AceyBongos' Xbox Life: Xbox Technology

Xbox and BT Vision Team Up

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 13:21:59 GMT

If you've seen the press release you'll know this, but last night at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas we announced that BT Vision will be bringing IPTV to UK Xbox 360s this year. If you haven't seen the press release, here you go!

"BT and Microsoft Announce Partnership to Deliver Powerful, First-of-its-Kind Entertainment Experience to Consumers Through Xbox 360

BT Vision IPTV customers will soon be able to receive best in gaming, TV and movies, all through Xbox 360.

LAS VEGAS — Jan. 6, 2008 — Microsoft Corp. and telecommunications leader BT announced they are bringing together the next-generation TV service BT Vision with Microsoft’s Xbox 360 games and entertainment system. All BT broadband customers will have the unique opportunity to receive the best in high-definition gaming, television and movies through an Xbox 360 console, in a powerful, all-in-one entertainment experience. BT Vision, which is powered by the Microsoft Mediaroom Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) platform, plans to make this first-of-its-kind device and service offering available to customers in the middle of 2008. The announcement was made during the keynote address by Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates and Microsoft President Robbie Bach of the Entertainment & Devices Division at 2008 International CES on Jan. 6.

The groundbreaking partnership will enable any BT Broadband customer to use an Xbox 360 console to access the BT Vision service and its extensive library of on-demand content, giving instant access to hundreds of movies and thousands of hours of sporting events, television programming, music videos and other digital content, such as BT Vision Sport’s 242 “near-live” FA Premier League football matches.

BT Vision customers with an Xbox 360 console will gain the option of accessing BT Vision from either the Xbox 360 console or a set-top-box. The service will be available to existing and future Xbox 360 console owners.

BT Vision on Xbox will combine the richness of the Microsoft Mediaroom-enabled TV service with the benefits of next-generation gaming, as well as unique new capabilities that the integrated solution brings. Xbox LIVE, the largest online social network in the living room, will be seamlessly integrated into the experience, providing consumers with a wide range of community-based features, such as voice chat, sending and receiving text and voice messages, and accessing Xbox LIVE Marketplace, all while watching TV. For example, while a TV viewer is enjoying his favorite football game, he can receive a message from a friend inviting him to join a voice chat, or they could play a game of their own with EA SPORTS™ “FIFA Soccer.”

“We are pleased to partner with Microsoft to deliver a truly compelling connected entertainment experience to our customers,” said Dan Marks, CEO of BT Vision. “For the first time consumers in the U.K. will be able to experience the advantages of an advanced TV service together with the benefits of next-generation gaming. Our aim is to provide BT Vision on multiple platforms — giving customers greater convenience, control and flexibility over what they watch, when they watch and how they watch TV. It also means that we are able to potentially expand our BT Vision customer base by tapping into the popularity of Xbox 360.”

“This is an exciting moment in home entertainment,” said Enrique Rodriguez, corporate vice president of the Connected Television Division at Microsoft. “Last year at CES, we announced Xbox 360 on Microsoft Mediaroom as a powerful platform capable of enabling new entertainment experiences for consumers, and we are pleased to team with BT to bring this service to market. Together we are enabling BT Vision customers to be the first in the world to enjoy this next-generation TV and gaming entertainment experience.”"

I don't have any further details on this, but if you have any specific questions (no pricing, specific content or launch date questions please - I guarantee I can't answer them!) I can see what I can drag up.

The ACTUAL Best Thing About The Chatpad

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 10:21:45 GMT

My pal and work colleague kingkatt was a bit shocked that my post on the Chatpad had missed out on the single best feature it has, and so sent me this photo:

Yup, the whole thing lights up if you're playing in the dark or happen to be a mole in a hole. Not only does this make pressing the buttons easier, it also looks exceptionally cool and could possibly light up your face in an eerie green glow. Which is always a bonus.

So there you go. Even more reason to pick up a Chatpad on September 4. It'll cost ya £24.99.

Hands-On With The Chatpad

Sun, 22 Jul 2007 19:36:52 GMT

Chatpad! Chatpad! Chatpad! I've got one and here are some photos!

Actually, since I posted quite a big hands-on with the Chatpad (or the Text Input Device as it was known then, before the jazzy branding people got onto it) back in April, you should probably read it if you want an introduction to the add-on. The design or workings of the Chatpads haven't changed at all, and I'll be honest - I think it's quite a good read and it mentions both meerkats AND elephants, so go for it.

What I wanted to show you in more depth today was the new headset that comes included with the Chatpad, the way it connects to the Chatpad, and the nifty little woggle on the wire that lets you control the volume and mute the line. It also has a little clip on it so you can attach it to your shirt if you want to. So, er, here it is:

The whole thing's pretty cool. The Chatpad makes messaging proper easy, whether its a message over Xbox Live or Messenger, and the new headset woggle is sweet. I'm not sure if woggle is the right word for it, but it just sounds nice, doesn't it?

The Chatpad will be available in Europe on September 7 for £24.99. I don't actually have a Euro pricing at the moment, but I'll try and get one. more pictures below!

Spring Update Video Playback FAQ

Wed, 09 May 2007 22:04:24 GMT

As part of the Spring Update there's quite a few new video features, most of which are far too clever or complicated for me to understand or answer questions about. Lucky, then, that the Xbox Development Team have posted a properly in-depth FAQ about all the new features that made it in - and some that didn't - including supported file types and more acronyms than you can shake a stick at. Knock yerself out, video fans...

Read the Spring Dash Update Video FAQ on the Xbox Develpment Team Blog here. I wasn't aware of this blog but it looks like it's one for the RSS feed!

Hands-On With the Text Input Device - And the Spring Update

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 18:58:12 GMT

Let's be honest - sending text messages to your friends through your Xbox 360 isn't the easiest thing to do with a joypad. And if you do plug in a USB keyboard it just makes the place look a bit untidy. I know most people just resort to using My Xbox on Xbox.com to send messages, shuttling between their Xbox and PC.

No longer. You'll remember that we announced the Text Input Device (or TID, both of which are just working titles and likely to be replaced by something altogether more fancypants) a few weeks back with details of the Spring Dashboard Update, and I was lucky enough to get my hands on one for the first time the other week.

