Microsoft loves to make special edition Xbox 360′s for featured games, but its the first time they have done it with the new Xbox Slim. They have revealed a new Halo: Reach 250 GB Xbox 360 Slim. The new Xbox as shown above is very slick with an all silver design and even a Halo themed controller. The new console bundle is priced at a mere $399.00 with 2 limited edition controllers and a copy of Halo Reach. This bundle will be available for purchase September 14th. More from Microsoft:

The biggest game of 2010, “Halo: Reach,” is getting the ultimate hardware treatment. The Xbox 360 Limited Edition “Halo: Reach” Bundle launches day and date with the game on September 14 and provides both an incredible value and a stunning way to celebrate the iconic franchise. The commemorative bundle will be available with matching custom “Halo: Reach” Limited Edition Wireless Controllers. Additionally, Microsoft and Bungie revealed an onslaught of other “Halo: Reach” news today at Comic-Con International, including a first look at Forge World, Versus Firefight mode and more.

Update: Available for preorders on Amazon.com

Video of Unboxing Below:

Check out some more shots of the new 360 below:

Source:  Major Nelson

Now who wouldn’t want a controller for their Xbox that could switch between wired and wireless mode whenever you want. Microsoft has filed a patent for a Wireless and wired Xbox controller that can switch between both modes seamlessly without interrupting gameplay. An excerpt from the patent:

A game controller operates in both a wired mode and a wireless mode, and is able to switch between these two modes without permanent disruption to an ongoing game. During a transition from one mode to another, a host gaming system detects when the controller is physically disconnected (for wired mode to wireless mode) or connected (for wireless mode to wired mode). Upon detection, the host gaming system stores the game data and user information and establishes a new communication link with the controller. The host gaming system subsequently reassociates the game data and user information with the game controller as it begins operating in the new mode. This allows the player to continue game play without interruption.

Now I am not sure what sparked the need for this controller or even if it is for the Xbox 360 or the original Xbox. The picture that is included with the patent is a picture of the original Xbox not the 360. I would imagine that Microsoft is going to actually include an internal power supply in their newest controllers instead of users purchasing a battery pack or batteries. Picture from the patent below.

Entire patent embedded below.

Download (PDF, 634.33KB)

With all of the issues with the iPhone 4 and antennagate, Apple has lost its lead on Microsoft in the Stock Market. Apple had a lead on Microsoft for a couple of months leading up to the iPhone 4 release, but with all the negative news they have fallen again behind Microsoft. Here are some screenshots below of the current market caps of both companies courtesy of Google Finance. MSFT 220.05B, AAPL 219.41B Its not much of a lead, but they are back in front. Apple may rebound with the recent announcement of the iPad being available in 9 more countries this friday.

Some images of a new Xbox Dashboard have leaked on to the internet. The new dashboard seems to include a new look and less flash than the current dashboard. The update looks as it may perform much faster than the previous dashboard with less animations. Now we are not sure about how the new dashboard will perform because we have not seen it in action but we hope this will be a smooth transition. Check out the pics below.

New Dash

Old Dash

Image Source: Logic Sunrise

Walmart has listed their price for Xbox Kinect as well as some bundle offers on their website. Walmart is offering the individual unit for 149.54 which is exactly what the Microsoft store was pricing it at. It is only available for pre-order online for the time being.

They are also offering a Kinect bundle for $199 with a bonus $30 Walmart online gift card. The bundle includes several different choices if you preorder online. You can choose from the following games; Harry Potter: Deadly Shadows, Kinect Dance Central, Kinect Joy Ride, Kinectimals, Kinect Sports or Kinect Adventures.

So the included items will be the game of your choice, Kinect, and a $30 eGift card from Walmart. For $199 with a game and a gift card that isnt bad, but most gamers arent going to pay $199 or even $149 for Kinect. If Microsoft wants Kinect to sell competitively they will need to set a lower initial price point.

