CruelLEGACEY let us know that the first episode of Playtime is now live. On the plus side, this means we’re done with trailers. Another plus – it’s pretty well-done; Cobra asks Warren to help him get better at Halo, but things don’t go too smoothly. New episodes on Tuesdays.(Louis Wu 13:22:26 UTC)

I… holy crap. That’s just… wow. Go look.(Louis Wu 16:53:37 UTC)

nomis78 has released three new panoramas, bundled up ALL his recent panorama work for easy zipped download, and is giving away Amazon vouchers. Read his post for full details!(Louis Wu 15:07:26 UTC)

Moorpheus19 noticed an article at Computer and Video Games which points out that Microsoft’s Phil Spencer has said that Kinect support is built into Halo: Anniversary. (Don’t worry – you will NOT be required – or even able – to control your in-game player via Kinect.) (Louis Wu 15:06:47 UTC)

Xbox 360 UK recorded the audio from the Terminal demonstration in their private showing of Halo: Anniversary at E3 – and have now released that (thanks, Elzarthebam). Our forum is full of comments from folks who seem to have forgotten that 343 specifically said that this was an example of how a Terminal would work, but that it’s NOT a Terminal that will show up in the game. If you listen to it, please remember that it might include placeholder material. (Louis Wu 15:05:31 UTC)

Prime999r created a Halo machinima based on Boris Vian’s 1959 poem “L’évadé” – dialogue-free, but very nice cinematography!(Louis Wu 17:36:38 UTC)

The Podtacular Anniversary Podcast went on for a LONG time last night – I ended up having to leave after 4 hours or so, but it went for at least an hour past that. (The archived version is just 3 hours; I’m not sure what was cut out.) It was a lot of fun, and I heard a lot of great stories from all around the Halo community – if you weren’t there, but you have a lot of free time, you should listen to this! (Louis Wu 17:34:48 UTC)

Just a reminder: The Podcast of All Halo Podcasts (as Podtacular is billing it), with guests from all around the Halo fan community, will be streamed live this evening, beginning at 7pm Eastern time. (Well, they’re kicking off pre-show shenanigans at 5pm EST… but the show officially starts at 7.) Grim and I should both be there, representing HBO – so be sure to come by and watch!(Louis Wu 15:09:54 UTC)

Pierre Tartaix sent word that the latest machinima from TGO GMBH has been released – Spies vs. Guards is fantastically filmed and edited, well-paced, and surprisingly tense. As usual with this group, there’s no dialogue – but it’s not missed at all. Go watch – this was great.(Louis Wu 14:40:37 UTC)

Ty Coker dropped by to announce the latest installment of the Frostbite series – Chapter 6 shows there are always those that see opportunity when faced with obstacles. (Louis Wu 11:53:32 UTC)

Achievement Hunter’s Fails of the Weak #39 is full of… well, fails. Of the weak. Several made me laugh heartily. Go watch! Thanks, Sl’askia.(Louis Wu 11:53:00 UTC)

Triumvirate – Hearts and Minds, the second article in Forward Unto Dawn’s Datapad series, is up now – if you haven’t read the datapads in Halo: Reach, or if you’ve been curious how others might interpret them, this is a fascinating read. Take a look!(Louis Wu 11:51:57 UTC)

Kaidon watched the E3 Halo 4 trailer… and did a pretty amazing job of reproducing the Spartan we saw there in holdable form. Check it!(Louis Wu 11:49:59 UTC)

Avcracy stopped in with word of another small machinima from Firelight Studios – The Jump teaches you… well, to not trust your friends. Or something.(Louis Wu 11:49:35 UTC)

It’s billed as ‘not a weekly update‘ – but it sure seems like a (short) weekly update. urk has posted a small collection of tasty tidbits which are worth reading no matter WHAT you call them. I’m calling them a Weekly Update – screw it. Which means you can find a copy in our Weekly Update Archive. So there.(Louis Wu 23:35:55 UTC)

As you are already aware (or maybe not), tomorrow is our big day when we do our live show in celebration of Halo’s 10 year anniversary.  It is slated to start at 1900 (7:00 PM) Eastern, but make sure to come early to catch some funny pre-show shenanigans.  We also have a big guest lineup.