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Microsoft's Red Ring warranty conference call transcribed
Following yesterday's announcement that Microsoft would be expanding their warranty program to cover the Red Ring of Death issue for up to three years from the purchase date -- at a cost of $1.05 to $1.15 billion -- we tuned into their conference call with Robbie Bach, President of Entertainment & Devices Division, and other Microsoft executives. We've transcribed the call for your edification:Robbie Bach: Good afternoon everyone. Thank you for joining us this afternoon. I want to update you on the things we're rolling out across the Xbox 360 Before I get into the details of the announcement I want to give you a quick snapshot of the Xbox business. Overall the fundamentals of the business remain very strong. Our games attach rates remain the highest in the industry as seen at this stage in the console's life cycle. Xbox Live continues to add members and we're selling lots of games. If you look at customer recommendations, about 90% of our customers recommend our product to friends. And we're getting ready to go to E3 where we'll show what we believe to be the best slate of games the industry has ever seen. So the fundamentals are good.
Rumor: Microsoft adding extra cooling to repaired 360s
Several technology websites have become hosts to images of newly repaired Xbox 360s featuring a cooling solution which was not present in the original hardware. It is claimed that after placing a malfunctioning system in a cozy coffin and sending it off to Microsoft, users receive a repaired system equipped with a second GPU (graphics processing unit) heatsink. No instances of the heatsink appearing in brand new systems have yet been documented, but its initial appearance seems to highlight what anecdotal evidence has been suggesting for months -- if it's broke, you should fix it.Is Microsoft finally taking a shot at Peter Moore's "moving target" failure rate? If indeed legitimate, this hardware modification suggests that the system's reported problems could be due to an engineering issue as opposed to generalized problems. Then again, it's no simple matter drawing conclusions based on nothing but anecdotal evidence and a tight-lipped manufacturer... and perhaps therein lies the real problem. Microsoft did not respond to our request for comment at the time of writing. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Microsoft's Shift: we do finger-based control, too
With Apple's iPhone release still set for next month, will the design and user experience win it legions of fans throughout the rest of 2007? Probably, but some folks in Redmond are holding their applause. Microsoft's "Shift" finger-based interface is set to clash with Apple's multi-touch sometime soon as the software titans do human interface battle (again). No, this is not the Microsoft oFone, but is Microsoft's "Shift" a copy of Apple's multi-touch or a homegrown Microsoft invention? The description Microsoft gives for Shift states that it is "possible to use a pointer on a PDA that can be guided by finger motion -- once the pointer is in position, the user simply lifts his thumb or finger to select the target." Does this sound revolutionary or evolutionary -- or neither? Shift apparently not only replaces stylus input but goes beyond it -- just like multi-touch. Still, should the iPhone feel threatened at all here?
This Wednesday: Aegis Wing lands on XBLA, forms the head
Arriving alongside the most anticipated game release of all time (oh, and the Halo 3 beta), Aegis Wing is set to remind us yet again that things from outer space are always coming to kill you. Conceived by three enterprising Microsoft interns over the course of a summer and developed in conjunction with Uno's Carbonated Games, the side-scrolling shooter invites up to four players to pilot conspicuously colored spaceships and shoot down alien oppressors this coming Wednesday, May 16th. As with any modern spacecraft, each ship can initiate a mechanical group hug with the others and thus unleash more devastating (and elaborately named) attacks. Aegis Wing will be available for free on Xbox Live Arcade -- a "gift to gamers," says Microsoft -- but only for "a limited time." The time will be especially limited if you live outside North America, where the game will not be available for download at all. No gifts for you, foreign gamers! %Gallery-3115%[Via Microsoft press release]
Forza 2 goes gold, reaches stores on May 29th
In a politely worded e-mail, Microsoft has announced that seriously simmy sequel, Forza Motorsport 2, has at last gone gold. Having hit Ctrl+S for the final time, the team at Turn 10 Studios has sent the finished code off to the disc pressers, shortly before collapsing into a nearby and distinctly unhygienic pool of blood, sweat and oil.A demo of Forza 2 is currently available on the Xbox Live Marketplace and the full game can be expected to arrive on 29 May. UK retailers currently list a June 8th release date for those that enjoy driving on the wrong side of the road. [Via Microsoft press release]
Microsoft's J Allard finally honors lost bet, dons dreads
Though it took him almost a year, Xbox 360 poster boy and accident-prone mountain biker, J (no period) Allard, has finally stepped back into the internet spotlight, draped with a dread-full wig and the aura of defeat. The utterly disturbing image above is the result of a lost bet Allard entered into with Newsweek's N'Gai Croal. The wager? Sony's PSP would not ship 10 million units within twelve months, "give or take 3 months." Had Allard been the winner, he would have been awarded the opportunity to liberate Croal's intimidating locks. If not, he would have to slap a dread wig on his own, spectacularly bald head for an entire month and be seen with it during Microsoft's E3 2006 presentation. With Allard failing to show up during the conference, however, the lost bet was never honored. Not willing to let the matter go so easily, N'Gai most recently posted an investigation and interview into why people (hypothetically) fail to live up to their part of the bargain. We'd normally be trite and say something about "better late than never", but having spent a few seconds looking at Allard's new visage... we find ourselves leaning towards "never." [Via Level Up]
