Microsoft starts caring about Xbox One game sharing
Microsoft has made made a swift about-face on its "platform policies" covering how users share and sell Xbox One games and how they use the console, after being 'challenged' by the gaming community.
Thu 20/06/2013 12:00:00 / Read More »Xbox One vs PlayStation 4: The future of games and connectivity
As Microsoft and Sony unveil their newest consoles, the Xbox One and the PlayStation 4, the way users buy and play games looks set to change. So what is the future of connected gaming?
Tue 11/06/2013 12:00:00 / Read More »Sony PlayStation 4: Looks like the Xbox One, but cheaper
Both Microsoft and Sony have used the E3 gaming Expo in Los Angeles this week to make big announcements about the Xbox One and the PlayStation 4. Microsoft may have hit the stage first, but Sony looks set to win in consumers' eyes.
Tue 11/06/2013 12:00:00 / Read More »"Microsoft has made up for lost time": Harvey Norman talks Surface
When Microsoft opted to sell directly to consumers online for the launch of the original Surface RT, retailers were rightly miffed. Now with the launch of the Surface Pro, it seems Microsoft has learnt its lesson.
Thu 30/05/2013 12:00:00 / Read More »Xbox One promises live TV viewing, but will it work in Australia?
At the launch of the new Xbox One console overnight, Microsoft spent serious time showing off a new "TV on Xbox" feature. But despite the flashy demonstrations, details on how it would work outside the US were thin on the ground.
Wed 22/05/2013 12:00:00 / Read More »The power of Xbox One: Inside Microsoft's newest gaming console
Microsoft has unveiled its newest gaming console, known as the Xbox One, promising increased processing power, updated architecture and a new user interface featuring voice control and multi-tasking capabilities.
Wed 22/05/2013 12:00:00 / Read More »Winners and Losers: Which categories are the biggest at JB Hi-Fi?
Following the release of JB Hi-Fi's half-yearly results, CEO Terry Smart spoke about what's working for the business. So which products and categories are flying, and which are flailing? We break it down in Smart's own words.
Mon 11/02/2013 12:00:00 / Read More »Industry divided as Apple, Microsoft and Adobe are called before Parliament
Tech giants Apple, Microsoft and Adobe have been summoned to Canberra to appear before parliamentary inquiry investigating price differences between technology products sold in Australia and overseas.
Mon 11/02/2013 12:00:00 / Read More »Sony excites gamers with PlayStation 4 teaser
The rumour mill is in overdrive about upcoming console releases from the major names in gaming, but Sony is one of the few brands to actually put forward a concrete date...even if it's just a teaser.
Mon 04/02/2013 12:00:00 / Read More »Harvey Norman begins Microsoft Surface pre-sales with high hopes
Harvey Norman and JB Hi-Fi have begun pre-orders of the Microsoft Surface. While the GM of Harveys was disappointed by Microsoft's early attempts to sell direct, he is glad retailers and consumers can now get their hands on the device.
Fri 14/12/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Influencers, not users, are the key to Windows Phone 8 global domination
Windows Phone 8 will soon be the most popular mobile operating system in the world. That's the message UnderCurrent overheard at the launch today of Microsoft's new mobile operating system and the handsets that run it.
Tue 30/10/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Windows 8 confusion: Why retailers are essential to Microsoft's success
OPINION: Windows 8 is here, bringing with it a raft of exciting new products using the software. But retailers face a tough task, navigating the subtle differences between three software versions to help consumers make the right purchase.
Fri 26/10/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Windows 8 software launches, but only as a professional upgrade
Microsoft launched Windows 8 today and although it is pre-loaded on a range of devices, those wanting to buy the software outright will only be able to do so by upgrading their previous Windows version to a professional copy.
Fri 26/10/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Winning at Windows 95
UnderCurrent has noticed that a lot of people are getting excited about tonight's launch of Windows 8. But let's take a moment to think back to the launch of Windows 95, a time when grunge fashion and bandanas were king!
Thu 25/10/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Microsoft's hopes high for Windows 8 after slow PC sales
Microsoft has blamed sluggish PC sales for a drop in first quarter income. But the company is bullish about Windows 8, saying there is a huge amount of hardware using the new OS that is about to hit the market.
