YouTube announces Geek Week -- Dr Who and cosplay fans rejoice!
Geeks looking for their fix of programming have something of a treat in store thanks to YouTube’s upcoming Geek Week. The video site has teamed up with the UK's Channel Flip and the US channel Nerdist to showcase over 100 of the geekiest, most sci-fi packed channels known to man. It will also be "unveiling new videos, series premieres and creative collaborations".
YouTube Geek Week runs from August 4-10, starting with Blockbuster Sunday which will kick things off with a look at the icons and heroes of geek culture.
Microsoft opens up Xbox 360 update beta
Xbox One may be unveiled and on tap for release later this year, but that does not mean its aging predecessor is dead. Microsoft today announces the beta rollout of the upcoming Xbox 360 update, something that usually reaches RTM (Release To Manufacturing) status in the fall of each year.
"We're inviting Xbox Live members worldwide to participate in the 2013 Xbox Live Update for Xbox 360 Public Beta", says Xbox Live chief Larry Hryb (also known as Major Nelson). "It will include updates to improve overall performance and the ability to conduct transactions with local currency, as Microsoft Points will be retired later this year".
A unicorn named Ouya knocks on my door
Hope is not yet lost. Though I pre-ordered, and paid, on day one, my Ouya console languished in Never-Never Land, perhaps cavorting with its brethren, the Lost Boys. This was a point of pain for more than just me, as other early backers of the little Android game box also failed to receive promised deliveries, despite the console becoming available in the local big-box store.
The anticipation, and mounting frustration, came to a close as my console came knocking on my door in the guise of a delivery man. It is here and sitting in my living room, still housed in its cozy little box, though that will be changing when I get a few spare minutes later today. At that point the review begins, and I will give it a few days before taking to this mini-series again to give impressions -- fairness is in order for any bit of technology and judgement should not be rushed, despite frustration caused by overdue deliveries and unkept promises.
Survey: Which next-generation game console will lighten your wallet?
We have reached that time of the decade, where major players in the market of game consoles begin rolling out their latest wares, all in an effort to jump ahead in the market. Nintendo was first to launch with its Wii U box, though few customers seemed to take much notice, while the real battle remains between Microsoft and Sony, however a couple of new players emerge onto the scene in this latest battle.
The consoles vary, and this may be a question that largely comes down to personal tastes and loyalty -- each of the big names has its diehard fans. The battle for your consumer dollars begins now, with some already on the market, while others are up for pre-order. Here are the combatants in this battle royal.
Microsoft would like you to build and share Xbox One games
Microsoft is looking for a handout it seems. They would like customers to build and share their own games for both Xbox One and Windows 8. With that, the company invites users to sign-up and test Project Spark, an invitation extended today and which you will need to sign up for and await an actual chance to use the service.
For now Microsoft offers a video demonstration of what to expect. The video shows off the "ease" with which games can be created and altered and promises you will be able to share them when the process is complete and you are satisfied with your finished product.
Ahh, about that second Ouya controller you ordered...
By now, those of you who care, likely know my Ouya plight. I pre-ordered the Android box last November. I have done the same with Xbox One, but unlike Microsoft, Ouya charged me in full on the day I made the move. I added a second controller so that I could take on my son head-to-head.
As one of the people who pre-ordered on opening day, I stood at the front of the line -- well, behind Kickstarter backers, but still a promising position. Ouya declared I would still be among the first to receive a box.
Did Amazon leak the Xbox One release date?
If nothing else, Microsoft's forthcoming gaming console has received more than its fair share of attention, and plenty of it on the wrong side of what the company would hope for. There was controversy before the official announcement even came, there was double-talk at the announcement, and of course some major backtracking later.
Although we know a lot about the console now, the one thing Microsoft has so far failed to announce is an official release date. Despite a vague promise of "later this year", most of us likely expected the holiday shopping season. It turns out, if Amazon is correct, the device will only just make it in time for that.
Xbox 180 -- Microsoft performs a U-turn and kills the hated DRM
In the first week of June, Microsoft demoed the Windows 8.1 interface, which included the return of the iconic start button. The lack of that button was a pain-point for some users and Microsoft responded by bringing it back. However, this did not signal defeat for the company's Modern UI -- it signaled that the company was listening to users.
Today, Microsoft continued this trend by announcing it was once again listening to users -- this time by killing the much maligned Xbox One DRM and used game restrictions.
