xbox

Xbox: Proof that Microsoft can get consumer electronics right

When it comes to generating consumer lust, Microsoft often comes up short.

Windows 8 sales seem to be falling shy of analyst expectations. And despite its best design and engineering efforts, Microsoft continues to struggle to get anything more than a toehold in the smartphone market.

And yet Microsoft's success with the Xbox continues to undermine any argument that the company is preternaturally unable to understand consumer desires. The Xbox 360 has performed so strongly in its seven-year run that Microsoft is in the enviable position of being able to wait for rivals Nintendo and Sony to unveil their … Read more

AMD chips to make their way to next Xbox console

Microsoft has signed on Advaned Micro Devices to deliver the processing power in its upcoming Xbox console, a new report claims.

The next Xbox, which could be unveiled next month, is a system-on-a-chip (SoC) boasting both AMD's Jaguar CPU and a graphics chip more powerful than the one available in the current Microsoft console, Bloomberg reported yesterday, citing someone who claims to have knowledge of Microsoft's plans.

According to Bloomberg's source, the chip is based on x86 architecture, meaning it will make it much easier for game developers to port their titles from PCs or mobile devices. … Read more

Google might be chatting with WhatsApp

CNET Update needs a smarter wrist:

Could Google be looking to buy WhatsApp? The latest report says Google is considering acquiring the app for $1 billion. At the end of 2012, it was said Facebook was talking about buying this popular messaging app. If it sells for $1 billion, that puts WhatsApp into the same category as Instagram, which sold to Facebook for the same amount.

Also in today's tech roundup:

- We might hear more about the next Xbox console in late May. Reports indicate that Microsoft pushed an April reveal back to May 21.

- Sony revealed … Read more

The 404 1,244: Where we take a spa day (podcast)

Leaked from today's 404 episode:

- Microsoft may announce the next generation of Xbox on May 21.

- Chinese people burn Apple products to pay respect to the dead; Americans do it just because.

- Here's a list of porn currently being watched in the Vatican.

- The season finale of "Alf": could it have been done differently?… Read more

Microsoft to sell Mediaroom IPTV business to Ericsson

Ericsson plans to buy Microsoft's Mediaroom IPTV platform business so that Microsoft can tune in on its Xbox gaming system.

The companies didn't disclose the purchase price, but a person familiar with the deal terms said the price was "just south of $200 million." The deal should close in the second half of the year.

One of the next big battlegrounds among industry players is video. Many companies, such as Amazon and Netflix, already provide content, but others are looking to provide a full package to consumers. Chip maker Intel is building an IPTV service and set-top box, … Read more

Microsoft may announce next generation of Xbox on May 21

Microsoft will spill the beans on its next-generation Xbox at an event on May 21, according to Windows blogger Paul Thurrott and a report from The Verge.

Originally scheduled for April, the event was pushed back to May, sources have told the Verge.

That echoes similar information from Supersite for Windows writer Paul Thurrott. In an interview with the video blog "What the Tech" on Friday, Thurrott said that Microsoft had planned to announce the new console on April 24 but then rescheduled the event for May 21. In the video clip of the show, Thurrott's comments about the next Xbox start at the 54:44 mark.… Read more

iRadio could be better for music labels

CNET Update requires an Internet connection:

Not only is Apple on a mission to launch iRadio this summer, but CNET's Paul Sloan reports that iRadio could be a better payoff for music labels than Pandora.

Also in Friday's tech rundown, get a glimpse of future tech coming from the research team at AT&T Labs. I got to demo a few of the company's latest projects, including a device that blocks calls when you're deep in thought.

If you don't like the idea of an Xbox that requires an Internet connection, a Microsoft games … Read more

Xbox tweets hint at 'always on' future

"Always on" Internet connections haven't proved to be too popular when it comes to gaming lately -- yes, we're looking at you, Diablo III and SimCity.

But what about a gaming console that needs an Internet connection just to play games? Well, according Adam Orth, the creative director of Microsoft Studios, it's no big deal, and people should just deal with it. In fact, he'd like every device to be always on.… Read more

Ouya, apps, and the future of gaming

The annual Game Developers Conference, which attracts tens of thousands from the gaming industry, had all of the usual players this year: Nintendo, Sony, EA, Activision, etc. But they weren't the only players in town this week at GDC.

There was plenty of buzz about Ouya, the new $99, Android-based gaming console that broke Kickstarter records like Adrian Peterson breaks tackles.

Now, before the serious gamers out there savage me, let me be clear: The Ouya isn't going to be displacing the role of traditional consoles like the PlayStation or the Wii (although the Wii U has gone nowhere). … Read more

Rumor Has It: Google jumps aboard the smartwatch train

Another day, another smartwatch rumor. This time, it's Google that was feeling left out, what with all the "iWatch" rumors and Samsung throwing its hat into the ring. What do you think about Google's rumor smartwatch? What do you think would make it different from the plethora of other smartwatches that are out there? Leave a comment and let us know what you think!

Also on this week's show, the next-gen Xbox might not use its optical drive for games, according to leaked documents. At least it'll play Blu-ray (maybe)! Google Play might be … Read more