Fri 19/10/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Microsoft Surface pricing announced, retailers to miss out on early sales
Microsoft has announced pricing for its new Surface tablet and opened online pre-orders. However, in a blow to retailers, there was no word of when the device would be coming to bricks and mortar stores.
Wed 17/10/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Sony betting the house on Windows 8 in lead-up to Christmas
Sony Australia is placing a lot of faith in its upcoming products featuring the new Windows 8 operating system from Microsoft.
Fri 05/10/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Microsoft slashes retail prices on Xbox 360 range
Microsoft has announced a its largest ever cut in prices for the Xbox 360 range, reducing RRPs by between $50 and $150 on a number of consoles and bundles in the lineup.
Wed 03/10/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »New products, features and retailer training: Toshiba talks Windows 8
As retailers and suppliers prepare for the arrival of Windows 8 next month, Toshiba talks about its expectations for the new operating system, inclunding new product launches and what the OS will bring to the world of consumer electronics.
Tue 25/09/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Microsoft digs into tablet market with new Surface device
Microsoft is channelling the power of kickstands and magnets with its newest tech offering - a widescreen tablet with the benefits of the Windows operating system and a detachable cover that doubles as a keyboard.
Tue 19/06/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Not good enough to say 'Everybody else is price gouging, so why can't we?'
Federal Government MP Ed Husic has been campaigning for lower prices for technology products in Australia. Listen to his thoughts here and compare them with our previously published position.
Fri 30/03/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Acer director talks high sales, soft markets, smartphones and the future
Acer this week announced it secured the #1 market share position in the Portable PC market for the fourth quarter of 2011. In this interview, we talk about the PC market, Acer's tablet and smartphone businesses, and what the future holds.
Thu 29/03/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Microsoft goes back to the golden era to take a jab at Google
Microsoft has hit out at Google Docs in what can only be described as the greatest tribute to the 1980s this side of The Spandau Ballet Experience. White loafers? Check. Smoke machines? Check. Soft focus? You better believe it!
Wed 22/02/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Console tug-of-war as PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 both claim market leadership
Microsoft and Sony have taken the same set of sales statistics and determined that they have the best console platform and are showing the most momentum heading into 2012.
Mon 06/02/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »CES predictions: The hottest products to hit retail stores in 2012
Following on from the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this month, one industry heavyweight predicts the biggest products for 2012 - with plenty for retailers to look forward to.
Mon 23/01/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »JB NOW music streaming service goes live
After much anticipation, JB Hi-Fi's music streaming service, JB NOW, is finally here. Current takes a look at how it all works, what it costs, and what the kids are listening to these days.
Tue 13/12/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Xbox gets a revamp with new apps and voice control
Microsoft has announced an update to its Xbox Live experience, due to be launched tomorrow, which will give users access to a range of new apps as well as voice control for Kinect on Xbox 360.
Mon 05/12/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Zune-y tunes: Microsoft's new music streaming service
Microsoft has today launched its new Zune Music Pass streaming service, offering access to 13 million songs for $11.99 per month. The Zune Marketplace also gives consumers the option to buy tracks and albums.
Wed 16/11/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Everything Zen at Asus launch? I don't think so
When it comes to launching new technology products, an unseemly trend is emerging. It's time to let the new gadgets and gizmos speak for themselves.
Wed 09/11/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Full Disclosure: Kinect for Windows is a great unknown
The 1994 tech thriller Disclosure is proving well ahead of its time, with two pieces of then unknown technology now emerging 17 years later. The latest is Kinect for Windows, a new business platform due for release next year.
Tue 01/11/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Apple replaces Nokia in top 10 global ranking of successful brands
The international brand consultancy company Interbrand yesterday released its top 10 ranking of global brands, with a strong representation of tech brands including Apple, Microsoft, Google and newcomer HTC.
Thu 06/10/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »New retail sales appointments at Microsoft for Xbox, software and games
Microsoft has today appointed a new Retail Sales and Marketing Lead in Australia. This portfolio includes Xbox 360, Kinect, Xbox Live, Windows 7 and other Microsoft retail products.
Thu 08/09/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Better SafeSync than sorry - Trend Micro's new security app
Internet content security specialists Trend Micro have released a new app for iOS, Android and PC users, offering increased data security when transferring files.
