Shopping: Xbox 360 Live Gold – 12 Month Membership on Sale for $39.99 (Via GameStop) (US Only)

Deal alert:

For those who have Xbox Live Gold Memberships or if you are considering moving your live membership from silver to gold, this is a really good time. GameStop is currently offering the Live Gold 12 month membership for $39.99 (That’s $20 off the regular price)

Some of the Xbox Gold Membership benefits –

Instantly watch HD movies and TV shows from Netflix (Netflix membership required as well)
3,500 live and on-demand sports and highlights from ESPN on Xbox LIVE
Video Kinect, Facebook and Twitter on your TV
Personalized music from Zune and Last.fm
Play games online with friends

There is no physical card to buy and this offer is only good at GameStop online. If you are interested in purchasing the 12 Month Gold Card go to (LINK) GameStop Online (http://www NULL.gamestop NULL.com/xbox-360/dlc/xbox-360-live-12-month-gold-card-dlc/84540?cid=eml_10000433)

**Unfortunately, GameStop lists this offer as “Downloads to U.S. addresses only”.

Android: Tech Geek and More Preferred Apps List. (Updated 1/8/12)

I’ve been enjoying my Sprint EVO phone since it’s release. Coming from years of using Windows Mobile, learning Android has been “interesting” to say the least. Since I converted to droid, I have found some apps that were nothing more than garbage, while at the same time finding many others that I now find myself not being able to live without.

The Tech Geek and More Android Phone list has now been updated (1/8/12). You can visit the Preferred Apps page to see the complete list (LINK) http://www.techgeekandmore.com/android-tech-geek-and-more-preferred-apps-list-updated-1111/

The list are apps that are currently in my “Cant live without” category.

Shopping: Black Friday 2011 Deal–Acer Iconia Tab (Refurb) $269 w/Case

Currently on the (LINK) Best Buy (http://www NULL.bestbuy NULL.com/site/searchpage NULL.jsp?_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&_dynSessConf=-2385739114435906649&id=pcat17071&type=page&st=iconia+tab&sc=Global&cp=1&nrp=15&sp=&qp=&list=n&iht=y&usc=All+Categories&ks=960) website, they are offering a refurbished Acer Iconia Tab 16 GB Tablet with Case for $269.99.

As someone who has tried virtually all 10” tablets, and owns an Iconia Tab (That I paid $399 without a case), I can highly recommend this tablet. I know it lists as a refurbished model, from the Best Buy (http://www NULL.bestbuy NULL.com/site/Electronics-Promotions/Refurbished+Product+FAQs/pcmcat249600050017 NULL.c?id=pcmcat249600050017) site, here is what that means

The Iconia Tab looks and feels well built, and comes well equipped. The Iconia Tab has the follow specifications

Product Height

0.5″

Product Width

10.2″

Product Weight

1.7 lbs..

Product Depth

7″

Processor

NVIDIA Tegra 2

Processor Speed

1.0GHz

Display Type

Widescreen WXGA high-definition multitouch (1280 x 800)

Screen Size (Measured Diagonally)

10.1″

Storage Capacity

16GB

SD Card Slot

Yes

Adobe Flash Compatible

Yes

Front Facing Webcam Pixels

2.0MP

(Rear) Digital Camera Pixels

5.0MP

Wi-Fi Built In

Yes

Bluetooth-Enabled

Yes

USB 2.0 Ports

HDMI Output

Yes

Operating System

Android 3.0 Honeycomb (at boot up)

(Will upgrade to v3.2)

The Tablet comes with Honeycomb 3.0 installed. Acer has released the 3.2 upgrade for the tablet, so you will be running the official LATEST version of Android. You will get prompted for the upgrade when you 1st boot up and get connected to the internet. In addition, for those of you who like to Root your Android devices, this is one of the simplest tablets to Root. Rooting instructions are on (LINK) Tech Geek and More (via XDA – Developers (http://forum NULL.xda-developers NULL.com/showthread NULL.php?t=1138228)).

Deals: Sale on Skype calling (From Groupon)

Groupon has a deal going on today for those who like to use Skype to as their home phone service. The Skype sale has 2 options -

For $30, you get one year of unlimited domestic calls, a $10 credit that buys about 400 international minutes, and a Skype-certified phone adapter by Freetalk (a $64.99 value).

