Microsoft planning central network for Zune and Xbox
>> From nytimes.com: [QUOTE] I talked earlier this week with J Allard, a key force behind the Xbox who is now driving the Zune music player business (and, he said several times, a few other secret product efforts). Here is what Mr. Allard said about these plans.
Even though the Zune and Xbox product brands are separate, they are ultimately meant to connect to the same central network. The Zune guys have to run really fast. The Windows Mobile guys are on a two-year release cycle. The Xbox team now needs to focus on cost reduction, distribution and quality process. Everyone is on their own cadence. The one thing that transcends all this is the network as the nexus.
The online services for Xbox, Zune and future products will merge. Today we have Xbox live for $50 a year. We have Zune Pass at $15 a month. We don't have a rationalized premium version yet. Fast forward a little bit, and you can image a menu like DirecTV. There is basic, there is enhanced, there is movie pack and NFL Sunday ticket.
Content providers like ESPN, in this vision, will need Microsoft to handle the technical details and marketing of selling their products. We go in as a platform company and say to ESPN that we can offer preference information so you can curate programs in a way that has never been done before. And you don't have to worry about multiple formats; we do it all for you on the back end. And you can reach all these eyeballs without lifting a finger. [/QUOTE]
Anandtech's Xbox360 Falcon Dissection and Power Consumption
>> From anandtech.com: [QUOTE] It's amazing how little has actually changed with the internal design of the console, obviously some components have changed (e.g. DRAM) but the general layout remains the same after two years.
Here's what's interesting: the CPU, GPU and eDRAM die all seem to have gotten smaller, but at different rates. The CPU sees the biggest reduction in size, the new core being about 75% the size of the old one, while both GPU components are around 85% the size of their predecessors. It's possible that all three chips are now 65nm, or a mixture of 65nm and 80nm (TSMC's 80nm half-node process was used in ATI's R600 GPU). Needless to say, the chips are all smaller, which should yield some nice power savings.
The power savings of the new Xbox are dramatic:
Playing Halo 3 on the new Falcon consumes less power than the old Xbox 360 just sitting idle at the dashboard. [/QUOTE]
USA: Buy a 360, Get Halo 3 for Free *Update: only for Xbox1 LIVE members*
>> From xbox.com: [QUOTE] If you're more than ready for Halo 3, but still have an older console, here's the plan for you. Buy your Xbox 360 before December 21, 2007 and we will give you a copy of Halo 3.
Here's How to Get Your Halo 3 Game: 1. Buy an Xbox 360 console by December 21. 2. Connect to Xbox LIVE. 3. Register HERE with promotional code XBX7777, your new console serial number, and a valid mailing address. 4. And look for your copy of Halo 3 for Xbox 360 in your mailbox! [/QUOTE]
*Update* Above is what Microsoft first posted ... but it looks like they 'somewhat' changed the offer (hum...): [QUOTE] As a current paid Xbox LIVE member using an original Xbox console (not Xbox 360), you're more than ready for Halo 3, and here's a great reason to step up. Buy your Xbox 360 between November 21 and December 21, 2007, move your existing paid Xbox LIVE account to an Xbox LIVE Gold subscription and then register on this site, and we will send you a copy of Halo 3.
Current Paid Xbox LIVE Members on the original Xbox console (not Xbox 360), here's how to get your Halo 3 game: 1. Buy an Xbox 360 console between November 21 and December 21, 2007. 2. Convert your current paid Xbox LIVE account to an Xbox LIVE Gold subscription. 3. Register here between November 21 and December 21, 2007 with promotional code XBX7777, with your new console serial number, and a valid mailing address. 4. Look for your copy of Halo 3 in your mailbox! [/QUOTE]
>> From gamesindustry.biz: [QUOTE] The simExchange October review report, based on information taken from the online prediction market simExchange, believes that the Xbox 360 will outsell the PlayStation 3 in the US by almost 2-to-1 between now and the end of the year.
