Titanfall nears 1 million sold in three weeks
Many looked at Titanfall as being the first tentpole game for the Xbox One, but how many people actually bought it? It turns out 925,000 units were sold through for the quarter, according to publisher Electronic Arts’ latest earnings call. Unfortunately, Chief Operating Officer Peter Moore was citing NPD numbers and those don’t include digital sales, and thus copies bought via EA’s Origin PC service or from the Xbox One’s dashboard don’t factor into that tally. The Xbox 360 version? It’s “off to a great start,” but Moore didn’t go into specifics. Back in April, the NPD reported that the mech game was a top-seller for March and the second-best performing game for the Xbox One — seeing hard numbers gives a better picture for how well gaming is doing on the new consoles. While Titanfall‘s numbers are impressive, it’s worth remembering that Infamous: Second Son sold more than that on a single platform (Titanfall’s numbers combined the PC and Xbox One sales) in nine days, both physically and via digitally distributed copies.
Filed under: Gaming, Home Entertainment, HD
Source: Electronic Arts
Gadget Rewind 2005: Xbox 360
The current-gen console wars may be tilting in Sony’s favor with its PlayStation 4, but once upon a very recent time (i.e., the previous console generation), Microsoft had a big early lead. When the company released its Xbox 360 back in 2005, the console had a considerable head start on the competition, beating Sony’s PlayStation 3 launch by a full year. There were, however, intrinsic pitfalls in rushing the 360 out to market so fast; hardware problems Microsoft paid for dearly.
The Xbox 360′s November 2005 launch was highly anticipated, with thousands of gamers (several Engadget editors among them) braving late hours and cold weather to snag one. Unfortunately for those eager gamers, Microsoft’s haste to meet holiday deadlines resulted in limited stock levels, leaving many shoppers empty-handed and disappointed. On top of that, a significant portion of this initial run — about 3 percent, according to Microsoft — was afflicted with the “red ring of death,” a dreaded, scarlet indicator that signaled a defunct, or “bricked” console. That production hiccup meant a good deal of early adopters had to spend those first days on the phone with customer support instead of playing their new 360s. Microsoft eventually responded to the crisis and made an effort to smooth out those issues with extended warranties, software updates and revised production runs.
Early hardware issues aside, the Xbox 360 was regarded by many as a beautiful thing, with a slimmer and more streamlined build than that of its hulking predecessor. Its gamepad even went on to become a high-water mark for controller design, setting a standard that’s been emulated by many third-party companies since. And it’s still the go-to for many PC gamers to this day. The 360′s also credited with popularizing online multiplayer for console gaming with Xbox Live. That service, which debuted on the original Xbox, benefitted tremendously from Microsoft’s earlier dalliance with online gaming and, of course, the 360′s robust install base.
Limited onboard storage capacity, however, certainly discouraged wanton spending on digital games. The Premium Edition of the Xbox 360 came with a 20GB hard drive, making it the preferred option for most consumers. The cheaper Core version didn’t have a hard drive at all, although for $100, gamers could purchase a 20GB add-on HDD. Without it, however, they couldn’t download much content or play last-gen Xbox games. As the years went by, Microsoft released new 360 models with larger-capacity drives to accommodate the growing file size of games and gamers’ appetite for downloads.
It didn’t take long for Microsoft to garner gamers’ loyalty with the Xbox 360. In its first three years on the market, the 360 effectively surpassed the original Xbox’s lifetime sales with over 30 million units sold. That number then rose to 80 million units by 2008 and got another boost with the Kinect’s release in 2010. Thanks to that monstrous install base, new games continue to arrive for the console to this day; games that are also seeing simultaneous release on next-gen consoles.
Microsoft may be passing the torch to its shiny and new Xbox One, but regardless, sales numbers for the 360 remain strong. In March of this year, over 100,000 units were sold. In fact, the Xbox 360′s been handily beating Nintendo’s struggling Wii U for 25 months straight. Not bad for a nearly 9-year-old console, eh?
Did you own an Xbox 360? Add it to your Engadget profile as a device you had (or still have) and join the discussion to reminisce or share photos of your device with other like-minded gadget fans.
Minecraft on Xbox One will transfer saves from Xbox 360
Due to a lack of backwards compatibility, upgrading to new-gen systems like the Xbox One and PS4 has meant mostly leaving your old games and the progress made in them behind, but not in this case. Phil Spencer, the new leader over at Xbox, announced tonight that Minecraft on Xbox One will be able to transfer saves from its Xbox 360 version, so whatever you’ve already built will come with you. He didn’t drop any other details on exactly how the move will work, but mentioned it is the product of cooperation between Microsoft and the game’s developer, Mojang, while promising more news soon.
After months of teaming up with Mojang, we can confirm that Minecraft X360 Edition will save transfer to Xbox One Edition…more news soon!
– Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) April 25, 2014
Filed under: Gaming, HD, Microsoft
Source: Phil Spencer (Twitter)
Daily Roundup: $200 Micro 3D printer, Xbox One now shares to YouTube, and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours — all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
The Micro is a $200 3D printer that can make a teacup in an hour
If you’ve been expectantly waiting for 3D printer that wouldn’t require you to wring out your wallet, now might be your chance to pick one up. Starting today, M3D’s Micro is available for pre-order on Kickstarter — and it’s only $200.
Xbox One now shares gameplay footage direct to YouTube
Previously, Xbox Owners have been able to share their gameplay through Skydrive and Twitch, but that’s about it. Starting tomorrow, however, those with Microsoft’s latest console will receive an update that let’s them share gameplay directly to their YouTube channel.
NASA is offering code from more than 1,000 programs for public use
Building your own home-grown life support system? Probably not. But thanks to NASA’s technology transfer program, such an endeavor might be possible. The administration plans to release thousands of its software systems for functions like life aeronautics and cryogenics to the public.
30 years of mobile phones, all jamming together (video)
South Korea’s SK Telecom celebrated 30 years of business by remixing its jingle with cell phones. And not just any mobile devices — we’re talking about the likes of the Motorola StarTAC and several car phones from the eighties.
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Filed under: Misc
GoPro Channel with exclusive content launches on Xbox 360 tomorrow
Back in January, GoPro tipped us off that it was bringing a dedicated channel to Xbox 360 and Xbox One. At the time, we didn’t really have much more info, other than it was a port of the company’s existing offering that had been entertaining Virgin America customers since last fall. Today Tomorrow we get to see it for real. Well, that’s if you’re an Xbox 360 owner — because as promised it’s landing there first. If you’re an Xbox Live Gold subscriber, then you’re basically all set, ready to enjoy some of the exclusive content that GoPro is slinging onto the channel by means of launch celebration (teasers for which, are after the break). As well as viewing curated GoPro videos, users will also (handily) be able to purchase cameras and accessories without even putting down the controller, including the exact kit used in that particular video. While there’s still no word on when it will land on the latest generations Xbox (other than “summer”), we’re fairly confident you’ll be able to view your fave triple cork videos on even more devices and platforms by the end of the year.
Update: Looks like the curtain actually goes up tomorrow, not today! Just 24 more hours.
Dish teams up with Disney and ABC to offer app access to content
Starting today, Dish subscribers can tune into their favorite ABC, ABC Family, Disney Channel and ESPN shows on their computers, phones and tablets. Thanks to its recently renewed deal with the Walt Disney Company, customers can now access shows through each channel’s respective app or website by signing in using their DISH account information. Some apps are also available on the Apple TV and Roku, and ESPN content can be accessed on the Xbox 360 and Xbox One. Dish rolled back some of its DVR tech (Hopper’s ad skipping on Disney-owned ABC is disabled for three days) to wrangle an agreement that raises the possibility of ESPN on an internet-only streaming service — here’s hoping that was worth it.
Image credit: Flickr/ Dave L
Filed under: Cellphones, Home Entertainment, Tablets, Wireless, HD, Mobile
Titanfall delayed again on Xbox 360, now launching April 8th
If you’re an Xbox 360 owner that hoped to get your hands on a copy of Titanfall before the end of the month, we have some bad news: you’re going to need to wait a little longer. EA announced today that for the second time in just over a month, the launch date will be pushed back, this time until April 8th in North America and April 11th in Europe. EA says the delay will help developer Bluepoint Games make things “even better.” The game was originally due to hit stores on March 11th, but was delayed by two weeks to “put the finishing touches” on the current-gen title. What those finishing touches were, we don’t know, but given reports of graphical imperfections on the Xbox One, Bluepoint’s decision to push back the launch to “get the last details right” could be the right one.
Filed under: Gaming, Microsoft
Source: EA News
Must See HDTV for the week of February 17th: Winter Olympics, Daytona 500 and Strider
This is the final week of the Winter Olympics, with the closing ceremonies scheduled for Sunday night. Bob Costas is back (with less creepy demon-possessed eye infection stare) plus plenty of action including bobsled, short-track speed skating, hockey finals and of course, curling. Game of Thrones season three will hit the shelves on Blu-ray, so whether you’re looking for a recap or just getting your first look in 1080p, now is the time. Racing fans can also look forward to the start of the NASCAR Sprint Cup season with the Daytona 500 on Sunday, while gamers can enjoy a remake of the classic game Strider on current and next-gen systems this week — although honestly, many of us are just trying to finish off House of Cards before the spoilers become impossible to avoid or filter out. Usually we don’t point out the late-night weekly shows, but tonight Jimmy Fallon takes over the Tonight Show chair from Jay Leno. Check after the break for trailers plus our weekly listing of what to look out for in TV, Blu-ray and gaming.
