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Xbox LIVE Update Preview Sign-Up

Another Xbox LIVE update is nearly upon us, and it’s one that adds a whole slew of features to Microsoft’s mighty machine. With it, Canadian users will be able to use Facebook, Twitter, and the Zune marketplace all from the comfort of their couches, or wherever else they happen to game.

Microsoft is offering Xbox owners the opportunity to get a sneak peek at the upcoming features. All you need to do is visit this site and be prepared to fork over the following information:

• Your 12-digit console ID
• Your 12-digit console serial number
• Your Xbox LIVE Gamertag
• Your Windows LIVE ID associated with your Gamertag

Not all applicants will get in to the preview program, but if you’re the curious type, it’s worth a shot.

Via Ve3tro.com

Posted in LIVE, News Bytes, Xbox 360, Zune | No Comments »

Microsoft Announces Zune HD

Today Microsoft announced the Zune HD will go head-to-head with market juggernaut the iPod Touch, according to CNET News. The device will be available this fall and will have a touch screen interface based on Windows CE. With the Zune HD, users will be able to surf the net, play HD movies (including on their TVs via a dock), and tune into digital radio signals.

Microsoft is expected to announce plans for a Zune-branded video marketplace for the Xbox 360, replacing the current TV and video service on LIVE. Games that utilize the new touch capabilities can’t be far behind.

While many have criticized the Zune openly in the past, their tune might change as the Zune HD looks like it could be a contender in the handheld gaming market. As a Zune owner, I can truthfully say I prefer mine to other music players I own – and yes, that includes an iPod.

Posted in Awesome, News Bytes, Zune | 2 Comments »

HOLIDAY HINTS
Lips for Xbox 360

Singing is something just about everybody likes to do, whether they’re good at it or not. Everyone wants to be a star, and this holiday hint may not make your gamer friend a star, but will certainly make him/her feel like one.

Bugsy can and will tell you, in great detail, how much he loves the SingStar series of games on the PlayStation consoles. Taking the kitsch appeal of karaoke, adding a scoring component to it, and playing music videos in the background of it all is a great set-up, and it can be the source of some fun times at a party.

Now Microsoft has unleashed its entry into the genre upon us. How does it fare? Well, it’s karaoke, with music videos and points. But a few things set Lips apart from the SingStar series. Most notably, the microphones that come with the game have both motion sensors and flashing lights in them. No, I’m not talking about the band The Flashing Lights (who sadly have zero to no Internet presence now that they’ve disbanded)(though how cool would that be?). I’m talking about the dazzling, mesmerizing kind of flashing lights.

Read the rest »

Posted in Holiday Hints, Music, Reviews, Xbox 360, Zune | 4 Comments »

Bargain Alert
8GB Zune on sale for $99.99 at Future Shop

If you’ve been holding out on getting a Zune, now seems to be a great time to buy one. Future Shop has cut the price of the 8GB Zune to $99.99, but the sale ends November 20. This is the exact same model that I own and I consider it to be the best MP3 player I’ve used. Read my reviews of the 8GB and 120GB models for more details.

Posted in Awesome, Bargains, Zune | No Comments »

REVIEW
120GB Zune is Massive and Mighty

Pictured above: The Gears of War 2 special edition 120 GB Zune.

I received an 8GB Zune as part of a Microsoft promotional campaign this summer. My thoughts about it can be read here. Overall, I was very impressed with the tiny device and felt it was an all-around better music player than not only Apple’s iPod, but every other player I’ve used.

Recently, I was sent a review unit of the new 120GB Zune. It’s huge by comparison, both in storage and physical size. The 120GB could easily fracture your toe, if you’re unfortunate enough to drop it on your foot. At first, I didn’t like that this bigger Zune was so much… bigger. But after a few days it began to grow on me, and my poor little 8GB player was left on my nightstand.

But the 120GB monster isn’t just big in form factor. What used to be a time-consuming task of meticulously picking 8 gigs of music that I’d want to listen to on a frequent basis was now non-existent. I could fit every album I’ve ever ripped to MP3 on this massive beast. What I didn’t realize till actually taking it on the go with me is that the discretion I use to select songs to put on its 8 gig brother was still there – only now I had to go through making that choice every time I wanted to listen to music.

Read the rest »

Posted in Awesome, Music, Reviews, Zune | 6 Comments »