According to analyst Jesse Divnich the Xbox 360 will sell just over 2 million units, while the PS3 will sell just over 1 million - although the Wii and DS will trump them both handsomely, shifting 3.28 million and 2.86 million units respectively. [/QUOTE]
Xbox Live is 5IVE: How to Get the Free 500 MS Points
>> From teamxbox.com: [QUOTE] To claim your 500 Microsoft Points [MS offers to active member who joined the service in 2002], all you have to do is register on this web site using your Windows Live ID associated to your gamertag. You can register until midnight (Pacific Time) on November 29, 2007, and after you do so, you will receive an e-mail with a 25-digit code that lets you to activate your Microsoft Points through your Xbox 360 console. Don't expect that email to arrive instantly as the deadline for that email is December 21, 2007. [/QUOTE]
NPD October: 360 366k, PS3 121k, Wii 519k - 2007 Sales So Far - MS Reaction
>> From gamasutra.com: [QUOTE] In fact, video game hardware numbers were up a spectacular 127% to $469.7 million, and Nintendo's Wii and DS again topped the hardware charts, followed by the Xbox 360, the PSP, PlayStation 2, and then PlayStation 3. The full charts are as follows: * Wii - 519,000 * Nintendo DS - 458,000 * Xbox 360 - 366,000 * PSP - 286,000 * PlayStation 2 - 184,000 * PlayStation 3- 121,000
In addition, video game software numbers were up 39% to $513.9 million, with the two big winners for the month being Halo 3, the number one title by SKU for the second month running, and the Guitar Hero III series, which grabbed three of the top four and four of the top ten slots.
In addition, a year-to-date update on overall top-selling games over all platforms was released by the NPD, as follows: * Halo 3 - 3.7 million * Madden NFL 08 - 3.2 million * Guitar Hero 2 - 2.8 million * Wii Play W/ Remote - 2.5 million * Pokemon Diamond Version - 2.1 million [/QUOTE]
Here's Microsoft's reaction to the October numbers. From gamedaily.com: [QUOTE] * For the month of October, Xbox 360 led in total revenue with $354 million compared to $246 million for Wii and $116 million for PS3. * Xbox 360 software revenue at retail surpassed that of Wii and PS3 combined. * For the month of October according to NPD, Xbox 360 software represented 54 percent of total software sales (at $162 million dollars) for this generation, compared to 30 percent for Wii and 16 percent for PS3. * Xbox 360 was home to seven out of the top 10 rated games through the end of October according to Metacritic. * Of all 3rd party U.S. software revenue in October, Xbox 360 generated more than double that of the PS3 and Wii. Xbox 360 weighs in at 57 percent with $130 million, compared to Wii with 28 percent and PS3 at 15 percent. * PS3 and Wii combined had one third party title in the top ten console title list for the month, while Xbox 360 weighed in with 2. Since November, third party partners have seen their titles hit the top ten 29 times for Xbox 360, compared to 2 for PS3 and 2 for Wii. * In last week's earnings announcement from Electronic Arts, Xbox 360 represented 50 percent ($218 million) of their total revenue during the third quarter. In fact, EA titles on Xbox 360 outperformed those same titles on PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, PSP, Wii and DS combined. [/QUOTE]
>> From gamedaily.com: [QUOTE] GameDaily BIZ has received the latest monthly Famitsu marketing data service report for the period covering October 1 - 28. Although software sales fell by over 14 percent, hardware sales climbed 30 percent, resulting in overall industry growth of 2.2 percent.
The notable hardware news is that Microsoft's Xbox 360 has finally surpassed that of the original Xbox - within two years to boot. Through October 28 in Japan, the Xbox 360 has sold 474,000 units, exceeding the original Xbox total of 473,000 units. Famitsu said this was fueled partially by the arrival of the Xbox 360 Elite model (120GB, HDMI-enabled) on October 11. That said, Xbox 360 sold just 18,717 during October. [/QUOTE]
>> From tech.co.uk: [QUOTE] It's almost two years to the day since Microsoft launched the Xbox 360. So you would expect its successor to be well on its way towards fruition. But Microsoft has dropped only a few subtle hints about what form it could take, and hasn't provided any details. The most significant statement so far has been about timeframe. Supposedly, the next generation Xbox will arrive next decade, possibly 2011 or 2012.
So here's the bottom line for the Xbox in 2011, based on current trends and what we know is happening over the next few years. Check back here in 2011 to see if we were right! * CPU/GPU - Integrated chip with 16 x 5GHz processor cores, 32 x 2GHz graphics cores * Memory - 8GB GDDR8 * Media - Dual-format HD-DVD/Blu-ray drive for backwards compatibility and movies * Storage - 4TB hard disk for online game (and movie) delivery * Built-in camera - for gesture-based control * Built-in microphone - for voice-recognised control [/QUOTE]
>> From the XNA Team Blog (FYI: MS owned blog): [QUOTE] It's been a while since we posted on the upcoming XNA Game Studio 2.0 release. The good news is that there will be a XNA Game Studio 2.0 beta available for you to download very soon!
