New Halo 2 Maps – April 17th

Official Press Release:

Microsoft Game Studios and Bungie Studios today confirmed the upcoming release of two new, eagerly awaited downloadable maps for “Halo® 2.� The maps will be available as premium downloadable content for Xbox® and Xbox 360™ on April 17.

Fans of the original “Halo� have long requested the addition of some of their favorite maps to the critically acclaimed multiplayer experience of “Halo 2.� These re-creations, developed by Bungie and Certain Affinity Inc., are a perfect way to thank fans for their support as they surpass 800 million hours of “Halo 2� gaming on Xbox LIVE®.

The two maps will bring new life to ancient battlefields and legendary skirmishes, as both are new, improved and redesigned remakes of fan favorites from the original “Halo: Combat Evolved.� For the price of $4 for the pair, these maps bring a fresh burst of action to the seminal “Halo 2� online multiplayer experience. Both of the maps will be available through the “Halo 2� in-game content downloader for both Xbox and Xbox 360.*

The king of “Halo� maps has returned at last. Hang ’Em High, arguably the most popular multiplayer map for the original title, has been reimagined for “Halo 2� as Tombstone, with all-new graphics, features and a few hidden surprises. Now fans will enjoy the dangerous catwalks and trenches that made this the most requested “Halo� multiplayer map ever, with a modernized “Halo 2� flavor.

The second map, Desolation, is a symmetrical, Deathmatch-oriented map and a beautiful remake of the original Derelict. With new graphics and effects and a massive gameplay overhaul, the old favorite is now faster-paced and more balanced than ever — perfect for intense “Halo 2� combat.

“Halo 2� is the sequel to the highly successful and critically acclaimed “Halo: Combat Evolved� and represents the second chapter in the epic “Halo� trilogy. Since its launch in fall 2004, “Halo 2� has maintained its place as the most popular Xbox LIVE title ever. To date, gamers have logged more than 800 million hours of “Halo� multiplayer action on Xbox LIVE, and they are eagerly awaiting “Halo 3,� slated for release this fall. The “Halo� franchise is among the biggest worldwide entertainment properties in history and continues to change the way people think about interactive entertainment.

Guitar Hero II for XBOX 360 pre-orders available at Amazon.com now

Good news! Amazon.com has just started taking a limited numbers of pre-orders for the long awaited Guitar Hero II for the XBOX 360. Amazon is limiting one copy per customer…

If you have Amazon Prime then you can have the game overnighted for just 3.99. That means that you should have the game the day its released, on April 3rd, as Amazon will usually ship the day before the release.

Pre-Order your copy of Guitar Hero II for XBOX 360 now!

Worms on Xbox Live Arcade – Wednesday, March 7 (800 points)

I just got a press release saying that “Invertebrates Invade! “Wormsâ€? Now Available on Xbox Live Arcade.” However it seems that maybe this email was sent prematurely, or is just worded in a confusing way, as the email clearly states the game will be released on Wednesday, March 7 at 0800 GMT (1 a.m. PST). The XBLA game will be 800 points.

Here is the full press release:

Invertebrates Invade! “Worms� Now Available on Xbox Live Arcade

Worms have evolved and are taking no prisoners! Team17 Software Ltd. brings its popular “Worms� franchise to Xbox Live® Arcade, delivering the first turn-based strategy game to the platform. “Worms� will be available for download on Xbox Live Arcade for Xbox 360™ beginning Wednesday, March 7 at 0800 GMT (1 a.m. PST).

“Worms� is a cleverly balanced turn-based strategy game in which teams of heavily armed worms battle across bizarre, randomly generated landscapes for supremacy. Each team takes turns picking off opposing team members using crazy weapons, tools and other utilities along with whatever foul strategies they can devise. The simple and cute appearance belies the deep strategy of a game that is easy to play but difficult to master.

“Worms� will be available worldwide for 800 Microsoft® Points.

GAME FEATURES

· A mix of strategy and arcade action that, although simple to understand, contains real depth and massive replayability

· Turn-based multiplayer action for up to four players locally or over Xbox Live*

· An assortment of game options:

o Landscape on which to do battle

o Turn and round times

o Starting weapon arsenal for each team

· Three detailed tutorials to introduce the mechanics to first-time players

· Twenty increasingly difficult single-player challenges

· Three graphical themes for play

· A random landscape generator to ensure that no two landscapes are ever the same

· Twenty-two weapons and utilities to deploy against your enemies

· Many customizable elements, including what worms and teams are named, what worms say, and which gravestone they have when they die

· High-definition visuals and many graphical improvements throughout the game

· Twelve achievements

· Weekly, monthly and overall leaderboards

WHERE CAN I GET IT?