For $30, you get three months of unlimited global calls and a Skype-certified phone adapter by Freetalk (a $59.99 value).

The Skype adapter, that you attach to your broadband router, uses your home phone to make calls. There are a few requirements for the Skype adapter, which you can view online (http://www NULL.skype NULL.com/intl/en-us/get-skype/home-phone/phone-adapter#sysreq). Users need a computer to set up the adapter, but not to make calls.

The Groupon deal expires at 11:59p on 10/8/2011, so this is a very limited time offer. The offer and additional information can be found on (LINK) Groupon (http://www NULL.groupon NULL.com/deals/skype-philadelphia?c=button&division=philadelphia&utm_source=newsletter&s=body&utm_medium=email&p=5&utm_campaign=skype-philadelphia&sid=10991356&utm_content=all-deals_philadelphia&date=20111007&user=fb6b85aadd837c8af610af8758b032fcab074d9b56faf9d196e70e0fea3791c6).

Shopping: Deal on Extended Battery HTC EVO 4G and EVO 3D

One of the biggest complaints I regularly get asked about the HTC EVO phones (Original EVO 4G and EVO 3D) concerns battery life. Unfortunately, HTC decided to use the smaller 1500 mAh batteries as the default battery for the EVO and the (not much bigger) 1730 mAh battery for the EVO 3D. Because of this, the battery life on both phones is less than a day and for heavy power users can get as little as 3 to 4 hours of battery.

I have a simple and inexpensive solution, that will get the average user as much as 2 days and power users at least a full day (plus a little bit more) of battery life.

The suggestion is to get a replacement “extended” battery. The EVO 4G extended battery is a 3500 mAh battery. The cost including ground shipping (when you apply Coupon Code – htc20phones) is $12.79 for the EVO 4G.

The HTC EVO 4G extended battery can be found at HandHelditems (Link)http://www.handhelditems.com/premium-3500-extended-battery-door-p-159471.html (http://www NULL.handhelditems NULL.com/premium-3500-extended-battery-door-p-159471 NULL.html)

The extended battery for the EVO 3D is also a 3500 mAh battery. The EVO 3D battery will run you $15.19 (again, you need to apply coupon code – htc20phones to get the discount). It has the same shipping options as the EVO 4G.

The EVO 3D extended battery can be found at HandHelditems (LINK) http://www.handhelditems.com/premium-extended-battery-with-back-cover-3500-grade-cell-p-171410.html (http://www NULL.handhelditems NULL.com/premium-extended-battery-with-back-cover-3500-grade-cell-p-171410 NULL.html)

Both batteries include a replacement back cover for your phone. As these batteries as just a little bigger than the batteries that come with the phone, the original battery cover does not fit.

Lastly, Both batteries have a couple of shipping options. Ground shipping for FREE, Regular Express (3 to 5 days) and Priority Express ( 2 to 4 days) for an additional fee (which is based on your zip code), but I recommend staying with Ground Shipping. I received my battery via ground in 4 days.

Software: Apps review for tablets (based on the Iconia Tab A500)–Pt. 1

Since the beginning of the Android tablets, the biggest complaint I’ve seen on reviews are things like “The lack of Tablet apps in Android” or “Not many apps that are optimized for tablets” or … well you get the idea. My biggest beef with all these reviews is that none of them seem to talk about what actually happens to apps that aren’t “optimized” when they get installed on a tablet, or list apps that don’t actually work on tablets, or even list a recommended apps list for tablets.

So my goal is not only to list a recommended apps list for tablets (based on what is installed on my Iconia Tablet) but also list apps that don’t work or have issues on tablets. This list I’m sure will be an ever changing list.

You will find the link on the Android Apps for Tablets page (LINK) http://www.techgeekandmore.com/software-apps-review-for-tablets-based-on-the-iconia-tab-a500pt-1/

PC: Protecting your files–Online Backup w/iDrive

There is only 1 guarantee with computers, eventually it will crash. In the past it wasn’t that big a deal, as long as you kept a backup copy of the important documents on floppy disks (rememba them?) or on CD / external hard drive in case something happened. Now most people have their entire lives on the pc, from financial documents, to family pictures, to downloads (since a majority of software and music is now a download and not physical media). We have gig’s and gig’s of things that people would consider critical that would be expensive or impossible to replace (I currently have just over 100 gigs in my existing backup, between documents, pictures, and music alone).