In case you haven't seen one, this is what it looks like:

And this is how it connects onto the Xbox 360 controller:

When I saw the first photographs of the TID my initial thoughts were a: It might unbalance the controller a bit by making it bottom heavy, and b: It might upset my sensitive gaming digits by forcing them out of the position they normally assume when I'm holding the pad. While that would give me plenty of excuses for not getting to the top of the Gyruss high score charts, it wouldn't really help anyone.

However, I was wrong on both counts. Doesn't happen often, but hey. Once the TID has been attached to the bottom of your controller (wired or wireless, doesn't matter, and it connects via the headphone port - more on that in a bit) it's pretty stealthy in terms of its presence - until you look down to see all those lovely buttons. In terms of weight it adds only a little (didn't actually weigh it, although that would have been the scientific thing to do) and you don't really notice the different. As for your fingers, it doesn't really change the way you hold the pad. The bottom is nice and sculpted to keep the original linesof the controller, and unless you grip the controller like some kind of freak (or maybe have a few extra fingers) you'll probably be quite happy.

Observe the controller with attached TID being held by my glamorous hand model Indy Saha, who neither holds it like a freak or has any extra appendages (that I know of):

Next on my list of worries was how the buttons on the TID would feel, and how easy it would be to tap out a message while holding the pad. Again, I was pleasantly surprised. The buttons are small and tidy, but they have a nice tangible click as you type and since the whole keyboard (which is QWERTY by the way, rather than the kind of text pad a mobile phone uses) is quite compact, you don't have to stretch your digits to nail the space bar or type words like QUARANTINE or PORTALOO or SASQUATCH. The keyboard also has all the features you'd expect from a regular keyboard like SHIFT, CAPS LOCK and so on, and there are two secondary function keys that open up all sorts of weird and wonderful characters so you can send elaborate smileys to your mates.

So, if you're an inquisitive type you'll be thinking, "How many meerkats would it need to take down an elephant?" Yes, it troubles me too. But you might also be wondering "If the TID plugs in where my headset goes, where does the headset go once the TID's in?" Well, it goes in the hole in the bottom of the TID. Easy. It's a slightly different jack so you'll need a new headset, but thankfully it comes bundled with the TID. I haven't seen it, but apparently it's the same as the one you know and love except for the jack.

MESSENGER IN A BOTTLE (OR A SPRING UPDATE)

Of course, when you combine the TID with the forthcoming Spring Dashboard Update (due in May), you really put the chat amongst the pigeons (pun copyright Alan Partridge 1994). That's because Messenger is coming to Xbox! Hooray! That means there'll be even more of your mates showing up on your Messenger list when you're trying to do some work! Basically, your Messenger list will be merged with your Xbox Live Friends list. You'll still be limited to 100 Xbox Live Friends, but you'll be able to see the status of up to 600 Messenger contacts on your Xbox 360. And you can message any of them, at any time, from Xbox 360 or PC. There's no escape!

I had a wee play around with an Xbox 360 that is testing the Spring Update out, and the Messenger stuff is really cool. You can open up a blade to have a Messenger chat with one or more of your friends - like Messenger on PC, you can have multiple people in the same chat. Or - and this is the best bit - if you press the Messenger button on your TID a little overlay sits at the bottom of the screen. It doesn't pause the game you're playing or interupt anything, and since the TID can be used while you're gaming you could conceivably enjoy a text chat while exploring Oblivion or pacifying Pacific City. Here's an example of how it looks, featuring a chirpy chat between two Xboxers you might recognise:

UP THE UPDATE

I also had a snoop into some of the other additions of the Spring Update. I'm not sure how much I'm allowed to say about them so I'll keep it short and if I suddenly disappear, don't forget about me. Keep the dream alive. So, first up is the new Marketplace blade. It sits to the left of the Xbox Live blade (the one that you're on when you start your Xbox 360) and means you can navigate straight to the content you want. Yup, that means there will now be five blades, but Dashboard Themes won't need an extra picture from now on - the Marketplace blade won't take on your Dash Theme. The navigation under the Marketplace blade is now much easier to use, but the best bit is a new one-button (I think it's Y) shortcut back to Marketplace home. Dunno if it annoys you, but I hate having to B my way out of all those menus.

Couple of other cool things I saw - you now get a synopsis of your GamerPoints and Achievements when you look at your played games. The Arcade section is much easier to use and gives you more options. And there are some new audio/visual options for you AV heads. No doubt there'll be more info on all this soon and I'll bring you the full list of all updates when I can.

Right. The Spring Dashboard Update will hit Live in May and you can read more about it here. The Text Input Device will be available later this summer, and there's no word yet on how much it will cost. I've stuck some more pictures below and in the Gallery, and if you want to ask any questions type them into the comments box using your fingers. Laters :)

Text Input Device Pics on GamerScore Blog

Tue, 10 Apr 2007 17:19:01 GMT

Just noticed that GamerScore Blog has a ton of great photos of the Text Input Device in action. Turns out that the device will also come bundled with a new headset. Sweet!

Check out the Text Input Device pics after the jump (as they say).

Elite - What's the Deal With Europe?

Wed, 28 Mar 2007 09:47:48 GMT

While I'm sure we're all delighted at the thought of the HDMI-sporting, 120GB hard drive-rocking, black suit-wearing Elite Xbox 360, I'm also sure we're all a little disappointed that the release announcement is currently US only. So what's the deal with the Elite Xbox 360 in Europe? Well, I managed to steal some time with Michael Newey, the Platform Marketing Manager for Xbox in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (which basically means he's the guy who looks after the console) to ask him some questions about the announce.

Here's some quick excerpts. The full interview has been sent out to our Xbox Community Network of websites, so keep your eyes peeled for it on your local Xbox Community Network.

"When will the Elite console be available?
Mike Newey: The Elite Xbox 360 will be available in the US from April 29. We have not announced release dates for the Elite console in Europe yet, but rest assured that as soon as we can let you know we will.

Why can’t you tell us when the Elite Xbox 360 and accessories will be available in Europe?
Mike Newey: I really wish I could! But let me reassure European gamers that we’re definitely committed to bringing the Xbox 360 Elite to Europe and other regions around the world. I unfortunately can’t give you any more information at the moment about when this will be, but we will announce dates in those regions the moment we can.

