Showing posts with label Microsoft. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Microsoft. Show all posts

Thursday, 31 October 2013

Forza Motorsport 5 x Audi

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Developers for “Forza Motorsport 5” visited the 2013 24 Hours of Le Mans race at the Circuit de la Sarthe, Le Mans, France, together with Audi Sport Team Joest, the most successful team in modern endurance racing, as they prepared to defend their 2012 title in the preeminent endurance race. Commonly known as the Grand Prix of Endurance and Efficiency, 24 Hour of Le Mans race teams and vehicles have to balance speed, technology, and perseverance in a race that is widely regarded as one of the toughest in all of motorsports.

The video features interviews with racing drivers from Audi Sport Team Joest, including Tom Kristensen, 9 time winner, 24 hours of Le Mans, and fellow Audi Sport Team Joest R18 e-tron quattro drivers Lucas Di Grassi, Andre Lotterer, and Benoît Tréluyer along with the Audi Sport's head of the Le Mans Prototype project, Christopher Reinke and “Forza Motorsport 5” Creative Director Dan Greenawalt.

Audi R18 e-tron quattro / Launch Car List and Le Mans Circuit Confirmed for “Forza Motorsport 5”

“Forza Motorsport 5” players will get to experience the 2012 Audi #1 Audi Sport Team Joest R18 e-tron quattro, the world's most dominant endurance racecar design, in stunningly realistic 1080p resolution at 60 frames-per-second. “Now everyone can share in the passion of driving this car,” said Tom Kristensen.

Turn 10 Studios also confirmed today that the Le Mans Circuit de la Sarthe will be playable in “Forza Motorsport 5”. In addition to the Circuit de la Sarthe circuit, players will be able to race on the Old Mulsanne version of the track as well as the Bugatti Circuit, which is making its return to the Forza Motorsport series. The historical LeMans track has been built from the ground up for “Forza Motorsport 5” and Xbox One, painstakingly recreated using the latest in capture technology, including ‘laser-scanning’ and the introduction of physically based materials, resulting in the premiere photorealistic racing experience.

In addition to the R18 e-tron quattro, Turn 10 Studios is excited to reveal today the full list of Audi vehicles that will be race able in “Forza Motorsport 5” at launch, including the below:



· 1983 Sport quattro

· 2006 #2 Audi Sport North America R8

· 2006 RS 4

· 2010 R8 Coupé 5.2 FSI quattro

· 2010 TT RS Coupé

· 2011 RS 3 Sportback

· 2011 RS 5 Coupé

· 2012 #1 Audi Sport Team Joest R18 e-tron quattro

· 2013 S4

· 2013 R8 Coupé V10 plus 5.2 FSI quattro

· 2013 RS 7 Sportback

Monday, 21 October 2013

Surface Pro 2 & Surface 2 - instores today

Microsoft are releasing into stores today the new range of Surface devices. Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 are improved over there earlier versions. Check your local JB or Harvey Norman or online here. Stay tuned for my review in the coming days

Local pricing (incl. GST) for the Surface 2 is:

· Surface 2 32GB – AU$529 RRP

· Surface 2 64GB – AU$639 RRP

Local pricing (incl. GST) for the Surface Pro 2 is:

· Surface Pro 2 64GB + Surface pen – AU$1019 RRP

· Surface Pro 2 128GB + Surface pen – AU$1129 RRP

· Surface Pro 2 256GB + Surface pen – AU$1469 RRP

· Surface Pro 2 512GB + Surface pen – AU$2039 RRP



Local pricing (incl. GST) for the Touch Cover 2 & Type Cover 2:

· Touch Cover 2 – AU$139.99 RRP

· Type Cover 2 – AU $149.99 RRP

Thursday, 17 October 2013

Windows 8.1 Out Now



A few additional highlights:

·         Refined features: Windows 8.1 delivers a host of increased customisation refinements, functional improvements and new innovation, offering more ways to create an experience that is personal, mobile expressive and keeps pace with your life.
·         Windows Store open for app developers: App developers can now submit apps for Windows 8.1. For information on building and submitting Windows 8.1 apps, please visit the Windows Dev Centre.
·         New devices: Customers can go to http://www.windows.com/shop to learn about the wide variety of new Windows devices available now and coming throughout the holiday season to find the one that best fits their needs, and their budget.
·         Windows Embedded 8.1: Microsoft is simultaneously making Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry generally available today, offering Windows 8.1 technologies across a wide array of hardware, including specialised industry devices.
·         Windows Store Gift Card Availability: Also today, Microsoft began rolling out Windows Store Gift Cards to all Australian retailers to increase developer monetisation in the Windows Store and provide Windows users with more ways to purchase apps. Windows Store Gift Cards are a new way to buy apps, games and more in the Windows Store. Consumers can purchase Windows Store Gift Cards as digital codes online and at local retailers. For more information, please visit: www.microsoft.com/giftcard

Thursday, 5 September 2013

Wednesday, 4 September 2013

Xbox One Wildcard Team enters Bathurst 1000



SYDNEY, Australia. – September 5, 2013 – Xbox Australia with Triple Eight Race Engineering today announced that they are launching the Xbox One Racing Team in the 2013 Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000. To celebrate, Xbox Australia and Turn 10 Studios, the makers of the Forza Motorsport series, have also announced the Bathurst track, Mount Panorama, will be included in the highly-anticipated racing game, “Forza Motorsport 5” set to launch exclusively with the new Xbox One console on November 22, 2013.
With international champion race car drivers, Andy Priaulx and Mattias Ekström behind the wheel, the Xbox One Racing Team will be boosted by the support of long time Xbox ambassador and Team mentor, Mark Skaife and Triple Eight Race Engineering Team Owner, Roland Dane.


Alan Bowman, Regional Vice President, Microsoft, Greater Asia Region said, “Xbox has had a strong association with the sport of V8 Supercars over the last decade and for years Australians have been asking us to include the Bathurst track into the Forza Motorsport games. We have taken notice and to celebrate the inclusion of the Bathurst track and two V8 supercars in ‘Forza Motorsport 5’, we will launch a truly international and competitive racing team.
“This is unprecedented in Australia. After months of working in secret to create a piece of racing and gaming history, we are excited to finally reveal that the wildcard entrant and 29th car making its mark at Mount Panorama this year will be the stunning Xbox One Car,” concluded Alan.
The Xbox One Racing car is the latest Holden VF Commodore and comes equipped with a 5.0 litre naturally aspirated V8 Holden which has an estimated output of 640bhp and a top speed of almost 300kph.
Six-Time Bathurst Champion, Mark Skaife said, “This is a milestone not only in racing, but gaming history and I’m proud to continue working with Xbox as we turn Aussie gamers’ dreams into a reality.”
“The Bathurst 1000 is watched in 137 countries around the world and now, with the inclusion of the famous Bathurst track at Mount Panorama in Forza Motorsport 5, Australia’s place in the global racing circuit will be cemented in one of the highest rated racing game franchise in history,” said Mark.
Triple Eight Race Engineering Team Owner, Roland Dane said, “There is no surprise that we love a challenge. When we heard this unique proposition from Xbox to turn everyone’s most-loved racing game into a reality on-track, we knew it was too good an opportunity to pass on.
“Andy and Mattias are two of the best Touring Car racing drivers in the world today and I can promise Bathurst and V8 fans that this will be one team to watch come race day in October,” concluded Roland.
Developed by Turn 10 Studios, “Forza Motorsport 5” is a cinematic automotive journey designed exclusively for the Xbox One. Innovation is at the heart of “Forza Motorsport 5” with ground-breaking features that are only possible on Xbox One, including a worldwide network of always-evolving “Drivatar” opponents powered by the cloud and a new graphics engine that delivers stunningly realistic visuals.  Built from the ground up to take advantage of Xbox One and starring the world’s greatest cars and tracks, no game better delivers the wide-eyed thrill of racing.
Dan Greenawalt, Creative Director at Turn 10 Studios said, “Few circuits have been requested more by the worldwide Forza fanbase than Bathurst, and for good reason. It holds a special place in motorsports history as one of the most demanding and challenging circuits in the world. In addition, the timing couldn’t be better to finally bring Bathurst to the Forza series; with ‘Forza Motorsport 5’, we’re able to bring the circuit to life in a way that nobody else can.
“Through the use of cutting-edge technology like laser-scanning and our new materials-based graphics engine, we can now precisely reproduce the characteristics of every corner, straight and detail to sub-centimeter accuracy; from the narrow twists and turns of the Esses, to the thrilling rollercoaster sprint down the Conrod Straight. This is the Bathurst that racing fans have been asking for years and we’re proud to bring it to them in ‘Forza Motorsport 5.’” 
For more information and assets about the Xbox One Racing Team, the Xbox One or Forza 5 Motorsport, click here.