Microsoft tightening territory controls on Xbox Live
While the internet continues to decimate conventional demarcations like "countries" or "continents," content owners still find themselves funneled into separate geographical compartments. As an Xbox Live user, you are encouraged to keep your arms, legs and credit cards on the inside at all times, lest you cause some sort of international incident. The Xbox 360's Spring (that's Autumn for those on the other half of the planet!) dashboard update will further enforce this by restricting downloads based on the location of your console.As Microsoft's John Porcaro explains it on the Gamerscore Blog, "if you have set up an account that does not match the country where you are located, you will find that these new security measures will only allow you to purchase and download content that is licensed in the country where you are located." Frequently, said country will not go by the name of "America," as the wealth of content available to US subscribers utterly dwarfs that found in other regions, including Europe. There's a reason people are taking their Xbox Live accounts on international trips.While this primarily concerns content such as television shows and movies (which often hit Xbox Live before they've even been advertised in other countries), the decision to "strengthen the territory controls" seems exclusionary when more effort could be made to spread the content on a supposedly global network. The spider's web of licensing and regulation within television makes the delay and segregation somewhat understandable, but the possibility of Xbox Live Arcade games becoming similarly entangled is worrisome. Gamers in countries where the Xbox 360 has launched sans "official" Live support are already being foiled in their attempts just to purchase MS points. Your plastic's no good -- oh, except when it comes time to renew that Gold subscription. Then those borders fall down like dominoes.
Gears of War 'Hidden Fronts' map pack now available
Containing four new maps and a strong allusion to bulletproof codpieces, the "Hidden Fronts" map pack for testosterone explosion simulator, Gears of War, is now available for download on the Xbox Live Marketplace. In exchange for 800 MS points ($10), you'll receive approximately 230 megabytes of data that will automagically congeal on your hard drive and form beautiful, post-apocalyptic environments. Those less intent on wiping out the Locust horde can wait until September 3rd for the maps to become free of charge.%Gallery-2901%
This Wednesday: XBLA settles on Catan, hosts Centipedes and Millipedes
THE CATAN GAZETTE -- 30 APRIL 2007 Six Corners City, Island of Catan. The astonishing rate at which the settlers of Catan have transformed the previously uninhabited and decidedly unimpressive island into something civilized is set to slow down this week, when primary construction on the Xbox Live Arcade comes to a close on Wednesday, May 2nd, at 9AM GMT (2AM PST). Mayor Taus Kleuber, whose city will host the entertainment complex, noted that, "I encourage all our settlers to visit the arcade and forget about their jobs for a few hours." It seems that customers are already doing just that, lining up outside the arcade with the required 800 MS Points entry fee already in hand. "It seems like a reasonable price," said one excited teenager. "Then again, our currency never made any sense to me." Another woman expressed dismay at the growing excitement. "This new-fangled tomfoolery disgusts me. Why, my little girl's school was attacked by bears the other day because the guy who was making the fence went to check out this arcade. If I were a witch or something, I'd put this thing on a hex for sure!"%Gallery-1729%The most important part of establishing a successful arcade is filling it with quality games. So says self-proclaimed "gamer," Thaddeus McMac. "It's all about the games. When the Xbox Live Arcade opens this week, they're putting up some Centipede and Millipede machines." McMac notes that this "retro" package deal, which lumps together the two similar titles, costs 400 MS points and is perfect for those that enjoyed it before they moved to Catan. "Personally, I think I'll just wait for Catan to get some sunglass stores. I'll need a rose-colored pair before I tangle with those bugs again!"Turn to Page 2 for our riveting poll: How do you pronounce Catan? (Hint: It doesn't rhyme with Satan!)%Gallery-2876%
Microsoft explains removal of Bluetooth DUN
Something that has probably caused quite a few Windows Mobile 5 customers to vent some rage lately was the removal of Bluetooth dial-up networking from AKU3. Why did Microsoft do it? According to a blog entry over at Microsoft's Developer Network, the dirty deed centered around Internet Connection Sharing, or ICS (think "wireless router" capability for your WM5 handset) which is technically superior for a handful of reasons. Translaton: Ole' Softie doesn't want all those spiffy WM handsets from becoming Bluetooth-centric access points to newer 2.5G and 3G wireless data networks. Fair enough; Bluetooth's peak data rates don't stand a chance against the best that HSDPA can throw at it, but still, old-fashioned dialup has its place. The good news here? Microsoft has heard the pleas of DUN-less users everywhere and plans to bring back the profile in a future Windows Mobile 6 AKU. Little consolation for the moment, but thanks to the vibrant hack community, we imagine most of us will have no trouble getting in on said AKU when the time comes.
