What does a multimedia player need with so much power?
We'd just about crossed Zune off our radar gaming-wise until Think Secret, the popular Apple insider website that's been the source of numerous lawsuits because of its well-kept sources, revealed more details about Microsoft's audio visual device.
You can read through Think Secret's likely on-target (considering their track record) anonymous information comparing Zune to the iPod, but the most interesting nugget comes from details on Zune's internal 400 Mhz DPS processor. Microsoft's bundling far more power than what's needed for audio and video feedback, so what could be up their sleeves?
With Zune coming out of the Xbox team, games are, of course, the first guess, though we're hard pressed to find a reason for Microsoft to release a device that's meant to enter the same market as PSP and Nintendo DS. Something powerful enough to connect with Live Anywhere and run Xbox Live Arcade, titles, however, seems far more likely.
Nonetheless, speculation continues to run rampant. Anticipate a formal announcement soon so we can all start sleeping at night again.
Certain Xbox Live subscribers got an e-mail today asking for their participation in a super long survey earlier today. It asked participants how interested they were in certain first party accessories and Live features.
The most interesting excerpts:
- How interested would you be in buying an Xbox 360 branded mini-keyboard plug-in device for your controller to make text messaging and chat easier, assuming it would cost between $19-$29?
- Paying per song (~$0.99/song) to download music to your Xbox 360 hard drive from a music service. You would be able to use this service while playing a game.
- Paying a subscription per month (~$14.99/mo) to stream any and all music to your Xbox360 from a library of over 2 Million songs. You would be able to use this service while playing a game.
- Paying per video (~$19.99/movie, $1.99/TV show) to download standard definition full movies and TV shows to your Xbox360 hard drive
- Renting movies (~$3.99/movie) that are downloaded in standard definition to your Xbox 360 until you watch them and then are deleted
- Paying a subscription per month (~$5.99/mo) to access 10-20 internet radio stations streamed to your Xbox 360. You would be able to use this service while playing a game.
- How interested would you be in using an integrated Xbox 360 Web browser that would allow you to access and browse the Internet over your Xbox Live connection?
- How interested would you be in participating in beta tests for upcoming games if they cost an additional incremental fee?
HD movies via console more popular than e-tailer's Unbox service.
The Xbox 360 is driving the concept of digital movie downloads far better than consumer competitor Amazon, as audience's favour ease of use over the amount of content on offer from the world's biggest online retailer.
Microsoft's high definition download service has been more successful than Amazon.com's Unbox effort, with US consumers preferring to watch content directly accessed from the console's hard drive rather than struggle with burning content to discs, according to a report on Variety.com
It's even suggested that box office flops are performing well as downloads over Xbox Live, appealing to consumers eager to access high definition content.
'Sega Genesis Classics', also known as Sega Mega Drive Classics outside of the U,S., is now available for digital pre-order on Xbox One and PlayStation 4.
SEGA’s collection of Mega Drive & Genesis classics comes to a new generation of consoles – and players. Over 50 titles across all genres from all-time classics like Sonic and Streets of Rage 2 to deep RPGs like the Phantasy Star series; arcade action, shooters, beat’m ups, puzzlers, old favorites and hidden gems. New features bring modern convenience to the classics. Save your game at any time, rewind those slip-ups, or customize your controls.
New features bring modern convenience to the classics. Save your game at any time, rewind those slip-ups, or customise your controls. Earn bragging rights with online multiplayer and achievements. The largest collection of retro classics on console in one great package!
When we first announced Xbox Live for the Xbox 360, we mentioned that we were building the ability to have "free weekends" for Xbox Live Silver members. If you have cable TV or satellite, you've seen something similar when HBO offers access for a few days, so you can see what you're missing...
Some sharp-eyed gamers noticed the Xbox Live Calendar of Events on Xbox.com included the first Xbox Live Free Weekend [planned on April 1st]. The Xbox.com team pulled it down, because the dates were tentative, and details of the promotion still haven't been finalized. We'll share details as soon as we can.
In the meantime, make sure you're signed up with Xbox Live Silver, so you're ready when we actually announce the program. As you might have guessed, it's coming soon.
For those of you who have an Xbox 360, but haven't signed up for Xbox Live yet, you shouldn't wait. The free account lets you create your gamer profile and friends list, plus you get access to Xbox Live Marketplace, including Xbox Live Arcade, demos, and trailers.
Xbox Live members can now download 'A Public Affair' from Jessica Simpson, the September Xbox Live Artist of the Month. This free video is posted in 480p and 720p and available in all regions except Mexico, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Taiwan.
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