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Halo 4 soundtrack lands Oct. 22, Special Edition runs $75
Two versions of the Halo 4 soundtrack will become available on October 22, but only one of them will cost more than the game itself. Composed by Massive Attack alumni Neil Davidge, the standard edition Halo 4 soundtrack will encompass 15 tracks from the game's score in both physical and digital formats for $13.98.The Special Edition 2-Disc Box Set, on the other hand, will set you back quite a bit more. At $75, the package includes the standard soundtrack, a 14-track remix album (sorry, no Skrillex), a behind-the-scenes "Making of Halo 4 Music" DVD and accompanying hardcover book with "composition notes from Neil Davidge plus exclusive behind-the-scenes photos and exclusive artwork images." The kit also comes with a 12-inch art print signed by Davidge, an honest-to-goodness vinyl record with Cortana and Master Chief on the disc itself, and a special shirt for your Xbox Live avatar.Whether your Halo-music monetary threshold is $14 or $75, both versions will be available at Halo Waypoint.
Gran Turismo 5 'Academy Edition' racing to stores on September 26
This fall marks two years since Polyphony Digital's latest Gran Turismo screeched onto retailer shelves, and four years since the company partnered with Nissan on its GT Academy. As a result, the developer's celebrating with a special edition release of Gran Turismo 5 – "Academy Edition" – replete with the various car packs released since the launch in 2010.More specifically, you'll also get Polyphony Digital creative lead Kazunori Yamauchi's fancy Nissan GTR that he raced in real life during the most recent Nurburgring 24-hour race. If you bought it in real life, it'd cost like a trillion dollars, so this is probably the best way to get access.When the "Academy Edition" of Gran Turismo 5 launches this September 26, it'll cost €29.99/£19.99. The game doesn't have a price or launch date in the US just yet, but we expect to hear more on that front in the coming days.
Limbo now available in physical, goodie-filled special edition
While it might be strange to associate Limbo with "goodies," the new special edition is chock-full of them. The boxed Limbo Special Edition includes PC and Mac versions of Limbo (sans DRM), the soundtrack, art cards, a nifty sticker of Limbo's boy, "awesome 3D glasses" and a Steam key for the game. If the inclusion of 3D glasses hasn't tipped you off, the special edition of Limbo also features a new anaglyph 3D mode.The Limbo Special Edition is available right now for $25 on Amazon. If you like Limbo as much as we do, it seems like a pretty nice package.%Gallery-159590%
Acer Iconia A510 Olympic Tab now on sale in the UK for £349, gold medal not included
Aligning perfectly with what we'd heard a few weeks ago, it looks like Acer's Londonized Iconia A510 will finally be hitting UK doorsteps, just in time for next month's Summer Olympics. To give you a quick refresh, this special edition Olympic Tab boasts a Tegra 3 CPU, 1GB of RAM and 32GB of built-in storage -- though, we can't leave out any mention of that fancy Olympic logo on the tablet's rear and those Eurosport channels to help you stay on top of the action coming from the renowned event. For all that, you'll have to shell out £349 (around $550) at Carphone Warehouse, where it's now up for grabs and being shipped gratis to folks who want to show off their Olympian support.
Porsche Design P'9981 BlackBerry screeches into Canada
Hear that, Toronto-based readers? That's the sound of Porsche Design's P'9981 BlackBerry doing donuts at a store near you (well, relatively speaking). Fresh from satisfying many a midlife crisis in London, the luxury phone is now available in Canada via the fancy Porsche Design boutique store in Toronto's Yorkville neighborhood, according to MobileSyrup. Folks willing to pay the pinky-raising premium price of $1,899 essentially get a BlackBerry 7 OS phone featuring upscale Porsche Design touches like a metal keyboard, stainless steel frame and leather-wrapped back cover. Still need to do some tire kicking? No worries -- you can take the phone out for a virtual test drive with our P'9981 review.
