It seems Sony haven’t got the chance to beat Microsoft in term of selling the most console in 2011. Microsoft is still winning the match last year thanks to the never-ending supplies of exclusive title and Kinect games.

It sounds pretty amazing as Xbox 360 has been in the market for years and we can considered it as the “old gramps” in the console market. However, this guy is still alive and kickin’!

According to the statistic, Microsoft Xbox 360 is still outselling Sony Playstation 3 by over 2.7 million units, and it has successfully caught more than 49% of consumer retail spending in game market.

Even until now, Xbox 360 is still selling hot in the United States. According to VGChartz, Last week Microsoft has sold over 119,000+ Xbox 360, leaving Sony behind the third rank at 87,404. Surprisingly, 3DS sales is getting higher this year, and Wii has slowly getting out from the top position.

It’s would be interesting to see who’s going to be the leader in 2012, and I’m also hoping that Microsoft will have something new to be announced in this year E3 expo (like Xbox 720 or new gen of Xbox would be cool).

Microsoft Xbox 360 – Still The US Top Selling Console In 2011
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Microsoft Japan is going to roll out their new Bluetooth Keyboard called Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 5000 later in next month in Japan. This keyboard has been tipped last year, but it will make its appearance soon in Japanese market as one of the thin wireless keyboard with comfort curve design. I’m in love with comfort curve design as it provides a natural finger and wrist position for us so we can type conveniently, even in long hours typing sessions. This Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 5000 is definitely a great choice for them who dislike cable hassle, all you have to do is to provide 2 AAA batteries for the keyboard and the expected operation duration is about 5 months or so. Not too shabby, although it’s not as cool as Logitech K750 wireless solar keyboard, the battery life is definitely longer.

This 13mm thick wireless bluetooth keyboard is said to be on sale in Japanese market on December 16th for the equivalent price of US$64 (4,935 Yen). No idea when it will hit the US Shores.

[Source]

Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 5000 Available In December 2011
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Recently, a new rumor has appeared and once again it’s about the next gen Microsoft Xbox console.

We have seen that in the Real Steel movie, the Xbox 720 has appeared in the sponsor list. Although it’s just a movie, I believe they wouldn’t just make it up for nothing. Now, according to Edge, it’s possible that Microsoft will show off the hardware in CES 2012 next year, while the actually console will be hitting the store in late 2012.

However, we are not quite a rumor believer in the first place. It’s sure that Microsoft Xbox 360 console has flooded the market for quite some time now. But it think it’s still too early for the next gen console to appear. 2013 would be a suitable year if they really want to hit the mass with something cool, not 2012.

[CVG]

Next Gen Microsoft Xbox Console To Show Up In CES 2012? Hope So.
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Dreaming about the future is always an interesting thing to do. I’ve envision how human can fly around with using anti-gravity jacket, running leopard-fast by wearing suit with robotic frame, and so on. However, that’s not what in Microsoft’s mind.

Microsoft has published an interesting imaginary of what they call their future. The following video will tease you how easy you can translate any printed text in any language to your understanding by wearing a special “translator glasses”. Also, notice how everything in the interaction is kind of holographic, pop-up like a 3-dimension object where user can interact with.

I would really love to have this kind of future even there is no robotic maid found in the demo. It’s interesting to see my fridge’s content without opening the door, playing 3D-holographic-like games, connecting with workmates in an interactive ways and more.

However, the question is, can we really expect to have this kind of future?

[via TechCrunch]

Microsoft Visions Of The Future With Bunch Of Dazzling Technologies
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We haven’t heard anything yet regarding the next generation of Xbox 360 console since this current version is still alive and kickin’. However, the latest movie trailer – Real Steel has provided us a vivid clue that Microsoft is going to roll out their next gen of game console as Xbox 720. See the following picture for the details:

Apparently, The logo is still the same. It uses the old X logo and wording (font), and the only thing that changed is the number behind the XBOX. However, there is no information released by Microsoft regarding the 720 generation yet. It could be it’s just a mock up to tease people about the futuristic robot battle, which could be realized in when the Xbox 720 released, or it could be just for fun.

