A new Xbox design, and a new Media Remote with it. When Microsoft announced the Slim Xbox 360, with a glossy case and black instead of the once proudly-displayed white matte finish, it only made sense that followup hardware would follow a similar route: slimming down and gaining a sleeker design. This holiday Microsoft released a few peripherals, one of which was the Xbox 360 Media Remote. I’ve used it since it a ton since IPTV through the Xbox became a reality, and it’s a great piece of hardware to own.

For comparison, let’s take a look at the original Xbox 360 media remote. It’s roughly the same length as the newer model, but is stockier, and has an overall larger feel. The white design is easy to see and matches original 360 consoles, but the size makes it inconvenient for a living room setting. It’s wider and thicker than almost every cable box or TV remote I’ve ever seen. Compare that to the Universal Media Remote, which is much larger and bulkier, and now you have a new king of remote controls by size alone.

The new model is thin and sleek. It combines the Universal Remote’s use-anywhere traits and the smaller size of the original Media Remote in an even smaller form factor. This new Media Remote is by no means thin at an inch thick, but it’s comfortable in the hand, far more than either two remotes before it. The button layout leaves a lot to be desired, however, depending on how you use it. As a universal remote the channel buttons are too low and video navigation (pause, play, fast forward/rewind, etc.) are too high. For Xbox 360 use, the button scheme is exceptional, though it feels better for the left hand than the right hand.

The Media Remote is much smaller than the universal remote. Unfortunately I've lost mine, so no direct size comparison

My bigger concern isn’t with the remote so much, but the lack of proper software implementation on the Xbox 360 itself. When watching TV through the game console, it’s impossible to switch to specific channels without going through the guide or flipping through one at a time.

The overall experience of watching TV through the Xbox with just the Media Remote isn’t as great as it can be. It can easily be improved in two ways: speed up channel flipping (right now there’s a 2-5 second buffer delay between channels), and allow for a more cable TV-like viewing experience. Today it just feels too slow and too cumbersome.

At just $20, it’s more expensive than most universal remotes but a much better option for Xbox 360 owners. Even if you just have the game console, new video apps like Crackle, and streaming apps like Hulu Plus and Netflix make owning the Media Remote worthwhile. Even if it spends most of its days sitting quietly on your coffee table, this remote is a solid, simple and worthwhile purchase that you can’t regret.

Editor’s Rating:

4 out of 5 stars

Great

Bottom Line: A great remote that’s better than the original, and does everything you need for a good price.

Pros:

• Smaller, slimmer, better than the original
• Packs two prior remotes into one with a solid build and design

There’s one thing that Playstation 3 gamers have always held over the heads of Xbox 360 owners, and that is headsets. The PS3 supports Bluetooth, so any wireless headset of your choosing will work for both your phone and console. The 360, meanwhile, had only one wireless headset, from Microsoft directly, and it only functioned with the Xbox 360 (or a PC with the wireless receiver). Without building Bluetooth into the console, Microsoft solved the other problem: a multi-function headset.

The Xbox 360 Wireless Headset with Bluetooth is exactly that, a single headset with both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz built into a single device. It’s big and sleek with a glossy finish, and simple with just four buttons and a single switch. Power, connect (with the Xbox controller ring), volume rocker, and the Bluetooth/RF switch. There’s also a tiny sync button behind the earpiece.

This headset is huge. It’s more than twice the size of the Plantronics Marque M155, though the dark design doesn’t make it stand out obnoxiously, remaining large yet elegant. Until fingerprints collect on that glossy surface, that is. The large size poses another problem, one unique to most headsets: the earpiece is made to wear outside the ear. This design choice is good for gaming – after all, in-ear headsets block sound on the side they are worn on – but for standard use has no noise cancellation. Considering that the Wireless Headset w/Bluetooth is designed to work for and outside of gaming, this may prove too much for some consumers.

I tested the headset for both phonecalls and gaming, and there are two highs and lows of the device. First, switching between “game” mode and “work” mode is a simple flick of the switch. What makes it great is the coloring on the switch: when set for Bluetooth, the open section of the switch (see picture below) shows blue. When set for gaming, it shows green. I never had trouble between the two modes because of this. Second, the headset can get very loud thanks to the larger earpiece, and likewise has fairly good battery life. With on and off use I’ve managed a week of use before charging, playing on my Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and for occasional phone calls.

The lows may be the bigger worry. Once again, the size is a limiting factor because the it’s heavy. If you have sensitive ears and generally find Bluetooth headsets uncomfortable, this one will fare worse than most. I found it uncomfortable to wear after 30 minutes of continuous use, but then again I need very light sets. The second, again, is that the earpiece itself sits outside the ear. This makes the headset almost always feel like it’s sliding off even when perfectly stable, and not offering the level of comfort and security found on the traditional Wireless Headset or typical Bluetooth headsets.

The type of user who would be most interested in the Wireless Headset with Bluetooth is someone who owns multiple consoles and plays on both online, or someone who has a workstation that seats both consoles and a computer. The headset is made for the multi-tool user, the kind of person who is connected in multiple ways at once, through as many platforms as it takes. Playing on a PS3, 360, and switching between my iPhone, desktop computer, and a handful of Android phones was a cinch. Not only because most of the devices sit at one place – my workstation – but because the headset never leaves. It charges via MicroUSB like my wireless mouse, and remains on my desk with a small pile of regularly used peripherals. It’s the perfect multi-use gaming headset.

I’d prefer something smaller and lighter, because I personally don’t like heavier headsets, but even then Microsoft’s design is very solid. I recommend it to all but the most sensitive-eared users, and not to anyone who wants to just use it for telephony. The Wireless Headset with Bluetooth is made to be worn while still, seated. Not while walking about. The only thing that’s missing is a charging dock, which I’d gladly keep on a coffee table or my workplace to keep things tidy and organized.

