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Tag: Xbox

  • Microsoft Signs 10-Year Nintendo Contract Over ‘Call of Duty’

    Microsoft Signs 10-Year Nintendo Contract Over ‘Call of Duty’

    Microsoft has signed a 10-year contract with Nintendo, ensuring the popular “Call of Duty” game remains on the platform.

    Call of Duty (CoD) is at the heart of the issues surrounding Microsoft’s proposed purchase of Activision Blizzard. Sony, in particular, has made the case to regulators that Microsoft will use the purchase to favor its own Xbox platform, withholding CoD from the PlayStation and other platforms.

    Eager to put those claims to rest, Microsoft just signed a binding legal agreement with Nintendo that will see the latter’s gamers playing CoD for at least the next decade.

    Microsoft President Brad Smith tweeted the news:

    https://twitter.com/BradSmi/status/1627926790172811264?s=20

    The announcement should go a long way toward undermining Sony’s claims.

  • Microsoft’s HoloLens, Xbox, and Surface Divisions Hit With Layoffs

    Microsoft’s HoloLens, Xbox, and Surface Divisions Hit With Layoffs

    Microsoft is in the midst of layoffs, with a picture emerging regarding which divisions are being especially hard-hit.

    Microsoft announced in January that it was cutting 10,000 jobs, although the company did not provide much detail on what departments and jobs would be most impacted. According to Bloomberg, that information is starting to filter out, with employees in the HoloLens, Xbox, and Surface divisions bearing the brunt.

    The HoloLens team, in particular, was especially hard-hit with much of the team let go. The HoloLens project has experienced a number of setbacks, including Congress refusing to authorize funds for the US Army to purchase more of the devices following concerns that soldiers experienced “mission-affecting physical impairments” after just a couple of hours of use.

    Xbox boss Phil Spencer notified employees that some of them would also be impacted, although he did not elaborate.

    “I encourage everyone to take the time and space necessary to process these changes and support your colleagues,” Spencer wrote in the email that seen by Bloomberg.

    Despite the hits to the HoloLens team, Microsoft told the outlet that it remains committed to the project.

    “While we don’t comment on specific staffing details, we can share there are no changes to HoloLens 2 and our commitment to mixed reality,” the company said.

  • E3 2023 May Be Missing Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony

    E3 2023 May Be Missing Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony

    Despite being the first E3 in four years, E3 2023 may be missing the biggest console makers: Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony.

    IGN reports that none of the three biggest console makers plan to attend E3, citing unnamed sources. No reasons were given for the three companies skipping the event, and none of the three replied to IGN’s request for comment.

    The news is even more interesting since Xbox CEO Phil Spencer seemed to voice support for E3 and the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) just a week ago.

    “E3 is just, to me, one of the seminal moments of gaming. I love the history of going down to LA, thousands of people there, getting to see great new things…getting to see people in the industry, the fan events that we’ve had. I definitely want that to continue,” Spencer told IGN.

    “Xbox is on the board of the ESA, and I think a successful and healthy ESA is critical to what we’re trying to go do. So we place our showcase, like we always have done, at a time where hopefully it’s convenient for press and even consumers that are going to the E3 event, and that’s what we’re trying to do now. We will continue to work with ESA in terms of their plans. As I said, we’re on the board, and we want to make sure that we are doing everything we can to help make the E3 successful.”

    It’s likely Xbox plans on timing any announcements it may have to coincide with E3, giving it a chance to cash in on the hype without having a presence at the event. It’s unclear if the other two console makers have similar plans.

  • Xbox Game Studios Prices Increasing to $70 per Title

    Xbox Game Studios Prices Increasing to $70 per Title

    Microsoft is raising the prices of its Xbox Game Studios titles by $10, impacting new games starting in 2023.

    Microsoft develops and releases its first-party games via its Xbox Game Studios. The studio is responsible for titles such as Forza Motorsport, Redfall, and Starfield. Until now, titles were $59.99, but the company will begin charging $69.99 in 2023, according to The Verge.

