Hasta La Gadget!

When Microsoft made the decision to remove the Kinect from the Xbox One bundle, making it an optional purchase for gamers, we’re sure some were worried that this was limiting to developers. After all if the Kinect is an optional accessory, why bother developing for it if not many gamers have a Kinect in the first place, right?

Well Microsoft begs to differ, and in a recent interview with OXM, Microsoft’s European Studios boss Phil Harrison revealed that the opposite was true. In fact he believes that by removing the Kinect, it could lead to even more games being created for the Xbox One. Basically the idea is that with the Xbox One now cheaper, it could lead to more gamers purchasing the console, which would then encourage developers to create more games for the platform.

“And fundamentally that is good for opening up the Xbox One ecosystem – the more consumers who buy Xbox One, it’s a virtuous cycle for more developers to make and more consumers to play games, and that is what we’re committed to achieving and continuing.” So far there has been evidence to suggest that there is an increased demand for the console.

This is according to video games retailer, GameStop who revealed that they have been receiving a greater amount of interest for the Xbox One after Microsoft decided to remove the Kinect and reduce the price. Harrison goes on to reassure gamers that they will not be abandoning the Kinect and that there are still big plans for the accessory.

Optional Kinect Could Lead To More Xbox One Games, Microsoft Claims

, original content from Ubergizmo, Filed in Gaming, Kinect, Microsoft, Xbox One,

The folks over at Microsoft have confirmed rumors which swirled around concerning a new version of Windows 8.1. In fact, the latest SKU is known as Windows 8.1 with Bing, where it will be aligned more towards OEMs so that they will be able to churn out more affordable Windows-powered devices which in turn, will benefit the end user, especially those who want to jump aboard the Windows platform but are unable to do so because of the high cost of entry.

The new SKU will, of course, see Bing thrust into the big picture as the default search engine whenever you use Internet Explorer, but fret not – there is the usual option for the consumer to change that default into something that you identify with more and would use a whole lot more often. Come to think of it, most folks would automatically go for Google if I am not mistaken, but perhaps some others might prefer Bing. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.

It is also said that OEMs have already begun to work on devices that run on Windows 8.1 with Bing, and consumers ought to prepare ourselves to tune in to an official announcement that is set to happen over the course of the coming weeks. [Press Release]

Windows 8.1 With Bing Announced

, original content from Ubergizmo, Filed in Computers, bing, Microsoft, windows 8.1,

The Microsoft Surface Pro 3 can probably replace your laptop. The big question is: Are you willing to pay the price and make some compromises in order to let it?

At a press event today in New York City, Microsoft showed off the Surface Pro 3, a larger, faster version of its Windows-powered portable. The 12-inch device comes with a stylus, runs on the latest Intel Core processors, and starts at $800.

To dig or not to dig, that is the question. Apparently, that particular question has already been answered by the folks over at Microsoft’s Xbox Entertainment Studios, as they look set to commence the digging out of an old landfill that is located in Alamogordo, New Mexico, in order to try to locate the fabled millions of copies of “E.T” for the Atari 2600 that were allegedly buried there many years ago.

Of course, before that will happen, Microsoft has decided to make the situation a little less sombre, by throwing a free party in Alamogordo on Friday night as part of the celebrations – to commemorate both the dig as well as Atari’s game legacy in general.

This particular event will be held from 7pm to 9 pm at the GameStop location at 516 1st Street in Alamogordo, New Mexico. Those who show up will be able to take a stroll down memory lane, playing with classic Atari games while feeding themselves with free food and the classic gamer staple, soft drinks. Not only that, those who attend will also stand a chance to bring home an Xbox One, among others, at the end of the night.

This dig is going to be a historical one, since whatever that is going to be filmed would prove to be a central axis to the created documentary that explores the scenes behind the 1982 game which was based on the hit film, although the game itself bombed – big time.

Microsoft Organizes Party To Celebrate E.T. Videogame Dig , original content from Ubergizmo, Filed in Gaming, atari, Microsoft,