190°

MS:"Many Of Our Customers Have Serious Concerns About Government Surveillance Of The Internet"

Despite the rumored intrusion with Microsoft's Kintect, is Microsoft giving lip service or are they taking a stand against Big Brother.

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fastgamenews.blogspot.com
Angels37853804d ago

Yeah...regardless of their intentions ANYONE would be at least a bit uneasy if someone wanted to put an advanced camera in heir home connected to the internet....doesn't matter if it was sony, microsoft or my friend dave down the street....I dont trust dave.......

JsonHenry3804d ago

Very valid concerns. One branch, just ONE branch of our government here in the USA track 5 billion cell phone locations a DAY. Yes, that means more than just US citizens but around the world. And they are doing it with or without the consent of of the company you use for your cell service.

What do you think they are doing with your webcams or Kinect peripherals?!?!?

http://www.washingtonpost.c...

JhawkFootball063804d ago (Edited 3804d ago )

Blogspot.com? We're now able to create our own blogs and post news on N4G? The guy couldn't even spell Kinect right.

See quote, "Kintect"

Actually see SWayne's profile (Just joined 3 days ago), he merely created a blog and have been posting his own articles.

http://n4g.com/user/news/sw...

Jeedai Infidel3804d ago

They still need warrants to do anything with that info; Are you in constant fear of police barging into your home whenever they please, because they can, but not without a proper warrant signed off by a judge.

This loss of trust in our society is what we should be alarmed by. We sit on computers/tablets/phones all day long and worry about surveillance, yet we are slowly abandoning human contact.

JsonHenry3804d ago

The Snowden files show that they do not bother with warrants. They collect the data they want to use THEN (maybe!) get a warrant retroactively to use that data against you.

The 4th amendment is being violated by the simple act of data collection in the first place. The fact they then use that data against you or others after the fact is breaking so many state/federal laws that there is not enough time to list them all.

morganfell3804d ago

Sorry Jeedai but all they need to enter your home is probable cause. It's too easy to gin that up. Full search of the house will require a warrant but under the Patriot act they can move quickly on that.

MS helped create Prism. They are the last company that should be trusted to insure our privacy.

Jeedai Infidel3804d ago

When's the last time any of you knew anybody that had their house barged into? Don't let the Marxist propaganda machine keep you living in fear, that's all I'm saying. Why do you suppose that all this spying is still attached to conservatism, even though the "Progressives" are the ones instituting it? And before you say it, Bush is no conservative, neither is McCain nor Romney. We should be worried that none of our choices ever matter, and that they are all Marxist.

And don't get my brushing away of fears confused with allowing constitutional infractions, I'm a Constitutionalist, but I'm also a realist.

pompombrum3804d ago (Edited 3804d ago )

"They still need warrants to do anything with that info"

Wrong, they only need warrants if the person is a US citizen on US soil. For everyone else, they can do what they want with that info.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 3804d ago
Nujabes_3804d ago

Then you're screwed if you have a smartphone; which has GPS and microphone that can be used to track you even when the phone is turned off.

malokevi3804d ago

I guess that makes me nobody then.

*whisps away into nothingness*

rdgneoz33804d ago

According to the listings of when each company bent over for prism, it doesn't look like MS put up much of a fight to begin with. And all of that was done using "legal process."

http://www.hangthebankers.c...

parentoftheyear3804d ago

"That’s why we are taking steps to ensure governments use legal process rather than technological brute force to access customer data."

That's sweet and all Microsoft but the government will do what is wants.

ambientFLIER3804d ago

An advanced camera connected to the internet. Hmm, you mean like...a laptop webcam? Or...a...1080P cellphone cam?

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 3804d ago
b00mFargl33804d ago

Using the term ANYONE already makes your argument invalid. You dont see people putting tape over their camera's on their smart phones, tablets or laptops commonly. All of these devices can be monitored on so many levels, but we are more concerned about the gaming systems in homes. Seems a bit silly.

GrandTheftZamboni3804d ago (Edited 3804d ago )

The devices you mention have narrow view of vision compared to camera positioned to see the whole room. I still wouldn't want the government checking my aural hygiene via my phone or how much spider web there is on my ceiling via my tablet.

ssj273804d ago

It can see behind walls

HolyDuck3804d ago

Phone docks, laptops, webcams, tablet docks, holding each device gives near enough the same field of view so what is your point? Unless you have a weed farm in your closet ands kinect is actually looking who cares? Besides, you take your phone to more places than just having it sat in one roomn 24/7.

b00mFargl33801d ago

Did the CIA put a chip in your brain too. Better start wearing aluminum foil hats for all the NSA spying going on. I guess just unplugging the camera just isnt an option so bitching about the camera instead seems like a much better solution. Your phones and tablets besides just your cameras can do far more things to be tracked than a camera pointed at your couch. I would be more worried about my texts and phone calls than anything. Not a damn gaming console in the living room. Panasonic and Samsung have had stuff like this forever on their smart TV's.