If you want to see the logo by yourself in the trailer, watch the following Real Steel Movie Trailer in Good quality (720p or above) so you can look at it vividly. The logo is on the minute 0:46:

[via Gamerinformer]

Microsoft Xbox 720 Logo Appeared In Real Steel Movie Trailer
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If you have been wondering what’s Microsoft has to offer on gaming in the upcoming months, I would say: A lot! The E3 expo have driven lots of game company, which including Microsoft to unveils their next new shiny toys and features for gamers. This has included the new Kinect interaction with XBOX Live, new Xbox 360 Slim Gear of War 3 version, new cloud server, and this new wonder wheel called Wireless Speed Wheel.

As the name suggested, this new Microsoft Xbox 360 controller is made for racing game, and will work flawlessly with Forza 4. From the appearance, it looks like a high end motion controller, or like an advanced version of Nintendo Wiimote plastic wheel housing. However, Kotaku said that there is no indication that this Wireless Speed wheel has the motion tracking system installed inside.

The controller itself has come complete with the haptic feedback D-pad, ABXY buttons and trigger buttons for gas and brake. There is also a green band of lights that should provide a nice turning visual feedback. To the middle there is on/off button accompanied with start and back button in circular shape. The back Xbox 360 controller layout is not really change much after all. Which mean you can still use this controller for other games, even it’s released prior to Forza 4.

This Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Speed Wheel is going to release on October 2011 for $60, which is just in time for the Forza 4 game.

[via Kotaku, Ohgizmo, Coolest Gadgets]

Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Speed Wheel for the Racing Game
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With the hacker in the neighborhood getting smarter and smarter, it’s very crucial for you to have any sort of encryption for your devices, especially the wireless one. Wireless LAN, wireless router, wireless phone, wireless mouse, wireless keyboard and so on. Hacker won’t attack your wireless mouse, but they will hack into your wireless LAN, router, phone or keyboard to know what you are doing, especially what you are typing. Is there any password input? credit card information to steal? or secret code to your bank vault? anything!

To solve this problem, almost all of the wireless device has been secured with built-in encryption. But not on a wireless keyboard where the data could be easily intercepted and deciphered through the thin air. Although there is some sort of software that come along with the wireless keyboard you’ve purchased, the encryption is done on the software side, after the key has been input and transferred to the computer. This still allow hacker to grab the data in the middle of the way.

To troubleshoot this, Microsoft has introduced their Wireless Desktop 2000 series wireless keyboard that is claimed to be the first wireless keyboard that comes with Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) 128-bit Encryption key. This should be the encryption on the hardware side, where every key stroke is properly encrypted before sending out the signal. AES 128-bit is also the same trusted technology and used by the U.S. government to secure most of their wireless connection. That means if you are using Microsoft Wireless Desktop 2000 series Keyboard, you are equal to using a solid secured keyboard for all of your keystrokes.

Along with the keyboard, Microsoft also pair it up with Wireless Mouse 2000 that has a nice side grips and comfortable design for both lefty or righty. In one set, Microsoft Wireless Desktop 2000 will be sold for $39.95 when it has hit the store. I’m going to get mine if there is a comfort curves series for this encrypted keyboard.

[via Microsoft]

Microsoft Wireless Desktop 2000 Keyboard Offers 128-Bit Encryption
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Call Microsoft crazy? Not really. Call them generous? Ah, they should have some string attached. But you don’t really need to care what Microsoft’s motive is, all you need to know is that if you (as a student) buy a Windows 7 PC now, I will get a FREE XBOX 360!

Well yes! That’s what the promotion that is running hot right now. This deal is only available for US based 16-19 years old students that have their own .EDU email address to verify their status. This promo is running from May 23 until September 3, 2011. What you have to do is to purchase a Windows 7 PC/Laptop that worth more than $699 and you are eligible to snap the Xbox 360 Slim 4GB for free.

Check out the following info for more details:

*Get a free Xbox 360 4GB console with the purchase of a Windows® 7 PC $699 or more, at participating retailers in the US from 5/23-9/3 or while supplies last. Verification of student status required. See participating retailers for full details.

