Microsoft Reveals New Xbox Entitled "Xbox One"
Microsoft recently unveiled their new console system, Xbox One. Described as a console "where all of your entertainment comes live in one place," Xbox One is shown to be a huge next step for Microsoft in the next generation of console gaming. Kinect functionality has been streamlined with almost 1:1 voice command recognition. The presenter demonstrated this with simple voice commands, including "Xbox: on."
Furthermore, the console streamlines video input channels by connecting the Xbox with Comcast functionality. For example, with a simple voice command of, "Switch to TV," the video input automatically switches from the Game input to TV input. Of course, this function might be limited to TV/satellite/cable providers who partner with Microsoft for the functionality.
Xbox One is aptly titled, building up its functionality as an "all-in-one home entertainment system... one system for a new generation." Of course, this is a gaming console first and foremost. Gaming hasn't been discussed just yet, but keep your eyes peeled on this post as I update it during the Xbox One press conference, complete with screen shots and specifications.
Update 1: Below are the hardware specifications for the Xbox One. According to the presenter, around 300,000 servers will power Xbox Live for Xbox One, amounting to more than the number of personal computers in use in 1999. That's a lot of computers.
Update 2: EA Sports announced their Infinity Engine as being an Xbox One exclusive, meaning the next generation of Madden, FIFA, NBA Live, and UFC will run on the new engine exclusively for Microsoft, whereas PS4 ports will run on a separate engine. Whether this will be a good financial move for EA will take time to tell. However, I feel like the art direction looks too cartoon-ish. Screen shots are below. (Note: Screen shots look a little blurry due to my internet connection.)
Update 3: Building on the connectivity between the Xbox One and TV, Xbox Entertainment Studios was formed to touch upon an immersive experience uniting Xbox and TV. Halo: The Television Series was announced, complete with a partnership between 343 Industries and one of the greatest names in sci-fi/fantasy, Steven Spielberg.
An exclusive partnership was also announced between Microsoft and NLF to include live fantasy football updates displayed on-screen during NFL games. For example, if Jay Cutler was on your team and scores a touchdown, an update would pop up on screen showing all of his stats.
Sir Michael Rocks: "In a Minute" (feat. Ab-Soul and Dash) (prod. by Larry Fisherman)
"In a Minute" is Sir Michael Rocks' new song in preparation for his next project, While You Wait... Featuring Ab-Soul and Dash with production by Larry Fisherman (AKA Mac Miller), "In a Minute" has a smooth, bass heavy beat with a stand-out verse by Ab-Soul. I'm a sucker for Sonic the Hedgehog references, and the MC begins his verse hitting the trifecta of Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails; how could I not be a fan of that?
You can check out "In a Minute" below.
[Trailer] The Wolverine
http://youtu.be/th1NTVIhUQU
As one of my Top 10 Summer Movies, The Wolverine has a lot to prove. In the wake of The Avengers' immense success from last year, it's going to be rough for the James Mangold-directed The Wolverine to meet such high expectations. It also doesn't help that its superhero film competitor for the season is Superman's return in Zach Snyder's Man of Steel.
With the latest trailer, though, it seems that The Wolverine is ready for the challenge. It sets the emotional tone of Wolverine's guilt over killing Jean Grey (Famke Janssen) in X-Men: The Last Stand and his weariness with his eternal life while also mixing in some solid action scenes. If the actual film can properly balance the emotional depth with great fight sequences, The Wolverine could be a great way to get audiences excited for the X-Men again.
Watch the new trailer below. I've also included some of the character posters from the film, including Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), Viper (Svetlana Khodchenkova), Yukio (Rila Fukushima), and Silver Samurai (Will Yun Lee) below, as well. Remember, The Wolverine slashes its way to theaters July 26th.
[Video] Action Bronson: "Strictly 4 My Jeeps"
Videographers of the internet: The game's over. Action Bronson's video for "Strictly 4 My Jeeps" (directed by Jason Goldwatch) will go down in history as the greatest music video ever created. It features everything you need in a modern-day music video: half-naked girls, money, a RiFF RAFF cameo, basketball, juking, pitbulls, big cars, steak, and a personalized cake. Seriously, the bar for music video quality has been raised to an unattainable high.
