New 360 update Brings TV Content Tomorrow

Microsoft is pushing out its redesigned Xbox 360 interface tomorrow and with it comes the first wave of entertainment app updates for the console. In the UK this means a LoveFilm application but the US is getting some more meaningful additions like Hulu Plus, ESPN and Netflix. Other European countries are getting localized content so that Spain, for example, gets something called “Telefónica España Movistar Imagenio” which sounds brilliant, at least.


There is another wave of content due later this month which brings 4 On Demand and Demand 5 as well as various internet streaming services like MSN Crackle and blinkbox.


In 2012, there will be further access to MLB.TV in the US & BBC iPlayer access to the UK.


As well as a redesigned interface, this update brings Bing and increases the scope of the voice control with Kinect. Those 360 owners who want to will be able to search their consoles using Bing to find all related content as well as being able to control the new wealth of entertainment applications using voice and gesture.


I for one cannot wait for this release! 

Final Fantasy XIII Players Get A Special Item When Starting XIII-2

Final Fantasy XIII-2 will have at least two bonuses for fans that played the previous game. When you start Final Fantasy XIII-2, the game will show a series of narrated digest scenes that let players know what the characters have been up to. Producer Yoshinori Kitase also revealed Final Fantasy XIII save data will also unlock a special item. Kitase wouldn’t reveal what the gift is, but said it would be something handy that would not break game balance.


In the interview, Kitase discussed the Historia Crux system, which lets players travel through time. The development team implemented this feature so Final Fantasy XIII-2 would feel less linear than XIII. While you can travel to the future, you won’t be able to revisit Lightning’s journey during or before Final Fantasy XIII. The events of XIII caused time paradoxes, which allow Serah and Noel to travel through time. Kitase explained your actions affect the future. It is possible to change what happens in the game by making changes in the past. After completing Final Fantasy XIII-2 players will be able to replay any time period with their party fully powered up.


Kitase commented that Final Fantasy XIII-2 fits on one disc because the game uses real time rendering and less pre-rendered movies. This change also allowed the team to display different clothes and equipment during event scenes. He says load times should be short and if players want to lessen them they can install the game on Xbox 360. Since the interview was conducted on Xbox.com, Kitase did not say if the PlayStation 3 version would have an install option too.

Windows Phone 7

So, today in work, we were treated to a visit from Samsung & Microsoft, who were keen to show off there latest products, the Samsung Omnia 7 & Windows Phone 7.

Representing Microsoft was a friend of mine, Alex. I met Alex a few years ago when i started to use the T-Mobile Sidekick 3 mobile. I was (and still am) working in tech support for a mobile operator, he was working for Danger, the company who owned the Sidekick...... but i digress, back on topic.

I got a chance to play with Windows Phone 7, and must say - even as an Apple fanboi - it was quite good. I mean, not iPhone good (of corse), but it was very good. Here are some of the highlights.

• One home screen. Endless 'Tiles' 
• Integrated Facebook, Twitter & Contacts, in one 'Hub' 
• Ultra (and i really mean) Ultra responsive.
• No lag. I really mean it, there was 0 lag moving from app to app.
• MS Office - Slideshow's look amazing on this thing!! (Apple, take note)
• Zune Music - Unlimited music for £8.99 a month
• The big one...... XBOX LIVE!!!

Yep, Microsoft finally pulled there fingers out & added Xbox Live support to the phone. It allows you to get achievements for games & sync with the Xbox. It looked freaking sweet. I mean. Fucking amazing!

You can ask anyone who knows me, and they will tell you how much I hate Micro$haft. I hate there PC Operating system and I hate Windows Mobile 6.5 an below, but even I am drawn to Windows Phone 7. This is what happens when MS have there back to the wall. When they are the underdogs. Windows Phone 7 is what they come up with, and for the 2nd time, I may find myself liking a MS product.

Micro$oft, I am hooked on my Xbox. I love the 360. And I think Windows Phone 7 could be loved. You may win me over yet....

My top 5 Mobile Operating Systems:

1) Apple iOS

2) HP/Palm WebOS

3) Microsoft Windows Phone 7

4) Google Android

5) RIM Blackberry OS

New PC

What a day!!

Today, i have mostly been building a new PC for a mate at work, and its not bad if i say so myself.

• AMD Athlon II X3 3.0Ghz CPU (Tripple Core)
• ATI Radeon HD 5670 1Ghz GFX Card
• 4Gb DDR3 Ram
• 26x DVD-Writer
• 250Gb HDD
• Wi-fi Card
• Windows 7
• 18.5" LCD Monitor

All for £400!! Not bad eii?? It's a shame, but i can build & repair PC's with my eye's closed, yet I cant get a job doing it :-(...... Maybe i'll go into business online & do something. That could be fun...

On a side note, I got FIFA 11 for my Xbox 360 today, but only been able to play a few games so far. It's not bad. Cant really see much improvement since last year, but as I said, I have only played around 3 games. Hopefully i'll get a a chance to play tomorrow.

Time for a bit of Final Fantasy XIV now I think. My mate has changed server's, so i'm going to have to start the game again :-(, never mind, only got to level 10 anyway.

That's my blogging thingie done for the night. Laters peeps.