Monthly Archives: October 2009
Most People Think Xbox 360 Games Look Better
Microsoft: ‘Most People Think Xbox 360 Games Look Better’
Sony’s PS3 finally had its moment in the limelight, taking top honors in September hardware unit sales, but according to research firm NPD, Microsoft’s Xbox 360 platform “contributed the most to industry unit and dollar sales,” ringing up 32 percent of the month’s turnaround video game revenue.
Microsoft was quick to point this out in a post-NPD sales call last night.
“We’ve been beating the drum on this for a long time, that you have to look at more than just the number of consoles or games that are shipped,” said Microsoft spokesperson David Dennis. “If you look at the full ecosystem, we have $404 million consumer dollars spent. That’s over $100 million more than Sony and roughly $120 million more than Nintendo. It shows the high level of engagement of consumers on the platform.”
Accessorize Me
Part of the ecosystem often overlooked in the monthly rush to proclaim hardware or software winners involves game accessories. NPD doesn’t itemize accessory sales, but notes Microsoft held five of the top 10 slots comprising September’s $157 million in overall accessory-related revenue.
“Our accessory attach rate is higher than anyone’s,” said Dennis. “It’s 4.1 for us, 2.2 for PS3, and 3.4 for the Wii. That mirrors software too. We typically have a very high attach rate, which–getting back to total dollars spent–shows the high level of consumer engagement with the platform. They don’t just buy it once with the pack-in game, then sit around and not use it. They’re out actively spending, which is great for the industry.”
But what about the Xbox 360′s accessory pricing, broadly criticized as unusually–and, some would argue, unjustifiably–high-priced?
“Accessory pricing is certainly something we’ve heard a lot about from consumers,” said Dennis. “That said, we go to great lengths to ensure the accessories we’re selling are high quality. A lot of the price comparisons you hear have to do with the hard drive, but your average off-the-shelf PC hard drive isn’t as exhaustively tested or run through the same quality and safety compliance checklists we employ.”
Topping the list of arguments favoring existing pricing? First-party loyalty, says Dennis. “The fact that people continue to purchase our accessories over a lot of third-party alternatives in many instances shows that people do gravitate toward the ones they know they can trust.”
Xbox 360 ‘Outmatched’ by PS3?
EEDAR Analyst Jesse Divnich recently described Microsoft’s Xbox 360 as “technologically…not at the same level as” Sony’s PS3, adding that “this puts the Xbox 360 into a tough position where it is outmatched in terms of hardware capabilities.”
Debating Xbox 360 and PS3 performance is a bit like arguing whether Minnesota’s Adrian Peterson is a better running back than Chicago’s Matt Forte, but I put the question to Dennis to get his position.
“Of course I don’t agree with Jesse’s take,” said Dennis. “I think we’ve been able to show that third-party developers and Microsoft Game Studios are able to extract tons of amazing, immersive experiences from the 360. It’s got all the bells and whistles, and in most head-to-head cases I’ve seen with multiplatform games, people generally think the Xbox 360 games look better.
“The 360′s clearly a powerful piece of hardware that can hold its own against anyone.”
Third-Party Helping the Industry Party
The recession finally caught up with video games last March and ran year-over-year numbers down for six consecutive months–you couldn’t swing a ruler without hitting dour sales data until September.
Does Microsoft think the downturn’s over?
“I’ll leave the forecasting to the analysts, but I look at the short term windows and certainly feel like the industry’s in position to have a great holiday,” said Dennis. “There’s an amazing lineup of games on the horizon, particularly games for the Xbox 360, along with features we’re bringing to the table like Facebook and Twitter.”
“The 360 also drives a ton of third-party spend. If you look at just this month, $154 million dollars was spent on third-party games for the Xbox 360, compared to $88 million on the Wii, or $114 million on the PS3. So I think the Xbox 360 is doing a lot to drive value for the industry and help its partners as well as the industry grow.”
Xbox LIVE: Double the Price?
Yesterday Microsoft’s Xbox LIVE pricing went under the microscope when Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter suggested the company’s $50 Xbox LIVE membership fee, which players pay to access special features, could double in the next couple years.
