Tuesday, November 12, 2013

ATD: Microsoft Xbox head Don Mattrick leaving for unknown role (updated)

ATD: Microsoft Xbox head Don Mattrick leaving for unknown role (updated) data = {blogUrl: "www.engadget.com",v: 322};when = {jquery: lab.scriptBs("jquery"),plugins: lab.scriptBs("plugins"),eng: lab.scriptBs("eng")}; var s265prop9 = ('20643983' !== '') ? 'bsd:20643983' : ''; var postID = '20643983'; var modalMNo = '93325862', modalVideoMNo = '93320648', modalGalleryMNo = '93304207'; when.eng("eng.omni.init", {pfxID:"weg",pageName:document.title,server:"acp-ld39.websys.aol.com",channel:"us.engadget", s_account: "aolwbengadget,aolsvc", short_url: "",pageType:"",linkInternalFilters:"javascript:,",prop1:"article",prop2:"gaming",prop9:s265prop9,prop12:document.location,prop17:"",prop18:"",prop19:"",prop20:"", prop22:"ben-gilbert", prop54:"blogsmith",mmxgo: true }); adSendTerms('1')adSetMOAT('1');adSetAdURL('/_uac/adpagem.html');lab._script("http://o.aolcdn.com/os/ads/adhesion/js/adhads-min.js").wait(function(){var floatingAd = new AdhesiveAd("348-14-15-14c",{hideOnSwipe:true});}); onBreak({980: function () { adSetType("F");htmlAdWH("93325862", "LB", "LB"); adSetType("");}}); EngadgetMenu NewsReviews Features Galleries VideosEventsPodcasts Engadget ShowTopics Buyers Guides Sagas Store Hands On More Betterer HD Mobile Alt Announcements Cameras Cellphones Desktops Displays Gaming GPS Handhelds Home Entertainment Household Internet Laptops Meta Misc Networking Peripherals Podcasts Robots Portable Audio/Video Science Software Storage Tablets Transportation Wearables Wireless Acer Amazon AMD Apple ASUS AT&T Blackberry Canon Dell Facebook Google HP HTC Intel Lenovo LG Microsoft Nikon Nintendo Nokia NVIDIA Samsung Sony Sprint T-Mobile Verizon About UsSubscribeLike Engadget@engadgettip uswhen.eng("eng.nav.init")when.eng("eng.tips.init") onBreak({980: function () {htmlAdWH("93325870", "215", "35",'AJAX','ajaxsponsor');}});ATD: Microsoft Xbox head Don Mattrick leaving for unknown role (updated) HDBypostedJul 1st, 2013 at 1:01 PM 0

The president of Microsoft's Interactive Entertainment Business, Don Mattrick, is leaving the company according to a report at AllThingsD. His division oversees the Xbox gaming properties as well as the company's peripheral gaming initiatives. He's most recently known as the man who introduced the world to the Xbox One, as he took the stage on Microsoft's campus this past May to introduce the controller, next-gen Kinect sensor, and new console. He's been with the IEB department since 2010. He's gotten in trouble with consumers lately, after he gave dismissive answers about the Xbox One's always online policy and $499 price point. He's also the man who wrote Microsoft's public DRM reversal letter.

Furthermore, ATD says Mattrick could be headed to social gaming giant Zynga; the Bay Area-based company declined a comment to our sister site Joystiq. It's unclear who would step in to Mattrick's spot if he is indeed leaving. We've yet to hear back from Microsoft, though we'll update this post when we hear more.

Update: It's offical. He's the new CEO of Zynga, and you can read all about it right here.

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Made in the USA: Four stories in four days

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Made in the USA

Over the past two years, the United States has seen a return to American manufacturing by some of the biggest names in tech. In 2012, Google introduced the ultimately failed Nexus Q, while Apple's Tim Cook teased an American-made Mac. One year later, Lenovo cut the ribbon on a new plant in North Carolina; Motorola announced plans for a Made in the USA flagship; and Apple made good on Cook's promise with its latest Mac Pro. However, even with President Barack Obama backing a return to American production and moves from big players like Apple and Google, the fear of skilled labor shortages persists. In the lead-up to July 4th, we'll bring you four stories in four days that explore what innovation in the United States looks like today and what that means for you.

In our first installment, Jason Hidalgo sits down with theoretical physicist Michio Kaku to talk about the dangers of a Silicon Valley brain drain and building the Death Star. On day two, Darren Murph takes a tour of Babcock Ranch, the once-hopeful site of "America's most sustainable city." On day three, we'll bring you Jamie Rigg's look at tech's reshoring efforts. And on the Fourth, Brian Heater will explore how one non-profit harnessed the power of big names like Bill Gates and Jack Dorsey to help bring coding to classrooms nationwide.

For more from the field and the factory floor, keep it locked here as we explore what it means to be Made in the USA.

