2009
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So, what'd you get?
It's the final Christmas morning of the decade, and considering that there are only two or three of these left before the world ends, we certainly hope an exuberant Santa Claus dropped off a fairly swank stash of gadgetry overnight. 'Course, today just wouldn't be today without pigging out on calorie-infested foods and spending copious quantities of time with folks you dearly love and desperately loathe, but frankly -- we're just interested in learning what kind of gizmos entered your life this morning for the first time. Tell us what you did (or didn't) get in comments below, and be sure to tell us if you reacted similarly to the kids posted up after the break (no fibbing -- Sir Kringle is already making his list for next year, don'tcha know?). When you're done, check out what people got excited about in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008.
More games released in 2009 than in 2008, barely
Some people have decried the current calendar year for being light on high-quality games -- but they can't frown upon the quantity of titles released in 2009. According to Gamespot, the latest EEDAR GamePulse report reveals that 1,099 games were released to retail outlets throughout the year -- a slight increase over the 1,092 games which hit the market in 2008. That's not exactly good news -- according to the report, more games (such as Modern Warfare 2) are becoming permanent staples on store shelves, limiting the amount of free space for other new titles. Also, the amount of expendable cash folks have to spend on these games is dwindling. But ... but let's not think about that, okay? It's Christmas. Happy thoughts, you guys.
The Engadget Show - 004: The decade in gadgets, with special guest Peter Rojas!
What a crazy 10 years, right guys? It's really flown past; the highs, the lows, the stuff in the middle that didn't seem very impressive one way or another. For our final Engadget Show of the decade, we asked site founder Peter Rojas to join us for a look back at our picks for the most important and / or interesting gadget developments since 2000. A hardcore crowd came out just after a gigantic snowstorm to witness the proceedings, and now you get your chance to see how it all went down. This is a long one folks, so grab some popcorn and settle in for the show! Update: The HD download is now live! Hosts: Joshua Topolsky, Paul Miller, Nilay Patel Special guest: Peter Rojas Produced and Directed by: Chad Mumm Executive Producer: Josh Fruhlinger Edited by: Tony Chen Music by: Bubblyfish Visuals by: CJ Opening titles by: Julien Nantiec Download the Show: The Engadget Show - 004 (HD) / The Engadget Show - 004 (iPod / iPhone / Zune formatted) Subscribe to the Show: [iTunes] Subscribe to the Show directly in iTunes (M4V). [Zune] Subscribe to the Show directly in the Zune Marketplace (M4V). [RSS M4V] Add the Engadget Show feed (M4V) to your RSS aggregator and have it delivered automatically.
Most popular free Mac apps of 2009
Lifehacker has put together their list of the 15 Most Popular Free Mac Apps of 2009. Keep in mind, these are Mac OS X apps, not iPhone apps. The list is based on the popularity of apps they've covered in 2009 and don't represent total download numbers. Here are some of their choices (in no specific order): Magnifique Picasa for Mac Pollux doubleTwist Thunderbird Google Chrome PwnageTool/QuickPwn Namebench Quicksilver Glims While I don't agree with all their choices, it is a rather interesting list. But what about you guys? Tell us your favorite Mac apps of 2009 in the comments!
WoW in the running for Game of the Decade
2009 is coming to a close, and with it, "the aughts," which means we're about to get flooded with list after list of the best of the decade. It's been a raucous ten years for gaming (some, including me, might call it the best ten years in gaming so far), and Crispy Gamer is the first to step up and try to pick the best games we've seen so far. In their Game of the Decade showdown, World of Warcraft is still in the running, up against Bioware's legendary Knights of the Old Republic RPG, as the latest post has readers trying to pick the final four choices. If you think our game is more deserving than KotOR (note that this isn't the MMO, it's the old RPG with your friendly meatbag hater droid, HK-47), you can vote for WoW over on this page until Tuesday at 6pm. KotOR is a great game, but as a decade-defining game, I'd have to think WoW will pull that one off. After that, though, there's some tough competition: BioShock and Half-Life 2 are up against each other, Halo and Left 4 Dead are facing off in another bracket, and Super Smash Brothers Melee and Shadow of the Colossus (which I guess I need to go play now) are the challengers in the third. I have to say -- as a "Game of the Decade," BioShock and Half-Life 2 are definitely in competition, but if you want to pick a game which has really defined both the online and casual gaming movements of the last ten years? We'll have to see what the readers choose, but I'd have to think World of Warcraft is your game. [ via BlizzPlanet and kyleorl ]
Massively's End-of-the-Year Reader's Choice Awards
The end of 2009 is almost upon us, and Arthur C. Clarke's dreams are all about to come true in less than a month. It's been an interesting year for MMOs, including everything from Tabula Rasa's official closure to the launch of LotRO's second paid expansion. While it's inevitable that the Massively staff all have their own favorite games in several different categories, we figured it would be best to get the readers involved this year. So we've compiled a series of polls (found after the jump) in which you can vote for your favorite games of 2009 in 10 different categories. The poll choices consist of some aspect of games or expansions that launched this year, so don't expect to see older games on these lists. With almost 50 online games launching in 2009, we chose to only include a maximum of 10 for each category. At the end of the month, we'll compile the results into one post, letting everyone know what the Massively readers think is the best of the best (or worst). So you have plenty of time, but the deadline for votes is December 31st at 11:59pm EST!
