Xbox

39 'Xbox' stories June 2011 - November 2013

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Xbox One SmartGlass companion app for iPhone and iPad now available

Mike Beasley Nov 19 2013 - 4:13 pm PT

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Microsoft has released its companion iOS app for the new Xbox One console today, according to Engadget. A similar app has existed for the Xbox 360 for some time now, but owners of the newest Microsoft console will need to use the app released today.

The app allows Xbox One users to control their Xbox remotely using their iOS device, enhance their gaming and media-viewing experience with second screen functionality, and access many Xbox Live features such as messaging, achievements, and more.

Xbox One SmartGlass is the perfect companion app for your Xbox One, both in your living room and on the go. Connect and control your Xbox One. Stay connected with the games and gamers you like. And add a new dimension to your console entertainment with the mobile device you already own.

In the living room:
•Navigate your Xbox One console using your device’s keyboard and touch
•Control your media and set top box with the SmartGlass remote control
•Browse the web on your TV using your mobile device
•Enhance what you are watching or playing with SmartGlass companions
•Increase performance with faster connections and reliability

In the living room and on the go:
•Search, browse, and pin content to play on your Xbox One console
•Track achievements, get game help, message friends, and watch game clips

The app is available for free on the iTunes App Store.

Microsoft reorg takes Apple-like approach to increase collaboration between hardware, software, services

Jordan Kahn Jul 11 2013 - 9:33 am PT

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Much like Apple organizes its executive and engineering teams around functions and services rather than specific products, Microsoft is today unveiling its plans to reorganize its divisions and bring together its various hardware and software teams. According to an email sent to employees from CEO Steve Ballmer and published on the company’s website, the move will see Microsoft bring together its separate teams from Windows, Xbox, Office and elsewhere and reassign managers to oversee broader engineering, marketing and finance groups:
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Microsoft bringing Xbox & PC games to iPhone starting with free-to-play Age of Empires

Jordan Kahn Jun 24 2013 - 12:47 pm PT

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According to a report from Nikkei (via Reuters), Microsoft has signed up Japan-based game developer Klab Inc to bring some of its console and PC games to the iPhone and Android devices. There aren’t many other details, but the report claims Microsoft’s next title to arrive on smartphones will be a free-to-play version of Age of the Empires:

Microsoft’s “Age of the Empires” will be available as a free-to-play game worldwide on smartphones by the end of the fiscal year 2013 and other titles will follow, the report said.

KLab is behind a few titles already on the App Store and Google Play, including Arcadia, Gigabot Wars, Eternal Uprising, and Lord of the Dragons.

It actually wouldn’t be the first game that Microsoft has published for iOS devices as it recently brought its previously Windows Phone only title “Tentacles: Enter the Dolphin” to the App Store for both iPhone and iPad.

9to5Toys Last Call: $59 Logitech UE Mini Boombox Bluetooth speaker, $15 Apple Leather Smart Cover (open-box), Father’s Day Gifts, more

Jun 7 2013 - 3:18 pm PT

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From 9to5Toys.com:

A large majority of the deals we cover each day come from a variety of ‘Daily Deal’ websites or are so popular that they don’t even last 24 hours. We know you can’t be at your computer every second, so we’re going to roundup the best deals each day to make sure you have a fair shot at the deals you want. Be sure to follow 9to5Toys.com so you never miss a deal... Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook

Today’s Featured deals:

Logitech UE Mini Boombox Bluetooth speaker, ‘the best portable speaker you can buy’: $59 shipped

Apple iPad Leather Smart Cover (open box) $15 Shipped (Reg. $69 new)

3-in-1 Universal USB Charging Cable –This universal USB cable is the last charging cable you’ll ever need. It can charge up to 3 devices simultaneously, and is compatible with iPhone 5/4S/4/3GS/3G/3, iPad, iPod, Android, HTC, Samsung and other devices. It’s optimized to avoid tangling, and for $7 + Free Shipping (a big discount from $59) it is the same price as Apple’s single Lightning cable. We reviewed the Cable here for more information.