Do you realize that all media providers put the responsibility on you (the end user) to do your own back up’s and if something happens to your hard drive that all you may get is “Sorry but you have to pay for them AGAIN!”. Some providers may allow a no cost recovery download to get your files back but you should never count on it.

(From the iTunes Site as an example – In Bold)

Additional Information

¹ Automatic Downloads and downloading previous purchases are not compatible with iPhone 4 (CDMA Model). Automatic Downloads and downloading past purchased music is supported only in the US and is not compatible with iPhone 4 (CDMA Model). Previous purchases may be unavailable if they are no longer on the iTunes Store

This week alone I took 2 different calls of clients that had pc crashes. One pc was a couple of years old, the other one was less than 3 months old (so don’t think, That wont happen to me because I have a new pc). In both cases the clients had an online back up setup using iDrive (http://www NULL.idrive NULL.com/?p=techgeekandmore). All that happened was that they got their replacement pc’s, we connected to iDrive and they downloaded all their important files. No lost files, only minimal downtime. Last week, I took a call from another client that lost her pc through theft and in her case, the burglar also took all her disks, including her only back up’s. She is now trying to recover from scratch and has years of pictures that she may never get back.

I have been using iDrive for years now, and have always recommended it to friends and family as a way to protect what is important to them. Since the beginning of Tech Geek and More, TGM has been a referral partner for iDrive because I know it works.

The recommended back up strategy is a multi part approach.

Have a backup locally. Be it to Disks (CD most likely) or to an External Hard Drive.
Have a backup remotely. This should be in a secure encrypted manor.

Two of the biggest reasons for the remote backup are FIRE and THEFT (as shown above). A backup doesn’t work if you cant get to it.

There really REALLY REALLY is no reason why you shouldn’t have a backup solution. If you have just a small number of documents that you need to protect, iDrive offers 5 gigs of service for free (that amount can grow if you refer others to iDrive). If you have more than 5 gigs, the costs are as little as $4.95 a month.

There is even a plan that lets you backup as many as 5 pc’s under 1 account (for a total of 500 gig’s of space), for just $14.95 a month and those 5 pc’s don’t have to be in the same home. In addition iDrive has a discount for education

Sign up with your .edu or k12.state.us domain based email address to avail 50% off on IDrive Pro Personal and Pro Family plans.

iDrive is pc and Mac compatible, and has apps for both Android and iPhone that allow you to have access to your backup files from your smart phone (LINK) http://www.idrive.com/idrive-for-iphone.htm (http://www NULL.idrive NULL.com/idrive-for-iphone NULL.htm)

To view a demo of iDrive (LINK) http://www.idrive.com/online-backup-demo.htm (http://www NULL.idrive NULL.com/online-backup-demo NULL.htm)

To sign up for iDrive service follow this (LINK) http://www.idrive.com/?p=techgeekandmore (http://www NULL.idrive NULL.com/?p=techgeekandmore) or just click on the iDrive banner on the right side of Tech Geek and More.

(Disclaimer – Tech Geek and More does get a small referral fee for those signing up with a paid iDrive account. However, this recommendation would be exactly the same even if Tech Geek and More was not getting anything).

Tech Geek and More’s Preferred Android Apps (as of July 2011)

I have just posted my current app list (these are the apps that are loaded on my phone). In the list I’ve labeled “TGM Favorite” the apps I consider best of the best (in my opinion)

My list can be found here (LINK) http://www.techgeekandmore.com/android-tech-geek-and-more-preferred-apps-list-updated-1111/

The list is as of July 1, 2011

Phone: HTC Evo 4G
95 total, 90 free (94%), 5 paid (5%),

**Please keep in mind that I use a rooted Phone. So a few of these app’s are limited to Rooted phone users. Those app’s that require rooted phone’s are labeled accordingly whenever possible.

