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Gap envisions a future with augmented-reality 'dressing rooms'
Fashion brands know experimenting with tech is imperative, whether it be to enhance the retail experience or introduce fans to the concept of virtual reality. For Gap Inc., which, in addition to its eponymous label owns Banana Republic, Old Navy, Athleta and Intermix, technology has never played a major role in its business strategy. But as the company struggles with declining sales, it's trying to find creative ways to engage with customers. That's where Gap's "DressingRoom" app will come in when it launches in the coming days.
Sony stops Xperia Tablet S sales due to gaps between display panel and case
When Sony's designers put a port flap on the Xperia Tablet S in an effort to make it splash-proof, they surely didn't count on their good intentions being undermined by leaky build quality in other areas. According to Reuters though, that's exactly what has happened: a number of tablets have come off the production line with gaps between the screen and the chassis, and it must be a significant proportion because Sony has now decided to halt sales until it can get the problem fixed. The company is also promising to repair any of the 100,000 tablets that have already shipped, but doesn't expect the issue to be serious enough to dampen its earnings (which, let's face it, could already do with some time out in the sun).
Apple Store may be coming to Masonville Mall in London, Ontario
Attention, Masonville Mall in London, Ontario: You may be getting an Apple Store next year. A local radio station reports that the Eddie Bauer store in that location is closing soon due to bankruptcy, and city records say that the relevant authorities are checking out a $3 million project for that location that includes (what else?) an Apple logo. The space does sound about right: Busy, relatively upscale mall, lots of floor space, and a big storefront right next to a Gap store. Of course, none of this is confirmed just yet, but remember that Apple moves fast: Even if the plans get approved in the next month or so, the store could be open as soon as next fall. Apple's been making a big push to open up some stores overseas and in big places like New York's Grand Central Terminal, but it sounds like the company is still working to open new stores in smaller towns as well.
Google looks to compete with Amazon Prime, offer speedy delivery service in 2012
You ordered a nifty thing. Now the nifty thing has to make your day by arriving. Then you'll have your nifty thing and a warm and nifty feeling inside. Evidently, Google's following this very line of thinking, as it appears to be in talks with various retailers and shippers to create a service that lets customers receive their wares within 24 to 48 hours. According to sources cited by the Wall Street Journal, the company's effort is motivated by the success of Amazon's Prime service, which allows customers to receive many purchased items within a day or two for an annual fee of $79. Google, in turn, has apparently pitched the project to retailers such as Macy's, Gap and OfficeMax. Under the proposed system, when shoppers place an order on an affiliate's website, Google's system could kick in to offer them an option for same-day or possibly next-day delivery, said a person familiar with the matter. Sources indicated that Google plans to start a pilot test of the service in the San Francisco Bay Area sometime in 2012, which -- by then -- we'll have far more serious issues to deal with than tracking numbers.
"Significant gap" found between US HDTV ownership and HD programming usage
Research firm In-Stat is back with updated numbers on the amount of HDTV owners / HD programming consumers there are in the US, and needless to say, there's still quite the gap. The most recent report points out that the "number of US HDTV households, defined as households having both an installed HD-capable TV set and also receiving and watching HD programming, increased by almost 40% in 2008." That said, the growth rate could have been much, much larger. In America, there are over 39 million homes with an installed HDTV, yet just 22 million of those are tuning into HD programming. From a worldwide perspective, we are glad to see that HDTV households rose from 29 million at year-end 2007 to 36 million at year-end 2008, though In-Stat does note that it'll likely be 2011 before Europe hits the magical 10 million mark in HDTV households. Per usual, even more figures are waiting in the read link.
HD DVD making a run on Blu-ray in the release race
At last count, the Blu-ray camp was holding a marginal 260 to 241 lead in the likely frivolous release race, but those numbers haven't always been that close. Taking a look at Q1 of this year, the gap was noticeably larger, but thanks primarily to Universal Studios releasing 33 HD DVD titles on its own of late, HD DVD seems to be making a comeback. Reportedly, 70 new HD DVD flicks claimed shelf shape from April 1st to June 30th, whereas 63 Blu-ray films were released in the same period. Sure, a gap so diminutive may not mean much when looked at statically, but it's been quite awhile since HD DVD held the momentary crown in terms of releases at all. Still, the latest VideoScan numbers are once again showing Blu-ray sales as the strongest of the two, but all the drastic price cuts in the rival camp could potentially alter that in the coming months.
Warhawk beta to begin next week; sign-up now!
