Microsoft updates Xbox D-Pad controller

Halo: Reach review copy hacked into

Hackers who claim to be from the Game-Tut.com website were able to hack into the downloadable review copy of Halo: Reach. The Xbox 360 title scheduled for full release on Sept. 14, 2010 was made available to early media reviewers who could enter a unique code to access the digital copy. The hackers (referred to as modders), were able to remove that access code requirement and play the game. Full Story

4GB Xbox 360 Arcade now shipping for $199

The new 4GB Xbox 360 “Arcade” is now shipping and features built-in Wi-Fi (802.11n), reduced power consumption, and less noise than previous models. The model is basically the same as the 250GB elite, except with a 4GB Flash Drive. The 4GB model is also Kinect ready (Kinect controller-free accessory will ship Nov. 4, 2010). Full Story

Microsoft’s Xbox Live Gold Family Pack Unveiled

Microsoft unveiled today a new subscription plan that gives families that have both gamer parents and children a great bargain. The Xbox Live Gold Family Plan features four one-year Xbox Live Gold Memberships for $99.99, the price of two regular subscriptions (and a savings of $100). Full Story

Leaner Xbox 360 250GB now shipping

The new Xbox 360 from Microsoft is now officially shipping. The leaner Xbox (also being referred to as “Slim” but officially going by “Xbox 360 250GB”) features a 250GB removable hard drive, built-in Wi-Fi (802.11n), reduced power consumption, and less noise than previous models. The new model retails for $299. Full Story

Rumor: Xbox 360 to support Hulu

Rumor has it that Microsoft will unveil Hulu’s streaming video service working on the Xbox 360 at this month’s E3 convention in Los Angeles. This info comes from Gear Live who says they heard it from one of their reliable sources.  Full Story

Netflix chooses Microsoft PlayReady and PIFF format

Microsoft PlayReady and Protected Interoperable File Format (PIFF) have become the chosen formats for Netflix streaming content, according to a Microsoft announcement today. The agreement makes PlayReady the primary content protection technology for new Netflix supported Internet TVs, home theater systems, Blu-ray Disc Players, game consoles and other electronic devices. Full Story

Fable 3 Coming to Games For Windows, 360 Version Gets Limited Edition

When the box art for Fable III leaked online last week, gamers quickly noticed the “Only on Xbox 360 & Windows” stamp that apparently revealed the PC version of the game before its official debut. Microsoft confirmed the release today, in addition to announcing a 360-exclusive Limited Collector’s Edition. Full Story

Beta gears Halo: Reach to hit shelves Sept. 14

After a 2-week beta testing period during which 2.7 million gamers played 16 million hours of “Halo: Reach” (amounting to 1,826 years of game time), Microsoft today officially announced the full world-wide release date as Sept. 14, 2010 (Japan on Sept. 15). This will be the last Halo title from developer Bungie before Microsoft takes full control of the franchise. Full Story

What’s happening in gaming this month?

You know, it’s months like May 2010 that make it great to be a gamer. With so much happening this month, I’m actually surprised you’re reading this and not tethered to your 360 or waiting impatiently outside your local Gamestop. What makes this such a good month for video games? Well, take a look: Full Story

Halo: Reach Beta begins, sets worldwide record

On Monday, Microsoft officially started the beta for Halo: Reach, one of this year’s most anticipated releases. The company says that it is the biggest multiplayer beta in history.

Millions of users hopped online to test the game out before its release. The testing period is running through May 19th, during which the game’s developer Bungie will analyze network traffic and balance gameplay based on player activity. Access to the beta was included with copies of last year’s Halo: ODST. Invite codes were given out through online promotions from sites like USA Today as well. Full Story

Microsoft responds to Apple vs Adobe discussion

Says IE9 will only support H.264 in HTML5 environment.

You may have heard of Steve Jobs’ open letter to Adobe about the use of Flash on websites and to deliver video to PCs and mobile devices. To put it simply, Jobs thinks Flash’s days are numbered. In his own words, “Flash is the number one reason Macs crash.” Full Story

‘Alan Wake’ live-action prequel to hit Xbox Live on April 25th

If the wait for the release of Remedy Interactive’s Alan Wake is becoming too much to handle, don’t worry; Microsoft has heard your resonating cries of anguish and is offering up a live-action prequel to quell the anxiety. Bright Falls, an episodic prequel shot on location in Oregon, is set to make its premiere on Xbox Live on April 25th. Full Story

Halo 3 now on Xbox Live for $30

Get excited, FPS junkies: Halo 3 is now available on the Xbox Live Marketplace at an affordable $30 price point. For those that missed it the first time around, Halo 3 continues the adventures of Master Chief and is the conclusion to a story first started in Halo and Halo 2. The game has been supplemented with a wide variety of DLC multiplayer maps. Full Story

Microsoft Zune HD 64 dead in the water?

Microsoft released a 64GB version of their Zune HD, dropping the prices of the 16GB and 32GB models in the process. But the announcement came without much fanfare from the tech community. Is the Zune HD already dead in the water? And if so, does it deserve it? Full Story