Software: Microsoft Windows 7 Upgrade – Family 3 user pack (For sale until tomorrow 12/31/10) Amazon.com

According to Amazon.com (LINK http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002MV2MG0/sr=1-3/qid=1293296188/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&qid=1293296188&sr=1-3&seller= (http://www NULL.amazon NULL.com/gp/product/B002MV2MG0/sr=1-3/qid=1293296188/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&qid=1293296188&sr=1-3&seller=) ) sale of the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Family Pack (3-users) will end tomorrow 12/31/10.

Limited Edition Product

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Family Pack allows users to install Windows 7 Home Premium on up to three PCs in a household that already has Windows Vista or Windows XP installed. If you’re not running Windows XP or Windows Vista, you’ll need to purchase the Full version of Windows 7.

This product is available for a limited time and will be available to purchase until December 31, or while supplies last.

The 3 user upgrade costs $124.99 (that’s $41.66 per pc)

Usually a single pc upgrade is listed at Amazon for $109.99 (LINK: http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Premium-Upgrade/dp/B002DHLUWK/ref=sr_1_2?s=software&ie=UTF8&qid=1293719426&sr=1-2 (http://www NULL.amazon NULL.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Premium-Upgrade/dp/B002DHLUWK/ref=sr_1_2?s=software&ie=UTF8&qid=1293719426&sr=1-2) ).

As always before upgrading it is suggested (which means you really really REALLY should run this) that you use the Microsoft Upgrade advisor (LINK: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/upgrade-advisor.aspx (http://www NULL.microsoft NULL.com/windows/windows-7/get/upgrade-advisor NULL.aspx) ) to make sure that your pc is strong enough to run Windows 7.

Microsoft: Kinect titles announced – 17 titles to start.

Microsoft has now officially announced the starting line up for the upcoming Kinect hands free gaming add-on for the XBOX 360. Kinect will start with 17 titles and will have something for everyone. The following comes from the Microsoft Press Release (LINK) http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2010/oct10/10-18MSKinectUSPR.mspx (http://www NULL.microsoft NULL.com/presspass/press/2010/oct10/10-18MSKinectUSPR NULL.mspx) . These are just the 1st games for the series, but the titles for 1st generation Kinect seem interesting (My opinion on that).

With 17 Kinect-enabled titles debuting in November, Kinect for Xbox 360 offers something for gamers (and nongamers) of every stripe.

Family Game Night … With a Kinect Twist

Befriend a playful tiger cub, collect treasures from around the globe or cast a spell in the wizarding world. Whether adopting a new family pet in “Kinectimals” (Frontier Developments Ltd./Microsoft Game Studios), or embarking on a wet and wild rafting trip in “Kinect Adventures” (Good Science Studio/Microsoft Game Studios), Kinect for Xbox 360 is the one gift the whole family will enjoy this holiday season.

•

“Kinect Adventures” (Good Science Studio/Microsoft Game Studios), included with every Kinect sensor, Nov. 4. Float in outer space. Experience the thrill of roaring rapids. Tackle mountaintop obstacle courses. And dive into the deep sea to save a leaky underwater observatory — all from your living room. With “Kinect Adventures,” you are the controller as you jump, dodge and kick your way through exciting adventures set in a variety of exotic locations. “Kinect Adventures” is designed with something for everyone to enjoy and will be available with every Kinect sensor and Kinect bundle sold.

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“Kinectimals” (Frontier Developments Ltd./Microsoft Game Studios), $49.99 ERP (U.S.)/$59.99 ERP (U.S.) limited collector’s edition, Nov. 4. “Kinectimals” invites children, their parents and animal lovers of all ages to build lasting friendships with some of the world’s most exotic creatures. Just like real pets, your feline cubs will come running when they hear your voice, respond to commands such as “jump,” “roll over” and “play dead,” and purr with joy when you scratch them behind their ears. Limited collector’s editions of the “Kinectimals” game packaged with a 7” plush toy that unlocks a new animal and toy in the game will be available exclusively at Toys “R” Us and GameStop.