Source: Walmart via Gizmodo

A couple weeks ago we found details on Xbox Kinect’s pricing and we went through what was included with a purchase of Kinect. One of the items that is included with Kinect was a WiFi Extension Cable. Well, nobody actually knew what this was, so we contacted Microsoft and asked them ourselves. Here is what they said:

The Wi-Fi extension cable included with the Kinect Sensor for Xbox 360 is for connecting to an external Wi-Fi adapter.  This allows the use of a dual-band connection.  The Kinect sensor and Xbox 360 S have their own built-in Wi-Fi, but the extension cable will be necessary for configuring a dual-band connection.

From what I get from this, the extension cable is for configuring a ad-hoc connection between the Xbox 360 S and the Kinect? I asked for further clarification from Microsoft, let me know what you think.

Here it is our first Episode of TekGoblin, The Show. In this show we discuss some of the news from E3 this year as well as Microsoft Kinect, Playstation Move, and Nintendo DS3.

Produced By: Matt Jurek

Cast:

Tracy Hartley

Nikki Flores

Griffin Flavin

Download the show on iTunes.

TekGoblin, The Show Episode 1 from Matt Jurek on Vimeo.

Free TV Show from Ustream

As you may have heard the Microsoft Kin was discontinued by Microsoft shortly after its launch. The Kin was only around from May 13th, through June 30th 2010. The phone didn’t last long due to decreased sales and poor management by Microsoft. Engadget reports that the changes in management on Kin ultimately doomed the project.

Well, the Kin has been immortalized by Shmuel Tennenhaus at KinRip.com. The site is a memorial for the Microsoft Kin and has already had over 9,000 visitors pay their respects.

The site was builg using ForeverMissed, which is an online tool that lets users create memorial pages for their departed loved ones for free. So check out the site and pay your respects to Kin.

Hey guys, we have launched the trailer for our first show! Show? What show? Thats right, we have started TekGoblin, The Show (working title) where we will talk about games, by gamers for gamers. The show consists of 3 people discussing current gaming trends and game reviews. We made this show because we were sick of the super models on G4, that know nothing about games, they are only there because they look pretty.

Official show launch Saturday, July 3rd 2010 Episode 1, please tune in then! The video is below, enjoy!

Free TV Show from Ustream

You heard it right folks, the price of Xbox Kinect is set at $150 in the Xbox store. We originally projected Kinect (Natal) to be $149 I guess we were right.

Here is what Microsoft says, it included in the box:

• Kinect sensor for Xbox 360
• Power supply cable
• User’s manual
• Wi-Fi extension cable (not sure what this is, I am sure we will hear about it soon enough)

They are taking pre-orders on the Microsoft site today, so get yours before they are all sold out. Soon enough you will be losing weight while playing your favorite games! Hey, I’m not that fat!

Here I go again with videos, More Kinect on Youtube:

This week at E3, Microsoft had announced that they were releasing a new Xbox that was smaller with more features built in. They call it the Xbox Slim. Now Microsoft also announced on the Xbox Live dashboard with a video of the new Xbox Slim which I have embedded below, please not that it is not my gamertag in the video.

The Xbox Slim constists of a all new sleeker design with the following changes. A 250 GB hard drive included in the base model now and the hard drive is still at the top of the console but in a different way (see below pictures). Built in Wifi 802.11n so you don’t have to worry about purchasing the Wifi adapter anymore. The new Xbox Slim also includes a built in Optical Audio port on the back of the console without an adapter, that is a welcome change for me. Currently I have 2 plugs in the back of mine, one being HDMI, second being the optical adapter. The Xbox Slim also looks like it has more vents for air, so no more over heating?

Overall I would love to have the new Xbox, the built in Wifi and Optical port have sold me. The additional storage and new sleek design was not what I was looking for, I would just like to get rid of all the adapters. Also with a $299 price tag, you can’t beat that.

Xbox Slim HDD Location

More Air Flow (Notice the Vents)

Below is the video from the Xbox Live Dashboard from Youtube.

Below is the Engadget video from E3 unboxing the new Xbox Slim, Enjoy.

