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Xbox News is a site that brings you the very latest Original Xbox, Xbox 360 and Xbox One news, the latest games and releases, Part of the
DCEmu Homebrew & Gaming Network.
THE LATEST NEWS BELOW
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August 11th, 2009, 18:59 Posted By: wraggster
Oh, you want even more Zune HD news today? You got it! Yahoo! Tech managed to get a hands-on with the device, snapping some pictures of the browser and, more importantly, the on-screen keyboard. It's only a minor glimpse, but it definitely looks sleek. Shot of the browser after the break, and hit up the read link for full gallery. Seriously, Microsoft, add a 3G chipset and dialer app, and you can go ahead and draft those "million seller" press releases already.
http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/10/z...ght-on-camera/
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August 11th, 2009, 18:51 Posted By: wraggster
According to the latest Nielsen video game ratings, the Xbox 360 is the first current-generation console to top the PlayStation 2 in terms of minutes played per month.
According to the graph provided by the Niesen website, the Xbox 360 actually came out on top of the PS2 in terms of overall percentage of minutes used, the first time a current-generation console has managed to top Sony's last-gen console. It went on to lose the lead in June, perhaps due to one particularly active Nielsen family going on vacation or something. That's the thing with the video game Nielsens...it's relatively easy for one user to make a difference. Then again, it could be indicative of a larger trend, so good for the 360!
Microsoft also points out that the Xbox 360 was also tops in terms of active user percentage, maintaining 11-12% of the active users from January through June of this year, as seen in the graph below. Note that the Nintendo Wii has the lowest percentage of active users during the period, even losing to the Gamecube. That's rather depressing.
http://kotaku.com/5334947/xbox-360-t...ielsen-ratings
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August 11th, 2009, 17:28 Posted By: wraggster
Wanna know what all's inside the update you're gonna download today, besides the fresh taste of exclusivity? Microsoft's dropped the official list of everything that's new. Honestly, it's the little things I'm more excited about.
Here's what I like:
• Account recovery is faster—great if you play over at your friends' places a lot, 'cause it takes damn near forever.
• Party invites are less clunky
• You actually get notifications when your subscription's about to expire
• Achievement browser's better, and you can launch games from it (yes!)
• Active Downloads and other screens like that are actually easy to get to
• Under My Xbox, there's a handy troubleshooting section called Solutions that brings together all of the info that was scattered throughout the UI (scary you need this though, I mean, we're talking about a game console, right?)
• And while it's not as good as having more than 100 friends, you can sort your friends list in different ways
All of that just seems to add up a nicer experience that frustrates you less often. Plus, you know, there's all that other stuff we already told you about. I wish I could download it today too, but my Xbox went all RRoD on me two days ago. Enjoy it for me, kay?
http://gizmodo.com/5334853/xbox-360-...gs-that-matter
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August 11th, 2009, 17:26 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft claims Netflix will be "exclusive" to the Xbox 360 games console at the bottom of its dashboard update page. Pardon our wariness on the use of that term, since we cover the games industry and "exclusivity" lasts about as long as a relationship on Gossip Girl. Despite our reservations, the information seems quite explicit, as the note reads: "Xbox 360 will be the only game console to offer this movie-watching experience."
This would seemingly put the kibosh on the rumors of Netflix on Wii -- but we're guessing iPhone isn't considered a game console. We're currently following up with Netflix and Microsoft to find out what the time table is on this exclusivity. Netflix and Microsoft may have an "exclusive partnership," but every relationship comes stamped with an expiration date.
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/xb...x-exclusivity/
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August 11th, 2009, 17:22 Posted By: wraggster
This one is for all the unlucky souls that didn't make it into the Xbox Live Update preview program: Your wait is over! The Xbox Live Update is finally here, and it's here for everyone. That's right, now everyone has access to the update's many riches and wonders, including better (and "exclusive") Netflix functionality, Avatar Awards, Games on Demand, User Ratings and more. And let's not forget you can also purchase clothing for your digital doll.
Getting the update is easy. Just turn on your Xbox, connect to Live and BAM, instant update. For a quick look at some of the new features, check out the video above, and find a Netflix video tour after the break.
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/ps...pdate-is-live/
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August 11th, 2009, 10:42 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft's Games on Demand pricing isn't exactly consistent across this orbiting ball of dirt we all call home. What costs $20 in one place costs $40 (or sometimes more) in another. So we asked Microsoft, why the discrepancy?
Microsoft HQ said the pricing decisions outside the US were the responsibility of that particular territory. So, for example, if Mass Effect is priced at 6000 Microsoft Points in Australia (as opposed to only 1600 MSP in the US), then that's Xbox Australia's decision. That's fine. So we asked Xbox Australia. Their response?
