The rumored Xbox 360 Spring Update might not have hit yet, but we know something big is in the works for the console's dashboard.

How big? Well besides the gi-normous list of rumored updates we posted about back in May we're now hearing from a number of sources that the Live dashboard is going to be getting a second interface option, one that will use the yet-to-be announced motion controller to navigate.

This new user interface, we've been told, will recreate the increasingly cluttered dashboard "blade" system in a 3D environment that will be something more akin to the Minority Report than a filing cabinet. The motion controls will allow users to sort of slide through the different levels of this floating menu system.

Sounds like a fantastic idea, if it can be implemented correctly.

Source: Kotaku

Taimur Asad (The Microsoft "Wow" Blog!)

For all of Microsoft's denial, the Xbox 360 Blu-ray console rumors just will not die. In fact, they are getting more and more specific. The Chinese language Economic Daily News is reporting that Pegatron, an OEM subsidiary of ASUS, has won the order from Microsoft to assemble the Xbox 360 with Blu-ray Disc ROM drive -- shipments are expected to being in Q3 of this year. Now come on Microsoft, just come clean on the matter, we won't tell anyone.

Source: engadget

Taimur Asad (The Microsoft "Wow" Blog!)

Microsoft is ratcheting up the battle against rivals Sony and Nintendo in the hotly contested Asian market, cutting the price of its Xbox 360 between 5 percent and nearly 20 percent in four areas throughout the region.

The price of the 20GB model was cut 17 percent in Taiwan, 10.7 percent in Hong Kong, and 5 percent in South Korea. The steepest reduction was made in Singapore, where that version of the gaming console dropped 19.5 percent and the company cut the price of two other models: The 120GB Elite was reduced 12.5 percent and the Arcade, which has no hard drive, was cut by 13 percent.

At the same time, Sony went in the opposite direction in Singapore and raised prices for its 40GB PlayStation 3 to $394. Nintendo, for its part, said late last week that it had no plans to cut prices on either the Wii console or its DS handheld in any regions.

"This price drop is part of Microsoft's ongoing strategy to bring Xbox's high-definition gaming and entertainment experience to an even wider user base," Microsoft said in a statement. The move follows price reductions up to 28 percent in some European markets last month.

Source: CNET Crave

Taimur Asad (The Microsoft "Wow" Blog!)

I can now confirm the existence of the Xbox Wiimote clone project and I can tell you the project code name : "Newton"

The "Newton" controller's code name is after the physicist Sir Isaac Newton. The internal Microsoft engineering code name is for this controller is "Newton" as in Newtonian Physics relating to gravity, inertia and acceleration. This is not to be confused with the defunct Apple Newton PDA, this is just and internal name, when this controller comes to market it will have a retail name.

The hardware is still being worked on and it might be a couple months before we see leaked shots of prototypes when they start to mass manufacture it but I am sure that there is an early software developer kit and prototype out there.

Nintendo is not the first company to make something like the Wiimote. The concept for the Wiimote has been called a 3d Mouse or a "Flying Mouse". There is a company called Gyration that makes wireless controllers and is an early innovator in these kind of controllers. Gyration owns a lot of applicable patents for motion-sensing controllers and in 2001 Nintendo hired the company to help them design a motion sensing one handed controller that eventually became the Wiimote.

Nintendo is an investor in Gyration but they don't own it. In 2001 Nintendo licensed patents from Gyration and used it to develop the Wii. They are US application patents 5898421 and 5440326 which are about a device tracking human motion and translating it into linear movement of computer graphic images. So Nintendo does not wholly own all the patents involved in the Wiimote.

Take a look at the awesome infomercial for Gyration's wireless mouse.

Microsoft is rumored to have licensed patents from Gyration and are using them to develop their motion sensing Wiimote controller. Legally Microsoft is not ripping off Nintendo but rather licensing the technology from the same place that Nintendo got it. For an example the Guitar Hero and Rockband controllers both use the same patent that is owned by Konami that they developed for Guitar Freaks.

Back in January there was a notice for a job at Microsoft for a hardware test engineer that drops some big tips about the "Newton" project.

From what I've learned from internal sources at Microsoft I can collaborate that the Newton project is moving forward and I can believe the time table that it has been in development for a while now and they could get it on the market by winter of 2008. The Newton is also going to use an LED sensor bar that can be powered by the USB ports on the 360, it is going to have an LED sensor on the front accelerometer and gyroscope sensor that can detect tilt and motion, rumble motors, wireless two way data communication with the 360, a built in Microphone for Xbox Live and voice-activated games.

