Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Gamers spending more time streaming video to their consoles, Nielsen finds]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/16/gamers-spending-more-time-streaming-video-to-their-consoles-nie/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/16/gamers-spending-more-time-streaming-video-to-their-consoles-nie/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/16/gamers-spending-more-time-streaming-video-to-their-consoles-nie/#comments
Nielsen, the purveyor of all things statistical and demographic, published a new study this week on game console usage within the US. According to the report, released on Wednesday, gamers this year spent notably more time streaming video to their consoles than they did in 2010, due in large part to the growing availability of services like Netflix, Hulu, MLB Network and ESPN3. Xbox 360 users spent 14 percent of their console time streaming video this year (compared with ten percent last year), PlayStation 3 owners devoted 15 percent (nine percent in 2010), and Nintendo Wii users spent a whopping 33 percent -- a 13 percent increase over last year's study. Each console, moreover, seems to appeal to different functions. Xbox 360 users, for example, devoted 34 percent of their time to online gaming, Wii owners spent 55 percent of their console time on offline gaming, and the PS3 was the device of choice for DVD and Blu-Ray viewing, comprising 22 percent of usage. Overall, Nielsen found that usage increased by seven percent over the last year across all three platforms, which suggests that streaming may be keeping us glued to our consoles for even longer. Read more at the source link below.

Gamers spending more time streaming video to their consoles, Nielsen finds originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blu-Rayconsoledemographicsdvdespn3hdpostminihulumicrosoftmicrosoft xbox 360MicrosoftXbox360mlb networkMlbNetworknetflixnielsennintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiioffline gamingOfflineGamingonline gamingOnlineGamingplaystation 3Playstation3ps3reportsonysony playstation 3SonyPlaystation3statsstreamingstudyvideovideo on demandVideoOnDemandwiixbox 360Xbox360Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget's back to school guide 2011: gaming]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/31/engadgets-back-to-school-guide-2011-gaming/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/31/engadgets-back-to-school-guide-2011-gaming/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/31/engadgets-back-to-school-guide-2011-gaming/#commentsWelcome to Engadget's Back to School guide! We know that this time of year can be pretty annoying and stressful for everyone, so we're here to help out with the heartbreaking process of gadget buying for the school-aged crowd. Today, we're getting our game on -- and you can head to the Back to School hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the month. Be sure to keep checking back -- at the end of the month we'll be giving away a ton of the gear featured in our guides -- and hit up the hub page right here!


Let's be honest, balancing coursework with recreation is just as important as maintaining a balanced food diet -- perhaps even more. After you spend countless hours hitting the books, cramming for tests, and writing papers, you're just going to need something to turn your brain to mush. Don't worry, we have just the thing: video games. It doesn't matter how many midterms you have, we're sure we can find something to help you slack off. Of course, it's not going to be easy; you'll have to wait until next semester (at least) to get your hands on the PlayStation Vita, but that doesn't mean that you don't have options now. Jump past the break -- we can probably help you find something to get you through mid-terms with your sanity intact. Don't want to shell out cash to have fun this semester? Enter our back to school sweepstakes! Simply leave a comment below for a chance to win, and drop by our giveaway page for more details.

Continue reading Engadget's back to school guide 2011: gaming

Engadget's back to school guide 2011: gaming originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 31 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsalienware m18xAlienwareM18xback to schoolback to school shoppingBackToSchoolbacktoschool2011BackToSchoolShoppingbatterybattery packBatteryPackBlu-raycharge baseChargeBaseCyborgRatCyborgRat9dell alienware m18xdell m18xDellAlienwareM18xDellM18xexclusivefeaturefeaturedfeaturesgaming mouseGamingMouseHP Pavilioninfamous 2Infamous2Kinectm18xMad CatzMadCatzmiceMicrosoftmicrosoft kinectmicrosoft xboxMicrosoftKinectMicrosoftXboxmousenintendonintendo+3dsnykonyko zoomnyko zoom kinectNykoZoomNykoZoomKinectplaystation 3playstation moveplaystation move sports championsPlaystation3PlaystationMovePlaystationMoveSportsChampionspower pak+PowerPak+ps3ps3 movePs3Moverat 7rat 9rat mouseRat7Rat9RatMousesony playstationsony playstation 3SonyPlaystationSonyPlaystation3sports championsSportsChampionsxboxxbox 360xbox 360 250gbxbox 360 4gbxbox 360 kinectXbox LiveXbox360Xbox360250gbXbox3604gbXbox360Kinectzoom for kinectZoomForKinectWed, 31 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaked Walmart ad reveals Xbox 360 Arcade with $100 gift card, $300 HP G60 laptop]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/04/leaked-walmart-ad-reveals-xbox-360-arcade-with-100-gift-card/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/04/leaked-walmart-ad-reveals-xbox-360-arcade-with-100-gift-card/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/04/leaked-walmart-ad-reveals-xbox-360-arcade-with-100-gift-card/#comments It's not quite a $99 Xbox 360, but if this apparent Walmart scan via Kotaku is to be believed, that $199 Arcade version is getting a $100 gift card promotion going into effect this Saturday. In real terms, that boils down to a $234 Xbox 360 Pro for first-time buyers, seeing as you'll be needing that $135, 120GB hard drive, too. Also listed are a Sony Blu-ray player for $148 (we're guessing the currently-MSRP'd $199 BDP-S360), and a $298 HP G60-519WM, which touts a 2.2GHz Intel Celeron, 15.6-inch HD display, Windows 7 Home Premium, 3GB RAM, and a 250GB HDD -- not a bad followup at all for that Compaq CQ60. Some interesting spy shots from the Slick Deals forum seem to give credence to the scan, although we're still playing wait-and-see -- that $100 gift card with the Xbox 360 arcade is almost too good to be true, even if it is just a clever tactic to clear shelf space in the lead-up to Black Friday.

