Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Fatal1ty teams with Fusion-io to launch 80GB ioXtreme PCI Express SSD]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/06/fatal1ty-teams-with-fusion-io-to-launch-80gb-ioxtreme-pci-expres/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/06/fatal1ty-teams-with-fusion-io-to-launch-80gb-ioxtreme-pci-expres/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/06/fatal1ty-teams-with-fusion-io-to-launch-80gb-ioxtreme-pci-expres/#comments
Up until now, Fusion-io's glorious creations have largely been priced out of consideration for general consumers. During E3, however, the storage gurus teamed up with Johnathan "Fatal1ty" Wendel in order to debut a consumer-level PCI Express SSD card. Engineered to provide wicked fast transfer rates within high-performance PCs, the ioXtreme is an 80GB PCI Express card that should make your traditional HDD seem absolutely antiquated. Better still, it's slated to ship next month for the not-too-terribly-egregious price of $895, which certainly gets you into the game for a lot less than OCZ's (admittedly more capacious) Z-Drive.

Gallery: Fatal1ty teams with Fusion-io to launch 80GB ioXtreme PCI Express SSD

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Fatal1ty teams with Fusion-io to launch 80GB ioXtreme PCI Express SSD originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 06 Jun 2009 23:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3 2009E32009Fatal1tyFusion-ioioXtremepci expresspci express ssdPciExpressPciExpressSsdraid ssdRaidSsdssdssd raidSsdRaidSteve WozniakSteveWozniakstorageSat, 06 Jun 2009 23:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: White PSPgo hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/05/video-white-psp-go-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/05/video-white-psp-go-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/05/video-white-psp-go-hands-on/#commentsSure, speaking with Sony's John Koller was great and all, but one of the real treats with the interview was some quiet hands-on time with a white PSP Go, unfortunately not turned on but with the same build quality and weight as its functional black model (also found tagging along to the Q&A). Our impression of the device is largely unchanged from the initial experience -- a sturdy build that's surprisingly light, although with this go around we didn't find the shoulder buttons to be more comfortable this time. Still, our interest wanes pretty dramatically when we're reminded of its $249 price tag, but enough with our chatter, hit up the break for an up-close video of all its nooks and crannies, and while you're there, stick around for more tidbits from our interview.

Continue reading Video: White PSPgo hands-on

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Video: White PSPgo hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 08:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3 2009E32009featuredfeaturedvideofeatureshands onhands-onHandsOnimpressionimpressionsinterviewjohn kollerJohnKollerpreviewpsppsp goPspGosceasonysony pspsony psp goSonyPspSonyPspGovideoFri, 05 Jun 2009 08:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Peregrine wires you into a keyboard, we go hands-in]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/04/peregrine-wires-you-into-a-keyboard-we-go-hands-in/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/04/peregrine-wires-you-into-a-keyboard-we-go-hands-in/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/04/peregrine-wires-you-into-a-keyboard-we-go-hands-in/#commentsPeregrine wires you into a keyboard, we go hands-in Got a game with a lot of commands, but are sick of supporting the Big Keyboard industry? Meet your rebel input replacement, the Peregrine. Demonstrated to us at E3, the Peregrine is basically an elastic glove with some wires sewn into it at various points. Connecting one of those points to conductive patches on the palm and thumb creates an electrical circuit, which the glove's brain converts to a keypress. It's like a glove but with power -- a sort of power glove, if you will. The main application is MMOs, where you could touch your thumb and forefinger together to cast a spell in a role-playing game or touch your middle finger to your palm to heal yourself. Or your character, anyway. More impressions and some spec-ops intrigue after the break.

Gallery: Peregrine Glove

Continue reading Peregrine wires you into a keyboard, we go hands-in

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Peregrine wires you into a keyboard, we go hands-in originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 21:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e32009featurefeaturedfeaturesglovekeyboardperegrineperegrine glovePeregrineGloveperipheralsusbusb keyboardUsbKeyboardThu, 04 Jun 2009 21:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony working on "good will" program to give digital copies of your UMD collection]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/04/sony-working-on-good-will-program-to-give-digital-copies-of-yo/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/04/sony-working-on-good-will-program-to-give-digital-copies-of-yo/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/04/sony-working-on-good-will-program-to-give-digital-copies-of-yo/#comments
We just sat down for an interview with Sony's John Koller, who among many other interesting tidbits and factoids (more on those later) assuaged fears that our giant UMD library would be entirely forsaken. While light on details -- they're still figuring it out, he said -- there will be a "good will" program by which owners of current disc-based titles will be able to obtain digital copies for use on the PSP Go -- "a set number of titles for a set period of time," to be exact. He couldn't confirm all games, or at least all your personal collection, would be transferrable -- that might have to do with the number of digitized games they'll have at launch, which will be at least 300 but not the whole back catalog -- but despite calling it a short-term program he did say, should you receive a new UMD game later down the line, you should still be able to make the digital transfer. As for price, we're still looking to confirm something there, but they wouldn't be putting so much effort into the program if it wasn't at least for a discount, if not free.

If you happen to like your discs, Koller said UMDs aren't going by the wayside so long as the PSP is still around, but he expects digital to start taking an increasing share. Looking to the future, he confirmed all first-party titles and most third-party titles (by the developers' own volition, not a mandate) will be available as digital downloads day and date with the UMD hard copies, and yeah, despite the reduced shipping and manufacturing costs, it'll be for the same price, too.

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Sony working on "good will" program to give digital copies of your UMD collection originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital distributionDigitalDistributione3e3 2009E32009psppsp goPspGosonysony pspsony psp goSonyPspSonyPspGoumdThu, 04 Jun 2009 19:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Creative's Fatal1ty Professional Series Gaming Headset MkII hands-on, and news of its sequel]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/04/creatives-fatal1ty-professional-series-gaming-headset-mkii-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/04/creatives-fatal1ty-professional-series-gaming-headset-mkii-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/04/creatives-fatal1ty-professional-series-gaming-headset-mkii-hand/#commentsCreative's Fatal1ty Professional Series Gaming Headset MkII hands-on, and news of its sequel Cans are so hot right now; the bigger and gaudier the better, because nothing says "Don't talk to me" like giant domes covering your ears. Creative's latest set, Fatal1ty Professional Series Gaming Headset MkII, don't really have much to offer in the flash category and certainly aren't excessively sized, but for serious gamers they seem to be a solid option and just the thing to keep your mom from interrupting your session. Shipping next week for $99, they offer an over-ear design with memory-foam surrounds and a sophisticated but not particularly flashy look that says "I want to look cool while wearing these, but I'll leave the chrome to my CPU fan, thanks." They sport a detachable boom that has not one but two microphones in it and some apparently fancy-schmantsy processing that can discern your howl of war from your dog's howl of neglect, meaning your CS teammates hear only the former. Unfortunately we weren't able to try that out for ourselves, so we'll have to see how well that pans out in the real world. The set uses the standard jumble of 3.5mm audio jacks to connect to your machine, but a Creative rep was kind enough to disclose plans for a USB version that'll work sans-soundcard. That model is due sometime next month for a $30 premium.

