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New Xbox details leak out ahead of launch
New Xbox details leak out ahead of launch: Extensive details of Microsoft Corp.'s newest video game console leaked out on the Internet on Monday, three days ahead of the console's formal worldwide unveiling on MTV.
Based on pictures and purported eyewitness accounts that made the rounds of the Internet over the weekend, the console will be known as " Xbox 360."
Microsoft would not confirm any of the information circulating on the Web, saying "everything you are reading about at this point is buzz and speculation."
The console is mostly white and designed to stand on one end, will feature a wireless controller and also a remote control that appears to handle multimedia functions like audio and video playback, according to various online forums that track consumer technologies.
The console's power button has "skins," customizable appearances that can apparently be added by the user. Other peripheral devices that appeared in some of the shots include a headset and a kind of Web camera. The pictures first appeared prominently on the tech Web site Engadget.com.
On Monday afternoon, gaming and technology Web sites including TeamXbox.com, GamingHorizon.com and Engadget began to publish identical-looking lists with detailed technical specifications for the console.
Among those details were a detachable 20 gigabyte hard drive, support for wireless networking, three 3.2 gigahertz central processors, surround sound and universal support for high-definition video.
The sites also said there would be two tiers of the Xbox Live online gaming service, one free and one with a subscription that would offer enhanced matchmaking and customization features.
Plenty of details remain to be revealed, including when exactly Xbox 360 will ship, what it will cost, what will be included, what games will be available at launch and whether it will be compatible with games for the original Xbox.
It was not clear if all of those questions will be answered on Thursday's MTV broadcast, or even next week at the news conference Microsoft will hold at E3, the annual games industry trade show in Los Angeles.
Microsoft said in early April it would unveil its new console on MTV, a change in tactics in an industry where new hardware has always been revealed at trade shows closed to the public. Microsoft said at the time it wanted to break that mold and drum up public enthusiasm for its new machine.
That Microsoft planned a new console this year was perhaps the worst-kept secret in the industry though, as game publishers have said over the last few months they expect a new console ahead of this year's holiday season.
The original Xbox launched a year after the debut of market leader, Sony Corp.'s (6758.T) PlayStation 2, and that head start proved invaluable to Sony. Early on in the Xbox's life Microsoft promised it would not be beaten to market with its next console.
Sony is expected to offer some details about the PlayStation 3 at E3 next week, though the console itself is not expected until sometime in 2007. (Reuters)
Gates slips up, reveals when next Xbox will ship: Microsoft Corp. has been highly secretive about whether it will release its
next Xbox video-game console this year or next. Apparently, Bill Gates didn't
get the memo.
Speaking yesterday to a national convention of business editors and writers, the Microsoft chairman seemed to confirm widespread industry speculation about the timing of the release, referring to plans to ship the console "this year."
The remark, apparently inadvertent, came as Gates talked about consumer adoption of high-definition displays, which Microsoft is incorporating into its strategy as it takes on market leader Sony Corp. and its dominant PlayStation franchise.
"What will the year of high-definition be?" Gates asked, rhetorically. He then answered the question by saying that it would be tempting to think of it as "this year, because we're going to ship this next Xbox."
A representative of the Xbox team declined to comment on Gates' remark. Microsoft plans to announce details and timing for the next Xbox during a TV special next week.
Gates made the statement during the annual convention of the Society of American Business Editors and Writers in Seattle, where he gave a speech and took questions on stage from BusinessWeek's Jay Greene.
Full story here!
Microsoft to Show Off New Xbox on MTV: Microsoft Corp. will offer video game fans a first peek at the new version of its Xbox game console during a half-hour MTV broadcast, part of a marketing deal.
The software maker will preview the new game system in worldwide broadcasts on May 12 and May 13, on various MTV channels.
During the broadcast, Microsoft also plans to show off new enhancements planned for its Xbox Live online video game service.
The half-hour program comes days ahead of a major games conference, E3, during which Microsoft said it will provide industry insiders more details of the game system.
But Peter Moore, a corporate vice president in charge of Xbox marketing, said Microsoft felt it was important that fans got to see the system "at at least the same time — if not before — folks who work in the trades see it."
Moore refused to provide financial details of the agreement with MTV, a unit of New York-based Viacom Inc.
But he said MTV and Microsoft had been working on the marketing deal for about a year. For the program to appeal to its young audience, he added, it "can't feel like an infomercial or simply an ad buy."
