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Look on the box, confirm HDMI, make purchase
We know everyone who's in the market for a new Xbox 360 wants a fancy schmancy HDMI port in their Premium, but may not know how to identify these new consoles. Well, good news for you, because it's quite easy to identify them in the wild. Xbox-Scene found an Xbox 360 Premium box that featured the HDMI connection and confirmed that under the contents section of the box it lists "HDMI port" as a console specification. No, it isn't as obvious as a huge reflective sticker plastered on the front of the box as we expected, but at least you don't have to play the guessing game when it comes to identifying a HDMI Premium.
Amazon.com discounts Xbox 360 Premiums to $329
Wowzaz! Xbox 360 price cuts are doing deeper than we ever expected, $20 deeper to be exact. Today, Amazon.com dropped the price of the Xbox 360 Premium console from its recently price dropped $349 price tag to an even lower $329! We expect the price cut to be related to yesterday's confirmation that HDMI will be making its way into Premium consoles and so Amazon.com just might be liquidating the older, HDMI'less Premiums to make room for the new models. But we can't confirm that theory, so it might be possible that these $329 Premiums will include HDMI. It's really a shake of the dice.That said, we can't help but recommend that you take advantage of this deal ASAP, because you just can't beat a $329 price tag, free shipping and possibly no sales tax charges. Heck, while your at it, cash in on today's Deal of the Day where the featured item is a black Xbox 360 wireless controller / black play and charge pack bundle for only $49.99! Amazon.com ... we love you.[Thanks, to everyone who sent this in]
Xbox 360 Premium confirmed shipping with HDMI
It looks like after all the rumor-mongering and speculation, the bomb is in fact dropping on Xbox 360 Premium hopefuls: the game systems are shipping with HDMI. At least one lucky customer who purchased a Premium system at a Target in Atlanta is currently enjoying the spoils of Microsoft's not-so-secret addition, so hot out of tips and direct to your eyes, we present the first of many you'll be seeing with the much-discussed, built-in HDMI port (and obviously perhaps the cooler 65nm chips onboard). You can stop saving and start buying -- as long as your Xbox was built on or around July 4th, a date which will now be remembered for two reasons.Update - Apparently, there's nothing "obvious" about that 65nm chip situation. Right now it looks like some may have it, and some may not.[Via Shacknews, thanks Tim]
Happy Xbox 360 price drop day!
For those who have been living under a rock or have been "busy" the past few days, you should know that today is the day when the Xbox 360 price drop officially goes into effect! So far, Microsoft has announced that United States, Canada and (now) Mexico Xbox 360 prices will be effected by the price drop love. Most major retailers have already made the price drop adjustment with Amazon.com, Best Buy and Gamestop all offering the consoles at their new lower price. But we noticed some retailers (ahem, Target.com) are a little out of the loop, so be patient and be sure to avoid paying the older, more expensive console prices.Go ahead fanboys, buy your first, buy your second or be a nice guy and buy a 360 for a friend, because price drops are where it's at today.
Confirmed: Xbox 360 gets price cut this Wednesday
All the fanboy speculation about leaked ads and rumors of an Xbox 360 price cut can finally be put to rest, because Microsoft has officially come clean. Today, Microsoft announced that this Wednesday (August 8th) all Xbox 360 console versions will be getting a little cheaper in the United States. Tomorrow, the Core system will retail for $279 (a $20 price cut), the Premium will retail for $349 (a $50 price cut), and the Elite system will be available for $449 (a $30 price cut). Again, the new prices will go into effect this Wednesday and are only planned for the US, but we expect price cuts to spread worldwide soonish. And we know there are a few fanboys out there who've been waiting (nearly two years) for this to happen, so go fanboys go and get your cheaper Xbox 360 this Wednesday. You have our blessing.
Analysts expecting a Xbox 360 price cut
If you didn't already know, today Sony announced that they've trimmed the fat on their Playsation 3 by dropping the price by $100. Surprising isn't it? Now the obvious question is whether Microsoft will retaliate with a price cut of their own or keep things the way they are. Industry analyst Michael Pachter thinks a price cut will happen and has gone on record to say that Microsoft will announce a Xbox 360 price drop sometime during E3. How Mr. Pachter sees it is that they'll knock of $50 from the Core and Premium and take $80 off the Elite making the price points $249, $349 and $399. This is of course entirely possible seeing that Sony is stepping on Microsoft's price point territory. Also, we're thinking a price cut is overdue seeing that the console has been out for nearly two years at the same price. We'll just have to wait until tomorrow night to see what surprises Microsoft has up their sleeves and if our 360 will get a fat trimming too.
Mazeltov! It's an Elite ... and what the heck is that?
