Archive for June, 2008

The guys over at Phone Mag managed to get their hands on the HTC Touch Pro “Raphael” and its sweet slide-out QWERTY keyboard. Unfortunately, there was no battery and the device could not be turned on—but no significant changes are expected on that front over the previous Touch handset. All in all, Phone Mag felt that the device would satisfy HTC owners and keyboard lovers alike.

Hit the following link for a full gallery. [Phone Mag]


Via [Gizmodo]

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“Give me a good reason why you’re filming around.” BakelBlog discusses some of the filming restrictions proposed in the UK and the resulting reactions of “community support officers” when folks try to film in public streets. The same issues are cropping up here in the U.S. and just to recap regarding U.S. law: you can film […]

“Give me a good reason why you’re filming around.”

BakelBlog discusses some of the filming restrictions proposed in the UK and the resulting reactions of “community support officers” when folks try to film in public streets.

The same issues are cropping up here in the U.S. and just to recap regarding U.S. law: you can film in a public place but not in a private place. You have no expectation of privacy in most public places, although you can have an expectation that you won’t suffer privacy invasion (i.e. someone won’t take upskirts of you on the bus). There aren’t many exceptions to this law but private locations, including building frontages, are sometimes considered private property.

Via [crunchgear]

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Who will be on the cover of FIFA? When I tell friends I’m going to play video games for work they typically think I’m lying or just slacking off. Yesterday was one of those days where I did go and play games for work. I got a hands on with EA’s upcoming line of “All-Play” titles […]

ea all play wii logo
Who will be on the cover of FIFA?

When I tell friends I’m going to play video games for work they typically think I’m lying or just slacking off. Yesterday was one of those days where I did go and play games for work. I got a hands on with EA’s upcoming line of “All-Play” titles for the Nintendo Wii. Titles included are NCAA Football 09 All-Play (release 7/15/08), Madden NFL 09 All-Play (8/12/08), Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09 All-Play (8/26/08), NBA LIVE 09 All-Play (10/7/08), and FIFA Soccer 09 All-Play (10/14/08). The “All-Play” titles offer Wii owners a comical version of each title that fits perfectly with the rest of the Wii game lineup. That’s not to say that hardcore gamers will be left out in the cold. Each title is split between “All-Play” and what you’d normally expect from each of the aforementioned titles.

I played quite a bit of FIFA and the “All-Play” mode was amusing and much better than I previously thought. You can select to play with just the Wiimote or include the Nunchuck. At the first level of play, just flailing around the Wiimote will cause your player to take a shot on goal and pushing either A or B will pass the ball. I don’t remember which does what, but I think you get the picture. The inclusion of the Nunchuck grants you to control where your player will run to and pass to. It’s basic controls for the little children or grandparents to just putz around and have fun. When playing the game in normal mode, you can use just the Wiimote to pinpoint exactly where your player goes or where you’ll pass. It actually worked out quite well and I left fairly impressed.

I also dabbled with NCAA and it, too, was easy enough to play on “All-Play” mode that would appeal to all demographics for the Wii. Overall, I’m giving the “All-Play” line of games two thumbs up. EA has found a perfect way to blend their mix of popular titles with the cheesy gameplay Wii owners have come to love.

Further details and specifics for each title can be found after the jump.

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Electronic Arts Inc. (Nasdaq:ERTS) has unveiled new game details and the very special line-look for its “EA SPORTS™ All-Play” products shipping this summer and fall for the Wii™. Designed for social play and featuring one-of-a-kind controls, distinct presentation and a style of play that’s inviting to players of all skill levels, EA SPORTS will ship five “All-Play” games in 2008, including next month’s NCAA® Football 09 All-Play.

“The Wii platform and the Wii consumer are looking for a very one-of-a-kind sports experience,” said Peter Moore, president of EA SPORTS. “We’re excited to take five of our most popular franchises and develop them from the ground up exclusively for the Wii, with unique controls, unique presentation, very special modes and even very special packaging. Whether you’re an EA SPORTS veteran or a rookie gamer, EA SPORTS All-Play levels the playing field and delivers a fresh new gaming experience.”