    The company confirmed the change in statement to the outlet:

    We’ve held on price increases until after the holidays so families can enjoy the gift of gaming. Starting in 2023 our new, built for next-gen, full-priced games, including Forza Motorsport, Redfall, and Starfield, will launch at $69.99 USD on all platforms. This price reflects the content, scale, and technical complexity of these titles. As with all games developed by our teams at Xbox, they will also be available with Game Pass the same day they launch.

  • Microsoft Commits to Keeping ‘Call of Duty’ on the PlayStation Forever

    Microsoft Commits to Keeping ‘Call of Duty’ on the PlayStation Forever

    Microsoft has just made a major commitment, with an executive saying it will keep Call of Duty on the PlayStation forever.

    Sony has been raising objections to Microsoft’s purchase of Activision Blizzard, claiming it will give Microsoft too much control over the gaming market. Microsoft already controls one of the leading consoles, and Activision Blizzard will give it one of the leading game publishers with some of the most popular titles. Call of Duty has become the main sticking point, with Sony raising concerns that Microsoft may eventually make it an Xbox-exclusive.

    Microsoft’s Phil Spencer has set the record straight, saying that “as long as there is a PlayStation out there to ship to, our intent is that we continue to ship Call of Duty on PlayStation.”

    It’s unclear if the declaration will do much to assuage Sony’s fears, but Microsoft is pulling out all the stops to make sure it’s acquisition goes through. The company has even taken the unusual step of acknowledging that Sony’s PlayStation sales dwarf that of its Xbox.

  • Microsoft Admits Sony PlayStation Outsells Xbox Two-to-One

    Microsoft Admits Sony PlayStation Outsells Xbox Two-to-One

    No company likes to admit its competitor has a leg up, but Microsoft did just that in an effort to avoid antitrust issues.

    Microsoft is trying to purchase Activision Blizzard, one of the biggest tech acquisitions of all time. In order to convince Brazil’s antitrust authority the deal isn’t a threat, Microsoft is admitting that Sony’s PlayStation sales outpace the Xbox by a factor of two-to-one, according to TheStreet.

    “Sony has surpassed Microsoft in terms of console sales and installed base, having sold more than twice as many [as] Xbox in the last generation,” the company writes in this 25-page document in Portuguese. (TheStreet translated the document. The disclosure is at the beginning of page 18.)

    The revelation is especially notable given the issues Sony has faced keeping up with demand amid the semiconductor shortage. It is widely believed the company would have sold far more units if it could have kept production at higher levels.

  • Microsoft Takes Shot At Apple and Google With ‘Open App Store Principles’

    Microsoft Takes Shot At Apple and Google With ‘Open App Store Principles’

    Microsoft is throwing down the gauntlet in the app store market, releasing a set of “Open App Store Principles” that take aim at Apple and Google.

    Apple and Google have increasingly come under scrutiny for how they run their respective app ecosystems, the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. Epic sued both companies in an effort to force major changes, including the ability to use external payment systems and sideload apps. Although Epic lost, a majority of US states are backing its appeal.

    Meanwhile, Microsoft’s Open App Store Principles are a declaration of how Microsoft will manage its digital ecosystem, and seem to address many of the complaints Apple and Google are facing. Company President Brad Smith also makes it clear the company hopes this action will help ease any regulatory issues surrounding its attempt to acquire Activision Blizzard, a deal that is already being reviewed by the FTC.

    Today we’re announcing a new set of Open App Store Principles that will apply to the Microsoft Store on Windows and to the next-generation marketplaces we will build for games. We have developed these principles in part to address Microsoft’s growing role and responsibility as we start the process of seeking regulatory approval in capitals around the world for our acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

    Whatever the motivation, the company has outlined 11 principles, as well as three commitments. These include not locking developers into Microsoft’s payment systems, treating apps equally, not using private information to compete with third-party apps, holding its own apps to the same standard as everyone else, and respecting people’s privacy, among others.

    Smith also makes it clear that, not only will Microsoft honor existing agreements for Call of Duty on PlayStation, but the company will keep the franchise on Sony’s console into the future, beyond the current agreement. Smith says the company is also make similar arrangements to continue supporting Nintendo’s platform. The news should come as a relief to gamers concerned that Microsoft would hoard Activision’s top titles, making them Xbox-exclusives.

