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Karaoke for Xbox Live starts belting out hits
Attention all songbirds: your time to shine is almost here. Microsoft and Stingray Media's Karaoke will be hitting Xbox Live on December 11th. The game is free to download, but would-be vocalists will have to purchase playing sessions of two, six and 24 hours respectively priced at: 240, 400 and 800 Microsoft points. While this costly pay to play approach mirrors a traditional karaoke lounge's setup, you'll definitely save a few bucks on overpriced booze refreshments -- that's gotta count for something, right?
SkyDrive comes to Xbox Live as Microsoft teases over 40 new apps for 2013 (video)
Ever the tease, Microsoft's Larry Hryb (aka Major Nelson) has listed 43 apps that'll arrive on Xbox consoles in selected regions between now and the spring of 2013. Notable additions include HBO Nordics in Denmark and Sweden, CBC Hockey Night in Canada and PBS here in the States. In better news, SkyDrive is rolling out globally from today, letting you view photos and videos stored on Microsoft's cloud via your TV. Interested in seeing Jenny's Wedding Pictures SkyDrive in action? Head on past the break for a short flick.
Microsoft rolls out stockpile of Xbox Live apps for North American and European gamers
This afternoon, Microsoft's Larry Hryb (aka Major Nelson) announced the availability of several new Xbox Live apps for gamers across the globe. Customers in the good old US of A can add Rhapsody and Blip.TV to their menu of fine media streaming cuisine. Canadian Xbox Live subscribers now have access to both IGN and French entertainment site TOU.TV; merci beaucoup! Customers in Germany picked up Amazon's LoveFilm movie streaming service, while folks in the UK received an update for the application that makes finding content easier. Rounding out the Xbox Live world tour is the Netherlands, where subscribers can now scoop up the RTL XL app for quick access to the network's programming. Before you install that shiny new tile to your console's dashboard, it should be noted that most of these apps require paid subscriptions -- but you probably knew that already.
Rhapsody now available on Xbox Live, brings on-demand music to Microsoft's console
The Xbox 360 certainly isn't suffering from any shortages in the entertainment department, but that's not to say Microsoft's not willing to welcome new app additions to its growing, decade-old ecosystem. Today marks Rhapsody's turn to join the likes of Hulu, Netflix, Crackle and, most recently, WatchESPN on Redmond's Dashboard, bringing its known on-demand music streaming service to Xbox Live -- and, naturally, it'll be available at no additional cost to current Gold and Rhapsody subscribers. Rhapsody is set to arrive on Xbox Live today, but fret not if you don't see the application right away, as it may take a little while before it pops up on your console.
Karaoke for Xbox Live brings pay to play sing-alongs to your holiday parties
Further milking the cash cow that is Xbox Live, Microsoft and Stingray Digital Group this week announced Karaoke for Xbox 360. Equipped with a robust library of over 8,000 licensed songs ranging from oldies to Hip-Hop and R&B, this potential cheesefest likely has something for your entire family to sing along with. Set to arrive in time for the holiday season, Karaoke appears to be the gift that keeps on charging. Unlike most music themed games that let you purchase content outright, its odd business model charges to stream tracks in time blocks of two, six and 24 hours. Aside from a few glasses of liquid courage eggnog, you'll also need an Xbox 360 headset, wireless microphone, or a USB compatible mic to keep this party going. If you don't fancy the spotlight, you can play the role of karaoke master by queuing up tunes through your mobile device via SmartGlass. Either that, or you can just sit back and record incriminating videos of loved ones belting out embarrassing love ballads after having one too many. The choice is yours.
WatchESPN lands on Xbox Live with split screen viewing and more
Gamers yearning for the promise of more than just ESPN 3 on the Xbox 360 have finally gotten what they've been waiting for. As of today, WatchESPN has landed for Xbox Live Gold Members, packing live network programming through channels including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN3 and ESPN Goal Line / Buzzer Beater. In order to take advantage of the app on Ballmer and Co.'s gaming box, you'll need service from a cable provider that offers WatchESPN. Those who're content with only ESPN 3 will still just need an Xbox Live Gold subscription and an internet connection from an "affiliated provider." Along with live content, the app also brings split screen channel viewing, game reminders, a personalized "My Sports" section and more. According to Microsoft's Major Nelson, an Xbox SmartGlass companion experience for ESPN, NBA and SportsPicks will be available come December. For those eager to spend some quality time with Sports Center and Mike an Mike in the Morning, look out below for more details in the press release.
