Saturday, June 6, 2009

Palm Pre is released!


The Palm Pre went on sale today. A few people lined up at a Sprint Store around the corner of my house. Apparently they only had 5 in stock so about another 5 walked home disappointed. There was a Pre launch event last night in NYC, only open to a select few, but there was still a line of people outside the NY Flatiron Building store. Engadget reports that this store had 100 Pre's, so they were able to supply the line. There are reports that Best Buy is making appointments for those waiting in line for Pre's at their stores. This means that people in line were given tickets (if they were to get the Pre) and they had to come back to pick up their phone at the given time. The odd thing about this is that the Pre's stock supply is BETTER than the Touchstone chargers. Engadget is also reporting that many stores have lots of Pre's but sold out Touchstones.

Hit up the Engadget link for some more info on the launch.

[Via Engadget]

Friday, June 5, 2009

Google Chrome developer preview (unofficially) released



Finally, the day has come (sort of). Kevin Rose (?) leaked a link to a Developer's Preview of Google Chrome for Mac on his Twitter. As for first impressions, the browser looks great. The tabs system on Chrome is just like its Windows counterpart. As for speed, Safari is still the best. Sites like DiTechite and Youtube load up faster in Safari then on Chrome. Unfortunately, flash is not enabled in this build of Chrome, so you cannot watch any flash (i.e. Youtube, video sites). Stability on the other hand be better than Safari. After surfing numerous sites, my Safari crashed. After doing the same with Chrome and more, the experience stayed clean and smooth. Since this build is only a preview/beta, I cannot judge its speed yet, because there is lots of work Google can potentially do to improve Chrome before it is released into public beta.

Robert from TUAW also performed some benchmark comparisons with Chrome, Safari, and Firefox. Like I said, Safari is still the fastest browser. Shown below, the lower the "Total Duration", the better the performance.



[Via Tuaw]

Link to Kevin Rose's Twitter. Click the link to get to the Download Page.

What do you get when the 360 chatpad and the PSP make love?


To answer this question, we turn to Acidmods.com member Folklord36. This member on Acidmods.com modded a 360 chatpad and a PSP to make a mini PSP-laptop. The chatpad is built into the PSP's original body, normally where the PSP's screen goes. Then Folklord took a PSP faceplate and put and wired the screen on it, then attached the screen using a hinge. Its a pretty good concept, but I would not be looking forward to doing this on my PSP anytime soon.

[Via Engadget]

[Read]

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Nintendo Wii Vitality Sensor detects your pulse


And it looks like Nintendo's answer to Microsoft's Project Natal is... a pulse detector. Yep, Ninty's just announced the Wii Vitality Sensor, a finger sensor which attaches to the Wiimote to read your pulse. Details on how the accessory is going to be used in games are pretty vague, but it appears the idea is to check stress, help you relax, and just generally chill out and be groovy. That won't happen for a while yet, though: the Vitality Sensor was described as a "look into the future," so we're guessing we've got a wait in store.

Windows 7 Ready for Retail October 22



God, I cannot wait. Win 7 coming October 22nd. We can also expect OSX Snow Leopard to release around the fall as well. This means an OS shootout. We'll just have to wait till the WWDC to see how much more Snow Leopard can offer. Hopefully both OS's can offer the best by their releases.

Sony Press E3 Round Up


PSP Go

Just as expected, Sony just announced the PSP Go at E3 just now -- Haz Kirai called it the "worst kept secret at E3." The slider handheld has a 3.8-inch LCD, built-in Bluetooth and 16GB of internal storage, all in a case 50 percent smaller and 40 percent lighter than the original PSP-1000 -- a weight savings we're guessing is directly attributable to the loss of the UMD drive. That's right, the Go doesn't have a UMD drive -- games will instead load in through the Memory Stick Micro slot or over PlayStation Network. That's not the end of the classic PSP, though -- Sony says it will "live on." New PSP titles will be distributed through both UMD at retail and online simultaneously -- Sony's beefing up the desktop client and renaming it Media Go for easier access and syncing with Playstation Network media, but you'll be able to get PSN content directly from the Go as well. The PSP's music features have also been beefed up with a new auto-playlist feature called Sense Me, which sounds a lot like Pandora or iTunes Genius playlists, and there's a new video delivery service being rolled out. You will now also be able to purchase and rent videos straight on to your PSP from the PS Store.

Don't expect the loss of UMD to lower the price, though: the Go will be $249 when it launches on October 1 in North America and Europe and November 1 in Japan.

There is also a media manager that will replace Sony's current manager called MediaGo (probably no Mac support, boo!)

M.A.G.

We saw some gameplay at this press conference. Whats good was that it was a full 256 player game! Check out the screenshots below:





Hannah Montana PSP

No explanation here...



Gran Turismo PSP

Yes, this was like the game they unveiled three years ago. Some more tech specs:

"It's running at 60fps," he says. "Gran Turismo PSP contains 800 cars, 35 tracks" and multiple variations of each track.

