Topic: XboxOne ~News/Rumor/Speculation~ Biggest Console Released This Gen!!

[NWR_insanolord]

Hey guys, while it's pretty harmless right now, I'm going to have to remind you that politics are off limits here, and especially don't belong in the Xbox thread, so please cut this out, and take it to PMs if you have to continue.

[shingi_70]

http://www.geekwire.com/2012/microsofts-boosts-security-xbox-hq-advance-hardware/

 

Microsoft has been officially silent about plans for a successor to its Xbox 360 video-game console, but here’s a telltale sign that things are ramping up behind-the-scenes: The company is boosting security to an unprecedented level in the area of the Redmond campus that is home to the Xbox team, GeekWire has learned.

The company notified employees this week that it will be implementing new physical security measures —limiting employee access at four key Xbox and Interactive Entertainment Business buildings to ensure confidentiality of upcoming products.

It’s the first time Microsoft has taken this step on such a broad scale. The move represents a cultural shift, giving Microsoft’s key consumer products a level of security more along the lines of those implemented by Apple.

Microsoft hasn’t said when its next console is launching, and executives didn’t reference any specific product plans in their communications with employees this week. However, if the company were aiming for a fall 2013 launch of a new console, it would make sense for preliminary systems to start arriving soon for internal use and testing.

The changes will affect Microsoft Studios A, B, C, and D, on the west side of state Route 520, starting early next month with Studio A and rolling out to the other buildings by the end of the month.

Under the new policy, only employees and vendors in Microsoft’s Interactive Entertainment Business or assigned to the buildings will have open access. Other employees and vendors who need to enter the buildings for business reasons will need to go through an online registration process or register at the buildings as visitors, escorted by another employee with access to the buildings. The changes don’t impact the Commons area in the middle of the Xbox campus.

The changes are part of a broader plan to improve Xbox security, including document management. Over the summer, apparent details of the next Xbox version were made public in what was described at the time as the “Mother Of All Microsoft Leaks.”

Microsoft has historically had an open access policy across its Redmond campus, with employees able to visit any building, with rare exception.

Hmm I wonder if this makes a reveal at build even more likely.

[Chozo Ghost]

I hope it gets delayed until 2014. Nintendo should have released the Wii U in 2011, but they didn't, so they need the extra time to grab the marketshare before competition shows up.

[shingi_70]

That probably makes a next year launch even more likely for both sony and microsoft to release their next gen consoles.people are very invested in their various ecosystems and would probably hold off on the Wii U.

Microsoft would have even more incentiive to keep their name in the headlines and keep the momentum they have been having with product releases lately.

[tendoboy1984]

http://www.geekwire.com/2012/microsofts-boosts-security-xbox-hq-advance-hardware/

 

Microsoft has been officially silent about plans for a successor to its Xbox 360 video-game console, but here’s a telltale sign that things are ramping up behind-the-scenes: The company is boosting security to an unprecedented level in the area of the Redmond campus that is home to the Xbox team, GeekWire has learned.

The company notified employees this week that it will be implementing new physical security measures —limiting employee access at four key Xbox and Interactive Entertainment Business buildings to ensure confidentiality of upcoming products.

It’s the first time Microsoft has taken this step on such a broad scale. The move represents a cultural shift, giving Microsoft’s key consumer products a level of security more along the lines of those implemented by Apple.

Microsoft hasn’t said when its next console is launching, and executives didn’t reference any specific product plans in their communications with employees this week. However, if the company were aiming for a fall 2013 launch of a new console, it would make sense for preliminary systems to start arriving soon for internal use and testing.

The changes will affect Microsoft Studios A, B, C, and D, on the west side of state Route 520, starting early next month with Studio A and rolling out to the other buildings by the end of the month.

Under the new policy, only employees and vendors in Microsoft’s Interactive Entertainment Business or assigned to the buildings will have open access. Other employees and vendors who need to enter the buildings for business reasons will need to go through an online registration process or register at the buildings as visitors, escorted by another employee with access to the buildings. The changes don’t impact the Commons area in the middle of the Xbox campus.

The changes are part of a broader plan to improve Xbox security, including document management. Over the summer, apparent details of the next Xbox version were made public in what was described at the time as the “Mother Of All Microsoft Leaks.”

