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Direction-sensing DS card used for stargazing app
When news that Nintendo had filed a patent for a "DS Direction Sensor Card" dropped last week, many of you were curious as to how the technology could possibly be implemented in the highly touchable handheld. Sadly, the system's new capability isn't being used to ease navigation through perilous, poké-infested environs (at least, not yet) -- it seems the first application to use the compass-esque tech is Astroarts' Hoshizora Navi, or Starry Sky Navigator.The app, which runs a little pricey at 8,190 yen ($92), charts over 9,300 stars, planets, suns and moons and hearts and clovers and red balloons from 1900 to 2099. It's not just used as an astronomical reference tool, however -- the system's new capabilities allow the charts to change their orientation to match the direction you're currently facing. Finally, we're approaching the day when we don't have to carry these cumbersome astrolabes with us everywhere we go! Thanks, technology!
Gaze at the stars in Hoshizora Navi, feel like an insignificant speck
From this March, DS owners in Japan will be able to navigate the night skies, thanks to astronomy magazine publisher Astroarts. Hoshizora Navi (Starry Sky Navigator) was first revealed in March 2008, but now an official site has opened, rich with details.Apparently, the software comes packed with star charts containing 9,300 stars, the sun, planets, the moon, various constellations, and assorted meteor groups. Also, budding astronomers will be able to view the night sky at any point between 1900 and 2099, and even stargaze from several viewing locations across the globe. To help you differentiate between your Apastron and your Aphelion, there's an onboard astronomical dictionary of more than 400 terms.But allow us to remind you of the best bit: the Hoshizora Navi cartridge will come with a built-in positional sensor, meaning that as your DS moves, so does the view on your screen, to match your own! It's undoubtedly very clever, even though the tech has clearly pushed the price sky-high -- Hoshizora Navi goes on sale on March 26 for ¥8,190 (around $90)!