Update: Sure as the sun, an official ad has popped up on Yahoo's front page. Screenshot after the break.

[Thanks, just4onepost]

Continue reading Leaked Walmart ad reveals Xbox 360 Arcade with $100 gift card, $300 HP G60 laptop

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Leaked Walmart ad reveals Xbox 360 Arcade with $100 gift card, $300 HP G60 laptop originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360 arcade360Arcadeadadsarcadebdp s360bdp-s360BdpS360blu rayblu-rayblu-ray playerBlu-rayPlayerBluRayg60g60 519 wmg60-519wmG60519Wmhpleakleaksmicrosoftmicrosoft xboxmicrosoft xbox 360MicrosoftXboxMicrosoftXbox360rumorrumorssalesalessonywal martwal-martWalMartxboxxbox 360xbox 360 arcadeXbox360Xbox360ArcadeWed, 04 Nov 2009 00:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft: 'We have no plans for Blu-ray on Xbox 360']]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/23/microsoft-we-have-no-plans-for-blu-ray-on-xbox-360/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/23/microsoft-we-have-no-plans-for-blu-ray-on-xbox-360/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/23/microsoft-we-have-no-plans-for-blu-ray-on-xbox-360/#commentsA recent Gizmodo sit down with Steve Ballmer led with a headline exclaiming a Blu-ray add-on for Xbox was coming. See, when Ballmer was asked about making the Xbox a home theater companion of choice and where Blu-ray might fit in, the Windows 7 wild man said, "Well I don't know if we need to put Blu-ray in there -- you'll be able to get Blu-ray drives as accessories." He then added that on-demand is the future of movies, not physical media. Now our bud Major Nelson, Director of Programming for Xbox Live, has stepped up to lay the conflation to rest. The Major says that Ballmer was referring to Blu-ray accessories for the PC and reiterated Microsoft's focus of bringing instant-on 1080p streaming movies to the Xbox 360. So... that should end speculation of Blu-ray on Xbox right? Not if history serves, nope.

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Microsoft: 'We have no plans for Blu-ray on Xbox 360' originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu rayblu-raybluraydenialhdmajor nelsonMajorNelsonmicrosoftrumorxboxxbox 360Xbox360Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft: 'We have no plans for Blu-ray on Xbox 360']]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/23/microsoft-we-have-no-plans-for-blu-ray-on-xbox-360/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/23/microsoft-we-have-no-plans-for-blu-ray-on-xbox-360/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/23/microsoft-we-have-no-plans-for-blu-ray-on-xbox-360/#commentsA recent Gizmodo sit down with Steve Ballmer led with a headline exclaiming a Blu-ray add-on for Xbox was coming. See, when Ballmer was asked about making the Xbox a home theater companion of choice and where Blu-ray might fit in, the Windows 7 wild man said, "Well I don't know if we need to put Blu-ray in there -- you'll be able to get Blu-ray drives as accessories." He then added that on-demand is the future of movies, not physical media. Now our bud Major Nelson, Director of Programming for Xbox Live, has stepped up to lay the conflation to rest. The Major says that Ballmer was referring to Blu-ray accessories for the PC and reiterated Microsoft's focus of bringing instant-on 1080p streaming movies to the Xbox 360. So... that should end speculation of Blu-ray on Xbox right? Not if history serves, nope.