Xbox One Out In Australia on Nov 22nd - Day One Editions Include Free Copy of FIFA 14



Thursday 5 September 2013 [Sydney Australia] – Microsoft today announced an Xbox One pre-order bundle for Australia that includes a free copy of FIFA 14. The news coincides with confirmation that November 22, 2013 will be the launch date of the Xbox One console in Australia.
The FIFA 14 bundle offer will be available to all those Australians who have pre-ordered an Xbox One Day One edition console as well as any further pre-orders of the Xbox One console, while stocks last.
Pre-orders for the Xbox One are unprecedented, with the Xbox One Day One Edition Console already sold out in Australia. Fans who pre-order an Xbox One now will benefit from the value of the Xbox One FIFA 14 Pre-Order Bundle, which will include a digital version of the blockbuster title. [i]
Jeremy Hinton, Interactive Entertainment Business Lead, Microsoft Australia said:
“Today is an exciting day for Xbox in Australia with the confirmation of our launch date of November 22, so we’ll be one of the first countries in the world to launch Xbox One. Xbox is the best place to play games and we are delighted by the pre-orders of Xbox One. Australians love their sport and their sports games and our Xbox One FIFA 14 bundle in particular is our gift to those Xbox fans who pre-order early. Also, to make sure people who pre-ordered the Day One Edition Console don’t lose out, we’ll be making sure they all receive a copy of FIFA 14 too.”
In FIFA 14 legendary footballers such as Pelé, Patrick Vieira, Freddie Ljungberg, Ruud Gullit, and Gary Lineker, will be playable in FIFA 14 Ultimate Team only on Xbox consoles. This season, fans will be able to craft theirFIFA 14 Ultimate Team with a mix of legendary players on the pitch alongside today’s stars on Xbox One.
Each Legend will have their own distinct look, unique attributes, and custom biography, and will be randomly included in Gold Packs in FIFA 14 Ultimate Team on Xbox One. Fans will be able to acquire Legends in Gold Packs or through the Transfer Market, and then compete with their squads in special tournaments that showcase the skills and flair that made each of these players legendary. Each Legend will be available in packs for a limited time and at different times throughout the season.
“We’re thrilled to bring legendary footballers to FIFA 14 Ultimate Team on Xbox.  Only on Xbox will you be able to terrorise defences with a dream partnership of Messi with the legendary Pelé,” said Matt Bilbey, EA SPORTS Senior Vice President and Group General Manager. 
Pre-orders for the Xbox One console can be made with participating retailers today. Xbox One will launch in Australia on November 22 2013. Xbox One RRPs in Australia for $599.
Read Xbox’s blog post announcing November 22 as the launch date here:http://news.xbox.com/2013/09/xbox-one-launch


Tuesday, 27 August 2013

Xbox One Day One Editions - Content Confirmed

Xbox One Launch Titles given bonus content for Day 1 orders.



Forza Motorsport 5 Day One Car Pack: This three-car pack features amazing cars from Lamborghini, Audi, and Ford; each with a Day One-themed livery and custom tuning package created by the experts at Turn 10:
  • 2010 Audi TT RS Coupe: Stuffed stem to stern with modern tech, the TT RS is the first TT model to carry Audi’s famed RS badge – a distinction that’s earned on the track from the moment you step on the gas.
  • 2013 Ford Focus ST: Debuting with the same 247-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine from the much larger Ford Explorer SUV, the new Ford Focus ST packs a serious punch.
  • 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera: Like great sculpture, the Superleggera’s chiseled form is carefully considered for maximum impact. That’s where the similarities end, however, because this work of art is best appreciated when it’s moving at top speed.
Dead Rising 3 Day One Edition: Dead Rising Tribute Pack featuring exclusive game content and bonus attribute perks.
  • Classic Frank West outfit with Frank’s Zombie Slugger weapon, extra gory attacks and a custom skill move. Also includes attribute perks for increased melee damage and tougher survivors.
  • Official Chuck Greene outfit with Paddle Saw combo weapon that cuts through zombie hordes with increased damage and durability. Also includes attribute perks for vehicle and weapon durability.

