wii mote
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Black Wii remote bundle coming to North America, no matching console in sight
Oh Nintendo, you tease. You still won't give us that jet black Wii console bound for Japan, but you've got no problem giving us in North America a taste of the dark side with a black Wiimote and Motion Plus bundle, coming this holiday along with a black nunchuk sold separately. With any luck this is just the sign of things to come, and should the Wii's sales momentum drop, we're sure quite a few new colors will start shipping their way over here (light blue, anyone?). On the more portable side of things, the DSi will be adding pink and white to its repertoire on September 13th. Unless the House that Mario Built is feeling particularly nasty, prices should be the same as their pre-existing color counterparts -- you wouldn't put a premium on a palette swap, right Nintendo? [Via Joystiq]
Wii remote enrolled in student-developed CPR training program
Taking a more passive approach with the Wii remote than, say, operating a 15-ton grapple or saving your friends on Tatooine, a team of biomedical engineering undergraduates at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have been developing a companion CPR training program. Using the controller's built-in accelerometer, it tracks hand position as you practice those vital life-saving maneuverings, charting depth and rate of compression to give you a more accurate performance reading than the conventional Resusci Anne mannequin. The American Heart Association is sure impressed: it just pledged a $50,000 fund to UAB for the continuation of the project. The software's expected to be complete early fall 2009, with an open source download being released on the AHA website. No telling what these crazy kids'll accomplish once MotionPlus gets its time to shine.[Via Coolest Gadgets]
Nintendo unveils light blue Wii remote with MotionPlus, for select Japanese Wii Sports Resort owners only
Just great, more hue-enhanced Wii hardware that we in North America will very likely never get. After teasing us with that kuro (i.e. jet black) Wii and matching classic controller, Nintendo's announced a light blue sleeved Wii remote, nunchuk, and motion plus set that'll be given out to five thousand members of its Japanese Club Nintendo program who have registered Wii Sports Resort. Historically, Club Nintendo gifts have only made their way stateside via unofficial channels, so if you're desperate for a non-white peripheral and using paint is absolutely out of the question, we suggest you keep a close eye on eBay and hope the House that Mario Built takes a cue from its portable line sooner rather than later. [Via Joystiq]
Casmobot lawnmower is a slave to the flick of a Wiimote
Most of the time we see a Wii mote controlling something tangible, it's more for entertainment value like an airsoft gun or Rovio. The Casmobot lawnmower, developed by scientists from the University of Southern Denmark, is actually quite useful if you loathe outdoor chores. It can be steered into grass-cutting action via the tilt of the controller synced with Bluetooth. Alternatively, you can drive it for a lap around the border of the yard and then put it on autopilot to mow inside the designated zone. We wouldn't run in front of it while its in motion, though, it's probably not as forgiving of interruption as a roomba. Researcher Kjeld Jensen also suggested applying the same technology to your grandmother's wheelchair, but we really don't think she'd appreciate that. See it for yourself in the video after the break.[Via Switched]
Acer's Ion-based Hornet nettop leaked in presentation slides?
Despite NVIDIA's claims that we'd have an Ion desktop sometime this Spring, we still haven't really seen it in consumer-bound hardware -- until now, that is. Although unconfirmed, slides have purportedly leaked out of what is said to be the Acer Hornet Ion-based nettop. Aside from the platform and a HDMI output, we don't have any specs for the machine. What we do know is that it's sporting a wireless game controller / air mouse -- in case you didn't pick up on the Wii influence, one of those background photos is a direct rip from NIntendo's ad campaign -- and can apparently hang from the back of LCD TVs. The images also tout its eco-friendly design, small form factor, "silent operation," and a price tag of only a couple hundred dollars. Elaborate Photoshop or impending PC? Something feels fishy here, so while we sit and impatiently wait for some official word, hit up the read link for more pics. [Via Slash Gear]
WeeP5 makes other Wiimote gun mods cry home to their mamas
If your Wiimote-gun hybrid lacks a little bit of that "I would shut down an airport having this in my carry-on luggage" panache, we suggest you check out WeeP5, a toy MP5 chock-full of motion control. To be honest, we're most enamored by the setup of the above picture, as the modded armament rests lovingly over the heads of a young couple, against a picture of men in togas, and just under a VHS copy of The Lost World in German -- it's just so beautiful. In case you're wondering: B button is the trigger, A button is under the foregrip, 1 and 2 are on opposite sides near the front, the D-pad and Wii remote are jutting out of the left side, and the +, -, and home buttons are on the top just above the ammo clip. Hit up the read link for full DIY instructions.[Via Hack a Day]
Nintendo unveils Wii MotionPlus accessory for 'unmatched precision'
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/nintendo/Nintendo_unveils_Wii_MotionPlus_for_unmatched_precision'; Nintendo has announced via press release Wii MotionPlus, an accessory for the Wii remote that works with both the sensor bar and accelerometer to "allow for more comprehensive tracking of a player's arm position and orientation." No other details are provided at the moment, but more information is promised for Nintendo's press conferece tomorrow.