    It remains to be seen if Microsoft’s overtures will influence legislators and regulators but, at this time, it’s certainly more than either Apple or Google have been willing to concede. That alone may keep Microsoft out of the line of fire, when it comes to any future regulatory action.

  • No, Android Apps Are Not Coming to the Xbox

    No, Android Apps Are Not Coming to the Xbox

    The Xbox will not be getting Windows 11 Android app support, despite some rumors to the contrary.

    One of the biggest features in Microsoft’s upcoming Windows 11 is support for Android apps. Microsoft had originally planned on including support when Windows 11 shipped, but the company has since indicated Android support will arrive later.

    Rumors started circulating that the Xbox may also get support for Android apps, but Windows Central says Microsoft has confirmed that is not the case, saying the company has “no plans” for the feature.

  • Microsoft Testing a Web Browser Version of xCloud

    Microsoft Testing a Web Browser Version of xCloud

    Microsoft’s xCloud game streaming service may be coming to iPhones and iPads soon, with employees reportedly testing a web-based version.

    xCloud is currently available on Android devices, as well as Xbox and Windows 10, but is not available for Apple’s iOS and iPadOS platforms. Microsoft had previously announced it would bring a beta of the service to iOS in Spring 2021. In order to do so, Microsoft is working on a web browser version that will not need App Store approval.

    According to The Verge, sources have confirmed that Microsoft employees are testing a web-based version of xCloud internally, prior to the release of the public beta.

    For any customers worried that a web-based iOS version will somehow be a second-class citizen, Microsoft is also bundling the web version into the Windows 10 Xbox app. Like Google Stadia, the web version of xCloud requires a Chromium-based browser, such as Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

  • Microsoft, Nintendo & Sony Announce Shared Commitment to Safer Gaming

    Microsoft, Nintendo & Sony Announce Shared Commitment to Safer Gaming

    Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony are collaborating to make gaming safer, especially for those most vulnerable.

    Video gaming has grown far beyond its original audience and is now enjoyed by people across all demographics. In fact, a recent survey shows the biggest area of growth is among those 35 years-old and up, with the single biggest jump among 45 to 54 year-old individuals.

    As the pandemic has forced people to social distance, gaming has become an important social interaction for many people. Some games have even found their way into Esports, with video gamers playing professionally. This widespread adoption has increased the call for video game companies to do more to be inclusive and protect participants.

    “We believe gaming is for all people of all ages, including our youngest and most vulnerable players,” writes Dave McCarthy, Corporate Vice President, Xbox Operations. “Technology makes compelling entertainment experiences possible, and we want to ensure that those experiences – especially when they involve interaction with others – are positive and respectful. All players deserve to have fantastic social gaming experiences in settings where respect and safety are mutual.

    “At Xbox, we are aligned with both Nintendo, on behalf of the community of Nintendo Switch players, and PlayStation in our belief that protecting players online requires a multidisciplinary approach – one that combines the benefits of advanced technology, a supportive community, and skilled human oversight. We can accomplish more when we work toward the same goal, and so we will each continue investing in, evolving, and amplifying our approaches to user safety. As we continue this work, we will prioritize protecting the safety of our players, especially those most vulnerable.”

    The three companies are working to prevent issues through more control over the gaming experience, as well as partnering with trade organizations, industry members, law enforcement and regulators to create better safety initiatives. The three companies will also make it easier for individuals to report abuse and violations of their code of conduct.

    The three biggest names in gaming backing such an endeavor should go a long way toward making video games a safer environment for all players.

  • Microsoft Buys Smash.gg to Boost Xbox

    Microsoft Buys Smash.gg to Boost Xbox

    Microsoft has bought Smash.gg, the site dedicated to building “active esports scenes around the games people love to play.”

    Gaming is becoming an increasingly important part of the tech industry, with recent information showing significant upticks in the amount of time all age groups are playing games. Games are also used for training purposes, therapy and community building.

    Microsoft has been at the forefront of the gaming industry for years, thanks to its Xbox console. The company has been expanding its influence, buying game studios and bringing some of the biggest titles to the Xbox. As a result, buying a company dedicated to esports seems the next logical step.