As always be sure to subscribe for updates from Tekgoblin.

Today we covered the Ubisoft E3 Keynote. This has to be the biggest year for Ubisoft. With The Kinect now ready to go up for Microsoft’s Xbox, Kinetic was seen quite a bit in the selection.

The start of Ubisoft’s demos included Assassins Creed Brotherhood, where Ezio returns in the epic battle for the pieces of Eden. New combos, weapons, and destructible environments will make Assassins Creed jump in the group of epic games that players will play for years. Also added is a multiplayer format with a ranking system to show off how well you play the assassin. Looking to be out in November on the 16, it will add to the already epic story line fans adore.

Like Tony Hawk with Neversoft, Ubisoft Has added a whole new level to skate boarding games with Shaun White Skateboarding. With the great add on to not just skating the environment, but extending it far beyond the norm, you bring the city to life. With rails extending beyond the deep end and vertical ramps flowing out of the ground as you skate towards them, Ubisoft has added more do as you choose to the skater gaming community.

Lazer tag, the game that all remember. Running around shooting each other with plastic guns. Ubisoft has made the game more entertaining. With 4 on 4 multiplayer capabilities you can play at parties with friends running and shooting actual people, without the death. Though The game seems to be more suitable for children under 16, Ubisoft is confident all with love it.

Innergy was announced, but the stress relieving game seems, well.

Kinect Showed its goods with Ubisofts Motion Sports and Fitness Evolved. Motion Sports allows you to play sport style games with a more interactive approach. Football, soccer, and even skiing were demonstrated in a recorded video. Fitness Evolved was shown off with the Microsoft Kinect. With the chance to post goals on game and have a computerized personal trainer, Wii has a lot of competition in the fitness department. An interactive personal trainer actually tells you when you do the exercise incorrectly so you can get that workout based on your body type. Oh, did i mention it scans your body type! Yeah, it scans your body type to make sure you do everything to make your work out is at its max.

Raving Rabbids Travel in Time. From Neanderthals to King Arther, these goofy rabbids jump through time creating havoc. humor is the hit here and will appeal to players looking to goof off.

Ghost Recon Future Soldier, the awaited shooter game in Ubisoft’s lineup was ridiculous. A featured new gadget shown in the demo was the Optical Camouflage. This camouflage allows you to turn completely invisible. Online gaming will be intense with this new add on and more destruction with the environment. Also added on is the new 4 player co-op to make the gaming experience more tactical.

Driver 3 was thrown in the mix with new actually licensed cars and new shifting ability used by Tanner, the first character from Driver 1. Destructible cars and intense street driving put this game on a fast track to great street cred.

Rayman is brought back from the grave.

And finally Maniaplanet has been shown to the fullest extent. Players will be able to not only create race tracks but now role-playing-games and shooter based games. You will be able to build, play, and share all you created! The betas will be out soon.

Well that’s all for Ubisoft’s Keynote! Tune in to tomorrows Live Blog at TekGoblin.com for Nintendo and Sony’s Keynotes.

Hey guys, today Microsoft had its opening keynote for the E3 Expo which begins tomorrow. We learned about new features for Xbox Kinect, and more content for Xbox Live. Below I will recap the events, and if you would like to watch the keynote again it is embedded below:

Recap:

• Xbox Kinect Announced

• Trailer for Metal Gear Solid: Rising
• Metal Gear Solid: Rising asks: ‘What will you cut?’
• Crytek’s 360-exclusive Codename: Kingdoms unveiled (looks like 300)
• Call of Duty: Black Ops shown off
• Fable 3 launching October 26
• Gears of War 3 live demo shows 4-player co-op
• Halo: Reach campaign briefly shown off
• Microsoft reveals ESPN integration with Xbox Live
• Forza 3 gets Kinect support
• Kinectimals is the cutest thing I’ve ever seen
• VideoKinect is kinda like Skype
• Using Kinect to control Xbox 360 apps
• Cute girl plays with tiger in Kinectimals
• Kinect Joy Ride brings kart racing to Kinect
• Ubisoft reveals Your Shape: Fitness Evolved
• Kinect Sports by Rare
• Dance Central lets you dance with Kinect
• New Star Wars title coming to Kinect

Microsoft’s E3 2010 Keynote begins at 1:30PM EST, what will be revealed? Xbox Slim, more Kinect, Hulu? Stay tuned for coverage here on TekGoblin at 1:30PM EST.