DNP Made in the USA Four stories in four daysDNP Made in the USA Four stories in four daysDNP Made in the USA Four stories in four daysDNP Made in the USA Four stories in four daysFuture Soldier: Michio KakuA Green Dream DeferredAmerican ReduxCoding is Fundamental.... when.eng("eng.perm.init")

For one day only, Uber will offer $3,000 helicopter rides to the Hamptons

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Too good for the Jitney? Uber has a special one-time offer that might be up your diamond-strewn alley. From 12PM to 8PM this Wednesday, Uber will be providing $3,000 helicopter rides to the Hamptons to promote its new summertime service in the exclusive Long Island enclave. If you're located in New York City, an SUV will whisk you to the most conveniently located helipad, where your flying chariot will await. Once you land, another SUV will be at the ready to complete your journey. If you miss out on the extremely limited-time offer, fear not. Uber's new service, also launching on Wednesday, will provide $300 one way trips between NYC and the Hamptons. And when you get there, don't forget to send Jay Gatsby our regards.

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Try These Candy-Colored Lip Tints for Summer

Were you ever that kid who liked to take a Jolly Rancher, lick it, then smear its sugary goodness all over your lips to tint them a cherry-flavored red? Yeah, well, Clarins' new summer lipsticks, the Crystal Balms, look and smell like Jolly Ranchers but leave behind a better color payoff. The lipstick-balm hybrids come in four punchy colors; while the green and blue options look a bit unusual, it's the center hue that really paints your lips.

The jelly-like exterior of each bullet is really just a clear, hydrating balm. So when you apply the lipstick to your mouth, the center leaves behind a full impact wash of color, while the outer part delivers a subtle touch of shine. The actual application is a bit tricky. When you smear it over your lips, the balm prevents an allover swipe of color, only leaving a trace of pigment on the inner parts of your pucker. You'll have to swipe it on, smush your lips around to more evenly distribute the hue, then go back and finesse or clean up the edges.

My personal favorite is Crystal Berry (the one with the bluish outer hue). Like the name suggests, it painted my mouth a flattering blackberry. Crystal Mandarin looked like my favorite popsicle flavor, but turns out I don't look great with orange-y lips.

The formula feels nice on the lips. Not overly heavy or too lipstick-like. It almost borders on a tinted ChapStick kind of feel but with more pigment. Even if you're not in a colorful mood, just smear the outside part on your mouth for a moisturizing swipe of clear lip balm. Just don't eat it afterward.


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Microsoft to sell 256GB Surface Pro in the US, but only through certain resellers (updated)

Microsoft announces Surface commercial expansion

July 01, 2013

Microsoft announces business-channel expansion plans, commercial app development program and new education incentives.

REDMOND, Wash. - July 1, 2013 - Microsoft Corp. today announced the initial phase of its business-channel expansion plans for the Surface family of PCs, along with AppsForSurface - a new Surface application-development program for independent software vendors (ISVs).

As part of its measured and phased approach to the growth of the Surface business, Microsoft announced the Microsoft Devices Program, which allows customers to purchase Surface and commercial services through authorized resellers. The two-tier program establishes Ingram Micro Inc., SYNNEX Corp. and Tech Data Corp. as inaugural device-authorized distributors to sell Surface to a newly designated group of device-authorized commercial resellers. Today, these resellers include CDW, CompuCom Systems Inc., En Pointe Technologies, Insight Enterprises Inc., PC Connection Inc., PCM Inc., SHI International Corp., Softchoice, Softmart and Zones Inc. In addition to offering Microsoft's extended warranty and accidental damage, resellers bring a variety of value-added services to the Surface family such as asset tagging, custom imaging, kitting, onsite service and support, device recycling. and data protection. During the next few months, Microsoft will work to authorize commercial distributors and resellers in more countries.

AppsForSurface, a new ISV program that provides devices and funding for Surface-specific business applications, addresses the growing demand for Surface enterprise applications. Current program participants include Airstrip, Citrix, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and Sage.

In June, Microsoft announced a one-time offer for Surface RT starting at $199 for qualifying educational institutes running until the end of August in 26 countries, valid for all K–12 schools and universities purchasing direct from Microsoft. In the coming days, Microsoft will expand this offer into the commercial channel starting with Authorized Surface Resellers in the United States. Microsoft has a long tradition of delivering high-quality solutions for education, and this offer is intended to get Surface in the hands of even more educators and students.


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Microsoft preps standalone gold Xbox 360 controller, brings new glitz to old consoles

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Microsoft preps standalone gold Xbox 360 controller, brings new glitz to old consoles

Redesign notwithstanding, the Xbox 360 is clearly in its twilight years. Wouldn't it be nice to give the system a retirement gift? Microsoft thinks so, as it just unveiled a stand-alone gold version of its Chrome Series controller. The wireless gamepad shares the same transforming D-pad as past special editions, but ups the flashiness by a factor of ten -- and won't require that you buy a Star Wars-themed console at the same time. Microsoft ships the $55 gold controller worldwide this August, although it will only be available at a handful of stores, including GameStop and the Microsoft Store in the US.

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