Other great deals we love:

New! Amazon 75% off Mac software sale: Toast 11: $58, Photoshop Elements: $60, Bioshock 2: $12, Borderlands: $15, more
New! Blu-ray deals (Django Unchained, Ted, Zero Dark Thirty, more)
New! Apple iPad Leather Smart Cover (open box) $15 Shipped (Reg. $69 new)
New! Free Digital Comic Book – Superman No. 1 from the New 52 series by DC Comics
New! Griffin Technology 20% off sitewide: $13.60 Lightning cable, $48 iTrip, $56 Waterproof iPhone 5 cases, more
New! Father’s Day Gifts: $50 of Brookstone products for just $25 (OtterBox, Beats Pill, Personalized Padfolio, FitBit Flex, etc)

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Apple strikes content deal with CW Network for ad-supported Apple TV app

Mark Gurman May 16 2013 - 3:35 pm PT

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CW’s Xbox app

During a presentation with advertisers, CW Network president Mark Pedowitz announced that the network would be expanding its content offerings to new multimedia devices. This strategy will include a spot as an app on the Apple TV set-top-box’s home screen.

The network confirmed this to MacRumors:

It’s a dedicated CW app that will work like our Xbox and mobile and tablet apps – no cable authentication required, full episodes of our shows available next day after air, ad-supported.

Notably, as noted in the above quote, the CW content will be ad-supported.

CW currently streams its content to software on Microsoft Windows devices such as the Xbox. Apple recently added Hulu Plus and sports content to the Apple TV, and the current generation Apple set-top-box has sported YouTube and Netflix integration since launch.

Apple is also rumored to be nearing a content deal for Apple TV with HBO.

CW currently hosts various TV episodes in addition to some original content. The network lists its show offerings on its website.

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EA & DICE looking to bring Frostbite engine to Mac OS X

Jordan Kahn Jan 28 2013 - 7:50 am PT

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According to a job listing from game developer DICE, EA might be looking to bring its popular Battlefield 3 franchise to OS X. The Battlefield3Blog pointed us to the job listing seeking a Mac OS X engineer to be”part of a team focusing on bringing Frostbite to Mac.”

Frostbite is looking for developers who want to join us in taking our engine to the next level. You will be part of a team focusing on bringing Frostbite to Mac and work closely with game team customers and the Frostbite team to deliver an engine as great on OS X as it is on Windows and traditional console platforms.

With plans to bring the Frostbite game engine to Mac, it could also mean EA plans to bring Frostbite-powered titles previously only available on Windows, Xbox, and PS3 to the Mac. There is no mention of specific games, but on top of the Battlefield series, Frostbite has been used for Need for Speed and Medal of Honor titles. We’re assuming this is for Frostbite 2, but there’s also a possibility it could be a next generation of the engine.

Xbox SmartGlass, Curiosity, Tweetbot, Sparkling Maps, Rockmelt, more

Jordan Kahn Nov 7 2012 - 8:24 am PT

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Xbox SmartGlass: Microsoft updated its My Xbox LIVE app for iPhone and iPad last night, renaming the app “Xbox SmartGlass” and introducing a number of new features. The app now works as the full fledged second screen “SmartGlass” experience for Xbox that Microsoft originally unveiled for Windows 8 devices.

Xbox SmartGlass lets you:
• Navigate your Xbox 360 with swipe and tap
• Use your phone’s keyboard to type to your Xbox 360
• Browse the Internet on your Xbox 360 with full keyboard and zooming
• Play, pause, fast forward, rewind, and stop videos and music on your Xbox 360
• Search the full Xbox catalog of music, video, and games
• Enjoy rich, interactive experiences from select game and entertainment content creators
• Track and compare your achievements with your Xbox friends
• Change up your 3D avatar
• Message your Xbox friends
• Edit your Xbox profile

Sparkling Maps version 1.1: Apple has decided to accept an update to Sparkling Maps that brings “vastly improved turn by turn navigation” and “better StreetView” powered by Google data. According to its developers,”This is now the first available app on Apple devices that offers streetview and turn by turn navigation on google maps data.”

Curiosity – what’s inside the cube: Developer of the Fable series Peter Molyneux is out with an interesting cross-platform title that is also now available on the App Store for iPhone and iPad. The game consists of users tapping away at a giant cube made up of billions of smaller cubes. Nobody knows what’s inside (unsold copies of Fable?), but users will work together across platforms to find out the mystery inside of the cube.

Deep in the centre of the cube is something life-changingly amazing, but only the first person to reach the centre will discover what’s inside.