If you cross the Gyration patents with Gyration existing product line, the Wiimote and the Job posting for a hardware test engineer, the reports about Rare (a Microsoft owned game studio) working on a XBLA game, The MTV report and my internal sources I can make some well informed estimation about the "Newton" controller

I have a good feeling that it might retail for 50 or 40 around the same price as a Wiimote and it might come with a 5 by 5 download code for the Conkers : Fast and the Furriest Xbox Live arcade game as a "Pack In" that can be downloaded after buying the stick much like how a code for Uno came with the Xbox Live Vision camera.

I have a feeling that there already is a clue about the final design of the "Newton" controller on the market right now and millions of Xbox gamers literally have it in their hands. I have a good feeling that the Xbox Play & Charge battery pack is going to fit on the bottom of the "Newton" controller. That would mean that it is going to be curved, about and inch wide and powered by two AA batteries or an equivalently recharge kit. The Xbox Wireless Racing wheel also can use the Play & Charge kit and was developed by the same division. They also have chargers and multiple product SKUs that use this battery pack.

I have a feeling that the "Newton" is likely to come in multiple colors such as white (chill), Black and Pink like the Play & Charge battery packs. There is a white Xbox on the market, and a Black one and a pink colored "Newton" controller would appeal to younger female gamers. That is a gaming market that Nintendo has with the Wii and DS and Microsoft would love to have play Xbox 360.

The Newton controller is going to have to small LED transmitters in a bar that you place next to your TV to triangulate the position of the remote by the LED sensor on the controller. The Big Button controllers that come with Sceen It! use an LED receiver that plugs into the USB ports. They also better get around to making a Xbox brand USB hub. Some of the original designs of the Xbox 360 had four USB ports in front and with all the Xbox accessories that use the USB ports would benefit from more available ports.

By making this controller Microsoft will be able to take away an exclusive feature that makes people want to buy a Nintendo Wii for around the cost of a standard wireless controller. If they bring an external Blu-Ray movie player they would take away one of the biggest reasons why current or potential Xbox owners would want to get a Playstation 3.

This controller would allow game developers to port Wii games to the Xbox 360 and Xbox Live Arcade platforms. I would love to see games like Zak and Wiki on Xbox 360. Heck I would pay real money for graphical adventure games on Xbox Live Arcade.

Microsoft wants to make the Xbox 360 appeal to Kids, girls, causal gamers and they want their current customer base to go out and buy yet another controller. If they bring out a controller like the Newton and lower the price of the Xbox 360 again it would be a tough blow to Nintendo. They want to beat Nintendo and Sony and they are willing to do anything to do that.

If we don't see this "Newton" Xbox controller by the end of the year I'll give my Wii to charity.

Source: Seattlepi.com

Taimur Asad (The Microsoft "Wow" Blog!)

The Nintendo Wii and its motion-sensitive Wii Remote controller have, undeniably, taken the videogame world by storm since their arrival in late 2006. Sony, meanwhile, has failed to ignite a similar level of excitement with its tilt-responsive SixAxis controller for the PlayStation 3, which leaves Microsoft the only player of ‘the big 3′ left to jump on the motion-control bandwagon. However, if a report discovered today is to be believed, Bill Gates’ company has plans to release a Wii Remote rival for the Xbox 360 by the end of the year.

While nothing has been officially announced as yet, a source has divulged to MTV News that Microsoft, in partnership with Rare, has been working on a controller that does everything the Wii Remote does - and more - since August last year.

MTV’s source explained that the controller’s functionality is similar to the Wii Remote, although it will include four face buttons, an analogue stick and a microphone (rough sketch – right). In addition, he/she explained that there were also plans for it to interact with the Xbox Live Vision camera.

“They want the usual assortment of ‘Halo’/ ‘Gears’/ ‘Forza’/ whatever, just in waggle form,” claims MTV’s source. “The whole thing is a colossal clusterf***,” …“[Microsoft] marketing just want it so they can match the Wii point for point. The biggest parts of their marketing materials outline how easy it would be for third parties to port their Wii games to the 360.”

In addition to the controller, it is rumoured that Rare has also been designing a system of gaming avatars to rival Nintendo’s Miis. They’re said to be more detailed than their Wii counterparts, and to be closely associated to any game planned to support them.

Whilst Microsoft has never officially touted its plans to move into the realm of motion controls for its latest console, previous comments from the likes of former Xbox executive Peter Moore in 2007 (“Since the day I saw Iwata-san [Nintendo president Satoru Iwata] pull the [Wii Remote] controller out from under his podium a few years ago at [the Tokyo Game Show], I’ve always realised that was the right thing for Nintendo to have to do for what they needed to do to be successful in this next generation… And it was always going to be a challenge for us. So, we have plans. This does not come as a surprise.”) reveal, perhaps obviously, that Microsoft was always keeping a keen eye on the idea and failed to rule it out.