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Microsoft: 'We have no plans for Blu-ray on Xbox 360' originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 01:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-raydenialhdtvmajor nelsonMajorNelsonmicrosoftrumorxboxxbox 360Xbox360Fri, 23 Oct 2009 01:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Engadget HD: Best gaming / movie console: Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/12/ask-engadget-hd-best-gaming-movie-console-xbox-360-or-playst/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/12/ask-engadget-hd-best-gaming-movie-console-xbox-360-or-playst/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/12/ask-engadget-hd-best-gaming-movie-console-xbox-360-or-playst/#comments
Put those controllers down nice and easy for a second and have a look -- we've some real work for you to do. Jonas has chimed in to solicit the opinions of you wise readers before he selects a console to purchase this winter. Have a look:

"Now that the Xbox 360 is the cheapest console out and can stream HD Netflix titles [not to mention play HD DVDs - Ed.], I'm beginning to question my to-be PlayStation 3 purchase. I realize that the PS3 can also play Blu-ray Discs and stream all sorts of media, but I'm really torn between the two. Which would you recommend for someone who will use the machine for half movies and half gaming? And yes, price is an issue, so obviously I favor the Xbox 360 in that area."

We can't imagine that Jonas is alone in this one. The whole HD Netflix announcement was a huge win for Microsoft, and while we know it's coming to other devices soon, there's been no direct announcement made regarding the PS3. Let the debate begin!

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

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Ask Engadget HD: Best gaming / movie console: Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>askask engadget dhask engadget hdAskEngadgetHdblu rayblu-rayblurayconsolefeatureshdmicrosoftother hardwareotherhardwareplaystation 3Playstation3ps3sonyxbox 360Xbox360Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft denies Xbox 360 Blu-ray reports yet again]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/05/microsoft-denies-xbox-360-blu-ray-reports-yet-again/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/05/microsoft-denies-xbox-360-blu-ray-reports-yet-again/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/05/microsoft-denies-xbox-360-blu-ray-reports-yet-again/#comments
We're beginning to lose count of how many times we've been around this carousel, but just in case you thought yet another rumor would bring the Blu-ray-infused Xbox 360 any closer to reality, Microsoft's out to put the kibosh on your wildest hopes and dreams. Following up on the latest round of whispers that surfaced last Friday, Redmond proclaimed to GamePro: "As we have stated, we have no plans to introduce a Blu-ray drive for Xbox 360." The statement also noted that "games are what drive consumers to purchase game consoles, and we remain focused on providing the largest library of blockbuster games available." Right -- which totally explains your prior relationship with HD DVD.

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Microsoft denies Xbox 360 Blu-ray reports yet again originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 May 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu rayblu-raybluraydenialdenygaminghdmicrosoftother hardwareotherhardwareothersrumorxbox 360Xbox360Mon, 05 May 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft denies Xbox 360 Blu-ray reports yet again]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/05/microsoft-denies-xbox-360-blu-ray-reports-yet-again/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/05/microsoft-denies-xbox-360-blu-ray-reports-yet-again/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/05/microsoft-denies-xbox-360-blu-ray-reports-yet-again/#comments
We're beginning to lose count of how many times we've been around this carousel, but just in case you thought yet another rumor would bring the Blu-ray-infused Xbox 360 any closer to reality, Microsoft's out to put the kibosh on your wildest hopes and dreams. Following up on the latest round of whispers that surfaced last Friday, Redmond proclaimed to GamePro: "As we have stated, we have no plans to introduce a Blu-ray drive for Xbox 360." The statement also noted that "games are what drive consumers to purchase game consoles, and we remain focused on providing the largest library of blockbuster games available." Right -- which totally explains your prior relationship with HD DVD.

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Microsoft denies Xbox 360 Blu-ray reports yet again originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 May 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-raydenialdenygaminghdtvmicrosoftrumorxbox 360Xbox360Mon, 05 May 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 Blu-ray console shipping by September?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/02/xbox-360-blu-ray-console-shipping-by-september/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/02/xbox-360-blu-ray-console-shipping-by-september/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/02/xbox-360-blu-ray-console-shipping-by-september/#commentsFor all of Microsoft's denial, the Xbox 360 Blu-ray console rumors just will not die. In fact, they are getting more and more specific. The Chinese language Economic Daily News is reporting that Pegatron, an OEM subsidiary of ASUS, has won the order from Microsoft to assemble the Xbox 360 with Blu-ray Disc ROM drive -- shipments are expected to being in Q3 of this year. Now come on Microsoft, just come clean on the matter, we won't tell anyone.

