All things about Microsoft’s next Xbox – Release date, specs and price

By now, the Sony PS4 had been officially released for some time. Many people may still wait for the upcoming Xbox so as to determine which console to buy. Quite recently, the rumors about Microsoft’s next Xbox have been heating up the internet.  Previously, there’ve reports saying that Xbox 720 rumored to have powerful 16-core CPU and extra HD 7680×4320 screen display, though specs are really wonderful, still to be confirmed. Even though Microsoft has done a very good job in keeping the next Xbox in secret, there’re reports and news leaked about the next Xbox.  

When the next Xbox would be released is no doubt a big concern from public. According to the professional analyst Paul Thurrott, Microsoft would announce the next Xbox, commonly known as Xbox 720, codenamed Durango, on May 21^st. It is said that the release event was once scheduled to be held on April 24^th, but delayed to be May 21^st finally. Paul also mentioned the price of the Xbox 720. The device is said to be sold at $500, with a pre-order price of $300. This might be a little bit expensive.

The First Nokia Lumia Windows Phone 8 Handset Is Coming On September 5th?

By far, the detailed official release of Windows Phone 8 OS still needs to be confirmed. From previous rumors and reports, most of us would prefer to believe a November release of Windows Phone 8 OS. But is this true? Probably not. Very recently, Nokia and Microsoft have sent out invitations for a joint event on September 5^th event in New York City. And based on all clues and information, this upcoming event is mostly likely to point to the first Nokia Lumia Windows Phone 8 devices. As from the rumors collected previously, this joint event on September 5^th is most probably about a mysterious device from Nokia codenamed under Nokia Phi.

According to the rumors, the Nokia Phi is expected to sport a design similar to the one on the Lumia 900 with an equally sized 4.3-inch screen, but with a dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor and expandable memory via microSD.

Aside from the joint press event of Nokia and Microsoft and the rumors about Nokia Phi, still some other reports also show that there would be a big move from Nokia and Microsoft to compete with their common rivals, Samsung and the next Apple iPhone. As reported, Samsung is going to bring its competitive Galaxy Note II to the market while the next Apple iPhone is reported to mostly be unveiled on the September 12th event. And now, Nokia is also going to bring out their first, or maybe the world’s first, Windows Phone 8 handset. Isn’t September a big surprise for the world? And what else more could you ask for?

Oh, nearly forget to bring another fact to this. Chris Webber, Nokia’s Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Tweeted the following words days ago to rival Samsung - "Samsung take note, next generation Lumia coming soon." Feel the strong smell of gunpowder? It is quite unusual for companies to directly call each other out so publicly, unless they are going to bring something new, or they are in a lawsuit, obviously the latter of which is a little reliable.

Anyway, these are just still our guess work. We need to wait for the truth. Stay tuned for more detailed and latest news. 

Microsoft Unveiled Windows Phone 8 with New Home Screen, Turn-by-Turn Navigation and Skype Integration

It’s been a very busy June for Microsoft, who not only revealed its own Windows 8 Surface tablets on an event in Los Angeles, but recently brought out Windows Phone 8, its next phone operating system at the event in San Francisco with abundant of new wonderful features. As the manager of the Windows Phone program, Joe Belfiore told readers in his blog that “Windows Phone 8 is based on the same core technologies that power Windows 8. As a result, Windows Phone 8 will unleash a new wave of features for consumers, developers, and businesses.” He said the next version of Windows Phone will share the same underlying technology of the Windows operating system that will run on tablets, laptops, and desktops.

Leading the additions to Windows Phone 8 include: New Start screen, turn-by-turn navigation and Skype integration. The home screen or Start Screen, which has rectangular tiles to represent apps, will now allow users to change the tile sizes if they're using the phone for many things at the same time.

Microsoft is making Windows Phone 8 even more personal, with a new palette of theme colors and three sizes of Live Tiles, all of which are under users’ control. As Live Tiles are one of the things current owners really love about their Windows Phones, Microsoft makes them even more flexible and unique. The bellow short video shows the new Start screen in action.

Microsoft is also putting its Skype acquisition to good use in the forthcoming software. Skype and other Voice Over IP (VoIP) services will integrate right into the phone dialer and People or contacts apps. Skype's CEO, Tony Bates, hinted that Skype would also be integrated into Windows 8.

And there's another partnership at work in Windows Phone 8 -- the one between Microsoft and Nokia. The two companies worked closely on Nokia's new Lumia handsets, including the Lumia 900; now they are bringing Nokia's mapping technology to the operating system, including offline maps and turn-by-turn navigation.