“You can’t hook a guy into Xbox LIVE Gold if he’s playing on a PC,” said Pachter. “That’s the other problem. You really want to hook every gamer who has a 360, you want them to buy all their games on 360, play everything multiplayer, pay $50 a year, so that in a couple of years, it’s $100 a year. That’s going up, we all know that.”
Microsoft’s response?
“I don’t foresee a scenario where we’re going to double the price of LIVE anytime in the next couple months,” said Dennis.
So not a flat denial (Pachter spoke in terms of years, after all, not months) but clearly something off-radar for LIVE’s near-term future.
Peace of mind through the holidays, then.
Contest FORZA 3 with AUDI
“Forza Motorsport” has been at the pinnacle of racing video games since its arrival on the scene in 2005. “Forza Motorsport 3″ will set a new standard for the modern racing game. Featuring the Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro prominently as its “hero” car, the creators of “Forza Motorsport 3″ have worked closely with Audi engineers to model the R8 V10 to an intricate degre.
Forza Motorsport 3 is the automotive playground we’ve all been waiting for. Forza Motorsport 3 is where dreams are driven.
Xbox 360 is a premier video game and entertainment system. It is home to the best and broadest games plus more entertainment than any other device connected to the TV. The digital center of the living room, Xbox 360 blends unbeatable content, including personal pictures and music, with a unified online social network to create a limitless entertainment experience that can be shared at home or across the globe.
Audi is offering you the chance to win this exciting entertainment system.
Just Play and win !
Click HERE to know more.
Burger King Japan selling Windows 7 burgers
Microsoft has taken the unusual step of promoting Windows 7 in Japan with Burger King’s launch of a Windows 7 Whopper. Fitting in with the software theme, the burger stacks seven patties in an otherwise normal Whopper and measures 5.1 inches tall. It also has an appropriate 777 yen ($8.53) price.
Burger King Japan selling Windows 7 burgers
The stunt isn’t unique for Microsoft’s Windows 7 launch, which in the run-up to Thursday’s introduction has repeated the “seven” theme in multiple publicity events; it launched a giveaway of the new OS for every resident of the Dutch village of Zevenhuizen (“Seven Houses”) and decorated parts of the Spanish village Sietes (“Sevens”) in Windows-themed colors. The campaign contrasts sharply against the more traditional ads of Vista and earlier Windows releases, highlighting Microsoft’s desire to turn around its public image.
In North America, most of the developer’s less conventional advertising has centered around promoting Windows 7 house parties and its first retail stores.
To make a short tour on Windows 7, click HERE.
EXPERIENCE THE ULTIMATE DRIVING THRILL OF THE WORLD’S BEST CARS AS FORZA MOTORSPORT 3 COMES TO XBOX 360
From today, Forza Motorsport 3 is available. I’m sure you will enjoy.
Take a look here-below, at the review.
If you want to know more on FORZA Motorsport 3, just click HERE
Here-below, you will also find the official Press RELEASE.
EXPERIENCE THE ULTIMATE DRIVING THRILL OF THE WORLD’S BEST CARS AS FORZA MOTORSPORT 3 COMES TO XBOX 360
Highly-anticipated new release of the legendary Forza series launches today
INSERT CITY – October 23, 2009 – Anyone who’s ever dreamed of getting behind the wheel of a high performance supercar is about to get one step closer to making that dream a reality, as Forza Motorsport 3 – the game that gives you the keys to the world’s high performance cars – launches exclusively on Xbox 360 on October 23. The standard game will available for €69,99 or a limited Collector’s Edition, for €74,99.
With over 400 cars to choose from, a range of new tracks and the most cutting edge new graphics and physics engine of any driving game, Forza Motorsport 3 is set to provide the most high-octane, adrenalin pumping experience for anyone – whether you’re a professional racing driver or just someone who’s ever wondered what it would be like to drive a £300,000 Ferrari.