TUAW TV Live pre-keynote community chat
Happy Dub-Dub-Dee-Cee Day! All of us here at TUAW are breathlessly anticipating what words will trickle from the lips of the like of Tim Cook, Scott Forestall, and Phil Schiller in just a few short hours. To build up the anticipation, we're having a special edition of TUAW TV Live and would love for you to join in on an IRC chat. Joining me today for an hour of chat about what exciting things might be appearing from Apple is Erica Sadun, who will also be running our metaliveblog of the keynote at 1 PM ET today. Today's video stream is an experiment -- we'll be using an embedded YouTube stream so this will not be visible on Ustream or Justin.tv. You can watch the event here or by viewing the tuawvideo channel on YouTube. As for the live chat, feel free to use the embedded chat client below or your favorite IRC client. Join us in the #tuaw chatroom on irc.freenode.net, where Kevin Avila (eddienull) will be moderating.
Batman-themed Nokia Lumia 900 coming soon, utility belt clip not included
A befuddled Joker once pondered "Where does he get all those wonderful toys?" Soon you'll have a chance to inspire the same sort of wonderment amongst your friends -- at least the more eagle-eyed ones. Nokia has announced it's launching a Batman-themed Nokia Lumia 900, with the minimalist logo of (spoiler alert) Bruce Wayne's alter-ego laser-etched onto the back. It's the same treatment that was given to a special edition Lumia 800 earlier and, no surprise, it'll be available exclusively in Batman's favorite color. It's also exclusive to Europe, at least initially, where it's said to be going on sale in a few weeks. Act fast and you might have yours in time to listen to Christian Bale grumble his way through the conclusion of the Dark Knight Trilogy.
You can Dream Drop more cash for a 'Mark of Mastery' edition of Kingdom Hearts 3D
There's no better way to flaunt your mastery of the art of having $55 than with the Kingdom Hearts 3D "Mark of Mastery" edition. The newly announced special edition comes with a clear 3DS case and a set of art cards that look like they can be slipped into said case, and five AR cards to unlock in-game Dream Eaters. All of this comes in a big box with a magnetic clasp.This edition shows one of the advantages of portable games: the limited edition boxes don't cost quite as much as those for console games.
Murderer's Row: Max Payne 3's Classic Multiplayer Character Pack
The newest installment in the Max Payne series hits tomorrow, and with all those new features, altered characters and updated graphics, some players may crave the explosive stability of the original cast. The Max Payne 3 Classic Multiplayer Character pack allows players to control eight beloved killers in the online Deathmatch mode, and comes standard in the Special Edition. The pack will be available for stand-alone purchase later on.The Classic Multiplayer Character pack includes Vladimir "Vlad" Lem, Vincent "Vinnie" Gognitti, Jack Lupino, Alfred Woden, Mona Sax, Valerie Winterson, Nicole Horne and Max Payne 2's NYPD detective version of Max Payne.
Leica teases our wallets with $50,000 Edition Hermès M9-P, $1,000 scarf sold separately
If you've ever wondered if designer names alone can send a product's price tag through the roof, this should suffice as confirmation. Hermès, the Parisian fashion giant best known for its prohibitively expensive wearable accessories, has teamed up with Leica for some creative marketing. Two special M9-P editions will be available -- a total of 300 Edition Hermès digital rangefinders will ship beginning in June for $25,000, while 100 "very special" (even more exclusive) Edition Hermès - Série Limitée Jean-Louis Dumas models will be available in July for, ahem, $50,000 (that's fifty thousand, in case you assumed it was a typo). Likely realizing that it would be insanely absurd to unload the M9-P for either price without lenses included, Leica has opted to offer both as complete kits. The less expensive version uses some fancy calfskin leather with a silver chrome finish, and ships with a Leica Summilux-M 50 mm f/1.4 ASPH. optic. The "very special" version, on the other hand, includes a Leica Summicron-M 28 mm f/2 ASPH., a Leica Noctilux-M 50 mm f/0.95 ASPH. and a Leica APO-Summicron-M 90 mm f/2 ASPH -- all finished in anodized silver. It also comes with a bag and a book. Due to the incredibly limited production run, you'll probably want to pitch a tent (or have your assistant park their assistant's Maybach) outside the Washington DC Leica Store, beginning sometime later this month. Update: Need little more convincing about the craftsmanship? There are making-of and unboxing videos embedded after the break.