No one retailer has the lowest pricing for every product, and our program is about giving people 24 x 7 convenience and selection when shopping for Xbox 360 games.
We're incredibly excited about what Games on Demand means for digital distribution, and will continue to evaluate and evolve the service to meet market and consumer demands.
Anybody think paying double the asking price for a game is worth the convenience? Anyone? Anyone?
http://kotaku.com/5334475/microsoft-...demand-pricing
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August 11th, 2009, 10:36 Posted By: wraggster
Ben Smith, director of program management for Xbox Live, sent us an email after we expressed concern over some quotes he'd given about the Xbox 360's Netflix service. Following up, we asked Smith if Netflix was putting the kibosh on Microsoft implementing the search feature to continue driving customers to its site for that functionality. He stated that Netflix has been a great partner to work with, and that the company hasn't applied pressure to prevent a search function from being added to the Xbox version.
So, why not add the search feature into the latest update? Why emulate the video store presentation that Netflix has been hammering out of business? Smith deftly avoided the question: "We have not yet brought a full-fledged search feature to the console yet. Like many things it's an area that's interesting to us for potential future releases but we don't have anything to announce right now."
We were also curious if Netflix was cutting into the Xbox Video Marketplace, to which Smith stated that the two have "co-existed well." He notes that the different payment models and content catalogs service different types of users.
Given that Xbox 360 "power users" can access advanced functions using the Xbox Guide, we wondered if such functionality could be implemented, thus leaving casual users with the NXE functionality. Smith responded, "Our goal is to make experiences great and easy to use for all users."
Oh well, maybe with the next update we'll get lucky.
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/10/xb...ure-in-future/
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August 10th, 2009, 23:38 Posted By: wraggster
Well, would you look at that. Microsoft's Zune HD's overexposed -- both in quantity of pics and in quality of photography -- camera shoot with the FCC has been made public, showing off quite a bit of the device, its internals, and its dock. We've got two model numbers listed here, 1395 and 1402 representing the 16GB and 32GB models, respectively, and in case you're wondering, that's Windows CE you're seeing above, the OS on which Zune HD's UI is built. Hit up the read link to browse yourself, or check out the gallery below for the highlights, including a NVIDIA Tegra chip sighting and an amusing "For our princess" tattoo on the inside of the back cover. Now if we could only get a MSRP or narrower release window...
http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/10/z...32gb-capaciti/
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August 10th, 2009, 19:09 Posted By: wraggster
Newly released today
features
Simple game play and easy to master combat - use sticks, longbow or tomahawk to defeat enemies
Over 15 very different levels including lush forests, desert plains, raging rivers, and even the spirit world
Numerous enemies to fight, from wolves and giant bees to mythical beasts
Use 'mobile stone' to speak to a Spirit Guide for help and advice - three help levels allow difficulty to be tailored to suit different age levels
Learn to mimic and possess different animals in order to acquire new skills or reach hidden inaccessible areas
Perform ancient spells in battle and use 'dream catchers' to restore health
description
Set in a fantastic world based upon the mythology of Native America, Brave: A Warrior's Tale plays as a series of flashbacks in which a now elderly Brave describes the events of his life. Players take on the role of Courage and experience Brave's legendary adventures first hand as they relive his story and play through all-new content that will make Courage a legend in his own right! Can Courage live up to his name and stop the evil Wendigo's threat to their village?
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-2rb8.html
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August 10th, 2009, 19:05 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft has reminded us that Xbox Live will be down tomorrow whilst the summer dashboard update is applied.
This, you remember, brings an expansive platter of additions. Among them: full Xbox 360 games on demand, an Avatar Marketplace, community game ratings, better party controls and a renamed Indie Games channel.
There are some hidden bonuses too, as the Digital Foundry blog points out.
All that and Trials HD on Xbox Live Arcade this Wednesday. It's enough to make our whole week.
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/xb...pdate-tomorrow
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August 10th, 2009, 16:45 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft has introduced PayPal as a method of payment to its US Xbox Live service, enabling users to purchase Microsoft Points without first registering a credit card.
The new service however, is only available through Xbox.com, so not via the console itself. Multiple PayPal accounts can be linked an individual Xbox Live account.
Introduction of the new PayPal integration comes ahead of the launch of Microsoft's new Games On Demand service, which will offer a range of full Xbox 360 games for sale digitally at prices ranging from 1600 to 2400 Microsoft Points, or between USD 19.99 and USD 29.99.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...ve-marketplace
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August 9th, 2009, 22:43 Posted By: wraggster
Desperate to see more of the Zune HD UI before the player drops in the fall? Then check out this video, taken all spy shot-like at the recent gdgt launch party during an interactive demo.
As we all know by now, the browser got some good press on Friday, when CNET gushed over how well it did what browsers do. Our own Zune HD hands on a while back was impressive too.