"Strictly 4 My Jeeps" is part of the Action Bronson/Harry Fraud collaboration, Saab Stories, which should be coming out in early June. Check the video below, but be warned: you won't look at music videos the same ever again.
http://youtu.be/yfP7qK0khuQ
[via Consequence of Sound]
[Trailer] Blood Ties
http://youtu.be/ONz6R4LF5nY
Screening out of competition at this year's Cannes Film Festival, Blood Ties is Guillaume Canet's upcoming film. Blood Ties takes place in 1974 New York and follows the titular blood ties between two brothers, Chris (Clive Owen) and Frank (Billy Crudup), despite their very different lifestyles. Chris is attempting to return to a normal sense of living following a prison term for murder while Frank is a young cop desperate to help Chris. However, we all know how hard it is to escape our pasts.
The film also stars Mila Kunis (Ted), James Caan (The Godfather), Zoe Saldana (Avatar), and Matthias Schoenaerts (Bullhead). You can watch the trailer and view the '70s-inspired poster below. Blood Ties is scheduled to hit theaters on June 13th.
Side by Side Media Collective is Giving Away Spring Awakening Tickets
Side by Side Media Collective is a collection of very talented photographers, videographers, and writers (including our very own Pedro!), the collective consists of amazing people that are doing big, big things in the music scene. They currently have a ticket giveaway for two three-day passes to this year's Spring Awakening Music Festival. If you're interested, details for the contest are below. Also, if this is the first time you've heard of IXI, do yourselves a favor and keep track of them. They're doing amazing stuff for Chicago.
We teamed up with the guys over at REACT Presents to give away TWO three day passes to the second annual three day festival beginning June 14 and running through the 16 at Soldier Field in Chicago. Between May 19-24 Side by Side Media Collective will be conducting a lottery for the two passes. Follow us on Twitter, Retweet, or Like on Facebook for a chance to be entered. Each person can be entered up to 3 times so move around those social networks and check us out on Twitter (@IXIChicago) or Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ixichicago). Tickets are also available via Clubtix.
http://youtu.be/GM3Wtd0s6ng
[Video] Sony's PlayStation 4 to be Revealed on June 10th
I know we have some gamers reading Ruby Hornet, right? I'm super excited for the upcoming PlayStation 4, especially after Sony officially announced the console at a press conference back in February. However, questions arose when the console itself wasn't publicly revealed. It appears that Sony's ready to show off the new console on June 10th ahead of this year's E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo). In the teaser video below, Sony hints at what the console looks like, alerting fans to keep watch for the press conference. More information on the PlayStation 4 can be found here.
With the next Xbox (rumored to be called Xbox Infinity) set to make its debut at E3 as well, 2013 is shaping up to be a huge year for the next generation of video games.
http://youtu.be/gdRgCQhOTco
Yahoo Buys Tumblr for $1.1 Billion
In an attempt to appeal to younger generations, Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer confirmed the purchase of blogging service Tumblr for a startling $1.1 billion. Tumblr, a site known for its assortment of GIF-heavy blog posts, is popular amongst younger crowds. Mayer wrote a Tumblr post herself, promising "not to screw it up." A good sign of Yahoo's promise is retaining Tumblr founder David Karp in the same role as CEO. Karp also assured no major changes would be made, stating, "Our team isn't changing. Our roadmap isn't changing. Tumblr gets better faster with more resources to draw from."
However, what does the acquisition mean for both Yahoo visitors and Tumblr loyalists? Tumblr might see an increase in advertisements as a way for Yahoo to monetize the site. However, a huge problem potential advertisers face is the large number of Tumblr accounts sharing pornographic material. Yahoo might claim to act as transparent as possible, but I wouldn't be surprised if they begin to come down on the more adult-driven blogs. On the plus side, popular Tumblr blogs could be displayed on Yahoo's front page.
Only time will tell exactly how the acquisition will affect either party, but one thing's for sure: Yahoo's ready to jump back into the fray alongside Google. Who knows? Maybe we'll hear the classic "Yahooooo!" yodel from yesteryear once again.
[via CNN Money]