Editor’s Rating:

3.5 out of 5 stars

Very Good

Bottom Line: The Wireless Headset with Bluetooth is an excellent option for multi-console gamers who play in one space. Great for gaming, not good for walking around on the phone with. Bulky, with good battery life.

Pros:

• Good battery life
• Simple RF/BT switch
• Great to use with multiple devices and consoles

It turns out that Amazon was totally B-S-ing us with the release date of December 31st, 2012 for the game Kinect Star Wars.  Today, we learned that it will release April 3rd, which if you recall is what we “half expected.”  On top of that, we’ve also learned that it will include five dynamic modes, allowing you to control a Speeder Bike, fight Count Dooku and Darth Vader and even boogie (yes dance) to your favorite Star Wars inspired tunes.

With five dynamic modes – Jedi Destiny: Dark Side Rising, Podracing, Rancor Rampage, Galactic Dance Off and Duels of Fate – “Kinect Star Wars” makes it possible for Star Wars fans of all ages to delve into immersive Star Wars experiences. In addition to the previously announced Jedi, Podracing and Rancor modes, Xbox 360 and LucasArts have today unveiled new additions to the game, including:

New experiences within Jedi Destiny Mode, including:

Space battles:As you travel the Galaxy to face an evil that threatens to undermine the fabric of the Republic, you’ll engage with forces of the Empire in intense space battles

Speeder Bikes and Landspeeders: Pilot iconic Speeder Bikes and Landspeeders on your epic journey

New duels:Battle opponents like Count Dooku and Darth Vader on your journey to become a Jedi

New Duels of Fate mode, a battle-by-battle experience to sharpen your Jedi skills against the Dark Side.

New Galactic Dance Off mode loaded with Star Wars-themed pop tunes where those still honing their Jedi skills can take a break to battle Darth Vader on the dance floor or bust a move “Solo style.”

Additionally, the Xbox 360 Limited Edition “Kinect Star Wars” console bundle will feature an exclusive C-3PO unlockable for Dance Mode. With these new reveals and the ability to play in 3D,

But that’s not the only good news we have for those of you holding out for the latest Star Wars game.  Major Nelson let it be known that the Star Wars Xbox 36o, the one we told you about last July, will ship on the same day, with the game, a C3PO inspired controller, Kinect camera, a 320GB hard drive and Star Wars noises for $449.  If you’re so inclined you can preorder one from Amazon right now, where upon it will show up at your door neatly wrapped in time for Easter.

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The Star Wars brand will echo into eternity. Ok, it might be an exaggeration, but the brand is iconic and to this day could sell ice to eskimos. Unfortunately, the Star Wars video games, at least of recent on the latest generation of consoles has been lack luster. Hopefully that will now change as Lucasarts has finally announced the release date of Kinect Star Wars.

This game will incorporate Microsoft’s Kinect camera allowing gamers to finally fully emerse themselves in Jedi action without a controller. Players will be able to slice and dice their foes by cutting the air with a would be sword as well as move objects utilizing the “force” just by raising their hands in front of them.

Based on the demo video above, it looks like the game runs on a wire system, which means once you defeat an enemy you’ll automatically walk to your next destination, where upon you might be faced with a “force” task or jump that can be achieved by performing the correct hand or body gesture. At the end of the day it’s probably not the Star Wars game for the hardcore fan, but it should provide some much needed fun for those looking to blow the dust off their Kinect.

Kinect Star Wars will release December 31st, 2012 and is currently available for preorder from Amazon for $50.

Since that date is so far away, we’re half expecting the game to change as well as the release date (it doesn’t make sense to release it after Xmas).

Now that we’ve hit 2012 we can expect to see some nice reduced prices on our favorite consoles. And that’s just what we found here with Best Buy’s take on the Xbox 360 with Kinect bundle which is only $349.99! This version of the xbox is the top model, including a large 250GB hard drive, the up-to-date slim black design and Kinect all included in the box. As most of you know the Kinect allows for full motion controls in pretty much all aspects including cameras and microphones. The Xbox 360 has a huge library of thousands of games, and these include the hit titles: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3, Gears of War 3, Portal 2 and much more with new ones coming out every day. Be sure to hit this deal up while it lasts!

This is the best deal we’ve seen for this bundle.  It’s $349.99, which is $50 off the retail price and includes Free S&H.  Tax applies in many states

Today’s Deal of the Day comes to us from Walmart and is great for gamers or those who have yet to get their hands on the highly popular Xbox 350 gaming console. The offer includes the Microsoft Xbox 360 250GB Holiday Console Bundle with an extra 15 months of Xbox LIVE Gold (you already get three months free) and a game of your choice for just $299 plus $5.91 for shipping. You’re saving at least $44 (depending on the game title you choose) than the lowest total price if you purchased the items separately.

Included in today’s Deal of the Day is the Xbox 260 250GB Console, Wireless Controller, Combined 15-month LIVE card credit, “Halo Reach” Game, “Fable III” Game, and a third game of your choice. You can choose from 26 Bonus Games with titles like “Bioshock 2,” “Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation,” and so many more!

The internal 250GB hard drive included with the Xbox 360 console allows you to save your games, store TV shows and more from the Xbox LIVE Marketplace. You can also even save full Xbox 360 games on the hard drive. Plus, with built-in Wi-Fi, it’s easy to connect to Xbox LIVE to access tons of great entertainment from HD movies and TV shows to live sports. Already included with the purchase of the console is a free 3-month subscription to Xbox LIVE Gold and the bundle provides you with an extra 12 months so that you can experience the best in gaming and entertainment that includes unlimited online multi-player gaming and more.