We will, of course, keep you up to date on all the latest developments on Microsoft’s supposed motion-sensing plans. Until then, let us know your thoughts on the matter in the comments section below, particularly whether you reckon Microsoft’s Wii Remote-alike could threaten the current dominance of the Nintendo Wii.

Source: NINTENDIC

Taimur Asad (The Microsoft "Wow" Blog!)

Rumours were circulating today that Microsoft is set to dump HD DVD and bring out a Blu ray Xbox 360 by as early as May 2008. The move will allow the Company to go head to head with the Sony PS3 gaming console which has been credited with being one of the main reasons that retailers have preferred Blu-ray over Toshiba’s HD DVD.

Insiders at Microsoft in the USA have told SmartHouse that Microsoft has already configured a standalone Blu-ray player that can be connected into an Xbox 360 and that subject to internal marketing and sales approvals the model could be on sale within 3 months.

The Company has also been working on a built in Blu-ray player however insiders are claiming that Microsoft see the HD format battle moving online with consumers offered 1080p movie and content files as a download as opposed to having to buy a HD DVD or Blu-ray disc.

Both Intel and Microsoft have been supporters of the HD DVD format that is set to be killed off this week.

Continue At Source

Taimur Asad (The Microsoft "Wow" Blog!)

Microsoft Corp's Xbox video gaming unit still fully backs Toshiba Corp's HD-DVD high-definition DVD format but could consider supporting Sony Corp's  rival Blu-ray technology should consumers want it, an executive said on Tuesday.

"It should be consumer choice; and if that's the way they vote, that's something we'll have to

consider," Albert Penello, group marketing manager for Xbox hardware said when asked whether Microsoft would support a Blu-ray DVD accessory in the event that HD-DVD failed.

Microsoft does not believe the surprise decision last week by Time Warner Inc unit Warner Bros, the top seller of home movies, to abandon HD-DVD format in favor of Blu-ray should affect sales of its Xbox 360 video game console, Penello said.

"I fundamentally don't think ... this has a significant impact on Xbox 360 versus (Sony's) PlayStation 3," Penello told Reuters in an interview at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

"With the PlayStation 2, DVD was a big part in the beginning, but over time, people were not buying it as a DVD player after first year or two," Penello said.

The Xbox 360 supports a plug-in HD-DVD accessory that is bought separately, while Sony, hoping to give its next-generation video format a leg up, built a Blu-ray player into its PlayStation 3 machine.

"You can't say it's not a bummer, not a setback, but I've seen this battle declared over so many times," Penello said of Warner's decision.

"I want consumers to have a voice in this and I think there are a lot of consumers who bought HD-DVD who are going to have a say in how this shakes out."

Taimur Asad (The Microsoft "Wow" Blog!)

Rumours are gathering pace this week that Microsoft will use the CES show in Las Vegas next week to unveil an "Xbox Ultimate", according to gadget magazine Stuff. Rumour has it that Bill Gates will be on hand to deliver the 'important' 360 news, and a HD-DVD-enabled console could be on the cards in some form.

According to Stuff's report, the Ultimate console will land in Autumn 2008, and will include built in wi-fi, high-definition audio, 1080p HDMI output, 65nm architecture, and will be near-silent when operating.

A whopping 320GB hard disk is also mooted by Stuff, as is a built in HD-DVD drive. We're told this will aid the 360's march into the IPTV arena, which is also set to be a major talking point in Las Vegas.

Naturally, Microsoft are refusing to comment on any of this gossip, Rumours are gathering pace this week that Microsoft will use the CES show in Las Vegas next week to unveil an "Xbox Ultimate", according to gadget magazine Stuff. Rumour has it that Bill Gates will be on hand to deliver the 'important' 360 news, and a HD-DVD-enabled console could be on the cards in some form.

According to Stuff's report, the Ultimate console will land in Autumn 2008, and will include built in wi-fi, high-definition audio, 1080p HDMI output, 65nm architecture, and will be near-silent when operating.

A whopping 320GB hard disk is also mooted by Stuff, as is a built in HD-DVD drive. We're told this will aid the 360's march into the IPTV arena, which is also set to be a major talking point in Las Vegas.

Naturally, Microsoft are refusing to comment on any of this gossip

Continue At Source

Taimur Asad (The Microsoft "Wow" Blog!)