Gallery: Creative's Fatal1ty Professional Series Gaming Headset MkII hands-on

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Creative's Fatal1ty Professional Series Gaming Headset MkII hands-on, and news of its sequel originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 17:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canscreativecreative labsCreativeLabse3e3 2009E32009fatal1tyFatal1ty Professional Series Gaming Headset MkIIFatal1tyProfessionalSeriesGamingHeadsetMkiifeaturefeaturedfeaturesgaming headsetGamingHeadsetheadsetmicrophonenoise cancellationNoiseCancellationportable audioportableaudioprofessional seriesProfessionalSeriesusbThu, 04 Jun 2009 17:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Miyamoto: Super Mario Bros. Wii could be better, but the Wii's too weak]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/04/miyamoto-super-mario-bros-wii-could-be-better-but-the-wiis-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/04/miyamoto-super-mario-bros-wii-could-be-better-but-the-wiis-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/04/miyamoto-super-mario-bros-wii-could-be-better-but-the-wiis-t/#comments
Look, it's no secret that the Wii is comparatively weak. It always has been, and unless some magical, unicorn-approved firmware update hits in the near future, it always will be. The Big N's Shigeru Miyamoto sat down at E3 this year with GameDaily and confessed as much, stating that he "would like to use Wii Speak more, but [in Super Mario Bros. Wii], the Wii processor is already being taxed." He added that this was all "part of being a developer to work with the tools you have to create new and interesting projects," but it certainly makes us wonder just how much more awesome this console could be with a specifications list fit for this millennium. Ah well, maybe we can actually look forward to native 1080p games from Nintendo next decade... if we're lucky.

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Miyamoto: Super Mario Bros. Wii could be better, but the Wii's too weak originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consolee3e3 2009E32009gaminghardwarelimitlimitationMiyamotonintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiiShigeru MiyamotoShigeruMiyamotowiiThu, 04 Jun 2009 13:31:00 EST<![CDATA[DJ Hero hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/04/dj-hero-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/04/dj-hero-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/04/dj-hero-hands-on/#comments Activision's being pretty guarded with DJ Hero at the moment. Not only is it available only behind closed doors at its E3 2009 booth, but even then we weren't able to get our own hands-on time with the game, relegated instead to playing guitar along with someone else on the deck through that Monkey Wrench / Sabotage mashup. We did, however, get a chance to play take it out of the darkly-lit room and get a good feel of its weight and build quality, which we might add is pretty solid. Click on through for our full impressions and a video showing off the DJ vs. guitar mode.

Gallery: DJ Hero hands-on

Continue reading DJ Hero hands-on

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DJ Hero hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 10:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dj heroDjHeroe3e3 2009E32009featuresmusic gamemusic gamesmusic gamingMusicGameMusicGamesMusicGamingrhythmrhythm gamerhythm gamesrhythm gamingRhythmGameRhythmGamesRhythmGamingThu, 04 Jun 2009 10:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Logitech's high-end Flight System G940 hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/04/logitechs-high-end-flight-system-g940-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/04/logitechs-high-end-flight-system-g940-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/04/logitechs-high-end-flight-system-g940-hands-on/#comments Lots of people have Chuck Yeager aspirations but Joe Schmoe opportunities for flight time. For them there's the flight sim. Titles like Microsoft Flight Sim and Falcon are some of the earliest to popularize PC gaming, and since the beginning they've been accompanied by high-price controllers that replicate the experience of flying. Logitech's Flight System G940 is the latest. We spent a little bit of time with it in the company's cramped meeting room on the show floor to see if it's worth adding to your virtual hangar.

Gallery: Logitech's G940

Continue reading Logitech's high-end Flight System G940 hands-on

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Logitech's high-end Flight System G940 hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 05:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controllere3 2009E32009featurefeaturedfeaturesflight controlflight simulatorflight stickflight systemFlightControlFlightSimulatorFlightStickFlightSystemg940game controllerGameControllerlogitechlogitech flight system g940LogitechFlightSystemG940pcstickThu, 04 Jun 2009 05:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Scratch: The Ultimate DJ hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/04/scratch-the-ultimate-dj-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/04/scratch-the-ultimate-dj-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/04/scratch-the-ultimate-dj-hands-on/#comments For the past few years E3 has been a tale of two guitar games. In a lot of ways it still is, with the Guitar Hero and Rock Band clans still battling it out for plastic instrument supremacy, but this year two turntable games are also vying for your attention. DJ Hero has far more brand recognition on the box, but Scratch: the Ultimate DJ has the better hardware, and we got our hands on it.

Gallery: Scratch: The Ultimate DJ

Continue reading Scratch: The Ultimate DJ hands-on

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Scratch: The Ultimate DJ hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 02:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akaie3 2009E32009featurefeaturedfeaturesnumarkscratchscratch the ultimate djscratch: the ultimate djScratch:TheUltimateDjScratchTheUltimateDjturntableThu, 04 Jun 2009 02:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft's Project Natal roots revealed: 3DV Systems ZCam]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/03/microsofts-project-natal-roots-revealed-3dv-systems-zcam/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/03/microsofts-project-natal-roots-revealed-3dv-systems-zcam/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/03/microsofts-project-natal-roots-revealed-3dv-systems-zcam/#comments We had a hunch that 3DV Systems' technology -- which we actually toyed with back at CES 2008 -- had something to do with Microsoft's newly unveiled Project Natal motion tracking solution, and today details have trickled in to us confirming as much. As the story goes, 3DV Systems was initially hoping to have the ZCam in the manufacturing process by the tail end of 2008, but Microsoft swooped in and acquired the outfit just weeks after it blew minds in January. At the time, not much thought was given to the pickup; now, however, we're treated to a bona fide ZCam brochure which details the actual specifications behind the Xbox 360's newest friend. Granted, we have every reason to believe that Natal has advanced significantly from what you'll see in the gallery below, but it's still a tasty nugget of behind-the-scenes information. Of note, the former 3DV Systems VP of Business Development was quoted as saying that the target retail price of the ZCam was $100, though it still had aways to go as of early 2008.

