The end for now

Well as you can see I have not been here in a while  as i have moved on to other thing but i may be back one day so for now this is the end  .

Is Windows 7 the new XP ?

Windows 8 It's Windows reimagined and reinvented from a solid core of Windows 7 speed and reliability. It's an all-new touch interface. It's a new Windows for new devices. And it's easy whether you're installing it for the first time, or moving from Windows 7.  At least that's Microsoft's company line but is it relay?  

Almost 60% of Windows users are Enterprise users that means that more then half of all people that use windows use the OS at work. Now that's not to say those same people don't have a Windows PC at home meany do but MS makes more the half of its money from Enterprise.

Most IT managers don't like changes in the OS it confuses workers. That means time lost and money spent on training. The expense could be huge to large company's. 

Meany Windows users don't understand Windows 8 , lets face it Windows 8 is not completely easy to use.From the desktop try and lunch Windows Media Player . In fact if you don't have a touch screen their is little to no reason to get Windows 8 . All of this spells doom for Windows 8 . Meany people will just stay on windows 7.

So if Windows 7 is the next XP then Windows 8 is the next Vista. So here's to Windows 9 .      

Microsoft wants to patent 'gesture keyboarding' with Kinect technology

[QUOTE]
A Microsoft patent application for "gesture keyboarding" that became public today details how Microsoft could be thinking of using its Kinect device not only for the Xbox, but also possibly for a Minority Report type of computing interface (which others have predicted previously). Maybe they'll call it "no-touch" computing?

While GoRumors focused on the patent as a way to show how the Kinect works (which it does) after reading it, it would seem that Microsoft is certainly looking to go beyond the Xbox with the Kinect. Take a look at some of the "claims" that Microsoft is making with this patent:
* A method for providing keyboard-like input to a computer system that accepts gesture input,
* Each gestured character comprises an alphanumeric character.
* The input gesture comprises a gesture in a sign language.
* The sign language comprises American Sign Language (ASL).
* The user creates the input gesture using a physical prop.
* The physical prop comprises a keyboard that is not physically connected to the computer system
* The user creates the input gesture by mimicking use of a phantom prop.
* The phantom prop is a phantom ball or a phantom keyboard.[/QUOTE]

Less Than 1pct Of The Xbox 360's CPU Will Be Used For Kinect

From incgamers.com:

[QUOTE]
Microsoft has confirmed upcoming motion controller Kinect uses "less than one per cent" of the Xbox 360's CPU.

Rumours circulated that Kinect could use as much as one full CPU to run however Ubisoft's "Kinect expert" put the rumblings to rest.

Ubi's Frederic Blais discredited the rumour while speaking to Xbox World 360 Magazine via CVG stating, "That's not true at all. I don't really know how much I can talk about it but it's less than 1% [of the CPU's power], or something like that."[/QUOTE]

Destination Arcade for XBOX 360

Next week XBL will be launching another way to browse content on Xbox LIVE Arcade called Destination Arcade. With a growing library of over 250 Arcade games, Destination Arcade will allow you to discover new games and content you enjoy through an easy-to-use visual browser.  You’ll have the ability to sort by price, community rating, and more!  Also, stay up to date on the latest arcade releases through a news feed and also find out what games your friends like and recommend. This brand new recommendation engine & visual browser app will be available in the US on July 14th from the Games Marketplace section of the dashboard of the 360.

Pictures of the Xbox 360 S Motherboard - Close-up

>> pc.watch.impress.co.jp released detailed pictures of an Xbox 360 S (alias the New Xbox 360) teardown. :

 
The new DVD, HDD and big Fan - the South Bridge
 
The 'GCPU' (combined CPU and GPU) - HANA 'video output chip'
 
The NAND - RAM chips

Lot's more pictures on pc.watch.impress.co.jp

New Xbox LIVE Gold Family Subscription Plan

From the MS press release:

[QUOTE]
This November, the new Xbox LIVE Gold Family Pack will offer up to four individual Xbox LIVE Gold memberships for only US$99.99 - the price of two regular Xbox LIVE Gold subscriptions. Now as you prepare for the launch of Kinect for Xbox 360, which makes YOU the controller, consider giving your family premium Gold experience and access to the biggest names in entertainment.

Perfect for families, the Xbox LIVE Gold Family Pack will also offer access to additional conveniences and services including the new Family Center, accessible on the Xbox dashboard and Xbox.com for easier family management, access to activity monitoring reports, and the ability to purchase and give Microsoft Points to other Xbox LIVE Gold Family Pack members.

An Xbox LIVE Gold Family Pack includes:
* Up to four individual Xbox LIVE Gold memberships for the price of two - (US) $99.99.
* Family Center - a single, easy to use, destination for Family Settings and account management, accessible on the Xbox dashboard and on Xbox.com.
* The primary account member has the ability to purchase and dispense Microsoft Points to other Xbox LIVE Gold Family Pack members.
* Activity monitoring reports viewable on Xbox.com to help encourage discussions about safer more balanced gaming and entertainment habits.
* Simplified billing that applies all purchase charges to the primary account holder's billing account and the ability to authorize purchases, helping to manage the family's entertainment budget.
* Exclusive family content and discounts.