You can download “Worms� beginning Wednesday, March 7, at 0800 GMT/1 a.m. PST on Xbox Live Arcade.

“Worms� will be available for 800 Microsoft Points, and rated E10+, Mild Cartoon Violence.

More information is available at http://www.xbox.com/games/livearcade.

* Multiplayer gameplay over Xbox Live requires Xbox Live Gold Membership.

Video: Microsoft Vista Speech Recognition Tested – Perl Scripting

So how good is the speech recognition software in the brand new Microsoft Vista anyway? Lets say for a second that you were able to successfully install MS Vista in your computer and you got it running. Now you want to test out the new features, one of them being this great speech recognition. Well, writting a simple document is just boring – so why not try to write an extremely short Perl script instead?

This Perl script would take around 20 seconds to write by typing it out.. So, seriously – It shouldn’t take more than 2, 3 or maybe even 5 minutes to write this Perl script using the Vista speech recognition, even while you are learning how to it, right?

Here is the video:

“delete if someone if someone delete the symbolism of the month of” – LOL

(Via: JWZ)

Anthony from The Opie and Anthony Show installs Windows Vista

Anthony from The Opie and Anthony Show on XM Radio and Free FM was excited to get the new Microsoft Windows Vista on his computer. He picked up his copy of Vista on the night of its release, and went home to install it on his brand new high end “Vista Ready” Dell PC.

Unfortunately the install didn’t go as planned as his hardware(very high end NVidia) was found to be incompatible with Vista, but not until the whole install process was almost complete and he was greeted with the ever-so-popular Blue Screen Of Death.

Here is a quick video of Anthony “installing” Windows Vista after troubleshooting his issue for a few hours:

Microsoft: 2 new ways to get into the Halo 3 multiplayer beta

Microsoft has just announced 2 additional ways to make yourself eligible for the upcoming Halo 3 multiplayer beta.

#1 – Play a lot of Halo 2. Play at least 3 hours of Halo 2 multiplayer between Feb. 1, 2007, at 12:01 a.m. EST and Feb. 3, 2007, at 11:59 p.m. EST. You also need to be among the first 13,333 to register at http://www.halo3.com.

#2 – Purchase “Crackdownâ€? when it hits store shelves. Once the Halo 3 multiplayer beta is available, you just need to use your “Crackdown” disc as a key to be able to download Halo 3 and join in the beta.

Official Press Release:

Jan. 3, 2007

Microsoft Announces Two Additional Paths of Entry to “Halo 3� Multiplayer Beta

Gamers are invited to join the fight when the beta goes live this spring with Xbox Live and “Crackdown� providing the final two paths.

Microsoft Game Studios and Bungie Studios are ringing in the year with a proverbial bang, as they announced today two new ways for gamers to receive an invitation to participate in the “Halo® 3� multiplayer beta program coming this spring through Xbox Live® Marketplace.

Specifically, gamers will be able to receive an invitation by doing one of the following:

· Qualifying over Xbox Live and then being one of the first 13,333 “Halo 2� gamers to register for the “Rule of Three� program at http://www.halo3.com in early February

· Purchasing the upcoming game “Crackdown™,� which hits store shelves in the U.S. on Feb. 20

The “Halo 3� multiplayer beta, which is a pre-release version of the multiplayer experience of “Halo 3,� is scheduled for availability in spring 2007 exclusively on Xbox 360™. The beta also represents an opportunity for gamers to participate in the testing and refinement of the multiplayer gameplay of “Halo 3,� the most anticipated game of 2007. Through the resulting feedback, Bungie Studios will be able to further hone the end result of “Halo 3.�

Beginning Thursday, Feb. 1, 2007, at 12:01 a.m. EST, all gamers need to do is participate in at least three hours of “Halo 2� multiplayer sessions, via Xbox Live, before Feb. 3, 2007, at 11:59 p.m. EST and then be among the first 13,333 to register at http://www.halo3.com. The “Rule of Three� program is currently planned for gamers in the 50 United States (includes District of Columbia) age 17 years and older who have access to an Xbox 360 Pro console or an Xbox 360 Core console with hard drive, a valid Xbox Live Gold subscription and the “Halo 2� game. Gamers around the world are encouraged to visit http://www.halo3.com in the coming weeks for more information on the “Rule of Three� program in their region.