Gallery: Microsoft's Project Natal roots revealed: 3DV Systems ZCam

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Microsoft's Project Natal roots revealed: 3DV Systems ZCam originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3DV Systems3dvSystemse3e3 2009E32009kinectmicrosoftmotion sensingmotion trackingMotionSensingMotionTrackingnatalProject natalProjectNatalsensorsensorsxbox 360Xbox360z camz-camzcamWed, 03 Jun 2009 16:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Classic Controller Pro appears at E3, unbeknownst to Nintendo]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/03/classic-controller-pro-appears-at-e3-unbeknownst-to-nintendo/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/03/classic-controller-pro-appears-at-e3-unbeknownst-to-nintendo/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/03/classic-controller-pro-appears-at-e3-unbeknownst-to-nintendo/#comments
Well, here's a curious one. Those eagle-eyed folks at Joystiq caught sight of a pair of Classic Controller Pros for the Wii at Nintendo's E3 booth, which wouldn't be so unusual if not for the fact that it still hasn't been announced for release outside of Japan. Adding to the intrigue, the Nintendo reps at the booth apparently know nothing (or weren't talking) about a planned release, and there's no official word to speak of on the E3 press site either. Yet the controllers were there for all too see, which leads Joystiq to rightly speculate that a release 'round here is now decidedly more likely than not.

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Classic Controller Pro appears at E3, unbeknownst to Nintendo originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 14:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classic controllerclassic controller proClassicControllerClassicControllerProcontrollernintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiiwiiWed, 03 Jun 2009 14:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Project Natal video hands-on, impressions, and further details]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/03/project-natal-video-hands-on-impressions-and-further-details/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/03/project-natal-video-hands-on-impressions-and-further-details/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/03/project-natal-video-hands-on-impressions-and-further-details/#comments We had a chance to go one-on-one with Project Natal -- as well as its steward, Kudo Tsunoda -- and we wanted to give you a little insight on Microsoft's next big play. Plus, how could we pass up an opportunity to show off a video of us essentially flailing around like teenagers on a coffee high?

The first thing to note is that Microsoft is very protective of the actual technology right now, so they weren't letting us film or photograph any of the box itself, though what they had was an extremely rough version of what the device will look like (not at all like the press shot above). It consisted of a small, black box aimed out into the room -- about the size of a Roku Player -- with sensors along the front. It almost looked a bit like a mid-size (between pico and full size) projector.

Continue reading Project Natal video hands-on, impressions, and further details

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Project Natal video hands-on, impressions, and further details originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3 2009E32009featureskinectkudo tsunodaKudoTsunodamicrosoftnatalproject natalProjectNatalxboxxbox 360Xbox360Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Tony Hawk: RIDE feets-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/03/tony-hawk-ride-feets-on/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/03/tony-hawk-ride-feets-on/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/03/tony-hawk-ride-feets-on/#commentsTony Hawk Ride feets-on Want to humble a videogame journalist? Ask him if he skates and, if he answers with a modest "a little bit," proceed to make him lose his balance and stumble off of your toy skateboard controller. That was the scene seen again and again at Activision's thumping booth on the E3 show floor, and we took our turn to get humiliated on the company's plastic deck, the feature piece of this October's Tony Hawk Ride. It's fun, it's hard, and it's a surprisingly (and somewhat embarrassingly) good work-out.

Gallery: Tony Hawk Ride

Continue reading Tony Hawk: RIDE feets-on

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Tony Hawk: RIDE feets-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360activisionbirdmane3e3 2009E32009microsoft xbox 360MicrosoftXbox360nintendo wiiNintendoWiiplaystation 3Playstation3ps3robomodosony ps3SonyPs3tony hawktony hawk rideTonyHawkTonyHawkRidewiixbox 360Xbox360Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:21:00 EST<![CDATA[The Beatles: Rock Band hands-on!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/03/the-beatles-rock-band-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/03/the-beatles-rock-band-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/03/the-beatles-rock-band-hands-on/#comments
We don't know if you're like us, but we've basically been waiting our whole lives to play The Beatles: Rock Band. Well, we got one step closer at E3 2009, as we were able to actually snuggle up close and personal with the full kit and see what was what (and show off our totally sick harmonies on "Here Comes the Sun"). We have to say, Harmonix has absolutely outdone themselves with this bundle -- from the Ringo-style Ludwig drum set to Paul's unmistakable Höfner Violin bass... it's all here, and it all looks brilliant. We took the boys out for a little spin (you can see our own Ross Miller on drums there), and captured just a few photos for your enjoyment. Hit the gallery below for all the goods!

Gallery: The Beatles: Rock Band hands-on!

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The Beatles: Rock Band hands-on! originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tucked in between the "worst kept secret" PSP Go and motion control demos at its E3 press conference, Sony also revealed new content for the PlayStation Network video service, and the ability to download video directly to the PSP, no PS3 or PC intermediary needed. No word on when to expect the new content exactly, but it will include video from Showtime Networks, Starz, G4 & E!, Summit Entertainment, The Weinstein Company, HDNet & Magnolia Pictures, Anime Network, Media Blasters, Right Stuf's Nozomi Entertainment, Starz Media's Manga Entertainment, Toei Animation, Viz Media, WEP, UFC, TNA and Video Action Sports. Looks like Sony will have easy on the go access to video store content up and running before Microsoft gets its Zune integration act together, but whether that compares to 1080p instant streaming promises remains to be seen (Hint: first one with direct Hulu access wins, we're just saying, guys.) Check out Sony's trailer embedded after the break.

Continue reading Sony adds PSP access to PlayStation Network video store, 16 new content partners

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Sony adds PSP access to PlayStation Network video store, 16 new content partners originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 22:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3 2009E32009g4hdnetmagnolia picturesMagnoliaPicturesplaystationplaystation networkplaystation portablePlaystationNetworkPlaystationPortableportable videoportablevideopsnpsn storePsnStorepspshowtimesonystarzthe weinstein companyTheWeinsteinCompanyTue, 02 Jun 2009 22:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony announces new PS3 motion controller]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/02/sony-announces-new-ps3-motion-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/02/sony-announces-new-ps3-motion-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/02/sony-announces-new-ps3-motion-controller/#comments
Sony just announced the rumored new motion controller for the PS3 -- the prototype looks like a wand with a color-changing ball on top. It's designed to work in conjunction with the PlayStation Eye, with the wand overlaid on-screen with a weapon or tool. 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.

Update: Video added after the break!

Gallery: PS3 Motion Controller

Continue reading Sony announces new PS3 motion controller

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Sony announces new PS3 motion controller originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We've teamed up with Joystiq for live coverage of E3, and Sony's keynote is rounding out the big three. The event is scheduled to start at around 2PM ET / 11AM PT.

