Xbox 720 to use AMD processor, Lacks Backwards Compatibility?

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The Next Generation Xbox 720 will reportedly be built on PC-style architecture, but will not be backwards compatible with the 360.

The latest Xbox 720 rumours suggest that Microsoft’s next-generation gaming device will feature an x86 AMD processor, combining a powerful “Jaguar” CPU with a graphics chip.

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While the shift towards PC architecture would make it easier and cheaper to develop games, it means that existing Xbox 360 discs will not be compatible with the new device.

“We’ll probably see many more titles because the console makers are saying the publishers are back in the driver’s seat,” Envisioneering consultant Richard Doherty told Bloomberg.

“Developers won’t have to reinvent various features, such as smoke, shading and reflections for each machine and can essentially create once and port once, and be done,” he added.

The news comes after it was suggested that Microsoft plans to unveil the console at an event on 21st May.

Xbox Entertainment Awards finalists announced

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We are pleased to announce the finalists of the inaugural Xbox Entertainment Awards as voted for by fans in the UK.

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Without further ado, the 2013 nominees are…

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Fans have until 16th April to decide the winners using Xbox LIVE’s unique interactive voting. Special programming will be created based on the final results and all voters will be automatically entered into a sweepstake. Prize up for grabs include:

• VIP experience at Gamescom 2013

• Xbox 360 console + Kinect sensor

• Xbox LIVE Gold subscription giving you access to multiplayer gaming, plus live TV, music and more*

• TV and Movies from Xbox Video

Who wins? YOU decide! Vote now on the Xbox LIVE Dashboard.

Tekken Card Tournament now available

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NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe today took the wraps off TEKKEN CARD TOURNAMENT, the first ever free-to-play game based on the TEKKEN universe offering explosive cross-platform online play.

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The seamless cross-platform play of TEKKEN CARD TOURNAMENT lets fighters challenge each other online no matter where they are or what device they’re using, whether it’s a smartphone, tablet, laptop or PC. The game features the amazing 3D visuals players expect from TEKKEN, with electrifying turn-based card battling that’s fun right from the start and loaded with satisfying depth.

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In TEKKEN CARD TOURNAMENT, players will customize their decks, use the fusion system to create new cards, then strategically chain Focus, Strike and Block moves to take down opponents with blistering KO combos. Train in solo play then challenge matched opponents around the world to climb the global rankings, with extra rewards to be won in themed contests and weekly battles. Have you got what it takes to become world champion?

Bringing real-world crossover to the online gameplay, physical booster packs of TEKKEN CARD TOURNAMENT Game Cards will go on sale in stores in early summer. With a total of 191 to collect, each card will feature a unique QR code to let the player instantly add the card to their digital in-game deck. Using the app on portable devices, players will be able to scan the character images to unleash Augmented Reality effects and bring the characters to life, with the ability to take cool snapshots.

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TEKKEN CARD TOURNAMENT for smartphones, tablets and web browsers is available now via :

https://itunes.apple.com/app/id596424376

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.namcobandaigames.tekkencard

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C4FS5E2

http://www.card-tournament.com/tekken.

Physical booster packs of TEKKEN CARD TOURNAMENT Game Cards are set to arrive in stores soon.

Nintendo 3DS unveils ‘Animal Crossing: New Leaf’ Trailer

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Animal Crossing: New Leaf has debuted a trailer. Nintendo has released a promo for the English version of the 3DS town management game.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GC80YgCckog%5D

The trailer is made in the style of a promotional video inviting users to move to the town of Animal Crossing.

“Experience a living, breathing world where new friends and new discoveries await every day – morning, noon, and night,” said Nintendo.

“Express yourself by customising your character, your house, and your town as you create your ideal world.

“Visit other players’ homes and towns through your local wireless connection or online play for creative inspiration, or to socialise with up to three other players at once.”

Announced as part of the latest Nintendo Direct presentation, its release was delayed due to localisation.

Animal Crossing: New Leaf will now arrive on 9th June in the US and 14th June  in Europe.

 

App Update – Injustice: Gods Among Us Free-To-Play Game for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch

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Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Entertainment today updated their Injustice: Gods Among game for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.

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Developed from the ground up by award-winning NetherRealm Studios, this free-to-play mobile game delivers stunning graphics and a completely unique fighting gameplay experience created especially for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.

The console version will also be available for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and the Wii U™ system from Nintendo beginning 19th April.

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The Injustice: Gods Among Us mobile game features a collectible card mechanic and engages players in 3-on-3 tag team combat that pits many of DC Comics most popular icons such as Batman, Superman, The Flash, Wonder Woman, Green Arrow, Aquaman and more against one another.  Fans who also own the forthcoming Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions will be able to unlock content in the console versions that will be available in the mobile game, and vice versa, by registering for a Warner Bros. ID (WBID) account and playing the game.

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Version 1.0.2 includes:

  • Improvements
  • Stability and bug fixes
  • Resolved an issue some people had with purchasing Starter Packs

The Injustice: Gods Among Us game is available from the App Store on iPad, iPhone and iPod touch or at AppStore.com/Injustice.

