There have been a lot of exciting reports coming out of Microsoft’s X10 gaming event over the last few days. What follows is a compilation of some of the biggest announcements and rumors from the event. Full Story
With no real announcement Microsoft has dropped the price of its Zune HD 16GB and 32GB models by $20. The Microsoft online store, as well as Best Buy, have the media players priced at $199 and $269 respectively. Amazon and Walmart have dropped the 32GB model by $40, offering it at $249 (Reg. $289). The 16GB model is currently $188 (Reg. $219). Full Story
In a couple days Microsoft will expand the capabilities of its Xbox LIVE service, adding the ability to stream high-definition movies from Zune in full 1080p HD. Social networking apps Facebook and Twitter will also be added, as well as audio from Last.Fm and a news section with MSNBC content. Full Story
Not to be undone by the success of Playstation 3’s recent sales, largely in part to a $100 price reduction, Microsoft is now offering an incentive to purchase their gaming console. The company is giving a $50 rebate on the purchase of an Xbox 360 Elite
Two years after Halo 3 was released, Microsoft and game developer Bungie have released Halo 3: ODST, a continuation of the first person shooter which takes place in the 26th century, and pits your characters against the alien race alliance known as the Covenant. Full Story
A leaked promotional video for the new Zune HD shows off its confirmed features, including a glimpse of its capability to download and play games. Although the video was a leak apparently from Buy.com, it confirmed the portable device will be directly competing with Apple’s iPhone and Sony’s PSP. Full Story
Yesterday Microsoft announced plans to “raise the bar” for streaming HD video online by releasing IIS Media Services 3.0 incorporating Live Smooth Streaming for high-definition (720p) video, and easing the use of their Silverlight browser plug-in. Full Story
Microsoft’s improved digital media player is now available for pre-order
SureWest Communications says it will use Microsoft’s Mediaroom IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) software platform to deliver TV service. The area will include SureWest’s Sacramento, California market where the company has an existing fiber-optic and copper line network. Full Story
Microsoft has teamed up with a number of animation partners including Japanese studio Toei Animation (see anime interpretation on right) to create a series of short films based on the “Halo” franchise. Other studios involved in creating the films include Bones Inc., Casio Entertainment Inc., Production I.G, and STUDIO4 Degrees C. Full Story
In today’s news Microsoft and Akamai Technologies are partnering to bring HD video to PCs. According to an article from CNET, the streaming service will run on Windows Server 2008 with Microsoft’s Silverlight media player. Akamai, who develops software for web content and application delivery, will market the streaming service worldwide. Full Story
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