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Xbox 360 Blu-ray console shipping by September? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 May 2008 02:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu rayblu-rayblurayconsolegaminghdmicrosoftother hardwareotherhardwareothersrumorxbox 360Xbox360Fri, 02 May 2008 02:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 Blu-ray console shipping by September?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/02/xbox-360-blu-ray-console-by-september/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/02/xbox-360-blu-ray-console-by-september/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/02/xbox-360-blu-ray-console-by-september/#commentsFor all of Microsoft's denial, the Xbox 360 Blu-ray console rumors just will not die. In fact, they are getting more and more specific. The Chinese language Economic Daily News is reporting that Pegatron, an OEM subsidiary of ASUS, has won the order from Microsoft to assemble the Xbox 360 with Blu-ray Disc ROM drive -- shipments are expected to being in Q3 of this year. Now come on Microsoft, just come clean on the matter, we won't tell anyone.

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Xbox 360 Blu-ray console shipping by September? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 May 2008 02:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asusblu-raybreaking newsBreakingNewseconomic daily newsEconomicDailyNewshdtvmicrosoftpegatronrumorxbox 360xbox 360 blu-rayXbox360Xbox360Blu-rayFri, 02 May 2008 02:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft hoses down latest Xbox 360 Blu-ray rumor]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/02/microsoft-hoses-down-latest-xbox-360-blu-ray-rumor/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/02/microsoft-hoses-down-latest-xbox-360-blu-ray-rumor/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/02/microsoft-hoses-down-latest-xbox-360-blu-ray-rumor/#commentsIf you're suddenly overcome with a feeling akin to déjà vu, go ahead and kill that speed dial to your physician. For the second time in a month, Microsoft has actually come forward to squash a Blu-ray Xbox 360 rumor. This go 'round, an alleged statement from Redmond states quite outrightly that "Lite-On is not manufacturing Blu-ray drives for Xbox 360," and it continues on by noting that "customers who want a premium movie experience [can check out the] library of on-demand HD content" available to console owners. Still, we've grown accustomed to these denials by now, and while you'd think that having a pair of rumors on the matter smashed would put the issue to rest, we've all ideas this one isn't quite dead and buried just yet.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

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Microsoft hoses down latest Xbox 360 Blu-ray rumor originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-rayformat warFormatWarhdtvlite-onmicrosoftrumorxblmxboxxbox 360xbox360Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft hoses down latest Xbox 360 Blu-ray rumor]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/02/microsoft-hoses-down-latest-xbox-360-blu-ray-rumor/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/02/microsoft-hoses-down-latest-xbox-360-blu-ray-rumor/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/02/microsoft-hoses-down-latest-xbox-360-blu-ray-rumor/#commentsIf you're suddenly overcome with a feeling akin to déjà vu, go ahead and kill that speed dial to your physician. For the second time in a month, Microsoft has actually come forward to squash a Blu-ray Xbox 360 rumor. This go 'round, an alleged statement from Redmond states quite outrightly that "Lite-On is not manufacturing Blu-ray drives for Xbox 360," and it continues on by noting that "customers who want a premium movie experience [can check out the] library of on-demand HD content" available to console owners. Still, we've grown accustomed to these denials by now, and while you'd think that having a pair of rumors on the matter smashed would put the issue to rest, we've all ideas this one isn't quite dead and buried just yet.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Microsoft hoses down latest Xbox 360 Blu-ray rumor originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-rayformat warFormatWarhdlite-onmicrosoftrumorxblmxboxxbox 360xbox360Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 with Blu-ray to spark price war with Sony PS3?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/02/xbox-360-with-blu-ray-to-spark-price-war-with-sony-ps3/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/02/xbox-360-with-blu-ray-to-spark-price-war-with-sony-ps3/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/02/xbox-360-with-blu-ray-to-spark-price-war-with-sony-ps3/#commentsDigiTimes is feeling pretty confident about the rumors they started yesterday regarding the Xbox 360 with integrated Blu-ray. They are so confident that they're predicting a price war as Microsoft takes on Sony's PS3 at its own game. Their sources claim that the Blu-ray Disc drive will cost Microsoft between $95 and $100 -- much higher than the $18 to $20 DVD drives already found in the Xbox 360. Microsoft is of course, expected to sell its new Blu-ray rig at a loss as is customary in the console market. Sony may then be forced to lower the cost of the PS3 and/or retaliate by increasing Lite-On's cost for the Blu-ray components (like the BD-ROM pick-up heads) purchased from Sony. Whatever the result, the competition would be nothing but good news for consumers of HD media... you know, if the rumor is true.

