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Standalone Kinect for Xbox One launches in October for $150
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Accessories, Hardware, Kinect, Microsoft, Xbox One,
When Microsoft removed Kinect from the lower-end Xbox One bundle (making the promise of what Kinect would be go up in smoke,) it also announced that it would make the Kinect sensor for Xbox One available as a standalone purchase for anyone who might want to add it to their console after purchasing one without it, but never announced a date. Now we know that the Kinect for Xbox One will be available in stores in October, and will cost $150.
It makes sense that Microsoft would offer Kinect separately, but the extra $50 that it's taking on to the price may made it a dud out of the gate, but hey, at least now the fact that you can get an Xbox One with Kinect for $100 more appears to be a $50 savings. For what it's worth, the Kinect will be packed in with a copy of Dance Central Spotlight, which is probably the main Kinect game that people really care about in the first place.
That said--who's planning on buying one?
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Microsoft to integrate Kinect-like motion control into Windows Phone
Posted by Ariel Levin-Waldman Categories: Smartphones, Handhelds, Microsoft, Software, Video Games,
Microsoft has an ambitious new idea to set themselves apart from Android and iOS. They want to install their video game motion sensor technology in an upcoming Windows Phone. Tom Warren of The Verge says that Microsoft insiders have slipped him some elusive information on the new phone.
The goal is to eliminate as many buttons and screen swipes as possible from the new phone. It should be able to answer a call simply by holding it up to your ear and end a call when it is dropped into a pocket. Place it on the table to put it on speaker, wave a hand in front of the screen to dismiss alerts, and push buttons without touching the phone, these are the feats that Warren says the phone will be capable of.
The 3D features, as they are being called, are not unique to Microsoft. Amazon is purportedly going to reveal a similar device June 18th. Eliminating screen smudges is cool, but I am not certain if I would be willing to buy a whole new phone to do it though. Given that the Kinect didn't sell consoles on its own merit, I am skeptical if it will do so in the even more competitive smartphone market.
Still, if the 3D sensor allows me a full size keyboard without taking up any real space, it might just be worth a glance.
Why Microsoft unbundling Kinect is a broken promise to all Xbox One owners
As we mentioned earlier, Microsoft has decided to do an about-face, now offering the Xbox One without Kinect for $399. The move continues Microsoft's seemingly cowardly backtracking trend that it's been doing with the Xbox One for about a year now. While many see this simply as a price drop and a way to get the Xbox One without an accessory that they may now want, for all intents and purposes, this kills Kinect dead. Right where it stands.
Allow me to explain. When the original Kinect launched for the Xbox 360, there was a lot of hype and excitement surrounding its release. For the first time, you could use your body as the controller for a new type of gaming experience. It was cool, and about as novel as the original Wii. It was a toy and a gimmick, and soon many folks stopped playing Kinect games, and none really took off at retail. However, Microsoft was getting good data and feedback for what we realized the "real" Kinect would be. The one that launched with the next Microsoft console.
Click to continue reading Why Microsoft unbundling Kinect is a broken promise to all Xbox One owners
Microsoft slashes price of Xbox One to $399 without Kinect
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Corporate News, Hot Deals, Microsoft, Video Games,
Microsoft surprised the gaming world this morning with the announcement it will sell the Xbox One without Kinect for $399 starting on June 9th in the U.S. This brings the price of the Xbox 360 in line with that of the PlayStation 4, which should bring the two consoles into even more heated competition.
An odd move (though some might say it was expected in order to compete,) since the company wouldn't stop talking about how essential Kinect is to the Xbox One functionality and gaming direction less than a year ago. I guess Microsoft has been feeling the heat if the PlayStation 4 sales, and had to adjust that strategy right quick.
You can pre-order the Xbox One without Kinect now.
Unboxing Live 128: Exclusive! White Xbox One “I Made This” edition
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Features, Microsoft, Video Games, Videocasts,
We give you an exclusive look at the white Xbox One! Microsoft built about 3,000 of these unique "I Made This" edition of the Xbox One, and gave them out to employees who worked on the Xbox One prior to launch as a thank you gift. In the box is the white Xbox One, black Kinect, black standard controller, Day One edition achievement, and all the other stuff you'd expect. In addition, Microsoft gave a custom white "I Made This" controller for the Xbox One as well, which features a soft-touch feel rather than the solid matte black plastic feel of the controller.
Of course, we already gave you a look at the standard black Xbox One console as well.
You can pick up the Xbox One now from the following retailers:
Don't forget to subscribe to Gear Live on YouTube!
Click to continue reading Unboxing Live 128: Exclusive! White Xbox One “I Made This” edition
Unboxing Live 127: Microsoft Xbox One
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Features, Microsoft, Video Games, Videocasts,
A few days ago, Microsoft launched the Xbox One, dropping its next-gen hotness on the world. We're deep in the review process right now, but didn't wanna leave you hanging, so we're featuring the Xbox One in our newest episode of Unboxing Live. We give you a look at the console itself, as well as everything else that comes in the package. Also, stay tuned, because we've got an extra-special Xbox One exclusive coming later today as well.
You can pick up the Xbox One now from the following retailers:
Don't forget to subscribe to Gear Live on YouTube!
Click to continue reading Unboxing Live 127: Microsoft Xbox One
Microsoft execs discuss Xbox One [Video]
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Microsoft, Xbox Live, Xbox One,
Earlier this morning Microsoft revealed the Xbox One, the follow-up to its 8-year-old Xbox 360. After the jump, we've got a video where Microsoft Xbox executives discuss the new Xbox One console and what they believe makes it the best home console on the market. Check out the video, and let us know if you agree.
Click to continue reading Microsoft execs discuss Xbox One [Video]
Slacker Radio comes to Xbox 360
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Microsoft, Music, Video Games,
We recently reported on the Slacker Radio redesign, and the company is keeping the freshness going, debuting on the Xbox 360 today. You can download the Slacker app for free, and you've gotta be an Xbox Live Gold subscriber in the US or Canada for the privilege. You get the same overhauled color scheme, music guide, and Kinect voice controls. Head over to the Xbox Live Marketplace to grab the 116 MB download.
Microsoft releases 2012 highlight reel video
Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Smartphones, Handhelds, Microsoft, Software, Video Games, Videos,
Microsoft is not shy about patting itself on the back. Here's the 2012 highlight reel that it put together, showcasing company milestones like Halo 4, Kinect, and their re-imagining Surface tablet.
There’s no question that it’s been a momentous year at Microsoft. The company introduced the world to Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8, announced its family of Surface PCs, showcased a new version of Microsoft Office and released “Halo 4,” keeping up a steady rhythm of advancements across its most popular products for individuals and businesses throughout the year. - Microsoft
Click to continue reading Microsoft releases 2012 highlight reel video
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Microsoft Store Cyber Monday deals focus on PC, tablets, Xbox 360
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Handhelds, Hot Deals, Microsoft, PC / Laptop, Video Games,
The Microsoft Store has a bunch of great Cyber Monday deals today, and we figured we'd help highlight some of the best. If you're looking for a Windows 8 tablet, PC, or cheap Xbox 360 and PC games for you or a loved one, check these deals out:
- Save $100 on Acer Iconia
- Save $200 on Asus Vivobook S400
- Save $250 on Vizio 14" ultrabook
- Save over $100 on Xbox 360 250GB Kinect Sports Joy Ride bundle
- Xbox 360 and PC games discounted to $9.99
Read More | Microsoft Store Cyber Monday Deals
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