Microsoft has historically had an open access policy across its Redmond campus, with employees able to visit any building, with rare exception.

Hmm I wonder if this makes a reveal at build even more likely.

Microsoft obviously wants to prevent the leaks that have recently plagued Apple (iPhone 5) and Sony (PS3 Slim, PS3 Super Slim, PS Vita, PSP Go).


Now that I think of it, Sony is really terrible at keeping secrets. They might as well show prototypes of the PS4 now. It's going to get leaked eventually, so they should just get it over with.

[shingi_70]

With the internet everything gets leaked. Look at the iphone reveal or Nokia's lumia event from last month. We knew everything that was going to be announced before the events even happened.
So the Halo: Forward Unto Dawn film series starts this friday. Also ign will be showing off a new halo 4 map a week leading up to the launch of the game./
http://www.vg247.com/2012/10/01/halo-forward-unto-dawn-preview/
The Forza Horizon demo hits on October 9th.
http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/01/forza-horizon-demo-pulls-into-xbox-live-october-9/
 
Also Microsoft is about to start a onslaught of product launches.
 
First on October 26th Microsoft is opening a number of holiday pop-up stores.
Aventura Mall – Aventura, FL

•       Beachwood Place – Beachwood, OH
•       Cherry Creek Shopping Center – Denver, CO
•       Dadeland Mall – Miami, FL
•       Eaton Centre – Toronto, Ontario
•       Fashion Mall at Keystone – Indianapolis, IN
•       Fashion Show Mall– Las Vegas, NV
•       Glendale Galleria – Glendale, CA
•       Mall at Green Hills – Nashville, TN
•       Mall in Columbia – Columbia, MD
•       Metropolis at Metrotown – Burnaby, BC
•       Montgomery Mall – Bethesda, MD
•       Natick Collection – Natick, MA
•       North Star Mall – San Antonio, TX
•       Oakridge Centre – Vancouver, BC
•       Penn Square Mall – Oklahoma City, OK
•       Perimeter Mall – Atlanta, GA
•       Roosevelt Field Mall – Garden, City, NY
•       Ross Park Mall – Pittsburgh, PA
•       Saint Louis Galleria – St. Louis, MO
•       San Francisco Centre – San Francisco, CA
•       South Shore Plaza – Braintree, MA
•       Southpark Mall – Charlotte, NC
•       Stonebriar Centre Mall – Frisco, TX
•       Streets at Southpoint – Durham, NC
•       Time Warner Center – The Shops at Columbus Circle – New York, NY
•       Washington Square– Portland, OR
•       West Edmonton Mall – Edmonton, Alberta
•       Westfarms Mall – West Hartford, CT
•       Westfield Garden State Plaza – Paramus, NJ
•       Woodland Hills Mall – Tulsa, OK
•       Woodlands Mall – Woodlands, TX[/l][/l]
     
  • Microsoft has also started more convential adveristments for the Surface tablet also slated for release on oct.26 alongside windows 8.
     
    
    
    
    
    More details about the launch of the Lumia 920 on the att side of things.
    

    October 21/22 – Lumia 920 announced for AT&T, including pricing and availability. No word on pre-orders thru AT&T’s main site. Traditionally, AT&T has announced new phones with a pre-order date following a week later.[/q]
  • November 4th (Sunday) – Nokia Lumia 920 goes on sale in stores
  • November 4th (Sunday) – Two mobility enabled Windows 8 tablets will also be available for purchase. No word on which ones, though we’re betting Lenovo is one of them.[/quote
  • http://www.wpcentral.com/details-att-nokia-lumia-920-launch-plan-emerge
    The htc 8X is slated for a early November launch as well.
    Microsft annouced a price cut for the xbox 360 in Austraila and its expected to be going to other regions as well.
    

    The cheapest Xbox 360 retail package, which has 4GB of built-in flash memory, now costs $199 after a $50 drop in pricing. A bundle with a Kinect sensor can be bought for $299, down $100.
    An Xbox 360 with a 250GB hard drive now costs $299, saving $150 from its existing price. Limited edition consoles also drop in price, with the all-white Xbox 360 and Kinect bundle dropping $50 to $399.

    http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/438030/microsoft_cuts_xbox_360_prices_/
     
    As well as microsoft has an Amazon exclusive entertaiment bundle out today.
    