Forum post of the day: Doomsprocket's Dilemma
I have this annoying habit of taking things for granted. For instance, have you ever really thought about how wonderful bone marrow is? My hands, feet, heart, and all the other parts work just the way they should. What would WoW be like if I couldn't use both hands? Doomsprockt of Mauradin faced just such a dilemma. He (Jaime) was in a struck by a car in an accident that left him paralyzed on the left side of hisbody. Among the challenges of recovery, Doomsprocket sought to regain access to WoW, but his first solution, a frog-pad failed to do the trick. He appealed to the Mac Technical Support forums for assistance.
How to use the Wii remote in The Force Unleashed duel mode
Oh boy, we're really worried now about the plethora of Wii-itis and other Wii-injuries stories coming in September. We've already written about our hands-on time with Star Wars: The Force Unleashed for Wii, specifically the duel mode, but G4TV has a video of LucasArts producer Dan Wasson showing X-Play's Morgan Webb how to use the control scheme in duel mode.To summarize: the game recognizes five different directions -- left, right, up, down and "stab" -- for different lightsaber strikes, while force powers are done with the nunchuk and can be combined for combos. We could easily see how this might get out of hand (literally) in heated multiplayer matches, what with someone getting strangled with the nunchuk wire and another hapless Wii remote sent through a big-screen TV. Help us, Wiimote Glove Kenobi, you're our only hope.
Bill Gates on the future of computer interaction
In a very rare joint interview with Apple co-founder Steve Jobs on stage at last week's D 2007, Microsoft founder Bill Gates told hosts Walter Mossberg and Kara Swisher, both of the Wallstreet Journal, of his vision for the future of interaction with technology, and therefore gaming, and inadvertently used the Nintendo Wii as a stepping stone."Imagine a game machine where you can just pick up a bat and swing it or the tennis racket," said Gates, to which Mossberg noted that one exists, referencing Wii Sports."No, no, that's not it," said Gates, "you can't pick up your tennis racket and swing it, ['Oh, I see what you mean,' said Mossberg] you can't sit there with your friends and do those natural things. That's a 3D positional device, this is video recognition, this is a camera seeing what's going on ... the camera will be ubiquitous."
Famitsu gives Resident Evil 4 Wii a 9.5 out of 10
Despite being essentially a thrice-released game (previously on GameCube and PlayStation 2), respected Japanese gaming publication Famitsu gave the Wii iteration of Resident Evil 4 a 9.5 out of 10. The score is an average of four editors' score: two gave the title a 9, while two gave the game a perfect score of 10.What's key to this review that Nintendo should be thanking Capcom for is how the editors laud the control system as easy to get into and making the game feel fresh and new. According to IGN, one reviewer noted that "game offers the feeling of being closer to the action as well as upping the tension," while another remarked that those who have played the game before will find something to enjoy.Such words echo back to Nintendo's mantra of offering gamers something new and exciting, and this game seems to showcase that much like the GameCube version showcased a more mature, visually appealing side to that console. Now how about we see Capcom incorporate the control scheme for a future Wii title?Resident Evil 4 for Wii is coming out May 31 in Japan. and June 19 in North America with a price well below standard Wii releases.
Wii colored controllers and nunchucks finally coming?
Remember back before the Wii launched, and they kept touting that the console and the peripherals would be available in all sorts of different colors? Well, that rainbow never landed, and we've been a captive of White since then. However, that might be changing very soon.Go Nintendo reports that a retailer list they've seen announces the upcoming different colors for Wiimotes and nunchucks, and that they will be made available on June 29th in Europe. No mention of dates for U.S. or other territories.Colored consoles will undoubtedly be coming around the same time, or soon after. There are only colors on the list: Silver, Blue, and Pearl Pink -- which leaves it up to you to color coordinate the best possible setup. We'd still like to see these in jet black, like they showed off in the glass "concept" case at last year's E3. There have been skins from several third parties for both the console and the controllers, as well as an official color change to the Nintendo DS lite, although that also took awhile to get to American shores.So, enjoy it while you can, Europe. You and your fancy colors will be the talk of the town ... for now.