Tweetbot for Mac version 1.0.1: The Tweetbot Mac App Store app was just updated with a ton of new features, fixes, and improvements. Included in the update is support for “Reading list as a Read Later service” on 10.8 and up, the ability to disable Streaming from within preferences, as well as better keyboard support in “people searcher”. You can also now navigate the timeline using the jk keys. A full list of what’s new is below:
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Microsoft ‘already’ has an answer to the iPad Mini: The XBOX Surface 7-inch gaming tablet

9to5 Staff Nov 6 2012 - 7:40 am PT

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The Verge reports that Microsoft’s fashionably-late entry into the smaller tablet market will be the smaller “XBOX Surface”.

Microsoft is building its own 7-inch gaming tablet. Multiple sources familiar with plans within Redmond have confirmed to The Verge that initial hardware planning for an Xbox Surface is underway. Specifications for an Xbox Surface 7-inch tablet computing deviceleaked back in June ahead of Microsoft’s Surface RT and Surface Pro announcement. We’re told that the initial specs were accurate and that the final implementation is being worked on.

Not sure how heavy a ‘gaming tablet’ needs to be, but the thing I like the most about the iPad mini is how little it weighs.

Microsoft launching ‘unlimited’ Xbox Music tomorrow with an iOS app coming later

Jake Smith Oct 14 2012 - 9:32 pm PT

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Microsoft announced this evening its new music service, called “Xbox Music”, that aims to compete with iTunes, Spotify and RDIO. The service is set to launch tomorrow for the Xbox 360 and Oct. 26 for Windows 8 (coming pre-installed) and Windows Phone 8 devices. The service will also launch as an iOS app shortly after, GigaOm noted:

But the biggest story to me is that Xbox Music will embrace Android and iOS. Jerry Johnson, general manager of Xbox Music, wasn’t able to tell me exactly when the apps for those two platforms are going to come out, but the sense that I took away from the briefing was that his team is working on making it happen sooner rather than later. Xbox Music on Android and iOS will look very much like Xbox Music on Windows Phone 8, which itself in many ways follows the style formerly known as Metro.

Microsoft’s service will be for limited hours of free streaming after six months, so Spotify might not need to worry just yet.

There is no word on what pricing iOS users will see, but Microsoft said it will offer a free ad-support version for Windows 8 device owners and a $10 ad-free plan for those wanting an ad-free experience.

More details are at TechCrunch.

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Apps & updates: Xbox LIVE app updated with iPad support, Nike+ Running, Spotify, more

Jordan Kahn Jul 16 2012 - 11:04 am PT

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Xbox LIVE version 1.6: There are more than a few notable updates today, starting with the Xbox LIVE app that just received iPad support for the controller features rolled out to iPhone users in June. Among the new features for iPad: the app will now allow you to “connect, control and discover content” on your Xbox 360 console through a quickplay list of content, and it provides controls for play, pause, fast forward, and rewind.

Nike+ Running version 4.0.2: Nike is constantly adding new features to its iOS apps, and the Nike+ Running app was updated today with the following enhancements:

– Sharing has changed. Your run gets posted to your timeline, so even though you won’t see it on your newsfeed, your friends will see it in theirs.

– Quick start. Just hold down the Run button and you’re off with the new Quick Start feature.

– Pro Tip: Rotate your phone to landscape when looking at your run summary to view your mile splits.

– We are continually working to give you the best possible running experience. This update includes performance stability and GPS improvements. We appreciate your feedback.

Spotify version 0.5.3: Also updated today was the Spotify iOS app, which received a new context menu in search for iPad users, as well as stability improvements and a number of fixes to common issues.

As always, we will continue to update this list as more updates roll out today…

Control your Xbox with iPhone with the updated My Xbox LIVE app (9to5mac.com)

Microsoft launches Surface Tablet with keyboard Touch Cover, kickstand

Seth Weintraub Jun 18 2012 - 5:15 pm PT

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Microsoft unveiled its Surface Tablet at an event in Los Angeles today. As Microsoft attempted to demonstrate, it follows a long line of Microsoft hardware achievements including the Microsoft Mouse, Microsoft Keyboard, and more recently the XBox (we must have missed the Zune, Courier, and Kin slides). The Surface has some notable features including a full-sized USB port, kickstand, and a 9.3-mm thickness. It runs on an ARM processor, and it is housed in a magnesium alloy case.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpzu3HM2CIo&feature=player_embedded]

