Gadzooki

Nyko Zoom for the Kinect

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No one can deny that Microsoft’s Kinect is one revolutionary piece of kit. It wowed audiences when it was first revealed to the public and the admiration has turned into great sales for Microsoft and for the Xbox 360. The Kinect allows for a new level of control for video games – one that does not require you to hold any sort of controller. The Kinect camera “sees” you in three dimensional space and depending on the game translates what you do to movements within the game or application. [Read more…]

Microsoft drops “Series” from Windows Phone 7 Series

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Um, finally?

So everyone was pretty fine with Microsoft’s mobile operating system being called “Windows Mobile.” In fact, it made sense. However, Windows Mobile has become a bloated operating system and it was about time Microsoft let it go. Their new mobile operating system looks good so far. In fact, their new operating system looks gorgeous, with a user interface that blows the iPhone’s clear out of the water.

I, however, have to take an issue with the name Microsoft chose for the new OS. Windows Phone 7 Series? It’s like a committee slapped the name together. Heck, I won’t even be surprised if that’s exactly what happened.

Anyway, it looks like Microsoft’s finally trying to clean up the new OS’s name. In a tweet from Windows Phone’s official account, the Windows Phone team said:

Tis the season for Series finales. We’ve got one too – dropping the ‘Series’ and keeping the ‘Windows Phone 7.’ Done.

Again, I must say it’s about time. The old name was clunky and, well, annoying. Windows Phone 7. Mmmmm. Also, hopefully this isn’t an April Fool’s Joke.

The Zune HD Extensive Demo – Video

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Sure, the Microsoft pulls a fast one on us, and made us actually WANT a Zune (I’m so sorry for all the “Zune owners? They exist?” jokes I made; I know this is retribution), but what we saw the last time are just pretty (oh so pretty) pictures.

Now Brian Seitz from the Zune Team made this 6 minute long video where he demonstrates the UI in detail, shows us how the browser works, demos the keyboard, and of course, he plays music – via HD Radio.

Zune HD Images Show Up

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Zune HD

Finally, a non-ugly Zune. Microsoft released Zune HD images and there are black and silver versions. This is the first time I’ve seen a Zune and saying “That looks good. I want one.” No, really.

Also, CNET was able to do a hands-on with the Zune HD, and I’ll let this picture speak for itself:

There isn’t much information about the Zune HD yet, but I’m hoping Microsoft keeps this up. This looks like a step in the right direction.

PS3 And Xbox360 Rumors

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ps3-vs-xbox360They say that Hollywood is the place where rumors are born and thrive. They say that there are no secrets in Hollywood. But if you were to ask me, I would go as far as to say that in the world of consumer technology, rumors are just as rife. Rumors about games, phones, gaming consoles – practically everything that’s hot – are born every day and spread through the Internet like wild fire.

Take for example the latest dish on the two arch rivals – the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox360. These two gaming consoles have been the focus of countless rumors ever since their inception. This time, the word on the street is that Sony is phasing out the 80G model and focus production on the 160G model. This happened with the earlier models (like my beloved 60G PS3 which has a fried motherboard by the way). But that’s not the only thing. Christen dela Costa at Gadget Review thinks that a slimmer PS3 is on the way – and this from a “reliable” source. I wouldn’t mind a sleeker PS3 – it is time for me to get a new one anyway!

Now for the Xbox360 – the news is that by July or August, the Pro model is going to be phased out. The reason for this is that Microsoft is coming with some new bundles later this year. They are also bunking on some game exclusives to attract more gamers.

Again, mere mortals like us can only sit and wait to see what will actually happen.

Bungie Leaving Microsoft

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There’s been rumors flying around, that Bungie makers of the Game Halo, is leaving Microsoft and is going to set out, to stake a claim in the gaming world to become independent company. An issued press release from Microsoft states that Bungie is about to to “embark on a path to become an independent company.”

Bungie, a company owned by Microsoft has been making loads of money and with the recent success of Halo 3, in my opinion they’re well-equipped to be independent, Good for us gamers, we should expect the same kind of commitment and focus on the Xbox Platform and as well as opening up to other gaming platforms too. As Harold Ryan, studio head for Bungie said, “This exciting evolution of our relationship with Microsoft will enable us to expand both creatively and organizationally in our mission to create world-class games,”. “We will continue to develop with our primary focus on Microsoft platforms; we greatly value our mutually prosperous relationship with our publisher, Microsoft Game Studios; and we look forward to continuing that affiliation through Halo and beyond.”

If my memory serves me correct Bungie still has several projects up their sleeves such as Halo Wars, the Peter Jackson project, new Halo 3 downloadable content, and maybe Halo 3 for PC.

Now let see what happens, and hope for the best, and may there lot’s more Halo games to follow.

Scariness: Windows Updates Sans Users’ Permission

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If there’s anything Windows users need to fear right now, it would be that Windows is actually updating itself without the user’s permission, and even if the user has opted not to have Windows updates.

In case it hasn’t sunk in, I’m telling you again, Windows, whether Vista or XP, is imposing updates onto your system without your permission. [Read more…]