**********Keep this page refreshed for Live coverage below***************

1:22 EST– The Keynote has not started yet, anticipation is building

1:29 EST — New Halo Reach Demo supposedly going to be revealed

1:32 EST — The Keynote is beginning, they are displaying game trailers at the moment

The guys over at CVG have announced that Sony plans to unveil new PS3 bundles, bundled with PlayStation Move. The consoles in this bundle will include either a 250GB or 500GB hard drive, an improved WLAN card 802.11n, the PlayStation Move controller.

No word has been said on the pricing of these bundles but I am sure they will be affordable for this holiday season. We expect to see the competition surge as Kinect and Move go at it head to head for this fall or winter. Move is scheduled to be released this Fall.

First we had the name Kinect (Formerly Project Natal) now we have a video that has surfaced showing more demo’s of Kinect games. Now it is not clear, however other sources are saying its true that the titles in the video could be release titles for Kinect. I have embedded a video below depicting these titles.

The first game looks like a family type white water rafting game with a twist, the second game appears to just be a sports game and they only show the running portion, the third game appears to be a sort of dance along game similar to dance dance, but without the pad, and the fourth shows a family navigating videos on the Xbox with Kinect. It is also possible it will be a suite of games that will be released with it as well. More info as soon as we have it here at TekGoblin.

As Always be sure to Subscribe for updates.

Image credit: http://i.telegraph.co.uk

Many people gathered for the opening of E3 to see Project Natal. When they entered they were told that the new name of Natal is Kinect. Kinect is going to be the new way to play. It is going to be completely controller free. You can browse your dashboard with the wave of you hand. Tuesday June 15th 3:30pm ET, MTV will be showing the gathering commercial free!

References -  http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/events/e3/kinect.htm

Hey guys the internet has exploded with the announcement of Project Natal’s real name being Xbox Kinect. Well, now an image has surfaced on the new Xbox Slim supposedly being shown at E3 this week. The Xbox Slim is rumored to have a 250gb hdd, and an internal wifi antenna so you can connect wirelessly to the internet without the adapter. Let us know what you think, by posting below.

I was watching some videos on YouTube and I stumbled upon a new trailer for another Mortal Kombat game. Anyone around 20 years old should remember going to the arcade and hearing the word “Finish Him”. But is another Mortal Kombat game good for the Xbox and PS3? It looks like they added more gore and Fatalities. But is that enough to sell more copies than Tekken or Soul Caliber? Comment if you think this is going to be just another game to sell back to Game Stop.

Microsoft announced today that they were taking the beta off of their QR tag service called Microsoft Tag. Over a year ago Microsoft thought that they could make a better QR code, with skepticism at first Microsoft seems to have done it.

Microsoft claims to have more than 1 billion tags in circulation and printed by businesses all over the world. The Tags have also appeared in over 20 million magazines world wide. Microsoft says the tags will be free to use for basic services such as for linking to websites, you can just go to Tag.Microsoft.com to create and deliver tags. Microsoft plans to offer additional services to businesses using Tags such as advanced reporting and real time location services.

We have generated a Microsoft Tag below with a link to TekGoblin.com, try it out!

There have been rumors floating around that Steve Ballmer of Microsoft was going to make an appearance at the WWDC with Steve Jobs. Well today Microsoft has put an end to the rumor and announced on Twitter that he is definitely not going to be there. Microsoft felt the need to add the he wont be appearing on Dancing with the Stars, or riding in the Belmont. Sorry if anyone got their hopes up for announcements between Apple and Microsoft, maybe we can hope for next year.

