Behind The Scenes: Microsoft’s Attempt To Woo Conan O’Brien For Xbox Live

Posted on February 7, 2011 by Chris Morris

[In exclusive comments made to Gamasutra editor-at-large Chris Morris, the executive producer of Conan O’Brien’s talk show discusses how Microsoft tried to woo the comedian to take his show onto Xbox Live – and why it was ultimately too much of “a leap of faith” for the Conan team.]

U.S. talk show host Conan O’Brien has been a familiar face on late-night TV for the past 18 years, and even when he had his nasty falling-out with NBC in early 2010, most people expected he would wind up at another network – which, of course, he did.

But before TBS came calling, Microsoft did its best to entice the comedian to bring his show to Xbox Live to help launch an original content channel on the console. The company and the performer have never addressed the reports of the conversation.

Microsoft Kinect sales blast past predictions

Posted on January 6, 2011 by Chris Morris

Kinect, Microsoft’s recently launched motion capture device for the Xbox 360, has lived up to its reputation as one of the holiday’s must-have gifts.

The software giant says there were 8 million Kinects sold through the end of the year. That’s far beyond the company’s 5 million estimate (which was raised from an initial estimate of 3 million right before the system’s launch).

Xbox 360 TV rumors resurface

Posted on November 29, 2010 by Chris Morris

Microsoft seems to be pressing forward with its plans to launch its own TV channel.

The company has reportedly held talks with several media companies about acquiring content for a pay-television subscription service that would stream through the Xbox 360 dashboard. The service, assuming it comes to pass, isn’t expected to launch for roughly one year.

ESPN, Zune arrive on Xbox 360

Posted on November 1, 2010 by Chris Morris

Microsoft’s anticipated update of the Xbox 360 dashboard has gone live, bringing new features to sports and music fans.

The system update, which is mandatory for all users who wish to connect to Xbox Live, brings over 3,500 live and on-demand sporting events per year to the system, courtesy of ESPN3. That partnership will also include scoreboards, voice chat and the ability to “predict the winner” of games via polls.

Analysis: Xbox Live – The Killer App For Windows Phone 7?

Posted on October 12, 2010 by Chris Morris

[Following Microsoft’s new details on Windows Phone 7, Gamasutra editor-at-large Chris Morris talks to the company and analysts to examine how Xbox Live may help the smartphone OS thrive.]

Microsoft’s gamble with Windows Phone 7 is anything but a sure bet – but the inclusion of Xbox Live as a prominent part of the operating system could be the ace up the company’s sleeve.

Mobile gaming has been evolving rapidly over the past three years – and tying it to a service that has been so phenomenally successful for Microsoft could position the company to regain market share.

Windows Phone 7 takes aim at Apple

Posted on October 12, 2010 by Chris Morris

While Microsoft’s previous efforts in mobile technology haven’t generated a lot of support or enthusiasm, the company is incorporating a variety of entertainment elements into its upcoming phones — which could be key to winning marketshare.

A trio of handsets featuring Windows Phone 7 — which many analysts feel is the company’s last chance to make a real impact in the mobile space — will hit AT&T stores on Nov. 8. Other carriers will follow shortly thereafter. (Some European customers will get the phones on Oct. 21.)

Game for a fee hike

Posted on August 31, 2010 by Chris Morris

The cost of playing “Modern Warfare 2” with friends on the Xbox 360 is about to go up. Microsoft announced Monday it would raise annual subscription rates for its Xbox Live service from $50 to $60 starting Nov. 1.

That’s the first price increase in Xbox Live’s eight-year history — and it’s a move that will affect more than just gamers in households. Microsoft has steadily added adding non-gaming functionality to the service in a bid to lure consumers who are looking for other entertainment options, including streaming of films and music.

Microsoft ties Windows Phone 7 to Xbox Live

Posted on August 17, 2010 by Chris Morris

As Microsoft has leaked out details of its upcoming Windows Phone 7 series, it has been pretty obviouthat the company planned to borrow heavily from its successful Xbox Live formula. Now it’s sharing more details – and it’s looking a lot more like a semi-complete integration of the service, rather than just a few elements.

The new phones will launch with Xbox Live integration, letting owners stay connected with their gaming friends when they’re away from their consoles. They’ll also be able to access leaderboards, turn-based multiplayer games, Achievements and more.

Chris Morris: Journalist

Tag Archives: xbox live