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“Game Party™: In Motion” (Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment), $39.99 ERP (U.S.), Nov. 18. The popular party game value series comes to Kinect for Xbox 360. “Game Party: In Motion” lets players engage in true-to-life motions with 16 games appealing to people of all ability levels, ranging from sports such as Hoop Shoot and Darts to arcade and party games, including Rootbeer Tapper, Table Hockey and more.

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“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 1 The Videogame” (Electronic Arts/EA Bright Light), $49.99 ERP (U.S.), Nov. 16. “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 1 The Videogame” is the most challenging yet, packed from start to finish with action and combat. Playing as Harry, you are on the run from the opening sequence, fighting for survival on a desperate and dangerous quest to locate and destroy Voldemort’s Horcruxes. And with 22 exclusive Kinect challenges, conjure the weapons of magical warfare where your motions make the magic, only on Xbox 360.

Off the Couch and Into the Gym

Kinect gives you all-new ways to swing, sweat and step up your workout with a range of exclusive dance and fitness games. From martial arts and yoga to a variety of activities in “Your Shape: Fitness Evolved” (Ubisoft) to the iconic personal trainers of “The Biggest Loser Ultimate Workout” (THQ), you’ve never had a living room workout like this before.

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“Your Shape™: Fitness Evolved” (Ubisoft), $49.99 ERP (U.S.), Nov. 4. With Kinect for Xbox 360 and “Your Shape: Fitness Evolved,” you will experience the most advanced fitness technology available, your way and on your schedule. The advanced feedback system detects when your body is out of alignment and coaches you to correct your form. Personalize your workout, challenge your friends and share your progress while achieving real results.

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“Dance Central” (MTV Games/Harmonix), $49.99 ERP (U.S.), Nov. 4. From the creators of “Rock Band” comes the next great music experience: “Dance Central,” the first controller-free, body tracking, fully immersive dance video game that helps you take your moves to the next level. Featuring more than 90 routines and 650 dance moves, every routine has authentic choreography for beginners and experts alike to master, alongside a killer soundtrack that spans today’s current pop, hip-hop and R&B artists. You won’t just learn the dance moves — you’ll own the dance floor.

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“The Biggest Loser Ultimate Workout” (THQ), $49.99 ERP (U.S.), Nov. 4. Based on the hit television show, “The Biggest Loser Ultimate Workout” comes to Kinect offering the ultimate workout experience. Complete your fitness program using the interactive motion control sensors providing real-time feedback. From a body analyzer and recipes to personalized tips and a video diary to track your journey, “The Biggest Loser Ultimate Workout” fitness game has it all to drop the weight and change your life.

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“DanceMasters” (Konami), $49.99 ERP (U.S.), Nov. 4. The pioneer of the franchise that started the dance game craze, Konami introduces a brand new way to experience music and rhythm. The next generation in full-body dancing is finally here.

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“EA SPORTS Active 2” (EA SPORTS), $99.95 ERP (U.S.), Nov. 16. “EA SPORTS Active 2” with Total Body Tracking will combine motion tracking from Kinect and heart rate data from the included wireless heart rate monitor to provide true fitness results. Users will be able to track and share their workout data online through automatic uploading from their online connected Xbox 360 consoles to their personalized EA SPORTS Active profile.

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“Zumba Fitness®” (Majesco), $49.99 ERP (U.S.), Nov. 18. Join the party with “Zumba Fitness,” a one-of-a-kind, dance fitness workout set to sexy, high-energy Latin and international music. Find your rhythm and let go as “Zumba” instructor fan favorites Gina Grant, Tanya Beardsley and “Zumba” creator, Beto, guide you through 30 routines that will work you into a sweat and make you forget you’re even exercising.

Co-Op or Compete? The Choice Is Yours

Step onto the field with the first generation of sports games that turn your whole body into the controller. Want to play soccer? With Kinect, you use your feet — not your thumbs! Hone your skills solo, or compete with friends at home and afar over Xbox LIVE. Beach volleyball, boxing, skiing and more — Kinect offers something for athletes of every stripe.

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“Kinect Sports” (Rare/Microsoft Game Studios), $49.99 ERP (U.S.), Nov. 4. The first full-body, controller-free sports game that lets you physically compete with friends over Xbox LIVE, “Kinect Sports” is so real, you will almost feel the wind in your hair as you fly over hurdles and the sand in your toes as you set, bump and spike your way to volleyball victory. With six full sports — Soccer, Beach Volleyball, Track & Field, Boxing, Bowling and Table Tennis — “Kinect Sports” is the only title with a Team vs. Team mode, allowing the whole family to play in a fast-paced tournament style competition.

