Xbox 720: New name, turbo specs and a tablet revealed!

 

 

UPDATE: Sorry guys, it’s a hoax. Pocket-lint’s source was actually an anonymous tipster. That said, more reliable publications have confirmed from multiple sources that Microsoft is indeed working on an Xbox gaming tablet, so don’t get too down.

Forget Xbox 720: it looks like Microsoft is going back in time for the name of its next-gen console, simply dubbing it ‘Xbox’ according to a new report. And that’s not all: alongside the brand new games machine, Microsoft is prepping a brand new Xbox gaming tablet too! Read on to find out all about it.

Pocket-lint claims that Microsoft’s next console will serve as a central hub to a number of devices, one of which will be called X-Surface – a tablet we’ve previously heard rumours about. It won’t run Windows 8 or Windows RT, but instead, it will be a standalone portable gaming system that can access the games, music and video hubs of the new Xbox, but won’t have any apps of its own.

At the moment, the specs of the new X-Surface are currently unknown, but it’s reportedly been spotted running Unreal Engine 3 demos at a solid, high frame rate, meaning that it’s much more beefy than your standard run-of-the-mill tablet.

The new Xbox, meanwhile will pack some major processing power with an 8-core CPU from AMD that sounds like it can run everything thrown at it – including the visually stunning Watch Dogs demo from last year’s E3. The OS onboard will have a similar look to Windows 8, but it won’t be the same software.

There’s no news on a brand new gamepad just yet, but developers have been using a current generation Xbox controller, meaning the new one may well use the same, if not, a similar layout – unlike Sony, which is believed to be working on a new gamepad with a built-in touchscreen.

We still don’t know when Microsoft will launch brand new Xbox, but we’ll let you know as soon as we do. Are you looking forward to the next-generation of gaming? Let us know in the comments

Gadgets of 2013: the future is upon us

 

Models parade in Google Glass augmented reality eyewear at a New York fashion show. Photograph: Edward Le Poulin/Corbis

iPhone 5S

As per usual, it is expected that Apple will release an "S" update before moving up an integer.

Possible features? Respected tech industry analyst Peter Misek is predicting it will come with a new "super HD camera/screen, a better battery and NFC [near field communication - used in such things as contactless payment systems]". He also claims that, like the Nano, the phone will be available in six to eight colours.

When can I buy one? Misek suggests that Apple will be speeding up its cycle of launches, so we should expect it in June.

Apple iTV

There has been speculation for some years that Apple would make a land grab for the TV market. Apple CEO Tim Cook recently remarked that turning on a TV is like going "backwards in time by 20 or 30 years". That is, like the music and phone industry previously, it's in need of an Apple update.

Possible features? Cult of Mac reported that the TV would feature both Siri and iSight to enable voice and face recognition – iPhones and iPads could also be used to control it.

When can I buy one? Gene Munster (industry analyst) has predicted that the Apple iTV will be launched in October 2013: "It should cost $1,500-$2,000 and come in sizes from 42 inches to 55 inches." It is likely a UK version would only be released when licensing deals with British TV channels are finalised.

Xbox 720

Microsoft's long-awaited follow-up to the Xbox 360, rumoured to be called the Infinity.

Possible features? Like the Kinect, the console will use motion detection technology and T3 recently revealed that Microsoft had filed a patent concerning projecting augmented reality 3D images on walls, which would require you to wear Wi-Fi-enabled 3D glasses. May also include a Blu-ray drive.

When can I buy one? A Microsoft executive did talk about a "new Xbox" but this statement was quickly withdrawn by the company; however, the company has placed job ads which mention the new console. A Bloomberg report says the XBox 720 is likely to be available from autumn 2013.

 

Amazon phone

The internet giant is said to be adding a phone to its range of Kindle readers.

Possible features? Don't expect any revolutionary hardware, but the software will allow seamless integration between Amazon's Appstore, Amazon MP3, Amazon Cloud Player and Kindle books. In short, it will be more of an multipurpose Amazon revenue-generating device than a phone. As PC Magazine has suggested, it's likely to be cheap. This is because Amazon is expected to subsidise the cost of the handset and the monthly price plan using the revenue from the vast amount of Amazon media, electronics and whatnot you are inevitably going to purchase with it. It is also likely to come pre-loaded with a bar code scanner, which will point out how much cheaper everything is on Amazon. Yes, it does sound pretty Faustian.

When can I buy one? Your pact could start in mid-2013.

Augmented reality glasses

Google and a company called Vuzix are lining up futuristic specs for people who can't bear not to be connected.

Possible features? More of a headset than a pair of spectacles, the Vuzix projects a small colour image in front of your eye, runs the Android operating system and connects via Bluetooth to your phone. The screen could show you text messages, emails or map directions.

What this device's killer app will turn out to be is anyone's guess. It could, for instance, use face recognition to remind you of fellow partygoers' names, their CVs and their latest Facebook status updates and tweets – never be stuck for small talk again! A scary Charlie Brooker-scripted future is heading our way, basically.

