Engadget RSS Feed http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2013 AOL Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ <![CDATA[Rock Band creators team up with Disney for next-gen in 'Fantasia: Music Evolved,' headed to Xbox One / 360 in 2014]]> http://www.engadget.com/2013/06/04/disney-harmonix-fantasia-xbox-one/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2013/06/04/disney-harmonix-fantasia-xbox-one/ http://www.engadget.com/2013/06/04/disney-harmonix-fantasia-xbox-one/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments

The tattoo-laden, musically-inclined game developers behind Frequency, Amplitude, Guitar Hero, Rock Band and Dance Central are taking on Disney's Fantasia, this morning announcing next-gen Kinect game Fantasia: Music Evolved. Like its last game franchise, Harmonix is keeping exclusive to Microsoft game consoles with Kinect -- the game is planned for launch some time in 2014 on both Xbox One and Xbox 360.

Fantasia: Music Evolved -- which we're assuming must feature Master Chief somewhere given the naming convention and Microsoft exclusivity -- aims to turn gamers into aspiring orchestra conductors. Er ... sort of. The game is played by using both your arms to synchronously gesture in a variety of directions, with two on-screen icons indicating how to place your arms and which direction you'll be gesturing toward. Ostensibly, the game asks players to conduct various pop songs (Bruno Mars' "Locked Out of Heaven" and Queens' "Bohemian Rhapsody," among others), occasionally punctuated with a push, depth-wise, for various auditory flairs (among other things). You are the sorcerer's apprentice, conducting the heavens (as it were). Moreover, the songs get remixed as you go along, with players choosing one of four musical styles to introduce dynamically as the track continues to play in the background. If it sounds overwhelming, that's because it is.

Gallery: Fantasia: Music Evolved

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]]> disneyfantasiamusicevolvedharmonixhdpostcrosskinectmicrosoftxbox360xboxone Tue, 04 Jun 2013 09:00:00 -0400 21|20597059 <![CDATA[Harmonix drops the mic, Rock Band weekly DLC ending on April 2nd]]> http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/18/rock-band-weekly-dlc-ending-april-2/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/18/rock-band-weekly-dlc-ending-april-2/ http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/18/rock-band-weekly-dlc-ending-april-2/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments DNP Harmonix drops the mic, Rock Band weekly DLC ending April 2nd

After 275 consecutive weeks of DLC that produced over 4,000 songs, Harmonix is tuning up Rock Band for its final content release on April 2nd. As the once-prominent rock star sim walks up the Stairway to Heaven, its studio will release additional tracks and pro guitar upgrades. This final planned run of new content will include music from unnamed artists who have yet to be featured in the Rock Band series. Sure, this news is a bummer, but not all hope is lost. Harmonix clarified that this isn't the end of the Rock Band franchise as a whole, only its weekly DLC releases. So, don't go listing your plastic axe on eBay just yet, because you never know when or where Harmonix could announce a reunion tour.

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Source: Rock Band Forums

]]> DLCGamesHarmonixMusicRockBand Mon, 18 Feb 2013 17:42:00 -0500 21|20466232 <![CDATA[Hands-on with the first SmartGlass app, Dance Central 3's Party Time DJ]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/15/dance-central-3-smartglass/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/15/dance-central-3-smartglass/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/15/dance-central-3-smartglass/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Smartglass functionality arrives on Xbox 360 with Dance Central 3 tomorrow, we go handson

Since getting outed just head of Microsoft's big reveal, Xbox 360's SmartGlass has been under wraps. When Xbox Live VP Marc Whitten officially introduced SmartGlass soon after at E3 2012, we learned a teensy bit more -- tablets and smartphones (Android, Windows Phone 8, and iOS, even) would get second-screen functionality via an upcoming free application -- and got some hands-on time with it. That application has yet to launch, but Dance Central 3's SmartGlass functionality is already here. Well, almost here -- the game becomes publicly available tomorrow, and the app won't launch for a few weeks still -- but we got our hands on Dance Central 3's SmartGlass companion app a bit early at a New York City review event last week.

Being the first SmartGlass application to launch has its advantages, such as setting the bar. By no means is Dance Central 3's SmartGlass application a thorough, necessary accompaniment (for a game that already requires Kinect, that's probably a good choice), but it does add some neat side fun for friends waiting in the wings to get their respective grooves on. "Party Time DJ" allows friends -- employing their iOS, Droid, or WP8 tablet/smartphone, via the Xbox SmartGlass app -- to queue up the next song in the game's neverending "Party Time" mode, or create a playlist. They can also queue downloadable tracks to the Xbox 360 (which thankfully requires approval on the 360 prior to purchase), or swap difficulty settings. Sadly, though the opportunity for real-time griefing presents itself rather clearly here, developer Harmonix chose not to allow song-swapping or difficulty changes mid-song. "Because it would kill them," Harmonix rep Nick Chester told us.