    Smash.gg posted the announcement on their website:

    Since we started in 2015, our goal has been to build active esports scenes around the games people love to play. Today we’re excited to take the next step in that journey by joining Microsoft to help strengthen our existing relationships and explore new opportunities. Smash.gg will continue as a self-service esports platform available to tournament organizers from all game communities. If you have any questions about existing tournaments please reach out to hello@smash.gg.

    Microsoft also confirmed the announcement via their MSN Esports Twitter account:

  • Microsoft Buys Game Maker ZeniMax for $7.5 Billion

    Microsoft Buys Game Maker ZeniMax for $7.5 Billion

    Microsoft on Monday announced plans to acquire ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Bethesda Softworks, one of the largest, privately-held game developers and publishers in the world. The ZeniMax library includes game franchises such as The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Doom, and Rage, among many others, Under the terms of the agreement, Microsoft will acquire ZeniMax Media for $7.5 billion in cash.

    “Gaming is the most expansive category in the entertainment industry, as people everywhere turn to gaming to connect, socialize and play with their friends,” said Satya Nadella, CEO, Microsoft. “Quality differentiated content is the engine behind the growth and value of Xbox Game Pass—from Minecraft to Flight Simulator. As a proven game developer and publisher, Bethesda has seen success across every category of games, and together, we will further our ambition to empower the more than three billion gamers worldwide.”

    “This is an awesome time to be an Xbox fan. In the last 10 days alone, we’ve released details on our two new consoles which go on pre-order tomorrow, launched cloud gaming in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and now we’re making another investment in the most critical part of our strategy: the games,” said Phil Spencer, executive vice president, Gaming at Microsoft. “Generations of gamers have been captivated by the renowned franchises in the Bethesda portfolio and will continue to be so for years to come as part of Xbox.”

    Bethesda parent company ZeniMax Media was founded in 1999 by Chairman and CEO Robert A. Altman; Bethesda’s structure and leadership will remain in place.

    “This is a thrilling day for this company, our employees, and our fans. We have enjoyed a close partnership with Microsoft for decades, and this deal is a natural progression of those years working together,” said Altman. “The big winners today are our fans. We are continuing to develop our slate of AAA games, but now with Microsoft’s scale and entire Game Stack, our games can only get better.”

    Phil Spencer, head of Xbox at Microsoft, discusses the company’s acquisition of game maker ZeniMax and how this impacts gaming and the Xbox platform:

    Adding ZeniMax Games To Xbox Is Incredible

    Gamers love great games. The Xbox console is going on preorder tomorrow for the next generation. Just last week we added Game Pass cloud streaming so that people can play this Game Pass library across all of their Android phones. Then obviously Game Pass which is the largest game content subscription out there with 15 million subscribers and growing. So getting to work with ZeniMax to bring their amazing collection of games to GamePass is just an incredible opportunity for us.

    Our plan is to leave it alone. ZeniMax has an amazing track record of building great games. Our goal is to make ZeniMax the best ZeniMax they can be. ZeniMax will be working individually with their studios on the great platform technology that we have, getting their creators feedback into the things that we need to go build. That’s just a critical flywheel for us innovating, just the feedback from the world’s best creators on our platform.

    Committed To Bringing Game Pass To iPhones

    When you get large scale general compute platforms like mobile phones people should have access to the great content and services that are out there. We remain committed to that. There are over 3 billion people who play video games today and many of them play on phones. We’re committed to bringing Game Pass to all mobile phones out there including Apple phones. We will continue to have conversations and I’m sure we will be able to get to some resolution.

    Our biggest issue (with the Apple app store) isn’t a financial issue. Our biggest issue is that cloud game streaming apps are actually not allowed in the way that Game Pass is built for other platforms. For us, this is about gamers having great access to the content from the creators they love on the devices they own. Play the games that you want with the community that you want to play with the devices that you have. That’s our goal.

    COVID Impacted Game Production

    People with sheltering in place and work from home, we’ve seen incredible engagement in the gaming community over the last few months. We’re really proud with the way that gaming has been able to play such a pivotal role for people. Games today are hundreds of people coming together to build these massive games. It’s important that we’re conscious of the safety of our teams. COVID has had an impact on production and you’re seeing that out there.