When can I buy one? Summer 2013 for under $500. Google Glass isn't expected until 2014.

Nest

A "learning thermostat" designed by two former Apple employees, it has already been described as the "iPhone of thermostats" by Wired.

Possible features? Via Wi-Fi, it connects with your smartphone, allowing you to control your heating whether you're at home or not. Over time it learns your schedule and designs a heating or air-conditioning programme around it. It can detect when you're not at home. And it looks pretty: it glows orange for heating, blue for cooling.

When can I buy one? They're already available in the US for $250 – the manufacturer claims you will claw that back in utility bill savings in two years

www.tell-me-first.com

“Xbox 720” documents reportedly reveal $299 price, new Kinect, specs and more

 

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A “leaked” document reportedly reveals Microsoft’s upcoming plans for the new Xbox console through to 2015, mentioning “Xbox 720” by name, listing a $299 price for the console, confirming Blu-ray playback, and referencing the Microsoft Glass augmented reality technology shown at this year’s E3. The documents have since been taken off the internet at the request of Microsoft’s lawyers, lending the leak more credibility. Is this the Xbox 720?



Microsoft has of course yet to publicly confirm or deny the leak, but asking for the documents to be taken off the web has got commentators believing the above details could be the real deal.

Xbox 720 rumoured for 2013 said to be six times more powerful

The 56-page document that first appeared on Scribd, made mention of an “Xbox 720” for a 2013 release, and says that the new console will be four times more powerful than the Xbox 360, and cost $299.

Blu-ray is also included, as is USB 3.0, HDMI and augmented reality gaming. There’s also a mention of the next generation of Microsoft Kinect, designed to work better in smaller spaces. Microsoft Kinect’s biggest problem is its inability to work accurately in tight areas. Microsoft Kinect 2 will seemingly solve this problem with better tracking.

Since the document’s details have yet to be confirmed, all of the above has to be taken with a pinch of salt, but nevertheless, the details remain intriguing, not least of all that $299 price tag, given that an existing Microsoft Kinect sensor costs around £99.00 with a game included.

Xbox 720 rumours are of course nothing new. The next generation of Xbox has previously been rumoured for a 2013 release, with Blu-ray playback on board. And this year’s E3 2012 saw Microsoft dedicate a lot of time to services, without showing as many new titles as expected.

Microsoft will also not be attending this year’s Gamescom show in Germany – an annual event for showcasing new games. It is thought that with little new software to show for the current Xbox, Microsoft is saving it for next year. Or in other words, for the Xbox 720.

www.tell-me-first.com

Top 5 accessories for your Xbox 360 this Christmas

 

When it’s time to look back, 2011 will be remembered as a great year for Xbox 360 gaming. Highlights such as Gears of War 3, Forza Motorsport 4 and Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary and more have made it one to enjoy.
To help you enjoy your Xbox 360 even more we’ve compiled a list of some of the best accessories worth looking at this Christmas for all budgets. Take a look.

Microsoft Kinect


If you’ve got an Xbox 360 and not yet invested in a Kinect, it’s worth having a think about. A year from launch Kinect now takes advantage of some great games that include Kinect Sports Season 2, Child of Eden, Dance Central 2 and UFC Personal Trainer. If you’ve got children, there’s plenty for them to play, with games such as: Sesame Street: once Upon a Monster, Kinectimals, Kinect Disneyland Adventures, and others. 



New features are being added all the time. This year saw the addition of voice control, which is expected to play a big part next year in upcoming titles such as Mass Effect 3. The latest Xbox 360 dashboard hub now lets owners search for film and gaming content on their console using their voice. Rumours of the next Xbox console doubling as a set-top box acting as a media hub also suggest that Kinect may also play a role in the next generation of Xbox console.


Nyko Zoom


One of the downsides to owning a Kinect unit is requiring enough space to swing your arms. With this add-on you’ll be able to reduce the space needed to play by up to 40 per cent, letting you play in smaller bedrooms. A wide angle optical lens attachment clips onto the Kinect, magnifying the space that Kinect detects. It means that even those with less space can enjoy the delights of swinging a virtual bat in Kinect Sports: Season 2, or doing the silly shuffle in Dance Central. 



Xbox 360 Dual Charger Station

Available from most video game accessory retailers and online stores, the Xbox 360 Dual Charger Station lets you charge two Xbox 360 controllers at once while docked into the console’s USB port. You could even charge one, while playing with the other. Its holder lets you neatly once you’ve finished off that Gears of War 3 Horde session. LED indicators flash from red to green once the controllers are fully charged. It’s basic, but it does the job. 


Microsoft Wireless Speed Wheel


Sure, there are more advanced steering wheel set-ups available, but if you’re looking for a game-changing accessory that won’t break the bank, check out the Microsoft Wireless Speed Wheel. It might look odd, but it’s highly responsive: using motion sensors to guide steering. Rumble feedback, D-pad navigation and trigger buttons to accelerate and brake mean it’s all you need to get enjoying games such as Forza Motorsport 4. It’s officially licensed too, so you know you’ll be getting top quality. 