Tue 26/07/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »The Force is strong in that Star Wars Xbox 360 bundle, coming soon
Microsoft has announced the impending release of a Star Wars themed 320GB Xbox 360 console and Kinect bundle.
Fri 22/07/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Nokia's new E7 business smartphone sticks with Symbian mobile operating system
A month after signing a billion dollar deal with software giant Microsoft to dump the Symbian mobile operating system and adopt Windows Phone as its principal smartphone strategy, Nokia has released the E7 smartphone targeted at business users.
Mon 14/03/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Xbox 360 and PS3 ramp up the propaganda as the Nintendo 3DS goes on tour
Both Sony PS3 and Microsoft Xbox 360 sent out pre-prepared propaganda press releases promoting their presumed popularity. This is in response to the launch of the Nintendo 3DS, which is about to go on tour around the country.
Wed 09/02/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »PlayStation Move selling most units but Xbox Kinect selling faster
Sony has moved over 4 million units of its Move gaming device, more than 1.5 million more than the Xbox 360 Kinect. But that's half the story, as the Kinect is selling much faster. Read on to find out when the Kinect will surpass the Move.
Wed 01/12/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Why traditional retail beats online: Gen Y speaks
With consumers having to choose between online and bricks and mortar for their electronic equipment, we investigated what it is that gives traditional stores an advantage over those cheap, cheap prices.
Wed 03/11/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Windows 7 cuts Apple from the tree in popularity stakes
Proving once again that Apple really is small fruit in the wider computer world, Microsoft has today revealed that it has issued 240 million licenses for Windows 7 in the 365 days since launching.
Fri 22/10/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »New Xbox 360 Slim and Kinect unveiled at E3
E3 has just kicked off in LA and Microsoft was the first of the big names to unveil its new wares. Kinect, formerly known as Project Natal, was one of the main announcements, along with the unveiling of a new improved console.
Tue 15/06/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Australians waiting for tax refund to spend up on technology
On the same day Australia's Consumer Sentiment Index fell 5.7 per cent, new research conducted by Microsoft has revealed that more than 60 per cent of Australians are planning to spend their tax refunds on new technology equipment.
Thu 10/06/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Microsoft takes Xbox into the pay-TV fold
Just days after Sony announced a major push to make its PlayStation3 the hub of the living room, Microsoft and Foxtel have announced a deal that will allow Xbox 360 users to access pay-TV channels through their gaming console.
Fri 21/05/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »New retail sales director for Microsoft Xbox and games
Microsoft Australia and New Zealand has today appointed a new retail sales director. This new appointee will be looking after the Xbox 360 console and games, Xbox Live Service, PC hardware peripherals and office software.
Tue 06/04/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Microsoft celebrates Easter with new Xbox 360 bundle
Microsoft has announced the availability of its new Xbox 360 Elite Easter pack. The new bundle includes an Xbox 360 Elite console and two of the highest selling games of 2009 thrown in for free.
Tue 23/03/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Parents not doing enough to protect kids online
According to a recent research report from Microsoft, around 65 per cent of Australian parents don't take any precautions to protect their children while online.
Thu 18/03/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Microsoft reassures customers with Office 2010 guarantee
Microsoft has announced that starting from today, any customer who purchases Microsoft Office 2007 will be eligible for a free upgrade to Office 2010 upon its release.
Fri 05/03/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Microsoft unveils Windows Phone 7 Series
Microsoft recently unveiled the latest version of its Windows Phone software at Mobile World Congress 2010. The new Windows Phone 7 Series will offer several unique features like Xbox LIVE games and Zune music and video services.
Thu 18/02/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Urgent reminder for all retailers using Windows 7 RC
Microsoft Australia has sent an urgent reminder out to retailers that the Windows 7 Release Candidate will soon expire. A reported 8,000 copies of the software are currently being tested through retail channels around Australia.
Mon 15/02/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Microsoft talking to retailers about new Surface technology
This morning Microsoft Australia unveiled its new tablet computer the Microsoft Surface. The new touchscreen device is being targeted at retailers around the country for use in stores to help customers interact with various forms of digital content.
Tue 09/02/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Record growth for Xbox Live in Australia
Microsoft Australia has confirmed that it's Xbox LIVE online service has had its best year on record with a 50 per cent subscriber growth year-on-year and 8.3 million online purchases made for the period.