As well, when “Crackdown� hits store shelves, gamers eager to take home a copy of the highly anticipated exclusive action title for Xbox 360 will find marked boxes of “Crackdown� that include an invite to participate in the coveted “Halo 3� multiplayer beta program when it becomes available. When the “Halo 3� multiplayer beta surfaces in spring 2007, owners of “Crackdown� with access to an Xbox 360 Pro console or an Xbox 360 Core console with hard drive and a valid Xbox Live Gold subscription simply need to load their copy of “Crackdown� into Xbox 360 and use the disc as a key to download the beta from Xbox Live Marketplace and join the battle in “Halo 3� multiplayer. “Crackdown� will be available in the U.S. on Feb. 20, Asian territories on Feb. 22 and European markets on Feb. 23.

In December, Microsoft Game Studios and Bungie Studios completed the first of three ways for North American gamers to participate in the “Halo 3� multiplayer beta, by registering at http://www.halo3.com. Gamers who were selected from this initial opportunity will be contacted in January.

From Realtime Worlds, “Crackdown� pushes the action-driving hybrid genre into the next generation with a rich and immersive 3-D playground. Gamers level up their Agent’s strength, agility, firearms, explosives and driving skills while scaling the fully vertical world of “Crackdown.� This M-rated game incorporates revolutionary co-op gameplay throughout the entire free-form campaign. Creating a volatile cocktail of judicial oppression, players will clean up the streets of a truly interactive world when “Crackdown� hits store shelves at an estimated retail price of $59.99.

Halo 3 public Beta signups open now

You can now sign up for the Halo 3 public beta by visiting http://halo3.com/

The 60 second Halo 3 teaser/trailer from Bungie which aired tonight on ESPN will be available for download later tonight on the Xbox Live Marketplace.

Halo 3 beta signups, Exclusive Halo 3 Trailer on Broadcast Debut

Microsoft Press Release:

Exclusive “Halo 3� Trailer Makes Broadcast Debut – Viewers to See Master Chief Like He’s Never Been Seen Before

Fans worldwide can experience a thrilling look at the most anticipated game of 2007 with a special 60-second “Halo 3� trailer; Microsoft announces first chance for North American gamers to participate in the Halo 3 Multiplayer Beta by entering at Halo3.com

Humanity is about to experience another exciting look at the world of “Halo 3,� one of the most anticipated entertainment launches for 2007. Airing in North America, Monday, Dec. 4 on ESPN’s Monday Night Football and Xbox.com in Europe, the new 60-second “Halo 3� trailer will offer viewers an exclusive look at the iconic “Halo� universe and provide telling, new hints as to what Bungie Studios has in store for the highly regarded game, which is published by Microsoft Game Studios and exclusive to Xbox 360.

Fans can tune in to ESPN on Monday, Dec. 4 between 5:50 and 6:20 p.m. PST to catch this stunning new look at “Halo 3.� Additionally, the ad will be aired that same evening on Xbox.com at 8 p.m. PST /04.00 GMT/05.00 CET (Tuesday, Dec. 5).

The ad, created by McCann Worldgroup San Francisco, includes a mixture of live action and computer generated animation, will air one time only and will then be made available online worldwide through Xbox Live Marketplace and Xbox.com.

“Halo is a pop culture phenomenon! The Halo franchise has changed the face of interactive entertainment and it’s only fitting that we take an innovative approach to how we market and advertise the brand,” said Jeff Bell, corporate vice president of global marketing for the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft Corp. “This invites a new audience with a rich back story, and continues to galvanize gamers around the world for the launch of Halo 3 in 2007.â€?

In conjunction with the ad, Microsoft today unveiled further details and an official call to entry for the “Halo 3� beta program. Beginning Monday, Dec. 4, by visiting http://www.halo3.com, gamers in North America will be able to register for the opportunity to be one of the select members to join the unprecedented “Halo 3� public beta program, scheduled to kick off in spring 2007. Today’s announcement confirms the first path of entry for gamers to participate in the beta program and be among the first to experience the most anticipated game of 2007.