Rumor: Mass Effect 'delayed', due in September [update]
A CVG report asserts that the Xbox 360's role-playing space opera, Mass Effect, has been "delayed" until the horrifyingly distant month of September. Of course, having never had an official release date to begin with, it seems exceedingly impatient to consider the game delayed just as its first potential release window is revealed. Though there have been hints pointing towards a May or June release, September would be the first month Microsoft and BioWare have openly committed to -- if indeed the report is wholly accurate.We'd prefer a month that was sooner (like April), but it seems the utterly blinding level of light bouncing off all the shiny spaceships, futuristic weapons and revoltingly moist aliens in the game just isn't enough for BioWare to stop polishing. The only worrying aspect of such a September release is that it would be awfully close to the August arrival of Hironobu Sakaguchi's Blue Dragon. Having access to both time-consuming RPGs within 30 days could prove socially, economically and hygienically disastrous for fans of the genre. Curiously, when asked for comment on the September date (which could specifically be for Europe), the Mass Effect publisher only offered, "Microsoft has not announced a release date for Mass Effect."Update: "We have not made any official announcements regarding release timing for Mass Effect," adds Microsoft. "At this time, any information about the game's release date is purely rumor and speculation."Joystiq contacted CVG for clarification. We were politely informed that the information originated from a Microsoft employee and that it has yet to be "officially" announced. In other words, we're waiting on that official announcement letting us know we have to wait until September for the game -- point being, we're waiting.
Final Forza 2 car list rev-vealed, headline writer shot
A just punishment for such a terrible mangling of words, not to mention the trickery of "Final Forza 2" leading people to believe that Microsoft was releasing a bizarre automotive RPG, complete with mutant mechanics and bottles of restorative oil. No, the relevant game is Forza 2, simmy sequel to 2005's foray into car customization, reckless racing and all-round Gran Turismo-ing. The official Forza Motorsport 2 website has unveiled the full list of cars to be included in the final game when it screeches into stores this May. Numbering 310 and representing enough reflective metal to burn holes through the back of your head, the list of cars is sure to please fans unsatisfied by the forthcoming demo's comparatively meager offering of 24 vehicles. It's noted that seven of the 310 cars have been deemed "special," with some only being available to pre-order deals and the game's collectors edition. The "controversial unicorn cars" will also be exclusively available for a limited time in the game's online auction house. Racing enthusiasts are encouraged to look, use the Forza page and inspect the list closely as they attempt to answer the question, "Is there vroom for improvement?" Update: Article author shot as well.[Via Xbox 360 Fanboy]
High school Halo 2 tournament quashed by school officials
The Ann Arbor News reported this weekend about a high school junior's plans for a school-sanctioned Halo 2 tournament, which was canceled after local police got wind of it. Zach Wigal had hacked through a jungle of bureaucracy for nine months while planning the tournament, spending $650 of his own cash on a permit, printing 2,500 fliers, and clearing the idea with school officials. Four days before the event, Wigal's dad made a courtesy call to the cops, letting them know than an estimated 300 gamers were about to descend on the high school commons, suggesting that the officer might want to attend for security reasons. That set off a chain reaction of concerned phone calls that ended up with the school officials rescinding their permission for the tournament, ostensibly because "kids 17 and under playing an M-rated game for money is not something appropriate for the high school." A reasonable decision, but one that they were perfectly capable of making, oh, nine months ago. Zach Wigal had better hope he gets that $650 back.
Xbox Live Video offerings expanded to fill those 120GB hard drives
Despite last week's high-profile launch of the AppleTV, Microsoft is still the "only online distributor of major feature films and television programming in high definition resolution." To ensure they keep their lead, and to offer potential 120GB HDD upgraders and Elite console buyers additional incentive to take the plunge, Microsoft is announcing several new content deals. Paramount Pictures joins the high definition online fray, adding Braveheart, Team America: World Police, World Trade Center and South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut to Microsoft's service. Warner Bros. Home Entertainment also commits, promising to release their direct-to-video films (in HD) on Xbox Live in tandem with the DVD editions. These include Sublime and Babylon 5: The Lost Tales.Others adding to the growing store of digital content are: A&E network -- providing Dog the Bounty Hunter, King of Cars, Driving Force, the disturbing Criss Angel Mindfreak and the even more disturbing Gene Simmons Family Jewels. ADV Films -- catering to the anime fans. National Geographic -- bringing much needed realism onto your console of digital silliness. New Line Cinema -- giving us Snakes on a Plane, Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning, Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny, "plus top titles including Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me and Magnolia." Apparently, the first few movies are non-top in nature. TotalVid -- packed with sports which are decidedly extreme. Check after the break for the tricky, but unchanged, Xbox Live pricing scheme for digital content.