Thu 21/01/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Massive December sales increase for video game industry
According to the NPD Group, the US video games industry recorded its biggest December sales period ever, smashing last year's result by 4 per cent.
Tue 19/01/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Microsoft CEO predicts big things for Xbox in 2010
In the Microsoft keynote address at CES yesterday, CEO Steve Ballmer enthusiastically ran through some of the Xbox 360s achievements over 2009 and was very excited about the company's plans for the console in 2010.
Fri 08/01/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Video game industry set for a good year despite November sales fall
According to the latest US video games sales results from the NPD Group, the month of November was down 7.6 per cent in a year-on-year comparison, but the industry is still on track to record an impressive $20 billion in sales for 2009.
Mon 14/12/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Microsoft puts Bing on the map in 3D with NAVTEQ
NAVTEQ has entered into an agreement with Microsoft that will see both parties share technology to enable NAVTEQ to develop better and faster 3D mapping, and in return, Microsoft will use the 3D visuals on its Bing Maps.
Tue 08/12/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »New Xbox 360 Wireless Controller bundle
Microsoft has just announced the release of the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller Arcade Game Pack. The pack which has over $35 worth of extras is giving consumers an incentive to buy extra controllers for a more social experience over the holidays
Thu 03/12/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Microsoft making Windows 7 more accessible for families
Microsoft Australia has just announced it will be offering its Windows 7 Home Premium upgrade in a limited pilot for families. The offer will allow users to get three licenses of the new operating system for only $249.
Mon 30/11/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Xbox not concerned with Sony's PlayTV launch
Andrew Jenkins product manager for Xbox Live, is not concerned with the announcement that Sony will be releasing PlayTV for its PS3, due to the fact that Xbox 360 customers have been able to turn their console into a PVR for years.
Fri 13/11/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Windows 7 launch out performs Vista, boosts PC sales
According to a report issued by the NPD Group, the launch of Microsoft's new operating system, Windows 7, has been well received by consumers and has surpassed the initial sales levels of its predecessor.
Mon 09/11/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Aussie video game sales flying in the lead up to Christmas
According to the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association, Australian video game sales are going exceptionally well and are expected to surpass the record 2008 figure of $2 billion.
Fri 06/11/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Microsoft chooses Australia to open Windows 7 to the world
In case you haven't seen the newspapers, TV, the countless online stories, blogs, streams and Tweets, or you weren't one of 8 million involved in beta testing or one of the other billion already aware, Microsoft launched Windows 7 today, in Australia.
Thu 22/10/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Vista, the four letter word that couldn't even get that right
Vista is the operating system that Microsoft can't replace quick enough with Windows 7, but at least they're being honest and humorous about it.
Thu 22/10/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Are we too dependent on our mobile phones?
Microsoft Australia has just released new research into mobile phones and how consumers interact with their mobile device. The findings highlight some interesting usage behaviour by consumers and their dependence on the technology.
Tue 13/10/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Brand loyalty not a concern for Apple fans
A recent study carried out by a leading research company has highlighted that Apple computer ownership is on the rise, but these consumers are hardly brand loyal, with 85 per cent also owning a Windows based PC.
Mon 12/10/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »New handsets and online app store from Windows
Microsoft has just announced the availability of a new range of phones around the world, not to mention the Windows Marketplace and My Phone service.
Wed 07/10/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »PC industry performs better than expected
According to the world's leading information technology research and advisory company, Gartner Inc, worldwide PC shipments have declined slightly in 2009 but the category has drastically exceeded earlier predictions.
Thu 24/09/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »High expectations for new Halo title to spur on sales for Xbox 360
The newest addition to the Halo franchise, Halo 3 ODST, has been released for the Xbox 360. The new title has had high expectations thrust upon it, in a series that has sold 27 million copies worldwide and been played for a combined two billion hours.
Wed 23/09/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »The battle ignites, with Xbox 360 Modern Warfare 2 console
Microsoft Australia has just announced that its Xbox 360 brand and games publisher Activision, have joined forces to offer consumers a limited edition console with a design based on the upcoming blockbuster, Modern Warfare 2.
Thu 17/09/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Price cut boosts sales of PS3 in Oz; Xbox confident of big response
After pleasing US reports, Sony Australia has reported that its slimmer, cheaper PS3 has seen a dramatic increase in consumer uptake locally. While the Xbox 360 doesn't come down in price until next week, the company is expecting a strong performance.
