Next Xbox expected launch in November,$499 or $299 with subscription

Without a doubt, the next generation Xbox is the most highly anticipated launch from the company in some time. While the Surface announcement generated quite a bit of noise, the next generation Xbox will be the follow-up to one of Microsoft's best hardware products in the history of the company, so as you can imagine, expectations are quite high.

Paul Thurrott, who nailed the launch date of the console, is back with more information and seeing as he got it right the first time around, we have reason to believe his new information is as credible as the first wave of content. According to Paul, the next Xbox will launch in early November and will have a price of $499 or $299 with a monthly $10 subscription.

In addition to the above information, the console will have a Blu-ray drive and as previously expected will be based on the core of Windows 8.

The critical information above, if accurate, is the release and price as Microsoft typically holds this information close to the vest before letting the public know these two crucial pieces of information.

We fully expect Microsoft's next console to be a true media hub in the living room with a significant focus on content, as well as gaming. Seeing that Microsoft is building out its Windows 8 ecosystems with phones, tablets, and PCs, the Xbox is the missing link for the ecosystem.

BBC considering more Dr Who, Top Gear games & praises next gen Xbox strategy

Robert Nashak, BBC's EVP for digital, has stated his interest in developing more trans-media properties within the company, inspired by the success of SyFy's Defiance.

Speaking to GamesIndustry International, Nashak explained the difficulty in the past of releasing games in tandem with TV shows or movies. Games took months or even years to complete, and were released long after the initial hype for a TV show or movie had died down. Nowadays however, it's a different story.

"Where we can get in with the creatives early, we try to develop in tandem with them a digital strategy," he said. "That's the wave of the future and BBC's been doing that." A number of BBC-owned brands already embrace a trans-media approach, with Nashak citing Dr Who, Walking With Dinosaurs, Top Gear and Dancing With The Stars as examples. Microsoft would presumably be more than happy to feature BBC shows on Xbox Live - the firm is reportedly in talks with NBC to revive Heroes as an Xbox-exclusive show, in accordance with its plans to feature more original programming on the Marketplace. Microsoft has partnered with the Beeb before, introducing elements of the Top Gear license to Forza Motorsport 4.
"It used to be that games were ancillary products," Nashak continued. "Defiance is a good example from SyFy, where if you can think of them holistically from the get-go it's much more important. I'm a big believer in games and media properties really working together. I used to do Harry Potter games for EA, and you were always trying to hit the movie deadline. That rush never worked. You can only get so much of the creatives' time."
The BBC also want to get behind and support more user-created content. "Brands are being created by their audiences, and we need to embrace that. The other thing that seems to be changing in the media landscape is brands and IP being less afraid of the fans creating their own stuff, and more embracing it. The idea that a fan can go and create something about Dr. Who out there, or any of our brands, it's not 'Uh oh, there's a problem.'"
Nashak proclaimed his excitement for next gen consoles, singling Xbox out for particular praise. "It's been a while. I think we're going to see Microsoft, for example, really get it right - not that they haven't in the past. You're going to see this next Xbox be a true home entertainment system. I think they're going to have a system when you get into Xbox Live that's going to be very seamless; you'll see more frictionless billing."

The Editable 'Print A Cheat-Sheet On An Aquafina Bottle Label And Ace Your Test' Website

Just in time for exams comes the White Weasel editable and printable Aquafina cheat-sheet bottle label. You just go to the website, replace the label text with the info you need for your exam, print it out, glue it to a water bottle, and PRESTO, you passed a test you didn't really deserve to.

Best Buy Upgrade & Save - Trade in ANY DVD for $5 Towards Any Blu-ray $9.99+

How does it work?
Trade in ANY DVD (except for porn, you weirdos) and get a $5 off coupon towards any Blu-Ray priced $9.99 or above.
Yes, ANY DVD - this includes things you bought at the Dollar Store, individual discs from compilations or TV shows, and ex-rentals from Blockbuster.
Cases and artwork aren't required.