Now when you grab an Xbox Kinect 4G console from the microsoft store you also get $75 off your next purchase!

For a limited time you can get an extra benefit from purchasing a new Xbox 360 Kinect system for the holidays. Now at a super low price but now you can get $75 off your next purchase, making this console effectively only $125! As you all know by now the Xbox 360 is Microsoft’s big hit gaming console which gives you access to thousands of great titles including the likes of Call of Duty, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Battlefield 3 and many many more. As mentioned this model includes the Kinect which gives you the ability to jump into the game with full body tracking and feel the burn throughout many stages of play. The kit also comes with 4GBs of internal memory which can be upgraded if you choose in the future. A perfect gift opportunity!

You can get this Xbox 360 for $199.99 with a $75 credit go towards future purchases.  S&H is free

It’s one thing to play with the fishes, another to take a swim with them.  Catch our drift?  But you’ll be doing neither with this bad ass Xbox 360 mod. Before you get too excited, though, you should know it’s not a working Xbox 360.  It’s been gutted and replaced with, you guessed it, coral and more.  In fact, it contains live fish, crabs, snails, and shrimp.

The maker, Spencer of Blue World Aquariums, didn’t toss everything out, though.  He used the original power supply and outfitted it with low voltage LED lighting that changes color.  And in case you were wondering, the water volume is just .45 gallons and the tank is made from glass, measuring 6″ long, 8″ tall, and 2.5″ wide.

It’s just too bad that the Xbox 360 doesn’t actually, or should we say still play games.  Because if it did, this would be the world’s most amazing Xbox 360 mod, as well as the most hap-hazardous to you and your surrounding equipment.

Didn’t make it out for all the Black Friday deals? Don’t fret because you have a second chance thanks to all the Cyber Monday deals. While some may still not be as low as the ones from Friday, you can still score those coveted gadgets been eying for way less than their original price. Here are some of the best Cyber Monday deals on the net!

10. Sears

Deal hunters can rejoice with some great savings at Sears for Cyber Monday, especially those in the market for a 32-inch LCD HDTV. While it may not be a top-of-the-line brand, the Seiki TV will do just fine in a spare bedroom or as a secondary TV to the one in your living room. Those looking for something a bit bigger will probably like the Mitsubishi WD-73640 73-inch 3DTV 1080 p DLP Home Cinema TV going for $999.99.

9. Newegg

Newegg has you covered for Cyber Monday with some amazing scores on TVs, camcorders, cameras, laptops and more! Skip all the mall madness and save on a LG 42-inch HDTV that’s going for $499 and a Sony VAIO laptop for only $599.99. Check out the site to save on some big gadget deals!

8. Target

Forget Cyber Monday….Target is having its own “Cyber Week” and is cutting prices on tons of stuff by more than 50%! If you’re in the market for a tablet, Target is actually offering $100 in free accessories when consumers pick up a Sony Tablet S for only $499.99. The have a Wii Console set for $174.98 Mega Pack Bundle and a Canon EOS T3 for $599.99.

7. Microsoft

Expect lots of deals on computers, accessories and video games on the Microsoft site. They’re cutting the price of their Xbox gaming bundles by $200 and selling their Kinect Sensors for $99.99, while games are $20 off, too. The site is also offering a Samsung RC512 Core i5 laptop for $499, down from $799.

6. Costco

The bulk retailer will be offering a huge Cyber Monday sale with shoppers provided with deals that include: computers for up to $500 off, Brother and Hewlett-Packard printers for up to $120 off, iPad accessories for as much as $30 off, and so much more!

5. Toys R Us

Expect nothing but thousands of discounts on the toy superstore’s website as shoppers can get up to 60% off of certain video game titles when buying another game and let’s not forget about the free shipping on orders of at least $49.

4. Dell

Dell had some specials for Black Friday online and will be having much more for Cyber Monday.  A Dell Inspiron 14 R laptop with 2^nd Gen Intel Core i3 processor is going for only $399.99! With tons of savings on desktop computers, laptops and more, those looking for new computers will be able to snatch up something for cheap at Dell.com.

3. Amazon

The online powerhouse has one massive sale on loads of gadgets, toys and so much more! Score a $79 Kindle and $199 Kindle Fire, or get a Sony Cybershot 10.2-megapixel camera for $199 (a savings of $150), a Microsoft Xbox 360 holiday bundle that includes Fable III and Halo Reach for $199 ($100 off).

2. Best Buy

At Best Buy select cameras and camcorders are 20%-40% off with select iPods also on sale, so you can easily score some iPod shuffles for stocking stuffers as low as $44.99. You can also expect low prices on a variety of HDTVs. The spirit of Black Friday lives on at Best Buy! Customers will also receive a $10 e-gift card with store pickup orders of $100 or more!

1. Walmart

Walmart is taking deals seriously this year and started off Black Friday a bit early with sales on Thursday and their Cyber Monday scores will be just as great, too. Like Target, Wal-Mart will also have a “Cyber Week” with deals on a variety of gadgets. You can score a 32-inch Toshiba LCD HDTVs for $249 and Xbox holiday gamer bundles for $319. There’s also free shipping on orders for more than $45 on qualifying products

You may have heard. Gaming is one of today’s most expensive hobbies. Games for major platforms like the Xbox 360 or Playstation 3 cost $60 each, while Wii and PC games are generally $50 a pop. Mobile games are cheaper, but for big, cinematic experiences, players need to be sitting at their couch or at their computer, facing down hordes of demons, zombies or whatever else comes their way.