Today we celebrate the birth of the Xbox 360 Elite. The $479 console comes black as a moonless night is for all you folks who just gotta have those HDMI ports. Other than HDMI, the hard drive upgrade cost is frackin' ridiculous and we've got far better color options before dropping that kind of money. Hopefully those who decided to purchase the brand new Elite system, which we'd hope wouldn't have the same issues as the non-Elite, won't have the problem found in the video after the break.As an aside, we really can't help ourselves on this one, what's that thing in the picture? Found in this week's Gamestop/EB Games flyer and sent in earlier this week by one of our tipsters, we didn't know what to think about this. Apparently Microsoft has come out with some kind of Xbox 360 lite: it's shrunk, inverted and altered. Either Gamestop accidentally leaked another Xbox 360 SKU (they've been known to do it) or this is a terrible graphic of the HDD-less, wired controller-having Core unit we all know and love. Bring the flyer into the store and demand that model and let us know how it goes!See also: Xbox 360 Elite vs. classic: The test Xbox 360 Elite Q&A Joystiq Hands-on: Xbox 360 Elite [Via Xbox360Fanboy, Thanks Micheal R.]
Confirmed: 360 trade-in value increased [update 2]
Over the past few days there has been a few rumors hitting the web about potential Xbox 360 trade-in prices increasing over at EB Games and Gamestop for the launch of the Elite. Well, we got in touch with a few Gamestop managers and it's true. The promotion started today and dramatically increases the trade-in value for original Xboxes, Xbox 360 Cores, and Xbox 360 Premiums. If you trade in a Premium 360 they'll give you $250 in-store credit, $200 in-store credit for a 360 Core, and $50 for an original Xbox. These trade-in price have increased pretty dramatically, because last week Gamestop was only paying $190 for an Xbox 360 Premium, now upped by $60. Both Gamestop managers also said that the new trade-in credit does not have to go towards an Xbox 360 Elite, but what other reason would you have for selling your 360? There you have it all wrapped up and confirmed. More trade-in cash for your old Xbox 360 to buy yourself a black Elite if you so choose.Update 1: We're thinking there may be a little confusion in Gamestop's head. We just got word from Kevin (who works at Gamestop) that the trade-in program uses coupons that are not valid until April 29th. Kevin says that the only way to increase the trade-in value is to use these coupons and the only way to get these coupons is to buy an Elite. So, according to him, you need to buy an Elite to get the increased trade in value. But, we double checked with our local Gamestop managers and they still are saying we could come in today and they'll pay us $250 for a Premium 360. Maybe all the stores just aren't on the same page ... silly Gamestop.Update 2: Even more details have emerged.
Shadowrun cross-play requires Games for Windows Live Gold account
When we spoke with PR Manager Michael Wolf about Games for Windows Live, he was sparse in details regarding a Games for Windows Live Gold account. "All I can say now is that we're working to make a Gold membership worthwhile even if you're only connecting to Live from Windows Vista," he said. It seems Microsoft has revealed one of those incentives in the form of cross-platform multiplayer. Text shown at the end of the latest Shadowrun trailer notes that "cross platform play requires Xbox LIVE Gold ... or Games for Windows -- LIVE Gold account (on Windows)." We're betting that PC vs. PC multiplayer will still be free, as it has been historically. However, we're hoping that Microsoft has some more ingenious plans for GFW Live Gold. Paying a monthly premium just to settle the keyboard vs. gamepad debate does not sit well. How about a GDC announcement to soothe our nerves?Trailer embedded after the break.%Gallery-1774%
Proton's 42- and 47-inch Premier LCD HDTVs get official
Proton's no stranger to taking the wraps off new products in lively Las Vegas, and this year it looks like a few 1080p gems will be showing their stuff alongside the LED-backlit versions we've been hearing about. Dubbed the first two sets in the company's "premier" lineup, the 42-inch P42D5 and 47-inch P47D5 both sport a newly designed aluminum enclosure, 176-degree viewing angle, and a "Puriti" processing engine that purportedly helps to eliminate jaggies among other color enhancements. Aside from the full blown 1080p support, built-in digital / analog tuners, PIP, and HDMI inputs on both sets, the P47D5 also features a 1200:1 contrast ratio, 500 cd/m2 brightness, 8-millisecond response time, and a pair of integrated 5-watt speakers. Both sets should be on display at next month's CES, and while the 42-incher will sell for $1,999, the flagship 47-inch model will demand $2,999.