Step 1. Trade in DVD's for $5 off coupons.
Step 2. ???
Step 3. Profit!

The usual FAQ/tips/etc.
Coupons are 1:1 - for each DVD traded, one coupon is given.
Coupons don't have to be used at time of trade in.
Coupons do not stack with each other. No combining U&S coupons for $40 off of the Star Wars box set.
Coupons MAY stack with price matches, manufacturer coupons, and current Best Buy promos. YMMV, ya know?
Discounts are taken from the selling price of the Blu-Ray $9.99 or higher. $9.99 becomes $4.99, $12.99 becomes $7.99, and so on. $4.99 Blu-Rays are still $4.99 though.
Coupons are B&M only - must be redeemed in-store.

More info HERE

Batteries Could Get 10 Times Smaller

University of Illinois researchers say they’ve found a way to make batteries far smaller and much quicker to recharge. The technique works in the same way as traditional batteries, but makes much more efficient use of space.
As the BBC explains with admirable clarity, batteries work by electrons flowing from one type of electrode (an anode) to another type (a cathode). The new technique involves changing the way these electrodes are organized to fit more into a small space.
That increases the power of the battery for a given size, meaning you can either have more powerful batteries or get the same power from a smaller battery. The new design also means the electrons have to move a shorter distance, which helps make for faster recharging: up to a thousand times faster on paper.
The technique involves using polystyrene spheres to create a mold for a metal lattice structure. The spheres can then be dissolved, leaving space for the anodes and cathodes, which are arranged in alternating cylinders.
As an extremely simplified analogy, the result is a little like the saving in area when you switch from having your hands side by side and outstretched, to interlocking your fingers. The battery itself has a similar space saving but in three-dimensional layers.
At the moment the researchers are concentrating on microbatteries and say they’ve achieved a power-to-space ratio 2,000 times better than existing models. They say in principle the concept should scale to larger batteries such as those in cars.
Professor William King, who led the project, told the BBC the power improvements mean it’s conceivable a cellphone battery could hold enough power to jump-start a vehicle.
There are some potential practical problems with both the fundamental design and the concept of scaling. The way the battery is so tightly packed means that a short circuit could become a more significant problem.
Meanwhile the electrolyte used in the design (the substance that separates the anodes and cathodes to force the electrons to take a particular route) is combustible. That doesn’t seem to be an issue with the microbatteries, but could pose an unacceptable explosion risk when scaled up. The researchers say they are exploring using a safer electrolyte in larger units.

Rumor: Microsoft wants to resurrect 'Heroes' as original Xbox show

Microsoft is in talks to bring Heroes back, possibly as part of its original Xbox programming lineup, TVLine reports. The new series would involve new heroes and stories, with cameos from past stars, though talks are still in preliminary stages, the site says.

Is the OUYA massively outdated before it even hits retail?

According to Venturebeat, the upcoming open-source game console OUYA ranks a lowly 73rd in the Android power scale. The site also reports that the LG Nexus 4 has more than doubled OUYA’s score in the benchmarking software Futuremark and that the HTC One and the Samsung Galaxy S IV performed even better than that when pitted against the console.
So, even though all that’s not great, do the ‘bad’ numbers really that much? Yes, it would have been nice to have the OUYA blast all other Android-based devices in the processors and leave them in the dust, but do new and prospective owners of the micro-console truly care? OUYA has never been talked up as a competitor for high-end consoles like the PS4 (or even current gen systems for that matter), so does it matter how well it compares against smartphones and tablets? The main idea behind it has always been that it will be ‘plug and play’ with an open-source architecture and will allow gamers to play for free before they buy in for a game. That hasn’t changed any or been affected by a few rounds of hardware tests that didn’t show OUYA burning up the charts.
There’s a segment of the gaming public that OUYA is very well matched for and they probably aren’t into benchmarking and hardware tests. Even for those who just want access to Android games on their big screens, OUYA is still very much a viable console.

Galaxy S4 to be launched by 7 US Phone Carriers!