Blu-ray, Streaming movies & Games
- Game of Thrones (S3)
- Fantastic Mr. Fox (Criterion Collection)
- Darkman (Collector’s Edition)
- Nurse Jackie (S5)
- Earth Defense Force 2025 (PS3, Xbox 360)
- Strider (PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC)
- Rayman Legends (PS4)
- NASCAR ’14 (PS3, Xbox 360, PC)
Monday
- 2014 Olympic Winter Games, NBC, 8PM
- Almost Human, Fox, 8PM
- The Bachelor, ABC, 8PM
- Switched at Birth, ABC Family, 8PM
- Star-Crossed (series premiere), CW, 8PM
- Bitten, Syfy, 8PM
- Top Gear, BBC America, 8:30PM
- The Following, Fox, 9PM
- Being Human, Syfy, 9PM
- Beauty and the Beast, CW, 9PM
- The Fosters, ABC Family, 9PM
- Lost Girl, Syfy, 10PM
- The Devil’s Ride, Discovery, 10PM
- Castle, ABC, 10PM
- Intelligence, CBS, 10PM
- Don’t Trust Andrew Mayne, A&E, 11 & 11:30PM
- Inside Comedy, Showtime, 11PM
Tuesday
- 2014 Winter Olympic Games, NBC, 8PM
- American Idol, Fox, 8PM
- Pretty Little Liars, ABC Family, 8PM
- American Experience, PBS, 9PM
- Face Off, Syfy, 9PM
- Twisted, ABC Family, 9PM
- Tosh.0, Comedy Central, 10PM
- Killer Women, ABC, 10PM
- Opposite Worlds, Syfy, 10PM
- Cougar Town, TBS, 10PM
- Kroll Show, Comedy Central, 10:30PM
- Are You The One?, MTV, 11PM
Wednesday
- 2014 Winter Olympic Games, NBC, 8PM
- American Idol, Fox, 8PM
- Opposite Worlds, Syfy, 8PM
- WWE Main Event, ION, 8PM
- Criminal Minds, CBS, 9PM
- Super Fun Night (season finale), ABC, 9:30PM
- Workaholics, Comedy Central, 10PM
- Men at Work, TBS, 10PM
- CSI, CBS, 10PM
- Fleming: The Man Who Would be Bond (season finale), BBC America, 10PM
- Unsung: Nile Rodgers and Chic (season finale), TV One, 10PM
- Broad City, Comedy Central, 10:30PM
Thursday
- NASCAR Budweiser Duels, Fox Sports 1, 7PM
- 2014 Winter Olympic Games, NBC, 8PM
- Heat/Thunder, TNT, 8PM
- American Idol, Fox, 8PM
- The Taste (season finale), ABC, 8PM
- Rake, Fox, 9PM
- King of the Nerds, TBS, 10PM
- Rockets/Warriors, TNT, 10:30PM
- Jerks with Cameras, MTV, 11PM
Friday
- 2014 Olympic Winter Games, NBC, 8PM
- WWE SmackDown, Syfy, 8PM
- Cold Justice, TNT, 8PM
- APB with Troy Dunn, TNT, 9PM
- Banshee, Cinemax, 10PM
- Helix, Syfy, 10PM
Saturday
- 2014 Olympic Winter Games, NBC, 8PM
- The Daytona 500 Bash at the Beach, Fox, 8PM
- Ripper Street (season premiere), BBC America, 9PM
- 45th Annual NAACP Image Awards, TV One, 9PM
- Black Sails, Starz, 9PM
- About a Boy, NBC, 11PM
Sunday
- Daytona 500, Fox, 12PM
- 2014 Winter Olympic Games, NBC, 7PM
- The Amazing Race (season premiere), CBS, 8PM
- The Walking Dead, AMC, 9PM
- True Detective, HBO, 9PM
- Downton Abbey (season finale), PBS, 9PM
- Shameless, Showtime, 9PM
- House of Lies, Showtime, 10PM
- Talking Dead, AMC, 10PM
- Girls, HBO, 10PM
- Looking, HBO, 10:30PM
- Episodes, Showtime, 10:30PM
- Growing Up Fisher (series premiere), NBC, 10:38PM
- Comic Book Men, AMC, 11:59PM
Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD
GoPro to launch extreme sports channel on Xbox One and 360
GoPro is about to unleash its unique brand of action sport videos on Xbox Live for both the Xbox One and 360. We asked GoPro if it had further details on when the channels would be available, but apparently that date hasn’t been confirmed yet. All we do know is that the channel will come to 360 first, before making the hop over to its younger brother. If you fly Virgin America, you can actually get the channel right now, but that’s perhaps a little less convenient than shouting “Xbox on” when you need an instant adrenaline fix.
Missed our CES stage interview with GoPro creative director Brad Schmidt? You can catch it in full here.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD
Xbox 360 Time Warner Cable app finally gets video-on-demand
It’s been a long wait for Xbox 360-faithful wanting Time Warner Cable video-on-demand through their console, but the feature has finally arrived with some 5,000 promised titles (there’s good news for Roku users too, where TWC TV has added VOD to go along with that new YouTube app). If you somehow still aren’t entertained, well maybe chatting with other TWC customers via the app’s messaging feature will do the trick. This seems a tad redundant when the 360′s native messaging client is a few button presses away, but we dig having another way to spoil the latest New Girl for our pals.
Filed under: Gaming, Home Entertainment, HD, Microsoft
Source: Xbox Wire
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