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Xbox 360 as set-top box: 'not able to receive or record live TV'
Puzzling details about Microsoft's partnership with UK telecom company BT Group have begun to trickle down. According to BBC, when used as a set-top box to deliver BT's television service, Xbox 360 "will not be able to receive or record live TV." Say what?The report describes the subscription-based service (with 12-month contract) as a library of on-demand content – yeah, like this one – that includes "near-live" Premier League soccer matches. "The reason for streaming-only on the Xbox is because currently the console does not have the capability for live TV or enough hard drive [space] for practical downloading of content," a BT spokesman told BBC, seemingly hinting that a firmware update could be in the works to enable live streaming. [Update: BT's current service only offers over-the-air live broadcasts (and not via IPTV); without a tuner, Xbox 360 is not capable of receiving the company's live programming.]Whatever the case, something ain't right here, so we've put a call into Microsoft for answers. Stay tuned.We've finally heard back from MS; their statement is attached after the break:
BT's 360 TV service on-demand only, over the air live TV not possible [update]
Upon reading a BBC article published today, it seems that British Telecom's planned IPTV service is much less attractive than we had hoped. It turns out that the service does not support live TV or digital video recorder (DVR) functionality, but will be entirely on-demand. In other words, 360 owners will have access to BT's programming library, but won't be flipping channels or recording their favorite shows to watch later. Looking through the CES press release again, the only advantage we can see over the standard set-top box service (which offers live TV and DVR) is that gamers can stay connected to Xbox Live while watching on-demand programming through their 360s, allowing them to send messages and receive game invites among other things. We're not sure that alone justifies a 12-month contract. Of course, if you're interested in nabbing a BT set-top box and you just happen to have a 360 as well, it makes some sense.Perhaps the most interesting quote in the BBC article is from a BT spokesman: "The reason for streaming only on the Xbox is because currently the console does not have the capability for live TV ...." Now, we know the 360 is capable of live TV, as it was demonstrated at last year's CES. Furthermore, all IPTV is streaming, which makes the quote a bit odd. As far as we know, the only thing keeping the 360 from streaming IPTV is a firmware update. For now, we'll give BT the benefit of the doubt and assume that's what the spokesperson was referring to. We've got a call in to Microsoft for clarification.Update: After a helpful comment and some digging, we've figured out the basis for British Telecom's claim that the 360 couldn't support live TV. It turns out that BT's live TV offerings are all made over the air. In other words, live TV is received via an antenna, something the 360 currently can't do. The on-demand services, on the other hand, are offered through IPTV. Still, as the first official IPTV offering on the 360, it seems a bit lacking. (Thanks for the insight, mike.)[Thanks, Scotty Turbo]
BT Group first to roll out Xbox 360 as IPTV set-top box
Just in case you weren't reading along to our liveblog of Bill Gate's twelfth and final CES keynote – in which case, what were you doing? – we wanted to share some Xbox 360 IPTV news. Last year, Microsoft was talking up their IPTV initiative but when Fall '07 rolled around, there weren't any set-top Xboxen to be found. During last night 's keynote Robbie Bach, president of Microsoft's Entertainment & Devices Division, announced that British telecom giant BT Group would be the first "to provide that capability." But when will they provide it and in what markets? As always, answers as we get 'em, but in the meantime read the rest of the Microsoft keynote by clicking the read link.
Iqua intros Bluetooth Snake 2 handsfree system
We won't fault you if you can't recall the original Iqua Snake handsfree system, but it seems its maker has chosen CES as the venue to launch the long-awaited successor. The Iqua Snake 2 curiously mounts to one's headrest and wraps around to get all upside your grill, which looks mighty 1) dorky and 2) obnoxious, if we may say so ourselves. Nevertheless, the company claims that its design will facilitate clearer conversations and adjust to fit nearly any driver, but we still aren't sold on having a barrier between us and the passenger's seat. Nevertheless, those totally digging it can order one now for around $90, and if you've just got to see more, head on down to Autoblog and take a peek.[Via Autoblog]
UK telecom company BT Group first to use Xbox 360 as set-top box
Having previously announced its intentions to have the Xbox 360 as a set-top box (STB) at last year's Consumer Electronics Show, Bill Gates told the audience at this year's keynote that British telecommunications company BT Group will be the first company to use the console as a set-top box, whose interface was most recently seen by accident in a repaired console.Said Gates, "The final announcement, last year we talked about the 360 being an STB -- this year we're excited to announce that BT will be the first to provide that capability. Buy a 360 and use it as an STB for your TV." No other details are given (what about DVR?), but we're hoping to hear some more soon. Check out our hands-on with the service from last year's show.
Hitachi Maxell unveils Bluetooth iPod dongle, stereo headset
Though Hitachi Maxell didn't see fit to dole out any images to accompany its newest duo of products, at least they're pretty self-explanatory. Up first is the Audio Transmitter / Dongle, which plugs into any iPod's dock connector input and enables audio to be "processed with SRS WOW HD audio enhancement before being transmitted via Bluetooth to any BT-enabled headset or speaker accessory." For those who aren't exactly wowed, you can flip off the process with a button on the appendage. Next up is an apparently unnamed Bluetooth 2.0 stereo headset, which doesn't seem to do anything out of the ordinary. Continuing the ambiguous trend, we're also left sans a price or release date -- thanks, Hitachi Maxell.