Why is the US getting the Xbox 360 Elite first? It feels like Europe always has to suffer when stuff like this comes up…
Mike Newey: While I know it’s not much comfort for European Xbox 360 fans, we’re introducing the Xbox 360 Elite console into North America first because there is already a large base of Xbox LIVE customers there who are already downloading HD games and entertainment. Because of that it makes more sense for us to introduce the Elite console in the US before Europe. That said, we know that gamers in Europe and around the world will be desperate to get their hands on the Xbox 360 Elite and its accessories. I wish I had better news for you, but all I can tell you right now is that we’re working very hard to bring the Elite console and accessories to Europe as soon as we can, and I’d like to thank European Xbox 360 fans for their patience and support."

Hope that answers some of your questions. Let me know if you have any more and I'll see what I can do. Also, the full interview has loads of extra interesting stuff - you should try and check it out. Click here for a list of your local Xbox Community Network websites.

Oh, and I've just added some pics of the Elite console in the Gallery. Enjoy!

Xbox Elite Announced (Really This Time)

Wed, 28 Mar 2007 07:34:21 GMT

So the rumours were true - the Xbox 360 Elite is real. It's due in the US on April 29 and will be priced at $479.99. No announcements on when the console may come to Europe yet, but later today I should be able to bring you some comments on that. In the meantime check out GamerScore Blog for details and pics, and I'll have more later on.

Win With XNA and DreamBuildPlay

Tue, 06 Mar 2007 10:01:12 GMT

Meant to post this yesterday but didn't get around to it, so here's the details on the XNA Dream-Build-Play competition courtesy of the press release. Sorry, I know it's lazy...

"Providing the opportunity for game developers to create visions in a world where they make the rules, shape the characters and create the evolution of the story, Microsoft Corp. today kicked off the Dream-Build-Play game development contest, offering a USD$10,000 grand prize and the opportunity for a winner’s game to be published on Xbox LIVE® Arcade, the premier destination for digitally distributed, high-definition original and classic games. Enabled by its XNA™ developer tools, the Dream-Build-Play contest was announced at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2007 in San Francisco.

Dream-Build-Play XNA Contest Offers USD$10,000 Grand Prize

Dream-Build-Play is a contest that offers aspiring game developers the opportunity to showcase their innovation and talent to the world. More than 20 winners will be selected to win fantastic prizes with a total value of more than USD$40,000 from Microsoft, Alienware, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) Inc., Autodesk Inc. and Softimage Co.

The contest will culminate in the extraordinary grand prize that includes an opportunity for the winner to receive an Xbox LIVE Arcade publishing contract, providing a chance to showcase the winner’s game on Xbox LIVE Arcade. Dream-Build-Play is open to any user of XNA Game Studio Express, including the GarageGames Torque X platform. No purchase is necessary to compete. The contest ends July 2, 2007, and winners will be announced Aug. 13 at Microsoft Gamefest 2007 in Seattle. Additional contest details, including detailed eligibility and entry requirements, are available at http://www.dreambuildplay.com."

You can find more information about how you can create your own Xbox Live Arcade games using XNA Game Studio Express here.

EDIT: Just noticed on XNA expert Let's Kill Dave's blog that the XNA website has now gone live at www.XNA.com. Check that out for all the info and support you need.

UPDATE: 512MB Memory Unit and New Arcade Size Limit

Mon, 05 Mar 2007 10:12:53 GMT

Couple of big announcements this morning as the Game Developers Conference kicks off over in San Francisco this morning. First up, there's a bigger Xbox 360 Memory Unit on the way. From the press release:

"The 512MB Memory Unit, available worldwide beginning April 3, 2007, will retail for an estimated retail price of £34.99/49.99 Euro. The 512MB Memory Unit will be pre-loaded with the hit Xbox LIVE Arcade game “Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved” from developer Bizarre Creations Ltd. for a limited time.

Eight times larger than the 64MB Memory Unit, the 512MB Memory Unit will provide Xbox 360 owners with vastly expanded storage capabilities for gaming on the go, allowing gamers to easily store and transport their gamer profile and save game data, Xbox LIVE Arcade games and Xbox LIVE Marketplace content. The 512MB Memory Unit also gives Xbox 360 owners the ability to download exclusive content from any of the 45,000 Xbox 360 kiosks accessible at retail outlets worldwide."

I'm trying to get confirmation on European pricing and will let you know asap.

AND THEN: We've also announced that the upper ceiling for Xbox Live Arcade games has been raised from 50MB to 150MB, meaning future XBLA games will be even bigger and better. Again, from the press release:

"Beginning today, the Xbox LIVE Arcade game size limit has increased from 50 MB to 150 MB, giving developers greater flexibility in game design and expanding the opportunity to add advanced game features while still keeping games compact.

“The new size limit offers developers increased flexibility and continued opportunities for innovative game development, while also ensuring that the millions of gamers on Xbox LIVE can continue to easily access, download and play all Xbox LIVE Arcade games on Xbox 360,” said Chris Early, product unit manager for Xbox LIVE Arcade and Microsoft Casual Games at Microsoft. “If you take a look at current games like ‘Roboblitz’ and ‘Small Arms,’ it’s clear that our developers deliver amazing game experiences within a compact size limit. Our focus is on continuing to provide developers with an environment that allows for the creation of cost-efficient games and that nurtures an artistic and creative approach to game development.” "

AND THERE'S MORE! We also announced a list of upcoming XBLA games that will be shown off this week at GDC:

“Boom Boom Rocket” (EA and Bizarre Creations). This eagerly anticipated title from EA and Bizarre Creations is a hypnotic rhythm music game that will launch on Xbox LIVE Arcade this spring, priced at 800 Microsoft Points.
“3D Ultra™ Minigolf Adventures” (Sierra Online and Wanako Games). The first outdoor sports game on Xbox LIVE Arcade, “3D Ultra Minigolf Adventures” lets players putt their way through 36 fun-filled holes on wild courses that include settings such as the Classic Carnival and the fantastical Outer Space.
“Eets: Chowdown” (Klei Entertainment Inc.). A completely revamped version of the popular PC title, “Eets: Chowdown” offers a fun puzzle game experience unlike anything else available on Xbox LIVE Arcade, and features new items and 120 new levels.
“Jetpac Refuelled” (Rare Ltd.). This is a new take on Rare/Ultimate’s 1983 classic space blaster with enhanced graphics and Xbox LIVE features; players must clear a path through hordes of aliens to refuel their ship and amass a fortune over the course of more than 100 high-definition levels.
“Pinball FX” (ZEN Studios Ltd.). “Pinball FX” offers an unparalleled pinball experience that will be fun for novices and experts alike, with realistic ball physics and stunning 3-D tables. “Pinball FX” also features real-time, head-to-head competition over Xbox LIVE and Xbox LIVE Vision camera support.