"Single player mode contains standard races, time trials, and drifting." You can also earn your licenses, in GT fashion. "Though it is running on such small hardware, Gran Turismo offers a full-size" experience.

"Another feature that is also geared specifically for PSP is the trading and sharing of cars" from your garage to your friends.

Because there are 800 cars in the game, it'll be difficult to get it by yourself. If you work with your friends, you'll have a much easier time.

Game will use Ad-Hoc mode for races. No mention of online infrastructure.



Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker

This is a "true sequel" to Portable Ops - it's not a spin-off and it's not a side-story.

The first in-game footage takes place in Costa Rica. "A nation without a military" must turn to a "nation without a government." In this game, Big Boss is already seemingly in control of Outer Heaven. The visuals are notcieably improved over the first Portable Ops game, with improved lighting.

"Worldwide anticipation becomes reality!" it says. I think our anticipation turned to annoyance after the third or fourth countdown for this title. "Monstrous foes incapable of feeling pain." Shockingly, we see four clones of Big Boss all taking aim at a giant Metal Gear-esque mech. Clearly, Kojima is preparing a mind-frak with this one again, folks. The trailer ends with two Snakes entering a box labeled "Love Pack."

Resident Evil Portable

"Ever since Resident Evil first brought gamers to the fictional town of Raccoon City in 1996" the series has enjoyed great success on the PlayStation platform. "We're very proud to welcome Resident Evil to the PSP at this time." It'll be a "whole new game" made specifically for the portable.



More PSP Games Confirmed

Footage of LittleBigPlanet PSP takes the big screen, in addition to the new Jak & Daxter game.

Home

Home is "only possible on PlayStation 3." Guess that rules out a possible PSP version, right?

He's (Jack Tretton) giving us a rundown of all the publishers they're working with on Home – lots of big names in there. Some stats meant to encourage us that Home is gaining traction with gamers. Now a trailer meant to show us "how far the platform has come since we launched it six short months ago."



Agent

Agent is Rockstar North's new PS3 exclusive. Unfortunately, no other details yet.



Assassins Creed 2 and Assassins Creed PSP

Sony not only showed more Assassins Creed 2, they revealed that there will be locked content for the game that can only be unlocked with the new PSP version of Assassins Creed.

Final Fantasy XIII and XIV

Jack announced Final Fantasy XIV! "And PlayStation 3 will be the ONLY console" that XIV will be available on when it launches in 2010. Wait, what? Final Fantasy XIII and XIV are launching in 2010? Awesome

The all CG trailer asks heroes to "take their blades" and "answer the call of destiny." Final Fantasy XIV is ... real? And online! It's an MMO! Final Fantasy XIV Online.



Playstation Motion Controller

Richard Marks was here to show off the first PlayStation motion controller, the PS2 EyeToy. The latest camera will enable "a completely new set of experiences" using a new controller. "It has a variety of buttons" and sensors. He cautions that the controller in his hand is a prototype, and will most likely change.

The live demonstration shows a rendered (and dull looking) living room that moves around to follow the wand. "This is true 1 to 1 tracking."

Unlike Microsoft's Project Natal, Sony says they've learned "some experiences need buttons," which is why there's still a controller involved. The system is said to be "sub-millimeter" precise, and it was demoed drawing and playing a shooter -- it's sort of the middle ground between Natal and Wii Motion Plus. Sony says it'll launch in the spring of 2010, but we don't know what pricing will be like yet.



While it may look bad, this is only a prototype and the design and looks may change. Im guessing the camera tracks the controller's motion. Its very accurate tracking.





LBP
Nothing great. Jack reveals that there are 900,000 created levels, and 2 million players. He also revealed that Disney will join the LBP world with some "Incredibles" and "Jack Sparrow" DLCs.

ModNation Racers

This game looks like a mix of LBP and Mario Kart. It does look childish (like LBP), but does look really cool and fun. Involves custom "Mii" looking characters driving tiny cars. You can also create your own tracks, and maybe even easier than LBP's create mode.





Some Gran Turismo 5

More trailer footage of GT5. There appears to be a rally portion of the game, and a Nascar portion as well. It seems like all the Nascar cars are there. So, Nascars fans get ready, GT5 is coming.




God of War III

Shown at this Press Event was about 7 minutes of gameplay shown. Unfortunately, we did not get to see the end of the level. Thats when they surprised us with a few words. There will be 20 more minutes in addition to what was shown today, so we can see the ending of it. The visuals look amazing. Lots of fun gore. If you notice, the more bloodier the fights get, the more blood Kratos has on his body. Now thats thorough visuals. The gameplay seems very fun but I cannot say so until I actually get my hands on it.



Sony E3 2009 - Live Weblog

Today at 11:00EST Sony had their PR(Press conference) I will be here recording everything they say so you guys can follow along...