** Limited time offer valid in the U.S. on eligible products only thru 11:59 p.m. PT on 9/10/2011, or while supplies last. Only available for students age 16-19 and/or with a valid .EDU email address. Eligible students will be given a promo code when .EDU email address is confirmed and / or their age, 16-19, is confirmed, which must be entered at checkout to receive the discount. Promo code valid for purchase of a single PC only. Not valid on previous orders. Offer cannot be transferred, redeemed for cash or combined with any other offer or promotion. Discount applies before any applicable taxes, shipping or other fees.

I wish I was a student again!

[Microsoft Facebook Page via GeekAlerts]

Buy A Windows 7 PC, Get A Free Xbox 360, For Students Only
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Amazon has a nice 20% discount deal for the latest cool flat wireless mouse from Microsoft. We are talking about Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse here. Normally, this touch mouse is price at $69.95. But for a limited time, you can purchase Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse forjust $49.95 at Amazon.

Microsoft Arc Touch mouse is one of the most unique wireless mouse design in the market. Beside it can be flatten for easy storage, this mouse is featuring Microsoft’s proud Bluetrack Technology that allow Arc Touch Mouse to work on any surface, even on carpet and glossy glass. Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse offering up to 6-month of battery life and it only require you to insert two AAA size batteries.

Microsoft Arc Touch mouse has a touch middle mouse button that does scrolling easier than common wheel scroll mouse. Wheel scroll mouse is easily broken and I’ve own 5 of them with the same fate where the scroll are broken in just months of usage. With touch based scroll, there is no case to break the wheel even you scrolled like crazy.

Even better, Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse’s middle button can do the following tasks:

• Scroll & flick – Slide up and down the strip to scroll. Quickly brush up or down with your fingertip to flick.
• Tap – Tap the top of the strip to page up and the bottom to page down.
• Double-tap – Double-tap the middle of the strip to middle-click, which can do different things in each application.
• Double-tap & hold – Double-tap and hold the middle of the strip to middle-click and hold, which can do different things in each application.

For connectivity reason, Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse has been equipped with a nano transceiver that has an impressive 30-foot wireless range (10 meters) using 2.4GHz wireless technology. It won’t meddle with your WiFi connection unlike bluetooth that sometimes might cut down the connection.

Get Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse now for the deal price $49.95 at Amazon!

(price may change without prior notice)

Deal Of The Day: Save $20 On Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse – $49.95 Shipped
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Not everyone in US has a blazing speed Internet connection yet where they can enjoy smooth full HD video chatting with their friends. So getting a full HD webcam is not really a reasonable investment yet. Instead, using 720p webcam is more than enough. At least, Microsoft is thinking the same thing.

Their latest Webcam called Lifecam HD-3000 is not getting full HD 1080p resolution treatment yet, but it stay reasonable with its 720p HD sensor. As a plus point, Microsoft has added their TrueColor technology to this webcam to leverage the image quality. Also, this webcam can be used for your own movie shooting project where you can share it later via social networking sites.

Microsoft Lifecam HD-3000 webcam can shoot movie in HD widescreen mode with 16:9 aspect ratio, while the audio part was taken care by a noise-cancelling microphone.

This Microsoft LIfeCam HD-3000 HD webcam will be available on March 2011 and if you care to get one, it will cost you $39.95 a pop.

[via GeekyGadgets and TFTs]

Microsoft Lifecam HD-3000 Web Camera – HD Widecreen support With TrueColor Technology
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Without much noises from Microsoft themselves, Major Nelson has made a quite a statement in his podcast that Microsoft is going to announce something ‘BIG’ for Xbox 360 in next week or early March 2011.

As far as what is going to be announce, we have no clue yet. However, judging from the success of Kinect hardware, there is a big possibility that Microsoft will be announcing some kind of new firmware to increase the accuracy, or probably Microsoft is offering something even bigger like Xbox Live membership for free like the PSN from Sony.