SilentNegotiator3804d ago

I have more control over my computer than a closed system like a console. Even Android has infinite more ways to control what it does, what info it sends, etc.

stuna13804d ago

Because the home should be the most secure place you have! Cell phones, Laptops, Tablets are mobile devices that for all case in point are not something many attribute to privacy, simply because they are mobile.

My Desktop doesn't have a camera, but my Laptop does! My landline telephone doesn't have a camera, but my Cell phone does! It's because if these different functions that determine what I say or do with each device I'm using. When I'm at home there are just certain things I should be able to do without the fear or concern that someone is possibly seeing everything I see or do.

buynit3804d ago

I just dont understand some ppl.. the funny part is that I bet most of them have web cams a cell phone a tablet but lets just say they dont... how are they going to avoid highway cams mall cams intersection cams...

Its like I said if it bothers ppl that much then move out of the states and go back to the cabin in the woods with lanterns and shit. Most of you are just flattering ur selves anyway unless you are doing some serious shit that isnt legal..

parentoftheyear3804d ago

I am in IT, and I know ALOT of people that put take over their webcams. ALOT.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 3801d ago
Eonjay3804d ago (Edited 3804d ago )

Microsoft was involved in the Prisim program so the concerns are more than valid. The question I would ask is whether surveillance actually makes us safer. Also, if Microsoft aand other companies set up back doors to give the NSA access, who else has acess and what is stopping companies and individuals from using those very same doors to spy, steal, and compromise accounts (financial or otherwise)?

Benjaminkno3804d ago

The NSA can FORCE communications companies to compile data for the government, as well as barring them from informing their consumers. It doesn't matter what company it is, they will have to comply with "national security" matters as the government sees fit.

It's the law.

sAVAge_bEaST3804d ago (Edited 3804d ago )

Microsoft IS big brother.. @ least in bed together. That company is the definition of the 1%, and their elitist attitude towards us , the 99%.

Bryan5743804d ago

Microsoft and Google are helping to create George Orwells 1984.

XboxFun3804d ago

Oh really?

http://www.networkworld.com...

http://www.valuewalk.com/20...

Maybe instead of jumping on bandwagons and spouting off popular false views from other fanboys, maybe you should actually read some current news.

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300°

Microsoft Survey Asks About Handheld

A new survey from Microsoft has further hinted at the possibility of an Xbox handheld being in development.

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twistedvoxel.com
EasilyTheBest6d ago

This is definitely happening, I just hope they have 2 versions one with a much bigger screen.

GamerRN6d ago

I'll be happy with this, and a PC console hybrid that rivals anything we have power wise

Number1TailzFan6d ago

The problem with bigger devices is playing them on your side in bed, Vita and before that was fine. Since the Switch you gotta have a gooseneck holder & controllers detached so you can lie down holding them, or your arm will quickly get tired.

1Victor5d ago

@thesofware: “A much bigger screen than what?”
A gaming laptop 🤷🏿🤣

Kosic5d ago

Than the screen originally planned...duh... :D

darthv725d ago

it kinda already did... https://www.xbox.com/en-US/...

They are just gauging interest in one of their own.

crazyCoconuts5d ago

A Xbox version of Logitech G-Cloud?
I mean, why bother? Not like the G cloud is flying off shelves and what would Xbox add to make it better?
They're surely not going to create bespoke architecture here and there are already a few Windows handhelds out there. I have little confidence in their ability to put together an attractive UI in the way Steam did. So I doubt anything will come from this.

KicksnSnares6d ago

Day One buy for me if they'll make a dedicated handheld device.

darthv726d ago

i have that logitech g-cloud. Its a sweet little piece of kit. I like that it can also install games from the play store unlike the other android based handheld.

mudakoshaka6d ago

It sure is! Don't understand why you get the down-votes. Whoever does not like the G Cloud must have been dropped down a well, head first, when they were of a younger age.

PassNextquestion6d ago

I wonder if Microsoft will perform better in Japan if they do actually make a handheld since everyone says handheld and mobile are king over there.

TiredGamer6d ago

This looks like the future of the game industry... all three platforms with a handheld option.

I wonder if the Playstation Portal is a technology test-bed/prototype for a future Playstation handheld?

rlow16d ago (Edited 6d ago )

It’s a possibility but I can’t help but think would that be the best way to go about it? Though it would give you data on how much it is used and game type. It’s still not a true portable device and so people approach it differently. I think that data on phones, tablets, and of course the competition would give a better indication.