Tue 15/09/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »PS3 and Xbox 360 going strong after price cuts
According to a US video game sales report, the recent price cuts from Microsoft and Sony have already had a huge impact on sales. But the question still remains whether Nintendo will follow suit with its Wii console?
Mon 14/09/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Xbox 360 partners with V8 Supercars for new racing title
Microsoft Australia today announced a new partnership between its Xbox 360 console and V8 Supercars. The deal will see eight V8 Supercars appear in the upcoming Forza Motorsport 3 title which is exclusive to Xbox 360.
Wed 02/09/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Game on! Xbox 360 cuts price to beat PS3 Slim
The video game console race has well and truly heated back up with Microsoft Australia officially cutting the price of its Xbox 360 Elite console by $100, making it $50 cheaper than the new PS3 Slim.
Fri 28/08/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Xbox hits back at Playstation with a host of new games and services
It seems Sony has been getting all the headlines of late in reference to its new slimmer, cheaper PS3, but Microsoft has not gone quiet and plans to have a big lead up to Christmas with new services, games and features surrounding its Xbox 360.
Wed 26/08/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Has the recession finally caught up to the video game industry?
According to leading video game analyst firm, The NPD Group, the video game category is finally seeing a sign of weakness as it records its fifth straight month of decline in US sales.
Fri 14/08/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Halo invades Cockatoo Island for Xbox 360 launch
Last night Microsoft held a special event out at Cockatoo Island to launch the newest instalment of one of the most successful game franchises in Xbox history, Halo ODST.
Fri 07/08/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Consumers want smartphones to be simpler
A recent study conducted by Sanderson Studios for Tellme Networks Inc, a Microsoft subsidiary, has outlined that smartphone users are more inclined to buy a device that offers them a simpler and more efficient way to communicate.
Fri 31/07/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Is it only a matter of time until Bing beats Google?
According to recent figures released by ComScore, Bing has once again increased its position in the internet search market. Google is still the clear leader, but Microsoft's new entry is definitely turning heads.
Tue 23/06/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Xbox 360 sales top 30 million, still trails Wii
Microsoft has announced that sales of its Xbox 360 console have passed the 30 million mark globally; it still trails Nintendo's Wii which has already recorded 50 million units, but is ahead of Sony's Playstation 3 which sits at around 20 million
Fri 29/05/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Nintendo DS smashes competitors; fastest to reach two million units in Australia
Nintendo Australia has just announced that the Nintendo DS is now the fastest console to reach the two million unit mark in Australia, beating both its handheld competitors as well as all three major consoles.
Thu 28/05/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Mixed results for Microsoft
Microsoft recently released its earnings results for the three months ending 31 March 2009, the company suffered an overall revenue fall of six per cent over the quarter but the Xbox 360 division on the other hand performed strongly.
Mon 27/04/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Greenpeace labels Nintendo as pitiful
Greenpeace has just released an updated version of its 'Guide to Greener Electronics' report where the company has labelled Nintendo as pitiful after scoring a measly 0.8 out of 10 in terms of its attitude towards environmentally friendly practices.
Fri 03/04/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Xbox 360 posts one of the most successful months in its history
According to Andrew Jenkins, product manager games and Xbox LIVE, March has been one of the best months in history for the games manufacturer on the back of strong online gaming growth, key game releases and increased accessory sales.
Tue 31/03/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Exclusive YouTube site for Wii and PS3, unfortunately Xbox 360 misses out
YouTube have announced a ground-breaking new site that will allow you to watch videos on your home television, without the need for a Tivo or Apple TV box.
Fri 16/01/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Nintendo Wii now smashing the Xbox 360 and PS3: fastest seller even faster
The Nintendo Wii is now selling faster than ever, with GfK figures showing an incredible sell through rate for the console. This has led Nintendo to focus on product and content, not price, as it battles the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 (PS3) for the Christ
Mon 24/11/2008 12:00:00 / Read More »Samsung releases notebook PC ‘lighter than air'
In an obvious stab at the Apple Macbook Air, Samsung has released the Microsoft flavoured X360 notebook which is “fully featured and lighter than air” at just 1.27kg.
Mon 01/09/2008 12:00:00 / Read More »