So what games can you get for your significant other, for your kids or parents, or for friends? We’ve got a great list of titles you should pick up, but just make sure they don’t already have it!

Xbox 360 Exclusive Games

Gears of War 3

It promised to be one of the biggest action titles of the year, and developer Epic Games pulled through on that promise. Gears of War 3 is an amicable conclusion to the Xbox 360 sci-fi saga, one that includes a fun, sordid campaign and several excellent multiplayer modes that continue to excite even months later. You don’t want to pass on this.

Forza Motorsport 4

Forza Motorsport 3 was huge, with over 400 cars and a disc just to install a ton of content. Forza 4 does all of that and more, with better photorealistic graphics, more cars and tracks, Kinect functionality, and the same great racing. If there’s a racing game to get this holiday, it’s Forza 4.

Dance Central 2

The original Dance Central was revolutionary; it took the dancing games we all wanted to enjoy on the Wii and made dancing in front of a TV fun. Whether it’s to work out, to learn some dance moves, or to make a fool of yourself at a party, Dance Central 2 ups the ante with two-players dancing side-by-side and a slew of new songs to get jiggy with. I wouldn’t call it kid-friendly; most of the tracks are fairly explicit (no bad words, but there is plenty of questionable content), though you’re likely to hear them on the radio nonetheless. Games like Dance Central are the reason to own a Kinect.

Halo: Anniversary

The game that brought the Xbox into the limelight returns, completely revamped with new HD graphics, online coop, and new game modes available in last year’s Halo: Reach. It may not look quite right to play the old classic with such updated graphics (I myself just love the old-school blocky textures), and the game isn’t an exact duplicate. Grizzled ancients will have new secrets to hunt and unlock while younger gamers who missed the original can give the game that started it all a serious go. For $40 it’s a great buy, even if you own the original Halo: Combat Evolved like I do because of the improved resolution and the chance to play it over Xbox Live.

Playstation 3 Exclusive Games

Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception

If there’s one definitive franchise for the Playstation 3, it’s Uncharted. The first title, Drake’s Fortune, was great, but had a lot of room to grow. The second, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, quickly became a fan favorite, and the third, Drake’s Deception, is a stunning cinematic experience. A stunning single-player campaign, a fabulously fun cooperative play mode and a different yet still bombastic multiplayer make Drake’s Deception a must-buy, for the few who don’t have it already. Because if you don’t, you are surely missing out. It’s one of the few games where you can actually enjoy watching someone else play, and never picking up a controller yourself.

Infamous 2

There are few games that inspire the feeling of “I wish I could do that in real life” more than Infamous 2, at least for me every time I see a power line. While the original was a strong game, Infamous 2 picks action up a notch and gives players not only several different massive cities to explore, but the ability to take on player-created missions, and even make their own. That, along with some very fun DLC, makes Infamous 2 a must-have.

The Ico & Shadow of the Colossus Collection

Both Ico and Shadow of the Colossus are incredible games, both ahead of their time and timeless. I sadly missed both when they released back for the PS2, but caught up and am so glad I did. Both of these games are just incredible, the kind that make you gape in wonder, that make you constantly feel astounded. Your kids may hate you because both games feel slow, with limited action going on at any given point of time, but few games ever manage to reach the level of sophistication and artistry these two do. Bundling them together with improved graphics is just a side bonus.

Great Multi-Console Games

Batman: Arkham City

The return of the Dark Knight this decade has just been astounding. First two (and soon a third) film, then an amazing game, and now a kickass sequel. Batman: Arkham City is not just a romp around a fine prison; it’s a full-scale town to silently stalk through. Arkham City is a definite best-buy for any player, not only because the game is just so fun, but because many gamers missed it in the flood of holiday games. Don’t let this one pass you by.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

It’s big. Everyone wants it. It’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. In fact, if you don’t already have it, the only question is why not? We loved it, all your friends are playing it, and unless you’re stuck in Skyrim (see below), there’s no reason Modern Warfare 3 shouldn’t be in your game collection.

Rage

As good and bad as some games are, few are as jam-packed with excellent content and top-of-the-line features as Rage. It’s got a lot of holes to plug, and a lot of minor gripes that will annoy. But I guarantee that it‘s not only an excellent first person shooter, but that it really pushes the bounds of what it means to be a shooter. Rage may not be the greatest game to come out this year, but it will certainly open your eyes to the possibilities of future games, and be exciting the whole while. Just don’t forget to save often.

Portal 2

The best puzzle game this year, period. It’s bigger, smarter, and has a deeper story than the original, plus room for two players with double the portal action. Coop alone makes Portal 2 a great buy. Free future updates only guarantee that you’ll want to keep it.

Battlefield 3

Modern Warfare 3 may own the multiplayer Rambo-style of gaming, but Battlefield 3 is for the team-players, the ones who will grab their friends for an hour-long bout against an equally intelligent group for serious, vehicle-filled combat. Battlefield is for console strategists. Feel free to run and gun, but unless that’s your specialty, your team can definitely use another great member of the crew. Be it.

Deus Ex: Human Revolution

As a sleeper hit, Human Revolution isn’t quite the game that the original Deus Ex was, but that doesn’t take away from the game any. It pits players in the same neo-techno future, with body augmentations, incredible combat maneuvers, and multiple ways to play the game, including stealth, engineering, and soldier. It’s one game that’s easy to miss, but don’t. There is so much to do in the big city, it’s like a miniature RPG.

Rayman: Origins

Rayman: Origins is one of those really great games that everyone in the family can enjoy. The simple platforming is complex enough to remain entertaining for hours on end, yet with instant cooperative play with up to four players on a home console, it’s always a fun time with everyone racing and slapping each other all the way to the finish. If there’s one way to spend the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, Christmas, or any family time together when you’re snowed/rained in, Rayman: Origins is it.

