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[Johnny Chung Lee joins Project Natal team, puts Wii hacking experience to good use]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/12/johnny-chung-lee-joins-project-natal-team-puts-wii-hacking-expe/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/12/johnny-chung-lee-joins-project-natal-team-puts-wii-hacking-expe/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/12/johnny-chung-lee-joins-project-natal-team-puts-wii-hacking-expe/#comments
In this time of economic hardship, it warms the heart just to hear that someone's found any job. But when our main man Johnny Chung Lee lands a position on Microsoft's Project Natal team, it's high fives and handshakes all around. And really, it's a perfect fit -- among the many hacks of his illustrious career, he's put together a VR head tracker (and utilized it in a first-person shooter) for the Wii game console. Apparently, Lee's part of the group that is taking the tech we saw at E3 and getting it ready for prime time. As you'd expect, the man is pretty stoked to have landed his dream job. "The 3D sensor itself is a pretty incredible piece of equipment, he says, "similar to very expensive laser range finding systems but at a tiny fraction of the cost." Congratulations, Johnny! If you should feel the need to leak any product pics, you have our email address.

[Via Joystiq]

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Johnny Chung Lee joins Project Natal team, puts Wii hacking experience to good use originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3 2009E32009hackhacksjohnny chung leeJohnnyChungLeekinectmodmodsproject natalProjectNatalwiiwiimoteFri, 12 Jun 2009 11:04:00 EST<![CDATA[EA VP says the Xbox 360 is "maxed out"]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/09/ea-vp-says-the-xbox-360-is-maxed-out/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/09/ea-vp-says-the-xbox-360-is-maxed-out/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/09/ea-vp-says-the-xbox-360-is-maxed-out/#commentsMicrosoft might be busy extending and building on the Xbox 360's capabilities with Project Natal and all manner of NXE and Live updates, but it sounds like some of their third-party devs think they're running out of headroom -- in an interview with the Official Xbox Magazine, EA senior VP Patrick Soderlund said that "we've maxed out the 360 but we haven't maxed out the PS3." That's an interesting parallel to what Miyamoto was just saying about the Wii, of course, but it doesn't seem like the situation is entirely dire: Soderlund also said that he's "truly impressed" with the 360 and that he "would have a headache" if he were running Sony. Still, that doesn't bode well for Microsoft's planned 10-year 360 lifecycle if it's true -- we'll see if Redmond has something new for us before 2015 after all.

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EA VP says the Xbox 360 is "maxed out" originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 01:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360e3e3 2009E32009eaelectronic artsElectronicArtspatrick soderlundPatrickSoderlundxboxxbox 360Xbox360Tue, 09 Jun 2009 01:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Miyamoto "not worried at all" about Sony and Microsoft's motion controllers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/08/miyamoto-not-worried-at-all-about-sony-and-microsofts-motion/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/08/miyamoto-not-worried-at-all-about-sony-and-microsofts-motion/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/08/miyamoto-not-worried-at-all-about-sony-and-microsofts-motion/#comments Sony and Microsoft certainly turned the motion-sensing heat up on Nintendo at E3 last week, but it doesn't seem like Shigeru Miyamoto is all that concerned at the moment -- he just told the BBC that while he's "flattered" his competitors are "moving in the same direction," he's "not worried at all" about Project Natal or the Playstation motion controller because "they don't have the type of depth that we're able to provide with Wii Motion Plus." Snap. We don't know about that -- we certainly haven't been blown away by Motion Plus -- but we can see why Nintendo's not sweating it just yet: the Wii's a runaway hit and a pop-culture phenomenon, while Natal and the PSMC are still tech demos without announced ship dates or even final names. That said, it's clear that Microsoft and Sony don't intend to just cede this space to Mario and Co., so we'll see how Nintendo fights back -- we'll tell you right now that the Wii Vitality Sensor ain't gonna cut it.

[Via Joystiq]