But I really think if Sony is considering a new PSP that could play ps5 games, now would be the time to dive in. Honestly, if they do this, it would be huge.

Traecy6d ago (Edited 6d ago )

Doubt if Sony PS wants to support a new handheld with first party games. Something they lacked with the Vita. What they should do is have a handheld that is like the PS Portal which can play all games but play those games on the go as well as at home. Something like that is a better investment.

TiredGamer5d ago

Agreed that you will probably never see a separate line of games specifically for the handheld (a la PSP or PSVita). The modern economics and expectations of game development make that cost prohibitive. What makes more sense is if the full-fat game on PS5 or PS6 has a special "handheld" profile that is automatically optimized for the lower spec handheld. There would be some significant compromises compared to the bigger console variant, but it would be the same game overall and would only require a single purchase.... somewhat what the Switch does with a lower resolution when playing handheld versus docked.

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310°

Xbox Games Showcase Followed by [REDACTED] Direct Airs June 9

- Xbox Wire - Mark your calendars! The Xbox Games Showcase followed by [REDACTED] Direct airs June 9. More info inside.

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news.xbox.com
bionicstar6d ago

Will they show Fable 4, Stalker 2, GoW 6 & Perfect Dark?

PhillyDonJawn6d ago

Crossing fingers for Fable and perfect dark. And State of Decay 3

RaidenBlack6d ago (Edited 6d ago )

And maybe Clockwork Revolution, South of Midnight, Contraband, Project 007 & OD? lol
and whatever happened to Everwild ?
+ that rumored Wu Tang RPG

Sonic18816d ago (Edited 6d ago )

Will they have official release dates and gameplay?

anast6d ago

Another game pass event with their plans to go all streaming.

6d ago
Lightning776d ago

It's an Xbox showcase that they have every year.

Make smarter comments for once.

anast6d ago (Edited 6d ago )

Tell me what a smarter comment is.

If they don't sell game pass the entire time, then I will be wrong. All of this can be proven once the show gets underway. Let's wait and see.

InUrFoxHole5d ago

@Anast
Anything you didn't type. Good day sir!

6d ago
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6d ago Replies(1)
Lightning776d ago (Edited 6d ago )

Wow too easy.

You went from MS going all streaming to selling gamepass content in which we all know they are.

Which one is it?

Pretty clear you don't know what a smart comment is at least you admit you don't know.

6d ago
anast6d ago (Edited 6d ago )

"Another game pass event with their plans to go all streaming."

It's both. I would worry about your own intelligence at this point. It seems that there is not enough to go around for you to worry about how smart other people are.

Lightning776d ago

It's just a regular event announcing games. Nice one captain obvious they're gonna mention gp stuff like they do every year what else is new.

The all streaming part is just you, being you I guess. They have streaming options but going all streaming again is just you pulling stuff outta thin air.

anast6d ago

You don't know what a smart comment is or isn't. You're welcome for the help.

Lightning775d ago

No you said something dumb then you tried to back track and mention GP.

Again make smart comments for once.

anast5d ago

And we have broken record syndrome.

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 5d ago
darthv726d ago

Wonder if they will address the handheld rumors....?

jimb0j0nes6d ago

For a brief moment I thought we might get a whole Direct for Gears 6 - seems like it's COD though!

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290°

Microsoft’s Surface and Xbox hardware revenues take a big hit in Q3

Microsoft just posted the third quarter of its 2024 fiscal financial results. The software maker made $61.9 billion in revenue and a net income of $21.9 billion during Q3. Revenue is up 17 percent, and net income has increased by 20 percent.

Read Full Story >>
theverge.com
darthv7211d ago

Xbox content + services up 62% while hardware down 31%... seems about right with the way they tout you don't need the hardware to play. People can play on their phones or smart tv or other means. I don't hardly play on my consoles directly since getting devices like the logitech g-cloud and ps portal. Which is to also say I have been playing more digital than physical because of these devices.

solideagle10d ago

you should apply in MS PR team buddy, I think you will do a great job in my humble opinion :)

Sonic188110d ago

I thought darthv72 and Obscure_Observer already work for Microsoft 🤔

dveio10d ago

MS: "Xbox services and content without AB up 1%, with AB up 62%. Hardware down 31%. In total a loss of 350 mill."

darthv72: "Seems about right."

MS: "Excuse m ..."

darthv72: "I don't hardly play on my consoles directly."

MS:

Lightning7710d ago

What he said was facts. How he plays games is no concern of you. Don't get too mad about it.

Cacabunga10d ago

I can tell people like you are an absolute minority..