This beta is considered "feature complete." This means that while we still have some issues to address, all of the features that will be in the release are included as part of the beta. However like all our previous betas, the beta is for the Windows-based computer functionality only and you will not be able to deploy games to the Xbox 360 system.
Unfortunately, there were a few things that didn't make it into this release. The most prominent being that you cannot host XNA applications in Windows Forms. All the other major features that we talked about earlier this year will be available!
Over the next few weeks, we'll be blogging about some of the new features in XNA Game Studio 2.0 and what's been changed. This should give you a good idea of what to expect in the release. [/QUOTE]
Xbox Originals: Microsoft Already Warns of Known Issues
>> Microsoft already warns about possible issues with 'Xbox Originals' - the Xbox1 games that will be downloadable from Xbox LIVE on your Xbox360 starting December 4th (Fall Update). From xbox.com [QUOTE] There are some known issues with Xbox Originals. With all game titles, publisher logos at the start of a game can be choppy on first play when caching. Also, any additional content within a game (such as a demo or trailer) is not supported by Xbox Originals titles and selecting those options may result in crashing the game (requiring a restart of the console).
There are also some issues unique to specific game titles, as follows: * Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge: There is some minor flickering at the top of the screen that happens very rarely. The "Press A to Continue" message is missing when the host player leaves a multiplayer game. Additional content within the game (such as demos & trailers) are not supported and selecting those options may result in crashing the game (requiring a restart of the console) * Fable: There are some random bursts of audio static and some minor texture issues and a short hang up when removing tattoos. Additional content within the game (such as demos & trailers) are not supported and selecting those options may result in crashing the game (requiring a restart of the console) * Fuzion Frenzy: There are some minor frame rate issues. Additional content within the game (such as demos & trailers) are not supported and selecting those options may result in crashing the game (requiring a restart of the console) * Halo: There are some very mild frame rate drops. * Psychonauts: HDMI 720p is not supported for PAL users. Running the game in 720p over HDMI will result in the game locking up for PAL users. If you are using HDMI output, set the resolution to 1080i or 1080p (anything but 720p) [/QUOTE]
Taiwan: Repairs Take Long Time Because MS Checks if 360s are Modified
>> From digitimes.com: [QUOTE] Microsoft has been vigorously inspecting Xbox 360 consoles sent in for repairs in Taiwan which has resulted in the usual turnaround time of seven days being extended to as long as one month since October, according to retail channels in Taiwan.
The sources commented that the tighter inspection was motivated by a need to see if game consoles have been illegally modified to use pirated games and a need to screen consoles which really need repair. However, consumers are increasingly becoming discontent with the tighter attitude towards after-sales repairs, the sources pointed out. [/QUOTE]
Wal-Mart, Target, Best Buy Xbox360 Black Friday Offers
>> From xboxusersgroup.com (rumor - not confirmed): [QUOTE] Some of Wal-Mart's other Black Friday promotions include an Apple 80GB iPod Classic ($247.88), assorted DVDs ($2.96), Dell Inspiron 1501 15.4-inch laptop computer ($598), Kodak 7MP digital camera ($89.84) and Xbox 360 arcade console system with 5 bonus games ($279.92). [/QUOTE]
From punchjump.com: [QUOTE] Target stores will price cut key game titles for Sony Corp.'s Playstation 3 and Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox 360 on Black Friday, the annual discount shopping day after Thanksgiving. Advanced circulars for the retailer disclaim new titles, including Call of Duty 4, The Orange Box, PGR 4, Skate and Heavenly Sword at $48 on Nov. 23 and Nov. 24. In addition, NBA 2K8 and Pirates of the Caribbean for both PS3 and Xbox 360 will sell for $28.
Retailer Best Buy will offer a PS3 and Xbox 360 bundle that include items at no additional cost on Black Friday. [/QUOTE]
>> From majornelson.com (FYI: MS owned blog): [QUOTE] I have gotten quite a few questions about yesterday's Xbox Originals announcement. Specifically, folks want to know if these games will have additional functionality like Achievements and Gamer score. The answer is no. These are the original games that were created before Xbox 360. In order to preserve the integrity of the original gaming experience they provide, they will have the features available at the time of their initial release. I hope that clears that up.