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Miyamoto "not worried at all" about Sony and Microsoft's motion controllers originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 16:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3 2009E32009kinectmiyamotomotion plusMotionPlusnatalnintendoproject natalProjectNatalshigeru miyamotoShigeruMiyamotowiiwii motion plusWiiMotionPlusMon, 08 Jun 2009 16:08:00 EST<![CDATA[PSP Go lacks mini USB, compatibility with existing accessories, common sense]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/08/psp-go-lacks-mini-usb-compatbility-with-existing-accessories-c/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/08/psp-go-lacks-mini-usb-compatbility-with-existing-accessories-c/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/08/psp-go-lacks-mini-usb-compatbility-with-existing-accessories-c/#commentsPSP Go lacks mini USB, compatbility with existing accessories, common sense
Confession time: we weren't exactly charmed by Sony's PSP Go when Sony made the thing official. It's not that we're particularly fond of UMD (quite the contrary as a matter of fact), rather we found it a little hard to stomach a slimmer device that offers nearly the same hardware as its predecessor, swapping an optical drive for more storage, yet will cost nearly twice as much. Factor in the cost of all new accessories and things get even less appealing, with confirmation that the Go lacks a standard mini USB port on top, meaning things like PSP keyboards and Sony's GPS accessory are on a fast-track to obsolescence. Even current A/V cables and chargers won't work thanks to a new multifunction port on the base -- but Sony will be quite happy to sell you new ones. Is this the price of progress, or an attempt to boost profit margins? It's not good news for gamers, regardless.

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PSP Go lacks mini USB, compatibility with existing accessories, common sense originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 07:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriese3e3 2009E32009mini usbMiniUsbportable audioportable videoportableaudioportablevideopsppsp goPspGosony psp goSonyPspGoMon, 08 Jun 2009 07:11:00 EST<![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[Goodbye E3, WWDC here we come!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/04/goodbye-e3-wwdc-here-we-come/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/04/goodbye-e3-wwdc-here-we-come/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/04/goodbye-e3-wwdc-here-we-come/#comments
Listen, E3, we had some good times. We shook like maniacs for your motion controllers. We jammed with the band (and our resident DJ, Stab Master Arson). We skated all over the place. We liveblogged like crazy. We basically took your news flow and funneled it into a succinct package of mind-blowing media snacks. But that was then, and this is now. We had to hightail it out of town, because a certain someone needs our special brand of tenderness... and that certain someone is Apple's WWDC in San Francisco. We'll miss you E3, but only a little bit.

Seriously guys, gear up for WWDC this coming Monday (June 8th), where some kind of new phone or something might get announced. Here's the page you'll want to plant yourselves at (feel free to bookmark), and here's what time you'll want to do said planting:

07:00AM - Hawaii
10:00AM - Pacific
11:00AM - Mountain
12:00PM - Central
01:00PM - Eastern
06:00PM - London
07:00PM - Paris
02:00AM - Tokyo (June 9th)

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Goodbye E3, WWDC here we come! originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 23:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applee3e3 2009E32009iphonewwdcwwdc 09wwdc 2009Wwdc09Wwdc2009Thu, 04 Jun 2009 23:11:00 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[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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Not so eager to burn thousands of dollars and years of your life at flight school, only to get stuck with pitiful route options and no three day layovers in Barbados? Have a look at your next best option, Logitech's Flight System G940. Hailed as the company's first force-feedback flight simulation controller, this thing goes far beyond the simple call of duty. Instead of just tossing a joystick in a box and calling it a day, Logitech has also included dual throttle and rudder pedals, giving you 250 programmable button options and bragging rights galore. Sadly, you'll have to coast through the summer 'til this hits Europe and America in September, but that should give you plenty of time to save up the three Benjamins it'll require to bring one home in legal fashion.

Gallery: Logitech's Flight System G940

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Logitech's Flight System G940 joystick almost replaces flight school originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 09:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3 2009E32009flightflight simulatorflight systemFlightSimulatorFlightSystemflyingforce feedbackforce-feedbackForceFeedbackg-seriesG940joysticklogitechWed, 03 Jun 2009 09:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony adds PSP access to PlayStation Network video store, 16 new content partners]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/02/sony-adds-psp-access-to-playstation-network-video-store-16-new/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/02/sony-adds-psp-access-to-playstation-network-video-store-16-new/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/02/sony-adds-psp-access-to-playstation-network-video-store-16-new/#comments
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 adds PSP access to PlayStation Network video store, 16 new content partners]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/02/sony-adds-psp-access-to-playstation-network-video-store-16-new/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/02/sony-adds-psp-access-to-playstation-network-video-store-16-new/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/02/sony-adds-psp-access-to-playstation-network-video-store-16-new/#comments
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 2009E32009g4hdhdnetinternetmagnolia picturesMagnoliaPicturesother formatsother hardwareotherformatsotherhardwareplaystationplaystation networkplaystation portablePlaystationNetworkPlaystationPortablepsnpsn storePsnStorepspshowtimesonystarzthe weinstein companyTheWeinsteinCompanyTue, 02 Jun 2009 22:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo moves 15 million Wii Fit units in a year, 4 remain in use]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/02/nintendo-moves-15-million-wii-fit-units-in-a-year-4-remain-in-u/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/02/nintendo-moves-15-million-wii-fit-units-in-a-year-4-remain-in-u/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/02/nintendo-moves-15-million-wii-fit-units-in-a-year-4-remain-in-u/#comments
Oh c'mon, just admit it -- you rationalized that Wii Fit purchase like so: "Oh, I can't afford this, but it's totally something to make me exercise! So, I'll buy it!" Fast forward two months later, and you're struggling to find space to hide the case. All kidding aside (sort of...), you can't deny the facts, and the facts are that the Big N managed to ship 15 million Wii Fits units in just 13 months. For comparison, it took right around 2.5 years to move 50 million Wii units, so it seems this here title is well on its way to hitting the same milestone in around the same amount of time. Unfortunately, you can't lose weight by simply handing over wads of cash to Satoru Iwata -- feel free to try, though.