Dark Souls

Beware: this is for masochists only! Dark Souls, the sequel to Demons Souls, is an RPG with a difficulty curve that will either make you break your controller in frustration or feel right at home with the sheer insanity of this unforgiving game. If that sounds like the perfect gift for someone, either because they’d love it or end up breaking their game console in frustration, then this is a must-buy.

Saint’s Row: The Third

Saint’s Row: The Third is not what you’d expect from a massive sandbox game in the vein of Grand Theft Auto. It’s goofy, over the top in every way, and rombunctiously fun. So much so that I had to make up a word to describe it, because this game is insane in just about every way. That’s not to say you won’t love it…just keep it out of reach from the kids.

Assassin’s Creed: Revelations

Assassin’s Creed is one of the few game franchises where every game may feel oh-so-similar to the last, but even then the games are still so damn fun it’s impossible to put down. All of the Assassin’s Creed titles have just been incredible, even though Shawn and I may disagree on just how good. But there’s one thing we both agree on: these games are a blast to play. Assassin’s Creed: Revelations doesn’t quite take the franchise to the next level, still following Ezio Auditore from Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood, but it further unfolds the tale, both past and present, of the everlong struggle between the Assassin’s and Knights Templar. A blockbuster hit you won’t want to miss.

Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Skyrim is the one game you’ve probably seen not only a handful of ads in larger cities, but new internet meme’s popping up daily about. In fact, you don’t have to go far to learn what Skyrim is, which is one of the biggest, most incredible RPGs to come out this year. Our own Shawn Kline loved it. A definite must have, but be warned: you probably won’t be seeing much of whomever you give it to. That may make it a great, or terrible, gift idea.

Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection

There are few games that stand the test of time. Metal Gear Solid isn’t just one game, but an entire series that does exactly that. That’s why the game’s creator Hideo Kojima keeps making new ones even after consistently saying he’s done. That’s why years later people talk about the incredible experience they had in Snake Eater, or how they once ate Alligator meat in the game. Sure, it’s zany and over the top, but putting the Metal Gear Solid 2, 3, and Peace Walker in one bundle, in  HD, is just another reason to play it, or to buy it for the new generation that didn’t grow up with METAL GEEEEEEAR!

On December 6th, Microsoft will roll out an all new Dashboard.  We’ve been told that it will bring the following features:

• New design for integrated Kinect and controller navigation
• New Beacons to play online with friends
• Deeper Facebook integration
• New Cloud Storage for Game Saves and Xbox LIVE Profile

We’re also hearing that this update will mimic Microsoft’s other platforms, such as the PC and Windows Mobile.  If you’ve got yourself a Kinect, you’ll be able to search the web via Bing using your voice.  You can also expect new apps for “televisions, movies, internet videos, sports and music” – we’re not sure what they mean by “televisions”, though.

Regardless of what other features the update brings, the new UI looks much cleaner and once again puts the PS3′s “live” experience to shame.

Thanks to Amazon you can grab this new Modern Warfare 3 Xbox 360 and get $50 credit along with it!

Fresh for the release of MW3 Amazon is offering you some extra credit with your order of the brand new special edition Xbox. This 360 comes with a brand new paint job which spreads to the controllers and of course has a copy of Call of duty Modern Warfare 3 included. In addition it also has downloadable avatar items and of course with $50 of credit to go with it you have plenty to either get more games or more accessories to enhance your gaming experience further. This model includes the large 320GB hard drive, more than enough to meet the gaming cravings you need. This offer won’t last long, nor will this special edition so grab it fast!

Buy this console from Amazon and you’ll not only get COD MW3, but also get a $50 credit that can be used to purchase anything off Amazon.

With all the savings we have shown you in the past week we’ve picked out some gems that are still around to save you cash. There’s a great variety to choose from, and as the holidays draw closer now’s a great time to plan ahead or spoil yourself one extra time.

10. Sennhesier HD 238i Mid-Sized Headset – $65

The price on this one didn’t stay exactly the same, but an increase of just cents doesn’t prevent this from being in our spotlight. This feature packed headset is designed with quality in mind and pulls all the stops you would expect from Sennhesier. Detailed and realistic sound is all the rage here thanks to its open aire design and with in-line controls along with easy compatibility with all your favorite devices you just can’t go wrong here.

9. Apple Macbook Pro MC700LL/A 13.3-Inch – $1039

Mac has always been known to be a costly affair, so when making that choice it’s definitely good to have some savings on your side. We’ve done the work for you and dug up these savings over $100 from our friends at B&H Photo. The Macbook Pro is everything you would want an expect from the trust model and that includes a speedy Intel Core i5 Processor tangled with 4GBs of memory along with a large 320GB hard drive, plenty of connectivity with Bluetooth and more and an impressive 7 hours of battery life.

8. Logitech Z313 Speaker System – $35

When it comes to spending a lot on speakers, let’s face it we can simply spend a lot on speakers but now Amazon is offering a very low price on this sleek and booming Logitech speakers. This little 2.1-Channel system packs a big punch and will surprise you with crystal clear and room filling sound. Designed to be used with your computer or just about anything else you can fit that jack into with easy volume controls you can go from a relaxing background sound to heart pounding bass in moments, minus the heart pounding loss of budget.