    When you look at this launch and people’s appetite for gaming right now we are very bullish on how are preorders are going to go tomorrow. We have the most powerful console on the market. We have the most affordable console on the market. We’ve got things like Xbox All Access that allow people to join this next generation of gaming for $24.99 a month with no upfront costs. You get a console and Game Pass. In times like this, I think that accessibility of price point and offer is really important.

  • Microsoft Buying ZeniMax Media/Bethesda Softworks For $7.5 Billion

    Microsoft Buying ZeniMax Media/Bethesda Softworks For $7.5 Billion

    Microsoft has announced it is acquiring ZeniMax Media, the parent company of gaming studio Bethesda Softworks, for $7.5 billion in cash.

    Bethesda Softworks is the studio behind The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Rogue Warrior, Ghostwire: Tokyo and others. Bethesda has established itself as one of the most successful, privately held game studios in the world.

    Microsoft’s acquisition will help the company capitalize on the growing gaming market, and fits in well with its current software strategy. While the Microsoft of the past fiercely protected its own platforms, under CEO Satya Nadella the company has emphasized providing the best software experience on all available platforms. This has resulted in more of its software being available on macOS, iOS, Android and Linux, in addition to Windows.

    The same is true for gaming. Microsoft is focusing on providing the best gaming experiencing wherever, and on whatever device, a person may be playing. Owning a studio with Bethesda’s track record is a big step toward that goal.

    “Gaming is the most expansive category in the entertainment industry, as people everywhere turn to gaming to connect, socialize and play with their friends,” said Satya Nadella, CEO, Microsoft. “Quality differentiated content is the engine behind the growth and value of Xbox Game Pass—from Minecraft to Flight Simulator. As a proven game developer and publisher, Bethesda has seen success across every category of games, and together, we will further our ambition to empower the more than three billion gamers worldwide.”

  • Akamai Throttling Game Download Speeds to Ease Network Congestion

    Akamai Throttling Game Download Speeds to Ease Network Congestion

    Amid the coronavirus pandemic, Akamai has announced it’s going to start slowing down video game downloads during peak times.

    As millions of people shelter in place and work from home, networks are being tested like never before. Internet providers, social media platforms and wireless companies alike are having to make adjustments to ensure their infrastructure can keep up with demand.

    Akamai, as the world’s largest content delivery network, is working with major video game distributors, such as Microsoft and Sony. Since a single video game download can be the equivalent of 30,000 web pages worth of traffic, game downloads during peak times can have a crippling effect. As a result, Akamai will begin throttling game downloads during peak times, resuming normal speeds late at night when traffic is less.

    “Playing video games enables people all over the world to connect with friends and family and enjoy much needed entertainment during these uncertain times. Our goal is to partner with other leaders in the industry to help ensure gamers are able to enjoy engaging experiences,” said Jim Ryan, President and CEO, Sony Interactive Entertainment.

    “As people look to gaming for play and social connection, we’re seeing record engagement across Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Live, and Mixer. We’re actively monitoring usage and making temporary adjustments as needed to ensure the smoothest possible experience for our gamers. We appreciate the collaboration with partners like Akamai to deliver the joy of games in these unprecedented times,” said Dave McCarthy, Corporate Vice President, Xbox Product Services.

    While gamers may not be happy with Akamai’s announcement, it’s understandable given the challenge the pandemic is posing for internet companies around the world. Akamai’s main goal is to make sure critical network infrastructure remains fully functional and performs at the necessary level.

    “It’s important to note that Akamai fully expects to maintain the integrity and reliability of website and mobile application delivery, as well as security services, for all of our customers during this time,” writes CEO Tom Leighton. “In particular, Akamai customers across sectors such as government, healthcare, financial services, commerce, manufacturing, and business services should not experience any change in the performance of their services.”

