Kinect technology coming to portable devices, not just for Xbox anymore

Earlier this month at CES 2012, Microsoft unveiled the new Kinect For Windows, launching this Wednesday (February 1) for $249.99. The new hardware includes improved firmware allowing the sensor to see things much closer, and is only compatabile with PCs. This is big news, considering it opens up a whole new world of possibilities and applications. However, not many people are going to carry a Kinect sensor with them everywhere they go to utilize these new forms of control. That’s where this next project comes in. We’re talking about integrating Kinect into portables. — More after the break!

Microsoft France confirms: "No new Xbox hardware being announced at E3 2012"

With Nintendo hogging all the spotlight with its upcoming Wii U launch coming later this year, there’s no doubt that the other two big guys are just itching to show off their own future plans. And as followers of the gaming industry, we try our best to provide you with the latest chatter coming through the usual channels. Unfortunately, what we’ve received is nothing but a confirmation that Microsoft won’t be showing anything new, “hardware wise” at least, this upcoming E3. — More after the break!

4 features we'd love to see in Kinect 2

The rumor mill has been churning out story after story about how awesome the next Xbox machine is going to be (processor speed, no physical discs, blu-ray, blah blah blah), with even mention of an upgraded Kinect device being built into the system. So that got us thinking… besides better motion tracking, what else could the Kinect 2 host to actually make us want to own one? We made up a list and now you’re going to read it. — More after the break!

Ricardo Trejo Jan 26, 2012 Follow Me Follow Me Follow Me Follow Me Follow Me Follow Me Follow Me Follow Us Geek Culture, Steve Jobs, Videos

Bill Gates talks philanthropy as well as his relationship with Steve Jobs -- (Video)

At Jan 26, 2012

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Bill Gates talks philanthropy as well as his relationship with Steve Jobs -- (Video)

(The Steve Jobs talk starts around the 3:30 mark, fyi.)

Oh, and if you’re looking for that infographic on Bill Gates being better than Batman — here it is. And things couldn’t be more true, as while Batman goes night in and night out to protect the lives of Gotham City, the Gates family has directly and indirectly saved the lives of almost 8 total million people. Yeah, the dude is better than Batman, and that’s not something we just say without consequence. 

Rumor - Microsoft doing away with MS points, moving to actual currency

Paying $10 a month for Xbox Live is punishment enough to play games online against friends and others, but having to buy Microsoft Points is an unnecessary torment. One that confuses people and ends up making people pay more for the games they want. But what’s this? We’re getting word that the company is finally doing away with this stupid system and heading towards real dollars and cents. — More after the break!

Microsoft stays mum on continued Xbox Live hack coverage, blames customers

When you’re the victim of fraud most people tend to think that they’re going to get immediate support to help remedy the issue. I mean c’mon, we’re talking money here! Y’know, the stuff that makes the world go round? Unfortunately, a quick resolution to this sorta of theft is as big a dillusion as thinking you’re going to feel right-as-rain upon arriving at the hospital after a horrific car crash. It’s just not going to happen, especially when you’re given the run-around. Specifically, after a stunning number of frauds being reported within the past week from Xbox Live, you’d think Microsoft would be ready with a band-aid at least, no? Sadly, so is not the case. In fact, their public statement reassures customers that there’s nothing going on beyond users being too lax with passwords and letting their guards down against phishing tactics. The facts say otherwise. — More after the break!

Ricardo Trejo Jan 16, 2012 Follow Me Follow Me Follow Me Follow Me Follow Me Follow Me Follow Me Follow Us CES, Gadgets, Videos

Smart Window is a transparent touchscreen for your window -- (Video)

At Jan 16, 2012

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Smart Window is a transparent touchscreen for your window -- (Video)

The concepts for this type of tech have been out for years, namely seen on Microsoft’s 2019 Lab’s Vision video, but it’s great to see that it’s soon to become a reality. But let’s just hope that there’s some sort of secure, steel reinforced way to protect your 46” touchscreen window from any wandering baseballs, or otherwise that’d be one very expensive repair!