10:27AM PT: We're live at the Shrine Auditorium, waiting to take our seats and begin the ritualistic dance we both know as a "liveblog." Will there be a PS3 price cut? Will it be "PSP Go!" or "PSP D'oh!"? We don't know yet, but you will as we cover Sony's presser live. Follow along with your bingo card and make your Sony predictions in comments!

Continue reading Engadget & Joystiq live from Sony's E3 2009 keynote

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Engadget & Joystiq live from Sony's E3 2009 keynote originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3 2009E32009featureskeynoteliveliveblogsonyTue, 02 Jun 2009 14:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony PSP Go announced -- $249, no UMD]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/02/sony-psp-go-announced-bye-bye-umd/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/02/sony-psp-go-announced-bye-bye-umd/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/02/sony-psp-go-announced-bye-bye-umd/#comments 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.

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. Sony's showing demo videos with both black and white versions, but that's not confirmed yet -- we'll let you know.

Update: Check the full PR here.

Update 2: Sony has just blasted out the detailed specifications. Here are the highlights:
  • Approx. 128 x 16.5 x 69 mm (width x height x depth)
  • Weight: 5.6 ounces (including batter)
  • CPU: 333MHz
  • 64MB memory
  • 3.8-inch display (480 x 272 resolution)
  • Built-in stereo speakers and microphone
  • 802.11b WiFi
  • Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
  • USB 2.0
  • Memory Stick Micro slot
  • Analog video out
  • 16GB storage

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Sony PSP Go announced -- $249, no UMD originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewse3e3 2009E32009psppsp goPspGosonyumdTue, 02 Jun 2009 14:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Segway rolls its way into Nintendo's Wii Fit Plus]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/02/segway-rolls-its-way-into-nintendos-wii-fit-plus/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/02/segway-rolls-its-way-into-nintendos-wii-fit-plus/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/02/segway-rolls-its-way-into-nintendos-wii-fit-plus/#comments
The Wii Fit Plus game may not be bringing any new hardware with it, but it looks like there's a few surprises in the game itself, not the least of which a new Segway mini-game that's been developed in partnership with Segway itself. As you can no doubt guess, that'll make use of the Wii Balance Board and Wii Remote to simulate what it's like to ride on a Segway, with none of the embarrassment or potential pitfalls associated with actually riding one in public. Amazingly, however, they look to have passed up the opportunity for a Segway Polo game and instead opted for a simple balloon-popping game that also involves a "mole-like creature."

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Segway rolls its way into Nintendo's Wii Fit Plus originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3 2009E32009nintendosegwaywiiwii fitwii fit plusWiiFitWiiFitPlusTue, 02 Jun 2009 14:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo Wii Vitality Sensor detects your pulse]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/02/nintendo-wii-vitality-sensor-detects-your-pulse/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/02/nintendo-wii-vitality-sensor-detects-your-pulse/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/02/nintendo-wii-vitality-sensor-detects-your-pulse/#comments
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.

Update: Check out the full press release here.

Continue reading Nintendo Wii Vitality Sensor detects your pulse

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Nintendo Wii Vitality Sensor detects your pulse originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewscontrollere3e3 2009E32009finger sensorFingerSensornintendopulsepulse sensorPulseSensorvitality sensorVitalitySensorwiiwii controllerwii vitality sensorWiiControllerWiiVitalitySensorTue, 02 Jun 2009 12:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget & Joystiq live from Nintendo's E3 2009 keynote]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/02/engadget-and-joystiq-live-from-nintendos-e3-2009-keynote/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/02/engadget-and-joystiq-live-from-nintendos-e3-2009-keynote/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/02/engadget-and-joystiq-live-from-nintendos-e3-2009-keynote/#commentshttp://www.engadget.com/media/2009/06/ninty-e309-keynote-0500-rm-eng.jpg We've teamed up with Joystiq for live coverage of E3, and Nintendo's keynote is next up for the extra special liveblogging treatment. The event is scheduled to start at around 12PM ET / 9AM PT.

We're live! We're on the scene at the Nintendo keynote, getting ready to fire salvo after salvo of news at you, our readers. Get those bingo cards ready and start making your own predictions of what the Big N's got planned in the comments section. (And no, "Cammie Dunaway does something embarrassing" doesn't count!)

Continue reading Engadget & Joystiq live from Nintendo's E3 2009 keynote

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Engadget & Joystiq live from Nintendo's E3 2009 keynote originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3 2009E32009featureskeynoteliveliveblognintendoTue, 02 Jun 2009 12:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: DJ Hero rocks the Activision house party]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/02/video-dj-hero-rocks-the-activision-house-party/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/02/video-dj-hero-rocks-the-activision-house-party/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/02/video-dj-hero-rocks-the-activision-house-party/#commentsVideo: DJ Hero rocks the Activision house party To give its latest Hero franchise a solid berth, Activision lined up quite a special night last evening --you know you're in for a good party when the opening act is a percussion overload courtesy of Travis Barker and DJ AM. Once the rafters stopped vibrating, attendees were treated to the first glimpse of DJ Hero being played in public, and we caught it on video (embedded below), showing the new (and repetitive-stress inducing) scratch and fade mechanic. It looks to be familiar enough that Guitar Hero fans should be able to get into it, but different enough to deliver would-be mixers a challenge. Think you can carry the beat? We'll see when it ships in October.

Gallery: DJ Hero

Continue reading Video: DJ Hero rocks the Activision house party

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Video: DJ Hero rocks the Activision house party originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 09:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondj heroDjHeroe3 2009E32009featurefeaturedfeaturesharmonixheroTue, 02 Jun 2009 09:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Beatles Rock Band books surprise gig at Xbox 360 meetup]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/02/video-beatles-rock-band-books-surprise-gig-at-xbox-360-meetup/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/02/video-beatles-rock-band-books-surprise-gig-at-xbox-360-meetup/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/02/video-beatles-rock-band-books-surprise-gig-at-xbox-360-meetup/#commentsLast night Microsoft held an E3 2009 post-press conference event, and while Natal wasn't anywhere within our reach, we did happen upon Harmonix's Beatles Rock Band stage, an appropriately cliché setup on the rooftop of The Standard Hotel. We'll be getting more thorough hands-on time with the instruments later in the week, but for now, enjoy a glimpse at the concert ensemble, blasting forth with (confirmed!) three-part harmony.

