xbox

Nintendo Wii U draws eager fans ahead of Sunday launch

Apple isn't the only technology company that can command a line of hard-core fans.

With the upcoming Wii U console launching on Sunday, Nintendo fans have already started to line up at the Japanese video game maker's flagship New York store in Rockefeller Center.

The line wasn't long -- roughly a dozen people were there, with some hanging out inside the store. But the metal barricades were up and individuals had been camping out for the past few days. … Read more

Xbox Live long-timers getting free Xbox 360 consoles

Xbox Live just hit its 10th anniversary, and Microsoft is rewarding its most faithful members with a free Xbox 360 console.

Microsoft Xbox staffer Larry Hryb, better known as Major Nelson, tweeted the news yesterday, saying: "I can confirm we're surprising some of the Xbox Live members that have been with us the longest with one of these." And by "these," he means a brand-new Xbox 360.

The surprise gift includes a custom controller, a logo on the console that reads "decade of entertainment," and a plate on the disc tray door that … Read more

Xbox 360 shines bright in otherwise dismal game market

The Xbox 360 continues to thrive in a market that's seen better days.

For the 15th month in the row, Microsoft's game console was the top-selling hardware platform, according to the latest video game stats from NPD group (not available on the Web, unfortunately).

In October, Microsoft sold 270,000 Xbox 360 units, more than any other gaming console. That number gave the company a 56 percent share of all console sales in the U.S. It also marked the 20th month in a row that the Xbox captured more than 40 percent of all U.S. sales.… Read more

Xbox SmartGlass for iOS adds more console interactivity

Much like the former Xbox Live app, Xbox SmartGlass (free) gives you the Xbox 360 Dashboard experience, letting you do things like view your avatar and info, see your friends' bio and game lists, and track and compare achievements.

With this latest version of the app, you get a lot more ways to interact with your console. You now have the ability to type using your iPhone keypad rather than the old hunt-and-peck Xbox controller method; you can browse the Internet on your Xbox using your full iOS keyboard; you can play, rewind, and fast-forward videos; search the Xbox game … Read more

Microsoft kills Messenger to push Skype

Wednesday's CNET Update is app happy:

Today's tech news roundup bids farewell to Windows Live Messenger. Microsoft is pushing users to use Skype instead for instant messaging. The latest Skype update lets users transfer contacts from Messenger.

The new Xbox SmartGlass app is now available for Apple devices. The app turns an iOS device into a second screen for navigating through Xbox menus and media, and it's easier to type with an iOS keyboard. Some games have extra features for SmartGlass, like Halo 4, Dance Central 3 and Forza Horizon.

If you're wondering about an app for Microsoft Office, … Read more

Xbox Smartglass app arrives for iPhone, iPad

Microsoft's new Xbox Smartglass app has made its way to the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch.

Available as of yesterday, the app turns your iOS device into a second screen for the Xbox, letting you navigate the dashboard; control your videos and music; and browse the Internet.

You can use the keyboard on your iOS device to type on your Xbox 360. You can swipe across your phone or tablet to move across the screen on your console. Controls pop up on your mobile device to play, pause, stop, rewind, and fast-forward videos and music playing on your Xbox.… Read more

Battle begins between Foursquare, Yelp

Tuesday's CNET Update is rating you on a 10-point scale:

Today's tech news roundup looks at the growing competition between Foursquare and Yelp. Foursquare launched a new 10-point ratings system for local businesses, which is what Yelp has been doing. But Yelp has been creeping in on Foursquare's territory recently by highlighting friend activity. Yelp also rolled out an app update that displays restaurant menus and reviews of each menu item.

Amazon is now offering a payment option of $8 a month for Prime, the same price as Netflix and Hulu. The yearly $80 subscription is still … Read more

The 404 1,159: Where we challenge you to a vote-off (podcast)

Tune into today's show to hear an update to The 404's Halloween Samsung Galaxy SIII Giveaway Contest! With all the chaos of last week, we're editing some of the rules (see full list at the bottom of this page), but here's how to enter:

Follow @the404. Tweet out using #404S3 a photo and quick description why you need a new phone. Your photo MUST include your Twitter handle handwritten in the image. The submission deadline is Sunday 11/11 at Midnight ET.… Read more

Microsoft's Xbox-Surface tablet: What could it be?

Microsoft apparently has a gaming tablet complete with Xbox branding on the way in the near future, perhaps to coincide with the release of the next-generation Xbox. In a year full of tablets of all shapes, prices, and functions, what does this mean? What can we hope for? What are the pitfalls? Here's what immediately comes to mind.… Read more

Xbox Surface gaming tablet reportedly in the works

Microsoft is working on an Xbox Surface tablet, according to The Verge.

The device, as the name implies, would feature a 7-inch display and focus largely on gaming, The Verge reported, citing unnamed sources.

The Xbox Surface would follow its larger brother, the recently launched Surface, which features a 10-inch display and runs a stripped-down version of Windows called Windows RT. The Xbox Surface would reportedly run on its own version of Windows as well. … Read more