Samsung's Galaxy S4 has become the Android phone to wait for. The phone has a slew of new features, including an improved 13-megapixel camera, new software features and it responds to waves and gestures. It also has a 5-inch Super AMOLED 1080p screen.

But the wait for the new phone will be over soon. Today Samsung announced that the handset will be available at seven U.S. carriers starting this month.

AT&T
You can now preorder an AT&T Galaxy S4 at att.com. The 16GB version costs $199.99 with a two-year contract. The 32GB version will cost $249.99. It will ship on April 30. If you don't want to sign a two-year contract, the phone is $639.99

T-Mobile
You will be able to get T-Mobile's Galaxy S4 next week on April 24 through tmobile.com; it will be available at T-Mobile stores on May 1. The phone is available with T-Mobile's new "uncarrier" pricing. That means the phone costs just $149.99 up front, but you have to pay T-Mobile $20 a month for the next 24 months to pay off the rest of the phone. For more information on T-Mobile's new rates look over here.

Sprint
Sprint's Galaxy S4 launch day is April 27, though you will be able to pre-order yours , Thursday, April 18. And Sprint's charging slightly more upfront for the phone than the previous two carriers. The 16GB version of the phone will start at $249.99 with a two-year contract. New Sprint customers can get the phone for $149.99 with a two year contract.

Verizon
Verizon will have the phone, but it hasn't released launch or pricing information. We will update this article when the carrier announces more information.

Other retailers
But carriers aren't the only places that will sell the new phone. Walmart will sell the AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile versions of the phone. The AT&T version will cost $168 with a two-year contract at Walmart. Walmart will also drop the price of the Verizon and AT&T Galaxy S3 to $39.88 with a two-year contract.
Staples will have the phone. You can pre-order now through Staples.com and it will have some carrier versions of it at 500 of its select mobile phone stores on April 26. The AT&T version will be available for $199.99 with a two-year contract at Staples on April 26. The T-Mobile version will be out on May 1 at the store.
The phone will be available at other retailers too, including Best Buy, Best Buy Mobile, Costco, Radio Shack, Sam's Club and Target.

Doctor Who Remote Control Flying TARDIS

This Doctor Who Remote-Control Flying TARDIS is coming soon to the Nerd Approved Shop!

Behold, what is possibly the coolest remote-controlled vehicle that has ever been created! It’s the Doctor’s precious TARDIS with two propellors on its top and it actually flies. Just imagine the fun you could have with this in your office. Preorder now for delivery in July.
Doctor Who Remote Control Flying TARDIS ($46.99)

What Happens to Your Google Account When You Die?

Today, Google launched the Inactive Account Manager that gives Google account holders a chance to decide for themselves, what happens to their account and who is notified when they are no longer active. Notice, that the new feature doesn’t mention “death” – simply “inactive”, which can happen for any reason.

To configure Inactive Account Manager, login to your Google account and click this link. It will take you straight to the Inactive Account Manager page under your Google account settings. Here you will see 4 settings.

• Timeout period: This defines the timeout period, after which your account is classed as inactive. The timeout period starts with your last sign-in to your Google account. The default is 3 months, but that can be changed to 6 months, 9 months or 1 year.
• Alert me: Inactive Account Manager will alert you via email or text message one month before the timeout period ends. Here you can leave your alternate email address and phone number where you would like to receive alerts.
• Notify contacts and share data: Once you account has been classed inactive, your data will be shared with contacts you specify here. You can add up to 10 trusted friends or family members who should be notified that your account is inactive. You can also share data with them if you like.
• Optionally delete account: You can ask Google to delete your account on your behalf. Deleting your Google account will delete all data associated with your products which includes your publicly shared data like YouTube videos, Google+ posts or blogs on Blogger.

After an account has been deemed inactive, contacts will receive a notification, and if you decided to share your data with them, they will receive an email with a link to download your data.
Inactive Account Manager remains inactive by default, so you don’t have to worry about your data being shared or deleted if you fail to use your Google account for more than 3-months (the default time-out period). You can go away on a 6-month holiday without worry. It’s only when you enable Inactive Account Manager that the time-out clock starts ticking.