7. Dell Vostro 3550 15.6-Inch Laptop Computer – $545

Dell Small Business had offered some very impressive savings for this notebook, when applying the coupon code (0CT8ZK1081R1M5) you can cut the price down considerably. So considerable in fact that it’s actually $30 less than when we first posted it. For the money you’re getting an impressive build which contains a fast Intel Core 13 processor, 3GBs of RAM and a 320GB hard drive. Mobile broadband connectivity is also available, which choices between your carrier and this notebook even comes complete with a backlit keyboard and fingerprint reader. A definite steal at this price point.

6. Panasonic SC-BTT370 1000W 5.1-Channel Home Theater System – $259

Oh how we love complete packages, and how we love them on discount even more. Still available at the same sale price you can get your hands on this booming surround sound system attached to a full featured 3D Blu-Ray player with Internet connectivity. Just apply the coupon code SDEFFECT30 after signing in and you can see this low price. 5.1-Channel surround sound is made easy here, with front speakers which can floor stand and compact rears which can mount pretty much anywhere, and did we mention the BIG powerful subwoofer?

5. Panasonic Viera TC-L32E3 32-Inch LED TV – $400

We’re very surprised that this deal is still available, but even so we’re not complaining. Thanks to Buydig’s price break and the coupon code HappyHalloween you shave some big dollars off this large 32-Inch TV which an do it all. Not only does it feature full 1080p High Definition but also IPS technology for crystal clear quality and wide viewing angle along with VIERA Link for network connectivity for all your content streaming needs. 4 HDMI inputs is another bonus that grants easy connectivity all around.

4. Microsoft H5D-00001 Lifecam HD Webcam – $39

it’s not often that we witness great sales on webcams, but now’s your chance to nab one at a low price. This Microsoft Lifecam combines all the features and technology you need for crystal clear recording and online chatting. It has a built-in noise-cancelling microphone so you can have an easy hand-free conversation and thanks to this camera’s 720p resolution and Clearframe video your friends will see you as if you were actually there. It also easily mounts atop your PC monitor or laptop screen top for easy use and portability.

3. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX78 12.1MP Digital Camera – $200

We can hardly believe this stunning discount! Thanks to the powers of Crutchfield this feature packed camera can be had for a hefty price break. The Lumix here is capable of taking large 12.1-Megapixel photos with stunning quality. It’s automated settings and intelligent exposure assure the best in quality even for a novice while 3D stills draw you into those moments like never before. 1080p HD videos are also able to be made here, and with the same quality and ease you would expect from the stills.

2. Save 15% on ALL Monitors from Dell Small Business!

For the entirety of November you can save on any Dell monitor of your choosing! Dell Small Biz has quite a wide selection of screens to choose from as well, with ratios from 4:3 all the way to 16:10 and even some innovative dual-in-one screen solutions there’s a monitor for everyone. Prices on some models may already feel the love of discounts and just just gets better with these extra savings and you have plenty of time to make a choice before this one ends on December 1st.

1. Toshiba 46WX800U 46-Inch 3D LED TV WITH 4 Pairs of 3D Glasses – $900

Certainly a deal not to miss! Surprisingly Amazon has still been kicking around this offer, but it could definitely end at any time. Not only are you making some huge savings on this large 46-Inch HD display but you also get 4 free pairs of 3D glasses to share the view. 3D support is obvious here, but you also get a 240hz smooth refresh rate, 7,000,000:1 Contrast Ratio and full Wi-Fi support with internet apps for plenty of online connectivity. This deal is the definition of steal!

Amazon is offering some record breaking savings for this Microsoft H5D-00001 LifeCam Cinema 720p HD Webcam!

Up the capabilities of your PC for a stunning low price! With this HD Webcam from Microsoft video chatting becomes just a couple clicks away, and the whole package comes together with ease. The Lifecam combines all the features you need for quality video chatting and of course includes a crystal clear noise-cancelling microphone along with HD video capture for the best online chatting experience. Keep in contact with friends and loved ones from a distance as if you’re in the room, thanks to Clearframe video each detail will be smooth and crystal clear. It’s aluminum body is both durable and stylish as well and it has a built-in flexible stand which can mount on top of your monitor or laptop screen. Keep in contact with style, while not overspending.

51% in instant discounts makes the price of this HD webcam $38.86.  As with all Amazon purchases, any cart over $25 and you’ll get $0 shipping.

With plenty of sales over the last week it’s very clear how just about anyone could take advantage of the savings. Everything from Cameras to video game peripherals and Bluetooth Headsets have been graced with low prices, some of which the lowest we’ve ever seen. Here’s some of the best that are still around:

10. Nikon Coolpix S9100 12MP Digital Camera – $230

This dynamo of a camera was released earlier this year at a fair price of $350, but now thanks to some clever savings from Abe’s of Maine you can get this Nikon Coolpix S9100 for much cheaper. Just use the coupon code LOYALTY10 to bring the price down to this level and you can start snapping high quality 12MP photos with ease and get the perfect close-ups with its intense 18x Optical Zoom capabilities. Can’t go wrong here.

9. Bose Bluetooth Headset – $88

You remember eBays offering on this one? Yep it’s still around, and you can still grab this Bluetooth Headset from Bose at the lowest price on the net. This one is designed to be your swiss army knife for calls on the go, mainly in part to its noise cancellation technology on both ends to keep voices crystal clear even in very loud circumstances. The earphone portion is based on the powerful Triport technology Bose employs in their portable headphones, so sound quality is a definite plus here. This definitely won’t last much longer so grab it while its still alive.

8. TomTom VIA 1505T 5.0-Inch GPS – $120

Crutchfield still has some special savings you can grab on this brand new TomTom Via 1505T. It’s not very often we see discounts on the 5.0-Inch models, but this one pulls all the stops and supplies you with perfect voiced navigation and free lifetime traffic support to avoid the jams before you arrive at them. 3A825 is the coupon code you need to type in at the credit page to get this price, and it’s definitely worth it.