Microsoft while announcing Xbox Fun Downloads which has Wallpapers, emoticons and other goodies and it's the downloads for people who register for Xbox LIVE also provided Xbox Jump in. Wallpaper available for all.

More details at:
Xbox Fun Downloads

Here is the Xbox Jump in. wallpaper for all.

Download them from here:
Wallpaper_JumpIn_800x600.jpg size:579 KB
Wallpaper_JumpIn_1024x768.jpg size:978 KB

Via: meraTechPort

Taimur Asad (The Microsoft "Wow" Blog!)

Microsoft Corp. today announced the release of the Xbox 360 HD DVD Emulator, enabling film studios and disc authoring companies to model the behavior of HD DVD disc content, including encoded video and HDi interactivity, in a virtual environment before committing to burning a single HD DVD disc. This comprehensive tool is among the first commercially available, software-based solutions of its kind, eliminating the need for expensive hardware or time-consuming and costly trial-and-error processes for testing HD DVD titles, helping to ensure that titles ship error-free.

The enhanced content and rich interactive capabilities of HD DVD increase the need for an efficient way to troubleshoot coding to maintain the highest-quality consumer experiences. The emulator uses a combination of available hardware (the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system and the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player) and specialized emulation software to ultimately enable playback of near-final assets from a network storage share, portable hard drive or optical disc. This allows focused testing of the layout, the menus, and the behavior of the interactivity functionality of a title. Detailed log reports from the Xbox 360 HD DVD Emulator deliver valuable tracing information to help quickly and easily pinpoint problems with advanced interactivity code that otherwise could take hours of manual debugging.

“We are committed to supporting and advancing the HD DVD ecosystem, and the new Xbox 360 HD DVD Emulator reflects these efforts by providing developers with the software-based tools they need to efficiently deliver the highest-quality content,” said Jordi Ribas, general manager of HD DVD at Microsoft. “Microsoft developed the Emulator to help save studios and postproduction houses time, resources and costs involved with the creation of HD DVD content, and let them focus on what really matters — pushing the envelope with the format.”

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Taimur Asad (The Microsoft "Wow" Blog!)

Microsoft Corp. on Thursday reported U.S. sales of 310,000 Xbox 360 game consoles for the Thanksgiving week, trailing Nintendo's Wii console but leading Sony's PlayStation 3 at the start of holiday shopping.

The release of the numbers also brought some controversy.

In a statement distributed to the media, Microsoft claimed that Xbox 360 sales were twice those of the PlayStation 3 for the week, which included the key "Black Friday" shopping day after Thanksgiving. Sony didn't disagree that the PlayStation 3 came in third, but said it wasn't by the margin Microsoft cited.

Sony traditionally doesn't disclose game console sales figures until the NPD Group research firm releases monthly numbers, Kimberly Otzman, a spokeswoman for Sony Computer Entertainment America, said.

"However, I can assure you that Microsoft's estimates of our PS3 unit sales numbers are way off and they did not outsell PS3 2:1 during Black Friday week," Otzman said.

Microsoft continued to stand by its claim, which it attributed to "estimates from top retailers." An NPD analyst, Anita Frazier, said the firm makes data available only monthly, not weekly.

Nintendo reported earlier this week that it sold 350,000 Wii consoles in the U.S. during the Thanksgiving week. Overall, Nintendo of America said it sold "more Nintendo products than at any other time in its history" last week, including the Wii consoles and 653,000 Nintendo DS hand-held video-game systems.

Without releasing specific sales figures, Sony said this week that PlayStation 3 hardware sales were up 245 percent last week, when compared with the same week last year, among the top 10 North American retailers.

Continue At Source

Taimur Asad (The Microsoft "Wow" Blog!)

The Fall Xbox 360 dashboard update has now been officially revealed, and it's looks awesome with Xbox Classics and films on demand. December 4 is the date you'll need to watch out for; that's the day you'll be able to download and play Halo. Yes, Halo as in the Xbox game, through Marketplace, on your Xbox 360. Isn't technology great!
Microsoft is introducing games it has published for the original Xbox on XBL Marketplace, with the eventual plan to bring as much of the back catalogue across as possible. Third party games will also be available to 'demand'. Games cost about 1200 Microsoft points (about ten quid), which according to us puts them a little over what you'd pay for them second hand.  The initial list of downloads includes Halo, Fable, Fahrenheit, Crimson Skies: High Road To Revenge, Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath Of Cortex and Burnout 3. All good then, apart from maybe Crash.
The official blurb reads: "Starting on Dec. 4, all Xbox Live members will receive a free system update with a host of new features and enhancements. Included in this update will be the launch of Xbox Originals, which, for the first time, will enable consumers to download and own full Xbox games, such as Halo, Psychonauts, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge and Fable, among others, directly to their Xbox 360. This new service will launch with an array of blockbuster titles spanning the most popular genres from action-adventure to classic role-playing games."
And if that wasn't enough, films on demand, though not confirmed for the December 4 date, aren't far away either. Studios such as Warner Bros are potentially lined up for the service, so we can look forward to films such as The Dark Knight, The Assassination of Jesse James and I Am Legend appearing eventually. Films will cost less than a fiver and come in 720p resolution. You have 14 days to start watching a film once it has downloaded. Once you started watching a film, you have 24 hours to finish it.
After that, the film deletes itself from your hard drive. It's basically an online rental service then, like the US Video Marketplace that's been going for a few months now.

