Viewers of online content are starting to prefer gaming consoles over computers

By Mike Flacy Published June 15, 2018

Xbox 360 vs. PS3 Media Centers — Image used with permission by copyright holder

According to a recent study from Strategy Analytics, gaming consoles have become the preferred method within U.S. households for watching online movies, television and Web video on televisions. Approximately 12 percent of U.S. households (15 million) use a PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 to consume online media. This percentage of people is much higher than consumers hooking up a PC to a television or third-party, set-top box solutions like the media streamer from Roku. While the personal computer remains the dominant device for consuming online media, 65 percent of Xbox 360 owners under the age of 25 watch more movies and television shows through the console rather than on a desktop or laptop computer.

Both Microsoft and Sony have taken strides over the last twelve months to make the Xb0x 360 and PlayStation 3 more attractive for gamers that consumer entertainment. Last November, Sony partnered with Vudu to bring a wider selection of high definition movies to the platform. During October, Microsoft announced a barrage of partners for Web streaming content in addition to cable TV content. Partners include Comcast, Bravo, HBO, TMZ, ESPN, Crackle, Verizon and AT&T. According to Microsoft, video consumption has tripled over the previous year and Xbox Live users collectively spend more than two billion hours a month on the premium service.

Many of the included video updates announced last month by Microsoft will become available when the Fall dashboard update goes live to all Xbox 360 owners. As of November1, the Fall update is currently undergoing close Beta testing. Beta testers have been supplied with a 25-digit code to redeem through the Xbox Live dashboard. Microsoft then supplies the dashboard update to the console tied to the account within three to five days. Beta testers are under a non-disclosure agreement for the duration of the test which is expected to last up to three months according to the original email from Microsoft.

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Gaming

Ubisoft confirms Assassin’s Creed remakes are in the works

Basim perched on a ledge overlooking Baghdad

In a company interview with CEO Yves Guillemot posted on the Ubisoft website Thursday, the executive reveals that there are remakes of Assassin's Creed games in the works, although he doesn't specify which ones.

"Players can be excited about some remakes, which will allow us to revisit some of the games we've created in the past and modernize them," he says, implying that it could pertain to games made before Odyssey. "There are worlds in some of our older Assassin's Creed games that are still extremely rich."

Gaming

Surfaced patent shows what an Xbox streaming console would’ve looked like

An Xbox Series X sits next to both Series S models.

There have been a few Xbox devices that have never come to fruition, one of which was Keystone, a prototype for an affordable game streaming device you could hook up to your TV or monitor. Thanks to a surfaced patent, we've gotten an even closer look at what it would've potentially looked like.

The patent, first spotted by Windows Central, gives us a more complete view of the device. We've previously seen the Keystone in the flesh. Microsoft Gaming head Phil Spencer is known for hiding teases and interesting collectibles on the shelf in his office. In a 2022 X (formerly Twitter) post congratulating Bethesda on Fallout's 25th anniversary, you can see a small white device on the top shelf that's actually a Keystone prototype. Xbox told Digital Trends that it was a version of the device made before it decided to "refocus our efforts on a new approach.”

Gaming

Wordle Today: Wordle answer and hints for June 28

Someone playing Wordle on a smartphone.

We have the solution to Wordle on June 28, as well as some helpful hints to help you figure out the answer yourself, right here. We've placed the answer at the bottom of the page, so we don't ruin the surprise before you've had a chance to work through the clues. So let's dive in, starting with a reminder of yesterday's answer.
Yesterday's Wordle answer
Let's start by first reminding ourselves of yesterday's Wordle answer for those new to the game or who don't play it daily, which was "ORDER." So we can say that the Wordle answer today definitely isn't that. Now, with that in mind, perhaps take another stab at it using one of these Wordle starting words and circle back if you have no luck.
Hints for today's Wordle
Still can't figure it out? We have today's Wordle answer right here, below. But first, one more thing: Let's take a look at three hints that could help you find the solution, without giving it away, so there's no need to feel guilty about keeping your streak alive -- you put in some work, after all! Or just keep scrolling for the answer.

Today’s Wordle includes the letter D.
Today’s Wordle uses two vowels.
Today's Wordle can refer to a large number of animals, particularly livestock like cattle or sheep, that are moving together in a group.