Tag Archives: Xbox Live

ESPN may stream live sporting events to an Xbox 360 near you

January 22, 2010News, Sports, TechnologyDisney, ESPN, Microsoft, Microsoft Xbox 360, sports content, streaming, Video games, Xbox 360, Xbox LiveScott Meisner

According to the NY Times, Disney is in talks with Microsoft to bring ESPN to Xbox Live. Sure, Live subscribers already have access to the large Netflix library to rent the latest movies and TV shows, but streaming live sporting events takes things to a whole new level. ESPN on Xbox Live would be set up in a similar fashion to the ESPN 360 service that’s been widely available from a number of ISPs. The Times reports that it would be based on a per-subscriber fee and include access to live sporting events and interactive games labeled with the ESPN brand. Hulu on the PC, Netflix and ESPN on Xbox Live; this tidbit of news gives us yet another reason to cut the cord that is cable.

[Via NY Times; Gizmodo]

Long-awaited Xbox 360 dashboard update is coming November 17

November 13, 2009News, Technologydashboard, Facebook, HD, instant streaming, Last.fm, Microsoft, Microsoft Xbox 360, Twitter, update, Video games, Xbox 360, Xbox LiveScott Meisner

We’ve known for quite some time now about the next Xbox dashboard update coming to Xbox Live subscribers. Here’s a refresher for those of you not in the loop: Facebook/Twitter integration, last.fm, Zune (video) Marketplace, and instant-HD (1080p/5.1 channel) streaming. The new press release (in full after the break) sheds light on new additions:

In addition to these social features, Xbox LIVE will also be debuting “News and More,” a new section of the “Inside Xbox” channel, transforming Xbox LIVE into a full-fledged media portal. With a regularly-updated stream of content from MSNBC, The New Yorker and Dilbert, “News and More” brings the latest in current events, arts and entertainment right to your fingertips.

[Via Engadget]

Continue reading Long-awaited Xbox 360 dashboard update is coming November 17 →

Halo Waypoint launches November 5, let the games begin

October 26, 2009Images, News, TechnologyHalo, Halo Waypoint, portal, Video games, Xbox 360, Xbox LiveScott Meisner

As we have known for quite some time now, Halo Waypoint (HW) is going to be the one-stop destination for all things Halo on Xbox Live. According to IGN, HW “seeks to bring together the entire Halo universe in one place and provide a sort of string that ties each game together. Included will be an assortment of screenshots and videos — some official and some fan-made – a career system that links the achievements for all Halo games together, and the latest in Halo news.”

HW creative director Jason Pace on the acheivement system and how it differentiates from Xbox Live acheivements: “The career milestones are a little different from achievements. As you earn new [Halo] achievements… you will level up your career milestone. There will be 40 milestones, or levels, available at launch. With 3950 possible achievement points to unlock through three Halo titles on Xbox 360, there are plenty of ways to reach that level cap. It will take about 60% of the total achievement points unlocked to reach the highest milestone, a percentage that was chosen with care.”

Though HW’s focal point will be on the Xbox 360 console, Pace goes on to say that there are plans to bring aspects of it onto the web so players can view and share their achievements and other Halo-related material outside of the console realm. “We are working on a feature right now where we’ll allow users to upload cool stuff through Xbox.com/halo. Right now we are going to partner with Bungie on Bungie.net and we’ll do “Best of” community submissions. And that will generally be chosen by our community manager and then featured in weekly spotlight areas for community content on Waypoint on the Xbox.”

Pace summerizes the impact HW will have with Halo fans worldwide: “We’re definitely looking at expanding career mode and really making you feel like your entire Halo gaming history is encapsulated in a meaningful way and your identity expands across all of the Halo experiences you play.”

Halo Waypoint launches on November 5 on Xbox 360. It will initially be free for Xbox Live Silver and Gold users; on November 26 the service will only function for paying Xbox Live Gold subscribers.

[Via IGN]

Netflix will stream content exclusively on Xbox 360

August 12, 2009News, Technologyexclusivity, Microsoft, Netflix, streaming, Video games, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LiveScott Meisner

It’s official–Netflix’s streaming capabilities will only live and breath on Xbox 360’s. Microsoft struck a very smart deal with Netflix (and squashed previous rumors) when they announced that their Xbox gaming system will be the sole game console provider to allow Netflix streaming with the Netflix Watch Instantly feature. This is big news on the streaming movies/TV shows front. If people are looking to stream Netflix contentto their TVs, they only have one option when it comes to buying a game console. Another point for Xbox, cha-ching! See the full press release after the break.

[Via Engadget]

Continue reading Netflix will stream content exclusively on Xbox 360 →

Halo Legends and Halo Waypoint coming soon

July 29, 2009Images, News, TechnologyComic Con, Comic Con 09, Halo, Halo Legends, Halo Waypoint, Microsoft Xbox 360, Video games, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LiveScott Meisner

The Halo universe is about to be expaned in two major ways, first by way of Halo Legends. Microsoft has teamed up with a bunch of renowned anime studios to create a collection of original short films that will bring the exciting story of Master Chief and the discovery of the mysterious Halo rings to life on the small screen. The short anime-style films will be produced by Microsoft’s 343 Industries and creative direction will come from anime pioneer Shinji Aramaki. Aramaki: “Halo and its characters are a very natural fit for anime.” If you are at all interested in the back story of the world of Halo and its characters, this will be a must see. All seven short films will be available on DVD and Blu-Ray in 2010. However, a preview of select episodes debut on Xbox Live this fall.

Also announced is Halo Waypoint, a one-stop destination for all things Halo on Xbox Live. According to Microsoft, “It will inform fans of the latest Halo news and activities, and grant access to content ranging from podcasts, trailers and screenshots, to exclusive video footage you won’t find anywhere else. It also will provide a new challenge for Halo gamers with a career system and player rankings tied to both in-game and out-of-game accomplishments related to Halo.” Look out for this new portal on Xbox Live this fall. Halo fans, rejoice!

[Via IGN; Animation Magazine; Examiner; Xbox.com]