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Bleeding Edge TV 405: Xbox 360 Fall 2011 dashboard update review

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Full Episodes, High Score, Features, Microsoft, Podcasts, Video Games, Videocasts, Videos,

The next major Xbox 360 dashboard update happens on December 6th, and we’ve got a look at all the new changes and additions in this episode of Bleeding Edge TV. The Fall 2011 Xbox 360 Dashboard Update is the official name of this release, and we show you the update process, and then walk you through the new interface. We give you a look at new features like Bing, Cloud Storage for games and profiles, the new Social, Games, Movies, and Music channels, and more. Expect good things from Microsoft's latest update, including full Kinect integration. This is a big update that brings another big redesign to the Xbox 360, similar to what they did a couple years ago with the New Xbox Experience. Things are a lot more flat...even boxy. It's somewhat similar to the Metro UI that you’d find on  devices or Windows 8, and the synergy is understandable…plus, it makes things a lot more user-friendly as it pertains to .

Big thank you to GoToMeeting and JackThreads for sponsoring the show - be sure to check them out! As for JackThreads, we've got exclusive invite codes that give you $5 to use towards anything you'd like.

Gallery: Bleeding Edge TV 405: Xbox 360 Fall 2011 dashboard update review


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Bleeding Edge TV 367: Windows Phone 7 Connector for Mac

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Gizmatic, Cell Phones, Features, Microsoft, Podcasts, Software, Videocasts, Videos,

As we mentioned in our Windows Phone 7 review, Microsoft has given Mac users a way to sync their phones and Zune devices with their computers. Windows Phone 7 devices have no Zune client to sync with a Mac, which would have left Mac owners out in the cold. However, Microsoft is releasing the Windows Phone 7 Connector software for Mac, allowing Mac users to sync content from iTunes, iPhoto, and other areas of their Mac, directly to their Windows Phone 7 and Zune handhelds. Hey...it's better than nothing. We give you a look at how it all works in this episode.

Gallery: Bleeding Edge TV 367: Windows Phone 7 Connector for Mac


Bleeding Edge TV 366: Xbox 360 Fall 2010 dashboard update review

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: High Score, Features, Microsoft, Podcasts, Video Games, Videocasts, Videos,

The next major Xbox 360 dashboard update happens in November, and we’ve got a look at all the new changes and additions in this episode of Bleeding Edge TV. This is a big update that brings another big redesign to the Xbox 360, similar to what they did a couple years ago with the New Xbox Experience. Things are a lot more flat and boxy, like what you’d find on , and the synergy is understandable…plus, it makes things a lot more user-friendly as it pertains to .

What else do you get? search and DVD queue management, along with a Netflix app redesign. ESPN brings 3,500 live sporting events per year (close to 100 per day!,) finally brings music to the Xbox 360 with Zune Pass integration, and more. Get a look at the video above for the full scoop.

Gallery: Bleeding Edge TV 366: Xbox 360 Fall 2010 dashboard update review


Bleeding Edge TV 361: Windows Phone 7 preview

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Gizmatic, Cell Phones, Features, Handhelds, Microsoft, Podcasts, Videocasts, Videos,

Wanna get an in-depth preview of what Microsoft has in store for ? In this episode, we chat with Brian Seitz of the Windows Phone team, and he gives us a tour through the entire Windows Phone 7 interface. We get a look at a bunch of features and hubs, including things like social networking integration, Microsoft Office, Xbox Live, photos, friends, Zune, Outlook, and much more. Seeing how Microsoft was able to tie a bunch of their different service offerings (Xbox, Office, Zune, Bing, Explorer, etc.) so tightly into one device is impressive, and definitely gives us hope as they gear up for the launch of Windows Phone 7 devices this fall.

Gallery: Bleeding Edge TV 361: Windows Phone 7 preview


Bleeding Edge TV 340: Zune Spring 2010 Preview

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Full Episodes, Gizmatic, CES, CES 2010, Features, Microsoft, Music, Podcasts, Portable Audio / Video, Videocasts, Videos,

Microsoft has got some big things planned for this year, not the least of which is Series. At , we talked with the Zune team’s Mike Yaeger about some of the other new hotness we can expect from the Zune service, all of which will be arriving later this Spring, such as Smart DJ right on the device.

Speaking of Zune, Amazon’s selling them at a nice discount right now, at $40 off.

Gallery: Bleeding Edge TV 340: Zune Spring 2010 Preview


Bleeding Edge TV 315: Zune HD hands-on Interface Preview

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Full Episodes, Gizmatic, Features, Handhelds, HDTV, Microsoft, Podcasts, Portable Audio / Video, Videocasts, Videos, Wireless / WiFi,

We were able to spend some quality time with the a couple of days ago, and we put together this video walkthrough of the interface on the device. Unfortunately, we weren’t connected to Wi-Fi, so we weren;t able to show web browsing, downloading from the Marketplace, or Social, but this gives you a really good idea of what to expect when you get pick up your Zune HD (available for pre-order now) come September 15th.

Our favorite feature? I’ll probably be using the pinned items on the side quite a bit, especially for the recently synched stuff. Quick access to things like that have been much needed on touch devices. A runner up would have to be the quick scroll in the music browser. Again, it saves you on just quickly swiping a bunch of times, hoping to get to the right spot.