  • Microsoft Sees Amazon and Google As Primary Xbox Competition

    Microsoft Sees Amazon and Google As Primary Xbox Competition

    People love rivalries. Apple vs Microsoft, Ford vs Chevy, Patriots vs the Bills and Xbox vs PlayStation are just a few of the greats. According to Protocol, however, the Xbox vs PlayStation rivalry may be nearing its end as Microsoft’s focus has shifted to Amazon and Google as its primary rivals.

    “When you talk about Nintendo and Sony, we have a ton of respect for them, but we see Amazon and Google as the main competitors going forward,” Phil Spencer, head of Microsoft’s games business, told Protocol in an interview. “That’s not to disrespect Nintendo and Sony, but the traditional gaming companies are somewhat out of position. I guess they could try to re-create Azure, but we’ve invested tens of billions of dollars in cloud over the years.”

    The change in focus is another indication of the growing importance of the cloud, and Microsoft’s determination to continue gaining ground in the market. While the company has enjoyed phenomenal success with its Xbox line, it sees the future of gaming in cloud-based streaming, according to Business Insider.

    Google has already released its streaming game service Stadia, and Apple has a similar service called Apple Arcade. While Amazon doesn’t currently have a gaming service, it has the underlying cloud architecture to support one. Unlike Microsoft or Sony’s current offerings, for a low monthly price Stadia and Arcade stream a myriad of games to devices people already own and use, meaning there is a far lower barrier-to-entry. This is significant when taking into consideration the cost of a gaming console. Suddenly the potential market goes from hundreds of millions to billions.

    Microsoft’s changed focus is just the latest thing that illustrates the many different fronts the cloud wars will be fought on—including gaming.

  • Microsoft Shows Off A Bunch Of Windows 10 Stuff

    Microsoft Shows Off A Bunch Of Windows 10 Stuff

    In September, Microsoft unveiled Windows 10, launching an early technical preview for PC on October 1. With the release, Microsoft highlighted advancements for the enterprise and collaboration as well as consistency across devices. It adapted to Xbox, PCs, phones, tablets, and other “tiny gadgets” to delivery that consistency.

    On Wednesday, Microsoft showed off a bunch of new Windows 10 stuff including the operating system’s mobile debut, a new Xbox app, Xbox One game streaming, that new “Spartan” browser we’ve been hearing about, and a new augmented reality headset.

    The company also announced that a free upgrade for Windows 10 will be made available to users of Windows 7, 8.1, and Windows Phone 8.1, who upgrade within the first year after launch. Once devices are running Windows 10, Microsoft will continue to keep it updated for the entire lifetime of the device. It will add features as they become available, rather than waiting for another major release.

    Microsoft revealed that its personal digital assistant technology Cortana is coming to PCs and tablets for the first time with Windows 10. This learns your preferences, and gives you recommendations, info, and reminders as necessary. If you’re unfamiliar with it, it’s basically Microsoft’s answer to Siri and the like.

    Windows 10 with Cortana

    The company showed off Windows 10 for phones and tablets, which it says offers a “fast, fluid and familiar experience that seamlessly interacts with your PC.”

    Windows 10 on Phone

    The “Spartan” browser (that’s just a code name) includes the ability to annotate by keyboard or pen directly on a webpage and share with friends. It also has a reading view the company describes as “destraction free,” which displays articles in a “simplified layout”. It also includes a built-in PDF viewer and reading lists.

    Spartan reportedly won’t be in the next preview build of Windows 10, so it may be a while before anyone gets to use it.

    Windows 10 includes universal apps for Office and other everyday experiences.

    “Office universal apps on Windows 10 offer a consistent, touch-first experience across phone, tablet and PC with new versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote and Outlook,” says Microsoft’s Terry Myerson. “Designed from the ground up to run on Windows, you can easily create and edit Word documents, annotate slides in real-time with new inking features or easily present PowerPoint presentations, and with new touch-first controls in Excel you can create or update spreadsheets without a keyboard or mouse. The next version of the Office desktop suite is also currently in development, more on this in the coming months.”

    “New universal applications will ship with Windows 10, offering innovative new experience applications, consistent across the device continuum, for Photos, Videos, Music, Maps, People & Messaging, and Mail & Calendar,” he adds. “These built-in apps have an updated design that look and feel the same from app to app and device to device. Content is stored and synced through OneDrive, enabling you to start something on one device and continue it on another.”