Members of the Gamer Advisory Panel were informed last night that the Warhawk online beta would begin next week on May 24th. By heading to warhawk.com, visitors can register for a chance to enter the beta, but it's unclear if preference will be given to the exclusive GAP community. Regardless, this is much better than what we first feared. We're hoping that Sony will avoid a repeat of their Home beta fiasco, where an incredibly limited number of people were invited.Regardless of the selection criteria, it certainly can't hurt to try and register, can it? Visit warhawk.com and fill out their (rather annoyingly detailed) survey for your chance to enter the online beta.
Warhawk beta starts soon and you are not getting in
It looks like Incognito was telling the truth -- Warhawk is indeed having a beta and it looks like it is starting sooner than was expected. A user on PS3 Forums just received an e-mail inviting him to become a potential beta tester for the sci-fi combat game. The problem? Only Sony RLS members got the invites, and you can only become a member of RLS if you work for certain retail store that sells PS3s. It is supposed to be more exclusive than the GAP membership that they based the private Home beta on. I'm getting screwed again!The initial e-mail didn't include a date for the start of the beta, but if they're recruiting players now, you can be guaranteed it will start in the near future. It is likely that this is only phase one of the beta (much like with Home), so don't worry too much - there should still be be more chances later to get into the Warhawk beta. We'll let you know as soon as we know more.[Via NeoGaf]
PSP survey suggests redesign
Well, would you? Sony recently sent a survey to select members of its GAP community polling them on various features for the PSP. This is unsurprising: they've done this quite a number of times before. However, this is the first time the language has suggested a redesigned PSP: would you buy another PSP, just like the hordes of DS owners that threw out their Phats in exchange for the lovelier Lite? Personally, I think the PSP's design is good just the way it is, and being an owner of a 4GB Memory Stick makes me not care too much about a hard drive. However, video out is very important to me. Why? Well, then I can finally give you guys some direct-feed PSP footage. What about you, ye faithful PSP fanboy? [Via IGN Boards] [Update 1: Our readers have voted! A whopping majority of you, 62%, would purchase a redesigned PSP. As long as it doesn't render the current PSP useless, I think it's clear that a PSP "Lite" would go over very well with the masses.]
PSP Fanboy hands-on: Ratchet & Clank
Did you successfully get into the Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters beta test? The packages have been going out to the lucky GAP members that were fast enough to get into this very exclusive group (only 2000 people were allowed to sign up!). I've been playing a few rounds online, and it's been an overwhelmingly positive experience so far. The graphics are smooth, and the controls are pretty solid. It's been very easy to jump into a game, and the network connection has been fantastic, with lag not noticeable at all.
Survey reveals new direction for PSP ads
We reported a few weeks ago that Sony was going to change and revamp their marketing efforts. Well, it looks like the transformation is slowly happening. Gamer Advisory Panel members were sent a survey to vote for new endings to PSP ads. In Japan, all PSP ads end with a very Engrish-sounding "PlayStation Portable" quip by some Japanese females. It looks like this quirky auditory form of brand identification is being considered for the US (I personally voted for this one). The other two choices featured more generic, less memorable techno voices (one felt very similar to this fan-created ad).Voting is already closed, and Sony should be tabulating the entries as you read this. Hopefully, we'll see new (and better) ads soon.
PSP October Content Pack now available
Every month, Sony offers an EXE file they call the "Content Pack" which contains a variety of files, like videos, music and wallpapers for your PSP. This month is no different. Coming out halfway through the month seems a little lame, especially considering how it offers you a calendar. Oh well. This month's content pack features tons of still improperly-formatted, non-anamorphic video (WHY???!!!) of the poorly-reviewed Gangs of London, ATV Offroad Fury Pro, Killzone: Liberation, and various PS2 games.There's other stuff, like some excellent fan-created Killzone: Liberation wallpapers, made by GAP members. There's also a nice treat for Loco Roco fans, featuring a single minute of abruptly cut music. Damn you Sony! Why must you tease us like that![Thanks, starskreem!]
Ratchet & Clank online beta test
Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters is one of the few titles from Sony that will future Infrastructure multiplayer in the future. Gamer Advisory Panel members just received an e-mail inviting them to a beta test, with registrations limited to the first 2000 entrants. (We're not allowed to link to the application form, sorry!) With a beta test happening in the coming weeks, Ratchet & Clank is probably pretty far along in development. The game's supposedly going to come out in March, but wouldn't it be awesome if it came out just a little bit earlier?If any of our readers are GAP members and partake in the beta test, shoot us a comment. We'll try to make you famous.