I know it's probably not what you wanted to hear, but I thought it would be best to get clear up an misunderstanding up right up front. I'll talk more about it on my show this week. Would it have been cool? Sure it would ...but as many folks have noted, for a variety of reasons it's just not possible. :( [/QUOTE]
>> From gamerscoreblog.com (FYI: MS owned blog): [QUOTE] Tell me these things don't look cool. C'mon - the orange metallic looks crazy-amazing.
These were controllers were produced in limited numbers, and sent out to some of the folks from the press. Darn those press people who get all the cool stuff - I'm talking to you Crecente, and Grant. ;)
Included in the bundle is a LIVE brochure which has an interesting timeline and some quotes from the non-believers 5 years ago: "No one wants to talk while they play games... they like typing" "Who wants a friends list in their game?"
How far we've come in 5 years... Wow, it's already been 5 years. [/QUOTE]
>> From digitimes.com: [QUOTE] Wistron is reported to have phased out of Xbox 360 production and has ended its six year cooperation with Microsoft, according to market sources.
With Microsoft dropping its selling price of the Xbox 360 console earlier this year, it tried to push the profit pressure onto its three OEMs, Wistron (who accounted for 40% of shipments), Flextronics (40%) and Celestica (20%), by asking them to lower their OEM prices. Flextronics has taken over the majority of the Xbox 360 orders, increasing its OEM production to over 60% of total shipments, while Celestica still remains as a second OEM.
Wistron declined the opportunity to comment on this report. [/QUOTE]
Update All XPort Emulators, Snes9XBox, Source Code and Future Plans
>> From Xport on forums.xbox-scene.com: [QUOTE] The following emulators have been updated with the most recent feature set (rewind, slowdown, rumble, better cheat code options, etc, etc)
Note that some of these do not have rewind support enabled for a variety of reasons. Check the README.TXT files for information specific to each port.
I know that I said that I was going to try and resolve bugs and update cores to more recent versions, but I don't have nearly as much free time as when I first started doing ports. I made it through most of them, but the last dozen or so were taking too long to finish and I really wanted to get these out the door.
AdamX(info), ArnoldX(info), Atari7800X(info), AtariXLBox(info), BlissX(info), BlueMSXBox(info), Chip8X, Classic99X, DidntXSpectrum, DOSXBox(info), FCEUltraX(info), KegsX(info), MednafenX-Lynx, MednafenX-NES, MednafenX-PCE, MekaX(info), NeoGenesis(info), NeoPopX(info), OdysseyX(info), PCSXBox(info), PokemonMiniX, SoftVMUX, SuperVisionX, Vice20X(info), Vice64X(info), VicePETX(info), VirtualBoyX, WinstonX, WinUAEX(info), WonderswanX, X68000X(info), XBoyAdvance(info), Z26X(info), ... and Snes9XBox I know, I know...but it's not really a finished product. It's something that I threw together about 3 years ago and have been updating with my current user interface along the way. Purists will still want to use ZSnexBox. Compatibility is better in ZSnesBox as well because it's based off of ZSNES and this is based off of Snes9X v1.43. There is no lightgun support, no mouse support, and rewind support is flaky. All the other features like save states, cheat code searching, etc, etc are working.
The sources to everything are now up on xbins under emulators/xport_src_new along with a readme file for (brief) instructions on how to compile. I can't give instructions on how to make XBox programs in general (that's left as an exercise for the reader) but I can assure you that I've tested these packages to make sure they compile correctly under MSVC with the XDK installed. It's all the source - every last bit.
My involvement in the XBox era is winding down. I guess it already has been winding down for a while. There will probably be a handful of updates in the future and perhaps a new project or two, but it's possible that this is it for me. I hope others will pick up these projects and improve them. There's still a lot that can be tweaked/improved.
There's a very good chance that incorporating the new DOSBox core will result in a usable Dynamic CPU which would give it a very nice speed boost.
Mednafen core might be worth updating, but note that as of v0.8 PCE CD emulation is supposed to be much more taxing on the CPU. However, it might be worth it to strip out the Wonderswan core into a separate project since that's supposed to be a better/tweaked version of oswan (which is the core of WonderswanX). It might make more sense to find the changes in the oswan portion of Mednafenx and implement them into WonderswanX though. There is also a PCFX core (probably too taxing for the XBox) and a NGPC core (but the ngpc core is based on neopop and I don't think much has changed in it - don't know if the emulation is improved at all.)
Atari7800 source is basically a stripped down MESS but all the MESS source files are included in the package. One should be able to copy the atari7800x source package into another dir and adjust the project settings to exclude A7800 files and include another machine's files to make a new port of something else in MESS.
