Xbox vs. Cable Box
Microsoft added three new video apps to its Xbox 360 console today that include on-demand content from Comcast, HBO GO, and MLB.TV. Microsoft announced the new Xbox TV last October, and the service debuted with offerings from Netflix, Hulu Plus, Vudu, and its own Zune store with plans to add more pay TV channel partners. Comcast’s Xfinity TV is the first time the cable TV giant has made its on-demand content available through a console, and HBO GO makes the network’s entire catalogue of shows available on the Xbox. Many of the offerings require separate pay TV subscriptions or...
read moreWindows Phone for $99
AT&T has confirmed that the Nokia Lumia 900 Windows Phone will go on sale April 8th for only $99 with a two-year contract. This is big improvement over the $800 bundles Nokia was selling the Lumia 800 for. The phone goes on preorder this Friday with two colors—black and cyan—available. We’ll see if this aggressive pricing fairs well for the Windows Phone...
read moreKinect for Windows
Kinect, Microsoft’s motion control peripheral, will soon be available for PCs in addition to the Xbox gaming console. Starting February 1st, you’ll be able to buy a Kinect made just for your computer for $249. Many have expressed surprise over the fact that Kinect for Windows costs $100 more than Kinect for Xbox (which has a standalone price of $149) with only minor changes in the hardware, but Microsoft insists that part of the Xbox price is subsidized by game and Xbox Live purchases. Kinect for Xbox has proven to be a hit with over 18-million units sold worldwide so far. With...
read moreXbox TV
Microsoft aims to transform television by partnering with entertainment leaders to offer live and on-demand TV, movies, games, sports, music and more on its Xbox console. From the press release: Xbox 360 brings all your entertainment, friends and family together in one place. Now, easily switch from playing your favorite game with a friend out of state or even across the world to watching your favorite TV show with your family members on the same couch, all through Xbox LIVE. Ready to mix things up? Effortlessly switch from games to music to live TV and more, simply by telling your Xbox...
read moreMicrosoft Zune Pass
Our builder friend and client, Steve from Texas informed me about the new Zune Pass from Microsoft and it’s integration with the Nuvo M3 Music Server. I have tested it out over the past 3 weeks and would like to share my findings. Zune Pass – What is it? Several years ago Microsoft came out with their Zune mp3 player to compete with Apple’s iPod devices. It’s had moderate success. To boost sales, Microsoft created a new subscription service called Zune Pass. For $15/mo, you have access to almost every song ever made. You can download songs, albums, and even full...
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