This Wednesday: Jetpac's back, launches XBLA attack
And for you in the back, that means no Gyruss as previously expected. The next title to hit Xbox Live Arcade will be equal parts retro, Rare and revitalized, as Jetpac Refuelled presents a modern version of the Viva Piñata developer's 1983 (and "classic" to some) ZX Spectrum shooter. Sporting obscenely colorful graphics, 128 levels, multiplayer capabilities, the original arcade version and a continued exclusion of the letter "k," Jetpac Refuelled arrives at 9AM GMT (2AM PDT) on March 28. The price of gas on Xbox Live Arcade isn't too steep either -- fueling this purchase will cost you 400 MS points ($5). Previously: Edge: Rare working on original XBLA game Rare's Jetpac rumored for Xbox Live Arcade Xbox 360 PartnetNet video hints at Jetpac, Juiced 2007 %Gallery-1937%
First Lost Planet map pack hits March 9
Despite being covered in a thick layer of crunchy snow and ice, there's still some life to be found on Capcom's Lost Planet. The $40 million dollar game is set to receive two new multiplayer maps on March 9, with five more slated to arrive on the Xbox Live Marketplace later in the year. The first map pack is comprised of "Radar Field," a facility that promotes close quarters combat, and "Island 902," a seaside area littered with bridges and underwater sections. The map pack will cost you 0.0000125% of the game's production budget -- $5, or 400 MS points, to be precise. The exclusive map present in the Lost Planet collector's edition, "Battleground," will be released for free at a later stage.%Gallery-1687%
Ikaruga bound for Xbox Live Arcade
CVG has the scoop: Treasure's hypnotic, crushingly difficult and strikingly beautiful shoot-em-up, Ikaruga, is headed for Xbox Live Arcade. An early build of the game was spotted on the debug version of Xbox Live, which is only accessable through an Xbox 360 debug unit. Though the code wasn't functional yet, we imagine that Live co-op would make for an excellent addition to this particular version.For those who missed out on Ikaruga's previous console ports on the Dreamcast and Gamecube, know that the game is one of the genre's best -- at least if you're willing to accept the irremediable psychological damage caused by the game's never-ending sea of pulsating bullets. Let the torturous wait for further details begin!
Paperboy wrecking the XBLA neighborhood this Wednesday
It's hard to say whether Paperboy is simply an effervescent arcade game or a frighteningly accurate simulation of life in the suburbs (see: video after the break). You'll be able to judge for yourself this coming Wednesday at 9AM GMT (1AM PST) when the intricate study in aggressive news distribution lands neatly on the Xbox Live Arcade doorstep. When you retrieve it while still in your stained bathrobe and your morning daze, keep in mind that the graphically enhanced download will set you back 400 MS Points ($5). Oh, and remember to duck. Those newspapers will take your head clean off.%Gallery-1602%
Battlestar Galactica game bound for XBLA, PC
The Hollywood Reporter, uh, reports that a new partnership between NBC Universal and Vivendi's Sierra Online division will yield a digitally distributed Battlestar Galactica game. The space shooter (you know, a shooter ... but in space) is expected to be completed this fall, after which it will be promptly shot in the head to initiate the download onto your PC or your Xbox 360. Australia-based Auran Games has been named as the developer, though its history of railroad simulations makes it hard to gauge whether it'll be able to do the modern television series justice. Can anyone? "We wanted to bring a more intense combat experience to gamers," explains NBC Universal's Bill Kispert. "From a story standpoint, fans will be able to relive key battles from the first two seasons of the show, and then we'll add new content and missions outside of that." The overarching plan is to continuously inject new challenges into the game, much in line with the episodic nature of the show itself. Kispert (who sounds more like a snack than a Cylon) also notes that Sierra Online has paid a visit to the show's sets and hopes to incorporate everything from sound effects to pilot chatter.Given the fracking hole currently residing in the spot where the space sim genre used to be, we're eminently open to the idea of piloting Vipers and Cylon Raiders in an all-out, Xbox Live dogfight. Let's just hope nobody at Sierra Online makes the obvious, in-game advertising connection. "Thanks for saving my six, Starbucks! I can always count on your finely roasted skills." (We spent nine hours developing that joke. FACT.)[Via CVG]