Ryse: Son of Rome Day One Edition Exclusive Gladiator Mode Unlockables: The Day One Edition of Ryse: Son of Rome will give players access to an exclusive Gladiator Mode Co-Op Multiplayer Map and an exclusive Sword add-on. Owners of the Day One Edition will be able to invite friends who own the Standard Edition to join them on the exclusive map.
  • Legionnaire’s Trust Exclusive Sword: From the Brotherhood of Metalworkers high in the Swiss Alps comes this well-crafted, finely hammered blade that includes bonus in-game attributes.
  • Ruins: Placing gladiators among the columns of an abandoned temple, Ruins will pit players against hordes of Barbarians, attacking from around every corner. The arena changes dynamically during gameplay, adding new obstacles and objectives for the player to encounter and overcome.

Wednesday, 21 August 2013

Zoo Tycoon Demo - Gamescom 2013

Ryse: Son of Rome - Gladiator Mode Trailer










Fable Legends Announced for Xbox One



Features

• Rediscover The Magic of Fable - Return to Albion, a picturesque land full of thrilling stories, exciting combat, and high adventure. It’s no surprise that millions of players have visited and adored the welcoming countryside of this once upon a time storyland. “Fable Legends” brings you to a place where history, myth, and folklore are practically the same thing. Of course you’ll also find monsters, villains, and even the occasional disaster, but you shouldn’t take it too seriously. Albion is a unique fantasy land where epic, tragic, and comedic stories all combine for a one of a kind experience. 

• New Ways to Play the Hero - In “Fable Legends”, you’re never completely alone. You can play the game single player, with a party of three heroic AI companions that follow your lead through stories and adventures. Or you can play cooperatively with up to three friends and discover the game’s quests and content together. Play whatever style you want, when you want. After all, you’re the Hero. And just what kind of Hero you choose to play is up to you. “Fable Legends” takes you back to a time when Albion is teeming with Heroes, so there’s bound to be one for you. Fearless warriors. Cunning tricksters. Masters of Will. Paragons of virtue. Heartless mercenaries. Intoxicated brawlers. Chicken chasers. They’re all here, and many more besides. You’ll be able to customize your abilities, alter your appearance, and advance your Hero by earning experience and finding new armour, weapons, and treasures.

• Or Is Evil Your Thing? - Fable has always presented opportunities for mischief and villainy, and in “Fable Legends” we’re going to offer a way to play the bad guy as never before. The Villain player takes control of the many creatures, minions, traps, and environmental hazards that Heroes must overcome. Villain play combines elements of strategic decision making and tactical control. When those pitiful Heroes enter an area, you’ll choose which minions are sent into battle and where to place these creatures to maximize their effectiveness. Once the fight begins, you issue the orders for your creatures to execute: telling them where to go, which Hero to attack, and what abilities to use to ensure your evil plans come to fruition.

• Expand Your Controls through SmartGlass - As a Hero, you can use SmartGlass on your tablet or smartphone to track your game progress, get more information on Heroes, quests, and other content. As a Villain, you’ll be able to use a SmartGlass-enabled device to play as the Villain when you’re in the same room with your Xbox One. In this way, you can play right next to a Hero player in couch co-op.



New Screens for Dead Rising 3


 






Forza Motorsport 5 Reveals New Tracks



The addition of Spa-Francorchamps to “Forza Motorsport 5” will surely be music to Forza fans’ ears. Nestled in the Ardennes countryside of Belgium, the 4.3-mile Spa track is home to legendary corners like “La Source” and “Eau Rouge” and has been one of the most requested tracks from fans since the Forza series’ beginning. Laser-scanned and meticulously recreated at 1080p and 60fps, Spa makes its franchise debut in “Forza Motorsport 5”. We’ll have more on Spa, including screenshots of the track in the future, so stay tuned! Check out more details here