Joy..

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Xbox 360, Social Networking, News.com

Microsoft is set to release the next major software update for the Xbox 360 console starting on August 11th. Known as the Summer 2009 update, this is the first official update after the much heralded New Xbox Experience (NXE) update last November.

If you can’t wait for August 11th, you can always sign up at the Microsoft Connect website to be considered for the Xbox LIVE Update Preview Program. If you’re accepted, you’ll be able to check out the update before it actually comes out across Xbox LIVE on the 11th of August.

PC Magazine got a hold of the update and published a hands-on look over on their website here. Here’s a quick summary of some of the new features in the summer update.

• Netflix functionality gets expanded. You’ll finally be able to add titles to the Instant queue directly on your Xbox 360 console (yup – no more heading to the PC to add titles). You’ll also be able to view titles by genre, or from Netflix recommendations
• There’s also supposedly improved Netflix playback experience and support for the virtual theater allowing you to watch a movie with seven other friends
• Avatar Marketplace allows you to dress up your Xbox 360 avatar (tho you’ll need to spend money to do so)
• Games On Demand – purchase and download full Xbox games directly to your hard drive. Available titles include older titles such as Grand  Theft Auto, and Splinter cell.
• User ratings for games
• Streamlined updates for Xbox LIVE Parties

Check out the PC Mag hands-on for more info and pictures. Head over to Major Nelson for more info on how to sign up for the Preview Program.

Technorati Tags: Xbox 360 Summer 2009 update

As most of you know by now, the big news of the day belonged to Microsoft and the Xbox 360 gaming entertainment platform. The software company made a flurry of announcements on Day 1 of E3 including the introduction of the world’s first “controller-free” gaming platform code-named “Project Natal” as well as several enhancements and additions to the Xbox LIVE service. Here’s a rundown of all the major announcements related to the Xbox 360 platform:

Project Natal:

Yes this wasn’t exactly a surprise to most folks on the Internet. There had been rumors for months on end now that Microsoft was working on a new motion-based controller a la the Nintendo Wii. However, today was in fact the first time Microsoft publicly acknowledged the existence of the project as well as providing images and video clips of how it all worked.

So what is Natal (pronounced “nuh-tall”)? It’s an entirely new way of interacting with the game console – extending the motion-based controller concept first introduced by Nintendo to a “controller-free” paradigm. Using a device combining an RGB camera, depth sensor, multi-array microphone, and a custom processor running proprietary software, Natal is capable of tracking full body-movement in 3D and responding to commands, directions, and shifts in emotion in your voice. Remember the movie “Minority Report” and how Tom Cruise interacted with that slick user interface with a glove? Picture that – minus the glove.

With Natal, Microsoft elevates immersive entertainment to a whole new level. Kick a soccer ball across the field simply by imitating the kick. Swipe a menu tile across the screen simply by mimicking the swiping motion. Yes.. I can see it now – a whole new slew of accidents in the home including slippers flying across the room, twisted ankles, bruised shins and feet.. you name it.

Other interesting tidbits about Natal – it’s not light-dependent and it’ll work on every single Xbox 360 out there. It’ll recognize your face when you walk into its field of vision. It’s also not dependent upon keywords – the system will try and understand what you’re saying.  You can find out more about Project Natal here at the Xbox.com website (as well as see video clips etc). No word on when it’ll come out nor the pricing for the system.

More of the Internet comes to the Xbox 360:

Moving on now, Microsoft announced that the Xbox 360 console was getting into the social groove with the introduction of Xbox LIVE Party for movies, Facebook, and Last.fm.

Xbox LIVE Party for movies allows Xbox LIVE subscribers to share a movie experience with friends – whether they’re with you or on a couch someplace else around the world. Think of it as a virtual movie theater where you can gather together with other Xbox LIVE subscribers. Users will see and  interact with friends using avatars and voice chat.

Continuing the social integration front, Xbox LIVE subscribers will soon be able to directly  interact with their Facebook account via the Xbox 360 console. The social aspects of Facebook meet the snazzy user interface of the Xbox 360 console. You’ll be able to perform status updates, read news feeds, share pictures, as well as share snapshots of supported games directly onto your Facebook profile.

Finally, Last.fm brings millions of songs directly the Xbox 360 platform. Xbox LIVE subscribers will be able to create their own free personalized radio stations and listen to them with friends in the same room or across the country via the Internet. Strangely enough – there’s no integration with the Zune Music marketplace.

1080p HD direct to you instantly:

Microsoft also announced today that they would be the first platform to deliver true instant-on 1080p movies and TV shows with 5.1 surround sound directly to the Xbox 360 console (assuming of course you had a 1080p compatible HDTV set). The new movies and TV shows will appear in a new Zune branded video section of the Xbox 360 user interface starting this fall. The best premise? The content will be available nearly instantly at the click of a button (assuming of course you had the necessary bandwidth connection).

Microsoft also announced that it will more than double the number of markets where Xbox LIVE will offer TV shows and movies – from the current 8 to 18 markets. The company will add Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland into the supported country list.

And finally, Xbox LIVE Video Marketplace in the U.S., U.K. and Ireland will have:

• Netflix enhancements including the ability to browse and add selections to your instant queue as well as share movies with others on the Xbox LIVE Party platform.

• Live TV with BSkyB Ltd. – for the first time, watch live or on-demand TV from Sky on the Xbox 360 console.