Ivy Bridge-packing Inspiron 15R hiding in plain sight on Dell's Singapore site
It may not be as wavy as the alloyed 15R from a couple of years back, but this new "special edition" Inspiron is packing a few goodies that are far more interesting than a set of sinuous patterns. Thanks to a product page on Dell's Singapore website, we were able to spot one of the company's first Ivy Bridge machines, the Inspiron 15R. Per the listing, Dell's 15.6-inch laptop is sporting a hot-off-the-press Core i7-3612QM CPU, 6GB or 8GB of RAM (depending on configuration), AMD Radeon HD 7730M graphics and a 1TB, 5400RPM hard drive. Additionally, you'll be able to choose between two different displays: an HD WLED, 1366 x 768 or a 1920 x 1080, FHD True-Life. As of right now, the better-specced of the two models is carrying a hefty S$1,749 price tag (around $1,410 in American dollars), while the lower-end 15R is S$1,599. Those living in Singapore can hit up the source link below if you'd like to grab a piece of that fresh Ivy Bridge pie. [Thanks, Jason]
Spotted: HP's special edition Pavilion dm1 by Alexandre Herchcovitch
Sometimes we tech writers are little more than laptop pornographers, aren't we? After smiling for Bond Blog's cameras earlier this month, this special edition HP Pavilion dm1 surfaced at a media event here in the states, and naturally we couldn't resist snapping a few in-the-wild shots of our own. Decked out by Brazilian designer Alexandre Herchcovitch, it features all the specs you'd expect from a dm1z (AMD Fusion APU, 11.6-inch display, etc.) except it's been gussied up to resemble that gold frock pictured below. What might interest you even more than the couture, though, is that this is the first time HP's let one of its guest laptop designers alter the texture on the interior as well. In this case, that means even the keycaps have a rough, almost snakeskin-like texture, just like the lid and underbelly. HP also took the opportunity to clarify that this will retail for $630 exclusively through QVC. That's not exactly cheap -- the unadorned dm1z starts at just $400 with the same specs -- though that's hardly the $1,800 price we were expecting. And, the laptop comes bundled with a matching mouse and faux leather sleeve -- for whatever that little bit of color coordination is worth.
The NOFAN CR-95C: a fanless copper CPU cooler for your next-gen build
Interesting times to be shopping around for a processor, but what about a new cooler to go with it? This unassuming little work of art is the copper special edition of the NOFAN CR-95C, which is rated to cool CPUs of up to 100W TDP without the need for a fan. Judging from all the Intel and AMD leaks, that level efficiency ought to have you covered regardless of whether you opt for Ivy Bridge or Trinity -- so long as you don't mind hanging around until June, because FanlessTech reckons we won't see it go on sale any sooner.