Xbox celebrates ten years of Live, will give special-edition 360s to contest winners
It's hard to believe a whole decade has passed since the birth of Xbox Live, but here we are. From its roots as an online multiplayer service, Live has grown into a full-fledged entertainment platform bringing users Achievements and Gamerscores, customizable avatars, entertainment services and apps like Xbox Music and SmartGlass. As part of the celebration, you can head over to Xbox.com to try to win a limited edition Tenth Anniversary Xbox 360 and pick up a free copy of Wreckateer. You can also save 50 percent on a number of games that include Fruit Ninja Kinect, Full House Poker and Peggle. After you've entered the contest and downloaded a few games, go ahead and put in an extra hour of Halo 4 today, because hey, that's the least you can do to celebrate a service that's given you ten years of joy.
Xbox SmartGlass for iOS hits the App Store
Just in time for today's launch of its blockbuster sci-fi shooter Halo 4, Microsoft has debuted its Xbox SmartGlass app for iPhone and iPad on the App Store. The free app acts as an interactive second screen for the Xbox 360, allowing you to browse content on your console and launch it, then use your phone or tablet as a touch-based controller. More importantly - and exciting - though, the SmartGlass app provides additional game-related information and input methods when used with certain Xbox 360 titles. Major game releases that currently support SmartGlass include Halo 4, Dance Central 3, and Forza Horizon. Apps on the 360 that can be controlled via SmartGlass include Internet Explorer, Xbox Music, Xbox Video, Netflix, and more.
Microsoft expands subsidized Xbox 360 offer to 250GB model, from $99
Microsoft has thrown an additional two Xbox 360 models into its subsidized subscription deal. Accompanying the original 4GB console at $99, a 250GB option will also be priced at $99, accompanied by two years of Xbox LIVE Gold at $15 per month. Throw in a Kinect, and this rises to $149, initially. The company hasn't revealed whether the new models will be accompanied by additional retailers alongside Best Buy and Gamestop, but there is a holding page that promises to offer a "full list of participating retailers" soon.
Microsoft 'retiring' Facebook and Twitter Xbox 360 Dashboard apps
Eagle-eyed gamers may have already noticed that the Xbox 360's dedicated Twitter and Facebook apps have gone missing after the latest Dashboard update, and now Redmond has confirmed it's put the applications out to pasture. According to a Microsoft representative that spoke to IGN, the firm is "retiring the Facebook and Twitter apps" as it works to streamline functionality. When asked if the pair of apps will ever make a comeback, Ballmer and Co. didn't comment. Still crave to update your friends on your latest gaming exploits through the console? Spreading the news on the digital grapevine is still possible, but you'll have to access the social networks through the freshly added Internet Explorer app -- an experience we hope Xbox SmartGlass will improve.
Microsoft announces Xbox 360 holiday bundles and $50 off promo for US market
With this year's holidays being just around the corner, it's only natural for companies to start tempting potential customers with cash-saving, too-good-to-pass deals. With that in mind, Microsoft, via the informative Major Nelson, announced earlier today its 2012 Xbox 360 holiday bundles in hopes of luring some folks in; among these are a 250GB console with Kinect, Dance Central 2, Kinect Sports, Kinect Adventures and one month of Xbox Live for $400, while there's also a 4GB, $300 option that comes with the same Gold subscription, Redmond's motion-tracking peripheral, Kinect Disneyland Adventures and Kinect Adventures. In addition, the Surface maker said retailers should start offering the console for $50 off MSRP, and that this limited time deal will also apply to the Halo 4 bundle which is due to come out on November 6th. Better yet, these new bundles and promos are available now -- so, for those living in the US, now could be a good time to snag one of Microsoft's renowned consoles.