Source: www.computerandvideogames.com

Taimur Asad (The Microsoft "Wow" Blog!)

Just in time for holiday, Microsoft Corp. today released a new Xbox 360^® console that delivers games and content to everyone in the family for an incredible value of $279.99 (U.S. estimated retail price)*. Available in stores beginning today, Xbox 360 Arcade console is the first Xbox 360 console to include five family-friendly games, a wireless controller, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) connection to enable high-definition output if desired and 256 MB of memory useful for storing games and entertainment content. At $279.99, the Xbox 360 Arcade console will include five best-selling games: “PAC-MAN Championship Edition” (NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc.), “Uno” (Carbonated Games), “Luxor 2” (MumboJumbo), “Boom Boom Rocket” (Electronic Arts Inc.) and “Feeding Frenzy” (Sprout Games).

“As families gather together this holiday, it’s the perfect time to launch a new low-priced, high-value Xbox 360 that plays games, TV shows and music for everyone to enjoy,” said Jeff Bell, corporate vice president of global marketing, Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. “In addition to offering an incredible all-in-one package for families to get right into the fun, the Xbox 360 Arcade system features the industry-leading Family Settings, which allow parents to control what their kids are watching and playing — and we know how important that control is to families around the world.”

"New console includes five games, wireless controller and storage to save games — all for the incredible value of $279.99"

Karen Dodge, senior vice president and chief merchandising officer at Toys “R” Us, added, “We are excited to offer this new gaming experience to our customers — children and families — who can now enjoy the fun of Xbox 360 together. Many of this holiday season’s hottest items provide Internet connectivity, and with the online entertainment options available through Xbox LIVE^®, Xbox 360 Arcade offers families a great mix of online content and traditional gaming in one console.”

The news of Xbox 360 Arcade comes as part of a broader initiative by Microsoft to bring the Xbox 360 experience to families everywhere. Microsoft also announced today that it is significantly expanding its catalog of high- and standard-definition family fun content that is available on demand direct to the consumer’s living room. This includes the addition of everyone’s favorite characters such as Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck from Warner Bros., which will be delivering the first ever “Looney Tunes” cartoons for download on Xbox 360, starting today. In addition, Nickelodeon is adding three new shows to its already large library of more than 300 episodes of TV shows on Xbox LIVE, Microsoft’s premier online gaming and entertainment service, with the inclusion of “Blue’s Clues,” “The Backyardigans” and “iCarly.” “SpongeBob SquarePants Underpants Slam™” (THQ Inc.) and “SHREK-N-ROLL™” (Activision) games will also be available exclusively on Xbox LIVE Arcade, the place to download games for Xbox 360 over Xbox LIVE, adding more fun for everyone in the family.

Microsoft’s commitment to family entertainment is complemented by the largest next-generation library of “E”- and “T”-rated games, more than 200 in all, available at retailers nationwide this holiday, including “BEE MOVIE™ GAME” (Activision), “Guitar Hero III^®: Legends of Rock” (Activision), “Naruto: Rise of a Ninja” (UbiSoft Entertainment), “Scene It? Lights, Camera, Action” and “Viva Piñata^®: Party Animals.”

About Xbox 360

Xbox 360 is a superior video game and entertainment system delivering the best games, unique entertainment features and a unified online gaming network that revolve around gamers. Xbox 360 will have a portfolio of more than 300 games and will be available in nearly 40 countries by the end of 2007. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/xbox360.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
* Prices herein are estimated retail prices. Actual retail prices may vary.

Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft^® Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass on Microsoft’s corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.mspx.

Taimur Asad (The Microsoft "Wow" Blog!)

Interactive entertainment will never be the same, with the launch of one title that has changed the way the world thinks about video games. “Halo^® 3” has captured the attention of consumers worldwide and has made history as one of the biggest entertainment launches of all time.