Phew! A lot of news for a Monday morning...

Rockstar Using 'euphoria' Physics Engine

Wed, 28 Feb 2007 13:57:08 GMT

Remember the video I posted the other week that shows off the advanced 'euphoria' physics engine in Star Wars/Indiana Jones set-ups? It's also the physics engine that LucasArts will be using in its upcoming Star Wars game, The Force Unleashed - as described in the latest issue of OXM360 UK.

Well, as www.oxm.co.uk is reporting, Rockstar has announced that it will be using the euphoria engine in its upcoming next-generation titles. No specific games are mentioned, but imagine what Grand Theft Auto 4 would be like with these kind of super-realistic physics? Imagine the kind of carnage you'd be able to create with explosions, or the brutal fist-fights you'd be able to get involved with, or just how realistically the world around you would react to your typical GTA-style mayhem? That would be amazing.

I reckon an open-world game like GTA becomes even more 'free' when the environment you find yourself in reacts with realistic physics. Look at how much fun it is just to chuck stuff around or shoot things in the air in Crackdown. With quality physics, doing something that other games treat as run-of-the-mill - like shooting an exploding barrel - suddenly becomes the game.

Here's hoping this announcement means GTA4 is going to let you have even more fun with the world you are playing in than Crackdown...

LucasArts' Tech Demo Video - Must See!

Thu, 15 Feb 2007 21:13:30 GMT

You might have seen this around before, but remember when I was talking about OXM360's Star Wars: The Force Unleashed cover story and I mentioned that I had seen the LucasArts tech demo at last year's leipzig Games Convention? Well, now Kotaku has posted the video for all to see - watch it here.

Amazing stuff. Can't wait to see it in the game!

Xbox 360 Controller on the Front Lines

Wed, 07 Feb 2007 10:53:24 GMT

This is either ridiculously cool or quite scary depending on how you look at it, but is seems that you're not too far from real-life conflict when you're controlling your GRAW squad with your Xbox 360 controller. The US Military is currently testing a new tech called Future Combat Systems - the means for a soldier to use a Captain Scott Mitchell-style headset to remotely control unmanned vehicles that can clear buildings, roads or set-up defensive positions.

But it's the way the soldier is controlling those unmanned vehicles which is amazing: Photos from the training missions clearly show a soldier gripping an Xbox 360 pad! I've stuck the photos below, but you can find high-res photos and read the full article about how the Xbox 360 controller is on the frontlines of future combat on the US Military website.

I bet you'll never look at your controller in the same way again...

Quality 3D Shooter XNA Vids

Mon, 05 Feb 2007 21:12:37 GMT

XNA Game Studio guru Let's Kill Dave has linked to some new videos posted on a Japanese website, showing off that XNA isn't just about 2D games with cartoony graphics. The early demo is of a brilliantly high-res futuristic aircraft with two seperate weapons systems, shooting at a bunch of coloured shapes. It's got physics, detailed graphics, and some lovely visual effects.

Just goes to show how powerful XNA Game Studio Express can be. Click here to watch the 3D XNA videos in action and get a translation of the Japanese text, via Let's Kill Dave.

HD-DVD - More Units On the Way!

Mon, 15 Jan 2007 22:08:18 GMT

I've had a lot of people asking me about the Xbox 360 HD-DVD drive, saying that they can't find one anywhere or that they've had pre-orders with stores for ages and still haven't received one. Well, I went and checked the situation out with the hardware guys here at Xbox Europe HQ. The bad news is that demand has been so high for the HD-DVD drive that it's sold out everywhere in the UK, France and Germany.

The good news, however, is that more HD-DVD drives are incoming - but you'll have to sit tight for a little longer. Here's what the team asked me to tell you:

"We have had phenomenal demand for the HD DVD drive and the UK, France and Germany will be receiving more stock from the end of January."

So there you go. Thanks for your patience! From what I've heard (I don't have one - if you can't get one, we at Xbox can't get one either!) it's well worth the wait for images so sharp you could cut your eyeballs on. Ouch!

Carmack Compares Xbox 360 and PS3 - Guess Who Wins?

Thu, 11 Jan 2007 13:45:39 GMT

John Carmack, top dog at id Software and the man credited with creating the modern FPS genre with Doom, has been talking about developing for the Xbox 360 and the PS3. Speaking at CES, Carmack describes how he prefers the Xbox 360 because it is easier to develop games for.

As quoted by Game Informer, via www.Eurogamer.net:

"I've been pulling for Microsoft, because I think they've done a better job for development support, and I think they have made somewhat smarter decisions on the platform."

Carmack goes on to say that he certainly doesn't think that the PS3 is "a piece of junk", but also mentions that He doesn't think Sony's machine will lead the console market in the way the PS2 did:

"I suspect they're not going to overwhelmingly crush the marketplace this time, which wasn't clear a year ago. A lot of people were thinking it's going to be a rerun of the last generation, and it's now looking like it might not be."

Carmack's working on a new game for Xbox 360 and PS3, and apparently development on the Xbox 360 version is going far smoother than that of the PS3 game.

Check out Carmack's full comments here.

Xbox 360 IPTV Press Release - Old But Good!

Tue, 09 Jan 2007 20:29:11 GMT

I was reading this press release that we put out yesterday about the IPTV announcement and it's got plenty of interesting info about what the whole thing means. I should really have stuck it up yesterday but hey ho, eh?

I'm particularly excited about the idea of watching the footie while voice chatting with my mate on Live, then jumping straight into a game of Pro Evo at half time. Bosh!

"At the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Microsoft Corp. today announced a new solution that will bring together two of its leading entertainment products, the Xbox 360™ gaming console and the Microsoft® TV IPTV Edition software platform, to create a unique digital entertainment offering. IPTV on Xbox 360™ is expected to be available to consumers by holiday season 2007 and will be offered by providers that are deploying TV services over broadband networks based on the IPTV Edition software platform. The solution was unveiled during Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates’ CES keynote address Jan. 7.