Freemium developers are doing it all wrong
Am I naive in thinking that Freemium-based games should blow your socks off with an amazing gameplay experience during your first taste of the free game period?
This certainly doesn’t seem to be the case given nearly all the titles I'm seeing so far. What I’m invariably experiencing is a title that’s unremarkable, often tedious and bland by all measures, with the expectation for you to pay money to make it slightly more bearable.
Sony PS4 centers on games, takes less from your wallet
Let the battle of the next-generation gaming consoles begin. Sony has unveiled the latest PlayStation in its ongoing battle against Microsoft for your gaming dollars. This is a race to be sorted out by consumers, and it begins this holiday season when both consoles will hit the market.
"We are proud to unveil today the most advanced gaming system ever created, PlayStation 4, which demonstrates everything PlayStation stands for -- a relentless focus on the gamer, an inspired community of developers equipped with the most powerful technology, and the long-standing legacy to building worlds without boundaries through one-of-a-kind gaming experiences," said Jack Tretton, President and CEO of SCEA
Alien invasion! Alienware unveils three powerful new gaming laptops
On Tuesday, Dell subsidiary Alienware announced three new gaming laptops featuring 14-inch, 17-inch and 18-inch displays, boldly touted by the US company as "the most powerful [...] in the universe". Each device offers upgraded quad-core Intel "Haswell" Core processors, new video cards and a different design theme compared to its predecessor.
The Alienware 14 is the smallest and the most portable of the three. The laptop packs a 14-inch screen and is offered with fourth-generation Intel Core i7 processors, Nvidia GeForce 700 series video cards, DDR3L RAM memory and up to three storage drives. The most interesting feature, however, is the optional 14-inch matte IPS display with a resolution of 1920 by 1080, which should translate into great viewing angles and comfortable outdoor use.
Microsoft announces Xbox One availability and pricing -- Will you buy one?
The next Xbox was a lightning rod of controversy between rumors and the official announcement (and even that came without key details). Today's E3 keynote address fills in the information we were waiting for. Microsoft took the stage at the world's gaming mecca to deliver important information such as pricing and availability, as well as the all-important games stuff.
The console maker refers to its new lineup of games as "blockbuster", though that is for consumers to decide. Unveiled games include Ryse: Son of Rome, Forza Motorsport 5, Dead Rising 3, Project Spark, Sunset Overdrive and Titanfall. The biggest related news, however, is the unveiling of "Halo Xbox One", the next chapter of the gaming franchise developed by 343 Industries, which launches in 2014.
Grand Theft Auto developer plans new franchise for Ouya
Grand Theft Auto remains a popular game for both Playstation and Xbox platforms, but creator Dave Jones has since moved on, launching his own nWay Studio. Now the company, in conjunction with Android game console maker Ouya, announces a brand new franchise is launching.
ChronoBlade will debut later this year as a browser-based, free-to-play, RPG featuring up to 4-player gameplay. However, Ouya tells us that it will get an exclusive on the new game. "Ouya will be the very first platform to offer the Chronoblade demo which will be available this week via the DISCOVER storefront and playable at OUYA’s E3 location next week", the company says.
Temple Run braves Windows Phone 8
It has taken some time, but Windows Phone slowly gets the apps that users really want. The latest arrival is Temple Run Brave, which plays off of the Pixar Animation Studios movie that was released through Disney. It is the first of two themed Temple Run games, with Oz later making its way to the mobile gaming platform, though not yet to Microsoft's mobile OS.
Microsoft's Michael Stroh tells us "in Temple Run: Brave, you play Merida, heroine of the Disney/Pixar movie, as she races, slides, jumps, turns and shoots across Scotland’s backcountry wilds -- all in gorgeous visuals inspired by the film".
Halo rings the heads of Windows 8, Windows Phone 8 and Surface
Halo, the popular gaming series released back in 2001 by Bungie, is a big success for Microsoft. So much so that the company wishes to expand on the platform and port it over to other devices, both mobile and PC-based. The franchise has become a mainstay of Xbox, but the new version promises a refresh.
Halo: Spartan Assualt comes with new gameplay spanning 25 missions, an original story set between the events of "Halo 3" and "Halo 4", touch controls (in addition to keyboard and mouse), new achievements, integration with Halo 4 and more.
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