Probably the biggest feature is its 3 mm thick Touch Cover. Added to the iPad 2-ish 9.3-mm thickness, you get a “full package” of just 12.3-mm total. The ability to touch type on a 3 mm thick piece of plastic compared to, say, an 8 mm thick UltraThin Logitech iPad keyboard case, for instance, will be a big determining factor for this thing to take off.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jozTK-MqEXQ&start=840]

While it would not be a Microsoft demo without a few crashes, Microsoft Vice President Steven Sinofsky was eventually able to launch apps like MS Office, Adobe Lightroom, and Netflix on a backup demo model. The Surface will come in 32GB and 64GB ARM RT varieties and separately with Intel processors.

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Microsoft announces AirPlay-like ‘SmartGlass’ wireless streaming app for Xbox/iOS

Jordan Kahn Jun 4 2012 - 11:44 am PT

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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=IYvQu00t75w]

Microsoft just wrapped up its presentation at this year’s E3 event. While we did not hear anything about iOS support for its new cross-platform Xbox Music service, the company did confirm Xbox SmartGlass would come to Apple devices. SmartGlass incorporates at least some AirPlay-like features that enable users to send video from their mobile devices to Xbox Live and Windows 8. It would also allow phones and tablets to be used as a second screen for providing content related to video or games on Xbox.

Microsoft demoed the feature with Madden on Xbox. It allowed players to use their tablet’s touchscreen to draw plays. Unfortunately, Microsoft only mentioned support for Windows 8 mobile devices for the Xbox gaming features:

Microsoft announced ahead of the E3 conference a new software application called “SmartGlass,” which can be downloaded on Windows phones and Windows 8 tablets, as well as devices powered by rivals such as Apple Inc’s iOS and Google Inc’s Android operating systems… For TV, someone watching “Game of Thrones” on the “HBO GO” streaming service via Xbox could simultaneously browse websites about the show’s cast.

Rockstar’s original Max Payne lands in App Store with Retina graphics

Jordan Kahn Apr 11 2012 - 11:33 am PT

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[slideshow]

Update: The app is live on most stores now including the U.S. store for $2.99 here.

Rockstar announced a couple of weeks ago that the iOS port of classic PC, PlayStation 2, and Xbox title “Max Payne” would make its way to the App Store April 12. One day early, it looks like the game is already available in App Stores around the world with the New Zealand store, the Australian store, and others already listing the game.

The game in terms of plot and gameplay does not stray far from the original, but Rockstar updated the port with new high-res textures and graphics with full support for the iPhone 4S and the third-generation iPad’s Retina displays. Controls were reconfigured for the touchscreen, and Rockstar is bundling support for its Social Club Xbox Live-like network for iPhone 4, 4S, iPad 2, and the new iPad users. The game will also support cheats, such as the “Skip to Level.”

We will keep you updated when “Max Payne” lands in the United States store, most likely for around the ~~$4.99~~ $2.99 mark. When it does, the universal app will be compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod Touch 4, iPad 1, iPad 2, and the new iPad.

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Verizon finally launching live TV streaming app to iPad in 2012

Jake Smith Jan 12 2012 - 1:25 pm PT

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Verizon Wireless made 26 of its live FiOS TV channels available for online streaming on the Xbox 360. In a new report, GigaOM had the chance to sit down and talk to a Verizon representative at CES 2012, who said a similar app would be available for the iPad sometime this year. Verizon originally announced the streaming app about a year ago and a half ago, but the company held back from releasing it. Verizon accredits the hesistance to making sure networks have the same reliability as IPTV services so streams do not crash.

Verizon also rolled out a similar app to Samsung’s connected Blu-Ray players and televisions today. The iPad app will presumably be available free to those who subscribe to Verizon’s FiOS TV service. We look forward to seeing the app land sometime later this year. Obviously, this will only be available for paying FiOS customers.

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Google to take on Apple’s Gamecenter with +Games

Seth Weintraub Jun 30 2011 - 12:15 pm PT

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At this point, it seems pretty obvious that Google means business with the Google Plus platform. Besides all of the other areas Plus has engulfed, it looks like Google is heading into the gaming realm. The above snippet was found in the Plus web page code

“have sent you invites and more from Google+ Games”

So now Google is taking on Microsoft’s Xbox and Apple’s Gamecenter? Perhaps Google might want to lower the barrier to entry.
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