enConnected

Remembrance

ThinkingWeasel — Sun, 27 May 2012 17:37:09 +0000

I always dread Memorial Day. I don't go to the lake and get shit-faced, or cook out in the back yard. I spend a lot of time dwelling on people I will never see again. People I shared meals with, huddled for warmth with, bitched about the rain with, got drunk with, cried with, missed our families with and perhaps most touching, made great big plans for the future with. I always feel some inexplicable guilt mixed in with that sorrow, because of those plans, some coming to fruition, others changed, mostly due to the mere fact I am here. I am alive. That is my burden and it is also my great honor. To tell those stories and remember those men. That is the true meaning of immortality, for as long as their names are remembered they will never truly die. So as you're out in your revelry, take that one minute. Take that whole minute of your life and remember why we are all here, enjoying what we have and be thankful that men such as these lived. " It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us - that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain - that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom - and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." - President Abraham Lincoln, November 1863 MD12 Today we feature tracks from : Pink Floyd, Layne Staley and Mad Season, Dire Straits, Joe Strummer and The Rolling Stones

Marketplace now restricted to Windows Phone 7.5

Travis Pope — Thu, 24 May 2012 12:50:38 +0000

We all knew that a day would come when Windows Phone 7.0 wasn't exactly the Microsoft mobile OS to have and for the small amount of you who are still running Windows Phone 7.0 that day is today. As of two days ago, users running any version of Windows Phone before 7.5 will no longer be able to download applications from the Windows Phone Marketplace. Microsoft marked the transition in a short post on the Windows Phone Blog, noting that;

"Most phones are already running Windows Phone 7.5, which was released last fall, and so most of you won’t notice anything different about how the Marketplace works."

So how do you get the free upgrade? Upgrading to Windows Phone 7.5 is as easy as plugging your phone into your computer and following the instructions provided in the Zune Software. Now why you aren't running the latest version of the software that powers a device that you use to run your life everyday, that is another issue entirely.

Xbox LIVE Deal of the Week: Might & Magic, Beyond Good & Evil

Travis Pope — Tue, 22 May 2012 10:00:52 +0000

We don't know about you, but we've never trusted the government. First they didn't tell us truth about Abraham Lincoln and vampires, then they tricked us into believing that taxes were fair. We've had it and with this week's Xbox LIVE Deal of the Week, you could join us as we expose more government conspiracies. Until May 28th you can pick up for a full 50% their normal pricing including Outland for 400 Microsoft Points ($5), Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes for 600 Microsoft Points ($7.50) and Beyond Good & Evil HD for 400 Microsoft Points ($5). Now about those conspiracies, you didn't hear all that truth from us.

Windows Phone takes 7% of smartphone marketshare in China

Travis Pope — Fri, 18 May 2012 02:28:57 +0000

According to Microsoft's Michel van der Bel, Windows Phone now stands at 7% marketshare in China. van der Bel confirmed to Emercee the updated sales stats come just two months after Microsoft started taking the Chinese market serious with the launch of the ZTE Tania, Nokia Lumia 610C and 800C earlier this year.

HBO Go on Xbox LIVE now a go for Time Warner Cable customers

Travis Pope — Thu, 17 May 2012 22:09:00 +0000

Were you a customer of Time Warner Cable, and had to settle for a non-working error message every time you wanted enjoy the latest episode of Girls with HBO Go on Xbox LIVE? Rejoice friends, for now you can get your Lena Dunham fix via your Xbox 360 just like the rest of us. Following an agreement between HBO and Time Warner Cable, users of both services can begin using the service to enjoy HBO's content immediately. That's as in as long as you already have a cable subscription and a subscription to HBO through Wow!, Verizon, Mediacom, Optimum, RCN, SuddenLink, Direct TV, Dish Network, Comcast, Cox, Bright House, Charter, or AT&T U-verse. You can sign up for the service here.

Go Behind the Scenes of Battleship with Zune

Travis Pope — Thu, 17 May 2012 01:58:20 +0000

If you're the type of person who get's excited about movie adaptations of your favorite board games, (and really who isn't) Zune has just the thing to brighten up your week: a behind the scenes look at Battleship. It's free, and only available in the Zune Video Marketplace.

AT&T HTC TITAN going for $.01

Travis Pope — Wed, 16 May 2012 01:19:41 +0000

While it's enConnected editorial policy to inform readers of great deals, it's completely inappropriate for us to tell you what we think of a deal in a news story. Far be it from me to break the rules, so I'll keep this simple. The HTC TITAN is going for one cent. Now act accordingly. For what we assume is a limited time offer, you can pick up HTC's first TITAN which features 16GBs of storage, a 8 mega pixel camera with a front facing camera, a 1.5 Ghz processor, and a 4.7" Super LCD display. Again, I can't tell you to run out a grab this thing as soon as possible. I can tell you, that if you were to be immediately on your way to a AT&T store to grab one, that it wouldn't be the worst way to spend some time and a penny.