The deal will extend far beyond just the half-hour program. In addition to MTV promoting Xbox, he said Xbox may promote MTV in game play and elsewhere.
Microsoft has not yet said when it plans to release the new Xbox. (AP)
Microsoft Gives First Key Details on New Xbox: 3/10/04 Microsoft Corp. gave some of the first key details on the next generation of its Xbox video game system, which will include an emphasis on high-definition content, an integrated media browser and "microtransactions" for in-game purchases.
In a speech at the Game Developers Conference here, J Allard, the Microsoft executive overseeing the software development tools for the new Xbox, said the new streamlined interface would help draw more users to the platform.
"We've got to create a consistent experience so that consumers can enter our worlds much more easily," he told a packed convention center audience. "If we want to get to 10 or 20 million subscribers we've got to create some consistency."
Microsoft is expected to release the new Xbox in time for the 2005 holidays, but the company has kept mum so far on both timing and the name of the new device.
Among the features Allard demonstrated was an on-screen "Gamer Card" that gives information other players can see on a gamer's location, achievements in various games, time playing specific games and level of skill.
Other features include a custom music player and a "store" where players could make small purchases, for pennies or a few dollars, of new characters, parts for virtual racing cars and the like.
The theme of Allard's speech was the "HD Era," which he described as a time when all games are in high-definition, players are constantly connected through mobile phones, instant messaging and the Internet and gamers can personalize their environments to suit their tastes.
"The HD consumer needs more than a hi-definition Super Bowl," Allard said. "The opportunity is real and now, but make no mistake we have the power to blow it." (Reuters)
Microsoft Recalls Xbox Power Cords: 2/17/05 Microsoft Corp. said that it was recalling 14.1 million power cords globally for its Xbox game console because they can be a fire hazard.
The Redmond software company said fewer than one in 10,000 of its Xbox consoles could have the problem, and added that 30 customers have reported fire damage.
Seven Xbox users burned their hands, while 23 reported smoke damage or damage to their carpets or entertainment centers.
It wasn't immediately clear how long the company had known about the safety issue.
Everywhere except Europe, the recall affects Xboxes manufactured before Oct. 23, 2003. In Europe, it affects those manufactured before Jan. 13, 2004.
Customers can order a free replacement cord by going to the game console's Web site, www.xbox.com. Until a new power cord is delivered, the company is recommending that Xbox users turn off their game players while not in use.
Is Microsoft using 'Halo 2' to thwart Xbox hackers: 11/12/04
Microsoft appears to be using its smash "Halo 2" game as a vehicle to crack down on mod chips and other hacks of its Xbox video game console.
Hundreds of Xbox owners have reported in online forums in recent days that they were banned from Xbox Live, Microsoft's online gaming service, after trying to play "Halo 2" online with a modified console.
A Microsoft representative would not specify which additional security measures, if any, have been added to Xbox Live around the "Halo 2" launch. "Microsoft listens carefully to the Xbox Live community and reserves the right to take steps necessary to preserve the integrity of the user experience," the representative said in a statement. "Our goal is to provide our users with secure, consistent and fair online game play. Users are not permitted to manipulate the system to the detriment of others."
"Mod chips," gray-market add-ons that allow game consoles to run imported discs, pirated games and homemade software, began circulating for the Xbox shortly after the game machine went on sale four years ago. Hackers who equip their Xboxes with mod chips and other upgrades, such as bigger hard drives, have gotten the consoles to perform all sorts of unauthorized tricks, including running Linux software and serving as digital media centers. Full story here: CNET News.com
Xbox Owner Sues Over Defective Disk Drives: 10/27/04 A video game fan upset over a failed disc drive in his Xbox video game console has sued Microsoft Corp. on behalf of all Xbox owners across the United States.
The suit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday, seeks to represent anyone who bought an Xbox in the United State since the console's November 2001 launch.
The plaintiff, Sean Burke, said his console stopped reading any and all discs after less than a year of use, whether those discs were games, CDs or DVDs.
"The defective Xboxs stop working after minimal usage, after unreasonably, unconscionably, unusually and unexpectedly short amounts of time," the lawsuit said.
Microsoft said it was reviewing the complaint.
"We've designed and manufactured the Xbox with the highest quality standards and our customer satisfaction is very high," the company said in a statement.