Skype taking a stand against lying liars
If you're an avid Skype user, and you aren't entirely honest some most of the time, you should probably watch what you say from here on out. While auditory lie detectors have definitely been around, BATM is manufacturing a dedicated fib sniffer made to work specifically with Skype. The KishKish Lie Detector will be offered up as a "Skype add-on," and will reportedly analyze audio streams over a Skype conversation in real time and "illustrate the stress level" of the other person -- you know, in case you can't quite pick up the quivering on your own. Moreover, users will be able to "record calls for delayed analysis" in case you need to comb things over once you've cooled your jets. While we've got no qualms with getting down to the truth, we can't help but think this gizmo's a tad on the creepy side of things, but it's sure to please suspicious Skype users everywhere when it rolls out sometime in the future (we promise).[Via SmartMobs]
TiVo offers up chromed-out "Glo" premium remote
If you've weighed both sides and finally (albeit begrudgingly) handed over your $800 or so for TiVo's Series3 box, what's another $50 get the same remote again with a flashy outfit? Apparently TiVo thinks it's just a drop in the bucket, as the company is now selling a "premium remote" that bears resemblance to Logitech's Harmony 670, which supposedly lets you take "maximum control" of your oh-so-pricey PVR. The "Glo," as it's so aptly called, sports only one main distinction over the bundled flavor: a chrome rim around the edges. However, the remote will reportedly still operate exactly like the non-glamorous version with Series2 boxes, Series1 units made by Philips, and "Hughes, Samsung, and RCA DirecTV DVR boxes with TiVo service." It also touts a "DVR switch" to dictate dual TiVos with the flick of the finger, and hopes to reel folks in with its fingerprint-loving glossy black finish. While we don't see much value in this "ultimate edition," you can place you order now for $49.99 if you've just got to have it all.[Via Zatz Not Funny]
Wii accessories list, courtesy of Gamestop [Update 1]
EB Games/Gamestop/EB Gamestop or whatever they're called these days occasionally gets some inside information before the press. (I say occasionally; please hold off on the "my local EB Games employee told you the Wii was coming out December 17th" tips.) A quick search of Gamestop's online store in the accessories section yields some interesting results, shows as follows:Wii Controller Glove 9.99 Wii G-Pak Travel Case 29.99 Wii Game Wallet 9.99 Wii HD Premium Component Cable 59.99 Wii Memory SD 1.0GB 59.99 Wii Memory SD 512MB 39.99 Wii S-Video Premium AV Cable 39.99 Wii Sling Bag 29.99 Wii Storage & Protection 1.0GB Kit 69.99We knew about the Power Glove, but the SD cards just seem like a convenient excuse for Gamestop to take people's money; the prices are quite high. The premium component cable is insanely expensive, but hey, it's premium. Other than that, your classic game-toting sling-bag take-it-anywhere-but-not-really-because-no-one-ever-does-that accessories are on the list. With the immediate need for extra controllers, memory, and games at launch, is anyone going to pick up any of these other things?[Thanks, Randy!][Update 1: Clarified that the SD cards are not officially from Nintendo, and realized that you can in fact get SD cards for far cheaper.]
Core Xbox 360 loses ten pounds
And before our juvenile brains manage to construct a poor joke regarding the Xbox 360's power brick, we'll quickly blurt out that the lost pounds are strictly in monetary terms. According to Gamesindusty.biz, several retailers in the UK have confirmed that the Core Xbox 360's price has been slashed by 10 quid, bringing its total price to GBP 199.99. A lower price says little of value, however, as walking out of the store with a Core console, a hard drive (GBP 69.99) and a component cable (GBP 19.99) will still cost you more than the standard pack (GBP 279.99). Though this move is unlikely to cause a similar Core price drop in the US, it does seem to reinforce the idea that the cheaper deal is the less popular one. Of course, that doesn't stop retailers from advertising it in deceiving ways -- the above advertisement is straight from the front page of online retailer, Game, and proudly proclaims that "HD gaming starts" at 199.99 pounds. "HD gaming" here having the definition of "a sequence of fuzzy images conveyed by the included and technically inept composite cable."
New 360 bundle w/ PGR3, points & Live?
