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Microsoft Merges Zune and Xbox Teams: Zune Xbox Handheld Anyone?

Lambert Varias — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 13:43:14 +0000

Last week, Microsoft announced that the Windows Media Center and Zune software groups have been assimilated by the “same Interactive Entertainment Business group that handles the Xbox as well as all gaming.” Microsoft says that this is a logical step in terms of being able to unify their mobile platforms. On one hand, it really is a sensible step: there are separate app stores for Windows Mobile and Zune, and videos obtained by users from the Zune Marketplace can’t be transferred to their Xbox 360. This is the exact opposite at Apple, which only has iTunes for the Macs, the iPhone and the iPod Touch. But I’d like to think that Microsoft is still considering coming out with a portable Xbox/Zune combo.

Why? Because it would be better for the portable gaming arena for another competitor to come and shake up the scene. If Redmond can come up with a device that does equally well in gaming and media playback – something that in my opinion can’t really be said of the DS, PSP, and iPhone/iPod Touch – then I’d certainly buy that gadget. And, as I said, more competition means a race for more and better features (and hopefully lower prices), which would benefit us consumers in the end.

[via Electronista, image via Digital Battle]

Xbox 360 Spring Dashboard Update Previewed

Technabob — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 03:27:11 +0000

Microsoft has posted a brief video clip which shows off a number of new features which will become available on May 7th, 2007.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

Among the improvements, the new version will add Friends List and text chat integration with Windows Live Messenger. In addition, the Xbox Live Marketplace will get broken out into its own blade for easier access, and will feature a changeable look based on seasonality and special events. The dashboard update will also improve the way that achievements are displayed and categorized, making it much simpler to quickly see what you’ve accomplished in your games.

Last, but certainly not least, you’ll be able to set your 360 into a special low power consumption mode so you can continue to download files even when you’re not using the console. You’ll also be able to set your console to automatically shut down after all downloads have completed.

[via Joystiq]

Xbox 360 Gets HD Movies, Tv, Possibly Larger Hard Drive

Technabob — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 18:11:14 +0000

On November 22, the Xbox Live Marketplace will start offering movie and television downloads for the Xbox 360.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

Microsoft has announced agreements with CBS, MTV Networks, Paramount Pictures, TBS, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Warner Brothers to offer an initial lineup of over 1,000 hours of TV shows and movies on the Xbox Live marketplace.

Initially, about 800 hours of content will be standard definition, while about 200 hours will be available in high definition (720p) format. An average HD movie should run about 4 to 5GB, with 1 hour HDTV programs (abour 44 minutes after removing commercials,) should take up about 2.2GB. Rumors have also started to emerge that an hard drive upgrade may be announced soon, to encourage more downloads. Personally, if I were Microsoft, I’d think about offering subsidized drives to encourage downloads; maybe something like, “buy a drive, get 10 free movie rentals.” We can only hope.

Movies will be offered on a rental basis for around 320 to 480 Microsoft points ($4 to $6), and TV programs will be offered for purchase, and cost about 240 points ($3.) Once downloaded, you’ll have 14 days to begin watching movie downloads, then you can watch as many times as you want within a 24 hour period. Additional plays beyond the 24 hours will be charged as an additional rental. On the other hand, television programs are yours permanently, and can be re-downloaded at any time.

[via gizmodo and engadget]