The industry-leading, built-in Xbox 360 Family Settings are also being taken to the next level this November. It's Microsoft's goal to provide parents and caregivers with tools and resources to manage their children's gaming and entertainment experiences, and these features are available to all Xbox LIVE members:
* Family Programming that removes all mature games, movies, and content from the dashboard, based on ESRB, Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) ratings and the TV Parental Guidelines system . Family Programming is password protected, and easy to turn on and off for each member. (Compatible with international ratings systems.)
* Title exceptions - the ability to allow your family members to play specific games above the console's designated ESRB rating if you deem appropriate. (Compatible with international ratings systems.)
* Intelligent default settings for child, teen, and adult profiles. Xbox will automatically assign default privacy and activity settings for each member that can later be individually customized.
* Family Settings are displayed prominently in the MyXbox channel. Current tools include the Family Timer, which allows you to control the amount of time - either daily or weekly - your children may use the console. [/QUOTE]

Kinect for Xbox 360 Price Confirmed

There's no need for conjecture; Microsoft's upcoming motion control peripheral, once known as Project Natal, is now to be officially known as "Kinect".

"For lots of people, that controller is a barrier," Microsoft creative director Kudo Tsunoda told USA Today. "We set out to make a new control paradigm where anybody can get in and play, without having to read the instructions or learn a complicated set of controls."

In addition to the rebranding, a number of Kinect titles were also revealed in the USA Today report, including a Star Wars game from Lucasarts, a Disney game, a dance title from MTV , a pet-training title, a Wii Sports clone called "Kinect Sports" (which we believe Rare is developing), an adventure sports game and, as expected, the return of Joyride as a motion-controlled game.

So, goodbye, Project Natal. You were a strange name, but we grew to love you in a way we could never do with something as stupid as "Kinect". And with a price of  $149.99  we know it will be a big success and so far all the games are Kid OK .

Xbox Live Explaned

So you just got a Xbox 360 and hooked it up to your HDTV and up starts Xbox live (XBL) you get a free

Gold account for the first 30 days. But what are Xbox live accounts?

Xbox live has 3 types of accounts. Guests – This is just as it sounds. Silver – The base account. & Gold – The premium account.

Ok so what do they each give you here is the breakdown.

Silver gets you Free Game Demos, HD Movies, HD TV Shows, Downloadable Arcade Games, Game Add-ons,

Avatars, Avatar Fashion, Voice & Text Chat.

Gold gets you all the things you get with Silver plus Photo Sharing, Play games online with friends,

Streaming Netflix, Xbox LIVE Parties, Video Chat, Early access to game demos, exclusive discounts, Facebook, Twitter & Last.FM.

Now even though you get access to , HD Movies, HD TV Shows, Downloadable Arcade Games, Game Add-ons,

Avatars, and Avatar Fashion with any Xbox live account none of these things are free they all cost MS Points. (more on MS Points later)

So why do you care will here’s why “Play games online with friends” you can only play that cool new multi player online with a Gold Account.

But before you say “no way” just here me out.  If you have every played a multi player game on a computer, a ps2, a ps3, or even the Wii you know

How clunky they can be. Xbox live solves all of these problems It just works. So what does it cost?

Xbox Live Gold for one month is $ 7.99 or 3 Month of Gold is $19.99 or 12 Month of Gold is $49.99.

And remember the MS Points well here is the breakdown on them.

In the United States, 80 points are equal to $1. As a result, an 800 point arcade game would retail for $10 in real-world currency.

MS Points	80	160	240	400	800	1200	1600	2400
USA	$1.00	$2.00	$3.00	$5.00	$10.00	$15.00	$20.00	$30.00
Canada	$1.24	$2.48	$3.72	$6.20	$12.40	$18.60	$24.80	$37.20
UK	£.68	£1.36	£2.04	£3.40	£6.80	£10.20	£13.60	£20.40
EU	€.96	€1.92	€2.88	€4.80	€9.60	€14.40	€19.20	€28.80
Norway	6.56 kr	13.12 kr	19.68 kr	32.80 kr	65.60 kr	98.40 kr	131.20 kr	196.80 kr
Sweden	9.60 kr	19.20 kr	28.80 kr	48.00 kr	96.00 kr	144.00 kr	192.00 kr	288.00 kr
Australia	$1.32	$2.64	$3.96	$6.60	$13.20	$19.80	$26.40	$39.60
Japan	¥118.40	¥236.80	¥355.20	¥592.00	¥1184.00	¥1776.00	¥2368.00	¥3552.00

Fragile Dreams: Farewell Ruins of the Moon Review

What can I say about Fragile Dreams, what indeed. Fragile Dreams is set in a post-apocalyptic near future world that has lost its light and is covered in a dense fog. Almost all the world's population has vanished, and the cities have been left abandoned. The game places the player in the shoes of Seto, a young boy. In the game's opening, Seto narrates how his "grandfather," an old man that he lived with, died at the end of the summer. He buried his grandfather in a small hole in front of their house, and from that moment on he became truly lonely. Seto decided to set out in search for other humans, marking the beginning of the game's events.

