Nintendo’s thus far underwhelming Wii U console may have recently hit another stumbling block: next generation EA games powered by the Frostbite 3 engine won’t be coming to the Japanese company’s console due to performance issues. EA DICE technical director Johan Anderson revealed to fans on Twitter Monday that the company ceased development of Frostbite 3 for the Wii U after Frostbite 2 tests yielded “not too promising results.” @mutedpenguin FB3 has never been running on WiiU. We did some…
Microsoft: Many Scenarios “Just Work” on Xbox Without Internet
Despite rumors and poor interactions with its customers, Microsoft’s next Xbox will not require an Internet connection for all functionality, according to an internal Microsoft email reportedly obtained by Ars Technica. Traditional “offline” activities, such as watching live TV, playing a Blu-ray movie, and playing a single player game, will not require an Internet connection, the memo states. Durango [the codename for the next Xbox] is designed to deliver the future of entertainment while engineered to be tolerant of today’s…
Microsoft’s IllumiRoom Brings the Holodeck One Step Closer
Microsoft’s proof-of-concept “IllumiRoom” system has the potential to drastically alter the way that consumers play games and watch movies in their homes. The immersive technology, first showcased at CES in January, uses a combination of cameras and projectors to expand a television’s content into a user’s living room. The company has just released a new detailed demonstration video that hints at Redmond’s plans for the next Xbox, set to be unveiled on May 21. While still early in its development,…
The Next Xbox: What to Expect
Following Microsoft’s confirmation that the next Xbox will be unveiled on May 21, Redmond-watcher Paul Thurrott revealed Thursday what users can expect from the next console, codenamed “Durango.” Windows 8 Core The next Xbox will be based on Windows 8, which is not surprising considering Microsoft’s desire to unify its platforms with a common operating system. Many are hopeful that sharing a common underlying OS means that developers will have an easy way to port their Metro-style apps to the…
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Microsoft to Reveal Next Xbox on May 21
Microsoft, the last major player yet to announce its next generation console, just revealed that the “Xbox Reveal” will take place on Tuesday, May 21 at 1:00 p.m. EST (10:00 a.m. PST). Xbox programming director Larry Hryb, a.k.a. “Major Nelson,” made the announcement this afternoon: On Tuesday May 21st, we’ll mark the beginning of a new generation of games, TV and entertainment. On that day, we’ll be holding a special press event on the Xbox campus and we invite you…
Apple Dominates 2012 Digital Video Purchases and Rentals
While Netflix controls subscription-based online video, Apple dominates online video purchases and rentals in the U.S., according to a new report from the NPD Group. Apple’s iTunes held a commanding lead in both categories during 2012, reaching unit shares of 67 and 65 percent for online TV Show and Movie purchases, respectively. Microsoft’s still developing Xbox Video service and Amazon’s Instant Video took third and fourth place in terms of digital purchases. Online movie rentals were also controlled by Apple,…
Next Xbox Gains AMD x86 CPU, Loses 360 Backward Compatibility
After earlier rumors suggested that Microsoft’s next Xbox will be powered by an AMD GPU, new information Monday points to an AMD CPU as well, opening the door for an advanced integrated offering from the struggling chip maker. According to sources speaking with Bloomberg, Microsoft will use an AMD solution that combines the company’s Jaguar CPU technology with a 7000 series GPU. This closely matches the hardware specifications for Sony’s PlayStation 4, which was announced in late February. Microsoft’s current…