Microsoft’s New Console: The Xbox One

So we can finally throw all that “720” stuff out. 

The One, which drops later this year, has some pretty nice modern hardware: 8-core CPU, 8 GB of system memory, built-in Wi-Fi (Wireless N + Wi-Fi Direct), Blu-ray drive, USB 3.0, and a 500 GB harddrive.  It remains to be seen if Microsoft will offer different models at different prices like they initially did with the 360.

What will be talked about the most however, will be the software.  The system is powered by 3 operating systems and offers voice recognition and motion sensing technology to help you use and manage your music, movie, app, and gaming collection.  Demonstrations at the Reveal event showed instant switching between all your different media, including live TV.  You can go from a game to a movie to live TV, just by using voice commands.  A new Skype experience was revealed for the console, which features group video calling.

A feature list can be seen now on Xbox.com.  There will be a lot more to see and read about in the coming weeks leading up to (and at) E3 2013, which kicks off on June 11th.

Samsung Galaxy S4 “Google Edition” Release Date

One of the coolest things revealed yesterday at Google’s keynote during I/O 2013 was the Google Edition of the Galaxy S4.  The phone brings the pure Android experience of Nexus phones to the Galaxy S4, which means the latest Android updates from Google as soon as they drop.  This definitely changes the game for folks like me, who were trying to decide between the S4 and waiting for the next Nexus phone from Google.

Google revealed the price will be $649 for the unlocked phone, which will be available on June 26th.  It will be compatible with the 4G LTE networks from AT&T and T-Mobile.

Samsung Unveils the Galaxy S4

With over 40 million units sold, the Galaxy S III was the highest selling smartphone of 2012.  Samsung isn’t satisfied with riding that train forever, and they’re ready for an encore and another jump on the competition in 2013.

We just got used to 720p HD screens last year, but the S4 features a 5-inch 1080p Super HD screen.  This will also be the year where companies will capitalize on the fact that people are using their phones to take pictures more than stand-alone digital cameras, so the device will feature an advanced 13mp rear camera.  A Dual Camera feature let’s you use both the front and rear cameras at the same time, and a Group Play feature will allow you to share photos, music, games and more without a wi-fi or cellular connection.  In addition to all that, the phone is thinner than the S III, has a quad-core processor, 2gb of RAM, 4G LTE, and will come in 16gb, 32gb, and 64gb options. 

Check out CNET’s coverage below:

The device should be available sometime in the 2nd quarter, so basically by this Summer.

[Via Yahoo and other sites]

Sony Announces The Playstation 4

In a live-streamed event earlier tonight, Sony began the first stages in getting its newest console underway.  Officially called Playstation 4, the actual console wasn’t shown, nor was the price or release date revealed, but it was said to be out by the 2013 holiday season.

So what do folks know about it so far?

• 8-core processor (most devices these days are still dual core or quad core)
• Ability to play games while they are downloading
• Ability to broadcast gameplay in realtime (live gameplay streaming, basically)
• Friends can peek into what you’re playing and join in
• Save, upload, and send the gameplay footage to friends

Sony compares the console to an extremely powerful PC, so the line between PC gaming and console gaming will get blurred a bit this generation (at least until consumer PCs get even more powerful in the years to come).

Aside from words from developers, some demos, and a peek at the controller, there wasn’t much to talk about.  The real show will probably be at E3 in June, where Microsoft is also expected to unveil the next Xbox.

Update: The full 2-hour event can now be watched online if you missed it.

[Via NY Times]

Samsung To Unveil Galaxy S IV In March

If you thought about buying a Galaxy S III, you might want to hold back.  Sites around the net are reporting a rumor that the “next big thing” from Samsung will be announced at an event on March 15th.

Considering the S III is currently the most popular and best-selling Android phone (ever), the Galaxy S IV has big shoes to fill.