It’s been a heavily hectic year, and there’s been so much news at the year’s end that a few things slip by without due record, but we were just cleaning up the loose ends here and noticed something we had let slip by. Well, rectifying past wrongs, here it is: early this month, Microsoft announced the launch of a number of new hardware products designed apparently to “make life better for all, through ergonomic design and superior build quality.” There’s two lines of products, the “Life on the Go” high end products and also a “Life in India” range, which offers more economical offerings, that are hardier as well.
On offer are a hardier keyboard, a HD webcam (which could have some applications hmm hmm), headphone and microphone combination which is really uncomfortable to use, and my personal favourites, the Wireless Desktop, which is a wireless keyboard and mouse combo!
Set up a projection system, hook up your computer, play some Warcraft in style – the downside of course is that using the mouse on the couch carpet doesn’t work too well usually, but Microsoft now uses a HD laser mouse for the wireless, which to my surprise, actually worked well on a number of different surfaces, which makes the whole thing sort of cool.
For more information, and the full release, check out http://microsofthardware.webrelease.in
cdv Software Entertainment USA has announced that the Divinity II – Ego Draconis demo is now available for Xbox 360 and PC! The sequel to the critically acclaimed action-RPG Divine Divinity, Divinity II – Ego Draconis takes players back to the open, war-torn world of Rivellon. The demo allows allows players to check out what’s new before the game’s release on January 5, 2010.
After you’ve had a chance to play through the demo, visit http://www.honorofrivellon.com and use the clues and tips to enter to win prizes, including a Divinity II – Ego Draconis-themed Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft console, themed controllers, controller skins, game cards, in-game items and more!
Divinity II – Ego Draconis, is rated “M” for “Mature” by the ESRB, and you can find out more by visiting the website: http://www.divinity2.com.
Also, Gamestop is doing a nice pre-order bonus for the game:
Players who pre-order Divinity II – Ego Draconis for Xbox 360 from GameStop will receive the exclusive in-game Blood Echelon Armor and Weapon Set while supplies last. The Blood Echelon is a select lodge of elite Dragon Slayers who have earned the highest of distinctions on the battlefield. The pre-order program is available now through January 5, 2010.
**Please note that this program applies only to pre-orders of Divinity II – Ego Draconis for the Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system from Microsoft**
As some of you may have realized, last night was the Video Game Awards. As well as handing out nice mementos to the winners and playing host to a large amount of bonhomie and back-slapping, the VGAs also showcased a few new and exciting things. One of these new and exciting things was a two-minute long cinematic for Bungie’s forthcoming Halo: Reach. Check it out.
See? We do love you. The multiplayer beta is rumoured to be going live at some point in the first half of 2010, so those of you canny enough to hold on to your ODST discs will be able to get in when it launches.
I think we can all agree that is a mightily enticing cinematic right there, and it underscores the improvements made now that Bungie has switched to a new game engine. This is especially impressive given that in this tweet Bungie confirmed the trailer seen here is made entirely using the in-game engine, and not prerendered graphics.
First I just want to say, if you got banned for modding, hacking, or piracy then why are you even complaining? You violated the Terms of Use that you agreed to when you started using the console, you just look like an idiot trying to sue someone for breaking the rules. You’re like the kid who brought a stink bomb to school and got pissed because he got detention when he set it off (Yes, that was me in 3rd grade)
A law firm by the name of Abington IP has announced recently that it’s considering filing a class action lawsuit against Microsoft. They asked on their website that anyone who wants to sue MS to please contact them.
Abington argues the case by saying,
“Although modification of Xbox consoles is ‘arguably’ against the terms of use for Xbox/Xbox Live, Microsoft conveniently timed the Xbox console ban to coincide with the release of the new Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 game and less than two months after the release of the very popular Halo: ODST game.
Microsoft has responded to all those who are possibly going to sue by saying,
Piracy is illegal and modifying an Xbox 360 is a violation of the Xbox Live Terms of Use. Microsoft is well within its legal rights to ban these users from Xbox Live.
Abington continues to argue this by saying,
As an aside, piracy is a legitimate concern for Microsoft and other content producers. However . . . Microsoft has chosen to use one of the most indiscriminate ‘weapons’ in its arsenal in an effort to combat piracy.
Well, I think suing over violating a TOS and doing something illegal is pretty ridiculous. This to me is like someone who is caught murdering someone and they still try to plea innocence. I believe it was William Shakespeare who said it best, “Kill all the lawyers.”
Halo anime fans previously saw “The Babysitter”, now fans can watch the next installment in the series, “The Duel”. This is only available for 24 hours and is out right now. To watch, go to Halo Waypoint on Xbox Live.
“The Duel” takes place thousands of years in the past at the dawn of the Covenant. The story follows a shamed Elite who defies his role as an Arbiter to take a path of revenge against those that stole the only thing that mattered to him. This ancient Arbiter must fight his way through ever-growing groups of former allies (Grunts, Elites, Hunters and more) until he finally stands face-to-face with the Elite who betrayed him.
Today is also the last time Silver members will be able to access Halo Waypoint before it goes to Xbox Live Gold members only on November 27.
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