The integration of a video gaming console with Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) services is intended to deliver a first-of-its-kind entertainment experience. IPTV on Xbox 360 is expected to give consumers all the advantages of an advanced TV service along with the benefits of next-generation gaming, as well as unique new capabilities that the integrated solution brings. Xbox Live®, the largest online social network in the living room, will be seamlessly integrated into the experience, providing consumers with a wide range of community-based features, such as voice chat, sending and receiving text and voice messages, and accessing Xbox Live Marketplace, all while watching TV. For example, while a TV viewer is enjoying his favorite football game, he can receive a message from a friend inviting him to a join voice chat while watching the game, or to play a game of their own with EA SPORTS™ “Madden NFL 07” on Xbox Live.

“Both Xbox 360 and Microsoft TV IPTV Edition by themselves deliver unique and exciting entertainment experiences today, but IPTV on Xbox 360 is truly a solution that is greater than the sum of its parts and will enable even more exciting experiences to delight consumers, service providers, content providers and game developers alike,” said Robbie Bach, president of Microsoft’s Entertainment and Devices Division. ”By integrating these industry-leading solutions, we are delivering on our promise to drive innovation and enable new connected entertainment experiences for consumers in a way that only Microsoft can."

With the addition of IPTV Edition functionality, Xbox 360 builds on its position as the centerpiece for high-definition digital entertainment in the living room, offering the best in next-generation games, TV and movies along with the ability to share experiences online with the industry-leading online game network, Xbox Live. Xbox 360 continues to extend its lead with more than 10.4 million consoles sold in 37 countries since launch.

The Microsoft TV IPTV Edition software platform enables a best-in-class digital TV service that offers advanced features such as instant channel zapping, a rich and responsive user interface, video on demand with branded video-on-demand storefronts, digital video recording and high-definition television. Some of the world’s largest telecommunications service providers have chosen IPTV Edition as their IPTV software solution, with scale commercial deployments currently under way with AT&T in the United States, BT Group PLC in the United Kingdom, Deutsche Telekom in Germany, T-Online in France and Swisscom in Switzerland."

Interesting that we're looking to work with BT in the UK. My home broadband comes through a BT Home Hub and I think it's great, so - on the heads-up from Figures - I'm going to try and get one of BT's V-Boxes. It's like a Freeview box with pay-per-view options too. Should be interesting to see if it's any good - check it out for yourself here: http://www.btvision.bt.com/.

Visit The Home of HD-DVD With Xbox 360 and Toshiba

Wed, 22 Nov 2006 16:28:09 GMT

In case you didn't know, the Xbox 360's external HD-DVD drive launches in the UK, France and Germany this Friday (November 24). For 199 Euro or £129 you'll get the drive itself, a Universal Media Remote and - for a limited time only - a copy of the King Kong movie on HD-DVD.

If you're still not quite as excited as you should be about DVD images so sharp that they'll slice your eyes open, you should check out the Home of HD-DVD website. Launched by Toshiba, this website offers lots of info about the benefits of HD and HD-DVD including how Xbox 360 can take your gaming and film-watching into the next generation of picture clarity.

The gaming section is stacked with Xbox 360 HD trailers so you can see the difference for yourself. Check out the Home of HD-DVD website here.

I'm still trying to figure out which HD screen to buy myself before I can get the HD-DVD drive. It's pretty complicated isn't it? I was going to buy the 19" Samsung R71 but then I found out it's not HD Ready, and that you have to go up to the 23" to get HD Ready and HDMI. It seems really hard to find any reviews or information on smaller screens - anyone got any good online links?

Zune is Here (Or in the US at Least) - And It Snubs PS3

Wed, 15 Nov 2006 10:05:30 GMT

Microsoft's new portable music and video player - Zune - is now available for sale in the US. It comes in three tasty flavours (black, brown (yes, BROWN - it's retro and cool)and white), rocks a gorgeous 3 inch screen and has revolutionary wireless capabilities that let you share music with your friends. You can catch up with the new media player on the block at www.Zune.net.

Microsoft hasn't made any announcements about Zune in Europe yet. What do you think? Would you like to see it on this side of the Atlantic?

Interestingly, Zune won't work at all if you try to connect it to Sony's PlayStation 3. Cheeky! And according to gadget website Gizmodo you won't have much more joy with an iPod - the PS3 will pick up the device but won't organise any of your music content properly, leaving you to wade through thousands of randomly stored songs to find that Girls Aloud track. See video evidence at Gizmodo.

iPods and Xbox 360, however, make sweet music together. All you need to do is download the iPod Support pice of software from Marketplace and you can stream your music to your heart's content.

Hands-On With the HD-DVD

Mon, 06 Nov 2006 21:33:27 GMT

Had a bit of a nice surprise today. I was heading to the kitchen at work to snaffle a can of fizzy pop and as I passed one of the meeting rooms I noticed our resident technological wizard Qumar mucking about with an Xbox 360 and a massive projector. Turns out he was preparing to demo the Xbox 360 External HD-DVD Drive in a meeting, so I nipped in to have a wee tickle of the hardware and snap some photos.

It's a nice bit of kit - it doesn't feel or look flimsy, but tough and solid like the Xbox 360 console itself. STURDY! You can lay it flat or stand it up on one end like the console, and the shiny disc tray matched the orientation of the Xbox 360 itself. I reckon it looks best standing on end next to the console, although if you keep your Xbox 360 flat under your TV it's pretty tidy if you stick the drive on top.

Aesthetics aside, the drive connects to the console's rear USB socket via a simple wire. Of course, that means your wireless adaptor has to be moved, but luckily you can attach it to the back of the HD-DVD Drive. There are actually 2 USB sockets on the back of the Drive (plus the socket for the wire to the console) so that means you're gaining at least 1 USB socket whatever your setup. And I don't mean to sound like a weird technophobe, but isn't it amazing that you can stuff so much high-quality information down a single wire? IT'S BLACK MAGIC I TELL THEE!

When you've installed your Drive (I say installed, I mean plugged it in) the disc drive icon on the Dash (you know, where you click to play a game in the drive) splits subtly into two seperate halves so you can select to play whatever's in your console disc drive or in your HD-DVD disc drive.