The suit seeks damages, restitution and various other costs and fees. (Reuters)
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Version of Halo 2 leaked onto Internet just weeks ahead of launch date: 10/18/04 Some three weeks ahead of its release date, a copy of the much anticipatedXbox game Halo 2 has been leaked onto the Internet.
The leak, reportedly a European French-language version, came just days after Microsoft and its Bungie Studio design team finished the game and sent it out for production ahead of Halo 2's Nov. 9 release date.
"Microsoft has learned that a version of Halo 2 has been posted to various newsgroups and websites," Microsoft said in a statement. "We consider downloading this code or making it available for others to download as theft.
"We are currently investigating the source of this leak with the appropriate authorities. Pending the result of our investigation, we do not have further comment. Microsoft takes the integrity of its intellectual property extremely seriously, and we are aggressively pursuing the source of this illegal act.
"The launch of Halo 2 worldwide remains unaffected."
The leak does not mean the game is readily available on the Internet - the pirated version reportedly will only work on modified Xbox consoles - but it may spoil the fun of some gamers.
Bungie and Microsoft have tried to keep elements of the game's story under wraps.
Bungie, based in Redmond, Wash., restricted early peeks of Halo 2 to journalists to the multiplayer mode, which does not give the plot away.
More recently, journalists who played the single-mode game had to sign a non-disclosure agreement that restricted reporting what they had seen until two days before launch date. There were more stringent restrictions on certain plot points, with journalists forbidden to reveal them until launch day.
Bungie, on a forum on its website www.bungie.net, threatened to ban any gamer who helped show the way to the leaked version.
"Expect harsh reprimand for the posting of leaked information," the forum said. "A link or offer to give out a link via private media on the forums will get you banned permanently. The same goes for any kind of leak-related spoiler information. ... We are NOT kidding around here. There will be no warning, no appeal, you'll just be gone."
Bungie also threatened to remove gamers' Xbox Live online privileges.
Halo 2 is the sequel to the 2001 hit Halo: Combat Evolved, which is Xbox's best-selling game to date with more than four million copies sold worldwide.
The sequel, a first-person shooter like the original, is set on earth in 2552 when the alien Covenant lands on Earth.
Microsoft, which projects $53 million US in sales in the U.S. expected by Halo 2's launch day, has asked for help in tracing the leak.
"We're asking anyone with information on the source of this leak to contact Microsoft at 1-800-RULEGIT or send e-mail to piracy(at)microsoft.com."
Halo 2 is slated to ship simultaneously over three days to 27 countries in eight languages.
It will be available Nov. 9 throughout North and South America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. The game will go on sale Nov. 10 in France, Belgium and Switzerland on Nov. 10, as well as in Japan and the rest of Europe on Nov. 11. It will be available in eight languages including English, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Spanish, French, German and Italian.
XBox,
EA to Stage Interactive World Cup: Microsoft
Corp.'s XBox video game system will team up with software
maker Electronic Arts Inc. to stage an online Interactive
World Cup tournament later this year, the companies announced
Thursday.
The project is part of XBox's sponsorship for soccer's
2007 World Cup in Germany.
Michel Cassius, director of XBox Marketing Europe, declined
to discuss the cost of XBox's sponsorship and designation
as the official video game console of the 2007 World Cup.
To compete in the tournament, players will need an XBox
system and EA's FIFA 2005 game software, which will begin
selling in stores in October and include an online component
for XBox for the first time. EA's FIFA game for XBox competitor
PlayStation 2 made by Sony Corp. already contains a multiplayer
capability.
Cassius and Clive Downie, EA's Europe marketing director,
would not say how many participants they expect for the
tournament, which will run from October to December with
the championship to be staged during world governing body
FIFA's annual World Player of the Year Gala in Zurich,
Switzerland.
The tournament will begin with participants able to play
from home, with winners advancing to eight regional finals
on six continents, Cassius and Downie said. One of the
regional finals will be staged in New York, but neither
man would disclose the other locations.
Xbox
Live Service Reaches 1 Million Users: Xbox
Live, the online service that allows players of Microsoft
Corp.'s Xbox video game machine to compete against each
other over the Internet, reached 1 million users, the
world's largest software maker said on Thursday.
Microsoft said in a statement that it reached the 1 million
mark for Xbox Live users three times faster than other
subscription services, such as Time Warner Inc.'s AOL
and TiVo Inc.
Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft, which launched its
Xbox video game console in 2001 to compete against Sony
Corp..'s PlayStation game machines, has long touted the
Internet capability of its $149 Xbox as an advantage over
its larger rival.
