When the next generation of gaming is coming and why I'm not looking forward to it

his coming holiday season the Xbox 360 will be turning 7 and the PS3 and Wii will be 6 years old. The previous generation lasted only 4 years for Microsoft, 5 years for Nintendo and 6 for Sony. This console cycle, while still delivering some really great games, is getting long in the tooth.

So the question on everyone's mind is, when will the new console hardware be revealed and when will it launch?

Nintendo has already revealed their next console to break fanboy's hearts even further, the Wii U. But for the hardware anyone wants to play games on, we look to Microsoft and Sony. Microsoft took a full year lead last go around and as bad as Microsoft would like to do that again, Sony will probably make it difficult.

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Microsoft releases My Xbox LIVE app for iOS

Hot on the heels of the latest dashboard update Microsoft has released a new app for iOS for Xbox Live. The app is universal and looks and feels very much like a Windows Phone 7 app. In the app you can read and send messages, view friends list, edit your bio, change features of your avatar, view and set beacons and view all of your achievements complete with a search feature.

The app is very beautiful and instantly had me jealous of Windows Phone users, well just a little. Creating the app is an interesting move considering the Xbox Live features are a big selling point for Windows Phones. Xbox apps are noting new to iOS. Microsoft even had to demand that all Xbox apps be free in the past. This is definitely the best looking and most easy to use iOS Xbox app I've used.

iTunes Link

Microsoft angling for Comcast and Verizon streaming to Xbox

Microsoft is said to be in negotiations to bring Comcast and Verizon television service to the Xbox. Microsoft already has some deals like this in place over seas with Sky TV. Those are not the only providers Microsoft is getting chatty with. Almost two dozen other providers around the world could be making their way to your console including HBO Go.

Microsoft has shown off IPTV and DVR functionality in the past so this is something they have been setting up for some time now. Like the ESPN app already available, you'll likely be identified as a cable customer through your ISP, limiting access to those who have chose to cut the cord on a normal cable plan.

At E3 this year a 'Live TV' feature of the new dashboard was shown but not talked about much. That could all change in about a week or so with the update going live to consoles reportedly in mid-November. I think it would be great to have HBO Go on the big screen. And using your Xbox as a DVR would be welcome addition to be sure.

via: Bloomberg

Updated Xbox 360 peripherals coming this November

The Xbox 360 started off only available in white. Later they offered the 'Elite' model which came in black. Now we have a redesigned model, the Xbox 360 S, which comes in a shiny black finish. Some peripherals have not been updated to match this new finish and it only seems right to have matching peripherals, you aren't an animal are you?

A little while back Microsoft added a wireless racing wheel to its peripheral line up and now they are adding a few more things. First is a brand new headset that, of course, comes in the shiny black finish. This headset boasts Xbox 360 chatting capability but also has Bluetooth connectivity. So you could connect to a PC or a cell phone, perhaps an iPhone or maybe even a PS3. I haven't seen reports to the contrary. The PS3 is capable of utilizing any normal Bluetooth headset so why not this one? It'll be out in early November and run you $59.99.

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343 Industries to resurrect Xbox "Duke" controller for Halo Anniversary

Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary is coming this November. It is the first Halo title from Microsoft's relatively new internal studio dedicated to the Halo franchise, 343 Industries. The Halo experience has been completely remastered in 'Anniversary' and even has an option to switch between the new HD graphics and the classic Xbox 1 graphics. That almost completely brings back that feeling you had playing Halo for the first time. Save for one thing, you may have wanted to forget but that first time, you were wrapping your mits around the original Xbox controller. Affectionately named the "Duke", I also remember it being called the "Hamburger", maybe that was just me though.

343 Industries is trying to rekindle that Halo: Combat Evolved experience by remaking those "Duke" controllers for the Xbox 360. Unfortunately these will only be available at Halo kiosks at Halo Fest happening this August along side PAX. I'd like to think with enough support we could get retail versions of this 360 "Duke". But for the love of god, my nostalgia would not be ruined if the black and white buttons were replace with L and R bumpers.

NeoGAF via: Giant Bomb