Other key features of Windows Phone 8:

* Multi-core processor support: As reviewers have noted, Windows Phone runs buttery smooth on phones with a single processor. But piggybacking on the Windows core provides support for multiple cores—so we’re ready for whatever hardware makers dream up.

* Bigger, sharper screens: Windows Phone 8 supports two new screen resolutions—1280x768 and 1280x720, opening the door to amazing new handsets with high-definition 720p displays. This would mean that users would have more flexible options to watch HD videos on Windows Phone 8 smartphones.

* More flexible storage: Windows Phone 8 supports removable MicroSD cards, so you can stuff your phone with extra photos, music, and whatever else is important to you, and then easily move it all onto your PC.

* NFC wireless sharing: If you haven’t heard the term “NFC” yet, I’m betting you soon will. This emerging wireless technology lets phones share things over short distances. In Windows Phone 8, it helps make sharing photos, Office docs, and contact info easier—just tap your phone another NFC-equipped device. How cool is that?

* Internet Explorer 10: The next version of Windows Phone comes with the same web browsing engine that’s headed for Window 8 PCs and tablets. IE10 is faster and more secure, with advanced anti-phishing features like SmartScreen Filter to block dangerous websites and malware.

* Wallet: Windows Phone 8’s new digital Wallet feature does two great things. It can keep debit and credit cards, coupons, boarding passes, and other important info right at your fingertips. And when paired with a secure SIM from your carrier, you can also pay for things with a tap of your phone at compatible checkout counters.

* Better maps and directions: Windows Phone 8 builds in Nokia mapping as part of the platform. Our partnership will provide more detailed maps and turn-by-turn directions in many countries, plus the ability to store maps offline on your phone so you can work with maps without a data connection.

* Cooler apps and games: Basing Windows Phone 8 on the Windows core will unleash a new wave of amazing apps and especially games, for reasons I’ll touch on in a moment.

Microsoft did not disclose when Windows Phone 8 would be available and start shipping on phones. It did say that those with Windows Phone devices now won't be able to upgrade to the new operating system. The first wave of Windows Phone 8 phones will be made by Nokia, Samsung, and HTC.

Xbox 720 rumored to have powerful 16-core CPU and extra HD 7680×4320 screen display

Although the next Xbox 720 couldn’t be out in the near future, there have been many rumors and anticipations on the specs of Xbox 720. People have made different anticipations and expectations towards this new controller. And today, let’s talk about the anticipations and expectations for the Xbox 720, the most exciting ones becoming the super powerful 16 core CPU and extra 7680x4320 pixels HD screen resolution. Well, check bellow:

Powerful 16 core CPU: Microsoft clearly claimed it could not reveal any information on the Xbox 720 before the third season of this year. But obviously, to make the Xbox 720 succeed, Microsoft must try to improve its hard ware and design. And there’s news reportedly that Xbox 720 would configure a powerful 16 core IBM Power PC CPU, which could greatly improve its performance with no doubt.

HD resolution screen display: The 9.7” new Apple iPad comes with Retina Display which reaches up to 2048x1536 pixels screen resolution. The Retina Display has been proved to produce quite amazing experience for users to even watch HD Blu-ray movies on new iPad. And the Xbox 720 is rumored to come out with 7648X4320 pixels screen display. Just imagine how awesome it would be for users to watch HD movies on Xbox 720 with 16x9 aspect ratio. Of course, this seems to be a real rumor as it is really hard to believe. But one thing for sure is that Microsoft would no doubt increase the screen resolution for Xbox 720 to beat other competitors.

Direct X 11 platform: It’s very possible for Microsoft to create Direct X 11 platform for Xbox 720 due to excellent performance of Direct X 11 platform in the massive business application in the near future.

Built-in Kinect 2: The powerful features of Xbox 720 are mainly for the requirements of high quality games and new Kinect (the Kinect is very possibly to be updated to next version). Experts said that the next Kinect might be able to track players’ gestures and movements to control the game.

Controller：Along with the Nintendo Wii U controller, Microsoft might make use of more advanced controllers. The Xbox 720 might enable 4 players to play games simultaneously and include directional sound control. Additionally, as a portable gaming platform, the Xbox 720 might allow remote control.

No DVD/Blu-ray drive：The Xbox 720 might not include Blu-ray/DVD drive, which means that you need to convert Blu-ray/DVD to Xbox and then you can watch Blu-ray/DVD movies on Xbox 720. However, in fact, the electronic industry is just developing towards digital music downloading and digital streaming. Thus Microsoft might adopt SSD system or digital downloading system in the Xbox 720, rather than featuring Blu-ray drive.