Gearbox: Borderlands fastest-selling new IP of 2009
Gearbox has declared that Borderlands, the studio's original RPG-FPS ("RPS") hybrid, is the current leader in the annual undercard, the race to fastest-selling new IP of the year. While it might not make it onto a second-printing retail box, the accolade is still significant, as it implies that a new game has at least been noticed among the familiar franchises that dominate the monthly sales charts. What better hook to land a publisher when pitching a sequel? Going by not entirely public NPD sales figures (in North America), Gearbox has determined that Borderlands had the most launch-week sales of any new IP in 2009. The only other title that could contest that would be Prototype, which enjoyed greater sales on the Xbox 360 platform (but just by 1,900 units) than did Borderlands when comparing the two games' respective launch months (419.9k vs. 418k units). However, Prototype, which released June 9, was available at retail for 11 more days during its launch month than was Borderlands (October 20). While we don't know total sales of either title during their launch months (both were released on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC), it's reasonable to assume that Borderlands is the fast-selling new IP (during a launch week), if not the best-selling one in combined platform sales for a launch month in 2009. So, congratulations! But watch out for Dragon Age: Origins -- we hear it's fast, too.
Nintendo half-year results show profits down in '09; still making boffo bucks
Nintendo's profits took a 52 percent dive in the first-half of 2009 compared to the same period last year, which sounds horrible -- until the realization hits that the company still brought in $766 million in pure profit. Yes, Nintendo is still doing all right, even as it cut its profit forecast for the fiscal year ending March 2010 from $3.3 billion to merely $2.53 billion. Tragic, we know.The Wii has now sold 56.14 million units globally, while the DS has reached 113.48 million in unit sales. There's been a general slowdown of software sales, however, as the House of Mario has had fewer high-profile releases so far this year -- we count only: Wii Sports Resort. Although investors may see the profit decline as a bad thing, it's not like Nintendo's plump plumber is going to be forced to cut back on those hearty meals any time soon.Source -- Nintendo financial report [PDF]Source -- Nintendo profits slide (MCV)
Japanese gaming market continues to decline
We got our first indication that the Japanese gaming industry wasn't doing too hot in July, when gaming hardware and software sales from the first half of 2009 had dropped 24 percent from the same period last year. The recently released sales figures from the first half of fiscal 2009 (which runs from March 31 through September 28) are equally downtrodden: According to the industry analysts at Enterbrain, the Japanese games market fell 10.5 percent during this six-month period. That figure represents a 15.1 percent drop in hardware sales and a 7.5 percent decline in software sales. The various models of the Nintendo DS were the biggest sellers during this period, moving nearly 1.7 million units combined. Appropriately, the top two selling titles during the half-year were Dragon Quest IX, which sold nearly 4 million copies, and the recently released Pokemon Heart Gold and Soul Silver editions, which sold a little over 2 million combined. Not faring quite as well are the PSP (813k units sold), Wii (594k units sold), PS3 (581k units sold) and Xbox 360, which moved a paltry 137k units in the first half of the fiscal year. No use crying over spilled milk, we suppose. Things can only go up from here! Unless, of course, they continue to go down. That's also an option. [Via Kotaku]
Sony's big plans for OLED HDTVs may slip to next year
Hope you weren't too attached to the idea of "medium to large" sized OLED HDTVs coming from Sony this year, according to the Wall Street Journal's sources, the company's slipping share of TV sales mean profitability takes precedence over sweet, super slim new displays. Surprised by its inability to sell truckloads of $2,500 11-inch versions CEO Howard Stringer decided to put the project on the back burner, apparently more focused on things like competing in Wal-Mart and implementing cheaper LED technology for its LCDs. With LG also on a timetable that puts us a year or more away from seeing one of these on store shelves in decent sizes, things are up to Samsung to bring it home -- we're waiting.
Xbox 360 'only console to show growth this year' according to Microsoft
Dubbing itself "the industry's sole bright spot in 2009," Microsoft has spun some depressing console sale decline numbers from NPD into a self-congratulating piece on the Xbox 360's singular success this year. Through the first seven months of 2009 the console has shown 17 percent growth, despite July's losses for the Big Three's respective slabs of home hardware. Microsoft also points out that the 360 has been the number one platform for third-party sales through the entire year. Of course, this is nothing Sony can't rectify with a bit of dirt cheap PS3 Slim magic, right? Right? Nintendo meanwhile probably can't hear Microsoft's bragging through the thick, cash-lined vaults it's built for itself off the back of ceaseless peripheral sales.
