- Photo: Microsoft
You’ll never be alone again when you dive into virtual universes, as Microsoft plans the global TV sofa, a new entertainment medium connecting people and their cyber alter ego worldwide. That’s at least Microsoft’s vision and they spread the news at the game spectacle E3 in Los Angeles. In the centre of action is the Xbox 360, that soon will be upgraded to 60 Gb. Within Microsoft’s online network every user gets an avatar, its own alter geo as it is known from Second Life or Nintendo’s Wii concept.
The idea’s core is to assemble those avatars and their human counterparts on a virtual and comfortable sofa lounge to consume movies, play video games and other entertainment media. It may work out well when small groups meet each other to arrange a quick online game session. This advanced virtual reality can be of interest in live gaming shows, when classic TV concepts are transferred into an online arena. Microsoft has announced a cooperation with Endemol to push its online offensive. This service features a 1 vs. 100 version of Endemol’s famous quiz show.
On the other side, the new Guitar Hero World Tour probably won’t turn you into a couch potato. The virtual and wireless instruments developed by Neversoft will feature an Xbox specific track pack by R.E.M. Xbox live users also can download Metallica’s album Death Magnetic and develop their instrumental skills. Its debut is expected to be in November later this year.
With an redesigned Xbox Live users can enjoy a new party system that may prove its merits particularly on rainy days. Up to eight people can catch up online to chat, share photos and movies and play games. Right now it’s still a US based service and there is unfortunately no current word for a UK spin-off.
Microsoft also revealed a real Coup at yesterday’s press conference in Los Angeles. Final Fantasy XIII, an exclusive blockbuster for PS3 gamers, is not limited to PS3 anymore. The game will be released simultaneously for both PS3 and XBox 360 in the US and Europe.