All in all, we’re impressed. Of course, we will have a full Zune HD review when we get our own device. For now, be sure to read up on everything we know about the Zune HD.

Gallery: Bleeding Edge TV 315: Zune HD hands-on Interface Preview


Bleeding Edge TV 302: Zune Originals package

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Gizmatic, Short Bytes, Accessories, USB, Apple, Cell Phones, Features, Podcasts, Portable Audio / Video, Product Reviews, Videocasts, Videos,

We’ve said it for months, but we will say it again, as far as digital music goes, the Pass is the best deal in music. Of course, if you want to take advantage of the tracks you download using the Zune Pass, you’ll need an actual Zune device. Sure, you could hit the store and pick up one of the generic Zunes you’ll find on the store shelves of any Target or Best Buy, but why not get something a little more customized? That is where the Zune Originals line comes in. We were able to get our hands on a custom-designed Zune Originals device, and we thought we’d give you a hands-on look at what exactly it is you get when you spend an extra $15 or so on a customized Zune. As you’ll see, you get premium packaging, a neat design etched into your Zune device, a piece of artwork, etc.

For all the details, go ahead and watch the video.

Gallery: Bleeding Edge TV 302: Zune Originals package


Bleeding Edge TV 299: Zune Holiday 2008 Hardware & Accessory lineup

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Full Episodes, Gizmatic, Accessories, Features, Home Entertainment, Microsoft, Music, Podcasts, Portable Audio / Video, Videocasts, Videos,

We’ve made it clear a few times that we feel that the platform has progressed nicely since it’s inception, especially with the introduction of the , which we feel is the best deal in music today. Definitely something we recommend this holiday season. So much so, in fact, that we have put together a video showing off every Zune device that is currently available, as well as some of the cooler accessories available for the device set. We show off the Zune 80, Zune 120, Gears of War 2 Special Edition Zune, the flash Zunes, and even a Zune Originals piece.

On the accessories side, we give you a look at the Kicker stereo for Zune, a few cases, armbands, car accessories, and the Home A/V Kit. See? Told you we brought the goods to this one. Check out the video for the scoop on everything, and let us know if you end up picking any of it up.

Gallery: Bleeding Edge TV 299: Zune Holiday 2008 Hardware & Accessory lineup


Bleeding Edge TV 298: Gears of War 2 Zune and game giveaway

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: High Score, Short Bytes, Announcements, Features, Home Entertainment, Podcasts, Portable Audio / Video, Video Games, Videocasts, Videos,

After our last two successful giveaways (the HP Magic Giveaway and our HP Mini 1000 contest,) we just felt that we couldn’t stop. After all, it’s the holiday season, right? That’s why we are bringing you the latest contest, where you can win:

We’re going to use the same entrance criteria that we used last time, since that seemed to work so well. Here’s how to enter to win:

  1. If you don’t have one already, sign up for a Gear Live account
  2. If you don’t have one already, sign up for a Twitter account
  3. Add the Gear Live Twitter account to your follow list
  4. On Twitter, post a tweet about our contest and link to this page. In the tweet, include the phrase “#gearlive”.
  5. Once that is done, leave a comment here in this post with a direct link back to your Tweet. Be sure you are signed in to your Gear Live account before you leave the comment.

Here’s an example of an appropriate Twitter entry:
“Entering to win a Gears of War 2 prize package! http://wg9.qlnk.net/ #gearlive”

BONUS ENTRIES: Want more chances to win? Share the link to our contests on the following sites, and leave us a comment linking to those as well:

  • Facebook: Shared Link
  • Del.icio.us bookmark
  • FriendFeed: Use Post a Link
  • Your blog: Have a site? Link to our contest on it!

Remember: The bonus entries are just that - bonus. In order to be eligible to win, you must complete the core Twitter requirements.

Now, as to the actual contest dates. The contest starts today, December 17th. You have until 11:59 PM PST on December 24th to enter your comments here on this post. We will then announce our winner, chosen randomly out of all valid entrants and bonus points, on December 25th. Good luck to all, and remember, this contest is only open to US residents.

Gallery: Bleeding Edge TV 298: Gears of War 2 Zune and game giveaway


Bleeding Edge TV 191: A look at the new Zune lineup

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Gizmatic, Short Bytes, Features, Microsoft, Music, Podcasts, Portable Audio / Video, Videocasts, Wireless / WiFi,

This holiday season, consumers have three choices if they are wanting to buy a Zune for themselves or a loved one. In this Federated Media Holiday Gadget Guide video post, we take a look at the Holiday 2007 Microsoft lineup in detail. In the video we compare the old-school Zune 30 GB with the new Zune 2 lineup - the Zune 80 and the Zune 8. The Zune 80 is a hard drive based Zune that holds up to 80 GB of content, while the Zune 8 and Zune 4 are the new flash based Zune players, holding 8 GB and 4 GB of media respectively. Check out the video for the full scoop on the complete Zune lineup available this holiday season.

Gallery: Bleeding Edge TV 191: A look at the new Zune lineup


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