While previous Forza games have offered committed racing fans the most immersive and realistic motorsport simulation available, Forza Motorsport 3 builds on that by enabling more casual gamers the chance to get involved by being easier to pick up and play than ever before. New players can enjoy the benefits of automatic braking, traction control, ABS and other driver aids to make the cars easier to handle. This means anyone can pick up the controller and live the dream of driving the kind of exotic machines they’d only dreamed about. There is even a new ‘Gameplay Rewind’ function that enables players to go back if they make a mistake halfway through. Hardened Forza racers can still switch off all the car assists to enjoy the most realistic and challenging experience possible.
Whilst playing Forza Motorsport 3 solo will be more than enough for some, the fun really begins when players log into Xbox LIVE. Expected to be one of the most played games on Xbox’s online entertainment service, Forza Motorsport 3 enables up to eight people to play against each other in realtime, each using their own custom made cars. You can also buy, sell and exchange cars through the Auction House, share paintjobs, car set ups and much much more, meaning the experience extends well behind just the driving.
The standard game will available from October 23 for €69,99 or the limited Collector’s Edition, for €74,99. It will also be available as part of the ‘Forza Motorsport 3 Super Elite Bundle’ for €329,99. This offers a copy of the game complete with the all-new 250GB Super Elite console complete two controller and Xbox LIVE headset, to get new gamers up and running with the biggest and best motorsport gaming experience available on any console.
More info can be found at http://www.xbox.com and http://www.forzamotorsport.net
Worth watching! Steve Ballmer in front of 600 students in the Netherland.
Worth watching! Steve Ballmer in front of 600 students in the Netherland.
On October 8th, Nova Collega Tour visited Erasmus University in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
More than 600 students showed up to see Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer
This has been broadcasted on Dutch television.
Click here to watch this.
First feedback from viewers were very positive. These feedback were received through the editors of Nova College Tour.
• ‘Great energy.’
• ‘An example to Dutch CEOs who are basically waiting out the crisis.’
• ‘The students were very excited, why are people still saying the next generation is up to nothing?!’
• ‘Fantastic guy, Steve should teach our CEOs about performing on TV.’
Just look at video here-below, just an extract of the full-video.
My Interview in LE SOIR (MOI Jeux)
This is in FRENCH
Découvrez l’interview que j’ai donné au SOIR (MOI Jeux) au niveau de la Xbox 360 et des perspectives qu’offre la Xbox 360 en matière de Video-On-demand, d’intégration Facebook, ainsi que du projet NATAL.
Pour lire l’article original, cliquer ici
Ci dessous, la copie de l’interview.
Comment compléter d’avantage une offre déjà exhaustive en matière de divertissement multimédia ? Microsoft apporte cette réponse avec l’arrivée de nouveaux services pour sa console Xbox 360. Entretien avec David Merzel, en charge du divertissement chez Microsoft Belgique.
Si le mois de septembre est synonyme de rentrée scolaire, il l’est aussi pour les jeux vidéo. Microsoft ne déroge pas à la règle avec la sortie récente de Halo 3 : ODST ou bien celle de Forza Motorsport 3 dans deux semaines. Mais la Xbox 360 ne se limite pas aux softwares ludiques comme nous le précise le directeur de la branche Xbox chez Microsoft Belgique David Merzel. « Notre console se positionne comme un centre de divertissement pour toute la famille et sous toutes les formes possibles. C’est pour cela que de nouveaux services sont déjà prévus à l’automne pour enrichir les possibilités : la vidéo à la demande et les services sociaux Twitter et Facebook. » Cette première « nouveauté » s’est faite attendre sur le territoire belge. Non pas pour des restrictions techniques mais bien pour une question de droits. On peut aussi soupçonner le fait que la Belgique ne représente pas un marché stratégique pour le géant de Redmond. Côté pratique, il vous sera loisible de louer un film soit en streaming, soit en téléchargement sur le disque dur. Dans les deux cas, le film sera disponible 24h une fois la lecture commencée. Côté technique, les films seront disponibles soit en SD, soit en HD (1080p). Aucun prix de communiqué actuellement. Les réseaux sociaux arriveront vraisemblablement le 9 novembre, soit en même temps que la VOD mais la date reste à confirmer. Rien de prévu par contre pour Last FM ou 1 contre 100, le jeu inspiré du programme télé. Dommage.
