Xbox One's Project Spark available to everyone starting today in beta mode

Project Spark is pretty, encourages creativity and incorporates Kinect directly. The sandbox/game-creation tool became available for Windows 8.1 users back in December, and today it's entering beta on the Xbox One as well. "Does that mean there's a new, free thing on my Xbox One?" you might be asking. Yes, yes it does. Hot dog!

Project Spark isn't in the XB1 store, so how do you get it? The announcement points to a still-active beta sign-up page, so it seems that interested parties still have a few hoops to jump through before getting in. (If you're already in the Windows 8.1 beta, you're in the XB1 version.) Interestingly, there are already several entries on the store for "Spark Tokens" in 500 token increments ($4.99 equals 500); beta or not, it looks like Microsoft's interested in monetizing Spark from the jump. For the full FAQ on the beta, head right here.

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Source: Microsoft

More Coverage: Project Spark beta, Project Spark beta FAQ

Tags: beta, hdpostcross, kinect, microsoft, openbeta, projectspark, teamdakota, xboxone Next: LG G Pro 2 review: new year, new Note contender
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Microsoft’s Project Spark Beta Comes To Xbox One, Offering Cross-Platform Game Creation

Microsoft’s ambitious Project Spark open world game creator launched in beta on Windows 8.1 back in December, with the promise that it would make its way to the Xbox One eventually, too. Today is the day that it ships on the next-generation gaming console, making it possible for Spark creators to build games on Windows 8.1 and play on their Xbox One, or vice versa.

The beta so far has amassed 250,000 sign-ups, according to Microsoft, with “hundreds” more adding their names to the list daily. Microsoft is gating access to the open game building tool, which is likely a wise idea given that it’s a collaborative game creation engine that must carry a heavy server load, and also likely brings a number of challenges in terms of making sure user-created content is appropriate, fun and engaging.

Expansion to Xbox One could open up the gates to a new audience of potential creators, but it’s probably more interesting as a way to get gamers thinking about designing for different platforms, and evaluating their creations in light of the specific demands of console tech. This is also a prime example of how Microsoft’s decision to go with x86-based processor architecture makes it easier to build cross-platform experiences that extend to both Windows and Xbox – seamless cross-platform play like this likely would’ve been far more technically challenging, if not impossible, with the Xbox 360.

To get started with the Spark beta, you still have to go sign up at Microsoft’s teaser page.

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Sprint to launch Galaxy S 4 variant with speedy Spark LTE

Sprint already has a few devices that support its extra-fast Spark data service, but one of its hottest smartphones -- Samsung's Galaxy S 4 -- has been "stuck" with ordinary LTE. That won't be a problem for much longer, as the carrier has revealed a Spark-capable version of the Android flagship. The upgrade won't do much more than introduce support for the tri-band wireless technology, but we doubt that owners will complain when they're downloading at a brisk 50-60Mbps. They may balk at the price, though. While the regular GS4 currently sells for $100 on contract, Sprint will offer a 16GB Spark edition for $200 when it ships in the next few weeks -- you'll have to really, really want that extra bandwidth (and live in a Spark area) to justify the premium.

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Source: Sprint

Tags: android, galaxys4, lte, mobilepostcross, samsung, smartphone, spark, sprint, wireless Next: Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 8:30PM ET

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