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Video: Beatles Rock Band books surprise gig at Xbox 360 meetup originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 07:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beatlesbeatles rock bandBeatlesRockBande3e3 2009E32009eaelectronic artsElectronicArtsgamesgamingharmonixmicrosoftmicrosoft xbox 360MicrosoftXbox360mtvmtv gamesMtvGamesrhythmrhythm gamerhythm gamesrhythm gamingRhythmGameRhythmGamesRhythmGamingrock bandrock band beatlesRockBandRockBandBeatlesthe beatlesTheBeatlesvideovideo gamesVideoGamesxboxxbox 360Xbox360Tue, 02 Jun 2009 07:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft's Project Natal demo video has us jumping with anticipation]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/01/microsofts-project-natal-demo-video-has-us-jumping-with-anticip/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/01/microsofts-project-natal-demo-video-has-us-jumping-with-anticip/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/01/microsofts-project-natal-demo-video-has-us-jumping-with-anticip/#comments We're itching to get our own, uh, body time with Microsoft's Project Natal real time motion-capture accessory for the Xbox 360, but until that happens we're eagerly soaking up every last bit of footage we can -- like this teaser video shown during this morning's keynote. Lots of little tidbits here, like voice and face recognition, custom texture scanning and mapping, video chatting, and all sorts of use-your-whole-body gameplay applications. Of course, we don't know how much of this is real and how much is TV magic, but it certainly seems like Natal's got tons of potential -- check the video after the break.

[Via Joystiq]

Continue reading Microsoft's Project Natal demo video has us jumping with anticipation

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Microsoft's Project Natal demo video has us jumping with anticipation originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 20:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360e3e3 2009E32009kinectmicrosoftmotion capturemotion controlmotion controllermotion controllsMotionCaptureMotionControlMotionControllerMotionControllsnatalproject natalProjectNatalxboxxbox 360Xbox360Mon, 01 Jun 2009 20:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft announces "Project Natal" motion controller for Xbox 360!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/01/microsoft-announces-motion-controller-for-xbox-360/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/01/microsoft-announces-motion-controller-for-xbox-360/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/01/microsoft-announces-motion-controller-for-xbox-360/#comments

Yes, it's real. Now you'll be able to change a tire... virtually. At E3 today, Microsoft finally took the wraps off the that rumored motion controller we'd been hearing about. Apparently the small, black device -- codenamed "Natal" -- will allow for an astoundingly wide range of actions by utilizing a group of sensors (the box itself sits beneath your TV), and the accessory will be capable of juggling multiple users during a single session. The demo Microsoft showed off included a skateboarding game (replete with a young man "air" ollie-ing), and a family playing a racing game (the dad was changing a tire, the daughter driving).

The add-on will offer features such as auto sign-in for players to Xbox Live (based on complex facial recognition), and sports extremely detailed body tracking which will be able to follow the individual movements of separate limbs. During the press event, the company demoed a painting app, which lets you use your entire body to handle virtual painting supplies, allowing you to do things like throw buckets of paint onto a canvas. Another title was shown off which featured a woman interacting with a young boy on the screen -- one of the company's creepier demos in recent memory. Unfortunately for us, Microsoft says the device won't be released during 2009. We're working on snagging some face time (literally!) with a demo unit, so stay tuned... E3 is off to a wild start!

Update: Video added after the break!

Continue reading Microsoft announces "Project Natal" motion controller for Xbox 360!

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Microsoft announces "Project Natal" motion controller for Xbox 360! originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewse3e3 2009E32009kinectmicrosoftmicrosoft xboxMicrosoftXboxnatalxboxxbox 360Xbox360Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live gets 1080p Zune video store, Netflix browsing, Twitter and Facebook integration]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/01/xbox-live-gets-live-tv-streaming-netflix-browsing/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/01/xbox-live-gets-live-tv-streaming-netflix-browsing/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/01/xbox-live-gets-live-tv-streaming-netflix-browsing/#comments
Microsoft is busy announcing a slew of upgrades to Xbox Live, and the biggest news so far is relaunch of the video service, now Zune-branded with 1080p instant-on streaming content in 18 countries. XBL is also now integrated with Facebook -- your Facebook account can be linked to your Gamertag, and games will support Facebook Connect for sharing content online. That's pretty huge -- but if that wasn't enough, you're also getting Twitter and Last.fm in the deal. Want more? Netflix users will now be able to browse the entire catalog instead of simply loading their queue, and Microsoft has also gotten its Party Watch system in order, so you'll be able to heckle videos with your online friends. Last but not least, there's now live TV streaming for UK and Ireland gamers, who'll get Premier League soccer live from Sky. All in all, a solid set of updates for XBL -- but we'll wait and see how that "1080p" video looks before we pronounce Blu-ray dead. PR blurb after the break.

Continue reading Xbox Live gets 1080p Zune video store, Netflix browsing, Twitter and Facebook integration

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Xbox Live gets 1080p Zune video store, Netflix browsing, Twitter and Facebook integration originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360breaking newsBreakingNewse3e3 2009E32009facebookfacebook connectFacebookConnectiptvlsat.fmmicrosoftnetflixparty watchPartyWatchskytwitterxblxboxxbox 360xbox liveXbox360XboxLivezunezune marketplaceZuneMarketplaceMon, 01 Jun 2009 14:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget arrives at E3 2009!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/01/engadget-arrives-at-e3-2009/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/01/engadget-arrives-at-e3-2009/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/01/engadget-arrives-at-e3-2009/#comments We've landed in somewhat sunny Los Angeles, just in time to watch the (de)construction of a mountain of miscellany in front of the LA Convention Center's South Hall. It's gonna be a long week for us covering all the hottest hardware and gaming peripherals, including DJ Hero, Beatles Rock Band, and we're thinking a few non-surprises from the likes of Microsoft and Sony. We've joined forces with our cohorts at Joystiq in creating a dedicated E3 2009 hub to satiate all your game news needs, as well as keep track of when all the keynotes are going down -- but of course if you're just interested in the Engadget side of things, you know where to look.

Things kick off tomorrow -- June 1st -- with Microsoft's press conference, and we'll be there blowing it out live. Here's when all the fun begins:

07:25AM - Hawaii
10:25AM - Pacific
11:25AM - Mountain
12:25PM - Central
01:25PM - Eastern
05:25PM - GMT
06:25PM - London
07:25PM - Paris
02:25AM - Tokyo (June 2nd)

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Engadget arrives at E3 2009! originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3 2009E32009gamingmicrosoftvideo gamesVideoGamesMon, 01 Jun 2009 00:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Mad Catz's wireless Fender Rock Band bass to ship soon]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/29/mad-catzs-wireless-fender-rock-band-bass-to-ship-soon/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/29/mad-catzs-wireless-fender-rock-band-bass-to-ship-soon/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/29/mad-catzs-wireless-fender-rock-band-bass-to-ship-soon/#comments
Just when you'd given up all hope that Mad Catz would ever ship its Fender Precision Bass for Rock Band, in flies this. If you'll recall, said axe was originally introduced to the world in September of last year, and with a certain Beatles-inspired bass set to ship in the ninth month of this year, Mad Catz obviously felt the time was right to cease its dilly-dallying. According to company CEO Darren Richardson, the wireless Fender bass for Rock Band will ship "later this month," which should mean that it'll be hitting store shelves over the weekend. In related news, the company has inked a multi-year licensing agreement with Microsoft that will allow it to "manufacture, market and sell Xbox 360-branded wireless specialty videogame controllers." Fun for them, yeah?

