What The Christ? » microsoft

Wii U Twice the Power of Xbox 360

Mr. Pink — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:50:07 +0000

Hot on the heels of a rumor that the Xbox 720 should be seven times the power of the Xbox 360, a source told Develop recently that the Wii U is only twice the power of the current-gen Microsoft console. That’s a lot less than what some studios expected from Nintendo.

But then again, this is Nintendo we’re talking about. They’re always behind the curve.

Microsoft Testing Kinect Sensors In Laptops

Mr. Pink — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 02:54:22 +0000

The Daily is reporting that Microsoft is currently testing Kinect components in Windows 8 based laptops. It’s a logical progression from the recently unveiled PC version of the popular motion controller that could have huge implications for… well… looking like a goofy bastard while you flail your hands around in front of the screen at your local coffee shop.

Xbox 720 Uses Blu-ray Discs, Doesn’t Allow Used Games

Mr. Pink — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:01:50 +0000

The same source that spilled new details about the Xbox 720, codename “loop”, to Kotaku yesterday dropped a bit of a bombshell on them today: Microsoft is supposedly using Blu-ray discs for games on the new console.

The source also says that Microsoft plans to integrate some sort of technology that makes it impossible to play used games. That ought to cause quite a bit of controversy if it’s true.

Microsoft Phasing Out MS Points On Xbox Live?

Mr. Pink — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:25:04 +0000

According to a report from Inside Mobile Apps, we won’t be using Microsoft Points by the end of the year. The platform’s virtual currency system will supposedly be phased out in favor of – get this – real currency. Microsoft has neither confirmed nor denied the report as of this posting but a move like this would make a lot of sense. The points system is annoying.

Microsoft Introduces Achievements For Developers

Mr. Pink — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:55:54 +0000

Microsoft is trying to encourage programmers to be more efficient with a beta plug-in for the company’s Visual Studio development environment that adds Xbox-esque achievements.

No, this isn’t a joke or a prank. They’re really doing this. The Verge has details.

Shank 2 Coming February 7th

Mr. Pink — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:53:39 +0000

Klei Entertainment confirmed yesterday that beat-’em-up platformer Shank 2 is due out on the PlayStation Network on February 7th with an Xbox Live Arcade release scheduled for the following day for $10 or 800 MS Points, respectively.

The sequel features both campaign co-op and a two player survival mode.

CES 2012: Day One Summary

Mr. Pink — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 03:32:15 +0000

Dozens of major tech companies debuted hundreds of their newest gadgets and technology during opening day of CES 2012 today. Here’s a summary of product announcements that we’re still going to care and want to hear more about a month from now.

Razer unveiled an awesome looking new gaming tablet dubbed Project Fiona.
ViewSonic and EXOPC unveiled a 32″ multi-touch surface called EXOdesk.
A company called Innergie debuted their PocketCell portable device charger.
Vizio carpet bombed the audience with new products – everything from a whole new line of television sets to all-in-one desktops, laptops, a new tablet, and more. (My favorite toy of the show so far is their new $100 Stream Player. It’s a no-brainer buy.)
A company called BlueStacks debuted its Android app player for Windows.
Corning unveiled Gorilla Glass 2, which is 20% thinner than the original.
Canon shot their competition in the face with their new G1 X point and shoot.
LG introduced a new 84″ Ultradefinition 4K 3DTV that nobody can afford.
Samsung unveiled a ridiculously gorgeous 55″ OLED TV.
Sony confirmed that the U.S. launch of the PS Vita will include Netflix support.
Just about every company at the show unveiled new televisions, Blu-ray players, tablets, cameras, and ugly-ass cell phones that no one will end up actually buying. There was a lot of static on the show floor today. I covered the “big ones” here.

Microsoft to Bring Xbox Live Games to iOS and Android?

Mr. Pink — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:11:27 +0000

An anonymous developer who claims to know the company’s plans says Microsoft intends to bring popular Xbox Live games to the iOS and Android platforms.

This would explain why Microsoft has been advertising openings for developers with Android and iOS development experience. I’d love to see Renegade Ops ported to tablets.

Amazing Gaming Anagrams

Mr. Pink — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 01:59:09 +0000

The “BetaShed” touch on the Skyrim job made me laugh out loud.

Tattoos Now Available For Xbox Live Avatars

Mr. Pink — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 20:41:52 +0000

Microsoft isn’t comfortable selling you firearms for your Xbox Live avatar anymore – but a body modification is just fine, it seems. You can now purchase tattoos for your avatar.

Sadly, they come in the form of shirts and tank-tops with transparent sleeves. In other words, you’re limited to arms only and whatever shirt your avatar was wearing will have to go.

The virtual ink will set you back between 160 and 240 MS Points depending on the design.