Microsoft's Very Big Deal for the holiday season, indeed.
http://gizmodo.com/5333430/microsoft...c-and-video-ui
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August 7th, 2009, 21:57 Posted By: wraggster
Did you think that when Microsoft's Games on Demand service launched, it'd be an egalitarian wonderland where every game would be the same price around the world? Well sorry. That's not the case.
The service (well, the listing for it; you can't download the games yet) is popping up all over the world for those signed up to Microsoft's new dashboard preview, and along with the game listings are game prices. Not every game seems to have turned up yet, but most have.
Some of them are fine. They're exactly what you'd pay at retail for the game, and although you could say that's still a rip-off (since your digital product lacks a box and printed manual), that's how digital delivery rolls these days. Sorry.
Most games are divided between two main price points.
$20
Mass Effect
Need for Speed
Sonic the Hedgehog
Viva Pinata
$30
Lego Star Wars
Oblivion
Call of Duty 2
BioShock
Assassin's Creed
But others? Others are ridiculous, especially when you compare prices across different regions. Take poor Australia, for example. In Australia, if you want to buy Mass Effect from the safety of your couch, it'll cost you 6000 Microsoft Points.
6000.
The game retails in stores for AUD$30-50, but on Games on Demand, that's AUD$99. Over twice the price. It's a similar story with Call of Duty 2; in the US, it's 2400 MSP, but in New Zealand, it's 4400 MSP.
Now, before you go bananas, the Games on Demand service doesn't officially go live until August 11. So there's a chance these might be placeholder prices (or in the case of the previously-unannounced BioShock, placeholder...games?). Then again, they might not be.
We've got some questions in with Microsoft about how permanent these listings and prices are, and will update if we hear back from them.
http://kotaku.com/5332168/360-games-...tly-consistent
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August 7th, 2009, 21:29 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft has introduced the option to buy its made-up Xbox currency using your PayPal account, assuming you're American.
All you have to do, boy howdy, is go to the account summary page on Xbox.com, and you should find an option to associate your PayPal and Live accounts lurking in the "Manage Payment Options" area.
However, Xbox Live's Major Nelson notes that this only works for buying Microsoft Points, and only via Xbox.com, not through the console itself.
Plus, it only works if you live in the USA. We've asked Microsoft whether it's going to happen over and will let you know if we hear back.
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/us...paypal-support
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August 6th, 2009, 19:54 Posted By: wraggster
We don't have any official word on this yet, but the above image (sent by GameStop employees to Kotaku) seems pretty convincing: The Xbox 360 Pro is no longer listed among the 360 offerings on the Arcade box on the right, leading many to believe the middle-of-the-road offering is being phased out.
You may remember that the Pro's death was heralded by Ars Technica's reliable mole back in June, leading us to hope that the second part of that prediction (irresistibly attractive Pro bundles) may not be too far off.
We'll keep trying throughout the day to get official word from Microsoft.
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/xb...ade-packaging/
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August 6th, 2009, 19:52 Posted By: wraggster
Former presidential candidate ... vice-presidential, really? Could have fooled us. Anyway, former vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin saw fit to grant a man her autograph on an Xbox 360 and now he's selling it on eBay for ...
One billion dollars (dramatic music)
No, but the actual figure is almost as ludicrous at $1.1 million. And for that price, you're not even getting an Elite, just a plain ol' Pro -- which may be a collector's item soon anyways. Perhaps, if the gentleman sells the item, he'll be a very supportive donor to Palin's expected 2012 presidential bid. Yes he can.
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/ot...or-1-1-millio/
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August 6th, 2009, 16:48 Posted By: wraggster
Natal is looking "really cool", according to Valve's Left 4 Dead writer Chet Faliszek, but he is concerned it won't come with a launch title that makes it as compelling a purchase as the Wii, or that gamers actually want to move around in order to play games.
"We [Valve] got to check it out, and it’s actually really cool,” he told Destructoid. "Like, there's someone running around, jumping around and someone else walks up and it instantly recognises this other person, splits them off and [they do] their own thing.
"There's a lot of coolness around it, but I'm not sure about the game that comes with that, and I'm not sure, personally, how much I want to move around. I'm a lazy, lazy man. I don't want to move. I don't want to be fatigued playing a game."
Of course, Nintendo has proved with Wii that a large number of gamers are happy to move around to play games - but a large part of the console's success was down to its launch games, according to Faliszek.
"I think Wii hit it out of the park with the titles that it shipped with. I bought two Wiis, and they're both [for visiting] family, and playing. I can't seem to box them up and carry them, so I had to buy two. [Wii's launch titles] are perfect games for that … I haven't found much else that's compelling.
"I want to see the compelling game first," he concluded.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...alves-faliszek
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. We'll be updating the package whenever possible, stay tuned.