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A second TV show about video games is coming to Dave
The glory days of GamesMaster might be long gone, but finally it seems there's renewed interest in video game-focused programming. Broadcaster UKTV has announced the second series of Go 8 Bit will begin airing on Dave on May 15th, and what's more, it'll be joined by a new spin-off show that takes a slightly more serious approach to games coverage. Go 8 Bit, hosted by Dara Ó Briain and games journo Ellie Gibson, pits button-bashing comedians and other celebs against each other in various video game challenges. The appropriately titled Go 8 Bit DLC, on the other hand, will complement that with "lively debates and reviews."
Dara O Briain to host gaming show 'Go 8 Bit' on Dave
British broadcasters have always struggled to create quality TV shows about video games. Aside from Gameswipe and Videogame Nation, few programmes have done the medium justice. Just look at the response to GTA docudrama The Gamechangers. Still, every so often a production company will take another crack at the idea. The latest attempt is Go 8 Bit, a game show presented by comedian Dara Ó Briain (who is also doing the Robot Wars reboot) and video game journalist Ellie Gibson. The first series will air on Dave this autumn and consist of six 60-minute episodes.
UKTV will copy Amazon, ask viewers which shows it should make
When it comes to choosing which new TV shows to make, British broadcaster UKTV is taking a leaf out of Amazon and the BBC's playbook. The company behind Dave, Really and Watch will produce pilot episodes of shows, asking users of its UKTV Play on-demand platform to vote on which one should become a series. Emma Boston, the executive behind the scheme, believes that the move will enable the company to take more risks and produce shows that'll cater to different audiences. Recombu is also reporting that the company has asked Sky and Virgin Media to share detailed ratings data in order to help UKTV produce more tailored content. Presumably the company is looking at Netflix's vast reserves of viewing data with envious eyes.
Mobilicity gets the green light from CRTC, looks to launch in Toronto soon
Right on cue, the artist formerly known as DAVE Wireless has been given approval to begin operations in Canada. Just as we heard earlier in the year, Mobilicity is looking to add some much-needed competition in the mobile operator space up north, and as predicted, the CRTC has given the initial stamp of approval needed for it to move forward with business operations. The company has to make a few minor changes up the ladder in order to appease the Canadian overlords that regulate this stuff, but the outfit's top brass have stated that they have "no issues" whatsoever in complying. If all goes well, the carrier plans to start up service in Toronto before the summer swings in, with Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Ottawa to get covered later in the year. Here's hoping those blasted three-year contracts vanish for good, eh? [Thanks, Adam]
The DIY $10 prepaid cellphone remote car starter
Wish you could start your car via your cell phone, but don't feel like ponying up the $40k for a Chevrolet Volt or $499 (plus $29 a year) for an aftermarket system from Viper? This hack from a guy named Dave will set you back considerably less, relying on a cheap prepaid cellphone that has had its vibration motor surgically removed, replaced by a couple of leads triggering the car's starter. Now, whenever the phone receives a call it starts up the car -- a somewhat dodgy proposition if a telemarketer ever gets hold of your number, but an interesting solution nonetheless. Dave is also excited about the prospect of setting on timers and alarms on the handset to auto-start the car at regular intervals, while we're excited about the total cost of the project: $71.03. Why, that's barely enough to cover the gas our big blue Excursion burns while warming up in the morning.
Mii Spotlight: Take a look inside
It's Saturday, and obviously, that means another week in the Mii Spotlight! This week, however, we offer something a little different than our usual fare. Or, depending on how you look at things, it could be seen as exactly the same as our usual fare. Decide for yourself!
Rumor: Dave Mirra BMX Challenge coming to the Wii
Rumor has it that Crave Entertainment is going to publish a version of Dave Mirra BMX Challenge on the Wii. The rumored release date is Q3 2007 and the game is said to retail for $39.99 USD. The source of the rumor comes from Codename Revolution, who say a distribution contact of theirs confirms the news. Still, even if it is true, is anyone even interested?The weird thing about BMX titles is that none have really enjoyed the success of the Tony Hawk series. That isn't for wanting, though, as the Matt Hoffman and Dave Mirra games tried to enjoy the skateboarding game's success in the BMX world. So, are you one of those BMX fans? Looking forward to some BMX action on the Wii?
Seagate unveils "D.A.V.E." drive with Bluetooth and WiFi
The storage junkies over at Seagate are branching out a bit. Instead of just seeing how many terabytes they can cram into increasingly smaller hard drive platters, they're getting a little creative with this new "D.A.V.E." (Digital Audio Video Experience) device. The little unit, which we assume is holding a 1.8-inch drive within its belly, manages a 10GB or 20GB capacity, but ain't your plain vanilla portable hard drive. Along with the traditional USB port, the little guy sports Bluetooth and WiFi wireless connections, and is designed for helping you access and transfer your media on the go. The primary interface for doing this is over Bluetooth. D.A.V.E. includes a built-in battery, so you just switch the drive on, and then pair it with your phone. From there the phone can browse and view the files being stored on the HDD, and even communicate with other Bluetooth devices to push D.A.V.E. files to another D.A.V.E. via WiFi. The drive includes a microprocessor to run such operations, so it isn't just relying on your phone for the capabilities. At 12mm thick, with 10 hours continuous use battery life, and hefty drop protection, D.A.V.E. definitely seems portable enough to get the job done. Seagate is planning on getting this thing out in May or early June, but instead of self-branding the unit, it will be licensing the product to phone manufacturers and service providers such as Verizon, Cingular, Nokia and Motorola. The price should be around $200. Peep a video explaining the little guy after the break.