Xbox LIVE Deal of the Week: Kinect Arcade titles

Travis Pope — Tue, 15 May 2012 23:50:12 +0000

We haven't run into any $60 Kinect only titles that have been worth their development time, (We're looking at you Fable: The Journey), so when you tell us we can save on Xbox LIVE Arcade titles that use Kinect we are all ears. Until May 22nd you can pick up Fruit Ninja Kinect for 560 Microsoft Points ($7), Hole in The Wall for 400 Microsoft Points ($5), Leedmes for 400 Microsoft Points ($5), Double Fine Happy Action Theater for 400 Microsoft Points ($5), Rhythm Party for 400 Microsoft Points ($5) and Haunt for 400 Microsoft Points ($5). Now just remember to move that living room coffee table.

Run, Rabbit, Run…

ThinkingWeasel — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:33:47 +0000

Happy Monday all, hope you had a great Mothers Day weekend. Here is a quick burst transmission of classic rock and car chase style tunes, designed to help you shake off the weekend hangover and get you through your Monday work-a-day. Heres hoping that your grind isnt too bad today. Now, dig that hole, catch the sun... Love, Weasel. thegetaway

Issues with Xbox LIVE payment system

Curtiss Grymala — Sun, 13 May 2012 16:39:48 +0000

The credit card I use to pay for my Zune Pass account and to purchase Microsoft Points expires this month, so I went into my Xbox account to update the information. However, upon updating, I received a big red error message saying "We can't authorize the payment method".

I verified that all of the information was correct and tried again, but got the same error message. At that point, I popped into a support chat session to see what was up. During the chat session, I was given the following explanation by the helpful support technician:

Ok...that error is a recent issue with purchases. It just started happening recently and Microsoft has let us know they are working on getting that resolved ASAP (but we do not have an exact timetable yet). It can affect credit/debit cards and paypal (if you are using a gift card or prepaid/loadable card, please let me know that).

Bug Juice: Reply issue found in Windows Phone 7.5

Travis Pope — Thu, 10 May 2012 17:29:28 +0000

Enjoy emailing everyone under the sun from your Windows Phone? We've got a job for you... Our friends over at Windows Phone Concierge has posted video of an issue involving mail sent from Windows Phone 7.5 devices. Essentially replying to unread emails are now flagging in inboxes as if they are new messages. Have you experienced the issue?

Young Justice on sale in the Zune Video Marketplace

Travis Pope — Thu, 10 May 2012 13:26:29 +0000

We hear the world is all hot and bothered about super heroes these days. Everyone wants to pretend to be one. Everyone wants to spend crazy amounts of money at the movies to see them. How about spending a reasonable amount of money watching them in streaming HD glory? For a limited time you can pick up a season pass Young Justice Season 2, for a very reasonable 3,550 Microsoft Points for high-definition or 2,750 Microsoft Points for standard-definition. Robin, rules!

Nokia announces additions to it’s apps for Lumia phones

Travis Pope — Tue, 08 May 2012 15:14:55 +0000

There are a lot of things available for debate when it comes to the Nokia-Microsoft partnership with Windows Phone, you know -financial viability and all. What isn't up for debate is Nokia's commitment to not only taking on the iPhone and Android, but it's mindset on making sure you have absolutely no logical reason to purchase a Windows Phone manufactured by any other OEM. Today's case in point, exclusive apps. Nokia is planning an entire host of updates to the applications that you can only get on it's devices including PGA Sport, ESPN, and Groupon. That's not the entire story though. Nokia is working with TIME, NewsWeek, AOL, TripDots, PayPal, Electronic Arts, and Rovio the create Windows Phone versions of their products as well. No final word on when we might see any of these, but it's definitely a step in the right direction. I mean who wouldn't want Angry Birds and EA games on their Windows Phone?

Xbox LIVE Deal of the Week: Tom Clancy Palooza

Travis Pope — Tue, 08 May 2012 14:48:37 +0000

If you're a huge fan of any of the gaming experiences built around the Tom Clancy universe, Microsoft has very good news, you can save big this week on various titles in the franchise. Until May 14th you can purchase Graw 2 Co-Op Collection, Graw 2 Co-op Collection 2, Splinter Cell Conviction Deniable Ops Insurgency, TOm Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter Chapter 2, Tom Clancy's HAWX Air Supremacy, Spliter Cell Chaos Theory, Spliter Cell Conviction Co-Op OUtfit, The Tom Clancy's Hawx 2: All in One Pack, and Endwar Escalation Expansion Pack for 50% off. Have at it folks

Microsoft introduces $99 Xbox and Kinect Bundle

Travis Pope — Mon, 07 May 2012 16:34:22 +0000

If you've been looking into picking up an Xbox 360 with Kinect here's an amazing deal for you. Both for $99. Starting immediately you can pick up an Xbox 360 with Kinect for $99 at your local Microsoft store or MicrsoftStore.com. The kicker? That pricing requires a two year Xbox LIVE Gold service contract. You can order online or check for a Microsoft Store location close to you here. We'll update you once we find the details on that service contract, including what kind of termination fees might be involved.

