Hasta La Gadget!

Microsoft’s introducing a new Kinect motion-sensing camera to go alongside its new Xbox One game console. The camera peripheral is getting some major improvements in its second iteration, and it’s expected to ship with every new console at launch. One of the most impressive features is the ability to wake the console with just a voice command. Simply say “Xbox on” and you’re ready to get gaming. In fact, you can shout all sorts of things at your new Kinect, such as “watch TV” or (wait for it…) “snap Internet Explorer.” That’s right, there is true multitasking built into Xbox One and you can move windows around or switch between tasks, with just a voice command. Of course, you can also navigate the various panels and screens with the usual hand waves and air pinches, should you feel a bit silly talking to your console.

On the inside is a 1080p camera — a huge step up from the VGA sensor on the original Kinect. The new motion controller processes a stunning 2GB of data per-second to accurately read your environment. Everything about this second iteration of the Kinect is more accurate, in fact, from the number of reference points on your skeleton it monitors down to its ability to read your heartbeat. And it’s powerful enough to bring that increased fidelity to not just one, but six skeletons simultaneous (should you have enough room in your pad for that many players). It even has the ability to talk to the standard Xbox controller for some Move-like functionality. Lift the remote and you’ll lift your shield in the game, for example. For Microsoft, the Kinect is what ties the Xbox One experience together.

Filed under: Gaming, Peripherals, HD, Microsoft

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Microsoft debuted the Xbox One this afternoon live from a tent on its Redmond, WA. campus, putting to end months of speculation about the company’s next-generation video game console. The console will be available “later this year.” Microsoft exec Don Mattrick called it out as an “all-in-one” box. The core strategy is “simple, instant, and complete.” It was debuted alongside a new gamepad as well as a new Kinect motion camera.

The system itself is all black and features a two-tone finish with both matte and gloss in equal measure; a slot-loading Blu-ray optical drive sits out front on the left face, while a power button with the traditional incomplete circle symbol is emblazoned on the right side (which looks to be touch-based). A new Kinect was also unveiled, and it powers the console — “Xbox On” is being trumpeted as the most important feature. There’s instant switching from the Xbox One dashboard to live television (which seems to confirm that HDMI-in rumor), and a live demo is showing off impressive speeds. “Switching between live tv and all your games and entertainment is now as simple as using a remote,” Microsoft’s Yusuf Mehdi said. He also demonstrated gesture controls for the console’s UI, quickly snapping back to the dashboard with a pinch command.

Filed under: Gaming, HD, Microsoft

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Analog may be king for audiophiles, but digital is the future, friends, and Sennheiser knows it. That’s why it built the HDVD 800 digital headphone amplifier to improve the sound of your digital tunes, and now stateside listeners can finally get their mitts on the thing. That’s right, folks, a year after it was revealed across the pond alongside its analog brother, Senn’s digital offering’s finally available in the US for just a nickel less than two grand. Folks looking to part with the necessary cash to improve their listening pleasure can do so at the company’s online storefront linked below.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD

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Source: Sennheiser

Coming months after the feature’s introduction on Android and PCs, Vudu has updated the iOS version of its app with the ability to download movies for viewing offline. Unlike the Android version, this feature is not restricted to tablets however, with downloads of your Vudu / Ultraviolet collection on iPads and iPhones. Other tweaks include making the Player “easier to use” and adding closed captions on iPhone. The Flixster app already allowed for Ultraviolet movie downloads on iOS, however Vudu has access to some movies that may not be available there. The updated version of the free app is available on on iTunes, although you will need an associated account (with updated password info) with unlocked videos to get any use out of it.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Mobile

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Source: iTunes

Arrested Development fans have had this week circled for a while, but that’s not the only thing to watch. The weekend will also be big for racing fans, with the Coca-Cola 600, Indianapolis 500, and a live presentation of the Grand Prix of Monaco on NBC. Look below for the highlights this week, followed after the break by our weekly listing of what to look out for in TV, Blu-ray and videogames.

Xbox Reveal
Tomorrow Microsoft takes the wraps off of its next Xbox console and, of course, we’ll be there to bring you all the information as it’s unveiled (bookmark our liveblog here). Of course, if you’d like to watch firsthand you’ll have a number of options, including live streams available on Xbox.com, Windows Phone, and the Xbox 360 (for Gold and Silver members). It’s also on cable, with Spike TV doing the broadcast honors. The pre-show starts at 1PM ET and the reveal itself is expected at 2PM ET, set your alarms accordingly.
(May 21st, Spike TV, 1PM)

Arrested Development
It’s finally time. After being rescued from the grave, season four of Arrested Development will launch on Netflix streaming Sunday. As is the streaming company’s custom, the entire season will be available for viewing at once, however Mitch Hurwitz notes it is made to be viewed in order, which we expect many of you will do multiple times. Check out the official trailer after the break or just start rewatching the first three seasons now.
(May 26th, Netflix)

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD

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