Apple reports 2009 Q3 earnings: $8.34B in revenues, profit of $1.35 per share
For the quarter just completed, Apple reported 8.34 billion dollars in revenue, and earnings of $1.35 per share (versus the $1.17 consensus estimate). 2.6 million Macs sold, 10.2M iPods, 5.2M iPhones, 36.3% margins. Guidance for the next quarter is $1.18 to $1.23 per share (all via CNBC). "Best non-holiday quarter ever," says the company.Full press release below. See you all back here at 2pm PT/5pm ET for our liveblog of the analyst conference call. Note that we will be listening to the call and cannot ask questions (much as we might like to!).
Ask Engadget HD: What's the best mainstream Blu-ray player?
It's been some time since CES 2009 and the requisite flood of brand new Blu-ray hardware flooding store shelves. Now that most of them are for sale, Scott has the same question I'm sure many of us are wondering - which one is the best? "I'm finally ready to jump on the Blu-ray bandwagon and move up from DVDs, but I have no idea which player to buy. I'm not really looking for a universal player like the BDP-83, and I'm not sold on streaming services just yet and I'm not in need of discrete analog outs. I just want a high quality picture, support for all the audio codecs and fast load times. With a budget of around $300, where should I turn for the Blu-ray player that fits me, or should I just grab a PS3?" You have your mission if you choose to accept it, now that many of us have some hands on time with the latest and greatest hardware so let him know which one you like.Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Palm Eos on track for AT&T release second half of 2009
The Palm news just keeps coming today. Looks like Centro successor Eos might be coming sooner than expected, with this purported AT&T slide listing a second half 2009 ship date, along with a "new Palm OS experience" tagline that we're gonna take to mean webOS for now (still no 100% confirmation, unfortunately), all the specs listed were the same as we heard before: 2.63-inch, 320 x 400 capacitive touchscreen, 4GB storage, POP3, IMAP, and EAS support, integrated IM client, Bluetooth 2.1, A-GPS, and a sexy thin and light form factor. Keep an eye out for this one, we think it might go places.
Toshiba's Cell processor powered TV still on for '09?
Latest word from Toshiba is that its Cell TV -- the network video slurping, six HD tuner recording, SD-to-4K upscaling, 3D GUI powered beast -- will launch in about six months in Japan. Previously we'd been expecting a 2010 debut, although both dates could be true, with Japan seeing the new technology first, Europe later and the U.S. likely somewhere in between. Can't wait until then? Check out our spy shots from the CES show floor or Toshiba's press conference.
Samsung's latest LED-packing HDTVs get official prices, availability
Finally, we can stop playing hide and seek with Samsung's 2009 lineup of edge lit LED HDTVs, now that its loosed official pricing and availability details for screens hitting shelves between now and June. They've already been busy popping up everywhere -- around the world, in stores near you, on Best Buy's website, and Samsung's made sure to mention how eco friendly the LED scheme is compared to the old power munching CCFLs and local dimming methods in other manufacturer's screens. The list appears to match up with earlier leaks, so if the 8000, 7000 and 6000 series are screens you've just gotta have, click the read link for all details currently available.
Number of folks unready for DTV transition falls to 4 million
Just days ago, we heard that the DTV voucher waitlist was completely gone, and now that those have started to flow again, the amount of Americans still unready for the switchover sits at 4.1 million. Compared to right around two months ago, that's definitely a marked improvement from 6.5 million still in the dark, and we fully anticipate that number to continually shrink as we inch closer to June 12th. Of course, there's going to come a time when the figure simply won't fall any lower, as a sliver of those still not ready will, frankly, remain that way. More power to 'em we say -- just keep the booze and bullets locked up and everything will be okay.
Another 158 analog TV stations flip to digital only
Another one (hundred and fifty-eight) bites the dust, as they say. With the newly established June 12th cutover date looming, another 158 TV stations across America have decided that enough is enough. In a new list that was sent over the FCC this week, we're told that another swath of stations intend to shut off their analog signals prior to the mandatory June 12th cutover date. For what it's worth, the majority of the 158 are in smaller markets and don't broadcast any of the four major commercial networks, but we wouldn't be shocked to hear of more of this as more and more stations grow tired of waiting around.
Panasonic 2009 VIERA HDTVs official pricing revealed
Just in case the HDGuru didn't carry enough credibility for you, Panasonic has finally issued a press release with prices and shipping months for most of its 2009 VIERA brand lineup. We've taken a peek, and everything appears to line up with the leaked figures, including that slim wireless HD equipped Z1 and its $5,999 pricetag, while only copping to a summer ship date. The rest of the lineup proceeds downward in pricing and features from there, the wall-busting details are but a mere click of the read link away.
DTV coupons begin flowing once more, waitlist should vanish in 3 weeks
For all of you still waiting for a little governmental assistance in buying that DTV converter box that you should've purchased months ago (we kid... a little), we've excellent news. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), which is overseeing the program, has announced that it has finally begun to ship $40 vouchers towards the purchase of these very boxes once more. The waitlist has grown some 4.1 million deep since the subsidy program ran dry back in January, but the agency is hoping to have that cleared within three weeks. Of course, you better not procrastinate on your second chance -- who knows how quickly the $650 million it has left will last.[Image courtesy of BreakItDownBlog]
