Microsoft may have launched its companion app for Xbox consoles on Windows Phone 7 devices exclusively, but it isn’t leaving iOS users completely out in the cold. The official My Xbox LIVE universal app, which works on both iPhone and iPad, is in the App Store now.

My Xbox LIVE doesn’t have the console-controlling functions of the Xbox Companion app, but it does offer gamers access to their Xbox LIVE account info, including game achievements, your 3D avatar and friends management and messaging. In fact, if you don’t have a keyboard accessory for your Xbox controller, it makes chatting with friends, managing your friends list and setting Beacons, which alert you to when your friends want to do the same thing as you, much easier.

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It’s actually a very handy little app, and it does a good imitation of Windows Phone 7 for people who haven’t experienced that platform’s interface yet. Sounds are taken straight from the Xbox itself, and despite a little lag when switching between some screens as the info is retrieved from Microsoft’s servers, it’s a pretty fun way to navigate content that’s kind of a chore to view on your console.

The app also includes a “Spotlight” section that presents you with video trailers and featurettes normally available through the console. It’s free, so if you’re an Xbox LIVE user, there’s no reason not to check it out.

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At first glance, the N-Control Avenger looks like the fevered dream of a quirky lunatic, destined for fame and failure as a legendary crapgadget. When one showed up on our doorstep, we were admittedly skeptical. Could a lever- and pulley-laden Xbox 360 controller clamshell really give us a competitive edge? Wouldn’t all the extra bits and pieces only result in a cumbersome mess? Is this doodad really worth the asking price? We went hands-on to find out, and boy howdy, were we surprised.

Continue reading N-Control Avenger Xbox 360 attachment makes it look complicated, we go hands-on (video)

N-Control Avenger Xbox 360 attachment makes it look complicated, we go hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Jun 2011 22:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xbox 360 Play & Charge Kit

• Recharge while you play Don’t miss a thing! Recharge while you play or when your Xbox 360 is in standby mode.
• Know your battery levelYou’ll always know your battery levethe battery fuel gauge is shown on the Xbox 360 dashboard.
• 25 hours of gameplay per chargeGo at it all night long. The rechargeable battery pack provides over 25 hours of gameplay per charge.
• Battery pack needs to be left plugged in to the unit and not used for 5 to 6 hours when the Play & Charge Kit is used for the first time.
• The Battery Pack will continue to build up the lifespan the more the pack is charged.

- Recharges Xbox 360(TM) wireless controller during play- More than 30 hours of playtime per charge- Battery fuel gauge displays through Xbox 360(TM) dashboard- Includes charging cable & NiMH rechargeable battery pack

Rating: (out of 154 reviews)

List Price: $ 19.99

Price: $ 10.59

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Xbox 360 Black Play & Charge Kit

• Sold Individually

Recharge your Xbox 360 Wireless Controller while you play and kiss disposable batteries goodbye! Complete with a charging cable and rechargeable battery pack, the Xbox 360 Play and Charge Kit is all you need to juice up your Wireless Controller – even in the midst of battle.

Rating: (out of 110 reviews)

List Price: $ 19.99

Price: $ 10.99

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Awww, schweeeeeet! This calculator says, “Hey, I need a calculator but I want people to know that I’m down with video games. Please don’t step, mess, or front. I got eight digits to work with, B.”

Shaped like an Xbox controller, you’ve got a D-pad with add, subtract, multiply, and divide keys, number pad right in the middle of everything, functions on the right, and big fat CE and equals buttons. Oh and the shoulder buttons correspond to on and off.

It’s $13 from an Australian store. The product page says that it’s almost sold out, which makes perfect sense since this product is somehow so dumb it’s cool.

X-Cool Calculator [DealsDirect.com.au via Newlaunches]

While I’m sure many of you hang onto Major Nelson’s every word, you might have missed these new holiday bundles that Microsoft is cooking up. There’s the Xbox 360 Elite Holiday Bundle, and the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller Game Pack. What do these bundles contain????

• The Xbox 360 Elite Holiday Bundles comes with an Xbox 360 Elite, and retail copies of Lego Batman and Pure. Such a bundle will cost $299. It goes on sale today.

• The Xbox 360 Wireless Controller Game Pack comes with a wireless black controller, and copies of Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2, Lumines LIVE!, Bomberman LIVE! and a downloadable token for Ms Pac-Man.

I heartily endorse Lumines, but the rest of those games I cannot speak to. If they’re bundle-worthy then they’re probably OK.