Hitman: Absolution gets a well-dressed 'Professional Edition' [update: EU and NA]
Don't get too excited – we thought the image above revealed some kind of replica gun in a cool briefcase as part of the Hitman: Absolution "Professional Edition," but it's actually bonus in-game DLC. Oh well, no toy guns for us! Said DLC, the "Agency Gun Pack," comprises a Jagd P22G pistol, a UMP SMG and an SPS 12 semi-automatic shotgun.The Professional Edition, announced for Europe today, also includes an art book, a making-of DVD, and a fancy clamshell box. We're due to get some kind of special edition in North America as well, but details haven't been announced yet.Update: the North American release will have the same "Professional Edition." In addition, Square Enix announced retail-exclusive bonuses for Amazon (the "Bartoli Custom Pistol"), Best Buy (the "Bronson 1928M SMG"), GameStop (the "Agency Kazo TRG" sniper rifle), and Walmart (the "Krugermeier 2-2 Pistol").%Gallery-152968%
Borderlands 2 conjures up Mechromancer class, adds character customization options
On the final day of PAX East, members of Gearbox detailed plans for Borderlands 2, which is set to drop on September 18. The biggest news nuggest is the Mechromancer, a class that will be added to the game as DLC after launch and free to those who pre-order. The Mechromancer is a female human/machine hybrid, which is totally great because we wrote all of this erotic Claptrap fan-fiction that would totally explain -- ahem, sorry. She will also have a friend: a giant robot called D374-TP (Deathtrap).Game Informer was at the panel – all of us were too busy scurrying back to our respective journalizing holes to attend today – and says that in addition to the Mechromancer, there will be options to customize the look of your character. Costumes and custom gear will be earned when players complete missions and challenges.Finally, there will be a special edition of Borderlands 2 that will retail for $149.99. It's packaged in a big plastic loot box replete with a Marcus Kincaid bobblehead and, obviously, a copy of Borderlands 2.
Microsoft goes baller with chromed out 360 controllers
When we're not busy ghostridin' the whip or gettin' that skrilla, we're making sure to accessorize with chromed out bling. We also spend quite a bit of time looking up how to awkwardly use terms from terrible rap songs.Given that, you'll understand our excitement this afternoon over Microsoft's announcement of chromed out Xbox 360 controllers. Better yet, said controllers feature the updated D-pad that Microsoft added in a new 360 controller back in 2010.As of now, the "Special Edition Chrome Series" wireless controllers will run $54.99 ($5 more than the usual wireless controller price) and are expected to be available at some point in "mid-May." Colors and availability vary by region, according to Major Nelson. Why anyone would want something other than what you see shining above, however, is beyond us.%Gallery-152030%
Microsoft announces special edition Chrome Series Xbox 360 controllers
There's no console to match, but Xbox 360 owners who prefer things a little shinier than your run-of-the-mill controller will soon have a trio of new options to consider courtesy of Microsoft. It's just announced three new Chrome Series special edition controllers that will be available in "mid-May" for $54.99 apiece. Those come in your choice of blue, red or silver, and each feature the so-called "transforming" D-pad along with everything else you'd expect from a wireless Xbox 360 controller. Check out the gallery below for a closer look.
Pentax offers 'special edition' K-5 DSLR kit: silver body, 40mm slimline lens, $1,600
It's good to see a special edition that may actually deserve its name, for once. When the silver version of the popular K-5 came out last year, it was priced at $1,700 body-only. This new kit, which will be limited to 1,500 units worldwide and available from April, will cost just $1,600 including the bundled lens. And it's decent glass: an ultra-thin, Marc Newson designed beauty with a 40mm fixed focal length and f/2.8 aperture -- just like on the mirrorless K-01. The only thing missing? There's no sign of a "Limited Edition" stamp anywhere on it, but luckily we're too modest to notice.
Xbox 360 gets limited edition all-white Kinect bundle
Not feeling the Star Wars Xbox 360 bundle? How about this all white special edition? For $300, you get a white 4GB Xbox 360, a white Xbox 360 controller and a white Kinect sensor. Microsoft is also tossing in Kinect Sports, Kinect Adventures and a three month Xbox Live Gold subscription. Or, if you're just eyeing the glossy pigment-free Kinect, you can pick one up separately for $50.
Limited edition Droid RAZR and RAZR Maxx appear, exclusive to Verizon employees?
It seems that the hard workin' folks at Verizon Wireless may soon have a special phone to call their own. That's the word from Android and Me, which reports that Big Red's staffers are being offered exclusive versions of the Droid RAZR (16GB, $99) and RAZR Maxx (32GB, $199). In addition to a distinctive red and black pattern on the handset's rear, a unique number will be engraved within the camera pod and the words 'Limited Edition' will appear next to Verizon's logo on the front. Employees will also score a free dock with their purchase and can expect the handsets to arrive in April -- which is a good indication of when these things should hit Craigslist.