7. HP Photosmart All-in-One Printer w/ 1 Year of Ink – $119

Believe it or not you can still save on this HP Photosmart Printer. Just use coupon code SAVE30HP to cut down the price and experience the thrill of full color photo prints with ease. This one can also copy and scan at a high DPI for picture perfect quality and print at up to 33 pages per minute for blazing fast prints altogether. For a limited time you can also get a years supply of ink for free with your order, and when it comes to saving you money there is no better way than that.

6. Sony Blu-Ray Remote for Playstation 3 – $13

Best Buy has gone and lowered the price on this Remote for the PS3 to the lowest we’ve seen! It’s quite a simple peripheral but definitely necessary for taking advantage of one of the most popular features of the PS3; full support for Blu-Ray discs and movies. This remote has all the buttons and controls you need for a full home theater movie experience but manages to tag on Bluetooth connectivity for plenty of range and easy control no matter what direction you face. Tax and shipping may apply to this one, or you can save more and pick it up in a Best Buy near you.

5. Samsung PN43D490 43-Inch Plasma TV w/ Free 19-Inch TV – $550

If you were looking for a great sized TV for a great home theater experience then this combo is for you. Still alive and kicking you can grab this 43-Inch Samsung Plasma TV and receive a free 19-Inch Samsung to go along with it. This one has a 720p HD resolution which may not be the best around but it also sports 3D support and a 600Hz SubField drive to smooth out the picture like never before. It also includes 3 HDMI 1.4 inputs for HD/3D connectivity all around.

4. Samsung Stratosphere 4G For Verizon – FREE

We like things that are free, and when you grab a contract with this brand new Samsung Stratosphere 4G you get just that. This powerful smartphone comes with Android and a 1Ghz Hypertasking processor. It includes a large 4.0-Inch AMOLED display for HD viewing all around and a full QWERTY keyboard which slides out for underneath and makes typing quickly a breeze. You can also share its 4G connection with mobile hotspot over 8 other devices so nothing has to go without.

3. Asus U36SD-A1 13.3-Inch Netbook – $709

After a small shipping fee of $9 you still manage to save $300 on this powerful Asus U36SD Notebook. Not only does it come with a compact 13.3-Inch High Definition display but also a powerful Intel Core i5-2410M 2.3Ghz processor paired up with 4GBs of DDR3 RAM. Graphics are provided from NVIDIA’s 520M discrete solution for easy viewing of HD videos and gaming on the go. Top that off with a 640GB hard drive, gigabit Ethernet with Wireless N and Bluetooth and a massive 9 hours of battery life and you have yourself the perfect notebook to take anywhere.

2. NOOK – The Simple Touch Reader – $79

Unbelievably, you can still save big via eBay on this refurbished NOOK Touch Reader. This popular solution for eBook reading provides you with everything you need to take all your favorite novels and stories with you anywhere. It includes a 6.0-Inch E-Ink display which won’t hurt your eyes during extended reading sessions. It also runs on the Android Operating System and therefore provides the ability to fully browse the Web on the go. 2GBs of memory is included with SD support for even more. Thousands of books are at your fingertips at a price you can afford.

1. Battlefield 3 – Limited Edition Pre-Order

Battlefield 3 is out tomorrow, so you still have the ability to take advantage of these pre-order savings! Amazon has you covered on all platforms here, giving you a bonus offer of Dog Tags and the Back to Karkland expansion pack free with any version. The PC downloadable version is discounted to $49 but the console versions for PS3 and Xbox 360 maintain the traditional price but offer $20 in Amazon Credit to go along with it and that can be spent anywhere on the site. The latest and greatest installment to the series will shortly be here, so grab these extras while you can!

Virtual reality is still a ways off, and you can forget about a Holodeck – you know, from the TV show “Star Trek the Next Generation” – coming to frution any time soon.  But wedged somewhere in between both of those pieces of tech, a sort of mash up, is Microsoft’s HoloDesk.

As the name suggests it projects images onto a piece of glass and allows users hands to interact with the objects as if they were real.  The feat is accomplished using a webcam, which tracks the user’s face and the direction they’re looking (this changes the perspective of the objects accordingly), a Kinect to detect movements and an overhead screen which projects an image down through a “half silvered beam splitter”.

While the images are anything but real, the ability to manipulate them is damn compelling. Objects can be rolled, stacked, thrown back and forth between two hands and even manipulated using other objects such as a cup or piece of paper.

Unfortunately, this is a Microsoft Research project, so the chances of it ending up in your home or pretty slim.  But if we learned anything from Microsoft’s Surface, you can probably expect a commercially available version in about 10 years where upon it will cost $10,000.

Buy.com via eBay has an exciting discount offer available on this Microsoft Xbox 360 System 4GB Kinect Bundle!

Yep, you heard that right; now you can grab the 360 with the Kinect for just $250! Of course by now we all know what the Xbox 360 from Microsoft is capable of, and now for the holiday season it’s the perfect time to either plan a gift, begin your console experience or even upgrade from a previous model. This version of Xbox is much slimmer and more stylish then before, with it’s full black paint job and new look and feel to go along with it. It includes the Kinect within the bundle and that’s a $100 value on its own and provides for some intense motion control games where your body is the controller and the sky is the limit. Also included is the Kinect Adventures! game so you can begin enjoying the system and all of its capabilities without the need for additional purchases. This model includes 4GBs of internal memory which can be added to with hard drives.

Watch out, because this deal is gonna expire soon.  This bundle is usually far more, but now you can get the Kinect and the 360 for just $249.99.  S&H is free.