Fragile Dreams is difficult to categorize, as it straddles genres and always manages to elude an accurate pigeonhole. It is part action/adventure, part JRPG, part survival horror and part art game all rolled into one. It tells the tale of a young boy named Seto who finds himself alone in a world where most of humanity has died and everything it built has been left in ruin.

Fragile Dreams is all about the journey, and it's one of the saddest journeys ever seen in a videogame. Its tale is a tragic one, and as the game's story is incredible. Seto encounters a range of eccentric characters and suffers the loss of their brief company, only a player with a heart of stone could experience it and not feel something. The most amazing thing is how some of the game's saddest moments shouldn't be as depressing as they are. One very early scene, at the end of the first section, is unbelievably poignant, despite the fact we barely know the characters involved.

The Wii Remote is used as an aid in exploration. Seto has access to a flashlight, controlled by the Wii Remote, to illuminate his surroundings as well to solve puzzles and interact with the environment. The flashlight is also used to uncover hidden enemies and can act as a weapon against them. Seto also has access to a metal detector that the player can use to find various items hidden on the ground, as well as a microphone that picks up sounds through the mini speaker. The Wii Remote speaker is used similarly superbly from the beginning, alerting you to impending enemy attacks as well as a lot of hot-and-cold segments that break up the combat. Lift the Remote to your ear and your companion Personal Frame gives words of advice through the speaker, bridging the gap between screen and your senses. There’s plenty of speech from the controller and it’s always loud, clear and adds plenty to the game whenever used, drawing you into the world with ease.

In the end all of the elements come together to give you one of the most memorable experiences you will ever have in a game. The world is beautiful and well fleshed out all of Seto's experiences feel very real. This game tells a story that must be experienced and does so with style the music is superb and draws you in more. Fragile Dreams: Farewell Ruins of the Moon is a must play  .  

New Games out May 11th 2010

3D Dot Game Heroes 

Release Date: May 11, 2010 Father's Choice

Dripping with old school charm, classic gaming pizzazz, and pure retro sexy, 3D Dot Game Heroes is the ultimate homage to the industry's golden era. 

Genre: Role-Playing

Lost Planet 2 PS3 
Release Date: May 11, 2010 Teen and up
Lost Planet 2 sees you returning to EDN III 10 years after the first game, after the planet has undergone massive changes to its climate.
Genre: Other Shooters


Skate 3 X360 
Release Date: May 11, 2010 Kid OK
Skate 3 features a brand new co-op mode and editing tools for gamers to create their own skateparks.
Genre: Alternative Sports


Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 3 
Release Date: May 11, 2010 Kid OK 


Ultimate Ninja Heroes 3 is the latest in the Ultimate Ninja fighting game franchise and follows Naruto Uzumaki and his continuing adventures to save his friend Sasuke. 
Genre: Fighting Games




Monster Racers 
Release Date: May 11, 2010 Kid OK
In Monster Racers, you will embark on a quest that will take you around the globe in search of monster breeds to train, nurture, and race.
Genre: Role-Playing


Dance Sensation! 
Release Date: May 10, 2010 Kid OK
Now young girls can live out their dance fantasies on their living room stage with the only game that lets you train and perform routines in four different styles: hip-hop, jazz, ballet, and salsa.
Genre: Rhythm Games




New Games out May 4th 2010


Iron Man 2:      
Gamers can choose to play as War Machine or Iron Man for both on-the-ground on in-air combat.
Genre: Action Father's Choice


Fat Princess: Fistful of Cake
Release Date: May 4, 2010 Teen and up
Fat Princess: Fistful of Cake is an action game where you have to rescue the princess from the castle.
Genre: Action

Autobahn Polizei
Release Date: May 4, 2010 Kid OK
Immerse yourself in an action packed atmosphere, performing stunts in dozens of car models.
Genre: Racing

Dementium II 
Release Date: May 4, 2010 Parents Only
Horror returns to the Nintendo DS in Dementium II.
Genre: Action Adventure

Picross 3D 
Release Date: May 3, 2010
Picross 3D blends the logical challenge of a number-based puzzle with the excitement of discovering the hidden objects.
Genre: Puzzle

Dance Sensation! 
Release Date: May 4, 2010 Kid OK
Now young girls can live out their dance fantasies on their living room stage with the only game that lets you train and perform routines in four different styles: hip-hop, jazz, ballet, and salsa.
Genre: Rhythm Games