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Nintendo moves 15 million Wii Fit units in a year, 4 remain in use originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balance boardBalanceBoarde3e3 2009E32009exercisefitnessgaminggrowthnintendosalesvideo gameVideoGamewiiwii balance boardwii fitWiiBalanceBoardWiiFitTue, 02 Jun 2009 18:59:00 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.

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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[Nyko launches Type Pad Pro for Wii, gonzo Zoom Case for DSi]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/02/nyko-launches-type-pad-pro-for-wii-gonzo-zoom-case-for-dsi/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/02/nyko-launches-type-pad-pro-for-wii-gonzo-zoom-case-for-dsi/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/02/nyko-launches-type-pad-pro-for-wii-gonzo-zoom-case-for-dsi/#comments
Oh, Nyko -- always keeping us on our toes. After showcasing the Wii Pistol Grip at CeBIT, the company is swinging big at E3 with a few new accessories. Starting things off is the abomination you see above, which sure looks an awful lot like some janky knockoff cellphone we peeked back in August. Officially, the Zoom Case for DSi protects your handheld and provides an 8x zoom for magnifying the external camera; never mind the fact that it makes your DSi infinitely less portable. Moving on, there's the Charge Grip Flex, a accessory for the PSP-2000 and PSP-3000 that sports a built-in rechargeable battery and a bonus gripping surface. For the Xbox 360, there's the SpeakerCom 360, which enables your parents to hear all those whining tweens brag in fantastically high tones about how they just "pwned you." Lastly, there's the Type Pad Pro for Wii, a wireless keypad (via USB) that makes typing in Opera or messaging your pals a heck of a lot simpler. Mum's the word on pricing and availability right now, but all that should change soon enough.

Gallery: Nyko launches Type Pad Pro for Wii, gonzo Zoom Case for DSi

Continue reading Nyko launches Type Pad Pro for Wii, gonzo Zoom Case for DSi

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Nyko launches Type Pad Pro for Wii, gonzo Zoom Case for DSi originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessorycaseCharger GripChargerGripdsdsie3e3 2009E32009microsoftnintendoNykoNyko TechnologiesNykoTechnologiespspsonysony pspSonyPspSpeakerComtype pad proTypePadProxbox 360Xbox360zoom caseZoomCaseTue, 02 Jun 2009 09:00:00 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[Halo 3: ODST's limited edition 360 controller]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/01/halo-3-odsts-limited-edition-360-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/01/halo-3-odsts-limited-edition-360-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/01/halo-3-odsts-limited-edition-360-controller/#comments
Sure, Microsoft might be moving past the controller entirely with Project Natal, but that doesn't mean it's not going to try and milk you for all you're worth with limited-edition frippery like the Halo 3: ODST-themed controller that comes with the $99 collector's version of the game. You know you're powerless to resist -- we know we are. Check a couple more shots after the break.

Continue reading Halo 3: ODST's limited edition 360 controller

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Halo 3: ODST's limited edition 360 controller originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 21:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360controllere3 2009E32009halohalo 3halo 3 odsthalo 3: odsthalo odstHalo3Halo3:OdstHalo3Odsthalo: odstHalo:OdstHaloOdstlimited editionLimitedEditionmicrosoftxboxxbox 360xbox controllerXbox360XboxControllerMon, 01 Jun 2009 21:37:00 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.

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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.