Qumar showed me a bit of the Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift on HD-DVD (actually it's one of them fancy new dual-format DVD/HD-DVD discs) and it certainly looked nice up on the big screen. Unfortunately the projector wasn't HD so I couldn't see the true benefit, but I did get to fiddle about with the enhanced features of the HD-DVD disc. This is cooler than I thought. You can put picture in picture so that you can actually watch the director's commentary - complete with outtakes, deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes footage - while you watch the main movie in the main screen. The on-disc menus are also much cooler, sliding in from the side of the screen in a distinctly Xbox 360 Blade-style in Tokyo Drift. As Larry David would say, it's pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty nice.

Can I be honest? I'm pretty hopeless with the complicated side of new technology like this. That's why I'm going to be speaking to Harvey "HD-DVD" Lee, the console and accessories guru in the office, about all the complicated HD-DVD stuff that involves numbers and long words. I'll bring you more information on Harvey's expert knowledge soon, but if you have any scary/intelligent/mind-melting questions you'd like answered stick them in the comments and I'll ge them answered!

The HD-DVD Drive will be available in Europe later this month and is priced at £130. Check my photos for a sneak peek.

SmackTalk Makes Talkin' Smack Simple

Mon, 09 Oct 2006 20:07:37 GMT

Mouth tired from jawing on Xbox Live? Then you might need gameDR's SmackTalk 360. Basically it's a recording device that you attach to your headset and press buttons to play sounds or phrases down your microphone. Have a look for yourself and even get a little demo at: www.SmackTalk360.com.

Let me know what you think. I doubt people will pre-load it with phrases like "Well played," or "Thanks!", that's for sure. UK Xbox Community Network website BritXbox.co.uk certainly has some strong opinions on it.

I will say that it's not manufactured or endorsed by Xbox, since I've seen quite a lot of negative feedback online about this device.

Was speaking about it today with Xbox.com CRM guru kingkatt who told me that he has considered hooking up a keyboard to his microphone and pre-loading the keys with phrases and comedy sounds. He also told me story about how he was playing Team Assault in Halo 2 once and a teammate did such a good impression of the 'Game Over' announcement that the opposing team all started killing each other! Good work voice impersonation fella!

Live Vision Camera Out Today!

Fri, 06 Oct 2006 14:34:21 GMT

The time has come! No longer do we need to imagine what our Xbox Live Friends look like! No longer do we have to imagine how annoyed someone's face looks when you hit them with a four-carder in UNO! No longer do we need to deliberate over which pre-created GamerPic we choose for our GamerCard! No longer do we need to type out complicated messages when a picture is worth 1000 words!

LIVE VISION IS HERE!

The camera launches in Europe today! It's £34.99 or 49.99 Euro for the camera (which also works with a PC), a headset, a free copy of UNO and a month's free subscription to Xbox Live. There's also a Gold pack that comes with a year's subscription to Live - that's £59.99 in the UK. You can also download TotemBall on Xbox Live Arcade for free, plus UNO, Hardwood Spades, Hearts and Backgammon, and Bankshot Billiards all support the camera.

You can read about my experiences with the Live Vision Camera here. And the Live Vision page on Xbox.com is here.

Also, I've noticed there's been some concern about security with the camera. GamerScore Blog has a great post about how to avoid any problems here, and here's GamerScore's recommendations of the 3 main things you can do if you ever feel like someone's doing something they shouldn't be:

1. Block Communications – If you run into someone in online play that does something that you don’t like, you can quickly mute all communications, and you will no longer hear, or see anyone.

For example in UNO, click Start > Help & Options > Camera Settings > (Y) Disable Camera.

2. Set Communications to Friends Only – Within the privacy settings, you can change your preference to only communicate online with people on your Friends List. This means that only your friends voice and video will come through to you.

From the Dashboard, click your Gamer Profile > Edit Gamer Profile > Privacy Settings > Communications > Friends Only. You can also block all communications in the same menu.

3. File a Complaint – If you encounter someone that breaks the Xbox Live Code of Conduct, be sure to use the File Complaint system. All complaints are reviewed by Xbox Live (however, Xbox Live policy does not disclose the status or results of individual complaints). Trust me it works.

From a person's Gamer Profile: File Complaint > Complaint type > File Complaint.

Send me a picture message once you've got your Vision set up! No bums though, please.

Hear More About Zune

Tue, 03 Oct 2006 21:09:44 GMT

While X06 was blowing the roof off Barcelona last week, Microsoft's new portable multimedia playing and sharing device Zune was turning up the volume in the US. The music and video player has a US price and release date now: November 14, with a price of $249.99. No European release information is available at the moment.

Zune will come with a 30GB hard drive, a 3 inch LCD video screen (that's almost twice as big as the Video iPod) for high-quality video and a built-in radio tuner. It also has wi-fi capabilities that will let you beam songs to your mates so they can try them out for a limited time. If they like them they can cue them up to have them downloaded straight to their player when they get home. The idea is that a whole community of music lovers will be able to discover new music wherever they are, and new bands could be able to reach a huge audience without even being signed up.

The service subscription to Zune Marketplace will cost $14.99 a month, or Zune users will be able to buy individual songs for 79 Microsoft Points. Now word on how Zune might connect to your Xbox 360 yet.

For more info on Zune, you should check out the latest edition of GamerTag Radio. Host Godfree has interviewed Cesar Menendez, one of the guys working on Zune who also used to work on Xbox, and there's some great information in there.

Click here to hear the GamerTag Radio Zune interview, or click here to see images of Zune.

Or click here to visit the brilliant Zune website!

Xbox Live Free Week is GO!

Wed, 20 Sep 2006 09:18:37 GMT

It has begun - for the next nine days Xbox Live Gold is absolutely FREE in Europe thanks to Xbox and Windows Live Spaces. If you only have a Silver account at the moment you;ll find it has been upgraded to Gold, and if you don't have Xbox Live at all you should definitely take this opportunity to try out the best online gaming service on the planet. You can play games with your friends no matter where they are in the world and download exclusive content from Xbox Live Marketplace!

If you're not connected to Live just stick a broadband cable into your Xbox 360, sign up for an account, and you'll get the benefits of Xbox Live Gold until 11.59 pm on September 29.