Xbox 360 Dashboard update hands-on (fall 2012)
Is it Fall again already? Must be time for another Xbox 360 Dashboard update. Every year Microsoft Drops the console a little bit of code to match the descending leaves, delivering new features, interface tweaks and additional content to hide behind the Xbox Live Gold paywall. Redmond's latest update isn't quite the overhaul it gave the gaming rig last year, but minor changes can have big effects. Join us after the break to see the machine's latest update, and what it means for you. %Gallery-168426%
Xbox Music heads to Xbox 360 first tomorrow, PC / tablets on Oct. 26, WP8 soon after; we go hands-on
When Xbox Music goes live tomorrow on the Xbox 360, console owners will be the first to access the Spotify-esque service from Microsoft. Well, some of them will at least -- existing Zune Pass subscribers (now an "Xbox Music Pass") and folks willing to pony up $9.99/month or $99.90/year who also have an Xbox Live Gold account gain access to Xbox Music's 30 million global song database via data stream (18 million songs for those of us in the US). Okay, okay, a free trial is available for 30 days. After that, though, 360 owners lose access unless they pay up. Then, on October 26, Windows 8 PC and tablet users get the service for free -- with or without the Xbox Music Pass -- albeit with ads laced in. Windows Phone 8 is in the same boat with Xbox folks: no song-specific streaming without an Xbox Music Pass. That won't arrive until some time "soon after" the PC/tablet version. Microsoft says the ad-supported free streaming is unlimited on PC and tablet, but that's only for the first six months, after which it becomes time limited. A bummer for sure, but Microsoft's banking on you digging the service enough to snag an Xbox Music Pass. But will you? Like with Spotify and Pandora, some basic artist info, album/song info, and images garnish playing tracks, though not all artists are created equal -- some artists had no images, while others had a detailed dossier. Microsoft says it's adding more all the time, though. Xbox Music Pass holders can hang on to tracks for offline listening as well, which show up in your library and can be added to playlists. And should you wish to listen to a "Smart" radio station based on an artist/song/album, you can employ the "Smart DJ" (previously "Smart Playlist") to create just such a station. The whole shebang is tied directly to your Microsoft login, mirroring settings and library data on all your devices (Xbox 360 included) across the cloud. That same concept applies to playback, as you can pause a song on one device and pick it up right where you left off on another. Songs can also be purchased through the streaming service with or without the Xbox Music Pass, should you really want to hold onto that Barry Manilow track.%Gallery-168341%
PBS mini-documentary explores indie game creation, shows what they do that majors can't (video)
The indie game world has undergone a metamorphosis over the past few years, transforming from an often overlooked niche into as much a staple of the game industry as once-every-year blockbusters like the Call of Duty series. It's that fast-rising side of gaming that PBS' Off Book has explored in a succinct documentary. As both developers and game journalists explain, the small and more flexible nature of indie teams lets them delve into game concepts, art and sound that major developers typically avoid -- you probably wouldn't get Bastion, Fez or Super Meat Boy out of a company focused mostly on hitting its quarterly revenue targets. Crowdfunding and internet distribution methods like Steam and Xbox Live Arcade have similarly removed many of the barriers that either kept these games from commercial success or forced uncomfortable deals with large publishers in the past. Accordingly, the indie sphere that PBS sees in 2012 is less about trying to become the next Activision or EA and more about experimentation and personal expression. If you've ever wanted an elegant summary of what makes Spelunky feel so special, the whole Off Book episode awaits after the break.
Fox Broadcast app now available to Xbox Live customers with Dish and FiOS subscriptions
Xbox Live frontman Larry Hryb (aka Major Nelson) took to his blog on Tuesday to announce that Dish and Verizon FiOS customers can now download the Fox Broadcast app for Xbox 360 to stream next-day Fox programming. In order to use this free app, you'll need a paid Xbox Live Gold subscription. In addition to keeping you up to date with recent episodes of Fringe and Family Guy, this new app also includes access to legacy series such as House and 24. Like most things Xbox, the Fox Broadcasting app features Kinect integration, because everything is "better with Kinect," right?