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Xbox 360 with Blu-ray to spark price war with Sony PS3? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 04:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu rayblu-raybluraydigitimeshdlite-onmicrosoftps3rumorsonyxbox 360Xbox360Wed, 02 Apr 2008 04:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 with Blu-ray to spark price war with Sony PS3?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/02/xbox-360-with-blu-ray-to-spark-price-war-with-sony-ps3/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/02/xbox-360-with-blu-ray-to-spark-price-war-with-sony-ps3/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/02/xbox-360-with-blu-ray-to-spark-price-war-with-sony-ps3/#commentsDigiTimes is feeling pretty confident about the rumors they started yesterday regarding the Xbox 360 with integrated Blu-ray. They are so confident that they're predicting a price war as Microsoft takes on Sony's PS3 at its own game. Their sources claim that the Blu-ray Disc drive will cost Microsoft between $95 and $100 -- much higher than the $18 to $20 DVD drives already found in the Xbox 360. Microsoft is of course, expected to sell its new Blu-ray rig at a loss as is customary in the console market. Sony may then be forced to lower the cost of the PS3 and/or retaliate by increasing Lite-On's cost for the Blu-ray components (like the BD-ROM pick-up heads) purchased from Sony. Whatever the result, the competition would be nothing but good news for consumers of HD media... you know, if the rumor is true.

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Xbox 360 with Blu-ray to spark price war with Sony PS3? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 04:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-raydigitimeshdtvlite-onmicrosoftps3rumorsonyxbox 360Xbox360Wed, 02 Apr 2008 04:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Next generation Xbox 360 with built-in Blu-ray coming in 2008?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/01/next-generation-xbox-360-with-built-in-blu-ray-coming-in-2008/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/01/next-generation-xbox-360-with-built-in-blu-ray-coming-in-2008/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/01/next-generation-xbox-360-with-built-in-blu-ray-coming-in-2008/#commentsOk, here we go again. Despite Microsoft's attempt to quash Xbox 360 Blu-ray rumors, they're back... with a vengeance. According to "industry sources" speaking to DigiTimes, Lite-On is developing built-in Blu-ray Disc drives for the "next generation" Xbox 360 game console. Lite-On is expected to begin shipping the new BD players for assembly in the second half of 2008. DigiTimes also claims that the new, presumably smaller Xbox 360 will reduce the power supply from 210-watts to 170-watts. So... care to comment, Microsoft?

Update: As noted by our readers, Falcon-based 360s are already running at 175-watts.

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Next generation Xbox 360 with built-in Blu-ray coming in 2008? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Apr 2008 05:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu rayblu-raybluraydigitimeshdlite-onmicrosoftrumorxbox 360Xbox360Tue, 01 Apr 2008 05:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Next generation Xbox 360 with built-in Blu-ray coming in 2008?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/01/next-generation-xbox-360-with-built-in-blu-ray-coming-in-2008/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/01/next-generation-xbox-360-with-built-in-blu-ray-coming-in-2008/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/01/next-generation-xbox-360-with-built-in-blu-ray-coming-in-2008/#commentsOk, here we go again. Despite Microsoft's attempt to quash Xbox 360 Blu-ray rumors, they're back... with a vengeance. According to "industry sources" speaking to DigiTimes, Lite-On is developing built-in Blu-ray Disc drives for the "next generation" Xbox 360 game console. Lite-On is expected to begin shipping the new BD players for assembly in the second half of 2008. DigiTimes also claims that the new, presumably smaller Xbox 360 will reduce the power supply from 210-watts to 170-watts. So... care to comment, Microsoft?

Update: As noted by our readers, Falcon-based 360s are already running at 175-watts.

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Next generation Xbox 360 with built-in Blu-ray coming in 2008? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Apr 2008 05:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-raybreaking newsBreakingNewsdigitimeshdtvlite-onmicrosoftrumorxbox 360Xbox360Tue, 01 Apr 2008 05:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Blu-ray on Xbox 360? Microsoft hasn't heard about it]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/12/blu-ray-on-xbox-360-microsoft-hasnt-heard-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/12/blu-ray-on-xbox-360-microsoft-hasnt-heard-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/12/blu-ray-on-xbox-360-microsoft-hasnt-heard-about-it/#commentsThose hot/cold "Blu-ray coming to Xbox 360" rumors just cooled off a bit again, with product manager Aaron Greenberg telling Reuters "Xbox is not currently in talks with Sony or the Blu-ray Association to integrate Blu-ray into the Xbox experience". Clear enough? He also dropped the nugget that Microsoft expects to trail the PS3 in sales again in February, but should have things turned around by April, just in time for the GTA IV launch, which should also be right around the time this rumor rears its head again. In the meantime, digital distribution anyone?