DIY Nintendo Wii Classic Controller clip holds your Wiimote (so you don't have to)
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/DIY_Wii_clip_holds_your_Wiimote_to_your_Classic_Controller'; Tired of waiting for Nintendo to produce a solution, Chris Williams, a PhD student in Mechanical Engineering, made his own clip to attach a Wii remote to the Classic Controller, handily solving one of our Wii annoyances. All it took was three hours of labor and some high-tech equipment to make Williams something of a hero in Nintendo circles. This clip is smoking hot -- now if only a certain company would mass produce it. Your move, MadCatz Nintendo. Explanation after the break and within the gallery.%Gallery-1695%
Wii email informs consumers of strap replacement
This evening Nintendo sent strap replacement information directly to Wii owners who have an internet connection. Using the Wii's mail function, Nintendo sent an email to Wii owners regarding replacement straps: "Nintendo has received some reports that when consumers swing the Wii Remote with the original version of the wrist-strap using excessive force and accidentally let go, the cord connecting the controller to the wrist strap can break."The wrist strap replacement program has been in place since December. The interesting thing here is that Nintendo sent the information directly to consumers, albeit a little late, instead of solely depending on the press to disseminate the information. When Microsoft extended the warranty on the Xbox 360, we don't recall if any post was made on the Xbox Live network informing consumers. We appreciate that Nintendo sent this email out to consumers. Next time though, it might help to do it during the scandal, rather than three months later.
Today's hacking-est video: Wii Bottle
Is the sight of some guy rotating a bottle with a Wii remote that exciting? Apparently so, because it ranked as the top gaming video on YouTube today. We don't have much to say about this, it's pretty boring to us. In fact, we enjoyed more the overused Wiimote / penis jokes in the comments section. Video embedded after the break.
Today's hottest game video: World of Wiimote
Today's most-watched YouTube game video shows more Wiimote-as-PC-input-device goodness; the simple hack drives World of Warcraft with the Bluetooth Wiimote-and-Nunchuk combination. Yes, by visiting wiili.org, you, too can become an uber-dork. (The controller hack is rooted in geekdom, but using it for WoW pushes it far into dork territory). Or try using the Wiimote to drive R.C. cars, Roombas, or a home entertainment system if that's more your style.See the video after the break.
Unpacking the Wii replacement straps
After ordering for new Wiimote strap the day Nintendo announced its replacement program, our sister site Engadget finally got a little manila envelope that is sure to safeguard their television screens. Those who also ordered straps shortly after the program was announced should have them shortly (or may already have them).If your Nintendo love, or love for unpacking, runs deep, then we recommend you check out Engadget's gallery for the unpacking and side-by-side comparisons between the old straps and the new, beefier upgrades. For more on the Wii injuries situation, we suggest you hit up CNN's video report.
Jumpin' jinkies, new Wii straps
That was fast! No more than a couple weeks after the first reports of straps snapping, causing Wii-motes to destroy electronics, windows, vases etc., Nintendo is selling new Wii straps. Also, new Wii systems seem to be packaged with the improved strap. Although we still recommend you follow our PSA on proper Wii-mote usage, that was impressively quick turnaround. We had ordered Wii straps (as regular consumers, so that we wouldn't receive reinforced straps from Nintendo) to do some testing on their breaking point right when all this hoopla happened, but the package we received already has the new straps. Like a Folgers commercial, Nintendo secretly replaced the original Wii strap with what looks like an improved model, and they thought we wouldn't notice.
Power-hungry Wiimotes (Wii annoyance #009)
Since this blogger purchased a Wavebird controller back in late 2002, the batteries have been replaced only twice. In that time there have been at least 2,300 games of Smash Bros Melee played, as well as five completions of Resident Evil 4 and several other diversions here or there. However, after two weeks of playing Twilight Princess and Wii Sports, I am halfway through the second set of AA's in both of my Wiimotes. We know that both Microsoft and Sony controllers also suffer from less-than-ideal battery lives, but we expected a little more from Nintendo, whose GameBoy lineup has been noted for its exceptionally long use of two AA's. After creating officially-licensed 1GB SD cards, the big N should consider doing the same for rechargeable AA batteries. Or how about Wiimote Lite? C'mon, Nintendo, you're missing a golden opportunity here. PS3 delights vs. PS3 annoyances Wii delights vs. Wii annoyances Xbox 360 delights vs. Xbox 360 annoyances
Adventure gaming to Wii: "Help me!"
Do you ever miss the old days of King's Quest, Space Quest, Gabriel Knight, Full Throttle, Monkey Island, and other adventure gaming series? No? Well, you should. Because while Microsoft is bringing sexy back, the Wii can hopefully bring adventure back, in a big way. The point and click interface of these PC games is perfect for use with the Wii-mote. If you've ever played any LucasArts title that uses SCUMM, then it should be pretty obvious how well it would translate over. If not, then go download ScummVM and try it out. You'll thank us later.Gaming Target has posted an article that'll refresh your memory (or inform you for the first time) about some of these games and how it could work. We would truly love to see Sam & Max on the Wii, hopefully it won't be a GameTap exclusive forever. Now if someone would just publish a one-disc collection of all the Infocom games, then we'd be in business. Heck, since they're text-based, make 'em a download. Plug in a USB keyboard and bingo. Ahhh, the nostalgia.What old adventure games would you see come back on a console?[Thanks, John (for the article) & Anubikai (for the sweet image)]