During this window there'll be a stack of exlcusive Marketplace content from the Tokyo Games Show and X06, some of which will not be available once Live Free Week finishes - so get it while it's hot! I'll keep you updated with the content as it comes.

So get online with Xbox Live Free Week. I'll be looking for you!

The Live Vision Camera Never Lies

Sun, 17 Sep 2006 20:11:23 GMT

Me and the Live Vision Camera I'm looking after have had a wonderful weekend together. On Friday night I got my wireless broadband installed and took the little fella online for the first time. Then we collapsed together into a deep, dreamy sleep with thoughts of personalising GamerPics, hosting video chat sessions with my Friends, showing off my face while playing Uno and sending people picture messages of random stuff just to show off.

Then on Saturday and Sunday that's exactly what we did! I figured I'd split my impressions of the Live Vision Camera into four different areas: Plugging It In, GamerPic Fun, Showing My Poker (Sorry, Uno) Face and Putting the Video Chat Amongst the Pigeons. I've also stuck a load of photos of the Camera in my gallery, so have a wee look with your eyeballs at them. Here we go!

Plugging It In

This is well easy. Piece of cake. The Live Vision Camera connects to your Xbox 360 through USB, and as soon as you stick the little blighter in your console automatically picks it up (that is, assuming you have the Spring Dashboard update). You'll instantly see the background to the Dash be affected by movement in front of the Camera, and if you go into the Themes menu in your hardware Blade you can select one of three different effects (Dotty, Edgy or Watery) or turn them off completely. These effects are pretty subtle and don't really disturb you or your chosen Dashboard theme, but they do serve as a timely reminder that your camera is turned on - just in case you accidently start playing Uno while naked or wearing your private PVC gear. There's a nice green ring of light around the camera when it's connected too. This looks cool and also reminds you it's recording YOUR EVERY MOVE.

The Camera is small enough not to be offensive (check out the photos for a sense of its scale to the console and the joypad) and can looks perfectly at home when it's perched atop or beside the console. It also come with an impressively long cable which is at least 2.5 metres, so you can place it quite a long way from the console or take it for a stroll around your room if you want. Ideally you'll plug the Camera into the rear USB port and hide the cord away down the back of a unit or whatever, but even plugged into one of the front ports it's still pretty slick.

Once I had got my camera going and taken a quick custom GamerPic of my face, I messaged all 100 people on my Friends List and BOASTED that I had a Camera for a little go. Cue an avalanche of messages saying stuff like "Cool!", "Awesome", "Nice!" and so on. Took me ages to delete them all, but thanks everyone!

GamerPic Fun

It might sound sad, but the thing that excites me the most about the Live Vision Camera is the opportunity to create my own GamerPics simply by snapping my face, my bum (not really, but that's why your Camera GamerPic can only be seen by gamers on your Friends list) or something else completely. I'm not disappointed! So far I've taken snaps of:

Me pulling a funny face
Me wearing headphones and trying to look 'urban'
A meerkat, my favourite animal in the world
The emblem of Aberdeen Football Club (beat Falkirk 2-0 yesterday, third in the Scottish Premier League)
The emblem of the Scottish national football team
A green plastic pig

I'm sure I can think of better things to snap, but that's a pretty good start. I've settled on the meerkat for the moment (although someone asked if it was my DOG! I wish!) and here's something interesting - I actually took a picture of a picture I found on the internet, and it comes out fine! A bit of tweaking with the focus and it's all good. Think of the possibilities! The quality is really good if you get the focus and lighting right, a fact backed up by everyone on my Friends List. In fact, the quality seemed to surprise everyone!

I have one tiny thing that I think would be a good feature but I don't think is included. I want to be able to save my custom GamerPics so I can switch between them quickly. Instead, every time you accept a new GamerPic that you've taken the last one is lost forever, possibly into a big hole somewhere in a desert stuffed with crazy custom GamerPics. Ah well, mustn't grumble.

If you're on my Friends list you can check out my meerkat GamerPic for yourself. Check it out! Meerkats love to stand very still and stare at stuff. Sometimes they fall asleep while they're doing this and fall over, which I think is brilliant.

Showing My Poker (Sorry, Uno) Face

Now I've installed my Camera and shown it off to my Friends List, my next step was to make random Xbox 360 gamers jealous by playing Uno. Uno is one of the first games that works with the Camera and feeds live video into your GamerPic window while in the game. I felt a bit weird being the only visible person on the screen. I'm shy. The feedback from one gamer was really positive, but everyone else stayed quite quiet. I was a little disappointed by this. I wanted people to explode with excitement and hail me as some kind of mystic.

BUT THEN! KID ROCK 23 from Hamburg in Germany (not the real Kid rock by the way) sent me a message saying he was very jealous and thought it was ace and that his mate wanted to see it too. So later in the evening I went back online and played KID ROCK 23 and his friend Indian Junglist. They were very pleased, especially when I did funny stuff like turn the camera around so it was looking at the green plastic pig.

Anyway, did it actually make the game better? Well, it will definitely be cool to see other people laughing and joking while you play, especially if you know them. For a fun game like Uno it's really cool to see people's emotions. Can't wait to see how this works in face-mapping games like Rainbow Six Vegas and stuff.

Putting the Video Chat Amongst the Pigeons

The other brilliant thing you can do with the Live Vision Camera is to do live video chats with your Friends. It's free, which makes it better than phoning them, and you can also see them. Get yourself a beer (or a soft drink if you're under 18) and you could be in the pub/cafe!

Unfortunately I knew that nobody on my Friends List would also have a camera. I took a gamble on my pal Alex Simmons because he's the editor of IGN UK and thus gets cool stuff early, but even he didn't have one. He wants one though. So I couldn't test video chat. Although - I did test it while I was in Leipzig and I can report it works very well. Nice big screens, good connection, and good quality of picture. How's that?

Actually, I found out later in the evening that OXM Zorg from OXM360 UK had a camera but by then I had packed my Camera away to give it back. To make me feel better he sent me a picture of his (fully clothed) bum. This led me to surmise that the first thing everyone is going to do when they get a Camera is take a picture of their bum. Admit it. That's what you were going to do.