Astro A40 Audio System and gaming headset


For gadget fans who take their gaming as seriously as their audio, the Astro A40 headset are some of the best gaming headset money can buy. Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound fit for an audiophile, noise cancelling microphone technology and an accompanying MixAmp Pro amp to tailor sound preferences delivers an unrivaled gaming audio experience. Don one of these and you’ll never go back to playing minus a headset ever again. At £220, they are pricey, but you get what you pay for. For a slightly more affordable, but still top-of-the-range alternative, also check out Tritton’s AX 720 headset.
It costs £100 less, also does Dolby 7.1 surround sound and creates a just as immersive aural experience. Just try playing horror game Dead Space 2 with one of these without flinching. Go on. We dare you.
Got a favourite gadget accessory you want for your Xbox 360 this festive season? Let us know about it in the Comments below.

Americans spent over $15 billion on video games in 2010

Americans spent over $15 billion on video games in 2010 According to a preliminary estimate released by NPD, total consumer spending on all video game content in the US was between $15.4 and $15.6 billion during 2010. That figure includes physical console and PC games, digital downloads, used games, rentals, subscriptions, social network games, DLC, and mobile game apps. Assuming the initial data is correct, the research firm believes overall sales have fallen by about 1% from 2009. Although retail games accounted for the majority of spending with $10.1 billion in revenue, sales dropped 5% from $10.6 billion in 2009.
 
PC game sales increased by 3%, and that's no surprise with blockbusters like StarCraft II and WoW: Cataclysm breaking records last year. That, combined with increased spending on downloads, mobile games and other segments offset the declines in physical sales, rentals and subscriptions. "The increasing number of ways to acquire the content has allowed the industry to maintain total consumer spend on content as compared to 2009, and we should expect 2011 to be a growth year in the games industry as the consumer demand for gaming continues to evolve," NPD said. The outfit expects to release a final estimate of consumer spending in March's "Games Industry: Total Consumer Spend (2010)" report.  http://www.d-skin.com/

Avatar Kinect: 5 things you need to know!

If you’re a lover of talk shows, and fancy an unusual and innovative way of chatting to your mates online, you’ll absolutely love the latest Microsoft Kinect title. Called Avatar Kinect, the latest game was first touted back at CES in January, and promises to let you host your very own talk show.
It could be the perfect way of keeping in touch, although we can’t really imagine it being adopted for business meetings! Read on to find out five things you need to know about Avatar Kinect.

Smile for the camera!Although Avatar Kinect uses avatars – little cartoon characters – rather than an actual video of you, the Kinect is still capable of picking up on all your usual expressions. Smile, and your TV character will smile, frown, and your friends will know about it. Avatar Kinect also captures movements – so nod and shake your head and your cartoony avatar will mimic you.

Party for sevenOne of the best bits about Avatar Kinect is the fact it can cater for up to seven people. That means you’ll be able to chat to a whole group of friends simultaneously – have conversations, debates, arguments and stick your tongue out at them, all from the comfort of your bedroom.
Change the stageAlong with choosing an avatar that looks just like you, right down to the facial expressions, you’ll also be able to choose a stage. You can have your own talk show, for instance, with your friends on as guests, or you can set up a comedy routine. You can even set up a sports party stage.

It’s just like TV!Your conversation doesn’t have to be a one-off, either. Just like a proper TV show, the camera can zoom in and out on characters, panning and switching between your friends as they talk. And, just like a TV show, you can actually record it, and keep it to watch again in the future, or to share it with your mates via KinectShare.com.

Social networkingSharing captured clips with friends isn’t just restricted to those who have an Xbox or Kinect, either. You can also upload your talk show clips to Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, letting everybody get in on the fun.

PlayStation 4 possible 2012 launch - integrated motion controls

It looks like Sony might be the third company to enter into 2012's now epic looking console battle, with rumours pointing to a PlayStation 4 release next year alongside the Wii U and new Xbox.

playstation 4

According to a report by digitimes, the new console will feature integrated motion controls along the same lines of the Xbox 360 Kinect. Rumours suggest Foxconn and Pegatron will be building the console.

Whilst details surrounding the new console are incredibly thin, it does look like Sony plans on entering the console market in a big way with the PS4. Initial shipments are said to total no less than 20 million, a massive number given only 51 million PS3s have been shifted since launch.

Speculation had pointed to a much later release for the new Sony console, with it hitting stores shelves in 2013 at the earliest. It looks like the fierce competition from the Wii U and yet to materialise new Xbox has forced Sony to accelerate its development in order to get things ready.

Expect motion controls to be talk of the console town in 2012, with the Wii U trying to take on the hardcore gamer whilst appeasing the newly founded family gaming market

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