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Gaming
Xbox 360 set for Wii-style motion control with Gametrak Freedom
By Jamilah Le
04:51 March 30, 2009 PDT
No one could fail to notice it bears an uncanny resemblance to the Wii remote (Wiimote) and the folks at Performance Designed Products (PDP) claim that the Gametrak Freedom - a new control device set for release on the Xbox 360 - is the most accurate and versatile 3D motion controller on the market. Read More
OnLive streams HD games to any old PC or Mac
By Darren Quick
01:03 March 27, 2009 PDT
Cloud computing is a concept that has been touted as the next generation technology for some time and with major players such as Google, Microsoft and Apple now heartily embracing the idea it seems its time has finally come. While the advantages of the approach have long been recognized, the Internet speeds required to make it feasible have meant that cloud computing has remained a blip on the horizon until recently. But with high speed connections becoming more and more available around the world companies are rushing to get on the cloud bandwagon lest they be left behind and miss out on the ‘next big thing’. And it’s not just the standard office applications like word processing, spreadsheets and databases that are making the move. The world of gaming could also be headed for a shake up as Palo Alto-based OnLive tests the water in providing on-demand games streaming over a broadband connection. Read More
Innovative ‘caseless’ computer housing concept from BMW
By Darren Quick
21:43 March 15, 2009 PDT
Although obviously best known for its cars and motorbikes, BMW also creates yachts, aircraft and trains, and has now turned its design expertise to a computer gaming tower with the ‘Level 10’ concept for Thermaltake, a manufacturer of computer housings and components for individually configurable high-end computers. Read More
iPoint system promises touchless gesture control of 3D displays
By Darren Quick
22:29 February 23, 2009 PST
For all the advances in computing and display technology over the years it’s a little disappointing that the main way we interact with them is still largely keyboard and mouse based, or for gaming consoles, controller based. The Wii’s motion controller has shown that the traditional ways of interaction serve as a barrier to many people and that new ways of interaction offer up a whole new range of possibilities. We also know that there are people hard at work on delivering whiz-bang new Minority Report style glove-controlled interfaces, but iPoint 3D goes a step further – the system allows people to communicate with a 3D display through simple hand gestures – without touching it and without 3D glasses or a data glove. Read More
Nintendo DSi launches April 5 in the United States
By Darren Quick
06:13 February 19, 2009 PST
February 19, 2009 The third iteration of the all conquering Nintendo DS will be released in the US on April 5. The new Nintendo DSi, which has been going gangbusters in Japan where it was launched on November 1 last year, crams even more goodies into a package about 12% thinner than the Nintendo DS Lite. Built-in features include two VGA (0.3 megapixel) cameras, SD card slot, a new DSi Sound application and a new DSi Shop application, which is similar to the Wii Shop Channel. Read More
EU funds universal, future-proof video game emulator to protect the classics
By Darren Quick
20:09 February 16, 2009 PST
As the average age of gamers increases, so too does the number of older gamers with fond memories of classic games. Unfortunately as PCs evolve and with each new generation of gaming consoles many of these classic games become nothing but memories as the hardware required to play them is rendered obsolete. But it seems the cultural importance of these games is finally being recognized with the European Union funding a €4.02 million (USD$5.2m) project with the overall aim of facilitating “universal access to our cultural heritage by developing flexible tools for accessing and storing a wide range of digital objects.” Read More
Game review: Flower (PlayStation 3)
By Darren Quick
18:22 February 15, 2009 PST
Anyone who has played thatgamecompany’s previous offering, flOw, will know that they march to the beat of a slightly different drum, aiming to produce games that touch players on a different emotional level than the majority of video games on the market. Their new game "Flower" certainly achieves this with its beautiful graphics, relaxing soundtrack and instantly accessible control system combining to give players a memorable and unique gaming experience. Read More
The most insidious invention in history?
