Microsoft has made Avatar Kinect available to all Xbox Live users for free. It was first revealed and demoed during CES ‘11, by Steve Ballmer. Little was announced at that time, however last week we reported it will arrive by July 27th, but Microsoft has made it available today.
Permalink: Avatar Kinect Available To All Xbox Live Users Now! [VIDEO DEMO]
Avatar Kinect for Xbox Live will be launched on July 27, by Microsoft.
Permalink: Microsoft Xbox Live Avatar Kinect To Be Released on July 27
After ages of wishing, users have finally gotten their hands on a working WP7 ROM for Windows Phone 7. But an issue has remained that Windows Live/Xbox Live Services do not work on it by default. A fix has been developed for it though by guys over at XDA. Here’s how you can fix Windows Live/Xbox Live services on your HTC HD 2 running WP7 ROM:
Permalink: How to Get Live Services Fully Working on HTC HD2 Running Windows Phone 7 ( WP7 ROM )
Microsoft would be introducing a new XBOX 360 controller this winter which will feature an adjustable directional control pad (D pad). This controller was revealed by XBOX live programming director Larry Hryb on his blog on Tuesday. Larry Hryb, most commonly known by his gamer tag “Major Nelson”, demonstrated how the D Pad exactly works.
Permalink: Microsoft to introduce new XBOX 360 Controller with an Adjustable D Pad
During the first unveiling of Windows Phone 7, we had been told that it will have Xbox for games but we never really had much details about the games. Watching developer videos about it never gave a great idea, so Microsoft has finally announced some details about the gaming platform on Windows Phone 7. They have announced the list of game titles that would be available at launch. The list is impressive and most of us are familiar with the big names in the list already. Xbox Live for Windows 7 will 60 games at launch initially and the list will keep on increasing with Xbox Live Market Place. Some of the big names in the list are Castlevania, Halo: Waypoint, Star Wars,Crackdown, and Guitar Hero.
Permalink: Microsoft Announces Impressive list of Game Titles for Xbox LIVE on Windows Phone 7
According to Joystiq , Microsoft is sending out invitations to some of its Microsoft Connect users to join “Xbox Live and Kinect Beta Program” as they plan to begin it soon. Several users have received the invitation via Microsoft Connect, a service which is used to gather customer feedback on products in testing. The participants of the program will be provided opportunity to see pre-released software and give their feedback to Microsoft.
Permalink: Microsoft looking to start Xbox LIVE and Kinect Beta Program
Not so long ago, I had written an article on how Apple should combat Windows Phone 7 gaming. A lot of people thought that it doesn’t make sense, but I guess somehow my brainwaves did match with Apple [ we think different 
]. Apple realized that there are around 50,000 games in the App Store and they need to provide a social gaming experience. They stepped up the game, and created a Game Center in iPhone 4 which has a social gaming network along with features such as:
Permalink: iPhone 4 gets a Game Center complete with matchmaking, achievements and leaderboards
Microsoft has come out all guns blazing with Windows Phone 7 Series. They’ve put in everything every user dreams of in a phone and then some. Xbox Live for mobile phones had been on the cards for years but never materialized before Windows Phone 7 Series. Now that we know details on how Microsoft intends to become the platform of choice in handheld gaming just like it is on the PC, Apple will have to raise the game even higher than the current App Store offerings. Here’s what I think Apple should come up with for iPhone OS 4.0 or iPhone 4G:
Permalink: How Apple should combat Windows Phone 7 Series gaming
Microsoft has unveiled the next move for Halo, and it’s anime short films. Microsoft will be collaborating with some of the most acclaimed anime writers in the world to work on Halo Legends to bring the Halo world to the anime form.
Permalink: “Halo Legends” – New anime short films coming soon!
Microsoft will releasing a new system update for Xbox 360 this summer. Registrations are underway for participation in the Xbox Live Update Preview Program on Microsoft Connect. You’ll be required to fill a survey form to be considered for the program and selection will be done based on region and connection types. The preview program isn’t available in areas where Xbox live isn’t officially supported. Also keep in mind that if you update your console to the preview program, you won’t be able to remove it.
According to Fudzilla, the new update is expected to include the goodies announced at E3, such as Facebook, Twitter and Last.fm integration as well as Zune Video support. Netflix will also be getting an overhaul with updates such as Movie Parties, Queue Management, Enhanced Playback technology to address bandwidth issues, and more advanced friends info. Avatar Market place will also be available with the option of premium and branded items. Awarded items will also be available depending on game titles. Games on Demand was demoed at E3 as well, which will be digital distribution of Xbox 360 games along with their manuals. A lot of changes and bug fixes in the Xbox Dashboard will also be made:
Permalink: Xbox Live Update Preview Program starts; Lots of new features in the Xbox 360 Update this Summer
