Everything wrong about Microsoft, Windows 8 and Xbox service(s) in few pict

By BajiRav
in Microsoft (Windows)

 Share

Recommended Posts

Grand Master

BajiRav

Posted
Posted

So I noticed this tweet and thought this is weird - why is Microsoft promoting rival services?

post-62693-0-03125800-1354681345.png

then I fired the awful Xbox video app

post-62693-0-37908100-1354681351.png

then Xbox.com (notice there is no HD option*)

post-62693-0-31724400-1354681353.jpg

then iTunes from iPad (notice HD & SD)

post-62693-0-30358100-1354681349.jpg

then amazon (notice HD & SD)

post-62693-0-81016800-1354681346.jpg

This is just ****ing hilarious...they can't even get their own movie on Xbox Video service! Seriously Microsoft, what's wrong with you? All of this is just random stuff thrown around instead of one well thought out Xbox entertainment brand.

*Didn't check on Xbox proper if it offers HD version there (likely not)

Veteran

Shane Nokes

Posted
Posted

Microsoft makes money by selling through those marketplaces as well.

It would be silly to limit their profits by only selling it in one spot. I mean think about that logic. It's also available on Blu-Ray...I imagine you'd bash that as well.

As regards where to find it on the Xbox...it's in Halo Waypoint. That's their hub for all things Halo and you can watch the whole thing there...free of charge.

Grand Master

BajiRav

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Microsoft makes money by selling through those marketplaces as well.

It would be silly to limit their profits by only selling it in one spot. I mean think about that logic. It's also available on Blu-Ray...I imagine you'd bash that as well.

As regards where to find it on the Xbox...it's in Halo Waypoint. That's their hub for all things Halo and you can watch the whole thing there...free of charge.

My logic is not that they should not be on iTunes/Amazon/BD etc. but that it should be on the Xbox video service at the same time. Also AFAIK, there is no halo waypoint for Windows 8. They also removed all but first two episodes from Waypoint prior to its BD/DVD release. If you call this "bashing", then I can't help but laugh.

Veteran

Shane Nokes

Posted
Posted

In that case then on PC you can just hit the official spot for Forward Unto Dawn on Youtube: https://www.youtube....h?v=BfJVgXBfSH8

That's Part 1, and all parts are there and it is official, and it is available in up to 1080p...and it can even be watched via the YouTube app on the 360.

You didn't say that it should land at the same time, you said and I quote, "why is Microsoft promoting rival services?"

I answered that question and pointed out that there are ways to get the content on the Xbox as well as on the PC for free.

There's nothing wrong with having the content available in multiple places. As to why it's not showing up on Xbox Video on the PC? I have no idea. I've noticed that it seems to be separate from the marketplace on the actual Xbox as sales on both can be mutually exclusive.

I fully agree that Xbox Video on the PC needs work...and shouldn't have the same name as the service on the console unless they truly are mirrors of each other.

As for laughing...if you want to laugh at what you've done...that's up to you.

Guest xiphi

Posted
Posted

This has always been an issue with Microsofts video services since it started on Zune. It's stupid that they don't offer HD versions of most movies I've looked up.

Even worse is the DRM is absolutely horrible. I now own movies and TV shows I can no longer watch on my pc unless I use my 360.

While it's not limited to MS, the prices are outrageous, as well. I expect to pay no more than $10 for a new digital HD release of a movie.

Grand Master

BajiRav

Posted
  • Author
Posted

In that case then on PC you can just hit the official spot for Forward Unto Dawn on Youtube: https://www.youtube....h?v=BfJVgXBfSH8

That's Part 1, and all parts are there and it is official, and it is available in up to 1080p...and it can even be watched via the YouTube app on the 360.

You didn't say that it should land at the same time, you said and I quote, "why is Microsoft promoting rival services?"

I answered that question and pointed out that there are ways to get the content on the Xbox as well as on the PC for free.

There's nothing wrong with having the content available in multiple places. As to why it's not showing up on Xbox Video on the PC? I have no idea. I've noticed that it seems to be separate from the marketplace on the actual Xbox as sales on both can be mutually exclusive.

I fully agree that Xbox Video on the PC needs work...and shouldn't have the same name as the service on the console unless they truly are mirrors of each other.

As for laughing...if you want to laugh at what you've done...that's up to you.

Yes there are ways to get that content on Xbox as you mentioned. I can use YouTube or I can use the Amazon app on Xbox. Youtube doesn't even count because we are talking about buying a movie - one that Microsoft itself produced.

I said "why are they promoting" and not why are they "putting their content" on iTunes/Amazon. If they had it equally available on Xbox video (Windows 8/Surface, Xbox 360, Windows Phone) and had tweeted - watch/buy Halo4:FUD on Xbox video, iTunes, Amazon - that would have been fine as well.(and I could have worded my post better but whatever)

My point again is the total lack of coordination between these different products that Microsoft makes and which I use daily. I rent movies from Xbox video many times and I think I have valid reasons to complain about such things. (Still puzzles me why Xbox video prices are almost always higher than competition such as Vudu, Amazon or iTunes)

I said I feel like laughing because you thought I was bashing whereas I see this as constructive criticism.

p.s. It started showing up in the Windows 8 video store today but it is still only in SD as MuffCabbage mentions above.

Grand Master

Calum Veteran

Posted
  • Veteran
Posted

Xbox Video is barely worthy of a beta release. Sure, it will get much better, but there's no excuse for not having a better app ready for GA.

How do you feel the app could be improved? Do you have any suggestions for Microsoft?

Grand Master

BajiRav

Posted
  • Author
Posted

How do you feel the app could be improved? Do you have any suggestions for Microsoft?

I avoid using it on my desktop/laptop (both non-touch) but here are some,

1. Overall speed/performance - for example launching video app takes forever (you don't need to close app is not a valid argument if the app is not running)

2. Better layout - **** ads and focus on content. They need to re-think the UI (both on Xbox and Win8 actually) and try to improve information density.

3. More options to sort+filter local and store content

4. Search results could be better arranged

This topic is now closed to further replies.
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Posts

    • Meta is reusing old DDR4 RAM in its servers instead of buying new hardware

      By sava700 · Posted

      The fact that memory in general is so high I have to take a loan out to build a computer now is just beyond stupid. Who's really to blame here? Low supply or high demand?
    • Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) 18.1.5.5

      By Copernic · Posted

      Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) 18.1.5.5 by Razvan Serea Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) is a utility for completely removing AMD/NVIDIA/INTEL graphics drivers and related packages from your system, attempting to eliminate all leftovers (including registry entries, folders and files, driver store). Though AMD/NVIDIA/INTEL drivers can usually be removed via the Windows Control Panel, this uninstaller tool was created for situations where standard uninstall fails, or when you need to fully remove NVIDIA or ATI graphics card drivers. After using this driver cleaner, your system will behave as though it’s the first time you’re installing a new driver—similar to a fresh Windows installation. As with all such tools, we recommend creating a restore point beforehand, allowing you to undo changes if issues arise. If you're having trouble installing an older or newer driver, try it—there are reports that it resolves such problems. Recommended usage: The tool can be used in Normal mode but for absolute stability when using DDU, Safemode is always the best. Make a backup or a system restore (but it should normally be pretty safe). It is best to exclude the DDU folder completely from any security software to avoid issues. You do NOT need to uninstall the driver prior using DDU. Requirements: .NET Framework 4.8 Compatible with Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and 11 (32-bit or 64-bit) Note: Using on Insider Preview builds is at your own risk. Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) 18.1.5.5 changelog: Added 'Reset to recommended' button for the Options. General fixes and improvements. Download: Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) 18.1.5.5 | 1.7 MB (Freeware) Download: DDU Portable | 1.2 MB Links: Display Driver Uninstaller Home Page | Screenshot Get alerted to all of our Software updates on Twitter at @NeowinSoftware
    • WACUP 1.99.51.24568 Preview

      By Copernic · Posted

      WACUP 1.99.51.24568 Preview by Razvan Serea WACUP (WinAmp Community Update Project) is a modern, enhanced version of the classic Winamp music player, designed for better stability, performance, and compatibility. Built for Windows, WACUP retains the familiar Winamp interface while adding 64-bit support, bug fixes, and new features like improved audio format support, customizable skins, and optimized playlist management. Unlike bloated alternatives, WACUP focuses on lightweight performance and regular updates, making it the best choice for fans of the classic Winamp experience. Basically, if you miss the good old days of Winamp and want a modern upgrade that doesn’t mess things up, WACUP is for you! WACUP key features: Classic Winamp Feel – Keeps the familiar interface and functionality. Bug Fixes & Stability – Fixes old Winamp issues and improves performance. 64-Bit Support – Works better on modern systems. More Formats & Plugins – Supports additional audio formats and third-party plugins. Customizable UI – Skins and tweaks for a personalized look. Better Library Management – Improved playlists, media organization, and search. No Bloat – Focuses on performance without unnecessary extras. Regular Updates – Community-driven development with new features and fixes. WACUP 1.99.51.24568 Preview changelog: Fixed a deadlock seen from the recent crash reports when doing some of the drag + drop actions within the media library window Fixed a loading crash seen related to a problem with some of the artwork cache image files being restored which should now be better handled allowing for the bad image to be removed without it failing Fixed a deadlock seen from the recent crash reports when the internal metadata cache clearing is triggered which could block the main ui thread for too long with this now being moved to a background thread Fixed some performance issues with some of the methods related to determining artwork support which mainly affected the local library import / refresh (this is still slower for some compared to other players because there's more data & artwork aspects being checked for which means doing more processing on a single file despite the best of attempts to reduce duplicate / heavy processing where possible) Fixed a crash with the JTFE based missing files hotkey which no one seems to have used for an age for this to appear (maybe it's time to seriously consider stripping out features that aren't being used) Fixed how some of the file types which use extra information to reference their sub-songs is handled which was preventing some from being correctly resolved back to their base file (noticed fixing above) Fixed an issue with the handling of files with underscores in their filepath which wasn't being correctly handled causing some of the filename to be lost when shown as the title if title reading is delayed Fixed a few things that might be behind NotSoDirect not being stable for some setups though am still not certain that the changes done for this are going to fully resolve the problem from the crash reports Fixed the OS toast handling when there's no prior shortcut in the OS start menu to now create the shortcut (needed to allow the yes/no buttons for the new build / post-release toast) to be done as a hidden one so it's less likely to cause annoyance for those not wanting to see it whilst still allowing this less than ideal OS api implementation requirement to be met to avoid toasts without the needed buttons Fixed a regression when moving from taglib1 to taglib2 which broke some of the handling in place to allow for external programs to still access files when wacup has a held open cached instance of the file Everything else Updated cppwinrt (gen_win10shell.dll) to 3.0.260520.1 (26 May 2026) Updated libcurl (libcurl.dll) to 8.2.1 (24 Jun 2026) Updated Monkey's Audio (in_ape.dll) to 13.15 (28 Jun 2026) Updated mpg123 (mpg123.dll) to 1.33.6 (6 Jun 2026) Updated OpenSSL (libcurl.dll) to 3.5.7 (9 Jun 2026) Updated pugixml to 1.16 (16 Jun 2026) Updated taglib (tag2.dll) to 2.3.0 (11 May 2026) Updated vgmstream (in_vgmstream.dll) to the latest Git commit from 28 Jun 2026 Download: WACUP 64-bit | 9.6 MB (Freeware) Download: WACUP 32-bit View: WACUP Website | Screenshots Get alerted to all of our Software updates on Twitter at @NeowinSoftware
    • Dbrand thought they could get away with this Steam Machine case, Valve disagreed

      By Doli · Posted

      "over a thousand engineering hours" and started selling it but could not take a couple of minuets to send an AI email to ask permission. What an expensive lesson.
    • Can't access the forum on mobile

      By WITHOUT-ME · Posted

      just tested it yesterday, a simple page with autoloading ADS takes 60mb....just 1 page for 60 megabytes.   poor people with a limited internet never will visit neolose

  • Recent Achievements

    • Week One Done
      Collagen Project earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • Reacting Well
      Wakeen1966 earned a badge
      Reacting Well
    • Rookie
      Almohandis went up a rank
      Rookie
    • Apprentice
      jahara21 went up a rank
      Apprentice
    • Reacting Well
      NovaEdgeX earned a badge
      Reacting Well

  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      526
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      265
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      146
    4. 4
      Steven P.
      99
    5. 5
      macoman
      55
    Show More

  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!