EA SPORTS will ship the following games, all with an MSRP of $49.99, this fall under the “All-Play” descriptor:

NCAA Football 09 All-Play

Release Date: July 15, 2008

NCAA Football 09 All-Play debuts on the Wii in July with stylized gameplay that is quick and simple for fans to jump in and out of great head-to-head action. The game features All-Play controls, a multiplayer social experience that grants novice users to compete against advanced players and still enjoy success. All-Play controls are designed for the more novice fans, but also feature a traditional default setting for the more seasoned veterans. NCAA Football 09 All-Play features almost 200 schools, making it the most authentic college sports gaming experience available for the Wii.

Madden NFL 09 All-Play

Release Date: August 12, 2008

Madden NFL 09 All-Play features fun, approachable and innovative gameplay by unleashing the power of the Wii Remote through the all-new EA SPORTS Call Your Shots feature. Call Your Shots allows the player to create his or her own plays on the fly and direct receivers where they should run. Gamers of all skill levels can also enjoy an all-new fast paced 5-on-5 mode which has a reduced field length and massive head NFL players. Experienced Madden players or rookies to the game can utilize the all-new play calling system. No matter the skill level, players can be competitive with three playbooks to select from, ranging from Easy to Advanced.

Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09 All-Play

Release Date: August 26, 2008

Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® 09 All-Play features personalized coaching from Tiger Woods’ personal coach, Hank Haney and all types of gamers can pick up this game and have a fun and challenging experience. Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09 All-Play features new graphics and user interface while also incorporating interactive and social mini-games. The standing swing control, the most “true to life” golf mechanic you can find in any videogame, truly takes advantage of the Wii console’s unique control scheme. The game will also feature on the web play for the first time with Simultaneous Online Play that grants up to four players the ability to play each hole at the same time.

NBA LIVE 09 All-Play

Release Date: October 7, 2008 (North America); October 14, 2008 (Worldwide)

Step onto the court and into the fun with a very special basketball experience designed exclusively for the Wii. NBA LIVE 09 All-Play offers more action, more often, with an over-the-top basketball experience designed with everyone in mind. Improved responsiveness and more control options make this game easier and more fun to play than ever before.

FIFA Soccer 09 All-Play

Release Date: October 14, 2008

Step onto the pitch and play a one-of-a-kind soccer experience exclusively for the Wii. Enjoy FIFA Soccer 09 All-Play one of two ways — a Wii-specific take on the classic ‘11 vs. 11’ simulation or over-the-top ‘8 vs. 8’ arcade action. Play with your Mii™ alongside your heroes Ronaldinho, Wayne Rooney and other soccer stars created as customized characters in an arcade version of the beautiful game. Steal the ball and make outrageous shots by simply waving your Wii Remote. You’ve never played soccer like this before! Plus, play Footii Party Games called Table Soccer and Boot It for more great fun with family and friends.

EA SPORTS is the leading interactive sports software brand in the world, with top-selling titles and franchises including Madden NFL Football, FIFA Soccer, NHL® hockey, NBA LIVE basketball, NCAA® Football, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® and NASCAR® racing.

For more information on EA SPORTS All-Play, the full line-up of All-Play titles, game features, overview videos and more, please visit the all-new All-Play website at www.easports.com/eaallplay.

Via [crunchgear]

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That Xbox 360 price drop rumor is gaining traction. This is the full-page Kmart ad; isn’t it grand? More importantly, the flyer where the ad is from is for the week of July 13, which coincides with E3 week. Don’t put it past Microsoft to use the pared down trade show to announce price cuts.

bigkmart

That Xbox 360 price drop rumor is gaining traction. This is the full-page Kmart ad; isn’t it grand?

More importantly, the flyer where the ad is from is for the week of July 13, which coincides with E3 week. Don’t put it past Microsoft to use the pared down trade show to announce price cuts.