Microsoft Corp. today announced that “Halo 3” has officially become a global phenomenon, garnering more than $300 million in sales in the first week alone. The critically acclaimed Xbox 360^® exclusive, which was released worldwide on Tuesday, Sept. 25, is the fastest-selling video game ever and already one of the most successful entertainment properties in history.

Initial reports from retailers worldwide show console sales have more than doubled compared with the weekly average before the launch of “Halo 3.” With games such as “Halo 3,” “Madden 08” (EA Sports), “Mass Effect” (Microsoft Game Studios) and “Rock Band” (Harmonix), Xbox 360 has the greatest lineup in the history of video games and is the only console where consumers can play all the year’s biggest blockbusters.

“‘Halo’ is truly a cultural phenomenon, and the launch of ‘Halo 3’ is an important milestone for Xbox 360 and for video games as entertainment and as an art form,” said Bill Gates, chairman of Microsoft. “‘Halo 3’ embodies our vision for the future of entertainment, where some of the world’s greatest creative minds will deliver a new generation of interactive storytelling.”

“Halo 3” is quickly staking its place as the most popular Xbox LIVE^® game in history with members gathering in record numbers to play on the world’s largest online gaming and entertainment network on TV. More than 2.7 million gamers have played “Halo 3” on Xbox LIVE in the first week, representing nearly one-third of the 7 million Xbox LIVE members worldwide. Within the first day of its launch, “Halo 3” players worldwide racked up more than 3.6 million hours of online gameplay, which increased more than elevenfold to 40 million hours by the end of the first week, representing more than 4,500 years of continuous gameplay. Since “Halo 3 launched,” gamers have unlocked nearly 30 million achievements. In its first week alone, “Halo 3” drove a record number of Xbox LIVE Gold Memberships as hundreds of thousands of new members gathered online with friends, family members and other gamers around the world to collectively compete and complete the game.

“Halo 3” is the conclusion to the epic trilogy and picks up where “Halo 2” left off, answering questions about the fates of the beloved protagonist Master Chief™ and his artificial intelligence sidekick Cortana as they struggle to save humankind from destruction at the hands of the alien coalition known as the Covenant. In addition to the rich storyline, “Halo 3” continues the franchise’s grand tradition of delivering innovative online multiplayer experiences via Xbox LIVE. The game’s online multiplayer and innovative four-player cooperative gameplay for Xbox LIVE Gold users, the much-talked-about Saved Films feature that enables players to capture and save their favorite moments on their hard drives, and Forge, an innovative map editor that enables myriad customization options, are just some of the new features gamers are experiencing.

Developed by Bungie Studios and published by Microsoft Game Studios, the “Halo” franchise is exclusive to the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system and optimized for the Xbox LIVE online entertainment network. “Halo 3” was released in 37 countries and 17 languages. To date, more than 20 million copies of the games in the “Halo” trilogy have been sold worldwide.

Record week-one sales come on the heels of the previously announced $170 million in sales in the U.S. within the first 24 hours of the game’s release, which marked not just the biggest video game launch, but the biggest entertainment launch in history. The Xbox 360 title beat previous U.S. sales records set by blockbuster openings for entertainment events such as the release of “Spider-Man 3” and “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.” In addition, more than 1.7 million copies of “Halo 3” were pre-ordered in the United States, making it the fastest pre-selling game in history, surpassing the previous record-setting pre-sales of “Halo 2.”

Source: Microsoft.com

Taimur Asad (The Microsoft "Wow" Blog!)

Seattle fans couldn't wait to get their hands on the action-packed Halo® 3, and hundreds of eager hometown Halo fans turned out for the midnight extravaganza at Best Buy in Bellevue, Washington.

A lucky Halo 3 fan rewarded for their commitment.

Microsoft chairman Bill Gates was on hand to give out the first copy of Halo 3 at the store, where the crowds mingled with some senior Microsoft executives, the Bungie Studios team and local professional athletes.

Adding to the excitement were contests and prize giveaways in the run-up to the 12:01 A.M. launch.

With the biggest entertainment launch in history, more than 10,000 retailers hosted midnight madness events, giving fans the opportunity to be a part of history in the making. 

In New York City, customers at Best Buy near Times Square were among the first in the U.S. to get a copy of Halo 3. Major Nelson was on hand at the amazing event, and you can check out all the action from New York.

Full Story: xbox.com

Taimur Asad (The Microsoft "Wow" Blog!)

The battle may not begin until Sept. 25, but “Halo” fans can prepare for the epic fight with the release the Xbox 360 Halo 3 Special Edition Console on Sept. 16 for an estimated retail price of $399.99 (U.S.).