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Mad Catz's wireless Fender Rock Band bass to ship soon originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 29 May 2009 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agreementbasscontrollerFenderFender bassFenderBassinstrumentmicrosoftmusicperipheralperipheralsrock bandRockBandxboxxbox 360Xbox360Fri, 29 May 2009 11:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Jay-Z / Eminem limited edition DJ Hero planned, Rappin' Rodney Dangerfield can't be far behind]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/29/jay-z-eminem-limited-edition-dj-hero-planned-rappin-rodney-d/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/29/jay-z-eminem-limited-edition-dj-hero-planned-rappin-rodney-d/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/29/jay-z-eminem-limited-edition-dj-hero-planned-rappin-rodney-d/#comments
Bedroom DJs who can't actually be bothered to, you know, mix records and such: You're gonna be thrilled by this next bit of news. According to USA Today, Jay-Z and Eminem have joined our man DJ Shadow in attaching their names (and beats) to Activision's latest. The special-edition release of DJ Hero will reportedly bundle greatest hits CDs from both artists, a limited edition controller, a "DJ stand" (whatever that is -- perhaps a gilded pedestal like the one Sven Vath performs on?) and a metal traveling case. If you're into this sort of thing, hit up the gallery of screenshots below, and do make sure you peep Shadow's lengthy interview with Game Informer, where he goes over his involvement with the project in significant detail. Trust us, it's quite a read.

Gallery: DJ Hero screenshots



[Via Joystiq]

Read - Jay-Z and Eminem spin a musical game out of 'DJ Hero'
Read - DJ Hero Interview With DJ Shadow

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Jay-Z / Eminem limited edition DJ Hero planned, Rappin' Rodney Dangerfield can't be far behind originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 29 May 2009 10:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondj herodj shadowDjHeroDjShadoweminemjay-zFri, 29 May 2009 10:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Alienware's M17X gaming laptop with twin GTX 280M GPUs truly is all powerful]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/29/alienwares-m17x-gaming-laptop-truly-is-all-powerful/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/29/alienwares-m17x-gaming-laptop-truly-is-all-powerful/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/29/alienwares-m17x-gaming-laptop-truly-is-all-powerful/#comments
The announcement wasn't scheduled for a few more days -- four according to the teaser site -- but it looks like Alienware's All Powerful gaming laptop has been set free anyway. So, does it live up to the clues? Pretty much... how does a pair of 1GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 280M GPUs strike you? No Core i7 listed, instead we're looking at a Core 2 Extreme quad-core CPU at the top end with up to 8GB of 1333MHz DDR3 memory, and 1TB of 7200-rpm disk or a 512GB SSD if you prefer. RAID 1 or RAID 0? Sure. Rounding things out is a nine-cell battery of unstated performance, FireWire, 4x USB, eSATA, ExpressCard, 802.11n WiFi, 8-in-1 media card reader, dual-layer Blu-ray, a 1920 x 1200 pixel edge-to-edge LCD, DisplayPort and HDMI-outs all wrapped up in a massive chassis weighing 11.68-pounds with a 15.98 x 12.65 x 2.11-inch footprint. It's also packing a GeForce 9400M G1 GPU with HybridPower technology that allows you to scale the graphics back to conserve battery power. Prices start at $1,799 for a lot less than we mentioned above.

As a footnote to the details above, PCWorld also says that Alienware will use next week's E3 show to update us on its 42.8-inch curved monitor we went hands-on with back in January of 2008.

[Thanks, Steve]

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Alienware's M17X gaming laptop with twin GTX 280M GPUs truly is all powerful originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 29 May 2009 05:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1TB512GB9400m9400m g19400mG1alienwarealienware m17xAlienwareM17xallpowerfulbreaking newsBreakingNewscore 2 extremeCore2Extremee3gaminggaming laptopGamingLaptopgeforcegeforce 9400m g1geforce gtx 280mGeforce9400mG1GeforceGtx280mgtx 280mgtx 280m sliGtx280mGtx280mSlilaptopm17xnvidiaquad-coreslissdFri, 29 May 2009 05:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: First DJ Hero game trailer promises living room celebutantes]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/29/video-first-dj-hero-game-trailer-thinks-the-club-kids-originate/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/29/video-first-dj-hero-game-trailer-thinks-the-club-kids-originate/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/29/video-first-dj-hero-game-trailer-thinks-the-club-kids-originate/#comments The folks behind DJ Hero know something we can't even admit to ourselves: we're losers, a deep disappointment to our parents who wanted us to ride with the cool kids. That's going to change in October when DJ Hero puts us on stage with nothing but a silver thong and faux deck peripheral to bring down the house. It'll be just like hanging out with Michael Alig only without the ketamine and murder. Video of what to expect from your avatar stripper after the break.

Continue reading Video: First DJ Hero game trailer promises living room celebutantes

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Video: First DJ Hero game trailer promises living room celebutantes originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 29 May 2009 03:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dj heroDjHerogamingvideoFri, 29 May 2009 03:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Zune HD hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/28/zune-hd-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/28/zune-hd-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/28/zune-hd-hands-on/#comments
Sure, it was fun to have Ballmer run us through a little demo of the new Zune HD, but we'd be remiss in our duties if we didn't spend some time manhandling the device ourselves. We managed to track down the beast and toy with it a bit, and we must say... the thing kind of rocks. In your hand the Zune HD has a nice, solid feel, with good heft to it and a surprisingly thin profile. The OLED screen looks absolutely stunning -- even at severe viewing angles, colors were super bright, edges were crisp, and text looked beautiful. The UI is an extension of the existing Zune interface, but way tricked out in this version, with lots of flipping images, scaling text, smooth scrolling, and an extreme emphasis on simple visual navigation. While the OS isn't finished, we didn't notice a single hiccup while jumping through menus or playing back HD video. We'll definitely have more on this in the near future, but for now, you'll have to manage with this handful of images.