If service is up means their fans and fanboys accepted this model and subscribed to it. The near future you will see a big decline because the service is saturated.

darthv7210d ago

to you it may seem like the minority... but your bubble is shrinking because more and more are following suit. convenience is a hell of a drug and its also why physical sales only amount to 30% of overall game sales. times are changing, you either get with them or you get left behind.

neutralgamer19929d ago

Darth

30% physical sales: yet Phil and xbox division are in a rush go give up on that 30%. they don't have any right to give up any piece of the pie since the control such a little of the pie to begin with

also, the market is clearly speaking that the model Xbox is pushing isn't working right now the keyword being right now. you are right about freedom to play anywhere so i hope they put their games on steam

shinoff218310d ago

But that's been ms for years. When things aren't going their way they try to change the way things are said. For instance console sales are down, they stop telling how many sold instead telling us how many hours spent in halo or headshots. So it makes sense console sales down just say people are playing on more devices then previous. What they won't say is how many xbox players jumped ship to ps5.

Cacabunga10d ago

Hardware sales are so bad that Sony and Nintendo are blowing the sales off the water with their hardware.

If Xbox are losers, others aren’t..
Xbox already tried everything with Xbox live then subscriptions went down so much that they had to find something else. Their fans subscribed then reached saturation rather quickly.

Hardware and exclusive games is where it’s at! Keep gamers excited, announce decent software and people will support you

itsmebryan10d ago

@shin
Well keep it simple Sony 's operating income is down 26% and Microsoft's is up 32%. No MS spin there, just facts. 😉
Cheers

S2Killinit10d ago

MS is after diminishing consoles as a medium. They want to destroy this market because they couldnt win. MS’s vision is to dissolve console gaming.

romulus2310d ago

Odd that a company that touts you dont need the hardware to play is already touting another console in the works.

darthv7210d ago

They are not reliant on the HW but still want to maintain a presence (no matter how small) is a good thing. It shows commitment to the craft. It reminds me of SNK and how they made games for their own hardware (Neo Geo) while also making them for others because they knew there was a market to do so. They knew they would sell more to others but also sell to their own niche fan base.

TheEroica10d ago (Edited 10d ago )

Perfectly reasonable post down voted by insecure corporation friendly folk.... But not gamers. Real gamer want accessibility and ease of acquisition for all.... Company shills are the only ones still telling us that hardware locking people from games is good for us.

Chevalier9d ago

@Darth

You should stop parroting metrics like an idiot without context.

"Xbox content and services revenue grew 62% in Q3 from a year earlier, “driven by 61 points of net impact” from the purchase of the third-party video game giant, Microsoft said."

61 of the 62% was from their merger so net increase is ONLY 1%

https://www.mesaonline.org/...

itsmebryan9d ago

@chevalier

It looks like made a great purchase. Much better then Sony buying Bungie. 😉
Cheers

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 9d ago
purple10110d ago

Xbox hardware revenue tanks to lowest point of Xbox Series generation

Profchaos10d ago

I'm not surprised surface is struggling they aren't relevant anymore

DOMination-10d ago

In the last two years they've started exiting the consumer market altogether. All of the newest Surface products are business models only. They can't seem to work out what they want to do with it.

XBManiac10d ago

Too expensive hardware when others offer the same or more for less? Good work, Green Team.

SimpleDad10d ago (Edited 10d ago )

"Despite some early successes for Xbox games on rival platforms, Xbox hardware is down by a massive 31 percent this quarter."
"Without Activision Blizzard, Microsoft’s overall gaming revenue would have actually declined this quarter."
"Xbox content and services would have only been up a single percent without Activision Blizzard..."
"It looks like next quarter is going to be a similar story for gaming at Microsoft, too."

That is crazy... so A/B/K is carrying the whole Xbox gaming.
Oh and Microsoft will be fine. Windows, Office and Cloud are growing with each pc purchase.

purple10110d ago

Activision: "we gonna need a bigger rucksack/backpack please"

Microsoft: "why's that"

Activision: "to carry yo' weak ass'

Profchaos10d ago (Edited 10d ago )

Top brass have also wanted to start seeing returns on the 100 billion they have put into various Xbox related moves so seeing more multiplatform games is highly likely especially from abk

It's basically saying that PlayStation is the reason Xbox is afloat right now thinks to Ps5 versions of COD

Kornholic10d ago

So basically PS and PC gamers' money is keeping Xbox on life support.

MrDead10d ago

The only growth MS will get out of the console industry is if it supports it's rivals platforms. Xbox is a pointless machine now. I can see them on a big push for live next, and they won't give up on trying to buy Steam.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 10d ago
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