Microsoft hires former CBS executive to produce original video content for Xbox
Earlier today, rumors started circulating around the web about Microsoft having hired a former CBS executive to oversee the creation of original video content for the company's famed console. It didn't take long for the whispers to turn into something more concrete, however, as Redmond has now made it official, announcing that Nancy Tellem will be the outfit's Entertainment and Digital Media president. According to Microsoft, Tellem's set to take over a new production studio in Los Angeles, California -- one that's going to be in charge of developing "interactive and linear content for Xbox and other devices." Certainly this could be seen as a smart move from Microsoft in its quest to take over the living room reigns, which would make perfect sense given the Xbox's obvious transition from a simple gaming console to an all-around media hub. You'll find all the official details inside the presser below. [Image Credit: Getty Images / Peter Kramer]
Fox kicks off its Digital HD initiative by joining Google Play and YouTube, offering movies early
Fox embraced a radical thought when it outlined its Digital HD initiative earlier this month: customers are more likely to buy digital movies if the content isn't artificially delayed and priced to match the releases on conventional discs. The studio is about to see if that gamble on common sense pays off. As of today, you'll find 600-plus Fox movies ready to buy or rent in HD across every major digital video store in the US, with many downloads cleared to arrive ahead of their physical counterparts at lower prices that reflect a disc-free reality. The media giant has also decided to play nicely with Google after a longstanding absence, putting its movies and TV shows on Google Play Movies and YouTube. Its tentpole movie release Prometheus is unsurprisingly being used as the prime incentive to try Digital HD; the title is available online three weeks before the Blu-ray launch at a more reasonable $15 price. The sci-fi thriller is even Fox's first movie destined for UltraViolet cloud lockers. Only Americans will have expanded access to movies and TV at first, but it shouldn't be too long before many countries can be creeped out by Michael Fassbender's android -- including on their Android devices.
Xbox LIVE down, Microsoft working on a fix (update: it's back!)
Well, bad news gaming addicts, Xbox LIVE is temporarily out of commission. We received a deluge of tips this morning from readers saying the service is down and now Microsoft has updated its support page confirming the outage. The cause behind the issue isn't clear yet, but the fine folks in Redmond are aware of it and actively working on a fix. User accounts are inaccessible from both the console and Xbox.com, but hopefully things will be back up and running soon, and you can return to your regularly scheduled programming of underwear-clad Black Ops II. Update: And everything is back to normal. Our short lived national nightmare is over. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
US presidential campaign trail winds its way to Xbox Live on August 27th with Election 2012 Hub
Can't get enough coverage of the US presidential race even with YouTube in the mix? Microsoft's Election 2012 Hub for Xbox Live may be able to satisfy your inner political junkie. Redmond's initiative will provide video of town hall events at both the Democratic and Republican national conventions, daily content from NBC and full coverage of results as ballots are cast and counted on November 6th. Throughout live streams of the debates, users will be able to rate the performances of public office hopefuls and see what marks other viewers give them in real-time. Information on voter registration, politicians and their take on issues will also be included. According to Microsoft, roughly 40 percent of Xbox-owning voters surveyed aren't concretely committed to a candidate running for the Oval Office, placing them in the highly-prized swing voter category. The service won't launch until the Grand Old Party's pow-wow kicks off on August 27th, but we hear there's plenty of relevant reading to keep you busy until then.
Microsoft permanently lowering Kinect price in the US to $110, slightly reducing it in other parts of the world
Well, it certainly looks like the news of that Xbox Essentials Pack isn't the only thing coming out of Redmond today. As the communicative Major Nelson unequivocally notes, Microsoft's officially dropping down the price of its "You Are the Controller" Xbox 360 add-on in the US to a mere 110 bucks. Additionally, he's also said there's a "permanently reduced" pricing scheme coming to other countries in North America, Latin America and the Asia Pacific regions (save for Japan) where the company's Kinect is available for purchase; meanwhile, folks in the Middle East, Europe and Africa seem to be out of luck for now, since there are no price-slashing plans for the time being.