NeoGenesis could be patched to allow for ]32MBit games - but this is surprisingly more work than one might expect because of the memory constraints of the XBox. It could be done more easily using virtual memory, but then general emulation performance would suffer. It's doable without VM, but requires more time than I feel like giving - especially because it's only useful for one or two games.
Many other projects could use core updates like BlissX, BlueMSXBox, etc to improve compatibility.
Then of course there could be all sorts of new projects using my core as a base. Potential projects include BBC, Bally Astrocade, Vectrex, Coco, Arcadia, and Sam Coupe which all have decent open source emulators available for them. They've been on my todo list for quite a while, but I just haven't found the time for them.
Oh...as an aside, if anyone knows of anyone who still does xbox tweaks who can construct a completely silent (or nearly totally silent) XBox, please send me (XPort) a PM on forums.xbox-scene.com. There's a lot of antiquated information on the 'net on this subject and I just don't have the time to go the trial-and-error route. [/QUOTE]
Microsoft Hit With Class Action Suit Over Xbox Live Fees
>> From informationweek.com: [QUOTE] In a class action suit, Georgia resident Francisco Garcia claims that in October 1995 [note x-s: I guess they mean 2005] his son, Silvario, used his debit card to buy a $49.99, one-year subscription to Xbox Live.
A year later, Garcia claims, Microsoft automatically billed him for an additional year of Xbox Live without his knowledge or consent. He contends that the charge sent his checking account into overdraft, and that his bank slapped him with a $35.00 penalty. Garcia says Microsoft refunded the subscription fee but didn't cover the bank penalty.
Microsoft has asked the federal court to dismiss the case, claiming it has paperwork that proves Silvario Garcia misrepresented his age when he subscribed to Xbox Live by falsely stating that he was at least 18 years old. [/QUOTE]
LIVE Turns 5, Free Carcassonne, Fall Update Dec 4th, Dwl Xbox1 Games
>> From the press release: [QUOTE] Xbox LIVE membership soars past 8 million mark, Microsoft unveils new download service for Xbox games direct to your living room beginning Dec. 4.
REDMOND, Wash. -- Nov. 13, 2007 -- On Nov. 15, Microsoft Corp. will celebrate the fifth anniversary of Xbox LIVE. In addition, the company notes that the latest membership figures show more than 8 million members are now actively engaged in the largest social entertainment network on TV. Xbox LIVE has grown from a small community of gamers in two countries, playing a handful of games online with their friends, to a worldwide social entertainment network offering online access to gaming, music, movies and TV shows. As friends across 26 countries and nine languages have connected on Xbox LIVE, it is their feedback and active participation that has guided the service to become what Wired magazine recently called "the king of the online arena." As a gesture of thanks to the gaming community, all 8 million members will have the opportunity to download a free Xbox LIVE Arcade game [Carcassonne, except in Korea were it'll be Hexic 2],* available for downloading between 12:01 a.m. PST on Nov. 15 and 11:59 p.m. PST on Nov. 16.** In addition to this, every active member who joined the service in 2002 will receive 500 free Microsoft Points.
Starting on Dec. 4, all Xbox LIVE members will receive a free system update with a host of new features and enhancements. Included in this update will be the launch of Xbox Originals, which, for the first time, will enable consumers to download and own full Xbox games, such as "Halo," "Psychonauts," "Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge" and "Fable," among others, directly to their Xbox 360. This new service will launch with an array of blockbuster titles spanning the most popular genres from action-adventure to classic role-playing games.
With no disc necessary, and at just 1,200 Microsoft Points per game, Xbox LIVE members can easily rediscover these hit titles, or check out a game they missed the first time around. This launch lineup is only the beginning, as Xbox 360 owners can expect to see a growing catalog of Xbox games to download and own over the coming year.
"In just five short years, Xbox LIVE has revolutionized the way friends and family have fun in the living room," said John Schappert, corporate vice president of LIVE, software and services at Microsoft. "On its fifth birthday, Xbox LIVE truly is the place for hanging out with friends and enjoying downloadable TV shows, movies, videos, game add-ons and now downloadable Xbox games on demand."
