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Trying to compete with services such as iTunes and crush Sony as completely as possible, Microsoft’s Xbox Live service now includes downloadable movies and TV episodes. After you pay and download the HD version of a file you are also able to download the non-HD version free of charge. On the down side, you only get it for 24 hours, making it a little more expensive - but more convenient - than driving to a store and renting a DVD.  There’s no real new news here, we just wanted to give you a heads up on the pricing and offerings.

Here’s a price breakdown:

• HD TV Episodes - 240 points ($3)


• SD TV Episodes - 160 points ($2)


• HD Movies - 480 points ($6)


• SD Movies - 320 points ($4)


• Classic HD Movies - 360 points ($4.50)


• Classic SD Movies - 240 points ($3)

• CSI, CSI: Miami, CSI: New York, NCIS, and Star Trek from CBS.


• Chappelle’s Show, Drawn Together, and Emmy and Peabody award-winning South Park from COMEDY CENTRAL.


• Pimp My Ride and Punk’d from MTV.


• Avatar: The Last Airbender and SpongeBob SquarePants from Nickelodeon.


• Skyland and Invader Zim from Nicktoons Network.


• Chinatown, Star Trek VII: Generations, Patriot Games, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, The Sum of All Fears, The Untouchables, and We Were Soldiers from Paramount Pictures.


• Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Frisky Dingo, Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law, Sealab 2021, and The Venture Bros. from Turner Broadcasting.


• Some of the most intense fights from Ultimate Fighting Championship.


• Breaking Bonaduce and Hogan Knows Best from VH1.


• Perfect Storm, Poseidon, The Shining, Three Kings, and V for Vendetta, as well as The Nine and Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip along with the CW show Veronica Mars from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.

In an effort to better display the content available on Xbox Live Marketplace (XBLM), Microsoft has just launched Xbox Live Pipeline.  The usability of the new Pipeline is far better than that of XBLM.  It’s sort of confusing what the actual point of the new site is.  Are they expecting gamers to sit on their computer, browse for something they want to download, then go through a process to get to it on XBLM so they can actually download it?  I’d say this is a first step towards Xbox Live Anywhere which Microsoft showed off at this year’s E3 - where you can download content to your Xbox from any of your connected devices: phone, web browser, etc.  Hopefully by the end of the year Microsoft will make a big announcement in this area.

Read [Xbox Live Pipeline] Via [Gizmodo]

There have been tons of online rumors speculating what steps Microsoft will take, to secure and maintain their strong position in the next-generation gaming field. Most recent is the idea that MS will release a new bundle called the “Xbox 360 Pro Bundle,” and will be replacing the US Xbox 360 Premium Pack - but at the same $399 price.

The “Xbox 360 Pro Bundle”, will include a 360 console, 20GB hard drive, wireless controller, headset and Hi-Def component video cable, plus a copy of Project Gotham Racing, a three-month Gold subscription to Xbox Live and 1,250 XBL Marketplace points to spend on extra content. According to the reports, the package will launch in the US this August. However, Microsoft UK told us that there are no plans to release a similar bundle over here, at least for the moment.

Read [T3]

The spring update is expected to be released to all Xbox Live users “in about a week” and will be followed up with a fall update, as part of their plan to release two major updates each year. This huge upgrade includes:

• New Media and Entertainment Menu - The upgrade has focused content into groups. The popular iPod AAC plugin has also been placed “near the top” to streamline that process.
• Games Menu - The Games screen now has a “Newly Released” section, so new additions to the Xbox Live Arcade, or new game demos, can be quickly located and downloaded.


• View Active Downloads - Background downloading. As detailed earlier, you’ll have a queue...with up to six download slots available. You’ll be able to use the console as usual while downloading; if you take a game online, the downloads will pause until you’re done.


• Downloads are Easier to Find - Trailers has become Game Videos. In addition, you’ll be presented with options upon completion of a download: play now, apply theme now, etc.

• Fast Forward/Rewind All Downloaded Marketplace Videos (2X-16X) - Simply play/pause functionality when playing back downloaded clips was another major annoyance. Glad to see this has been added, even if this sort of functionality is really basic.


• Music Player & DVD Playback Improvements - Although the CD player previously queried the internet to populate artist/track information, this functionality has been improved. The major enhancement is that the custom music you’re playing—whether from an iPod, CD, HDD, or network share—will stay consistent as you switch from one console function to the next. No more tracking down the playlist you were listening to and starting over. The DVD player also supports bookmarking now; if you’re watching a movie and receive an invite from a friend, you can replace the movie disc with a game and return to the same spot in the movie when you resume it.


• General Usability Enhancements - Similar to an instant messaging client, you’ll be able to set your status as away (red) when your console has been inactive for a certain period of time (15 minutes). There will also be “full” USB keyboard support.


• New Startup Feature - Launches Direct to Dashboard - Another major feature request, especially those that use their console as a media center extender. Instead of automatically booting into whatever game is loaded in the drive, you’ll be able to set your console to boot into the Dashboard by default.

Read [Joystiq]

This week we’re working hard to keep up with E3. While things here are not as huge as last year, the show got hot and exciting very quickly. The big three (Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo) have had their press conferences and announced the new games, system changes, new functionality, and accessories, now it is our turn to give you a taste of our mind. This podcast was once again sponsored by GoDaddy.com.  Head over there and get 10% off any domain or hosting order courtesy Gadgetell and GoDaddy. 

• Apple MacBook release


• Michael Dell wants to run OS X


• Core Duo 2


• Sony E3 press conference (PSP & PS3 system, controller and more)


• Nintendo E3 press conference (Controller, games and more)


• Microsoft E3 press conference (Live Anywhere, Xbox Live, Live Vision Camera, HD-DVD)


• Our take on the big three and what we expect/hope for in the future


• Bittorent goes legit

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Hosts: Doug Berger, Adam Berger
Producer: Greg Cherniet
Music: Dvir Tzadok
File size: 27.80MB
Length: 00:40:36

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The Microsoft E3 press event will begin in about an hour from now. Take this time to read up on the Nintendo Press Conference, Sony Press Conference, leave feedback on the gaming announcements thus far, enter today’s contest, and catch up on stories from earlier today. We expect MS to launch new features for Xbox Live, maybe new hardware accessories, possible talk of a portable device, and more.

We were going to report on the rumors yesterday but chose to wait until we had the full confirmation. Today Microsoft added a bunch of new features to their Xbox Live offering, in preparation for E3. After the service being down for a couple of hours (they predicted anywhere from 2-24 hours) we are backup and running with these new features:

• ‘Social Sports’ in the Xbox Live Arcade are now called ‘Bar Sports’


• My Xbox complete overhaul includes


• “Upcoming Games“


• “Community Showcase“


• “What’s Happening“


• “What’s Hot on Marketplace”


• “Xbox Live News“


• “Message Center”

These weren’t all the changes that were expected to take place but this also was not the official Dashboard update that you should expect to see in the near future, so hold tight.

Read [Xboxic]