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Blu-ray on Xbox 360? Microsoft hasn't heard about it originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Mar 2008 23:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu rayblu-rayblurayformat warFormatWarhdinternetmicrosoftother hardwareotherhardwaresonyxblmxboxxbox 360Xbox360Wed, 12 Mar 2008 23:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Blu-ray on Xbox 360? Microsoft hasn't heard about it]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/12/blu-ray-on-xbox-360-microsoft-hasnt-heard-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/12/blu-ray-on-xbox-360-microsoft-hasnt-heard-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/12/blu-ray-on-xbox-360-microsoft-hasnt-heard-about-it/#commentsThose hot/cold "Blu-ray coming to Xbox 360" rumors just cooled off a bit again, with product manager Aaron Greenberg telling Reuters "Xbox is not currently in talks with Sony or the Blu-ray Association to integrate Blu-ray into the Xbox experience". Clear enough? He also dropped the nugget that Microsoft expects to trail the PS3 in sales again in February, but should have things turned around by April, just in time for the GTA IV launch, which should also be right around the time this rumor rears its head again. In the meantime, digital distribution anyone?

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Blu-ray on Xbox 360? Microsoft hasn't heard about it originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Mar 2008 23:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-raygreenberghdtvmicrosoftsonyxboxxbox 360Xbox360Wed, 12 Mar 2008 23:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony "in talks" with Microsoft about a Xbox 360 Blu-ray drive]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/06/sony-in-talks-with-microsoft-about-a-xbox-360-blu-ray-d/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/06/sony-in-talks-with-microsoft-about-a-xbox-360-blu-ray-d/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/06/sony-in-talks-with-microsoft-about-a-xbox-360-blu-ray-d/#commentsAbout 48 milliseconds after the format war was officially over, rumors started running rampant (again) about Blu-ray making its way over to Microsoft's latest console. Now, however, those rumors actually have some legs -- well, at least a leg. According to Stan Glasgow, Sony Electronics US president, "Sony is in talks with console rival Microsoft about offering a Blu-ray drive for the Xbox 360." For whatever it's worth, the exec also noted that it was having similar discussions with Apple, which has yet to even offer a Blu-ray option on any of its machines. Unfortunately, not a peep was uttered about potential launch dates and the like, but you can rest assured that we'll be keeping an ear dangerously close to the ground.

[Thanks, Andy]

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Sony "in talks" with Microsoft about a Xbox 360 Blu-ray drive originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Mar 2008 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-onappleblu rayblu-raybluraybreaking newsBreakingNewshdmicrosoftother hardwareotherhardwareothersrumorsonyxbox 360Xbox360Thu, 06 Mar 2008 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony "in talks" with Microsoft about a Xbox 360 Blu-ray drive]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/06/sony-in-talks-with-microsoft-about-a-xbox-360-blu-ray-d/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/06/sony-in-talks-with-microsoft-about-a-xbox-360-blu-ray-d/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/06/sony-in-talks-with-microsoft-about-a-xbox-360-blu-ray-d/#commentsAbout 48 milliseconds after the format war was officially over, rumors started running rampant (again) about Blu-ray making its way over to Microsoft's latest console. Now, however, those rumors actually have some legs -- well, at least a leg. According to Stan Glasgow, Sony Electronics US president, "Sony is in talks with console rival Microsoft about offering a Blu-ray drive for the Xbox 360." For whatever it's worth, the exec also noted that it was having similar discussions with Apple, which has yet to even offer a Blu-ray option on any of its machines. Unfortunately, not a peep was uttered about potential launch dates and the like, but you can rest assured that we'll be keeping an ear dangerously close to the ground.

[Thanks, Andy]

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Sony "in talks" with Microsoft about a Xbox 360 Blu-ray drive originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Mar 2008 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-onblu-raybreaking newsBreakingNewshdtvmicrosoftrumorsonyxbox 360Xbox360Thu, 06 Mar 2008 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 Blu-ray player rumor returns right on cue]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/18/xbox-360-blu-ray-player-rumor-returns-right-on-cue/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/18/xbox-360-blu-ray-player-rumor-returns-right-on-cue/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/18/xbox-360-blu-ray-player-rumor-returns-right-on-cue/#comments Two years and 1 month ago today we saw the kibosh come down on the Xbox 360 Blu-ray player rumor. This morning it returns with the prospect of a Microsoft player as early as May. According to Smarthouse, their "insiders at Microsoft" claim that a standalone Blu-ray player is already working in-house. With the appropriate approvals it could be on sale within 3 months. A 360 with built-in Blu-ray is also being worked on although the possibility of moving it out to retail is less clear with HD downloads on the horizon. Not that any of this is unexpected given the circumstances. We never expected Microsoft to go down with the HD DVD ship -- they're just passengers on this ill-fated voyage, not the captains.

Update: Microsoft carefully responds to the rumor.