    With the Xbox updates, users can capture, edit, and share moments from games with Game DVR, as well as play new games with friends across devices. You can get a rundown on all the new Xbox features here.

    With “Continuum Mode,” Windows 10 will move between keyboard/mouse and touch/tablet on 2in1 devices as it detects the transition.

    Finally, Microsoft unveiled two new devices for Windows 10 – the Surface Hub and the Microsoft HoloLens.

    The former is a large screen device designed for the workplace. It takes advantage of custom versions of Skype for Business and OneNote with build in cameras, sensors, and mics.

    “The Surface Hub features state of the art digital white boarding, instant remote conferencing, the ability for multiple people to share and edit content on the screen from any device, and a trusted platform for large-screen apps,” says Myerson. “Available in two sizes – 55” and 84” – the Surface Hub removes the current limitations of traditional conference room scenarios to empower teams to create their best work together.”

    HoloLens would be that augmented reality headset we mentioned:

    “Showcasing the possibilities of holograms in Windows 10, Microsoft HoloLens is the world’s first untethered holographic computer – no wires, phones or connection to a PC needed,” says Myerson. “Microsoft HoloLens allows you to view holograms in high definition and hear them in surround sound, even if they are behind you. And with advanced sensors, Microsoft HoloLens can see what you are looking at and understand what you are communicating with your hands and voice. By putting you at the center of the Windows 10 computing experience, Microsoft HoloLens allows you to create, access information, enjoy entertainment, and communicate in new and exciting ways.”

    I’m sure we’ll be hearing a lot more about all of this soon.

    Microsoft says 1.7 million Windows Insiders (those using the preview version of Windows 10) delivered 800,000 pieces of feedback since the Insider program was launched in September. You can sign up to participate here.

    Images via Microsoft

  • HBO GO Is Finally Available on Xbox One

    HBO GO Is Finally Available on Xbox One

    Back in November of last year, Microsoft unveiled the list of streaming video apps that would grace the Xbox One. Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant, VUDU, Crackle, and Redbox Instant were on the list, but HBO GO was only given a “coming soon” designation.

    Well, today’s finally the day. Xbox One owners can now stream HBO content with HBO GO.

    According to Xbox LIVE’s Major Nelson, “the following TV providers authenticate HBO GO on Xbox One: AT&T, Bend Broadband, Blue Ridge Communications, Cablevision, Charter, Comcast’s Xfinity, Cox, DIRECTV, Dish, Grande Communications, HTC Digital Cable, Massillon Cable/Clear Picture, Mediacom, Midcontinent Communications, RCN, Suddenlink, Time Warner Cable, Verizon, and Wow!

    It shouldn’t really surprise you that it’s taken this long for the app to pop up on the Xbox One, as it usually takes new streaming media devices a while to get HBO GO.

    Image via Xbox, YouTube

  • Vine App Hits Xbox One For Xbox Live Members

    Microsoft announced today that Twitter’s Vine is now available for the Xbox One. This is surely good news for anyone looking to up their Vine loop count.

    The Xbox Wire staff writes:

    Starting today, you can entertain yourself with hours of short, looping videos on the big screen with the addition of the Vine app on Xbox One. Available to Xbox Live members*, Vine on Xbox One provides a spectacular Vine viewing experience for your TV that brings you one of the world’s most used video apps alongside your favorite games and entertainment.

    This is the first Vine viewing experience built specifically for the TV, giving you access to funny, quirky, artistic, creative Vines directly in your living room. Now you can watch and explore the world of short, looping videos, and Xbox One makes them easy to enjoy using Kinect voice or gesture control to play, pause and search through the next or previous Vine. You can watch popular Vines, explore channels like Art, Music & Dance, and Comedy, view playlists, and more. In addition, the app can be snapped next to your games, TV or other entertainment apps, making it possible to watch Vines alongside your favorite games or whatever you’re watching.

    The Vine app is available in the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, France, Hong Kong, Hungary, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, United Kingdom and United States.

    Vine recently added a way to repurpose existing videos. That combined with availability on the Xbox One will make for more interesting content for users, as well as new marketing opportunities for businesses.