Natal : un futur standard ?
On ne pouvait pas rencontrer le patron de Xbox Belgique sans aborder le cas de Natal, ce fameux projet présenté comme révolutionnaire par Microsoft lors de l’E3 dernier. Pour rappel, ce système tient en une sorte de caméra branchée à la console qui calcule vos mouvements et paroles, le tout ayant une répercussion sur le jeu. David Merzel nous avouait ne pas avoir testé le produit lui-même, mais à l’instar de ce qu’il s’est lu sur la toile, Natal l’a impressionné. « Les échos sont très positifs, que ce soit pour le temps de réponde ou la précision. Ce que l’on veut offrir avec Natal c’est une autre manière de jouer. » Comme sur la Wii ? « Non car Nintendo a imposé son système par rapport à une manette traditionnelle. Avec Natal, on propose un système alternatif qui ne remplacera pas la manette. De cette manière, à la fois les « core gamers » et les « casual gamers » trouveront leur bonheur sur Xbox 360. » Reste deux inconnues à ce jour : la date de sortie (même si un vague courant 2010 a été avancé durant l’été) mais surtout le prix. Natal intègre des technologies récentes et/ou assez poussées (processeur et software dédiés, micro multidirectionnel ou caméra de calcul 3D), ce qui nous laisse imaginer un prix assez élevé. « Natal sera de toute manière proposé en complément de la console mais sera surtout compatible avec toutes les consoles sur le marché, de la première vendue jusqu’aux plus récentes.Avec Natal, nous pouvons tabler sur une durée de vie d’environ 10 ans pour la console.”. »
Le marché des portables, un filon pas encore exploité
S’il est bien un marché sur lequel Microsoft n’a pas encore posé ses valises c’est bien celui des consoles portables. Sony a embrayé le pas de Nintendo il y a quelques années avec sa PSP. Si la question est abordée, c’est parce que vient de sortir aux Etats-Unis le Zune HD. Il s’agit du baladeur multimédia de Microsoft dont les prédécesseurs n’ont jamais vu le jour sur le vieux continent. Ce concurrent à l’Ipod Touch propose des capacités techniques sur papier aussi intéressantes et identiques que son ennemi. Sachant qu’Apple s’est lancé dans le jeu vidéo avec son App Store, Microsoft pourrait-il en faire autant ? « Il n’y a pas de plans de prévu dans ce sens » répond David Merzel. « La sortie du Zune HD en Belgique est aussi incertaine que Microsoft ne se lance dans le jeu vidéo portable. » Voilà qui a le mérite d’être clair. Cela dit, l’arrivée du Zune Video Marketplace (le service de vidéos à la demande susmentionné) nous laisse penser que Microsoft tente une première incursion de la marque Zune en Europe. Une voie pour introduire le Zune HD par la suite ? L’avenir nous en dira plus.
Les côtés obscurs
A l’heure actuelle, cela reste compliqué de situer la console sur le marché belge et pour cause, le fabricant se refuse à communiquer le moindre chiffre. Est-ce que la 360 serait moins présente dans nos salons que ce que Microsoft voudrait bien nous laisser supposer ? Toujours est-il que la firme de Redmond semble ignorer la concurrence de plus en plus féroce de la part de ses concurrents. On ne commente ni la baisse de prix de la PS3 ni le lancement de la PSPgo du côté de chez Microsoft Belgique où David Merzel préfère rester concentré sur ses produits. « Nous avions décidé nos baisses de tarif avant même de connaître les intentions de Playstation. La PSPgo ? Je pense que Microsoft a clairement démontré qu’un assortiment de titres physiques et dématérialisés était un business model rentable à tout point de vue. Il est encore trop tôt pour envisager une dématérialisation totale du jeu vidéo. »
Sébastien Capette
Pour en savoir plus sur le projets NATAL (qui fonctionnera sur les consoles Xbox 360 actuelles), visionnez les 2 vidéos ci-dessous.