JayBird reveals JB-100 Bluetooth stereo headset, iPod adapter
Granted, you've got some options out there when scouting a new set of Bluetooth earbuds, but you won't find us kvetching over a little competition in the totally unsaturated market. JayBird is stepping up to the plate with its stylish JB-100, which boasts a built-in microphone for handling handsfree calls, noise / echo suppression technology and 6.5-hours of talk time (5.5-hours when listening to jams). Additionally, the unit is said to be water resistant, and you'll even get a handy charging dock and mesh carrying case should you choose to pick one up. For those clamoring for iPod / DAP support, you can snag one of two adapters (shown after the jump) -- a Made for iPod version that plays nice with dock connector inputs and a vanilla iteration that plugs directly into any 3.5-millimeter audio jack. So, what's all this kit going to cost? Try $129.99 for the headset and $49.99 apiece for the BT adapters, all of which are available right now.[Via CNET]
Hello Kitty gets two new Bluetooth headsets
What better to go with your shiny new Hello Kitty-themed phone than -- wait for it -- a Bluetooth headset doused in cuteness? Apparently, a pair of these very devices have managed to surface, and we're sure gals everywhere are clamoring to get their hands, er, ear under one. Granted, we've no idea how well these things would actually work (nor how much they'll cost), but the adorable factor is undeniably through the roof. If you're not already overwhelmed, feel free to check out the other version after the break.[Thanks, Mickel]
Callpod's Dragon Bluetooth earpiece sports 100-meter range
If you're cool with a circular gizmo flanking one of your ears, Callpod's Bluetooth earpiece is probably right down your alley. Aside from rocking a dual-microphone design, noise cancellation technology and multi-device pairing support, this headset promises to stay connected even if you stray 100-meters (give or take) from your mobile / computer. Additionally, you can count on 8-hours of talk time (300-hours in standby) to handle those all-night sobfests, and it's even firmware upgradable should the future hold some extras not yet available. If you're all ready to sign up, hit the read link and throw down your $119.95 -- Callpod says they'll be shipping soon.[Via Uber-Review]
BT Group hooks up with FON for widespread WiFi
It took quite a few months to make the call, but it seems the chatter between FON and BT Group has finally resulted in a deal. Announced today, Britain's top fixed-line carrier will be teaming up with FON to allow "more than three million UK broadband customers to use hundreds of thousands of hotspots for free." BT customers who agree to share a pinch of their broadband connection(s) will be eligible to surf away gratis on any of the "190,000" FON hotspots worldwide, and BT Group apparently hopes that this deal will eventually lead to "every street in Britain" being covered by WiFi.
BT to make bid for Sprint?
Whenever stock traders gossip, there's usually a lot of disinformation, and there's always an element of plausible deniability: both are the case here, with stories about a possible buyout of Sprint by British firm BT apparently circulating. Sprint's recent stock boost is one of the consequences of the rumors, so whatever's going on, it's good news for stock holders of Sprint. For the rest of us, however, this is just another unpredictable aspect of the stock market: and lets face it, if a deal does go through, it'll be months or even years until consumers see any perceivable difference in services (if any.) Until it does, we'll remain blissfully unaware of all those big money discussions taking place behind mahogany doors on both sides of the Atlantic.
BT Baby Monitor 150 plays voices, MP3s to impressionable children
Good news parents, Labor Day doesn't mean you just get work off anymore, now you can leave your young children in the care of the BT Baby Monitor 150 and really get that rest you deserve. The device can record your voice for playback to little Timmy in his crib -- he'll never know the difference. You can also hook an MP3 player to the 150, load up some Beehtoven and 50 Cent and you're set. Other features include an intercom for parent talk-back, and an alarm. As far as we can tell, this one is only available in the UK, so we suppose we'll have to import one for next year. They go for £69.99, about $141 US.
Go! Messenger brings IM, voice and video chat to PSP
Sony has officially unveiled PSP's upcoming VOIP service, to be called Go! Messenger. The program will be downloadable and installed into the XMB in a future firmware upgrade. Through it, PSP owners will be able to instant message each other using a "new and intuitive on-screen keyboard." By using a headset, users will be able to voice chat; and by using Go!Cam, video chat will also be enabled. "With Go!Messenger, PSP is pushing new boundaries, adding unique communication functionalities to all the existing multimedia experiences," said Stephane Hareau, PSP European Marketing Manager, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. "Enabling more than 8.5 Million PSP users across the SCEE region to communicate with each other, through Video or Voice chat, truly confirms the always evolving nature and potential of PSP.'' The service has been developed in partnership with BT, one of the world's leading telecom providers. Sony plans on adding even more functionality to the PSP through Go!Explore and the Go! branded video download service. European PSP owners will have a lot to look forward to -- hopefully, SCEA will follow-up with its own American service.