Rumors of new, value-added 360 bundles continue to swirl in lieu of an actual price drop. This supposed $399 package doesn't have any fancy HDMI ports or internal HD-DVD drives, but it does have about $85 worth of throw-ins, including PGR3, 1250 MS Points and 3 months of XBL Gold. Is this the recipe for attracting holiday hold-outs?[Thanks Alex]
Cheaper PS3 loses HDMI, slots, Wi-Fi, 40GB
As you can see above, there are a few things different between the two PS3 SKUs planned. (Hint: the obvious alterations concern high-def output and wireless connectivity -- though Bluetooth controllers should work just fine with both, with or without any chrome case highlighting.)So what's HDMI, built-in multimedia card-reader slots, wireless internet connectivity, and an extra 40 gigabytes' hard disk space worth to you? $100? Now that Sony's gone with the 2-SKU approach with its next-gen hardware (a la the Xbox 360's premium and "Core" systems), we can expect some tough consumer choices after six months -- with console shortages possibly for another six months after that -- as $100 separates the base $499 and premium $599 versions of Sony's "Clear Black" hope.HDMI is important to those who want to take full advantage of Blu-ray high def and have the new screens to use it; MemoryStick, SD, and CompactFlash slots would be nice for the PS3 memory-card users and those will run multimedia on the system; Wi-Fi's the only way to avoid stringing ethernet cables for online access; and 360 owners might appreciate the full 60GB available to potential buyers of the premium PS3 model. Neither model comes with a second HDMI port; thankfully, one should hopefully be all most users need. The details are laid out in a feature-comparison table at the end of Sony's official PS3 hardware press release, available in both Adobe Reader and Microsoft Word formats. Determine what's most important to your PS3 ambitions there.[Image pieced together from the PlayStation.com forums; thanks, Guru]
Latest NetNewsWire beta enables 2-year Newsgator subscription
The latest beta of NetNewsWire, 2.1b32, enables the two-year Newsgator Online Premium account that comes with purchasing a copy of NetNewsWire. Once you install/upgrade your copy of NetNewsWire to this latest beta, you will be prompted with a dialog about this new account, offering to create one or, if you're already syncing with a basic Newsgator account, simply notifying you that your account has now been upgraded to the Premium version, which includes all sorts of extra features such as: NewsGator Mobile HTML Reader NewsGator Email 20 Keyword search feeds 2 URL search feeds 2 Email feeds Along with this highly-anticipated premium syncing goodness is a fix that makes sure you don't receive an error message when Newsgator can't be contacted if you're offline. After all, being offline isn't really an error... or is it?
$3.8 billion by 2011 in game downloads for consoles
Next Generation reports that the ABI Research firm believes, via conducted study, that game downloads will grow to $3.8 billion on consoles by 2011. The piece cites that while Xbox Live already has content available via download through Marketplace, it's the PS3 and Nintendo that will come out on top in the online battle for your hard-earned simolians. The firm seems to believe that this is largely due to Nintendo and Sony's free multiplayer gaming, which would leave the user with extra cash to drop on premium content via each respective service.With the recent inclusion of Sega and TG games for the Revolution's Virtual Console, there'll be a lot of premium content available for download. While this study fails to mention how these numbers were reached, Nintendo will undoubtedly have a much more robust service to offer than its competitors.
Phil Harrison's media Q&A video from GDC
Can't get enough Phil Harrison in your life? Check out this video from the media Q&A following his GDC keynote for 20 minutes of Phil-y love (and maybe a few furtive glances from Kaz Hirai sitting in the background).We just love how Phil "swerve[d] a couple of the questions" regarding the hard drive and other hardware-related issues, but we also like how he managed to clarify those questions regarding "content offerings" that will be charged at a "premium," though he did say that there were "no plans to charge for [multiplayer gaming] at the moment."But, yeah, Mr. Harrison wasn't as combative in his answers as some media outlets portrayed him, which is another great step for platform executives who tend to make rather grandiose statements and fiery claims. If you want to see as well as hear the Phil handle all comers, this is one of your best chances yet. We'd love to hear it all clearly in English at E3, too.[Thanks, Fan; video courtesy of Jean-Baptiste Su of Citizen Valley]
Region-free PS3, free online multiplayer confirmed
During a Q&A session with media over lunch after yesterday's GDC keynote, Sony's Phil Harrison confirmed that PS3 software will be region free and that multiplayer gaming will also be free.While we'd heard rumblings of the region-free set-up for games back in early November, we hadn't heard any official confirmation outside of Australia until just the other day. Importers (as well as online gamers) should be quite pleased with the development, though this move likely won't follow for Blu-ray movie discs. It's good to see the region-free status of PSP games spread to the PS3's.If online multiplayer is included as part of Sony's free basic service (known internally as the "PlayStation Network Platform"), then what would constitute Sony's premium service besides the typical content downloads for games? Subscriptions for movie and/or music services, perhaps? And going back to the region-encoding news, it's heartening for our friends on the Continent to hear Phil's following statement: "It's possible for developers to put all the TV formats - PAL, NTSC, HDTV, and so on - on the disc." Can Sony bring the world together with games?[Thanks, DarkFlash; image taken from Final Fantasy Odyssey]See also: Free basic service on "PlayStation Network Platform" GDC: The PS3 keynote blow by blow ["P(S)NP" just an internal name] PS3 region encoding unlikely? [from Sony Computer Ent. Australia] PS3 to share region encoding on Blu-ray [for the U.S. and Japan?]