    
    The Xbox 360 Entertainment Bundle is available now on Amazon, and includes a 4GB Xbox 360 console, a three-month subscription to Xbox Live, a Media Remote, and a few other bonuses for $229.
    The package, which arrived quietly on Amazon late last month, is designed to get buyers into the multimedia applications that have become a focus for the console in recent years; applications like Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Amazon Instant Video. To that point, the bundle also includes a $10 credit for Amazon Instant Video, which is enough to rent a few films from the service.
    The bundle, which saves over $50 from the cost of all items bought separately, also includes vouchers for three unspecified Xbox Live Arcade games. We've reached out to Amazon to find out the identity of these titles.

    http://www.theverge.com/gaming/2012/10/3/3449800/xbox-360-entertainment-bundle-includes-3-months-of-live-amazon
    pretty comparable to the entry level wii U and I could see microsoft having a similar bundle just with xbox video credit instead of amazon at other retailers.
    Also reported but a no brainer that Xbox music is being slated for Oct.26th as well.
    

    Microsoft is preparing to launch its Xbox Music service on October 26th. Multiple sources familiar with Microsoft's plans have confirmed the new service will launch at the same time as Windows 8. We're told that subscriptions, like the current Zune Music Pass offering, will be available alongside a free streaming service supported by ads — similar to Spotify. The service will be available on Windows Phone, Windows 8, and Xbox 360.
    A key part of the service is Microsoft's SkyDrive integration that will allow users to store music and playlists in a cloud collection — available across multiple devices. Although Microsoft has plans to offer Xbox Music across multiple platforms, including iOS and Android, apps will not be immediately available we're told. Microsoft is also planning to launch an Xbox dashboard update to support Xbox Music on its console. The software maker will also update its Music and Video apps for Windows 8 to fully support Xbox Music, around the time of the Windows 8 launch on October 26th.

    http://www.theverge.com/2012/10/3/3446070/xbox-music-free-streaming-october-26th
     
    Also the nextweb is saying that Microsoft is looking to aquire music service Rdio.
    http://thenextweb.com/insider/2012/10/03/rumor-microsoft-is-in-talks-to-buy-rdio-beefing-up-xbox-music/
     
    So with 26+ windows 8 devices and at least six windows phone 8 devices Microsoft is making a major play this holdiday season.
     

[ShyGuy]

That keyboard looks cheap and ugly.

[shingi_70]

Well they are touch covers like the ones apple sells for ipad.

They look and feel better in  person according to people who have used them. I do agree they all look pretty horrible out side the black one.






The other colors look when your using it as a cover, but when you look at the keyboard side it looks horrid. I think if they would have went with a black highlight trim it would look better.



Not sure what they were thinking. The white trim and keys make sense of a black board but on this brighter lighter colors a black trim would not onlt be easier on the eyes but clash less with the black bezel of the tablet.

If I grab a surface will probably grab a black one and hope for some darker varients in keyboards.

[Ceric]

I think how they make those keyboards didn't give them much choice on the background keyboard color.

I will pickup a surface but, I'm waiting for the Surface Pro.

[shingi_70]

Yeah I'm probably going to spring for a pro with a black keyboard and another color epeding on what color my phone is.

Also this Friday an xbox exclusive beta for Medal of honor: warfighter.

 http://www.medalofhonor.com/blog/2012/10/medal-honor-warfighter-xbox-360-exclusive-open-beta

What’s up everyone, I’m Ryan Hamlyn,Multiplayer Development Manager for Medal of Honor Warfighter, and I’m excited to personally invite you to get a taste of Medal of Honor Warfighter multiplayer through our exclusive Xbox 360 Open Beta, starting October 5th! Previously, we’ve shown you the lush jungles of the Philippines and the coastal areas of Somalia.Next we’retaking you to Sarajevo Stadium in Bosnia. As the combat starts, keep your eyes open for the former glory of this athletic playground. Keep with your Fireteam buddy as you take to the Hotspot game mode, where you’ll be tasked to attackor defend weapon caches that randomly pop-up on the battlefield.