Frags will be even sweeter with the Xbox 360 Halo 3 Special Edition Console, which features an authentic Spartan green and gold finish and comes with matching Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, Xbox 360 20GB Hard Drive, Xbox 360 Headset, Xbox 360 Play & Charge Kit, and exclusive Halo 3 Gamer Pics and Theme available via Xbox LIVE® download.

Xbox 360 Halo 3 Special Edition Console will be available for a limited time and presale demand has been incredible. True Spartans shouldn’t wait to get their consoles.

The Xbox 360 Halo 3 Special Edition Console will be the perfect addition to any “Halo” fan’s arsenal and pairs perfectly the recently released Xbox 360 Limited Edition Halo 3 Wireless Controllers and Xbox 360 Limited Edition Halo 3 Wireless Headset.

Created by legendary developer Bungie Studios and exclusive to the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system, “Halo 3” will set a new standard for interactive storytelling and social gaming by engaging consumers worldwide in Master Chief’s epic battle to save humankind. In November 2004, the world’s view of video games changed forever with the release of “Halo 2,” which generated a record-setting $125 million (U.S.) in sales within the first 24 hours and changed the way people think about interactive entertainment. Three years later, it remains the most-played game on Microsoft’s Xbox LIVE® online gaming and entertainment network, with nearly 1 billion hours of online gaming logged to date.

Source: Video Game Generation

Taimur Asad (The Microsoft "Wow" Blog!)

Microsoft and Bungie announced today that Halo 3 has gone gold. The game is schedule for release on September 25, 2007 in the U.S.
Most Anticipated Title of 2007 Released to Manufacturing, Begins Final March to Xbox 360.
The wait is almost over. “Halo 3,” the final chapter in the groundbreaking “Halo” trilogy and the most anticipated game release of 2007, has been released to manufacturing.
Three years in the making by renowned developer Bungie Studios, “Halo 3” is now finished and will begin its journey to store shelves around the world in less than four weeks. “Halo 3,” which has already set new records as the fastest preordered game in history, has exceeded one million presales in North America alone. The title is set to shatter day-one entertainment sales records when it is released worldwide beginning Tuesday, Sept. 25.
“This is a huge milestone for us and a big cause for celebration at Bungie and Microsoft Game Studios,” said Harold Ryan, Studio Head at Bungie Studios. “This is the game we’ve always wanted to make and certainly the best game our studio has developed. We can’t wait for gamers to get their hands on it on Sept. 25.”
Created by legendary developer Bungie Studios and exclusive to the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system, “Halo 3” will set a new standard for interactive storytelling and social gaming by engaging consumers worldwide in Master Chief’s epic battle to save humankind. In November 2004, the world’s view of video games changed forever with the release of “Halo 2,” which generated a record-setting $125 million (U.S.) in sales within the first 24 hours and changed the way people think about interactive entertainment. Three years later, it remains the most-played game on Microsoft’s Xbox LIVE® online gaming and entertainment network, with nearly 1 billion hours of online gaming logged to date.

Source: teamxbox.com

Taimur Asad (The Microsoft "Wow" Blog!)

Redmond, Washington—Microsoft today kicked off the greatest holiday lineup in videogame history by announcing it will reduce the retail price of Xbox 360™ by $50 beginning August 8 at United States retailers nationwide. Soon to follow, Electronic Arts Inc. (EA) will release its blockbuster video game title Madden NFL 08 on August 14. This important mass-appeal franchise was the top-selling game of 2006 and is the top-selling franchise of the past 10 years. Only Xbox 360 offers a console for all interests and budgets.

"The fact that we have been able to keep our launch price longer than any other console while retaining our leadership position demonstrates that consumers believe in the value of Xbox 360," said Mitch Koch, corporate vice president, Global Retail Sales and Marketing Group, Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft. "On the eve of the best holiday games lineup ever, and the launch of Madden NFL 08, there has never been a better time to jump into Xbox 360."

Family of Consoles
Xbox 360 will enhance the value of its entire family of consoles beginning on August 8. At a new price of $349.99, Xbox 360 offers an unsurpassed experience right out of the box with a 20 GB hard drive, Wireless Controller, Xbox 360 Headset, and more.

If you're looking for the ultimate value and the freedom to customize your console as you see fit, Xbox 360 Core System now has an estimated retail price of $279.99. Xbox 360 Core System provides everything you need to hit the ground running, while giving you the ability to expand with new features and accessories you want.