Jabra BT8030 bluetooth headset works as a speaker too
While the kids at the back of buses everywhere may already be aware of the fact that headphones can act as speakers if turned up loud enough, the rest of humanity tends to keep the volume down, and is therefore unawares. Jabra has latched onto this concept and created the BT8030, which can act as a bluetooth headset when you're on the move, and then switch into a speakerphone mode for Skype at your laptop. The speaker / headphone combo will also play music over Bluetooth, lasting up to 26 hours in music mode, 32 hours in talk mode, and sitting in standby for up to 25 days. It'll retail for $249.99, although we're not sure when you'll be able to pick one up.[Via FarEastGizmos]
Warglaive of Azzinoth dropped
Previously thought to be a mere rumor, or possibly used in the Illidan fight (like the many legendaries used in the Kael'thas fight), Forte (A-Kazzak-EU) have looted the first drop of the (right) Warglaive of Azzinoth, from their world-third kill of Illidan. Here's the lowdown on the weapon: Name: Warglaive of Azzinoth Type: Legendary main-hand sword Damage/Speed: 214–398/2.80 (109.3 dps) Abilities: +22 Agility +22 Stamina Classes: Warrior, Rogue Equip: improves hit rating by 21 Equip: improves attack power by 44 Set: The Twin Blades of Azzinoth (2) Set: Your melee attacks have a chance to increase your haste rating by 450 for 10 sec. (2) Set: Increases your attack power by 200 when fighting Demons It has an ilvl of 156, and sells for (apparently) 24.3g. The other weapon in the set is also called the Warglaive of Azzinoth, and you can see its details here. It's a safe bet that it drops from Illidan as well. This is, to my knowledge, the first take-away legendary anyone's gotten in BC. The Twin Blades of Azzinoth are, of course, Illidan's own weapons.[via MMO-Gaming]
BT rolls out new ad-heavy payphones
It looks like the streets of London will soon be getting an extra dash of advertising courtesy of BT, which has begun the roll-out of some fresh new payphones, marking the first redesign the company's done in more than 20 years. Designed in partnership with advertising firm JCDecaux, the so-called Street Talk 6 kiosks boast illuminated scrolling advertisements on the rear and no walls or doors, with only a small plastic hood provided to protect the cellphone-less among you from the elements. Apparently, the payphone's cost BT about £2,000 (or close to $4,000) apiece, although we somehow doubt they'll have much trouble making that back a few times over. Look for the first of the new payphones to hit the Richmond and Ealing boroughs of London this week, with the roll-out presumably set to slowly expand throughout the rest of the U.K. shortly thereafter.[Via Channel 4]
WoW Moviewatch: Nihilum vs. Essence of Souls
I don't care how you feel about Nihilum as a guild, this looks like a great fight. Props to the art folks at Blizz for the animations; this is definitely the coolest-looking boss I've seen in a while. One warning, though: the video is rather long. If you want to download the full 365-MB WMV version, head over to WarcraftMovies.[via World of Raids]Previously on Moviewatch
BT demonstrates its PSP VoIP technology
BBC News has an exclusive video of PSP's upcoming VoIP functionality. In a deal made with BT, PSP users will be able to make free video calls to other PSP owners, and PC users equipped with the appropriate software. The service will initially only work at home and at BT hotspots, but can be expanded in the future. In the video above, you can see BT's Steve Andrews speaking on the potential of the platform: "What we've done is allow users to talk, see each other, and send messages to each other on something they take for granted, which is a wonderful device that's called the PSP."
Illidan slain by Nihilum
This should mark an end to this string of world-first posts, and hopefully the poor raiders of Nihilum can get some sleep now. Illidan has now been defeated: the Black Temple is cleared. But how did the fight go? Do you actually kill Illidan, or is it more like the Majordomo Executus fight from MC? At the moment, I don't know, because they haven't uploaded any pictures or information to their site -- no loot, no fight shots, no kill shot. But I'm sure these details will surface soon, and when they do, I'll update this post. For now, I offer one more "congrats" to Nihilum, the current champions of WoW raiding.Update: loot, via World of Raids; apparently there were also 2 Tier 6 chest tokens. Also, if you look at the killshot above (click for a bigger version), Illy certainly looks dead...
Illidari Council down
Warning: this post relates what is popularly known as a "world-first" kill. If you are not interested in a certain high-end European raid guild that shall not be mentioned destroying enemies you may not have heard of, read no further. Right. Still here? OK then.A mere 15 hours after their last kill, the current superstars of WoW PvE have vanquished the one remaining obstacle between them and the big man himself, Illidan. Yes, the Illidari Council is no more. This means they have tonight and tomorrow to try to take down Illy before the raid resets on Wednesday morning (right? Wednesday for EU raids?).What's the secret to their success, you may ask? Well, Kungen claims "Key to success is 4 rogues in all raids." That's good to hear, as it may assuage some Rogue concerns over being edged out in PvE. According to their site they're working on Illidan as I type this, so good luck, guys, and congrats once again. Check out their site for a nice gallery of Illidan killing everybody, and here's the loot from the Council. [via MMO-Champion and World of Raids]