Here’s a brief look at some of our features to get you ready to hit the ground running once the Open Beta goes live:

Fireteams Kicking things off is our exciting new Fireteams feature that makes class selection and team play much more interesting. Our consulting Operators have told us that in the real world they split up in pairs and work together to a point where they feel connected to their combat buddies, even without having them in direct sight. We’ve integrated this connection into the game so that you’ll be able chose a Fireteambuddyand trackhimfrom any distance and through any situation. This feature comes with many gameplay benefits including new buddy respawn options and resupply of ammo and health. And don’t forget there are also plenty of scoring rewards for working as a team, so be sure to keep close to your buddy and see what other bonuses you can achieve together.

Authentic Action Medal of Honor has always been an authentic experience, and this quality gives us the tools to take our multiplayer to a place no other shooter can go – putting you in the shoes of the world’s most elite warriors. In the Open Beta, you’ll get to see how the German KSK, the Polish GROM, the British SAS, and the famed U.S. Navy SEALS, along with all 12 total Tier 1 units, operate in real world locations. So choose your warrior and take them to a battleground where the best of the best fight to claim the top spot, claiming true Tier 1 status.

Battlelog Social Hub Not only can you step into the boots of 12 International Operators from around the world,but we’ve also made sure that every country in the United Nations is represented through our metagame, Warfighter Nations, powered by Battlelog. Battlelog also connects you incredibly deep into the stats of your online play, your friends, your platoon, and your best Fireteam buddies. Track your class �Tours’, explore every weapon in the game chasing weapon pins, customize your own platoon patch, and even fully customize your weapon in the “My Gun” tool. And, we’ve extended the experienceto your consoleso you’llbe able to pull up the Battlelog dashboard to seethelatest on how your friends are progressing and what unlocks lie in store for you next.

Warfighter Classes Rebuilding Medal of Honor on the Frostbite 2 engine has allowed us to remake our class system. Each of the six Classes will offer you a different style of play, different abilities, and different support actions, which allows you to select your class based on what’s best for you! We encourage you to try them all out. The full game has 12 InternationalOperators, 35map/mode combinations, and thousands of Fireteam pairs to choose from while battling it out in authentic real world locations. We hope you enjoy this small slice of Warfighter that we’re offering in the Open Beta, and we look forward to hearing your feedback!

[TJ Spyke]

I plan to watch the debates, but on TV. Meh, maybe I will have my Xbox 360 on anyways. I couldn't care less about Halo 4, but I love free swag.


Speaking of Xbox 360 rewards, Microsoft started a program to reward people based on their Gamerscore. If you have a Gamerscore of 3,000-9,999, you are a "Contender" and will get a special gift in your birthday month (though they don't say what it is). If your Gamerscore is 10,000-24,999 you are a "Champion" and get both the special gift and a 1% rebate on every Xbox Live Marketplace purchase (i.e. you buy a 1200 point game and you will get 12 points back). If your Gamerscore is 25,000 or higher you are a "Legend" and will get the special gift and a 2% rebate on Xbox Live Marketplace purchases.

I am seeing reports that the "special gift" is Microsoft giving you a measly 20 Microsoft Points.

[NWR_insanolord]

Translated from Microsoft Spacebucks to actual currency, that's a whole quarter.

[TJ Spyke]

I know it's a free reward, but it's still a pretty crappy gift. Why not do something like let gamers pick 1 Xbox Live Arcade game that is 800 points or less as a free gift?

[shingi_70]

Microsoft is full of **** for the most part.  they should do it like nintendo does with the club nintendo rewards. Its odd that this sucks when microsoft does the bing rewards which is pretty decent.

Also


And

[shingi_70]

http://mobile.theverge.com/2012/10/9/3480038/windows-8-local-currency-xbox-content-microsoft-points

Microsoft is starting to get rid of the microsoft points currency. Windows 8 and most likely Windows Phone 8 wont be using allard space bucks. The xbox however will keep using it but im guessing thays more of a technical issue and should be replaced with something else when the next xbox launches.


 http://mobile.theverge.com/gaming/2012/10/10/3482638/new-microsoft-rule-bans-machinima-makers-from-profiting-off-of-game

So microsoft hasnt started enforcing it yet but they have this new odd rule that no one can profit off of machina. Pretty sure that most places can go around doing it for free. The only expections to the rule so far are MLG and Rooster Teeth.

 http://mobile.theverge.com/2012/10/9/3477744/contre-jour-ie-10-windows-8-web-html5

Microsoft is getting a port of the ipad game Contre Jour to the windows and windows Phone store. Not only that but they have the full game working inside web broswers using htlm5 technology.