Well, at least I would be very happy if Xbox Live membership become a free subscription like PlayStation Network.

We’ll keep you posted as more information has become available.

[via GeekyGadgets]

Major Announcements For Xbox 360 In March 2011
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Staples is selling Microsoft Ultra-slim Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000 cheap at $12.99 (was $42.99) if you get it today or before January 29. All you have to do is mail-in rebate to get the $30 discount using this rebate form.

Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000 is Featuring Comfort Curve design, Bluetooth wireless, bundled carrying case and 3-year warranty.

Get it at Staples for $12.99 + shipping cost $9.95 now!

Svae $30 On Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000 – $12.99 Shipped
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Microsoft has finally announced their touch mouse with multitouch surface. This touch mouse is designed exclusively for Windows 7 OS with all of the functionality that you may find in Apple Magic Mouse, like click, flick, scroll, swipe, etc.

This Touch Mouse will let user handle the Windows easily like maximizing, minimizing, even navigating the whole desktop with a gesture away. The mouse can detect up to three fingers touch and let user quickly scroll, pan, and manipulating content with certain recorded gesture sweep on the touch area (indicated by the mini ‘x’ mark on the mouse).

Microsoft will launch this Touch Mouse in June for $79.95, where it will come with a nano transceiver for PC connection.

[via ITechNews]

Microsoft Touch Mouse [Video]
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If you remember how Tom Cruise access to his minority report in the movie, you’ll soon be able to get the same motion based User Interface to work with your photo browsing or other stuff using a hacked Kinect hardware.

A Crew from MIT’s brain labs has hacked the Kinect to do detect hands and fingers movement and translate into several different commands such as scrolling through photo album by making a circle movement with your hand, pinching or zooming picture with fingers on both hands, or rotating pictures with fingers.

It’s looks so cool like you are actually Tom Cruise with its cutting edge technology in The Minority Report movie.

[via Engadget]

P.S. Also check out the other Kinect Hacks like broomstick as lightsaber or Controlling Super Mario Bros with Kinect.

Kinect Hacked To Mimic Minority Report UI
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After 25 days from their first launch day, Microsoft has sold over 2.5 millions of Kinect Hardware. It was announced from the day one that Microsoft has sold 1 million unit, so after 25 days they’ve collected another 1.5 millions of sales which sum up to 2.5 million Kinect sold.

It’s really a great sales record when comparing to PlayStation Move. Microsoft is targeting to sell 5 millions of Kinect device by the end of 2010, which sounds like an easy goal for them.

Remember, unlike PlayStation Move that could have more than one controller per console, Xbox 360′s Kinect can only have 1 unit per console. It’s pretty common for Kinect’s competitor to sell more especially when PS Move launched earlier on September 2010.

However, both accessories have proved to be a popular addons for gamers, and it’s interesting to see if they can smash Wii’s popularity to the ground or not.

[via PCMag]

Microsoft Sold Over 2.5 Millions Of Kinect Hardware
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Head on over to Amazon if you would like to get a new Zune HD 16GB PMP. They have a worthwhile $50.99 discount + free $5 Amazon MP3 Music Downloads credit.

Zune HD 16GB PMP has the first price of $199.99, but now you can get it for $149 + Free Shipping at Amazon.

Microsoft Zune HD 16GB PMP is featuring the large 3.3-inch OLED touchscreen display (480x272p at 16:9 ratio), support 720p HD movies, TV shows or high definition video watching, HD radio ready, easy streaming via WiFi connection and more!

Get Microsoft Zune HD 16GB PMP for $149 (Free shipping + $5 Amazon MP3 Music Downloads credit) at Amazon Now!

Save $51 On Zune HD 16GB PMP – $149 Shipped
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The man behind the Kinect hack that turn Broomstick into Lightsaber has once again making a great progress in his Kinect hacking project. This time, his hack has turn his entire body to control Mario in the NES version of Super Mario Bros game.

Through the conjunction with Kinect (via OpenKinect), PC and NES emulator. The hacker has turn playing Mario Bros a real life experience that include jumping, running around to control the Mario in the game. It looks pretty cool, but IMHO, it’s pretty exhausting.

