» Microsoft

Connect With Any Game Through the Xbox Kinect!

Tony Viteritto — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 20:45:16 +0000

Released in November of 2010, the Xbox Kinect is the newest and latest video game platform released from Microsoft. The Kinect enables game users to interact with the Xbox 360 without any need to touch or use a game controller. Commands are given through using certain gestures, speaking, or with the presentation of certain objects. Players can now use their body to interact with games. New games released for the Kinect sensor allow gamers to have full control. Many have said that this is the new and improved competitor for the Wii MotionPlus for the Wii and also the Playstation Move for the Playstation 3.

The Kinect is a separate sensor piece that needs to be purchased separately from the Xbox 360. It features such technology as a depth sensor and RGB camera. This technology provides 3d motion capture, facial recognition, and voice recognition capabilities. The camera is able to pivot to follow the user and keep them in frame when they are moving. Another great plus to having the Kinect with the Xbox 360 is the ability to have a headset free chat over Xbox live since the sensor has the capability to conduct ambient noise suppression. No more fighting with the headset while in the middle of an intense multiplayer match on the Xbox live!

The Xbox Kinect is a great addition to the Xbox 360 family. It allows all types of gamers to have fun. Hardcore gamers to casual ones, the ability to play a video game controller free will be and can be fun and appealing.

Steve Jobs Speaks out at the D8 All Things Digital interview

Abren Michaels — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 14:02:58 +0000

At the All Things Digital interview on Tuesday June 1st, Steve Jobs stepped out on the stage and talked for the first time since the last All Things Digital interview in 2007. However, in this year’s conference, Bill Gates was not present as he was in 2007.

Steve Jobs was asked about the recent spate of suicides that took place at Foxconn, the Chinese manufacturer of Apple’s iPhone and iPad and Jobs replied that the company is dismayed about the problem and that it is a troubling idea, not to mention that Foxconn is not a sweatshop, despite the press coverage saying that it is. In addition to this situation, he was also asked what he thought about Apple finally passing Microsoft and he stated it was a “surreal” situation.

They then turned to the Adobe Flash situation and why the harsh words written in the Thoughts about Flash” letter. He replied that Apple only wants to make the best products and Flash is not the best so Apple does not want it on any of his products, even if the people demand it. Many other items were talked about at the D8 conference between the interviewers and Jobs but the biggest statement he iterated upon the entire evening was that Apple wants to make better products, period.

Final Fantasy XIII for Playstation 3

George Marks — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:40:06 +0000

The newest in an extremely long history of stand-alone role playing games, Final Fantasy XIII is THE standard for single-player RPG action. Fans of the long-running series have come to expect certain things from the game developer, Square Enix, and they won’t be disappointed this time around. The game is also interesting and engaging enough that players new to the series will be able to jump right in to game play without any issues.

Final Fantasy XIII uses the usual turn-based combat system common to the Final Fantasy franchise, utilizing close-quarters and ranged weapon attacks, various spells, and a revamped Summoning game mechanic. The graphics for this game take the already awe-inspiring artwork of the series to an entirely new level, thanks to the next-generation platform. The sound quality is amazing and intense, and there really isn’t any room for improvement in the storylines or the quality of the overall game play experience.
Whether you are a veteran of the Final Fantasy series, or are completely new to the franchise, this is a top choice for single player role playing fun.

Microsoft’s CEO, Steve Ballmer Announces tablet PC

Tony Viteritto — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 15:35:18 +0000

At his keynote speech, Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, is likely to show off a tablet PC. According to the New York Times, in any case. Reports say that the machine will be made by Hewlett Packard and will be available in the middle of the year.

According to the newspaper, Ballmer will unveil the tablet as an e-reader and an all-round multimedia device. That’s more or less what Apple is likely to announce in a few weeks with it’s “iSlate” tablet.

This won’t be the first time Microsoft has touted the concept of a PC tablet and pushed it with all of its might. It’s been promoting its concept for more than fifteen years, but has so far failed to make little impact on the market with the device.

Apple, as with Google’s Nexus One smart phone, announced yesterday, is likely to shrug its shoulders at attempts by Microsoft to steal its thunder. It’s something of a tradition for Microsoft to announce products at keynote speeches in CES without them necessarily making waves in the future.