[Thanks, Oakie]

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Xbox 360 Blu-ray player rumor returns right on cue originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 Feb 2008 05:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-rayhd dvdHdDvdhdtvmicrosoftrumorxboxxbox 360Xbox360Mon, 18 Feb 2008 05:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft: still not so keen on Blu-ray]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/18/microsoft-still-not-so-keen-on-blu-ray/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/18/microsoft-still-not-so-keen-on-blu-ray/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/18/microsoft-still-not-so-keen-on-blu-ray/#commentsAlright folks, the merry-go-round on this one is apparently grinding to a halt, as recent reports are finally clarifying a statement made way back in January of last year by Peter Moore in regard to Blu-ray making nice with the Xbox 360. Mr. Moore's insinuation that Microsoft's latest console had "the flexibility to adapt to consumers' needs" was purportedly taken way out of context, as a post on the firm's Gamerscore Blog boldly proclaims that these reports were "completely incorrect," and further crushed any remaining hope by stating that Redmond is "fully committed to HD DVD and has absolutely no plans to support other optical formats." Hey, at least you can pull the trigger on that standalone BD player you've been eying now, eh?

[Via GamesIndustry]

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Microsoft: still not so keen on Blu-ray originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 May 2007 00:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-rayhd dvdHdDvdhdtvmicrosoftpeter moorePeterMoorerumorxbox 360Xbox360Fri, 18 May 2007 00:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 HD DVD drive to drop for £199 in the UK?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/08/xbox-360-hd-dvd-drive-to-drop-for-199-in-the-uk/http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/08/xbox-360-hd-dvd-drive-to-drop-for-199-in-the-uk/http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/08/xbox-360-hd-dvd-drive-to-drop-for-199-in-the-uk/#commentsNothing official or anything, but the folks at GamesIndustry.biz are catching wind from their retail pals that Microsoft is prepping to drop their HD DVD drive in the UK this November for £199. Added to the current price of an Xbox 360 Premium in the UK the total price comes to £478, compared to the PS3's £425 asking price in the UK. The good news is that sources also suggest Microsoft is planning on selling a bundle of the HD DVD drive and Premium 360 for £400 or even possibly $375, so folks who haven't yet jumped into the next-gen console fray could save money and still get HD movie capability by purchasing a 360/HD DVD bundle. Microsoft is also purportedly throwing in a pair of HD DVD movies to sweeten the deal, so there's also that to consider. What this all means for US pricing is hard to say, since both the Xbox 360 and PS3 prices are priced considerably higher in the UK than just a direct currency conversion would suggest. What we hope it means is that if you purchase an HD DVD drive all by its lonesome you'll wind up with a pair of movies for it and a $50-$100 "total cost of ownership" premium over a straight PS3 purchase, but if you buy a console/drive bundle you could end up saving just that much in comparison to the PS3. Or the whole rumor could be bunk and we could go about our normal lives, which is just as likely.

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Xbox 360 HD DVD drive to drop for £199 in the UK? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 08 Sep 2006 17:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-rayhd dvdHdDvdhdtvmicrosoftps3rumorxbox 360Xbox360Fri, 08 Sep 2006 17:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 with integrated HD DVD drive? No way.]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/07/04/xbox-360-with-integrated-hd-dvd-drive-no-way/http://www.engadget.com/2006/07/04/xbox-360-with-integrated-hd-dvd-drive-no-way/http://www.engadget.com/2006/07/04/xbox-360-with-integrated-hd-dvd-drive-no-way/#commentsIf you were hoping to reduce some living room clutter by slapping an internal HD DVD drive in that Xbox 360, think again, jack. Microsoft just put the kibosh on a certain Toshiba exec's "prediction" that those external HD DVD drives Microsoft was showing off at E3 would find their way integrated into future 360 consoles. In an official statement, Microsoft says they have no plans to integrate the HD DVD drive because they "feel that offering the drive externally is the best way to give consumers the ultimate choice to create their own high definition experiences." Well, that's pretty clear. However, BD believers could interpret that statement to hint at possible support for an external Blu-ray Disc drive -- afterall, that would be the ultimate choice, right? Hell, the next-gen format war is anybody's game at this point so why lock yourself into a format which might lose, or even morph into a unified offering? It's not like Microsoft's alone in hedging their bets now are they?