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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 connectFacebookConnecthdinternetiptvlsat.fmmicrosoftnetflixother hardwareotherhardwareparty watchPartyWatchskytwitterxblxboxxbox 360Xbox360zunezune marketplaceZuneMarketplaceMon, 01 Jun 2009 14:12:00 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[Video: Beatles Rock Band trailer, screenshots, Ludwig drums unveiled at E3]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/01/beatles-rock-band-trailer-screenshots-ludwig-drums-unveiled-at/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/01/beatles-rock-band-trailer-screenshots-ludwig-drums-unveiled-at/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/01/beatles-rock-band-trailer-screenshots-ludwig-drums-unveiled-at/#comments
Today at E3 some seriously awesome Beatles Rock Band awesomeness was unloaded upon the world. In addition to getting a look at the full band set-up, confirming that you will, in fact be able to perform multiple vocals (read: harmonies), Harmonix also showed off the general in-game madness we can expect. We're filled with glee to see that no corners were cut here, and we agree with Ringo's estimation: the game is good. The Beatles: Rock Band will be released simultaneously for XBox 360, PS3 and Wii in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and other territories. Check out the totally rad trailer, our first shot of the Ludwig drums and another screenshot after the break and in the gallery below.

Gallery: Beatles Rock Band trailer, screenshots, Ludwig drums unveiled at E3


Continue reading Video: Beatles Rock Band trailer, screenshots, Ludwig drums unveiled at E3

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Video: Beatles Rock Band trailer, screenshots, Ludwig drums unveiled at E3 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beatles rock bandBeatlesRockBanddrumdrum kitDrumKitdrumse3e3 2009E32009eaea gamesEaGamesharmonixludwigmtv gamesMtvGamesmusicps3rock bandRockBandthe beatlesTheBeatleswiixbox 360Xbox360Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget & Joystiq live from Microsoft's E3 2009 keynote]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/01/engadget-and-joystiq-live-from-microsofts-e3-2009-keynote/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/01/engadget-and-joystiq-live-from-microsofts-e3-2009-keynote/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/01/engadget-and-joystiq-live-from-microsofts-e3-2009-keynote/#comments

We've teamed up with Joystiq for live coverage of E3, and Microsoft's keynote is kicking things off. The event is scheduled to start at around 1:25PM ET / 10:25 PT.

9:48AM PT: We're lined up outside USC's Galen Center, mingling with the rest of the riff-raff (read: media), being herded through a labyrinth of stanchions and fences. Hey, remember that "very special addition"? A PR person just walked into the crowd and called for anyone from "Apple, MTV, or EMI?" So, a Beatles appearance then?

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

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Engadget & Joystiq live from Microsoft's E3 2009 keynote originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3 2009E32009featuresliveblogmicrosoftMon, 01 Jun 2009 13:34:00 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[Video: Sony's PSP Go leaks out before E3, is obviously a go]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/30/sonys-psp-go-leaks-out-before-e3-is-obviously-a-go/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/30/sonys-psp-go-leaks-out-before-e3-is-obviously-a-go/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/30/sonys-psp-go-leaks-out-before-e3-is-obviously-a-go/#comments
Look up there, folks. That's the future of Sony's hopes and dreams in the handheld gaming sector. With just hours to go before the company's official E3 2009 press event, it looks like the pieces are all coming together. First a UMD-less game release, then a highly credible mole giving the PSP Go a name, and now -- live action shots. The images here were sourced from an obviously slipped June 2009 Qore video, and aside from giving us a look at the slider-based system (which, let's be honest, looks a ton like the questionably successful mylo), we're also told that it'll tout 16GB of internal memory, built-in Bluetooth and an undisclosed memory slot. If all goes well, it'll ship this Fall for a price to be determined, and it's actually not slated to replace the PSP-3000, as both of 'em will attempt to live on store shelves harmoniously... at least for awhile. Oh, and don't worry -- we'll be on hand in LA to bring you all the impressions we can muster early next week.

[Via PlayStation Forums, thanks Matt and A1]

Update: Video is now after the break! Thanks adizzy615!

Update 2: Official press shots have emerged. [Via Engadget Spanish]

Update 3: A few more official specifications are flowing from the full Qore video (pardon the sync issues). Here's the dirt:
  • 3.8-inch display (resolution is undisclosed)
  • 43 percent lighter than the PSP-3000
  • 16GB of Flash storage
  • Bluetooth built-in; supports handset tethering and BT headsets
  • No UMD drive
  • Memory Stick Micro slot
  • New Gran Turismo, Little Big Planet and new Metal Gear Solid (!) on the way
  • Full PlayStation Network support (movie and TV rentals / purchases)
  • Integration with PlayStation 3 (works the same as the PSP-3000 does)
  • Sony views each of its products as "10-year lifecycle products," so the PSP "needs to live on."

Gallery: Sony's PSP Go leaked!

Continue reading Video: Sony's PSP Go leaks out before E3, is obviously a go

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Video: Sony's PSP Go leaks out before E3, is obviously a go originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 30 May 2009 12:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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