Smartphones come a dime a dozen these days, with everybody wanting a piece of the market. But not everyone has the right goods though, making for some sorry ass smartphones that are doomed from the beginning. Apple’s iPhone continues to be a leader in the smartphone market, as well as a number of Android-based phones, but some tried to beat out these smartphone top dogs and fell flat on their face. Others just didn’t have what it takes to make a great smartphone and some just became obsolete because of newer and better versions.

7. Huawei M835

Poised to be a beginner’s smartphone, the Huawei M835 from MetroPCS is an Android phone to avoid like the plague. Released earlier this year, its design is a rip-off of T-Mobile’s Comet, the Huawei M835 is slow as hell and its performance is nonexistent. While it may sport a cheap price, we don’t give this smartphone too long before it becomes obsolete.

6. T-Mobile G2

T-Mobile’s first 4G device, the G2, is now gone forever. The official date of death was June 6, 2011. The HTC-built device had a good run and lots of rave reviews, but T-Mobiles myTouch 4G Slide was coming in, so they needed to replace one of the first Android phones available. It’s not entirely a fail, but it’s been discontinued, so it now lives in the smartphone graveyard like the aforementioned devices.

5. Palm Pre by HP

Hewlett-Packard said goodbye to the smartphone market in August when they announced that their Palm Pre devices would be discontinued. Out for a little more than a year, the Palm Pre was killed slowly due to slow development. HP also announced it would kill production on it’s tablet and looks to get out of the hardware manufacturing game as a whole and stay focused to the software side of things. Too bad because many thought their WebOS software was actually going places.

4. Dell Streak

Dell is well known in the PC market, but its try at an Android phone was more of a flop. Looking more like a tablet than a smartphone, the Streak is too large to be a phone and too small to be a real tablet. A phone that won’t fit your pocket would be an obvious feature for failure, but Dell didn’t think so. Many criticized Dell for trying to create an entirely new category for phones (or tablets), and they should have chosen the Streak to be one or the other…not both. It was officially discontinued in August.

3. Microsoft Kin

Microsoft’s Kin had a very short life span…only six weeks to be exact. The company blamed low sales numbers, but Microsoft just came too late to the smartphone party is more of why it failed. Primarily targeted to teens as a social device that would allow them to always be connected to their social life on Facebook or Twitter, the Internet connectivity was a bit too pricey than a teen could afford. Microsoft should stick to what they know…Word, Excel and PowerPoint. But who knows, they might have better luck with their Windows Phone 7 that has been coming up in tech news on the net lately.

2. Garminfone

The Garminfone wasn’t as successful as Garmin’s GPS products were. While everybody wants GPS capability in their smartphones, the Garminfone wasn’t exactly the Holy Grail of GPS-oriented phones. Sold through T-Mobile, the Garminfone failed to generate expected sales. Some say that it was due to poor marketing, while other say there are too many other options with GPS that the Garminfone was totally unnecessary.

1. Google Nexus One

Much hype surrounded Google’s Nexus One smartphone before it launched, with analysts believing that it would dethrone Apple’s iPhone and take over the market. Boasted as the iPhone killer, the Nexus One proved to be its own killer instead. Designed to be a replica of the iPhone, it still failed to have many of its notable features. It also had spotty or no 3G coverage, poor customer service and it didn’t have a major carrier backing it up, instead being sold to the consumer directly. It had such bad sales over its first six months that Google decided to discontinue selling it back in July 2010.

Sega’s Dreamcast ended in failure.  But despite its shortcomings, the system did boast one major feature that will forever be cherished: a memory card that included a mini monochrome display that complemented a select number of games.  Mimicking that tech is Datel’s Turbo Fire EVO Wireless controller for the Xbox 360.

On the face sits a 1.7-inch color LCD screen allowing you to easily select and manipulate the controller’s wide array of controls, which include turbo fire, sniper mode, low recoil mode, combo sequences and mission specific button mapping.  In real world terms, this means you can rapid fire at your opponents without lifting your finger off the trigger, map a button to perform a macro or modify the controls such that you can have the same layout in Call of Duty as you do in Halo.  Analog sensitivity and trigger buttons can also be manipulated dependent on your tastes, or should we say penchant for fragging.  You can even flip the analog stick to accommodate left handed players.

Because there is no sense in missing out on gameplay, or kills, they’ve added small set of buttons underneath that quickly flip between your options, which are complemented by blue glowing grips that indicate when Turbo Rapid fire mode is enabled.

Looking for more gaming versatility than you can dream up?  Plug the Turbo Fire EVO into a PC via USB and you can download EVO’s built-in custom profiles.

The Turbo Fire EVO is compatible with Xbox 360 battery packs, or two AA batteries.  Surprisingly, it costs just $54.99.

Amazon is providing the lowest price around for this Kinect Star Wars Xbox 360 Bundle Special Edition!

Now there’s even more ways to celebrate and save on gadgets for the Star Wars franchise! This time on the pre-order for this all new version of the Xbox Kinect system! The Xbox itself features a brand new R2-D2 color theme which includes custom sounds to go along with it. Along with that comes the first ever White Kinect sensor and included Star Wars Jedi Kinect game to experience the force like never before with full body gameplay. The controller comes in a C-3PO gold theme which is sure to turn some heads with use and of course this model of xbox includes a full 320GB hard drive for huge storage capabilities. Other included goodies include the Kinect Adventures game for even more full-body fun but of course the centerpiece of this new design is to appease all you Star Wars fans out there (Myself included). Grab this now and Amazon promises to refund any portion if anyone else decides to lower their pre-order price.

Preorder this  iconic bundle for just $449.  S&H is included