Latest Gear Live Videos
Apply now for early access to Fall 2009 Xbox 360 Dashboard update
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Internet, Microsoft, Xbox 360, Xbox Live,
Just like last year, you have the opportunity to apply to receive preview access to the Fall 2009 Xbox 360 Dashboard Update. Major Nelson made the announcement over on his blog, and made sure to mention a few points of interest:
- We’re looking for multiple thousands of participants, so your chances of making it in are good
- This opportunity is open to all Xbox LIVE Members in regions where Xbox LIVE is available.
- Just completing the survey does not automatically get you access to the Preview Program. We’ll be making final selections from the completed surveys and send you an email if you are selected.
- While both box LIVE Gold and Silver members can sign up, Priority will be given to Gold members in the selection process.
You know you want it, so go ahead and try and secure yourself a spot.
Read More 
| Xbox LIVE Update Preview Program
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Ads with sound hit Xbox 360 dashboard
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Culture, Microsoft, Xbox 360, Xbox Live,
Well, how’s this for a slap in the face? It looks like ads that have sound incorporated into them have come to the Xbox 360 dashboard. As you can see in the video above, the ad appears in a tile, and if you bring that tile into primary view, sound automatically plays - even if you don’t select the ad. That’s pretty low, considering you paid for the console, paid for the games, and more than likely, pay $50 a year for an Xbox LIVE Gold subscription. Here’s hoping that Silverlight in the Xbox 360 Fall 2009 dashboard update doesn’t bring even more advertising with it.
Test Out Instant-On 1080p Streaming Now
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Downloadable Content, Internet, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace,
As we all know Zune Marketplace is coming to the Xbox 360. Through the magic of Microsoft Silverlight, instant-on 1080p content will be available when the Marketplace comes to the Xbox 360; but did you know that you could check out the 1080p streaming now? All that you need are a compatible web browser with Microsoft Silverlight installed. As you’ll see in the demo, you can play around with the bit-rate to see exactly how the technology will work, and compensate for changes in your Internet speed. Check it out and let us know what you think, is this enough to replace Blu-Ray in your life?
Read More | Experience Smooth Streaming
Free on Xbox Live Marketplace: Michael Jackson’s Thriller video
Posted by Drea Avellan Categories: Music, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace,
Xbox LIVE Marketplace is offering Michael Jackson‘s Thriller video entirely free. The one day deal, will allow you to download MJ’s 10 minute video giving you the opportunity to study his weakness and strengths. You know, just in case he does come back as a zombie.
E3 2009: DiRT 2 impressions
Posted by Drea Avellan Categories: Driving, E3, PlayStation 3, Reviews, Xbox 360, Xbox Live,
As a big fan of DiRT and having put in many hours into the game, I was extremely excited to get my hands on the demo at the Microsoft booth at this years E3 2009. DiRT 2 looks and feels like DiRT, but with a kick. Powered by the third generation of the EGO Engine’s racing game technology, DiRT 2 offers tuned-up car-handling and new damage engine effects.
It’s all about details and that’s what makes the difference. Depending on your car, tuning or even what type of road you are on, every vehicle will feel different. Find a car you love? You are able to use your favorite vehicle and tune it with add-ons. With seven vehicle classes and a large collection of officially licensed rally cars and off-roads vehicles, I doubt you will have any problem in finding the best vehicle.
Click to continue reading E3 2009: DiRT 2 impressions
1 vs 100 for Xbox Live kicks off June 1 in US
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Casual, Microsoft, Xbox 360, Xbox Live,
1 vs 100 on Xbox Live finally has a date, and you’ll be able to take part in the madness starting June 1 at 7:30pm PST. The 1 vs 100 beta is open, and free, to all Xbox Live Gold members, and you can actually win real prizes during the beta. Here’s a look at what you can win:
- One (1) Grand Prize : A Samsung 52” plasma HDTV and surround sound/receiver bundle. Approximate Retail Value (ARV) of Grand Prize: $3000
- Two (2) First Prizes : An Acer Aspire laptop computer. ARV: $500
- Two (2) Second Prizes : A Microsoft Zune 120GB music player. ARV: $200
- Thirty (30) Third Prizes : A Microsoft Xbox Live Arcade Game of Sponsor’s choosing. ARV of Third Prize: $15 each
Do note, these are the prizes available during the beta period. The actual skill-based prizes, where you can win Microsoft Points and all that, aren’t up for grabs until the beta period ends.
Read More | 1 vs 100
New shoe styles for your Avatar now available on Xbox LIVE
Posted by Drea Avellan Categories: Xbox 360, Xbox Live, Xbox Live Marketplace,
Xbox wants your avatar to get its Summer on in style this year by bringing you new shoe styles to rock. Yes, classics such as the flippy floppies, or even the amazingly sexy socks and sandals looks are now available to you. Of course, the ladies will get some love, although limited, with pretty sandals and boots.
Listed below is what you will find to be shiny and new:
The Boys:
- Flip Flops
- High Top Sneakers
- Socks and Sandals
- 70’s Leather Platforms
The Girlies:
- Sunny Day Sandals
- White 60’s Boots
Read More | Major Nelson
Poll: How is your Xbox 360 connected to your network?
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Accessories, USB, Features, Internet, Video Games, Wireless / WiFi,
Time to bring back the Gear Live poll, because we’re wondering what method most Xbox 360 users are employing when they connect their consoles to their home networks. We’re talking about you. Did you spend the extra benjamin on one of the Wireless Networking Adapters? Do you run a long-ass cable from your router to the 360 to avoid latency (or cost of said adapter)? Something else?
Hit up the poll and let us know, and feel free to use the comments to give us a more thorough response!
Amazon selling Xbox Live Gold subscriptions for $29.97
We are gonna go out on a limb and say this is likely the best gaming deal you’ll see today. Over at Amazon, they are selling the 1-year Xbox Live Gold subscription at just $29.97. That’s a little over $20 off the standard price of $50 that most of us pay on a yearly basis to stay connected to the Xbox Live golden world, or in other words, a full 40% off. If you are nearing the end of your subscription, you’ll wanna grab one, certainly. Heck, I’m gonna pick up a few just so I can stay stocked up. At $30, why not?
Interestingly enough, this isn’t the first sale of its kind, as Buy.com was also pulling a similar stunt last week. Could we be seeing the beginnings of an Xbox Live Gold price drop? Maybe?
Your thoughts?
Read More | Amazon
Sony Adds 100,00 More Users To The Home Beta
Posted by Aaron Zollo Categories: Home Entertainment, Internet, Software, Video Games,
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Sony has been trying to play catch up with Xbox Live ever since its inception, and they think they have the answer. The upcoming release of Home is Sony’s attempt to bring a “Live” community to the PS3, but using their own style. The Beta has been out for some time and it seems Sony wants it to be perfect before launching. Today, they have added another 100,000 Beta testers to their program to allow them to enjoy Home, which allows Sony to iron out the bugs. In case you have not been aware, Home is much like Second Life, but with game rooms, trophies and “Homes” for each of its players, where you can interact with one another. It’s nice to see Sony trying to take the initiative and attempt something new for online communities, and the free price point makes it a nice alternative. We’ll still have to wait and see if Home is all Sony claims it can be.
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