Vudu and UFC Available for Xbox

In a move which signifies the start of a period of increased launch activity Microsoft has announced the availability of two anticipated apps for its Xbox console. Vudu, the video streaming service, and an app by the UFC for live and Pay-Per-View events continue the trend of the console being used as a media consumption device via its very popular Xbox Live platform. The company has announced plans to launch at least 40 new entertainment and media apps in the coming months.

For some time, Microsoft has been repositioning its console and online platform. Originally focused on its core function of gaming, it has now developed into one of the leading online content-consumption devices. These releases, along with several others this year, will serve to consolidate their already-strong position and perhaps serve as a spring board in its quest to grow its market share and lead the industry.

Popular UFC Event “Sold Out”

The UFC app, in particular, could help them achieve their goals. Mixed martial arts (MMA) is extremely popular, and is one of the fastest-growing sports today. Reports late last month were that the large number of downloads forced the UFC to announce that an event promised free to those who download the app was no longer available. Fans of the sport reported being able to see the event listed via the Xbox app for free, but were unable to order it.  Under pressure from consumers, the UFC released additional free Pay-Per-Views for UFC 141 prior to the December 30^th event.

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Kinectimals Show iOS Some Love

Kinectimals, the virtual interactive pet simulator from Microsoft has been released for iOS devices. The game was a favorite on Microsoft’s Xbox console and originally used the popular Kinect add-on to interact with on-screen animals. The iOS version of Kinectimals, which is available for iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad, now uses touch-based controls. The new control scheme is at once more personal and intuitive and gives a genuine sense of connection and immersion.

At the start of Kinectimals, you are presented with an option to choose one of five pet types: African Lion and Leopard, Royal Bengal Tiger, Cheetah, and Black Panther. The game has multiple save slots so you can choose to pick one or all five animals if you like, saving each choice separately. There is also an unlockable animal that you get as an option after completing various tasks and achievements.

The gameplay consists of two “modes.” You can play with your animal in a non-competitive setting, or you can participate in games. There are a number of challenges that initially function as a tutorial, but the difficulty increases over time. Completing challenges will enable you to level-up your pet and will earn you money and rewards. You use money earned to purchase food and other items for your animal. The games in Kinectimals are increasingly competitive in nature. You gain experience for high scores and can advance through 20 levels.

Kinectimals is a visually-appealing game, the graphics being among the best for any iOS title. The soundtrack is light and child-like, but it suits the game well. The game AI is adaptive and makes for some pleasant surprises. Ignore your pet, for example, and it will try to entice you to play in various cute ways. The title has high production values and has a certain slickness about it. Though a bit light in depth, the game is a joy to play; anyone who enjoys this genre will want to pick it up.

Coming in at about 178 MB, Kinectimals is not a lightweight title, and those with space concerns will need to consider the size of the download when deciding whether or not to pick up this title. Another thing to keep in mind is that the game makes use of location tracking. It does prominently state, however, that your information will not be shared. Location tracking can be disabled under Settings. You can also simply deny the initial request when it is presented to you at the start of the game.

Kinectimals is available now for $2.99 at the App store.