More and more games…

Because the Xbox 360 console is after all, still a gaming console, Microsoft announced the new titles due out for platform including:

• 1 vs 100
• Alan Wake
• Crackdown 2
• Forza Motosport 3
• Gears of War 2: Dark Corners
• Halo 3: ODST
• Joy Ride
• Left 4 Dead 2
• Shadow Complex
• Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Conviction
• Final Fantasy XIII
• Metal Gear Solid: Rising
• Modern Warfare 2
• The Beatles: Rock Band
• Tony Hawk: RIDE

You can get additional details about the games over at this Microsoft press release here.

And.. that’s a wrap for the Xbox 360 console!

Technorati Tags: Microsoft, Xbox 360, Project Natal, Facebook, Last.fm, Zune video marketplace, 1080p HD videos

Now here’s an interesting take on the whole rhythm gaming genre. The game is called “Scratch: The Ultimate DJ” and it’s basically a game that lets you pretend to be a DJ – allowing you to whip out beats and scratches using a new hardware controller called the Scratch Deck. The Scratch Deck, designed by Numark Industries, combines two elements of DJ and “hip-hop experiences” – a free spinning, touch sensitive turntable with a crossfader and 5 Akai Pro MPC-style drum pads. I know.. sweet huh?

Here’s what Numark and Genius Inc have to say about the Scratch Deck:

“The turntable allows players to add their own style and manipulate the songs in real time, while the MPC-style drum pads give players the opportunity to perform and customize tracks by triggering samples using the very same pads that are the cornerstone of professional hip-hop beat production. Samples can either be pre-loaded into the game using 60 unique battle records that will ship with the software, or players can record and upload their own samples using a compatible USB microphone.

In addition to the features created by Numark, SCRATCH DECK also contains standard game controls found in music rhythm games. The turntable features a realistic surface that feels remarkably similar to a vinyl record. The drum pads and the crossfader also deliver an authentic and realistic music production experience. Left-handed DJs will appreciate that SCRATCH DECK is designed for use in right or left-handed configurations. “

The new Scratch Deck controller and the game “Scratch: The Ultimate DJ” will be showcased for hands-on play at the upcoming E3. Expect both in the fall of this year for the Xbox 360 and PS3 game consoles.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Numark Industries, Genius Products, Scratch The Ultimate DJ, Scratch Deck DJ Controller

It’s been rumored for some time that Microsoft was planning to add Wii-like motion sensing capabilities to the Xbox 360 console but the latest rumors are even more interesting than that. According to a Engadget.com source, Microsoft is currently developing a “sensor bar” capable of detecting “full body movements and sound” without the need for controllers. Yes you heard me right – Microsoft’s looking to one-up Nintendo in their own game here.

Here are the details:

• The sensor bar (which I hope will be far small than the one pictured above) has two sensors, a microphone, and a camera
• You’ll be able to control games, characters using full body motion and hand gestures.
• Fighting games will allow you to kick, punch, duck, jump etc
• Hand gestures as small as pinching, grabbing, and scrolling will be detectable
• Video conferencing and gaming with video support (a.k.a. live video images of people in large gaming environments)
• Move objects across the screen (with other people seeing the movements)

Engadget has more on this here .. Of course this could all be a hoax right now.. but let’s hope this really is true.

[Check it out]

Read this in Chinese Simplified and in French

Technorati Tags: Microsoft, Xbox 360, Motion Control

Looks like the Internet rumor mill got it right (was there really any doubt?). Xbox Live’s Major Nelson confirmed on his blog yesterday that Microsoft would indeed be launching a new limited edition Xbox 360 Elite bundle known as the “Game Of The Year” bundle. The new bundled will feature the Xbox 360 Elite console coupled with Halo 3 and Fable II – all for $399. Yes, that’s indeed the same price as the standard Xbox 360 Elite console – MINUS the games. The bundle will be available in all regions where the Xbox 360 is sold EXCEPT in Europe.

[Check it out]

Read this in Chinese Simplified and in French

Technorati Tags: Microsoft, Xbox 360 Elite, Xbox 360 Elite Game of the year Bundle

Now here’s an interesting rumor. Joystiq (via Ars Technica) is reporting that Microsoft will be unveiling a new Xbox 360 Elite bundle featuring both Halo 3 and Fable II. That’s a far cry from the current bundle which comes with Indiana Jones and Kung Fu Panda. The best part about this news? The supposed new bundle will still cost the same – $399. If you’ve been thinking about going to the Elite console, you might want to wait for this deal to pop up – assuming it happens.

[Check it out via DVICE.com]

Read this in Chinese Simplified and in French

Technorati Tags: Microsoft, Xbox 360 Elite Console Bundle, Halo 3, Fable II

If you’re looking to have a unique looking Xbox 360 console, you could of course go out and purchase the limited edition Resident Evil edition which goes on sale this week. OR.. you could pimp out your case with these cool stickers from Japanese company Gametech as reviewed here by the folks at Akihabara News. The company sells stickers for both the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3 (as well as other devices) which go on easily and come off just as easily – without leaving any marks on the surfaces of the device. It’s a shame they’re not here in the U.S. as of yet.. I’m sure folks would love to dress out their cases with these designs! Read more of the review over at Akihabara News.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Gametech stickers

A quick follow-up to our posting earlier – Microsoft has released detailed official pictures of the new Resident Evil 5 Limited Edition Elite Console and my.. I think I prefer the red over the black Elite console now. According to Kotaku, the limited edition console will be priced at $399.

[Check it out via SlashGear]

Technorati Tags: Microsoft Xbox 360 Resident Evil 5 Limited Edition Elite Console