Halo Week: Drop Shock Halo 4 Original Soundtrack Volume 2 Debuts

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Microsoft and 343 Industries this week announced “Halo Week: Drop Shock”, a concentrated supply of new “Halo 4” content, giveaway opportunities, promotional pricing, DLC sales, and availability of Volume 2 of the original soundtrack. And for today its Volume 2 of the Halo 4 soundtrack.

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Following the critical and commercial success of the “Halo 4” Original Soundtrack by award-winning producer and composer Neil Davidge, 343 Industries is pleased to debut, in conjunction with 7Hz Productions, the release of “Halo 4” Original Soundtrack Volume 2. Xbox Twitter will be giving away soundtrack download codes to a limited number of fans in honour of the release, so follow them on Twitter at: @Xbox.

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“Halo 4” Original Soundtrack Volume 2 is a 20-track digital release and companion volume, featuring an expanded landscape of the key musical themes from the game. 11 of the tracks are composed and produced by Neil Davidge with a further eight by 343 in-house composer Kazuma Jinnouchi. The soundtrack also includes Kazuma’s new interpretation of Martin O’Donnell and Michael Salvatori’s iconic “Never Forget” from “Halo 3”. “Halo 4” Soundtrack Volume 2 will be available for purchase on 9th April for an estimated retail price of £7.99 at www.halo4soundtrack.com.

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Check back tomorrow to find out what Day Three brings.

Huawei Ascend W1 Windows Phone 8 First Look

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The Ascend W1 is 10.15 mm thin and features a 4-inch IPS LCD 480 x 800 touchscreen with OGS Technology, powered by the high-end Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 MSM8230 dual-core 1.2 GHz processor and Adreno 305 GPU. With a 1950 mAh battery, the Ascend W1 has 470 hours of standby time, the longest among all smartphones in its class. It features a visually iconic design inspired by a tropical island and comes in an array of bold colours including blue, red, black and white. The Ascend W1 is a smart and stylish alternative for consumers looking for great technology at a price that is right. At the time of writing April 2013 the Ascend W1 is a timed Exclusive to O2 in the UK for £129.99 on Pay as you go.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqQyL4DH2WM%5D

Recorded at The Gadget Show Live 2013 at NEC in Birmingham

 

Halo Week: Drop Shock starts with the new Castle Map Pack

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Microsoft and 343 Industries today announced “Halo Week: Drop Shock”, a concentrated supply of new “Halo 4” content, giveaway opportunities, promotional pricing, DLC sales, and availability of Volume 2 of the original soundtrack. And for today its the new Castle Map Pack.

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Kicking off the week of Spartan festivities, the Castle Map Pack is launching worldwide on Monday 8th April. Developed by Certain Affinity in collaboration with 343 Industries, the Castle Map Pack brings players three medium-to-large, maps that emphasize vehicular combat and large battles over stunning open spaces, where team strategy is the key to successfully conquering the battlefield.

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Alongside the release of the Castle Map Pack, 343 Industries will introduce Competitive Skill Rank (CSR), a new 1-50 level ranking system which measures your performance in War Games, intelligently matches you against opponents of comparable skill, and displays your rank on your Halo Waypoint player profile. Starting 8th April at 10:00 a.m. GMT and ending 22nd April at 10:00 a.m. GMT, play the Castle Team DLC playlist and reach CSR level 35 or higher at any point on or between dates above, and receive an exclusive Avatar tee.

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Check back tomorrow to find out what Day Two brings.

Xbox 720 is Rumoured for May 21 Reveal with $500 Price Tag

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The Newest Rumour for the Xbox 720 will reportedly be unveiled at an event in May. The Xbox 720 unveiling, which was previously rumoured for 26th April, will now take place on 21st May, according to US blogger Paul Thurrott.

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Codenamed Durango, the machine will reportedly retail for $500 (£325), or $300 (£195) with a subscription, and will in fact require an always-on internet connection.

“Going back and looking at some of the stuff I got a long time ago, it actually says ‘must be internet connected to use’ – that’s in the notes. That’s all I have, but it does say that,” Thurrott explained on What the Tech (got to 54.43 mark on the video).

Paul Thurrott also claimed that Microsoft is planning to release a budget Xbox 360 later this year, codenamed ‘Stingray’.

Skyrim update 1.9 Brings Legendary Difficulty to Xbox 360

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The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim has received a new patch on the Xbox 360.

Released on PC last month, version 1.9 adds the new Legendary difficulty level, while also removing the level cap by introducing legendary skills.

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When a skill reaches level 100, players will now have the option to make it a legendary skill. Doing so resets the skill to level 15 and return its perks, allowing users to level up the skill again.

There is also a wide range of bug fixes in version 1.9, including a number of quest-specific fixes, a reduction of random dragon encounters after the main quest and a “fixed rare instance of couriers who would appear only dressed in a hat”.

The update is likely to go live on the PS3 in the coming days.