Gallery: Dance Central 3 SmartGlass app

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]]> androidapplicationdance central 3DanceCentral3hands-onharmonixharmonix music systemsHarmonixMusicSystemsiosipadiphonekinectmicrosoftmicrosoft kinectMicrosoftKinectmobilepostcrossnick chesterNickChesterparty time djparty time modePartyTimeDjPartyTimeModesmart glassSmartGlasswindows 8windows phone 8Windows8WindowsPhone8xboxxbox 360Xbox360 Mon, 15 Oct 2012 09:00:00 -0400 21|20349653 <![CDATA[Harmonix aims beyond the music, wants to get physical]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/19/harmonix-aims-beyond-the-music-wants-to-get-physical/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/19/harmonix-aims-beyond-the-music-wants-to-get-physical/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/19/harmonix-aims-beyond-the-music-wants-to-get-physical/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Guitar Hero and Rock Band may have catapulted games developer Harmonix into the spotlight, but the games studio looks set to branch out more into motion-based, Kinect-friendly titles. Talking to our sister site, Joystiq, Harmonix CEO Alex Rigopulos said that his company's success with Dance Central had left them with an "affinity for motion gaming." With Guitar Hero currently in rehab, this might be a little clue to Harmonix's future releases. Gymnastics Hero, anyone?

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]]> gamingharmonixmotion gamingMotionGamingvideo gamesVideoGames Mon, 19 Sep 2011 19:43:00 -0400 21|20046065 <![CDATA[Squier Stratocaster for Rock Band 3 set to tour March 1st for $280]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/02/squier-stratocaster-for-rock-band-3-set-to-tour-march-1st-for-2/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/02/squier-stratocaster-for-rock-band-3-set-to-tour-march-1st-for-2/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/02/squier-stratocaster-for-rock-band-3-set-to-tour-march-1st-for-2/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments We've been waiting on this one for quite awhile... and well, we've got awhile longer. Fender has come clean with the price and release date of its Squier-branded Stratocaster for Rock Band 3 will hit the road on March 1st for just a penny shy of $280. The six-stringed warrior -- which also serves as a MIDI controller and a real instrument -- has far and away been our favorite method of playing the rhythm game's new pro guitar mode, and though the button-laden Mustang is available now for just over half the price, it really doesn't compare to the real thing here. Even the January 1st pre-order seems a ways off -- guess we'll be brushing up on our keytar skills in the meantime.

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]]> eaeletronic artsEletronicArtsfenderguitarharmonixmtvmtv gamesMtvGamespropro guitarProGuitarrock bandrock band 3RockBandRockBand3squierstratocaster Tue, 02 Nov 2010 19:35:00 -0400 21|19700291 <![CDATA[Rock Band 3 Fender Mustang Pro guitar review]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/22/rock-band-3-fender-mustang-pro-guitar-review/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/22/rock-band-3-fender-mustang-pro-guitar-review/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/22/rock-band-3-fender-mustang-pro-guitar-review/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Next week's Rock Band 3 launch marks a giant step for the franchise, with the pro mode edging its gameplay closer to actual musicianship. The keyboards and drums are easier transitions to make, given what's essentially one-to-one mapping for notes and logical input solutions. But what about a guitar, arguably the genre's flagship instrument? We've seen and tried two solutions to the pro guitar input conundrum: the Squier Stratocaster, an actual guitar that's still not ready for primetime, and the Mad Catz Fender Mustang, a 102-button replica more reminiscent of peripheral than instrument. Still, with a mid-November release date, the latter's likely to be your only official option for pro guitar rocking this holiday. So, how does it fare? Read on to find out!

P.S. For all your other Rock Band 3 queries, check out Joystiq's exhaustive review!

Gallery: Rock Band 3 Fender Mustang Pro guitar review

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]]> fenderfender mustangFenderMustangguitarguitar controllerGuitarControllerharmonixmad catzMadCatzmtvmtv gamesMtvGamesmustangpropro guitarpro guitar controllerProGuitarProGuitarControllerrb3reviewrock bandrock band 3RockBandRockBand3 Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:01:00 -0400 21|19684112 <![CDATA[Rock Band 3 Pro guitar preview: the guitarist vs. the guitar hero]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/14/rock-band-3-pro-guitar-preview-the-guitarist-vs-the-guitar-her/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/14/rock-band-3-pro-guitar-preview-the-guitarist-vs-the-guitar-her/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/14/rock-band-3-pro-guitar-preview-the-guitarist-vs-the-guitar-her/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Since our brief glimpses at E3, we've managed to pick up Rock Band 3's new Pro guitars a few times -- both live on the Engadget Show and otherwise -- and have gotten a better feel for how both the Squier Stratocaster (a.k.a. the "real guitar") and Mad Catz's 102-buttoned Fender Mustang replica play. We'll save the in-depth coverage for the final review, but what follows is two separate impressions coming from two different perspectives: one from Ross Miller, a former guitar instructor with 12 years playing experience, and one from Sean Hollister, a Guitar Hero player with no musical background whatsoever. Head on after the break for our full impressions.

Gallery: Rock Band 3 pro guitar screens

Gallery: Mad Catz' Rock Band 3 Fender Mustang Pro guitar, hands-on

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]]> fenderfender mustangfender mustang profender mustang pro guitarfender squierFenderMustangFenderMustangProFenderMustangProGuitarFenderSquierharmoniximpressionsmtvmtv gamesMtvGamesmustangmustang pro guitarMustangProGuitarpreviewpropro guitarProGuitarrbrb 3Rb3rock bandrock band 3rock band 3 guitarRockBandRockBand3RockBand3Guitarsquiersquier stratocasterSquierStratocasterstratocaster Tue, 14 Sep 2010 09:01:00 -0400 21|19632327 <![CDATA[The Engadget Show Live! with Omar Khan, Rock Band 3, and more!]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/27/the-engadget-show-live-with-omar-khan-rock-band-3-and-more/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/27/the-engadget-show-live-with-omar-khan-rock-band-3-and-more/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/27/the-engadget-show-live-with-omar-khan-rock-band-3-and-more/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Keep your eyes tuned to this post -- because at 8:00 PM ET, we'll be starting The Engadget Show live, with Samsung CSO Omar Khan, Rick Karr, Rock Band 3! Nilay's on vacation, but Josh and Paul are on hand with Joanna Stern and Ross Miller, plus we'll have music from Zen Albatross and visuals from invaderbacca and much, much, more! You seriously don't want to miss it! Check out the live stream after the break!

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]]> amddance centralDanceCentralengadget showengadgetshowHarmonixinvaderbaccaOmar KhanOmarKhanrick karrRickKarrrock band 3RockBand3samsungsamsung galaxysamsung galaxy sSamsungGalaxySamsungGalaxySthe engadget showTheEngadgetShowTheEngadgetShowLivevideozen albatrossZenAlbatross Fri, 27 Aug 2010 19:45:00 -0400 21|19611806 <![CDATA[The Engadget Show returns tomorrow, with Samsung CSO Omar Khan, Rock Band 3, crazy giveaways, and much more!]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/26/the-engadget-show-returns-tomorrow-with-samsung-cso-omar-khan/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/26/the-engadget-show-returns-tomorrow-with-samsung-cso-omar-khan/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/26/the-engadget-show-returns-tomorrow-with-samsung-cso-omar-khan/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
It's that time again, the Engadget Show is back in a big way tomorrow, August 27th at 8pm! First up, Josh is sitting down with Samsung Chief Strategy Officer Omar Khan to chat up the company's recent Android sprint, then Engadget's investigative correspondent Rick Karr is back to scale a skyscraper and check up on an AT&T team tasked with improving New York's data infrastructure. Next up, Josh and Paul welcome fellow editor Joanna Stern back to the roundtable and we've got an exclusive live demo of Rock Band 3, plus a special Harmonix surprise... oh, and be ready to rock out to mind numbing chiptunes music, since Zen Albatross and invaderbacca are back for an encore performance! You were wondering about giveaways? You're in luck, because this time we'll be giving away, not one, but four Samsung Galaxy S phones! Yep, we're talking about four phones, on four different carriers. And if that isn't enough, we're also giving away an insane laptop rig from AMD, featuring the HP Envy 17 Eyefinity laptop and three (count em!) HP ZR24w 24" S-IPS Pro LCD monitors! Whatever you do, don't miss this one! As usual, we'll be doing the giveaways at the live show only, so make the trek and join us at The Times Center in person. If you're geographically incapable of joining us in New York City, just tune into the stream at right here on Engadget.

The Engadget Show is sponsored by Sprint, and will take place at the Times Center, part of The New York Times Building in the heart of New York City at 41st St. between 7th and 8th Avenues (see map after the break). Tickets are -- as always -- free to anyone who would like to attend, but seating is limited, and tickets will be first come, first served... so get there early! Here's all the info you need:
  • There is no admission fee -- tickets are completely free
  • The event is all ages
  • Ticketing will begin at the Times Center at 5:30PM on Friday, doors will open for seating at 7:30PM, and the show begins at 8PM
  • You cannot collect tickets for friends or family -- anyone who would like to come must be present to get a ticket
  • Seating capacity in the Times Center is about 340, and once we're full, we're full
  • The venue is located at 41st St. between 7th and 8th Avenues in New York City (map after the break)
  • The show length is around an hour
If you're a member of the media who wishes to attend, please contact us at: engadgetshowmedia [at] engadget [dot] com, and we'll try to accommodate you. All other non-media questions can be sent to: engadgetshow [at] engadget [dot] com.

Subscribe to the Show:

[iTunes] Subscribe to the Show directly in iTunes (M4V).
[Zune] Subscribe to the Show directly in the Zune Marketplace (M4V).
[RSS M4V] Add the Engadget Show feed (M4V) to your RSS aggregator and have it delivered automatically.

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]]> asusengadget showengadgetshowharmonixinvaderbaccaOmar KhanOmarKhanrick karrRickKarrrock band 3RockBand3samsungsamsung galaxy sSamsungGalaxySthe engadget showtheengadgetshowzen albatrossZenAlbatross Thu, 26 Aug 2010 17:29:00 -0400 21|19609786 <![CDATA[The Engadget Show returns this Friday, August 27th with Samsung CSO Omar Khan, Rock Band 3, crazy giveaways, and much more! (Updated)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/23/the-engadget-show-returns-this-friday-august-27th-with-samsung/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/23/the-engadget-show-returns-this-friday-august-27th-with-samsung/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/23/the-engadget-show-returns-this-friday-august-27th-with-samsung/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
It's that time again, the Engadget Show is back in a big way this Friday, August 27th at 8pm! First up, Josh is sitting down with Samsung Chief Strategy Officer Omar Khan to chat up the company's recent Android sprint, then Engadget's investigative correspondent Rick Karr is back to scale a skyscraper and check up on an AT&T team tasked with improving New York's data infrastructure. Next up, Josh and Paul welcome fellow editor Joanna Stern back to the roundtable and we've got an exclusive live demo of Rock Band 3, plus a special Harmonix surprise... oh, and be ready to rock out to mind numbing chiptunes music, since Zen Albatross and invaderbacca are back for an encore performance! You were wondering about giveaways? You're in luck, because this time we'll be giving away, not one, but four Samsung Galaxy S phones! Yep, we're talking about four phones, on four different carriers, so you know what that means. And if that isn't enough, we're also giving away an insane laptop rig from ASUS, featuring the B53J Eyefinity laptop and three (count em!) ASUS VE276Q Monitors! Whatever you do, don't miss this one! As usual, we'll be doing the giveaways at the live show only, so make the trek and join us at The Times Center in person. If you're geographically incapable of joining us in New York City, just tune into the stream at right here on Engadget.

The Engadget Show is sponsored by Sprint, and will take place at the Times Center, part of The New York Times Building in the heart of New York City at 41st St. between 7th and 8th Avenues (see map after the break). Tickets are -- as always -- free to anyone who would like to attend, but seating is limited, and tickets will be first come, first served... so get there early! Here's all the info you need:
  • There is no admission fee -- tickets are completely free
  • The event is all ages
  • Ticketing will begin at the Times Center at 5:30PM on Friday, doors will open for seating at 7:30PM, and the show begins at 8PM
  • You cannot collect tickets for friends or family -- anyone who would like to come must be present to get a ticket
  • Seating capacity in the Times Center is about 340, and once we're full, we're full
  • The venue is located at 41st St. between 7th and 8th Avenues in New York City (map after the break)
  • The show length is around an hour
If you're a member of the media who wishes to attend, please contact us at: engadgetshowmedia [at] engadget [dot] com, and we'll try to accommodate you. All other non-media questions can be sent to: engadgetshow [at] engadget [dot] com.

Sprint is offering 50 guaranteed tickets to the Engadget Show taping to the first 50 entrants who text "ENGADGET" to 467467 or enter online! Standard text messaging rates apply. Click for the Official Rules and see how to enter online.

Note: "Official Rules" needs to be linked to http://www.engadget.com/show-tickets/

Subscribe to the Show:

[iTunes] Subscribe to the Show directly in iTunes (M4V).
[Zune] Subscribe to the Show directly in the Zune Marketplace (M4V).
[RSS M4V] Add the Engadget Show feed (M4V) to your RSS aggregator and have it delivered automatically.

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]]> asusHarmonixinvaderbaccaOmar KhanOmarKhanrick karrRickKarrrock band 3RockBand3samsungsamsung galaxy sSamsungGalaxySzen albatrossZenAlbatross Mon, 23 Aug 2010 18:02:00 -0400 21|19604556 <![CDATA[The Engadget Show returns next Friday, August 27th with Samsung CSO Omar Khan, Rock Band 3, and much more!]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/16/the-engadget-show-returns-next-friday-august-27th-with-samsung/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/16/the-engadget-show-returns-next-friday-august-27th-with-samsung/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/16/the-engadget-show-returns-next-friday-august-27th-with-samsung/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
Because August is just that awesome, the Engadget Show is back in a big way next Friday, August 27th at 8pm! You've read it right, we're talking about double Engadget Show! Thrill as Josh sits down with Samsung Chief Strategy Officer Omar Khan to chat up the company's recent Android sprint, chill as Engadget investigative correspondent Rick Karr scales a skyscraper to check up on an AT&T team tasked with improving New York's data infrastructure, groove as the Show welcomes Harmonix's Rock Band 3 team for an exclusive live demo, bask in the infinite wisdom of the round table with Josh, Paul, and a special guest, and rock out to mind numbing chiptunes music in an encore performance from Zen Albatross with visuals from invaderbacca! As usual, we'll be doing tons of giveaways at the live show only, so make the trek and join us at The Times Center in person. If you're geographically incapable of joining us in New York City, just tune into the stream at right here on Engadget.

The Engadget Show is sponsored by Sprint, and will take place at the Times Center, part of The New York Times Building in the heart of New York City at 41st St. between 7th and 8th Avenues (see map after the break). Tickets are -- as always -- free to anyone who would like to attend, but seating is limited, and tickets will be first come, first served... so get there early! Here's all the info you need:
  • There is no admission fee -- tickets are completely free
  • The event is all ages
  • Ticketing will begin at the Times Center at 5:30PM on Friday, doors will open for seating at 7:30PM, and the show begins at 8PM
  • You cannot collect tickets for friends or family -- anyone who would like to come must be present to get a ticket
  • Seating capacity in the Times Center is about 340, and once we're full, we're full
  • The venue is located at 41st St. between 7th and 8th Avenues in New York City (map after the break)
  • The show length is around an hour
If you're a member of the media who wishes to attend, please contact us at: engadgetshowmedia [at] engadget [dot] com, and we'll try to accommodate you. All other non-media questions can be sent to: engadgetshow [at] engadget [dot] com.

Subscribe to the Show:

[iTunes] Subscribe to the Show directly in iTunes (M4V).
[Zune] Subscribe to the Show directly in the Zune Marketplace (M4V).
[RSS M4V] Add the Engadget Show feed (M4V) to your RSS aggregator and have it delivered automatically.

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]]> engadget showEngadgetShowHarmonixmike mausMikeMausOmar KhanOmarKhanrick karrRickKarrrock band 3RockBand3samsungSamsung MobileSamsungMobilethe engadget showTheEngadgetShow Mon, 16 Aug 2010 17:21:00 -0400 21|19595249 <![CDATA[Rock Band 3 crashing into living rooms on October 26]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/19/rock-band-3-crashing-into-living-rooms-on-october-26/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/19/rock-band-3-crashing-into-living-rooms-on-october-26/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/19/rock-band-3-crashing-into-living-rooms-on-october-26/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Look, it's summer break. What better to do than learn a little piano in preparation for the upcoming release of Harmonix's Rock Band 3? The next installment -- which promises to bring all sorts of new kit to the market -- was finally given a release date today, and not surprisingly, it'll be quickly climbing the Santa Lists of rug-rats the world over. According to the company, the title will ship on October 26th in North America, with the Wii, PS3 and Xbox 360 versions priced at $59.99 sans hardware and the DS rendition at $29.99. Hop on past the break if you're interested in learning about your wealth of pre-order options.

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]]> dsgamingHarmonixkeyboardmicrosoftmusicnintendonintendo dsNintendoDsplaystation 3Playstation3ps3release dateReleaseDateRock BandRock Band 3RockBandRockBand3sonyvideo gameVideoGamewiixbox 360Xbox360 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 18:38:00 -0400 21|19560335 <![CDATA[Rock Band 3 Fender Mustang Pro guitar controller and MIDI-Pro adapter eyes-on]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/17/rock-band-3-fender-mustang-pro-guitar-controller-and-midi-pro-ad/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/17/rock-band-3-fender-mustang-pro-guitar-controller-and-midi-pro-ad/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/17/rock-band-3-fender-mustang-pro-guitar-controller-and-midi-pro-ad/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments We still can't get time with the Fender Mustang Pro guitar controller while actually playing Rock Band 3, but the gang at the Mad Catz booth were fine enough with us letting us toy around on its own, sans game. So, how does it feel just silently going through chords and scales? Sturdy as can be, sure, and the 100-plus buttons for the neck feel like they'll stand up for a good bit of time. That said, it felt harder than a real guitar locating the strings and frets -- especially a pain for faster chord changing. Also a burden? No ability to bend strings -- not that you'll be able to bend on the Squier Stratocaster either, as it turns out, but that's a whole 'nother issue. We also got some eyes on the MIDI Pro Adapter for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii; there isn't much to look at for now, but if you get your kicks from plastic dongles, hey, we've got all the photos you need below.

Gallery: Fender Mustang Pro Guitar Controller hands-on

Gallery: Mad Catz's Rock Band 3 MIDI Pro Adapter

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]]> e3e3 2010E32010eaelectronic artsElectronicArtsfenderfender mustangFenderMustangguitarguitar controllerGuitarControllerhands-onharmonixmad catzMadCatzmtvmtv gamesMtvGamesmusicmustangpropro guitarProGuitarrb3rock bandrock band 3RockBandRockBand3 Thu, 17 Jun 2010 18:08:00 -0400 21|19519575 <![CDATA[Rock Band 3 keyboard hands-on (video)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/rock-band-3-keyboard-hands-on-video/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/rock-band-3-keyboard-hands-on-video/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/rock-band-3-keyboard-hands-on-video/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments The internet at large has been joking about it long enough -- "hey, where's Keyboard Hero?" Well, here it is, and it's pretty killer. We're on the fence on how to describe our experience with Rock Band 3's not-a-keytar, because in many ways it's reflective of your own thoughts on the rhythm genre and pianos in general. Those with actual musical backgrounds are likely to scoff at the easy mode's use of five arbitrary keys for the tune -- not the groupings you see above, but a different set of colors, one per white note in the right half, with indicators just above the notes on that crevice between the top panel and keys themselves (picture's after the break). Even if the actual song calls for a F# note, hitting a F or even a B might be called for instead. It's a mentality that's as old as the genre, that what we're really doing is pantomiming instruments -- or in the case of drums, just hitting key notes and letting the game fill in the blanks on lower difficulties. This, however, is an actual piano. The over-simplification is probably a necessary illusion in standard mode -- or even when the keyboard is used as a replacement guitar / bass -- but having actual proper keys will probably drive the more musically apt insane. Then again, if you're not of that mindset, none of this will probably bother you at all, so feel free to ignore our impressions and bang away.

Pro mode, on the other hand is pretty killer, for all the reasons that standard mode can be irksome. Even at the simplest levels, you're actually getting to play proper notation. Perfect for us, no matter how badly we flubbed up "Crosstown Traffic" on Expert. Sight-reading is a challenge, but nothing worse than actual notation. As we've seen before, the main lane doesn't show all two octaves, but the warning we're given before shifting to the right or left is easy enough to follow, but just like when you first grabbed the plastic axe, expect a good bit of adjustment frustration. See more pics below, and video after the break.

Update: Clarification added to the different color groupings used for Pro and Standard mode.

Gallery: Rock Band 3 keyboard hands-on

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]]> e3e3 2010E32010eaea gamesEaGameselectronic artsElectronicArtshands-onharmonixkey boardkey tarKeyBoardKeyTarmtvmtv gamesMtvGamesrbrb3rock bandrock band 3RockBandRockBand3video Wed, 16 Jun 2010 02:47:00 -0400 21|19517988 <![CDATA[Rock Band 3 Squier Stratocaster plays both real and virtual guitar... at the same time (video)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/rock-band-3-squier-stratocaster-plays-both-real-and-virtual-guit/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/rock-band-3-squier-stratocaster-plays-both-real-and-virtual-guit/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/rock-band-3-squier-stratocaster-plays-both-real-and-virtual-guit/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
As unfair as it is, what initially gave us hesitation about Mad Catz and Squier's Stratocaster Pro guitar controller was that, well, it's Fender's second-tier brand. Despite these prejudices from our youth, Harmonix pretty much sold us on it with one pretty badass trick: the ability to simultaneously play Rock Band 3 on Pro Expert and rock the same tune through an amplifier. Bonus: in the presentation we saw, extra notes and added fills didn't seem to affect score. So, that just about turns the uncanny valley of plastic peripherals on its head. Just make sure you crank your TV's sound system to 11 to not be drowned out from what's likely an even worse screw-up sound. See for yourself in the video after the break (caution: a few naughty words contained within).

Gallery: Rock Band 3 Fender Mustang Pro and Squier Stratocaster guitars, up close and impersonal

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]]> e3e3 2010E32010eaelectronic artsElectronicArtsfenderharmonixmad catzMadCatzmtvmtv gamesMtvGamesrbrb 3Rb3rock bandrock band 3RockBandRockBand3squierstrato casterStratoCastervideo Wed, 16 Jun 2010 01:21:00 -0400 21|19517985 <![CDATA[Rock Band 3's gear priced: keytar and Pro guitar sport MIDI out, adapter lets you use any keyboard / electronic drum set]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/11/rock-band-3s-gear-priced-keytar-and-pro-guitar-sport-midi-out/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/11/rock-band-3s-gear-priced-keytar-and-pro-guitar-sport-midi-out/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/11/rock-band-3s-gear-priced-keytar-and-pro-guitar-sport-midi-out/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Has your head cooled from all that rock news this morning? Nope? Well, we'd hate to rile you up again, but Mad Catz -- now the official provider of all Rock Band 3 equipment -- has priced its latest arsenal for the upcoming rhythm revival title. There's also a few new details on each instrument, so without further ado:
  • Wireless Keyboard: That MIDI port many of you spotted is for output, letting you plug the two-octave (C3 to C5) velocity-sensitive keytar directly into MIDI sequencers for non-gaming use. It'll set you back $80, with an optional stand to be sold separately (no price given) alongside the game's launch. Buying the keyboard / game bundle will be $130, or about $10 off individual purchases. Oh, and if you want to feel a bit more techno, this puppy can be used as the guitar / bass input.
  • MIDI PRO-Adapter: Want to use your own keyboard or electronic drum set? Here's the mediator you need, from MIDI to USB to console, and it sports the D-pad and other necessary gamepad buttons as well as velocity sensitivity adjustment controls. Asking price is $40.
  • Pro Cymbals Expansion kit: three cymbals, apparently rejiggered from RB2's offerings for quieter play and a pre-defined 10 degree angle. It's $40 for this hi-hat, crash, and ride pack.
  • Wireless Fender Mustang Pro Guitar Controller: Not the Squier hybrid we saw, this one actually sports a multitude of buttons for each string, spanning 17 frets (102 buttons in all). Actual strings are used for the plucking and strumming, and here's something interesting -- the axe has a MIDI output for software sequencers. This behemoth is $150, or approximately 1.5 Benjamins in your local currency.
Pictures of each instrument -- and the yet-to-be-priced Squier -- in the gallery below, as well as a few screen caps of Pro mode so you can get an idea how exactly it'll "correct you" on proper Bohemian Rhapsody finger picking.

Gallery: Rock Band 3 hardware and screenshots

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]]> cymbalsdrumse3e3 2010E32010eaelectronic artselectronic drumsElectronicArtsElectronicDrumsfenderfender mustangfender mustang proFenderMustangFenderMustangProguitarguitar controllerGuitarControllerharmonixkey boardkey tarKeyBoardkeyboard controllerKeyboardControllerKeyTarmad catzMadCatzmidimidi inmidi outmidi pro adaptermidi pro-adapterMidiInMidiOutMidiPro-adapterMidiProAdaptermusicmustangpro adapterpro guitarpro guitar controllerpro-adapterProAdapterProGuitarProGuitarControllerrb 3Rb3rhythmrhythm gameRhythmGamerock bandrock band 3RockBandRockBand3wireless keyboardWirelessKeyboard Fri, 11 Jun 2010 22:41:00 -0400 21|19513544 <![CDATA[Rock Band 3 gets 'Pro' mode, real guitar hybrid controller and keytar revealed -- Devo be praised]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/11/rock-band-3-gets-pro-mode-real-guitar-hybrid-controller-and-k/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/11/rock-band-3-gets-pro-mode-real-guitar-hybrid-controller-and-k/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/11/rock-band-3-gets-pro-mode-real-guitar-hybrid-controller-and-k/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Wrap your head around this one: a 150-button guitar peripheral. That's for the pro version of Rock Band 3, whose goal is to actually turn the controllers into something more fitting of actual musicianship in a separate, more advanced "Pro" mode (the core game is still intact for those want it). First up is the aforementioned two-octave keyboard / keytar, whose difficulty goes from pressing within one of five ranges to actual dead-on notes. For drums, the three cymbals can now actually function as separate notes, sharing three lanes but given their own shape to know which to hit. Guitar, however, is a whole new beast. A $150 Fender Mustang pro (pictured up top) boasts 17 frets and 6 strings of accurate placement for a total of 102 buttons, and six nylon strings that must be plucked individually. Of course, if that hits the uncanny valley of plastic peripherals too closely, there's a Rock Band 3 Squier Stratocaster that'll be coming out that can actually be used as a real guitar or a Pro model. Vocal melodies from Beatles Rock Band carry over here. No concrete release date; head on over to new Joystiq for the preview, or if you want to see true trendsetters, watch Devo predict this game all the way from 1982 -- that video's after the break.

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]]> drumseaelectronic artsElectronicArtsguitarharmonixkey boardkey tarKeyBoardKeyTarmad catzMadCatzmusicprorhythmrock bandrock band 3RockBandRockBand3 Fri, 11 Jun 2010 00:44:00 -0400 21|19512026 <![CDATA[Gibson's Rock Band lawsuit ends in settlement, one way or another]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/09/gibsons-rock-band-lawsuit-ends-in-settlement-one-way-or-anothe/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/09/gibsons-rock-band-lawsuit-ends-in-settlement-one-way-or-anothe/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/09/gibsons-rock-band-lawsuit-ends-in-settlement-one-way-or-anothe/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Back in 2008, Gibson Guitar hoped to cash in on the Rock Band craze with a slate of patent infringement lawsuits of dubious quality, and though the firm lost to Activision a year later, its suits against Harmonix, Electronic Arts, Viacom, and six major retailers stirred something in Nashville's rock gods. Though exact terms weren't disclosed, the parties reached a settlement in a Tennessee federal court this week, and plan to bring the lawsuit to an end by June 14th. Meanwhile, we hear Harmonix v. Konami is meeting a similar end; retailers should be able to sell cheap plastic guitars with a infinitesimally cleaner conscience in a little over three months.

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]]> EAElectronic ArtsElectronicArtsGibsonGibson GuitarGibson GuitarsGibsonGuitarGibsonGuitarsGuitar HeroGuitarHeroHarmonixlawsuitlawsuitslegalMTVretailRock BandRockBandsettlementsettlementsViacom Wed, 09 Jun 2010 18:15:00 -0400 21|19509806 <![CDATA[Rock Band 3 purportedly gaining keytar peripheral, infinite amounts of our love]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/27/rock-band-3-purportedly-gaining-keytar-peripheral-infinite-amou/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/27/rock-band-3-purportedly-gaining-keytar-peripheral-infinite-amou/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/27/rock-band-3-purportedly-gaining-keytar-peripheral-infinite-amou/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Look, we've no qualms with keyboards -- Elton John is permanently embedded in our playlists, it'll be the first instrument we teach our robotic children, and it's easily the most underrated part of Justin Bieber's spectacularness. But there's no arguing that having a keytar peripheral is far, far more awesome in the grand scheme of things. According to the same mole on ArsTechnica that has correctly nailed a new PS3 bundle, the PSP go and Xbox 360 price cuts, Rock Band 3 will feature a new keytar peripheral, which will undoubtedly destroy our productivity for an indefinite amount of time. We're also told that Mad Catz will be taking over the production of RB hardware, leaving Harmonix only responsible for touching up the software. There's still no indication of when this mythical device will be hitting your local Game Stop, but it's certainly safe to slide your pre-order alert system to Orange.

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]]> controllere3e3 2010E32010eagamingharmonixkeyboardkeytarmad catzMadCatzmtv gamesMtvGamesmusicpianoRock BandRock Band 3RockBandRockBand3rumor Thu, 27 May 2010 15:05:00 -0400 21|19494106 <![CDATA[Harmonix teases keyboards for Rock Band 3]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/25/harmonix-teases-keyboards-for-rock-band-3/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/25/harmonix-teases-keyboards-for-rock-band-3/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/25/harmonix-teases-keyboards-for-rock-band-3/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
Harmonix hasn't been dishing out a ton of Rock Band 3 details lately apart from confirming that it'll be out this holiday season, but it just revealed a big one in the demo for Green Day: Rock Band. If that not so subtle teaser above is any indication, it looks like Rock Band 3 will be adding keyboards to the equation. Nothing more to go on than that at the moment, but we can only assume this also means that Activision will soon be hard at work on Keytar Hero, and that "Axel F" will be stuck in your head starting right.... now.

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]]> harmonixkeyboardkeyboardskeytarkeytar heroKeytarHerorock bandrock band 3RockBandRockBand3 Tue, 25 May 2010 15:05:00 -0400 21|19490861 <![CDATA[Rock Band Network beta opening to Xbox 360 users, garage bands see 'their chance']]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/19/rock-band-network-beta-opening-to-xbox-360-users/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/19/rock-band-network-beta-opening-to-xbox-360-users/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/19/rock-band-network-beta-opening-to-xbox-360-users/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Ever had the urge to crank out some nasty riffs in the kitchen, record them, and then watch as millions of Xbox 360 owners rush to download your jam(s)? Don't lie. In a move that marks the next logical step of the Rock Band journey, Harmonix has confirmed that an open beta registration of the Rock Band Network will open up later today for Xbox 360 users, enabling amateur (or professional... or novice!) musicians to record, convert and upload tracks to a network where gamers can judge how awesome / not awesome any given song is. Reportedly, those seen as "good enough" will be made available for sale (you can price each tune from $1 to $3), though we're hearing that the actual conversion process isn't a lesson in simplicity. In fact, some outfits are offering their services to take recordings from .wav files to ones that the game can understand, but with rates of $500 per minute (of music), we're guessing that only serious artists will apply. And if you've ever heard "that local band" willing to play shows for free, you'll agree with us when we say that this barrier to entry is probably a good thing.

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]]> audiogamingHarmonixMicrosoftMicrosoft Xbox 360MicrosoftXbox360midimusicmusic gameMusicGamerock bandRock Band NetworkRockBandRockBandNetworksoundvideo gamesVideoGamesxbox 360Xbox360 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:57:00 -0500 21|19322613 <![CDATA[Rock Band Stage Kit won't smoke and strobe with The Beatles]]> http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/14/rock-band-stage-kit-wont-smoke-and-strobe-with-the-beatles/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/14/rock-band-stage-kit-wont-smoke-and-strobe-with-the-beatles/ http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/14/rock-band-stage-kit-wont-smoke-and-strobe-with-the-beatles/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments We get the feeling that few Rock Band Stage Kits were sold to begin with, but those who proudly plunked down a Benjamin on this when it originally shipped were probably stoked to use it with The Beatles: Rock Band. Unfortunately for "those people," such a scenario won't ever be possible... at least, not without some serious DIY tinkering on the user end. Harmonix has confirmed to our pals over at Joystiq that a compatibility patch won't ever be produced for the newest RB title, and when pressed about compatibility with future titles, the rep simply stated that the company "hasn't announced any future titles at this time." Looks like this party's over, folks.

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]]> beatlesbeatles rock bandBeatlesRockBandcompatibilitygamingHarmonixmusicpatchrock bandrock band beatlesrock band stage kitRockBandRockBandBeatlesRockBandStageKitstage kitStageKitthe beatles rock bandTheBeatlesRockBand Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:22:00 -0400 21|19160317 <![CDATA[Harmonix auctions off custom Beatles Xbox for charity, free publicity]]> http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/13/harmonix-auctions-off-custom-beatles-xbox-for-charity-free-publ/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/13/harmonix-auctions-off-custom-beatles-xbox-for-charity-free-publ/ http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/13/harmonix-auctions-off-custom-beatles-xbox-for-charity-free-publ/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
We're sure you've already heard about the kerfuffle surrounding the use of Kurt Cobain's likeness in a Guitar Hero avatar. Maybe it's a generational thing (or maybe it speaks to the difference between the temperaments of Ms. Ono and Ms. Love) but while the former members of Nirvana are not amused by their treatment at the hands of videogame consoles 'round the world, it's nearly unanimous in the Beatles camp: Beatles Rock Band is awesome. If you're looking to indulge your Fab Four fixation -- and if money's no object -- you might want to head on over to eBay and peep the first of fifty Xbox 360s being auctioned off for by Harmonix. Bidding started off at $780, but as of Sunday afternoon it's over $17,000 -- with over four days left to go! Designed by Passion Pictures (the kids responsible for animating Gorillaz), proceeds go to Doctors without Borders. Please insert your own Courtney Love joke here.

Gallery: Harmonix auctions off custom Beatles Xbox for charity, free publicity



[Via T3]

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]]> auctionawesomebeatlesbeatles rock bandBeatlesRockBandcharitydoctors without bordersDoctorsWithoutBordersebayharmonixrock bandRockBandxboxxbox 360Xbox360 Sun, 13 Sep 2009 21:56:00 -0400 21|19159672 <![CDATA[The Beatles: Rock Band hands-on!]]> http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/03/the-beatles-rock-band-hands-on/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/03/the-beatles-rock-band-hands-on/ http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/03/the-beatles-rock-band-hands-on/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
We don't know if you're like us, but we've basically been waiting our whole lives to play The Beatles: Rock Band. Well, we got one step closer at E3 2009, as we were able to actually snuggle up close and personal with the full kit and see what was what (and show off our totally sick harmonies on "Here Comes the Sun"). We have to say, Harmonix has absolutely outdone themselves with this bundle -- from the Ringo-style Ludwig drum set to Paul's unmistakable Höfner Violin bass... it's all here, and it all looks brilliant. We took the boys out for a little spin (you can see our own Ross Miller on drums there), and captured just a few photos for your enjoyment. Hit the gallery below for all the goods!

Gallery: The Beatles: Rock Band hands-on!

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]]> beatlese3e3 2009E32009featureshands onhands-onHandsOnharmonixmtv gamesMtvGamesrock bandRockBandthe beatlesthe beatles rock bandthe beatles: rock bandTheBeatlesTheBeatles:RockBandTheBeatlesRockBand Wed, 03 Jun 2009 10:02:00 -0400 21|19056037 <![CDATA[Video: DJ Hero rocks the Activision house party]]> http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/02/video-dj-hero-rocks-the-activision-house-party/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/02/video-dj-hero-rocks-the-activision-house-party/ http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/02/video-dj-hero-rocks-the-activision-house-party/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Video: DJ Hero rocks the Activision house party To give its latest Hero franchise a solid berth, Activision lined up quite a special night last evening --you know you're in for a good party when the opening act is a percussion overload courtesy of Travis Barker and DJ AM. Once the rafters stopped vibrating, attendees were treated to the first glimpse of DJ Hero being played in public, and we caught it on video (embedded below), showing the new (and repetitive-stress inducing) scratch and fade mechanic. It looks to be familiar enough that Guitar Hero fans should be able to get into it, but different enough to deliver would-be mixers a challenge. Think you can carry the beat? We'll see when it ships in October.

Gallery: DJ Hero

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]]> activisiondj heroDjHeroe3 2009E32009featurefeaturedfeaturesharmonixhero Tue, 02 Jun 2009 09:46:00 -0400 21|19054600