Microsoft

Niveus EDGE Media Center Extender Does 1080p, is Whisper Quiet, But No Wireless N

The fourth and final MCE extender is by niveus is the best looking, has 3 USB ports which is two more than what you probably need for thumbdrive playback, and best of all passive cooling. The passive cooling, if it is like the type in the full sized Niveus Media Center PCs, it uses heatpipes…

Microsoft Presides Over Linksys, D-Link and Niveus Media Center Unveilings, Debuts Internet TV Beta

Later today at DigitalLife, Microsoft’s Windows Media Center chief Joe Belfiore will demo the new Media Center Extenders you’re just now hearing about, including the Linksys DMA2200 and DMA2100, and the D-Link DSM-750 MediaLounge Media Player. Another one he’ll show off is the Niveus Media Extender, which we’ll cover in more depth tomorrow. https://gizmodo.com/linksys-dma-2200-media-center-extender-2-0-plus-dvd-pla-304065 Microsoft…

Hands On New Cisco Linksys Wireless-N Media Center Extenders (Plus: Some Tasty New N-Friendly Toys)

You may have heard about the new Media Center Extenders from Cisco’s Linksys division. The DMA2200 shown above is a high-def MCE with 1080p-upscaling DVD player and Dual-Band Wireless-N, priced at $350. The smaller $300 DMA2100 MCE is geared for bedrooms and kitchens, places where you’re going to want less clutter, though to be honest,…

D-Link DSM-750 Media Center Extender 2.0 in the Wild

Like the Linksys leaked today, all the new extender hardware is coming out of the woodwork, and aside from the updated MCE interface, it’s interesting to see what each manufacturer is bringing to the table. On top of dual channel N support, this box has an HDMI and component output, ethernet, and a USB port…

Linksys DMA 2200 Media Center Extender 2.0 Plus DVD Player

On first glance, you might guess the photo above is of a gen one Xbox with rear mounted antenna. But actually, Linksys’s DMA 2200 is one of those new fangled v2.0 Media Center Extenders. And true to their promise of integrating the extender tech inside of other gadgets, this one has a built in DVD…

Photoshop Contest Time! Insert Bill Gates Throughout History.

We all know that the Halo 3 launch yesterday was THE BIGGEST EVENT IN HISTORY, according to Microsoft. Above, you can see a photo of Billy Gates during the launch, looking like he just rolled out of bed. Your challenge, if you choose to accept it, is this: put Bill in other historic situations. I…

Windows Vista Dreamscene Wallpaper Video Tool Finally Available

Windows Dreamscene, the desktop add-on to Windows Vista Ultimate that lets you use videos as a desktop wallpaper, has finally been released. There’ve been some complaints about Microsoft not pushing out DreamScene and 20 language packs by the “end of summer,” which was their previous promise, and this quote from the Vista Ultimate Director doesn’t…

Microsoft Offering Disc Replacements For Scratched Halo 3 Limited Edition

If your Halo 3 Limited Edition discs are scratched—like ours were—you can get a replacement disc by filling out a form and sending your disc back to Microsoft. Of course, this will take up to two weeks for delivery—not counting the time it takes for your disc to get to Microsoft—which may be too long…

Todd McFarlane’s Halo 3 Controllers Could Be Better

A Todd McFarlane/Microsoft collaboration to work on Halo 3 controllers should be a winning combo…but it’s not. Sure, the Spawn creator drew up some awesome images of Master Chief, soldier-filled Warthogs, and evil Covenant aliens. Yes, Brian thinks they’re good. However, plastering a glossy reprint all over a controller isn’t cool, it’s gaudy and cheap…

Halo 3 Swag Rebagging (Plus Apology)

Click to viewThe other day, I posted a video showing some cool Halo 3 swag Microsoft sent me as part of the press kit. Despite me putting the word “Incredible” in the headline, people thought my video reflected a lack of appreciation for the gear, and I was called many names for it, and even…

Halo is the Future of Gaming

Click to viewThe folks over at Loading Ready Run made a fantastic video illustrating why Halo is the future of gaming. After viewing, we have to say we’re on board. Kudos. [Loading Ready Run]

Microsoft Offering Vista-to-XP Downgrade Option to Anyone, Not Just OEMs

While many sites today are claiming that MS is only offering Vista-to-XP downgrade discs to OEMs, CNet Asia found out that Microsoft support will allow anybody with a copy of Vista Ultimate or Business to call and request a downgrade disc themselves, just like it says in the license terms. So there you have it,…

Gamercize Pro-Sport Next-Gen Exercise Gaming Available Soon

The Gamercize gaming exercise machine we showed you before has a new version for Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii coming out really really soon. The idea is the same as the old version though: your controllers only respond if you’re pedaling or cycling, allowing you to exercise and game at the same time. Seeing as…

Halo 3 Xbox 360 Mod

This Halo 3 console mod wasn’t created by our buddy Ramon of Wii, PSP and DS fame, but still looks pretty damn fantastic. As you can see, creator Craget from the UK added blue neon trim, Halo Collector’s edition stylings, two posable Spartans on either side, and what seems to be splooge on top of…

Microsoft Zune Patent Reveals Playlists/Music Over WiFi

A recent unearthed Microsoft patent details a preference based music service, where suggested music is directly pushed to your Zune based on your currently playing tunes. The selection would be forwarded to the device over WiFi, finally putting the Zune’s WiFi function to some good use. Whether this will be linked to a conventional music…

Xbox 360 Halo Legendary Edition Looks Like a Weapon (Hardware Gallery)

Click to viewThis Limited Edition Xbox is basically your Premium Xbox with an HDMI port, but the attention to detail on the case is impressive. Text and graphics running over the side of the green, camo splattered Xbox, and an HDD and drive tray painted in the same reflective gold as the Master Chief’s helmet…

Halo 3 Xbox 360 Swag Bag is Incredible (Unbagging Shots and Video)

Click to viewUsually, I hate the unnecessary swag. But this Xbox 360, Halo 3 Edition bag, is pretty much the best set of press junk I have ever seen. The duffel bag is printed with Halo 3 logos, my gamer tag, and the slogan “finish the fight.” There are two limited controllers with figurines, dog…

Relax, No New Xbox HD DVD Drive in 2008

Microsoft tells us that the information pointing to a new HD DVD drive in 2008 is a misquote and there is no plan to release a new HD DVD drive for the Xbox 360, despite reports to the contrary. Makes sense to me, the current drive is fine, spec wise. https://gizmodo.com/xbox-360-gets-updated-hd-dvd-drive-in-2008-actually-n-302121

Xbox 360 Gets Updated HD DVD Drive in 2008 [Actually, No]

Update 2: PC World UK is claiming that Bennett from Microsoft really did say, and they quote, “There will be a new HD DVD drive next year, but it’s not finalised yet.” Another writer at ComputerActive, the UK’s largest computer magazine, corroborates the story. This means either Bennett is mistaken, or someone else at Microsoft…

MS released an Xbox 360 update today, but don’t get too excited it’s only to get your system ready for that Big Button “Scene It?” controller. [Major Nelson]