By Mike Hanlon
15:16 February 15, 2009 PST
Further irrefutable proof that the slot machine is one of the most insidious inventions in history came from the 800 year old University of Cambridge this week. Researchers used fMRI brain-imaging to find that near misses (two identical fruits on the pay line and another just above or below) activate the same reward pathways in a gambler's brain as a win. What's more, slot machine manufacturers seem aware of this, as machines are programmed to deliver near misses almost one in three, enticing losers to keep gambling. Hardly seems fair does it? Read More
New Rubik's cube is a sphere
By Darren Quick
21:20 February 5, 2009 PST
You might have thought Professor Erno Rubik, the creator of the Rubik’s cube, might have rested on his laurels (and the piles of money the puzzle surely earned him), but no. Erno has been busy churning out a variety of puzzles over the years, but none has captured the imagination of the world quite like his ubiquitous cube. He is hoping to change that with his latest creation the Rubik’s 360. Read More
Hands-on with the Gravitonus iClubby ergonomic workstation
By Mike Hanlon
23:46 January 22, 2009 PST
January 23, 2009 Desks were designed before computers existed and they have largely dictated the way we configure our working environment. A lot of journalists are viewing the new Gravitonus iClubby as a workstation for gamers, but in my mind, it’s a lot more than that. Perhaps it’s time to reappraise exactly what a workstation should look like, because after trying it at CES, I want one, and I only spend a very small proportion of my time gaming. The fully ergonomic seating position, three screens, the sound system and lighting and temperature controls makes it the ideal high productivity workstation for anyone who spends long hours slaving over a hot keyboard . At $7000 it isn’t cheap, but it’s VERY comfortable, and I suspect the increased productivity afforded by the comfort and increased concentration would yield an ROI measured in months, not years, and there’s no price you can put on a bad back and aching shoulders. Read More
GAMEROX gaming chair gets kids moving while sitting down
By Darren Quick
18:41 December 14, 2008 PST
If there’s one thing most parent’s hate seeing, it’s their offspring slumped in from of the TV, video game controller in hand, ruining their posture and getting fatter by the second. This is one of the many reasons Nintendo’s Wii has proven so popular and now a company with a new concept in game seating is also hoping to do its bit for poor childhood posture and inactivity by getting kids moving and improving their posture while they sit playing video games. The GAMEROX chair is designed to promote movement during game play to deliver health benefits through improved circulation, movement and exercise by taking advantage of children’s natural tendency to move with the onscreen action. Read More
Logitech G13 gaming keyboard takes aim at hand fatigue
By Darren Quick
19:17 December 10, 2008 PST
We gamers are a hardy breed - we risk hand fatigue, sleep deprivation, eye strain and obesity all in the name of world domination, hostage rescue or quest completion. Logitech have addressed at least one of these afflictions with their G13 advanced gameboard – a hybrid gaming keyboard that features a naturally contoured design that is designed to deliver increased comfort and reduce hand fatigue by complementing the natural shape of the hand, while the smooth, concave home-row keys make it easy to locate buttons by touch. Read More
EA announces first and only NASCAR title for the Wii
By Darren Quick
20:57 December 4, 2008 PST
Wii owning NASCAR fans will be happy to hear that EA has announced the first and only NASCAR racing title for the console will be in stores in time for the Daytona 500 and the official start of the 2009 NASCAR season. Instead of porting an existing title, EA’s NASCAR Kart Racing has been designed exclusively for the Wii, so it will hopefully make good use of the console’s motion sensing controller and, in keeping with the Wii’s family friendly credentials, up to four players can go head-to-head, via split screen, in a mad dash to the checkered flag. Read More
Fanatec's Porsche 911 GT3 RS Racing Wheel for PC and PS3
By Darren Quick
19:51 December 3, 2008 PST
There must be plenty of aspiring Porsche drivers out there without the finances to afford the real thing because Fanatec has announced another addition to its line of Porsche licensed steering wheels for PC and PS3 gamers. The Porsche 911 GT3 RS Racing Wheel for PC and PS3 is crafted from genuine Alcantara leather, the same material that is used in real Porsches, and features the “world’s first” placement of a vibration motor on the brake pedal for that extra touch or realism. Read More
First ever World of Warcraft MMO Gaming Mouse
By Darren Quick
19:15 November 13, 2008 PST
SteelSeries has unveiled the first ever gaming mouse aimed at the global community of World of Warcraft (WoW) Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) players. Co-designed with WoW publisher Blizzard the MMO Gaming Mouse features advanced macro creation capabilities, six possible DPI settings, 16 million profile-specific illumination colors and manages to squeeze in15 programmable buttons to give players that extra edge. Read More
ECCI Trackstar 6000 series racing wheels and pedals
19:00 November 5, 2008 PST
