Microsoft to finally catch up to.. the Wii? Wait a second...
While people have speculated on Internet Explorer support being added to the Xbox 360, only recently has a rumor surfaced that brings any credibility to the discussion. While we don’t have news of an integration plan, or an official announcement from Microsoft, it seems that IE’s appearance on your 360 dashboard is imminent.
The popular PC game sells big in its first weekend on XBLA.
Major Nelson has revealed that Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition had the highest sales of any title in its first 24 hours since the start of Xbox Live Arcade. Although official sales numbers have not yet been released for the week, Major Nelson points out that over 400,000 people were playing the game online. Minecraft's phenomenal sales surpassed the previous title holder - Trials Evolution - that hit its high mark less than a month ago. All of these big numbers are good news for Microsoft who has recently received significant criticism from some developers who found publishing on the service too burdensome.
Taking a page from cell phone companies, the Xbox 360 can be purchased on a contract at select locations.
Microsoft has announced an all new way to obtain an Xbox 360 for a much cheaper up front cost. The 4GB Xbox 360 console with Kinect can now be purchased at participating Microsoft stores for only $99. That is, when you sign up for a 2 year Xbox Live Gold membership at $14.99 a month. The coupon, featured above, can only be used at the 16 Microsoft stores scattered throughout the US.
The new controllers feature the transforming D-Pad.
Those in the market for a new Xbox 360 controller will have a few more options come mid-May. Microsoft is planning to release a Chrome series of their controllers, which features a glossy red, blue, or silver finish. Retailing at $54.99, the controllers will all feature the transforming D-Pad, which gives players two modes of operation. In its default position it will operate just like the D-Pad on the standard Xbox 360 controller, but when turned, it does a better job of sensing the cardinal directions.
Cause we're lea-ving, on a jet plane!
Another work week has come and is going and you know what that means. That’s right; it’s time for another fantastic installment of Missing in Action!
Titled "Arcade NEXT", the lineup includes Fable Heroes, Trials Evolution and Minecraft.
Microsoft is following up House Party 2012 and warming up to this year's Summer of Arcade with a new promotion called Arcade NEXT. The promotion will start on April 18, 2012 and will include some "important" Xbox Live Arcade titles. These games will be the first Arcade titles to be eligible for the new Achievement rules.
Major Nelson confirms the rumored changes.
Earlier today an anonymous source tipped off xbox360achievements.org that some changes are coming to the total number of Gamerscore points and achievements Xbox Live Arcade titles can have. Starting on April 1, each XBLA title can carry double the number of achievement points, going from 200 to 400, and 10 more total achievements, increasing from 20 to 30. Major Nelson has since confirmed this information, also revealing that starting in June, all XBLA games will mandatorily carry 400 Gamerscore points.
The package comes with two family friendly games.
Microsoft released the Xbox 360 Special Edition 4GB Kinect Family Bundle today for $299.99. The bundle includes a glossy white Xbox 360 4GB console, white Kinect sensor, white Xbox 360 wireless controller, a three month Gold subscription to Xbox Live and a copy of Kinect Sports and Kinect Adventures.
The previously announced app is finally on its way.
Back when the new Xbox dashboard was revealed, a variety of apps were promised for the system, but not yet deliver. Among those was HBO and their HBO GO service. With February coming to a close, the app is still unavailable, but we now finally have an official release date.
The latest dashboard update gives the indie scene more attention.
Last fall, a dashboard update changed the layout of the Xbox 360 interface to the new metro style currently being used. Among the various problems the new layout presented, such as connection problems with the UFC app, was the way indie games were promoted, in that they weren't. XBLIGs were buried under various menus and sub categories, making the task of finding them a quest in itself.