Gagnez une Xbox !
Il y a pour le moment un concours sur MSN pour gagner des jeux et des consoles.
Clique sur le lien suivant pour participer et gagner !
Win een Xbox 360 Elite
Er is momenteel een wedstrijn op MSN om consoles and games te winnen.
Click op volgende link !
The three-screen scenario through Windows…
Take a look also at this VIDEO explaining the three-screen scenario through Windows…
Americans may consume video on the “best screen available” yet consumers’ time with TV, Internet and Mobile video keeps on increasing. The recent results of Nielsen’s Three Screen Report shows that the average American every month watches approximately 153 hours of TV at home. In addition, the 131 million Americans who watch video on the Internet watch on average about 3 hours of video online each monthat home or work. The 13.4 million Americans who watch video on mobile phones watch on average about 3 ½ hours of mobile video each month.
Furthermore, teens age 13-17 continue to be avid viewers of mobile video; they report viewing an average of 6.5 hours of video on their mobile phones each month.
With broadband levels increasing in the U.S., online video audiences will continue to grow as consumers begin to upgrade their PCs to support increased video consumption. Growth also hinges on how broadband channels promote themselves. As sites continue to aggressively market themselves, they’ll increase the levels of growth by creating demand.
Today, after the big public screen in cinemas, the TV screens home and the personal compurter screen, have a look at the fourth mobile individual screen and imagine how all of them will be able to interact with each other in the future…
Amazing and Inspiring Video : the future seen by Microsoft.
.
You probably have already heard about the Natal project.
Besides using it for gaming purposes, Microsoft will also use the natal technologies (e.g. voice, movement and facial recognition) in the business evironment.
Look at this very inspiring video and see what the future would then look like.
If you have not heard about Natal Project yet, look at this video and take also a look at my previous POST by clicking here
A short tour on Windows 7.
As you probably know, Windows 7 is available from the 22nd of Oct and this is a really cool.
I’m on Windows 7 (Beta and then Relaese Candidate) for some months and I really enjoy it !
This is fast and really user-friendly !
See below a short tour on Windows 7.
Look a some 7 seconds demo Windows 7
Windows allows you to work from anywhere…
I also enjoy to have Windows on My mobile.
So, I can chat, read a PPT, xls from my mobile and of course go to outlook, windows live, facebook, …
now it’s up to you to use it …
See below interraction between Windows PC and Windows Phone.
Windows 7 is really easy to use for everyone within the familly
See below a cool advertising
Have also a look at this funny video showing that when you have a job, PCs are the right tool to use… just for fun!
Click HERE to discover how BURGER KING has launched a WINDOWS 7 Burger.
Major gamemakers developing for Natal
Microsoft: Major gamemakers developing for Natal.
CNET News’ Ina Fried got a chance to try out a demo of Project Natal earlier this year.
Microsoft noted that nearly all of the big names in video games are working on titles that take advantage of the motion sensing technology.
See below the Natal Video.
As reminder, Natal will work on current Xbox 360 as the software is in the camera !
As you can discover in this video, you won’t need anymore controller. You are the controller and the camera recognizes your face, movement, voice, …
Look also MILO video, this is amazing.
Milo recognizes your voice, your emotion and can read a piece of paper, …
Microsoft has been pretty quiet about its Project Natal since showing off the motion-capture technology at E3 earlier this year.
However, a lot has been going on behind the scenes, particularly in getting developers to build games that can take advantage of the technology, which lets a player control a game with their body as opposed to a joystick. In an announcement at the Tokyo Game Show on Thursday, Microsoft noted that nearly all of the big names in video games are working on Natal titles.
Microsoft’s list includes Activision, Capcom, Disney, EA, Konami, MTV, Namco Bandai, Sega, Square Enix, THQ, and Ubisoft. Game makers have had development kits in their hands since June, Microsoft said.