One for serious gamers, the ECCI TRACKSTAR 6000 sim-racing controls feature and ergonomically shaped, 13-1/2" two-tone leather steering wheel, a customizable steering resistance system with fluid damping, behind-the-wheel paddles and a USB interface as standard... and it really looks the part. Read More
ASUS releases enthusiast level ROG Rampage II Extreme motherboard
By Darren Quick
21:45 October 30, 2008 PDT
ASUS has released the Republic of Gamers (ROG) Rampage II Extreme high performance enthusiast motherboard featuring the latest Intel chipset and SLI/CrossFireX on Demand provide support for the new range of Intel processors and multi-GPU technologies. Read More
Logitech's premium Guitar Hero controller
By Darren Quick
19:55 October 23, 2008 PDT
In news for lounge-room Rock Gods, Logitech has announced the Wireless Guitar Controller Premiere Edition for the PS3 and PS2. The premiere edition of the Logitech Wireless Guitar Controller is the first in Logitech’s planned line of premium peripherals for the Guitar Hero franchise. Officially licensed by Activision, the guitar is compatible for all Guitar Hero games, including the highly anticipated Guitar Hero World Tour. It features a wood neck, rosewood fingerboard and metal frets and tuning peg handles to provide that little bit of extra realism for belting out your favorite tunes. Read More
New Mégane Coupé to get video game introduction
By Darren Quick
00:05 October 21, 2008 PDT
Move over motor shows, it seems that video games are becoming the platform of choice for manufacturers wanting to throw a spotlight on their shiny new wares. Citroen is using this tactic to showcase its latest concept car and now Renault has announced that video game fans will be the very first to get behind the wheel of its new Mégane Coupé in the latest installment of Electronic Arts’ popular Need for Speed series: Need for Speed Undercover. Read More
Wii Music aims to take music gaming to the masses
By Darren Quick
21:07 October 20, 2008 PDT
While music based rhythm games such as Guitar Hero and Rock Band let players let out their inner Rock God, Nintendo, like they have done for the majority of their Wii titles, have aimed for a different demographic with Wii Music. With the standard lead, bass, drums and vocals combo pretty well catered for, Wii Music has widened the net by bringing more than 60 instruments to your living room. And unlike other games where the object is to hit the right note at the right time, Wii Music lets you put your own spin on songs. According to Nintendo, it’s all about improvisation, creativity and fun. Read More
New series of joysticks for flight sim fans from Genius
By Darren Quick
18:07 October 20, 2008 PDT
PC input peripheral and audio device company, Genius has announced a new gaming joystick series aimed at frustrated pilots everywhere. Each joystick in the MetalStrike series has a turbo function, while the MetalStrike FF and Pro joysticks feature a force feedback function for feeling every bump, crash or shot when playing air combat games. Read More
GTbyCITROEN brings Gran Turismo 5 to life
17:52 October 2, 2008 PDT
It may be destined for the game console rather than the garage, but the GTbyCITROËN concept is still one of the most outlandish examples of automotive design to emerge from the 2008 Paris Motor Show where it's making its global debut. The car is the result of a collaboration between Citroën and the creators of Gran Turismo and will appear in its virtual form in the 5th installment of the popular Playstation game. The imposing real world version stands at five meters long and features a wrap around windscreen, gullwing doors, huge air intakes and an over-sized, mobile rear spoiler. Not surprisingly for a car inspired by a computer game, tech specifications for the GTbyCITROËN are a little light on, although within the game it will do its bit for the promotion of greener motoring with a fuel cell powered electric drive train that's totally emissions free (apart from the electricity running the console of course). Read More
Game Console Online Content set to boom
By Jack Martin
20:58 September 4, 2008 PDT
It’s a wireless world we are living in, and the next decade will see countless changes in the way we access, consume and pay for what we want. Further evidence of this arrived today in the form of Parks Associates’ forecast revenue streams for online content and services for Internet-connected game consoles. The research company expects the three game console manufacturers (Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo) to be generating over US$8 billion in global revenue by 2013. The anticipated increase in revenue is expected to come from digital video distribution, downloadable games and content, virtual worlds and avatar-based microtransactions, multiplayer gaming services, and dynamic in-game advertising. Read More
Sony to launch 160GB PS3 in October
By Kyle Sherer
13:16 August 26, 2008 PDT
Sony is launching the 160GB Playstation 3 on October 31. The console is an early Christmas present for gamers in Europe and the US where it will retail for €449 and US$499 respectively. Features include Playstation Network content, a Blu-ray Disc player, DUALSHOCK3 wireless controllers, video chat and online play. Read More
Sony working to make Rock Band, Guitar Hero instruments compatible
By Darren Quick
09:13 August 20, 2008 PDT
Sony has been working with rhythm based games developers to ensure compatibility between the various companies’ peripherals on the PS3 for Rock Band 2, Guitar Hero: World Tour and Rock Revolution titles. Read More
Alexis Olson
- November 9, 2009 @ 21:08 UTC