The Xbox Live multiplayer public beta, which is a pre-release version of the multiplayer experience of “Halo 3,� is scheduled for availability in spring 2007 exclusively on Xbox 360. This beta also represents an opportunity for gamers to participate in the development of “Halo 3.� Through the resulting feedback, Bungie Studios will be able to further refine and hone the end result of “Halo 3.�

Unveiled earlier this year at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles, “Halo 3� represents the third chapter in the “Halo� trilogy, an international award-winning action series that grew into a global entertainment phenomenon, selling more than 14.7 million units worldwide, which equals nearly $700 million in sales, and logging in excess of 800 million hours of multiplayer action on Xbox Live.

Microsoft Xbox 360 to digitally deliver TV shows and movies to Gamers

Microsoft Press Release:

Xbox 360 Teams With CBS, MTV Networks, Paramount Pictures, Turner Broadcasting, UFC and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment to Digitally Deliver TV Shows and Movies to Gamers

Xbox 360 will become first gaming console to offer downloads of over 1,000 hours of TV shows such as “CSI,� “Robot Chicken� and “South Park,� and movies such as “V for Vendetta� and “Nacho Libre.�

REDMOND, Wash. — Nov. 6, 2006 — Microsoft Corp. today announced agreements with CBS, MTV Networks, Paramount Pictures, Turner Broadcasting System Inc. (TBS Inc.), Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment to bring an initial lineup of over 1,000 hours of hit TV shows and movies to Xbox 360™ gamers in the U.S. by the end of the year. Furthermore, Xbox 360 will be the first gaming console to bring standard and high-definition TV shows and movies via digital distribution over the Internet directly to the consumer.

Beginning Nov. 22, on its first anniversary, Xbox 360 will be the first gaming console in history to provide high-definition TV shows and movies directly to gamers in their living rooms. Xbox 360 gamers will have access to the full-length TV shows as downloads to own and movies to rent via download from the Xbox Live® network, the worldwide leader in online distribution of high-definition gaming and entertainment content. This announcement also brings with it several additional “firsts�:

“This groundbreaking announcement is a win for everyone,� said Peter Moore, corporate vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. “It connects our partners with one of the most coveted audiences in entertainment today, and provides even greater value to our Xbox Live community, allowing them to enjoy the games and entertainment they want, when they want it.�

The initial lineup of TV shows available for download to own and feature films available for download to rent will include a growing catalog of popular hits. Examples of content that will be available on the network by the end of year include the following:

• “Robot Chickenâ€? and “Aqua Teen Hunger Forceâ€? from Adult Swim
• “CSI,â€? “Survivorâ€? and “Star Trekâ€? from CBS
• Emmy and Peabody award-winning “South Parkâ€? and “Chappelle’s Showâ€? from COMEDY CENTRAL
• “The Real Worldâ€? and “Pimp My Rideâ€? from MTV
• “Avatar: The Last Airbenderâ€? and â€?SpongeBob SquarePantsâ€? from Nickelodeon
• “Skylandâ€? and “The Nicktoons Network Animation Festivalâ€? from Nicktoons Network
• “M:i:III,â€? Nacho Libreâ€? and “Jackass: The Movieâ€? from Paramount Pictures
• “Carpocalypseâ€? and “Raising the Roofsâ€? from Spike TV
• “Race Rewindâ€? provided by NASCAR.COM
• Select episodes of the original season of “The Ultimate Fighterâ€? reality series and the “UFC: All Accessâ€? shows from the UFC
• “Breaking Bonaduceâ€? and “Hogan Knows Bestâ€? from VH1
• “The Matrix,â€? “Superman Returnsâ€? and “Batman Foreverâ€? from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment

Xbox 360 gamers can access Xbox Live Marketplace with a free Xbox Live Silver membership and a broadband connection. More information about the content available on Xbox Live Marketplace can be found at http://www.xbox.com/marketplaceentertainment.

Best Buy is confused about wireless devices

The Microsoft Wireless Headset for Xbox 360 is due to hit store shelves next week. However, Best Buy seems to be very confused about the “wireless” part of this device.

Here is their product specs description:

Digital quality and performance with no wires to hold you back
Removable ear grip provides a comfortable fit in your ear
30′ cord lets you move around freely
Eight hours of battery life allow for long periods of wireless gaming
On, off and mute controls are easily accessible

Screen capture: