Microsoft Announce The Xbox One

Microsoft unveiled it's eagerly awaited next generation games console called the Xbox One in Redmond, Washington today.

The Xbox One will be Microsoft's third games console after the Xbox was released in 2001 and the Xbox 360, which was released in 2005.

The new Xbox has been described as a "all-in-one" entertainment hub which will include a brand new Kinect sensor, a slightly revised controller with a redesigned D-Pad and other new features such as a blu-ray drive which isn't available in Microsoft's current games console, the Xbox 360.

"Today, we put you at the centre of a new generation in the living room," said Don Mattrick, head of Microsoft's interactive entertainment business.

"This is the beginning of a new generation of games and entertainment and a new generation of smart TV," said Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft entertainment unit executive.

Microsoft has confirmed that it will be bringing eight brand new franchises and seven other exclusive franchises to the Xbox One within the first year of release.

Forza Motorsport 5 which is an exclusive franchise to Microsoft will launch on the same day as the Xbox One along with a new game called Quantum Break.

A release date as well as a price for the next generation console wasn't announced but Don Mattrick did confirm the Xbox One will be arriving this year. Microsoft are likely to announce a release date and price at the upcoming E3 event next month.

   

Gran Turismo 6 Announced For PS3

Sony and Polyphony Digital held a 15th anniversary Gran Turismo celebration at the Silverstone race track in the UK to announce Gran Turismo 6 for the PS3.

The game will be launched this holiday season and it will have 1,200 cars, 33 locations and 71 different layouts to race those cars on.

Although an exact date hasn't been confirmed beyong holiday 2013, PS3 owners will only have to wait until July to play the game as Sony are going to release a demo.

Polyphony Digital president Kazunori Yamauchi stated that a PS4 version is "in mind for the future." Sony and Polyphony just decided to release the game on the PS3 first along with a load of DLC content, which they felt would work best.

This suggests that Gran Turismo 6 would be released on the PS4 when Sony and Polyphony release a Game of the Year Edition next year.

Sony has sold 70 million copies of its famous driving game, which first went on sale 15 years ago. 

Sir Alex Ferguson To Retire As Manchester United Manager

Sir Alex Ferguson is set to retire at the end of the season after 26 years in charge at Manchester United Football Club.

Rumours surfaced on Tuesday that the Scot was considering retiring after learning that the hip replacement surgery he is to undergo in July is likely to force him to miss the start of next season.

In a statement on Manchester United’s official website Ferguson said:

“The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about and one that I have not taken lightly. It is the right time.

“It was important to me to leave an organisation in the strongest possible shape and I believe I have done so. The quality of this league winning squad, and the balance of ages within it, bodes well for continued success at the highest level whilst the structure of the youth set-up will ensure that the long-term future of the club remains a bright one.

“Our training facilities are amongst the finest in global sport and our home Old Trafford is rightfully regarded as one of the leading venues in the world.

“Going forward, I am delighted to take on the roles of both Director and Ambassador for the club. With these activities, along with my many other interests, I am looking forward to the future.

“I must pay tribute to my family, their love and support has been essential. My wife Cathy has been the key figure throughout my career,providing a bedrock of both stability and encouragement. Words are not enough to express what this has meant to me.

“As for my players and staff, past and present, I would like to thank them all for a staggering level of professional conduct and dedication that has helped to deliver so many memorable triumphs. Without their contribution the history of this great club would not be as rich.

“In my early years, the backing of the board, and Sir Bobby Charlton in particular, gave me the confidence and time to build a football club, rather than just a football team.

“Over the past decade, the Glazer family have provided me with the platform to manage Manchester United to the best of my ability and I have been extremely fortunate to have worked with a talented and trustworthy Chief Executive in David Gill. I am truly grateful to all of them.

“To the fans, thank you. The support you have provided over the years has been truly humbling. It has been an honour and an enormous privilege to have had the opportunity to lead your club and I have treasured my time as manager of Manchester United.”

Ferguson has enjoyed unprecedented success at Old Trafford since his arrival from Aberdeen in 1986, becoming the club’s most successful manager of all time.

Though it took the new United boss four years to seal his first trophy success, the 1989-90 FA Cup, that served as a springboard to the club, as they subsequently dominated the English football landscape for over 20 years.

The Scotsman has since added four further FA Cups, 13 Premier League titles, four League Cups and two UEFA Champions Leagues to the club’s major honours list. Manchester United’s title win this season was the 20th in their history, taking them two clear of arch rivals Liverpool.