Dressed in black and equipped with a 120GB hard drive, Xbox 360 Elite will be priced at $449.99 if you want the premium games and entertainment experience. In anticipation of this year's largest blockbuster game launch, the Xbox 360 Halo 3 Special Edition Console will hit store shelves in September with a price of $399.99. Featuring an authentic Spartan green-and-gold finish, this console includes a matching Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, 20GB hard drive, Xbox 360 Headset, 360 Play & Charge Kit, and more.

Can't-Miss Games
In addition to being a great value, Xbox 360 is the only place to play all of this year's biggest titles:

• Guitar Hero III™: Legends of Rock (RedOctane/Activision)
• Halo® 3 (Bungie)
• Madden NFL 08 (EA SPORTS)
• Rock Band™ (MTV Games)

Xbox 360 is also home to the most exclusive games:

• BioShock (2K Games)
• Lost Odyssey™ (Mistwalker/Feel Plus)
• Blue Dragon (Mistwalker/Artoon Co. Ltd.)
• Scene It? Lights, Camera, Action (Screenlife)
• Project Gotham Racing® 4 (Bizarre Creations Ltd.)
• Mass Effect™ (BioWare Corp.)
• NARUTO™: Rise of a Ninja (Ubisoft)
• Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation (NAMCO BANDAI Games)

With a record-setting attach rate of 6.1 games per console sold (NPD, June 2007), a new price, and the greatest holiday lineup ever, Xbox 360 has proved itself as the home of the best games and entertainment at the best value.

Source:
Xbox.com

Taimur Asad (The Microsoft "Wow" Blog!)

I bought a new game controller (for $59.99 from Best Buy, NYC) and its none other than the Xbox 360 wireless controller. Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Controller for Windows is compatible with both Windows based PCs and Xbox 360 systems. The installation of the device was pretty straight forward, after plugging the receiver into the USB port, Windows Vista automatically installed the driver through Windows Update and everything was ready to go. I didn't get too much time to play with it but I did play Need For Speed : Carbon with it and needless to say it worked beautifully. Felt like I was playing on Xbox 360 rather than a Windows Vista PC.

Pictures of the controller are uploaded in the Photos section.

Taimur Asad (The Microsoft "Wow" Blog!)

In order to fulfill HD gamers appetite, Microsoft has introduced the new, the sexy; Xbox 360™ Elite for $479.99, the premier Xbox 360 console package that includes a massive 120GB hard drive, a HDMI port and like all Xbox 360 consoles and a premium black finish. Xbox 360 Elite also includes a black wireless controller and black Xbox LIVE® headset. Xbox 360 Elite has enough space for a whole library of Xbox LIVE Arcade games as well as downloadable high-definition TV shows, movies, music, and more available from Xbox LIVE Marketplace.

Xbox 360 Elite features are as follows:

Xbox 360 Elite console: The console is equipped with a premium black finish and an HDMI port and like all Xbox 360 systems, comes with three powerful core processors, 16:9 cinematic aspect ratio, anti-aliasing for smooth textures, full surround sound, HDMI cable and DVD playback with upscaling capabilities right out of the box.

Xbox 360 120GB hard drive: The huge 120GB detachable hard drive allows gamers to save their games and store television shows, movies, music, pictures, trailers, extra game levels, demos and other content available from Xbox LIVE Marketplace. Also sold separatley.

Xbox 360 Wireless Controller (black): The sleek black finish of this high-performance wireless controller matches the style of the Elite Console. It has a range of up to 30 feet and a battery life of 30 hours on two AA batteries. Also sold separatley.

Xbox 360 headset (black): Now available in black, the headset lets you strategize while playing together online or trade taunts with your opponents. You can also send voice messages to friends on Xbox LIVE.

Xbox 360 HDMIcable: New to Xbox 360, HDMI lets you get HD video (up to 1080p) and multichannel surround sound, all from one cable.

Xbox LIVE Silver Membership: With this, gamers can chat with friends online, collect achievements and gamerscores, send and receive voice and text messages, and access Xbox LIVE Marketplace content such as game demos, HD movies and TV, as well as the best in downloadable games from Xbox LIVE Arcade.

One-month subscription to Xbox LIVE Gold: An Xbox LIVE Gold Membership provides a complete online entertainment experience. Subscribe to this premium service and engage in competitive online multiplayer matches, tailor your matchmaking via feedback and accomplishments, chat with more than one person at a time, and take advantage of unique privileges in Xbox LIVE Marketplace and Xbox LIVE Arcade.

To see which Xbox 360 system is right for you, check out this detailed list of features and components for each one in the system comparison chart.

Taimur Asad (The Microsoft "Wow" Blog!)