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Xbox 360 with integrated HD DVD drive? No way. originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Jul 2006 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bdblu-rayblu-ray discBlu-rayDischd dvdHdDvdhdtvmicrosoftrumortoshibaxboxxbox 360Xbox360Tue, 04 Jul 2006 08:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Playstation 3 delay is official]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/03/14/playstation-3-delay-is-official/http://www.engadget.com/2006/03/14/playstation-3-delay-is-official/http://www.engadget.com/2006/03/14/playstation-3-delay-is-official/#commentsPlaystation 3In the "who didn't see this coming?" news of the day Sony has announced that the Playstation 3 won't be shipping this Spring. A Japanese newspaper is reporting the launch has been pushed back to November in Japan, potentially leaving US high definition gamers PS3-less until 2007. The stated reason for the delay? Copy protection related to the Blu-ray drive. Apparently that preliminary AACS agreement wasn't enough, or maybe Sony is just planning on slipping a combo (or at least 4x drive) in the unit.

It's been pretty obvious that the PS3 would slip, with it being March and developers still not having final hardware to work on, but November seems pretty late, it will be interesting to see how they keep the hype machine rolling all year long.

Hopefully we will learn more about Sony's next generation plans tomorrow.

[Via Evil Avatar]

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Playstation 3 delay is official originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Mar 2006 16:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upblu-raydelaygaminghdhdtvhigh definitionHighDefinitionmicrosoftplaystationps3sonytechvideogamexbox 360Xbox360Tue, 14 Mar 2006 16:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Playstation 3 price rumors: $599 for Blu-ray movies?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/02/07/playstation-3-price-rumors-599-for-blu-ray-movies/http://www.engadget.com/2006/02/07/playstation-3-price-rumors-599-for-blu-ray-movies/http://www.engadget.com/2006/02/07/playstation-3-price-rumors-599-for-blu-ray-movies/#commentsSony Playstation 3Since there's nothing for a slow news day like a wild unfounded rumor, let me make sure you've seen this one. Gamerandy is reporting that Gamestop and Electronics Boutique will start taking preorders for the Playstation 3 for $399. The kicker is that if you want to play more than games, i.e. Blu-ray movies, you'll need the $599 version, or possibly an unlock of some kind.

A large part of the PS3's appeal is as a low-priced Blu-ray player, and while $599 would still put it well below the standalone players already announced, it's still a bit rich for many gamer's blood. If this is true, or at the least, Sony copies Microsoft's dual-SKU strategy, does this affect whether or not you will buy a PS3 at launch?

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Playstation 3 price rumors: $599 for Blu-ray movies? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2006 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu rayblu-rayBluRayhdHD Beathd-dvdHdBeathdtvhigh definitionHighDefinitionmicrosoftplaystation 2ps3sonyxbox 360Xbox360Tue, 07 Feb 2006 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[CES: How the hell am I supposed to make this stuff work together?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/01/09/ces-how-the-hell-am-i-supposed-to-make-this-stuff-work-together/http://www.engadget.com/2006/01/09/ces-how-the-hell-am-i-supposed-to-make-this-stuff-work-together/http://www.engadget.com/2006/01/09/ces-how-the-hell-am-i-supposed-to-make-this-stuff-work-together/#commentsCES logoConnecting.

It seems like companies had no problem doing that at CES. Everybody was in a partnership with everybody else and was in a hurry to tell people about it, I'm not even going  to make the lame high school compariso...oops.

But seriously, after all the talking is done, I still don't know what is going to work with what, or how. I can't even imagine what it's going to be like for the average consumer this year, because this stuff is gibberish to me. Let me run down a list just of the things I'm left with far more questions than answers about.

Intel:

  • Viiv: I still don't know what this is. I know that Intel has partnered with everyone and their mother. (Seriously, at this point I wouldn't be at all surprised if I visited home and found that I needed at the least a software upgrade before I could eat some DRM protected home cooking). The questions I need answered are, will I absolutely need to buy an Intel PC to take advantage of this content? How will I take advantage of it, can I build my own Viiv PC? And what does this mean anyway?
Microsoft:
  • Congratulations, the Xbox 360 is getting HD-DVD playback. How much, how will it connect to my 360 and my TV and when can we expect it, until you answer those questions I'm not excited in the least.
  • Is Wintel really dead? Viiv relies on Windows Media Center, but Microsoft is partnering with AMD on their competing AMD Live standard, (btw, everything I said about not knowing what Viiv is, goes double for AMD Live).
  • Now that Google is using DivX, is Microsoft going to add support for streaming to the Xbox 360 or am I going to have to wait for a mod chip?
Continue on for questions for Google, Sony, HANA or provide your own answers/questions.

Continue reading CES: How the hell am I supposed to make this stuff work together?

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CES: How the hell am I supposed to make this stuff work together? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jan 2006 13:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amdamd liveblu-raycesdrmgaminggooglehdhd-dvdintelmanaged copymicrosoftmoviemoviesplaystationps2sonytechvideo downloadvideogameviivxboxxbox 360Xbox360Mon, 09 Jan 2006 13:11:00 EST