[via GeekyGadgets, SlipperyBrick]

Kinect Hack: Controlling Super Mario Bros Movement With Your Body
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Kinect is obviously a great tech built by Microsoft. This toy can just do anything if landed on a proper developer/hacker because of the high specification and technology. Recently, a rom hacker named Yankeyan has successfully to command his Kinect to detect a wooden broomstick as the shiny cut-through-anything lightsaber with his own hacks and coding. That’s simply amazing!

Here is the demo video of Kinect detecting broomstick as a lightsaber.

Now we only need to wait for the Kinect-compatible Star Wars game on this 2011 for the show. There is no need to buy any accessories anymore since your old broomstick could make a great use now.

Just make sure you don’t slash your TV and Kinect into half just because you are too excited playing the game. That would be lame.

[via DVICE]

Microsoft Kinect: Hacked To Detect BroomStick As Lightsaber!
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Yep, It seems Sony PlayStation 3 is going to outsell Xbox 360 in the next 2 years on the global stage if there is no new marketing strategy to push Xbox 360 sales. The statement was released by Jesse Divnich, one of EEDAR (Electronic Entertainment Design and Research) analyst.

Divnich predicted that if things goes smooth for Sony, their console will be able to outsell Microsoft Xbox 360 in the end of 2012. Well it seems like a great news for Sony, but on the different side of the coin, this news is a threat for Microsoft and they might just need to overhaul their global marketing strategy market Xbox 360 so they can keep up and increase their sales volume.

Of course, Xbox 360 is still the best seller console in the United States. Divnich has stated that:

“Worldwide, Sony will eventually take the lead from Microsoft, likely by the end of 2012… North America is a tougher challenge, and as we have seen lately, Microsoft’s lead is widening… I don’t know if the PS3 will ever overtake the Xbox 360 in North America. Maybe 2014? 2016? We do know the PS3 has incredible long-term value as a Blu-ray player, much like the PlayStation 2 did as a DVD player. But with strong competition coming from the digital front, one has to wonder if the PS3 will receive long retail legs like its predecessor did.”

Which means Sony still have to work harder to beat the competition in US market. However, Sony has really started to outselling Xbox 360 in the worldwide stage (excluding US), where according to VGChartz, for this year alone, Sony has sold 8,915,135 units of PS3 console, while there are only 7,551,238 units sold for Microsoft Xbox 360. Even the total of sales record Sony is still lower than Xbox 360, the record has showing a positive result for Sony.

Especially now Sony has Move controller that featuring 1:1 motion controlling. We still have no idea if the lagged Kinect can really push the console sales volume up or not because of the requirement or large playing area and the some sort of risk level of Kinect. But it would be an interesting competition to see how these consoles slapping each others and who will be the winner of the fight in the end.

[via GadgetVenue]

Sony PS3 To OutSell Xbox 360 In 2012 WorldWide [Exclude U.S.]
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Finally, after a bit of waiting since June when we first heard about the name of Kinect, now the device has launched!

It’s been sold widely in many online retailers including Newegg, Amazon and Buy.com which all pricing set on stone at $149.99. This price is the value that you have to pay to get the new revolutionary wireless controller (where YOU are the Controller!) plus one free game “Kinect Adventures”.

We have done a quite complete of Kinect coverage so I invite you to dig into the archive of Kinect if you want to look at the history. For all the details and the review, Engadget who’s lucky enough to get their first real test out with the real Kinect (sent to them 1 week ago) has written a lengthy (but useful) review of this new Kinect. If you haven’t pre-order from the first place, you can read them as your guidance before jumping in.

The Kinect is available in several bundles, including the bundling with their beloved Xbox 360 Slim 4GB or Xbox 360 Slim 250GB, or you can get the Kinect alone with the free game.

You’d probably have no need to get the Xbox 360 slim if you have already got your own phat Xbox 360 console. So just get which one fit you the best and enjoy the next generation of motion controller without controller!

Microsoft Kinect Launched! Have You Got Yours?
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