Samsung Focus 2 coming May 20th to AT&T

Travis Pope — Mon, 07 May 2012 16:27:29 +0000

Has your Samsung Focus finally succumb to the wild demands of being your everyday mobile? Are you looking for a successor to fill that dimmed bright spot in your pocket? Samsung has got just the thing for you, the Samsung Focus 2. Starting May 20th, those who sign up for a new 2-year service agreement can pick up the 4.3 AMOLED screened device which features, 16GBs of storage and 4G for $49.99. All in all it's not a bad package for that amount of money, not a bad package at all.

Microsoft talks decision to limit Media Center inclusion

Travis Pope — Thu, 03 May 2012 23:13:16 +0000

We suspected that Microsoft's reasoning for shattering the glass hearts of Windows Media Center enthusiasts, might have been a business decision. Turns out, to understand their reasoning, you need only follow the money.

"Our partners have shared clear concerns over the costs associated with codec licensing for traditional media playback, especially as Windows 8 enables an unprecedented variety of form factors. Windows has addressed these concerns in the past by limiting availability of these experiences to specialized “media” or “premium” editions. At the same time, we also heard clear feedback from customers and partners that led to our much simplified Windows 8 editions lineup. Windows 8 Pro is designed to help tech enthusiasts obtain a broader set of Windows 8 technologies. Acquiring either the Windows 8Media Center Pack or the Windows 8Pro Pack gives you Media Center, including DVD playback (in Media Center, not in Media Player), broadcast TV recording and playback (DBV-T/S, ISDB-S/T, DMBH, and ATSC), and VOB file playback. Pricing for these Packs, as well as retail versions of Windows 8, will be announced closer to the release date. To give you some indication of Media Center Pack pricing, it will be in line with marginal costs."

The post does go on to detail the ways in which the new Windows Runtime applications will have the flexibility and codecs to create a more modern home media experience.

Back Issues:

ThinkingWeasel — Tue, 01 May 2012 17:38:56 +0000

Real quick like, here are some past episodes that may have been lost to the ages. If you need to complete your collection or just want some new stuff to listen to @ work or @ play, theres something here for everyone. I hope you enjoy! x-miss-cast Missing someone? This one is for you. 1st place Some men just want to see the world burn, if your hearts broken, take two of this... widowmaker Dedicated to the men and women of the US military Livingmix The AWESOME 80s workout mix! firstraysofthenewmourningson Put together on a lonely train trip into the dark and cold regions of the past... GRSSHPR Eclectic, classic, excellent.

Rediculousness on sale in Zune Video Marketplace

Travis Pope — Tue, 01 May 2012 11:58:02 +0000

Do you have a weird love for Rob Drydeck? Do you enjoy watching him say funny things in impossibly funny ways? Right now you can save big on all things Rob Drydeck in the Zune Video Marketplace. How impossibly awesome is that? What other shows? How about entire seasons of Fantasy Factor, Rob and Big, and Wild Grinders all for 1,202 Microsoft Points ($15). Now about the hospital charges you will accumulate if you try any of the things on these shows, sadly there won't don't have any savings to discuss in that department.

LIVE with Travis Pope Returns Wednesday May 2nd with Godfree of GTR

Travis Pope — Tue, 01 May 2012 00:53:32 +0000

It's no secret that our transition from ZuneSpring to enConnected didn't start out as well as we hoped. We'd planned to immediately resume normal operations and get back to producing enConnected LIVE the moment enConnected 1.0 was out the door in October. Clearly that didn't happen. If you never got the chance to listen or missed our voices, get excited! Why? Starting this week we're picking up plans for launching our premiere podcast about Microsoft's entertainment ecosystem right where we left off. We're immediately resuming production on the show! Join us each week as we present you with the latest in-depth analysis of how Microsoft's consumer entertainment products fit together. Round tables? We'll have those. A hard editorial look on what is and isn't catching on with consumers? Yep. Audio reviews of the latest Windows Phone apps and blockbuster titles for Xbox LIVE on Windows Phone, Xbox 360, and PC? You damn right! You can subscribe to the show in anticipation of it's debut right now on iTunes and in the Zune Marketplace. There's also an RSS feed if that's your thing. Oh and our first guest? Godfree from GamerTag Radio and Yo Soy Danny Peña on Discovery Channel Latin America, above you'll find a promo clip for the latter show. The fun starts this Wednesday at 9pm EST.