E3 2009 Sony, Live from G4 TV.
So it starts out with a really cool extended commercial showcasing multiple of Sony's games. Very nice entrance. Jack Tretton president and CEO comes out. 364 Games out on PS3 this year. 40x28 screen. 2009 will beat 2008. PS over 30% in 2008. MV2 FF13 RaR Batman , heavy rain, rock band Beatles.

Starts with PS2.
Ps2 is now $99.99. Ps2 outsold next gen system. In 9 years the PS2 is still going and PS2 will not be discontinued. 2000 titles. 100 new titles in 2009.

Ps3
22 million units sold last year. Great games in 2009. inFamous is biggest blockbuster. 35 exclusive titles in 2009.

Uncharded 2 multiplayer beta at midnight tonight. It looks like a great game with fun interactions and funny comentary. Action is better than the first in my opinion. Jack brgs on Uncharded 2, as he should, the game looked amazing and had great gameplay.

Next, MAG 256 multiplayers online. The first game play footage. This first person shooter. The game looked like battlefield graphics with its own style. The objective is to get behind enemy lines. Since the squads have different objectives, the leader will get points for ecah action they do. The helicopers secure the area with mini guns. If any player dies after a heli arives then they swapn in the heli. The leader has special privlidges.

PSP
PSP has become slimmer and easier to use over the years. Hannah Montana bundle will come out.

President and CEO Kaz Hirai of Sony. He announces the PSP Go!
It looks just like all the pictures. It will not replace the PSP 3000 or slim. It's just for digital media. It playes all the same games, but is 50% smaller and 40% lighter than the first PSP with 16GB of internal memory. It also has blutooth tec. and M2 slot for memory, wifi, Media go will replace the media store and can be accessed through a PC. New called Sense Me will analyze your music like the Itunes Genius. PSP will now be 80% more cost efficient. More content, music, videos and games. All PSP titles will be digitally distributed. PSP Go is the future of technology. Same price of 249.99 Oct. 1, Nov. 1 in Japan. Video delivery service will be available on all PSP's. More content on PS Store. Showtime, G4, E, HD Net, TNA and magnolia. "Entertainment everywhere"

Farther of Tursmio Kazunour Yamachui. Gran Turismo PSP, running on PSP Go, Full scale with 60 FPS. 800 cars 35 tracks. SP will now have challenge trials where you can find out your driving skills. Not Shrunken down. Utilized all the power and up to 4 players online. You can now trade cars between other players. All 800 cars can be shared between friends. Gran Turismo will have more features and will not be degraded going on the PSP. The demo looked sick and ran gret on the PSP Go.

Metal Gear Solid.
Hideo Koijima. Snake will be back. MGS Peace walker. Setting is 10 years later after MGS3 in the 1970s. Koijima will be greatly involves in the coding as will his team. He will not forget to add the specs on the PSP. The trailer is just as epic as MGS4. US vs Soviet union. 1974 Cuba turnes to a military with no geverment. Snake will be back and greater and more tactical than ever. The trailer was exliterating and unbelivelible. Funny ending. 2010 will be released. "Next true step in the MGS Saga." Koijima.

Resident Evil-
Coming to PS3 next year and to PSP next year. PSP will have more exclusive PS3 titles; Little Big Planet, Ratchet and Clank, Motor Storm, and Harry Potter to name a few. All these look great and have used the PSP's capablities very well. Once again a great presentation.

PSN
24 M WW, 11 m US, 200titles on PSN Store, 90 are exclusive, Starting to add PS1 titles on PSN store including FF7.

Home only on PSN- 6.5 M people, 100 items each month, Caccon has spaces and Home spaces as EA had 1.5 M engagements, Socom, Activision, Nameco, Capcon, EA and more will have spaces. Now the Home commercial is showing.

PS3 Sony introduction.
Starts off showing Uncharded 2, then Madden, Heavy rain and Batman Arculim of Asylimun, Guitar Hero, LBP, DC, Fight Club, and many, many more. Again a great start presentation for the PS3 an hour in and still going strong.

Rockstar- "Agent" a new game coming to exclusively PS3. Just Announced

Assassin Creed 2 on PS3. More options and gameplay. Starts right where AC1 ended. In the Resanance period. Da vinci will help him and will give him new invintions through out the game. Game looks epic and he now has more assassin techinekes. 30 different weapons. Smoke bomb is also used in the gameplay. On shelves soon. Just Announced

Final Fantasy in next spring. Looks like a great game. Same gameplay just continued. FF14 on PS3 only in 2010. Just announced.

Motion control gaming. Dr. Richard Marks. New eyetoy with more interactions with the PS3. The new motion sensor is a prototype. This is epic. The eyetoy can pick the sensor and replace it with anytool and can be used in any game. This is really cool and there is nothing like it. True 3D motion. Looks kiddy but really cool and anyone will have fun with this. It can also go to first person. The eyetoy will exactly in realtime track the sensor and uses it like a green screen. 2 sensores can be used to build buildings and anything imagable. The accucary is at submillimeter tracking. Everything is concidered, including the angle on a spray paint can. Dominos and other cool tools can be used. Can also be used in an arena with a vitural player.