Next-gen Xbox controller near identical to current unit

Kotaku is reporting that the controller for the Xbox 720 (or whatever it’s to be called) will be largely unchanged from the 360′s design. In fact, other than being a little smaller in its footprint, what you’re looking at right now with the 360 pretty much is the pad for the next Xbox.

Instead of adding more bells and whistles to the actual pad, Microsoft is leaning on developers to include more Kinect functionality to games. It’s a move that would make sense as the Kinect is a very capable add-on for the 360 already and a next gen Kinect should be that much better tech wise. The device’s inclusion in current generation games has been dubious at best though; figuring it into next gen games in new and interesting ways will hopefully be something that’s worked on and not rushed.
And speaking of ‘new and interesting’, GameStop honcho Paul Raines has done a little talking as well as of late. The big boss of the retail giant has told gamesindustry that he has spent “a lot of time with Microsoft” and that the new console will be “a very hot, compelling device”. He went on to say, among other things, that he thinks “the world is going to stand up and take notice”.

Now, those are some very big and splashy words right there. They also don’t sound like the words of a man who’s seen a console that won’t accept used games since GameStop’s profit relies on them in large part. It’s just my opinion, but I have to imagine that if the Xbox 720 said ‘no thanks’ to used discs, Mr.Raines would probably a tad less excited and talkative about said console.

One place where Microsoft is taking precautions as to security though is the demo units that are reportedly in developers hands at the moment. Each console is ‘zebra striped’ in a unique way, which means that if any shots of the controller or demo unit show up online, well… they’ll know who leaked ‘em.
E3 can’t some soon enough…

Next Xbox console is a "hot, compelling device", says GameStop boss

To date, Microsoft has not confirmed that it has a new console in the works, but it’s kind of an open secret. Raines refused to give any details, but in a chat with GamesIndustry, was one of the first to make any kind of open reference to the new hardware beyond a brief mention of NDAs.

“We’ve been spending a lot of time with Microsoft, but we have to let them take the lead on this, but it will be a very hot, compelling device,” he said.

“They are doing some really cool stuff, and I’m eager to hear them start their announcements because I think the world is going to stand up and take notice.”

As online vendors and digital sales eat into the traditional retail market, hardware remains something bricks-and-mortar can rely on. The last two hardware launches – 3DS and Vita – have been somewhat disappointing for retailers, but Raines said next-gen consoles won’t follow this trend, as many naysayers have predicted.

“I was talking to one of our founders, Dan DeMatteo, and he was telling me every console cycle you get people who will say ‘there will never be another console,’ or ‘what else can the consoles do?’ And we just believe it’s a cycle and we just haven’t had a new product in so long,” he said.

“But we certainly don’t believe that the new consoles won’t be as exciting. There’s a lot of demand for PS4, and I think there will be for the next Xbox as well, once it’s announced.”

Elsewhere in the interview, Raines said he doesn’t expect digital to ever fully replace digital, and that GameStop’s in-store digital content sales strategy is working. He wouldn’t committ to the question of whether next-gen games will be priced above the traditional $60 US RRP, but did say he thinks publishers would like it.

Nobody knows when Microsoft will break cover on the next Xbox console, which is codenamed Durango and nicknamed Xbox 720. Rumours put the console down as having similar if slightly less grunty specs to the PlayStation 4, but with dedicated hardware modules for various processing tasks. More wild talk speaks of always-on Internet, mandatory installs, and an obligatory Kinect, but a fairly bogstandard controller. Best guesses put the reveal before E3 2013.

Source: http://www.thetechgame.com

Welcome To My New Blog For Next Gen

Welcome newbs and long time followers of my first blog, I have decided to start a new blog dedicated to News, Rumors, Reviews, Deals and everything geek that I find exciting. I am looking at expanding the general topic from gaming to a wider array of subjects. I hope you stick with me through the process while I work out some kinks in the coming weeks.

Thanks for everyone's support so far and I hope to keep you entertained for a lot longer :)