According to Edge-online.com their source says that we can expect Microsoft’s Project Natal to cost around $149 USD. Now that is significantly less than previously noted in other European retailers.

Edge also stated that Natal will be released on October 26, 2010 globally. Sony plans to release it’s Natal competitor at less than $100 USD when bought with a game.

Project Natal is probably not going to be called Natal at release, Microsoft plans to reveal much more about this at E3.

Source: Edge

Many of us have had Hotmail accounts in the past, I myself remember it being a nightmare to navigate my email while using Hotmail. Well Microsoft has announced a massive upgrade to the current version of Hotmail.

Hotmail has around 343 million users to date, which makes it a pretty popular email service provider, and it has been in existence since 1996.

With competition from Google’s Gmail, Hotmail needed an upgrade. First take a look at the new inbox and below take a look at how it used to look.

The New:

The Old:

Microsoft has cleaned up the Inbox interface a little bit by removing the long message list from the left side. And they have added different ways to view your email such as; by Contacts, by Social Network (for example: FaceBook, Twitter, MySpace, Linkedin, etc.), or from mailing lists. This is a welcome change from having to sort through all of your email message by message till you found what you wanted.

Another new feature to the inbox is the “Sweep” function, Sweep enables you to get rid of the messages that you don’t want. For example, just mark the messages that you do not want anymore and select Sweep and they are gone!

Another interesting new feature is “Hotmail Active View”, which is supposed to allow you to preview content like photos, videos, and documents that are sent in an email message. When you receive a photo, it will appear in the email without the need to download it as an attachment to view it.

Microsoft is making sending photos and files in email even simpler with the introduction of Windows SkyDrive that allows you access to 25GB of online storage to send up to 200 photos up to 50mb in size in one single email. All I can say to that is Wow!

Hotmail can now view documents such as Powerpoint and Word directly in your browser without the need for Office. And you can attach them as well with SkyDrive, and the same 200 docs  up to 50 meg each.

When you receive a video from Hulu or Youtube, you can view it right in your inbox. See the photo below, it look absolutely fascinating.

Microsoft has promised even more upgrades to Hotmail in the near future, here are some of them: Enhanced account protection, full-session SSL, multiple email accounts, subfolders, contact management, more storage. Once all of these new features are released, Hotmail may actually start to catch up to Gmail.

Everyone was hyped up about the release of a tablet from Microsoft called the Courier that could have competed with the iPad. But news has surfaced from Microsoft that the Courier will not be seen anytime in the near future. The official word came from Frank Shaw, Microsoft’s VP of corporate communications:

At any given time, across any of our business groups, there are new ideas being investigated, tested, and incubated. It’s in Microsoft’s DNA to continually develop and incubate new technologies to foster productivity and creativity. The “Courier” project is an example of this type of effort and its technologies will be evaluated for use in future Microsoft offerings, but we have no plans to build such a device at this time.

It would have been awesome to see Microsoft come out with a new product that would have competed in the tablet market. Maybe Microsoft will think about ways to make it even better, who knows? If you have any further information about this feel free to contact me and I will get it up asap. Thanks.
More coverage at: Engadget, Gizmodo

News released from Xbox on March 5th states that there is an update to the Xbox Live Code of Conduct. The new code of conduct has a distinct change that I feel needs to be mentioned. The new Code of Conduct allows a person to express their orientation in their profile or gamertag. Here is an excerpt from the Code of Conduct:

You may use the following terms to express your relation ship orientation in your profile or Gamertag:

• Lesbian
• Gay
• Bi
• Transgender
• Straight

CNET News was told by Stephen Toulouse, the head of policy and enforcement for Xbox Live that he felt the previous policy regarding members expressing their sexual orientation was “inelegent” and that though he and his team were working on improving the situation, they had no timetable. Xbox did this to alleviate discrimination concerns that may have been plaguing them in the past. I am sure these changes are welcomed by tons of Xbox Live members. I also applaud Xbox for making this change in support of their customers. Xbox needed this change to remain diverse in their 23 million member strong community.