There you go. Live Vision Camera is wicked. I genuinely think it's really cool and everyone seemed to have good things to say about it, especially the quality of image and the price. It's out in Europe on October 6 and will cost around £35 to £40. Once you get one send me a picture message. But not of your bum.

Xbox 360 With Internal HD-DVD Drive?

Fri, 15 Sep 2006 17:09:31 GMT

Heard the one about the Xbox 360 with the internal HD-DVD drive? Forget it. GamerScore Blog has hammered the rumour like a carpenter on steroids:

"Rumors of a built-in HD DVD sku [new console unit] are greatly exaggerated. We’re proudly launching the HD DVD Player as an accessory this holiday. Turns out you want a say in how you spend your entertainment dollars. So who are we to burden every customer with the cost of expensive movie technology?"

Read the full post here for more, including some ideas of how you could spend $600 of console money on an Xbox 360 and lots of other stuff to go with it...

Wii Priced and Dated in UK/Europe

Fri, 15 Sep 2006 13:01:30 GMT

A quick squirt of Wii news - Nintendo has announced that the console will launch in the UK and Europe on December 8, priced at 249 Euro or £179. For that you'll get the console, one controller and Wii Sports.

The price seems rather high to me (only £20 cheaper than a Core Xbox 360!) and the release date seems a little too close to Christmas for comfort. What do you guys think?

Windows Media Player PowerToy

Fri, 15 Sep 2006 08:32:23 GMT

You might have noticed that I've added a WMP streaming the new Lost Planet trailer over there on the left. Pretty nice, eh? If you want to add one to your Space it's really easy - just click on the Help tab on your Space, search for 'Video', then select the option to 'Play background music or video on your Space'. Follow the instructions and voila! You can choose which hot new Xbox 360 trailer to play on your Space!

I also found this cool site yesterday - it's run by the people who built Spaces and is stuffed with lots of cool information, tips, and tools to help you customise your Space to the extreme. Check out The Spacecraft here.

Nintendo Launching Wii in November

Thu, 14 Sep 2006 18:09:50 GMT

Nintendo is getting set to spray Wii all over stores in the US on November 19, with the Japanese launch to follow on December 2. In the US it'll be priced at $250 (about £132) and come bundled with Wii Sports, and in Japan it'll be 25,000 Yen (about £113) without a game.

No details on European pricing or release date yet, but I got an email from HMV this morning (I've got one of their loyalty cards) and they reckon it'll be available on Novmber 24. Not confirmed, likes. However, Nintendo is holding a press conference in London tomorrow at noon (BST) so expect confirmation then.

I'm most interested in the downloadable retro Nintendo games you'll be able to buy for your Wii. Apparently NES games will set you back $5, SNES games $8 and N64 games $10. You'll pay for them using a service called the Wii Shopping Channel and use purchased Wii Points as currency. Sounds a bit familiar that, doesn't it? Getting all those old Nintendo classics is pretty cool though.

More at the BBC's Technology website, where the Wii's launch is described as sparking, "a three-way battle in the $30bn gaming market with Sony's Playstation 3 (PS3) and Microsoft's Xbox 360." What do you think of Wii To be honest, I'm really not sure about that controller, but then I haven't tried it out.

And sorry about the Wii gag in the first line, but I couldn't resist it.

Zune You Will Be Mine

Thu, 14 Sep 2006 17:57:31 GMT

It's coming Zuner than you think, although only in the US for the moment. Yup, Microsoft's portable music and video player will be available in the States by this Christmas time. It'll come in one of three colours: Black, White or Brown (presumably a nice classy mahogany rather than the same shade as rubbish 1970s wallpaper), it'll be fitted with a 30GB hard drive, and it'll show off your video with a 7.6cm colour screen.

The coolest thing about Zune is that it will have wireless so you can transfer songs to friends and strangers. They'll then be able to try the songs out for a limited time (three complete plays in a three day period) and if they dig it they can select to buy it right there on their Zune. Then when they get home and link up to Zune Marketplace on their PC it'll instantly download. BOSH! No word on if and how this will work with the Xbox 360, although I'm trying to find out...

No pricing details yet or info on when Zune will be available in Europe, but the Zune website has been updated with a cool new animation featuring flaming, moshing birds. RAWK!

The BBC Technology News website has more on Zune.

Take a look at the Zune image below and let me know what you think. I think it's pretty slick.

Build Your Own Xbox 360 Dashboard!

Fri, 08 Sep 2006 17:41:29 GMT

Ever wanted to influence how the Xbox 360 Dashboard looks and works? Now's your chance! Major Nelson is pointing you in the direction of WildChicken's blog. This bloke works on the Dashboard and is looking for feedback from users. Don't miss your chance to let him know what you think, and tell him AceyBongos sent you!

PS3 Delay - Microsoft's Official Comment

Wed, 06 Sep 2006 19:58:23 GMT

Here's the full and official comment from Microsoft about the PS3 delay:

"We know how challenging it is to pull off a global launch, particularly with unproven technology, so it's not surprising that Sony has backed away from their previously announced launch plans. Europe remains a priority for us and that is why gamers have been able to experience Xbox 360 from day 1 and why we're confident we're going to have a great holiday, regardless of what competitors are or are not in the market - Xbox 360 will have over 160 high-definition games including Viva Pinata from Rare, Gears of War from Epic, Pro Evolution Soccer 6 from Konami and FIFA 2007 from EA, a robust and continuously growing online gaming community in Xbox Live, fantastic entertainment capabilities, optional HD-DVD movie playback capability and a great-value price."

Well put, methinks.

Something else interesting: A BBC survey has revealed that the announcement has put off 70% of the respondents from waiting for a PS3. Cast your vote here.

PS3 Delayed in Europe

Wed, 06 Sep 2006 19:56:13 GMT

I would have had the world exclusive on this, but I've had all sorts of trouble updating my blog today. Oh well, only 12 hours late.

So, Sony has officially announced that the PS3 won't be available in Europe until March 2007. The problem is apparently due to a shortage of blue laser diodes used in the Blu-Ray disc drives installed in every PS3. The console will still launch in November 2006 in the US and Japan, although there are reports that there will be only 100,000 PS3s available in Japan and 400,000 in the US before Christmas.

Here's the BBC's online coverage of the story: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/5319190.stm

Check out the comments for some feedback on the announcement. What do you think?