Gallery: Zune HD hands-on

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Zune HD hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 May 2009 17:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>d7featureshands onhands-onHandsOnmicrosoftportable audioportable videoportableaudioportablevideozunezune hdZuneHdThu, 28 May 2009 17:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Electro-Harmonix Overdrive pedal just became a Rock Band 2 necessity]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/28/electro-harmonix-overdrive-pedal-just-became-a-rock-band-2-neces/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/28/electro-harmonix-overdrive-pedal-just-became-a-rock-band-2-neces/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/28/electro-harmonix-overdrive-pedal-just-became-a-rock-band-2-neces/#comments
The avoirdupois of the world rests on your shoulders as you await the mind-numbing riffs of Painkiller. You wonder how you'll prevent yourself from engaging in overdrive prematurely as your locks bang to and fro. Then you look down and see EHX's Overdrive pedal a stone's throw from your left foot. Exhale.

[Via Boing Boing]

Continue reading Electro-Harmonix Overdrive pedal just became a Rock Band 2 necessity

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Electro-Harmonix Overdrive pedal just became a Rock Band 2 necessity originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 May 2009 16:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ehxEHX OverdriveEhxOverdriveElectro-Harmonixgamingguitarharmonixinstrumentmad catzMadCatzmusicoverdriveoverdrive pedalOverdrivePedalpedalrock bandrock band 2RockBandRockBand2video gameVideoGameThu, 28 May 2009 16:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Ericsson adds Yari and Aino to its multimedia line]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/28/sony-ericsson-adds-yari-and-aino-to-its-multimedia-line/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/28/sony-ericsson-adds-yari-and-aino-to-its-multimedia-line/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/28/sony-ericsson-adds-yari-and-aino-to-its-multimedia-line/#comments
Launch details for the Satio was the 800-pound news gorilla out of Sony Ericsson today, but slotting in right underneath that set are another couple of phones that are still very much in the higher end of the range -- the Yari and Aino. The Yari slider (pictured left) is being billed as a gaming device, featuring gesture-controlled actions in the same vein as the Wii (and for the record, that's Sony Ericsson's comparison as much as it is ours). It features a 2.4-inch display, GPS, and support for the company's PlayNow services; it'll be available in the fourth quarter for about €400 ($558) unlocked. Next up, the Aino takes some cues from the Satio with a relatively large 3-inch touchscreen -- but also tosses in a numeric slider for good measure. It's got an 8.1 megapixel cam, Sony Remote Play support, GPS, HSPA, and a scratch-resistant mineral glass display; it'll be ready to rock in the same timeframe as the Yari in black and white, though we don't have pricing stats just yet -- needless to say, it'll be more than the Yari.

[Via SEMC Blog]

Gallery: Sony Ericsson Yari


Gallery: Sony Ericsson Aino

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Sony Ericsson adds Yari and Aino to its multimedia line originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 May 2009 16:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ainobreaking newsBreakingNewsericssongamingplaynowslidersonysony ericssonSonyEricssonyariThu, 28 May 2009 16:09:00 EST<![CDATA[InvenSense gloats about world's first 6-axis MEMS-based motion sensing solution]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/28/invensense-gloats-about-worlds-first-6-axis-mems-based-motion-s/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/28/invensense-gloats-about-worlds-first-6-axis-mems-based-motion-s/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/28/invensense-gloats-about-worlds-first-6-axis-mems-based-motion-s/#comments
We tell ya, some proud folks work at InvenSense. After boasting last year about its Wii MotionPlus-powering IDG-600 motion sensor, the company is set to gloat once more at E3 this year. The cause for celebration? Its 6-axis motion processing solution, which it's calling a world's first. Said solution weds its IME-3000 3-axis accelerometer with its IDG dual-axis family of gyros in order to produce a wicked small 6-axis motion sensor. In theory, at least, this creation is small enough to add MotionPlus-like capabilities to smartphones and other ridiculously small devices, with even TV remotes holding the promise of one day letting you "roll through" the EPG. Currently, the only big-name devices utilizing 5- or 6-axis motion functionality is Logitech's MX Air Mouse and the aforementioned MotionPlus accessory, but obviously InvenSense is hungry for more. Too bad that DSi already launched, right?

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InvenSense gloats about world's first 6-axis MEMS-based motion sensing solution originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 May 2009 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d6-axise3e3 2009E32009gyroscopeIDGInvenSenseISZisz-650memsmicrosoftmotion plusmotion sensingmotionplusMotionSensingnintendosensingsensorsonywiiWii Motion Pluswii motionpluswiimoteWiiMotionPlusThu, 28 May 2009 14:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Exclusive: Steve Ballmer demos the Zune HD for Engadget!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/28/exclusive-steve-ballmer-demos-the-zune-hd-for-engadget/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/28/exclusive-steve-ballmer-demos-the-zune-hd-for-engadget/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/28/exclusive-steve-ballmer-demos-the-zune-hd-for-engadget/#comments
That's right kids -- Ballmer himself whipped out the newly minted Zune HD for us during D7 and showed off a few of its finer features... including its ability to play a Pixar movie on its gorgeous OLED screen. Also of note, Steve off-handedly mentioned that the device would be shipping in a month, though we can't confirm that that's accurate. Anyhow, these pictures say far more than a thousand words, so just hit the gallery.

Update: Microsoft just pinged to let us know that the Zune HD is still set for a Fall release, not next month.

A few quick impressions we took away:
  • The device was a pre-production model, and Steve had to boot it up -- which can be seen in the shots below.
  • Hardware was surprisingly thin.
  • There's what appears to be a solitary hard button below the screen.
  • Interface was basically the same Zune UI with touch navigation, but very colorful and pretty snappy.
  • The OLED screen looked great.
  • We'll obviously be badgering Microsoft in the coming months for a longer, closer look at the device, but at least it's not just a render anymore.

Gallery: Steve Ballmer demos the Zune HD for Engadget

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Exclusive: Steve Ballmer demos the Zune HD for Engadget! originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 May 2009 12:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ballmerbreaking newsBreakingNewsd7exclusivehands-onmicrosoftportable audioportable videoportableaudioportablevideosteve ballmerSteveBallmerzunezune hdZuneHdThu, 28 May 2009 12:41:00 EST<![CDATA["Mole" says UMD-less PSP-Go! is on for E3, slimmer PS3 to follow]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/28/mole-says-umd-less-psp-go-is-on-for-e3-slimmer-ps3-to-follow/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/28/mole-says-umd-less-psp-go-is-on-for-e3-slimmer-ps3-to-follow/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/28/mole-says-umd-less-psp-go-is-on-for-e3-slimmer-ps3-to-follow/#comments
Ready for this? No, seriously -- are you strapped in? The same reliable "mole" that enabled ArsTechnica to correctly call the Resident Evil 5 Xbox 360 bundle and the new Halo 3 / Fable 2 bundle (among other items) has come forward with convincing evidence that a UMD-less PSP is indeed on the table for an E3 launch. Truthfully, we'd be more shocked if Sony didn't announce such a product, with the download-only release of Patapon 2 being a telltale sign that something was up. We're told that the so-called PSP-Go! will be debuting in LA next week, but that a slimmer, trimmer PlayStation 3 likely won't. The reason? Sony's waiting for its current stock of PS3 consoles to dwindle, after which it intends to refill channel partners with the physically fit edition that we peeked just over a week ago. We'll be live at the expo to give the low-down on this as it happens, but suffice it to say, buying a bulky PS3 over the next few months will likely morph into a regrettable decision.