More information can be found online about the downloadable games available on Xbox LIVE, the evolution of Xbox LIVE or the Xbox LIVE is 5IVE member rewards at http://www.xbox.com. [/QUOTE]
Pachter October US Predictions: 360 325k, PS3 125k, Wii 450k
>> From gamasutra.com: [QUOTE] Ahead of the release of NPD's October hardware and software sales results, Wedbush Morgan's Michael Pachter and simExchange's Jesse Divnich have predicted the Wii will once again emerge on top of the hardware charts, and Activision will dominate software with Guitar Hero and Call of Duty.
Though the September release of Halo 3 saw Xbox 360 sales push just past those of the Wii, the analysts have said that despite hardware shortages, Nintendo's console will regain its top slot. Pachter has predicted 450,000 Wiis sold to simExchange's 467,000, ahead of their Xbox 360 predictions of 325,000 and 412,000. Both see PS3 in last place with 125,000 and 136,000 units sold respectively, despite the 80GB model's recent price drop to $499. [/QUOTE]
>> From Major Nelson: [QUOTE] On Tuesday November 13th from 0000-0200 PT our engineering team will be performing server maintenance. Specifically, Xbox.com maintenance will begin at 0000 while the Xbox LIVE service maintenance will begin at 0100.
Both Xbox.com and Xbox LIVE will be available again at 0200.
This is for maintenance only, there will be no new features that will appear on Xbox.com, your dashboard or Xbox Live when we return to service. It's not time for the dashboard update...yet. [/QUOTE]
>> A new firmware release for the Samsung TS-H943 Xbox360 drive.. (v1.3) Improved media detection (v1.3) Fixed PTP DVD Movies (v1.3) More Secure for Xbox Live (V1.3) Multiple Speed Versions
Note: In regards to the 'More Secure Xbox Live' feature, it is just further cleanup of the DMI code on failed boot (non-stealth games), plus a quicker lockdown of video partition when requested to reset to the video partition. "PTP" stands for Parallel Track Path DVD's. It is a rare format (approx. 1 out of 50) that is used. Previously they would not play under iXtreme versions.
Official Site: n/a (by commodore4eva) Download: n/a (May be illegal under EULA/DMCA) News-Source: xbins.org
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
>> From Don Lindich (national columnist and creator of the "Digital Made Easy" book serie) on post-gazette.com: [QUOTE] I enthusiastically recommend HD DVD because it's a better product and a better proposition for consumers. Signs are showing it is going to trounce Blu-ray, and soon. Surprised? Read on.
For those looking for a single sentence explaining why go with HD DVD: It's a better thought-out, more solid product than Blu-ray, it is half the price, and picture and sound quality are identical. At less than $200 including seven or more movies, HD DVD players are a stunning value. Why pay twice the money when Blu-ray has serious issues and the movies look and sound the same?
I smile when I see people buying HD DVD players based on bargain pricing, because they are unknowingly getting the Ferrari as well! Despite its purported superiority and much higher cost, Blu-ray is the emperor with no clothes. HD DVD has been superior since day one.
On the other hand, at launch Blu-ray's picture quality was horrible, generating barbs such as "needs to go to the scrap heap" and "who in their right mind would ever like this?" Though they have since closed the picture quality gap, almost all Blu-ray player models announced or existing are already obsolete. They conform to an early player profile that does not support upcoming disc features. Profiles should have been finalized before product launch! Blu-ray's record has been spotty at best, and if you say it sounds like they have been fixing it as they go along, I'd say you are right. [/QUOTE]
Rumor: Big MS 1st Party Title Canned, Top Exec on the Way Out
>> From n4g.com: [QUOTE] 1up Yours this week (11/09/07) mentions a couple of "hot rumors" near the end of the podcast. Here are the transcripts from the relevant segments in the podcast:
Shane (host/EGM editor): "I won't go into exacting detail because these rumors haven't been confirmed but they're definitely swirling around. They're probably gonna break next week. So a preview of what you may be seeing next week. A big Microsoft first-party title that has been in the works for a very long time that people are very excited for, sounds like it's being canceled. And a Microsoft executive who's pretty high up, who's been a voice for the company, sounds like he's on the way out. (1:58:11-1:58:37)" [/QUOTE]
>> From joystiq.com: [QUOTE] It's official - 2007 will henceforth be known as the "Year of Broken Street Dates." First, BioShock was sold a week in advance by Toys R' Us, then there were the reports of number of early sales of Halo 3 throughout Europe, then the recent Rock Band mix-up at Best Buy, and to top it all off, a number of lucky gamers have apparently gotten their hot little hands on copies of Mass Effect from Kmart - a full ten days before the game's official release date. [/QUOTE]