Beyond that more windows 8 hardware is being announced in various form factors. Some win 8 ads did leak that are better than what i thought microsoft was going to pull out.

 http://mobile.theverge.com/2012/10/10/3482454/windows-8-ads-leak

Also Ballmer has stated there is a shift at microsoft and they are becoming a services and hardware company.

 http://mobile.theverge.com/2012/10/9/3480696/steve-ballmer-shareholder-letter-2012-devices-services

[TJ Spyke]

I don't think it is odd that they are gonna start banning people from illegally profiting off of their IPs (which is what these machinima makers would be doing).

[Chozo Ghost]

I am fine with them banning people from profiting from those videos. A lot of people who are making those videos are just wanting to get on the gravy train and make money from something they might not even have a passion for. People are still allowed to make the videos provided they aren't profiting from them, which I think is as it should be, because when someone does it without profiting you know they are doing it because they are passionate about it and that way it weeds out all the money grabbers and makes for a better community overall.

[shingi_70]

So the xbox recently got a $50 price cut on the 250GB model and the 4GB with kinect model. Putting each model at $250 and a 250GB kinect model at $350. Each one comes in various two game bundles.

 http://mobile.theverge.com/gaming/2012/10/14/3501278/gamestop-price-cuts-50-off-xbox-360-holiday-bundles

Microsoft's first free to play game Happy Wars launched last week. Pretty fun game and pretty balanced for its type.

Xbox Music Launches on the xbox tommorow and for windows 8 on oct.26 . The features are

-Free streaming on Windows 8 and Windows RT
-Unlimted skips on the free version
- smart DJ pandora stle playlist
-normal pay as you want itunes style service.
-$9.99 a month subscription to use on windows phone 8 and xbox.
-music cloud locker feature coming in 2013
-ios and android apps coming next year.

Oddly enough xbox music cant be used on Windows 7 or windows phone 7. This also means that the synching software wont work on windows 7.  This means that microsoft is sorta of forcing those who buy windows phone 8 to upgrade to windows 8 and vice versa.

 http://m.engadget.com/2012/10/15/xbox-music-hands-on/?icid=m_eng_latest_art

Engadget has a preview of the just dance 3 smart glass functions.

 http://m.engadget.com/2012/10/15/dance-central-3-smartglass/?icid=eng_latest_art

[Ceric]

I would not be surprised if they have connector software like they do on OSX to sync to older versions of Windows.

So they are taking a Spotify approach to Music.  I'm sure MS has already had lawyers gearing up for the Fines in the EU. 

[shingi_70]

Why would they be fined?

[TJ Spyke]

The EU is pesky and think everyone is always doing a monopoly. Like when they whined because Microsoft didn't have Windows PC's have a "Browser select" screen. The EU would try to find some reason to complain about Xbox Music not working on Windows 7 or Windows Phone 7 (baseless claims, but they would try and say it's illegal).

[shingi_70]

So why doesnt the EU ever attack apple who also violates these same rules?

[TJ Spyke]

Don't know, they should since Apple is the same way. You don't get that automatic choice when you buy a Mac computer, for example. My only guess is it's because PC's vastly outsell Macs. Guess the EU doesn't care that Apple has a OS monopoly on Macs.

[ShyGuy]

So is Free To Play the new way to add value to Xbox Gold accounts?

[BlackNMild2k1]

Don't know, they should since Apple is the same way. You don't get that automatic choice when you buy a Mac computer, for example. My only guess is it's because PC's vastly outsell Macs. Guess the EU doesn't care that Apple has a OS monopoly on Macs.

But Apple makes Macs, Microsoft doesn't make PCs.
Apple controls the Hardware, so they should be able to control the Pre-installed software.
Microsoft is in a completely different situation and intervention was justified.