“‘Project Natal’ gives the industry’s creators and storytellers the freedom to dream of new experiences and to tell stories never before possible,” Microsoft Senior Vice President Don Mattrick said in a statement. Microsoft has yet to announce further details on Natal, such as when it will be released and how much it will cost, but many expect the add-on to debut next year.
Microsoft has said that Natal, which consists of an RGB camera, depth sensor, and multi-array microphone, will be sold as an add-on to the existing Xbox 360 console.
“Project Natal could fundamentally change the way players experience sports games,” EA Sports President Peter Moore said in a statement. “At EA, some of our top development teams are experimenting with these tools with the goal of delivering a completely fresh take on genres like sports and racing.”
Ubisoft, meanwhile, talked about the opportunity to reach new audiences.
“With the 3D camera, your body can become the interface,” Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot said in a statement. “Any barrier related to the use of pad controllers that may have existed for potential gamers is now abolished.”
Microsoft’s own game studios are also working on several projects, the company said.
To get an idea of how Natal looks in action, here’s a video report I did earlier this year after getting a chance to try out Natal firsthand.
Have also a look at an interview of Steve Ballmer on NATAL by clicking HERE
Less Trick, More Treat with “Lips” Songs in October
Friday, October 02, 2009 6:00 AM Gamerscore News
Less Trick, More Treat with “Lips” Songs in October
Killer tunes from Colbie Caillat, The Supremes, Erasure and more will satisfy everyone’s musical sweet tooth
With Halloween around the corner, why settle for candy when you can have this month’s latest musical treats from “Lips”? Add a fresh twist to your costumed get-together by inviting your friends and family over to dress up as their favorite “Lips” artists, with smash songs from The Pretenders, Colbie Caillat, Erasure and The Supremes and more. Get your monster mash on by adding October’s catchy melodies to your collection from Xbox LIVE Marketplace or the in-game Get Music Store.
With the latest from “Lips,” you can show off some sass with “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It)” by En Vogue, remember summer weddings with “Lucky” from Jason Mraz featuring Colbie Caillat, and croon to the thumping bass from “Return Of The Mack” by Mark Morrison. Best of all, there’s no need to hide your wallet in fear as October’s songs and other sing-along hits are available for 160 Microsoft Points each, with the The Supremes song pack for 440 Microsoft Points.
Available on Oct 2:
My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It) – En Vogue
Breakfast at Tiffany’s – Deep Blue Something
Available on Oct 9:
Barely Breathing – Duncan Sheik
Always – Erasure
Available on Oct 16:
Chains of Love – Erasure
Return of The Mack – Mark Morrison
Lucky – Jason Mraz feat. Colbie Caillat
Available on Oct 23:
Baby Love – The Supremes
Stop! In The Name of Love – The Supremes
You Can’t Hurry Love – The Supremes
The Supremes Song Pack – Includes Baby Love, Stop! In The Name Of Love and You Can’t Hurry Love
Available on Oct 30:
I’ll Stand By You – The Pretenders
Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For You – Glenn Medeiros
Geile Zeit – Juli*
Nichts Bringt Mich Runter – Ich + Ich*
Dis Wo Ich Herkomm–Samy Deluxe *
Coming this October in North America and Europe, and November in Asia Pacific regions, “Lips: Number One Hits” will debut with 40 global chart-topping songs on-disc, including Lady Gaga, Kanye West, Mariah Carey, Sugababes, Scissor Sisters, Lily Allen and more. New features in “Lips: Number One Hits” lets players jump into the game with Avatar integration and unlockable Avatar Awards for you to show off to all your friends online, while new gameplay challenges and active Leaderboard rankings heat up the competition. The Xbox 360 Wireless Microphones that come with ”Lips” are also compatible with other hit music games, making Xbox 360 the premier destination for music game fans everywhere. More information on “Lips” is available at http://www.xbox.com/lips.
*Note: These songs are only available in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Belgium.
cool demo on SURFACE around the BEER.
If you are not thirsty yet you will be after this demo.
Discover a cool demo on SURFACE (from Microsoft) around the BEER World.
To know more on Surface, take also a look at this VIDEO