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"Mole" says UMD-less PSP-Go! is on for E3, slimmer PS3 to follow originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 May 2009 09:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consolee3e3 2009E32009gaming consoleGamingConsolehandheld gamingHandheldGamingmoleplaystationplaystation 3playstation portablePlaystation3PlaystationPortableps3ps3 slimPs3Slimpsppsp gopsp-goPspGorumorsonyThu, 28 May 2009 09:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Splitfish Dual SFX Evolution and Frag Pro PS3 controllers announced, debut set for E3]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/27/splitfish-dual-sfx-evolution-and-frag-pro-ps3-controllers-announ/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/27/splitfish-dual-sfx-evolution-and-frag-pro-ps3-controllers-announ/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/27/splitfish-dual-sfx-evolution-and-frag-pro-ps3-controllers-announ/#comments While still one-half away from a good "show and tell" game, Splitfish has announced (with no pics, unfortunately) the Dual SFX Evolution and Dual SFX Frag Pro controllers, part of the Frevolution X series and coming this Fall for the PlayStation 3. For the first person shooter crowd, the Frag Pro is slated to be the successor to the mouse-and-nunchuk combo originally released in 2007 (pictured), with a new dual wireless system to clear up some cord clutter. As for the Evolution, according to the presser it'll swap out the mouse for a right-handed motion / analog joystick. We're a bit lacking in the imagery department right, but we'll be getting some eyes (and hopefully hands) on the peripherals when E3 rolls around early next month.

Update: Looks like Splitfish called us on a bluff we didn't realize we had and pointed us to pics of the Evolution (above) and Frag Pro (after the break).

[Via Joystiq]

Continue reading Splitfish Dual SFX Evolution and Frag Pro PS3 controllers announced, debut set for E3

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Splitfish Dual SFX Evolution and Frag Pro PS3 controllers announced, debut set for E3 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 May 2009 23:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dual sfx evolutiondual sfx frag proDualSfxEvolutionDualSfxFragProe3e3 2009E32009fragfrag chuckfrag proFragChuckFragProfrevolutionfrevolution xfrevolution x eriesFrevolutionXFrevolutionXEriesplaystationplaystation 3Playstation3ps3sfx evolutionsfx fragsfx frag proSfxEvolutionSfxFragSfxFragProsplit fishSplitFishWed, 27 May 2009 23:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Scratch: The Ultimate DJ controller spins into life]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/27/scratch-the-ultimate-dj-controller-spins-into-life/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/27/scratch-the-ultimate-dj-controller-spins-into-life/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/27/scratch-the-ultimate-dj-controller-spins-into-life/#comments We've already gotten a couple of glimpses of DJ Hero's turntable / mixer controller, and now it's time for Scratch: The Ultimate DJ and its Numark-designed deck to steal the spotlight for a song or two. The setup pretty much mirrors the on-screen interface we saw in the initial screenshot, with the free-spinning, touch-sensitive turntable on your left and five Akai Pro MPC-style drum pad triggers next to the cross-fader to the right. According to the press release, you'll actually be able to upload your own samples using a compatible USB mic if none of the pre-loaded jams get you going -- and not to worry southpaw scratchers, you can rotate the mixer to the left if that's more comfortable. We'll have more of Scratch at next week's E3, but in the meantime, hit up the press release after the break for more deets.

Gallery: Scratch: The Ultimate DJ controller spins into life

Continue reading Scratch: The Ultimate DJ controller spins into life

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Scratch: The Ultimate DJ controller spins into life originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 May 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deckdisc jockeyDiscJockeydjdj deckdj turntableDjDeckDjTurntablegamegamesgamingmusicmusic gameMusicGamenumarkrhythmrhythm gameRhythmGamescratchscratch the ultimate djScratchTheUltimateDjturntableultimate djUltimateDjvideo gamevideo gamesVideoGameVideoGamesWed, 27 May 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zune HD is official, heading your way this Fall]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/26/zune-hd-is-official-heading-your-way-this-fall/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/26/zune-hd-is-official-heading-your-way-this-fall/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/26/zune-hd-is-official-heading-your-way-this-fall/#comments That's right folks, the Zune HD is real, and it's coming this Fall. Microsoft officially announced the next iteration in their Zune line today, making it less of a tripped out pipe dream, and more of a totally tubular reality. The specs, which look exactly like that leak we saw, go like this: 3.3-inch, 480 x 272 OLED capacitive touchscreen display, built-in HD Radio receiver, HD output (utilizing a new dock -- not on-board), and... not much more right now. Microsoft is doing away with the famed squircle in favor a full multitouch device, and they seemed to indicate that some new touch-friendly apps and games would be headed our way, though they were fairly mum when it came to details. The device will boast an IE-based, customized browser, but little else was said in the way of software.

Details are also scarce concerning storage capacities, CPU performance, and other crucial numbers, but it seems like they've got more in store come E3... and that's the next big piece of news. Zune integration is coming to the Xbox and Xbox Live, as the Zune marketplace will step in to replace the current Live video resources, expanding the library and offering all kinds of new perks, like Zune's first foray into international waters. According to the company, at E3 "attendees will see first-hand how Zune integrates into Xbox LIVE creating a game-changing entertainment experience" -- we're not entirely sure what the means right now, but it sounds sweet. Try to contain your excitement.

Update: Microsoft's just sent out a press release (after the break) and launched an official Zune HD page.

Update 2: We just got sent a picture of black Zune HD, now after the break, which we're told Microsoft is giving out to selected "Zune MVP" sites such as Inside the Circle and ZuneTracks. See it for yourself after the break.

Continue reading Zune HD is official, heading your way this Fall

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Zune HD is official, heading your way this Fall originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 May 2009 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsmicrosoftofficialportable audioportable videoportableaudioportablevideoxboxxbox 360xbox liveXbox360XboxLivezunezune hdZuneHdTue, 26 May 2009 20:03:00 EST