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SpecTech: Updates on Microsoft, Android, others

This week was about more tablets, a new phone, Netflix figuring out its next move, and Microsoft is all about streaming content.

Microsoft has revealed a huge line up of streaming content for its Xbox 360 gaming console.

Upcoming content includes CinemaNow, Bravo, Crackle, Dailymotion, EPIX, HBO GO, iHeartRadio and Manga Entertainment.

MSN with MSNBC, Syfy, TMZ, The Today Show, UFC, Verizon FiOs TV, VEVO, and Xfinity On Demand are the streaming services coming to Xbox 360 this fall.

Most of these channels will be included in your purchase of an Xbox LIVE Gold account; however HBO GO, Netflix, Hulu Plus, EPIX, Verizon FiOs TV, and Xfinity On Demand still require a paid subscription to use.

Among these, YouTube and Bing search engine will also be coming to the new Xbox dashboard update coming Nov. 25 according to GigaOM and ign.com

Speaking of Xbox, it seems their biggest franchise may still be coming out with a movie next year.

The Halo movie that has been in development hell for years may now be in the works with DreamWorks Pictures and Steven Spielberg.

We do not know very much about this, but a rumor suggests that the story will follow the story of a novel, Halo: Cryptum.

The movie is still scheduled to come out in 2012.

Following last week’s report of Netflix splitting into two companies, Netflix has now decided that it will not.

Netflix has cancelled all plans to split and will remain offering instant streaming, DVD’s, and Blu-rays.

It is unknown if Netflix will start to rent video games, like Qwikster had planned to. Netflix will also keep all current pricing.

Apple let it leak that it will be selling unlocked iPhone 4S’s in November, though these unlocked versions will only work on AT&T’s network as well as international GSM carriers.

You can buy a 16GB version for $649, 32GB at $749, and the 64GB phone for $849.

Surprisingly, Apple has shipped a “limited supply” of iPhone 4’s to Sprint.

Sprint will begin selling the original iPhone 4 on Friday and Saturday while supplies last.

You can pre-order today or hope to grab one if you walk in.

The 8GB iPhone will sell for $99.

In respect for Steve Jobs’ death, Google and Samsung have decided to delay the reveal of their next super phone.

“We believe this is not the right time to announce a new product as the world expresses tribute to Steve Jobs’ passing,” a Samsung spokesperson said. “We do not have information on the rescheduling of the event.”

Rumors have it that this new phone will be called the Samsung Galaxy Nexus and will be running on Android 4.0: Ice Cream Sandwich with a 4.65 inch Super AMOLED HD screen.

If you are wondering what Google’s new operating system looks like, look no further. A YouTube video leaked showing off Android 4.0: Ice Cream Sandwich. It looks and acts much l
like Android 3.0: Honeycomb, which only runs on tablets.

Ice Cream Sandwich is much faster, cleaner, and slicker than Android 2.0: Froyo, which is what most Android phones are running on now.

The only other thing known about the new operating system is that is has an update to its apps like Music 4.0 and Google+ 2.0.

A group called Myriad Group has developed an App called Alien Dalvik 2.0.

What does this app do? Well, it allows Android apps to be played on most devices. They will work with tablets, e-books, TV’s, and cars. This even includes Apple products like the iPhone and iPad.

They think that this will encourage developers to make apps for Android and not just Apple’s App Store as well as pushing the operating system further.

Toshiba has created a tablet that they call the thinnest and lightest tablet on the market. The Regza AT700 is a 10.1 inch tablet running Android 3.2: Honeycomb. It is 0.3 inches think and weighs 1.23 pounds.

This will be a video heavy tablet for its 1280×800 pixel resolution and their Resolution+ upscaling tech, to improve low-resolution video, 1.2 GHz dual-core TI OMAP 4430 processor and 1GB of RAM.

It will link to Regza TV’s and Blu-ray players via Wi-Fi.

This tablet, sadly, will launch only in Japan in mid December.

There is no word yet if it will come to the United States.

If you have no plans to purchase an iPhone 4S, but you thought that the voice command system, Siri, was really cool, then I have good news for you.

An app called Vlingo has been on Apple’s app market for some time now, but it is now free!

It works like Siri in composing e-mails, posting to Facebook, searching the web, and other tasks.

Keep in mind that to use this you will have to open the app and use the designated talk button, not just the Home button on the device, like Siri uses.

Sources: ign.com and Cnet.com

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