    Image via Microsoft

  • Microsoft To Eliminate Xbox Entertainment Studios

    As you may know, Microsoft announced that it is cutting 18,000 jobs over the next year, starting with 13,000 over the next six months.

    One casualty of the company’s restructuring is Xbox Entertainment Studios, a segment founded in 2012 to help the company get exclusive streaming video content. It just didn’t work out that well.

    Re/code reports that the division is shutting down. Dawn Chmielewski writes:

    Sources paint a picture of a disorganized studio that struggled to close deals and lacked a fully fleshed-out business model. This inability to execute has turned off potential studio partners, they say, complicating the process of securing premium content.

    The report was also updated with confirmation from Phil Spencer, the head of Microsoft Studios, who said, “Xbox will continue to support and deliver interactive sports content like ‘NFL on Xbox,’ and we will continue to enhance our entertainment offering on console by innovating the TV experience through the monthly console updates. Additionally, our app partnerships with world-class content providers bringing entertainment, sports and TV content to Xbox customers around the world are not impacted by this organizational change.”

    According to the report, Xbox Entertainment Studios, which employs roughly 200 workers, will wind down gradually, and in-production projects will continue.

    Also part of the job cuts will be 12,500 former Nokia employees. Mary Jo Foley at ZDnet says the company’s Operating System Group is also one of the units that will be affected “immediately and directly” by the cuts. She says she’s hearing that “a good chunk” of Windows testers will be let go as well as some from the sales, marketing, and legal departments.

    Image via YouTube

  • Aaron Paul’s Xbox One Ad Is Inadvertently Turning on People’s Consoles

    The thing about have voice control systems that are always on is, well, they’re always on. If they weren’t, then saying something like “Xbox on!” wouldn’t really do anything.

    Apparently, this handy feature is causing some issues for some Xbox One owners. According to multiple reports and a boatload of Twitter confirmations, Aaron Paul of Breaking Bad fame is inadvertently powering up people’s consoles with his new ad. You know the one, right? Where he begins the ad by demonstrating the Kinect-powered voice controls?

    I guess the Xbox One is really always listening, and it’s picking up on that “Xbox on!” command. Take a look:

    As many Twitter users have pointed out, this is quite the first world problem. If the worst thing that happens to you today is your Xbox accidentally turns on, you’ve got it pretty good.

    I mean, you could be a meth addict that found himself in a situation her could no longer control, being manipulated at every turn by a man who’s basically getting more evil by the second. That would be a rough predicament.

    Image via YouTube

  • You Can Get a Refund If You Cancel Xbox Live Gold

    On Tuesday, Microsoft did something that Xbox users have wanted them to do for years–the company finally tore down the part of the Golden Paywall that encompassed entertainment apps. What this means is that starting June 9th, Xbox users will be able to stream Netflix, YouTube, Hulu Plus, Amazon Prime Instant Video, HBO Go, and more without having to purchase an Xbox Live Gold subscription.

    Generally good news all around, right? Well, if you happened to have already purchased a full year’s worth of Xbox Live Gold (as many are wont to do, as it is cheaper that way), then this announcement could’ve left you a bit miffed.

    Don’t worry, however. Microsoft is handing out pro-rata refunds for Gold subscribers who cancel their accounts by August 31st of this year.

    “Once the Xbox One and Xbox 360 system updates become available in June, Xbox Live Gold members who purchased a paid membership before that day can cancel and receive a pro-rata refund of any unused remaining days between the date of cancellation and the date their paid Gold membership ends. Cancellation and pro-rata refund requests must be made by August 31, 2014 and require six to eight weeks for processing. Free or trial Gold memberships are not eligible for a refund. To request your pro-rata refund, please click http://support.xbox.com/contact-us after the system updates become available in June,” says Microsoft in an Xbox FAQ.

    For people who ponied up for Xbox Live Gold just so they could stream videos from various services, this is really good news. If you’re an online multiplayer enthusiast, don’t go canceling you subscription. The tearing down of the Golden Paywall doesn’t affect you. You still need Xbox Live Gold to play online.

    Image via Xbox.com