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“MotionSports™” (Ubisoft) — $49.99 ERP(U.S.) — Nov. 4. Grab your friends and rush the living room, it is time to catapult into the wide world of “MotionSports.” Race down the slopes of a Super G slalom, score a mind-blowing penalty kick, duck-and-run your way to a game-winning touchdown, or throw punches at the champ as you test your skills in more than 40 awesome sports challenges. The “MotionSports” live in-game commentary will follow your hits and misses, as you compete to go from local hero to a global sports phenomenon.

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“DECA SPORTS FREEDOM” (Hudson Entertainment), Price TBA, Holiday 2010.Hudson Entertainment is taking sports to the next level with 10 sporting events you play using your own body in “DECA SPORTS FREEDOM.” No controller necessary — just move yourself as if you were playing the sport in real life. Spin, throw and smash your way to victory across all of the included events: tennis, boxing, archery, paintball, beach volleyball, dodge ball, kendo, mogul skiing, snowboard cross, and even figure skating.

Thrills, Spills and All-Out Action

Get your adrenaline fix with new, controller-free ways to race and rumble. Kinect removes the barrier between you and your games, delivering action and excitement like nothing you’ve experienced before.

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“Kinect Joy Ride” (Big Park/Microsoft Game Studios), $49.99 ERP(U.S.), Nov. 4. “Kinect Joy Ride,” the first controller-free racing game, will take you and your friends on the ride of your lives — no driver’s license required. “Kinect Joy Ride” combines wild kart-racing excitement with the effortless fun of full-body gaming possible only with Kinect for Xbox 360. Go solo or compete with up to eight players over Xbox LIVE to take on the world.²

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“ADRENALIN MISFITS” (Konami), $49.99 ERP(U.S.), Nov. 4.“Adrenalin Misfits” thrusts gamers into unbelievable fantasy worlds with exciting, sideways-stance boarding battles in amazing environments. It’s not just a race, it’s a battle!

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“Fighters Uncaged” (Ubisoft), $49.99 ERP(U.S.), Nov. 4. Charge head-first into the vicious world of illegal free-fighting tournaments, where you will use every muscle in your body to battle your way to the top. Forced into a secret tournament, Simon must use what he learned from his father, an ex-boxing champ, as he faces off against violent combatants who will brutally unleash a range of mixed martial arts attacks to take him down. No guns. No blades. Your body is the deadly weapon.

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“SONIC FREE RIDERS™” (SEGA), $49.95 ERP (U.S.), Nov. 4. Sonic is speeding onto Kinect for Xbox 360 in an action-packed experience unlike any other. Become your favorite character as you jump on your board and compete in adrenaline-fueled races against tough competition. For the first time use full-motion body control to twist and turn your way through a range of stunning courses.

Amazing Entertainment, Unbelievable Value

So much more than just games, Kinect brings entertainment to life in magical new ways, offering controller-free TV, movies, music and sports and connecting family and friends from coast to coast with video chat from the comfort of the living room. With Xbox LIVE, jump right into a movie in instant-on 1080p high-definition simply by saying “Xbox, play,” or thumb through millions of songs from Zune with just a wave of your hand. You can even literally reach out and freeze the frame on that game-changing touchdown or three-pointer with ESPN on Xbox LIVE. With cutting-edge experiences for movie buffs, music lovers, sports gurus and gamers alike, Kinect and Xbox 360 bring the living room of the future home this holiday.³ For more information, visit http://www.kinectholiday.com (http://www NULL.kinectholiday NULL.com).

Follow Kinect on Facebook as we tour the world, transforming how people experience games and entertainment. More information is available at http://www.facebook.com/xbox (http://www NULL.facebook NULL.com/xbox).

**Keep in mind that retailers are already warning of possible shortages for the holiday season, so if this is a must have Holiday gift it is highly recommended you start now, by getting yourself on a reservations or waiting list for the Kinect.

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