Via [crunchgear]

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Consumerist’s taken all the early termination fee news we’ve reported on lately and shoved them into an easy-to-read graph to show you what’s up. If you’re talking two-year contracts Verizon and AT&T are tied for the ideal at the start, but T-Mobile beats them somewhere around the 22nd month. For one year contracts, T-Mobile wins at about 7 months. Head over to the Cons to see the details. [Consumerist]


Via [Gizmodo]

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In today’s news of Virgin buying Helio for 39 million dollars, it has been revealed that the advanced features Helio was known for (and paid dearly for in the end) will be ported over as Virgin takes over operations. The infrastructure will also allow future handsets from Virgin to include modern day amenities like Google Maps with GPS, YouTube and MySpace apps, stuff Helio was very early on compared to the rest of the industry. [Virgin]

Greatly Expanded Handset and Data Offerings

Helio has built its reputation by providing its approximately 170,000 customers with highly sophisticated data services, and Virgin Mobile USA will leverage these advanced applications along with Helio’s established postpaid platform, social networking content and feature-rich handsets to provide its customers with the latest in wireless products and services. This acquisition will allow Virgin Mobile USA to provide current and future customers with very special user applications on Sprint’s high-speed EV-DO network, including Google maps with GPS, as well as integrated You Tube and MySpace applications.


Via [Gizmodo]

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Suzuka-based Topia Corp. presented an electric car during the 19th Design Engineering & Manufacturing Solutions Expo in Tokyo, which weighs just 150kg (330lb). The so-called Huvo is the prototype of a single seat mini car. The Huvo is made of steel, aluminum, carbon fiber reinforced plastic and ABS resin. Topia states the prototype was absolutely produced […]

Suzuka-based Topia Corp. presented an electric automobile during the 19th Design Engineering & Manufacturing Solutions Expo in Tokyo, which weighs just 150kg (330lb). The so-called Huvo is the prototype of a single seat mini automobile.

The Huvo is made of steel, aluminum, carbon fiber reinforced plastic and ABS resin. Topia states the prototype was absolutely produced in-house. According to the CEO, other companies trying to manufacture a comparable vehicle would only be able to produce a car weighing as much as 300kg.

The company doesn’t mention the invention on its website and at this point, there’s no information available regarding possible commercialization of the Huvo in the future.

Via Tech-On

Via [crunchgear]

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The 8 Lane Scalextric track from the Events Home is being touted as one of the best on the planet—and I don’t doubt it. The track is computer controlled and it will keep records of lap times, race winners and championship points. Unfortunately, it is only available to rent for events like team building, promotions, and celebrations (you couldn’t afford it anyway), and you need to live in the UK (wah-wah-waaaaah).

On the plus side, if you did have access to it, you could upgrade to the Championship package and get the added benefit of 2 race marshals to keep your vehicle on the track, race themed music on the PA system and a podium with a trophy and champagne at the finish line. [Events Home via Born Rich via Tech Digest]


Via [Gizmodo]

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We’ve all seen wires coming out of potatoes to power lightbulbs, but the design has always been a crude science experiment, not something with the polish of a real product. This Lemon Light is just an artist’s work, but it’s a brilliant design all the same. Simply cut off one end of the lemon and replace it with this lemon-shaped bulb. The result is a light that mimics nature while it glows only dimly, reminding us of the value of energy…and making us really want to purchase one of these neat Lemon Lights. [Yurisuzuki via MAKE]


Via [Gizmodo]

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Darnit darnit—that’s what you’ll be saying if you’re an eager Nikon fan, waiting for the new mid-range D700 DSLR. Those shots we showed you in our previous rumor post? Yep: faked. Over on NikonD700.com they’ve got a link to the original pre-Photoshopped image on Flickr. It’s of a D300, and is clearly of a higher quality and resolution than the D700 fake. See below for the full pic.

[Flickr via NikonD700.com]


Via [Gizmodo]

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