Sony's $149 PlayStation 2 now comes with an ethernet
adapter for connecting to the Internet, although previously
the connector was an add-one. Microsoft launched its Xbox
Live service in 2002.
Microsoft said more than 100 game titles can be played
over Xbox Live, and it expects to see about 150 titles
by the end of this year.
Microsoft and the world's largest video game publisher,
Electronic Arts Inc. put aside long-standing differences
over online video gaming earlier this year, with EA agreeing
to release nearly all of its line-up of market-leading
sports games for Xbox Live, along with other titles.
Microsoft has added new features to Xbox Live this year,
including the ability to store data on the network, create
online competitive tournaments and swap messages with
other Xbox Live users.
Xbox
to Get Online Video-Phone Upgrade: 05/11/04
Users of Microsoft's Xbox Live online gaming network can
already talk to each other remotely while logged in —
but soon they'll be able to see their fellow player's
faces and "tickle" each other, too.
The announcement comes at the start of the Electronic
Entertainment Expo — known by the nickname E3 —
which annually draws thousands of game developers to Los
Angeles from around the world to showcase the latest in
videogame technology.
Other announcements included a new partnership with Electronic
Arts, which previously kept its hit sports games off the
Xbox Live service, and a nostalgia service that would
provide gamers with 1980s arcade titles.
Xbox's video-chat service will be launched later this
year exclusively in Japan and eventually will make its
way to the North American network, Peter Moore, an Xbox
marketing executive, told The Associated Press on Monday.
"It will be a pilot program," he said. "We
particularly like the ability to launch in Japan because
of the superior infrastructure for broadband. It's a great
petri dish, if you will, for what will be the future.
... You will not only be able to play against your friends,
or talk to your friends — now you can actually see
your friends."
Microsoft has not determined how much extra it will charge
to download and operate software for the video-chat option.
Regular Xbox Live subscription costs about $50 a year.
Video chat also would require users to have a USB camera
attached to their Xbox console, Moore said.
In addition, the host of the chat session will be able
to select background music that all participants can hear
through their microphone headsets — which are already
available for players to communicate during a game.
Then there is "tickling."
"You can send a vibration to one of the participants
in the chat session, which vibrates the controller they're
holding," Moore said.
Microsoft also presented the end to a long-running feud.
Xbox Live has a new partnership with Electronic Arts,
the developer of such blockbuster sports titles as "Madden
NFL."
EA, one of the videogame industry's dominant companies,
has snubbed Xbox Live since its launch two years ago.
Electronic Arts executives had said that they decided
to exclude Microsoft because the company was demanding
too much control over Electronic Arts' games and wasn't
willing to pay for their use.
Most of those games were available for online network
play through Xbox's top rival — Sony's PlayStation
2 which is the industry's best-selling console.
Sony says it has shipped more than 70 million PlayStation
2 game consoles worldwide. That compares with 13.7 million
Xbox consoles shipped worldwide as of the end of last
year. Microsoft's other main rival, Nintendo said it had
shipped 14 million units worldwide of its GameCube as
of the end of last year.
The old combativeness was left behind Monday when Xbox's
gaming chief, Robbie Bach, and EA's marketing executive,
Chip Lange, promoted the new partnership, which will see
"Madden NFL 2005," "NBA LIVE 2005"
and "FIFA Soccer 2005" on Microsoft's system,
along with the racing title "Need for Speed: Underground
2."
Those titles will still be available on PlayStation 2.
Neither Bach nor Lange would say how the two companies
resolved their dispute.
"This is really being driven by the feedback we've
both gotten from our customers, from the gamers themselves,"
Bach said.
Lange said EA received the same response from fans. "It's
a been little like a broken record. People have been saying,
'Come on guys, figure out how to make this Xbox thing
work,'" he said.
In the absence of any groundbreaking hardware announcements,
the fledgling world of online gaming was expected to dominate
this year's convention.
Microsoft's other announcement Monday was plans for "Xbox
Live Arcade" this fall, which will feature low-tech
titles for casual or nostalgic players — such as
the card games poker, hearts and bridge and the primitive
1980s arcade classics like "Dig Dug" and "Galaxian."
The E3 conference officially begins Wednesday at the
Los Angeles Convention Center. Meanwhile, top gaming firms
Nintendo and Sony planned separate press conferences Tuesday
to announce new products for the coming year. (AP)
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