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Project SkyLight introduces themed PS4 faceplates
If you didn't manage to snatch up one of the 20th anniversary PS4s that went on sale yesterday, Project SkyLight can help your PS4 stand out from the crowd. A PlayStation Blog post explains that Project SkyLight will involve the arrival of hard drive faceplates, with designs featuring LittleBigPlanet 3 and The Order: 1886 kicking off the initiative. Both faceplates are currently available for $24.99 apiece through Sony's online store, but if you'd prefer to hold out for a different theme, the related post notes plans to launch additional designs "in the near future." Project SkyLight also involves plans for "a few other fun enhancements," with further details said to be shared "soon." If either of the announced faceplates pique your interest, consider making your purchase sooner rather than later: faceplates are being offered in "very small quantities," and considering how quickly PlayStation fans can deplete limited stock, Project SkyLight's original pieces could go quickly. [Image: PlayStation]
Sony's Project SkyLight lets you customize your PlayStation 4
Microsoft might not have had much success with Xbox 360 faceplates, but that isn't stopping Sony from giving console customization a shot. The company's newly unveiled Project SkyLight beta lets you slap a faceplate on your PlayStation 4 for $25, livening up the otherwise plain surface of your gaming system. While only two limited edition plates (LittleBigPlanet 3 and The Order: 1886) are available in this test phase, there are promises of more -- don't be shocked if you see SkyLight add-ons tied to major PS4 releases from this moment onward.
Wii U Famicom skin dresses your WiiPad in red and gold
Datel Japan will start selling the aluminum WiiPad Famicom faceplate pictured above at the end of July for ¥1,980, roughly $20. If you're looking to play some old NES games while your WiiPad looks the part, Nintendo officially launched the Virtual Console on Wii U at the end of April. The initial launch list is pretty slim, but Ape Inc. and HAL Laboratory's beloved SNES RPG, Earthbound, is on the way.
Samsung patents phone skins, mood swings, Amazon
See that crazy faceplate with matching wallpaper that sells for two-a-penny on Amazon? Well, Samsung wants to patent something even worse. It's so bad we had to hide it away after the break. (Honestly, don't look at it -- unlike the USPTO, you won't get paid for your trouble.) At first we believed the hype that it was some kind of wild Super-OLED-lenticular-transparent-flexible-display concept for smartphones, but now we're not so sure. The patent application simply refers to a printed "film layer" stuck onto a smartphone's case, which aligns with images on the display and gives the impression of a seamless all-over skin. Refuse to believe that anyone would try to claim exclusive rights over something so old and so commonplace? Go on then, have a gander.
What ever happened to 360 faceplates?
As stock in new Joystiq offshoot PlateTweetz (360 faceplates that can update your Twitter feed, of course) has continued to decline, we look to someone, anyone for answers. Turns out OXM has our backs, asking Microsoft global marketing director Albert Penello about that very topic. "The idea wasn't bad ... people used to put faceplates on their cell phones. Rewind five years, faceplates were what everybody wanted to do," he said. "Turned out nobody bought it. So [we stopped] making them. We killed that one pretty quickly." Well, thanks for telling us now, Albert. We suppose you'll be explaining this to our stockholders?
Microsoft admits 'failure' with Xbox 360 faceplates, says nobody bought them
This one's strictly for the record, the one that documents failed aesthetic experiments. Microsoft's Albert Penello has been cornered for an interview by the British Official Xbox Magazine -- mostly to discuss the console's five-year anniversary -- and their discourse touched on the ill-fated frontal accessory for the original 360. Penello admitted that although "faceplates were what everybody wanted to do" five years ago, they pretty much fell flat in terms of retail success, which led Microsoft to kill them off pretty quickly. We can't say we ever developed strong feelings either way about these plastic prettifiers, let's just be happy that Microsoft's latest console peripheral probably won't be subject to similar mea culpa admissions five years from now.
Possible iPod touch LCD and digitizer assembly compared to older gen, iPhone 4 (video)
Look who's back. The LCD plus digitizer combo that we first laid eyes on last month seems to have leaked out again, still claiming it'll be part of Apple's upcoming (unannounced, but popular knowledge anyway) iPod touch 4th generation refresh. It continues to insist it'll have a front-facing camera, pointing to the rounded hole in its forehead as evidence, and we're now inclined to trust it that little bit more given the leaking site's prior record. A visual inspection reveals it to have the same fused design as on the iPhone 4, which naturally invites speculation that the retina display will be pulling some PMP duty as well. Skip past the break to see the new screen side-by-side with Apple's latest phone display and third-gen iPod touch hardware.
White front plate looks all set and ready for next-gen iPhone, or not
As our extensive KIRF library shows, China's one wild country that can make almost anything you don't want, so don't mind us while we inspect this new finding with extra caution. This particular Chinese online seller not only claims to have parts for the next-gen iPhone, but also one white face plate -- something not seen on iPhones thus far. While we drool over the thought of an all white Apple handheld, there are still questions to be answered here: the seller wasn't able to explain what that silver bit above the speaker is, nor have we seen white back plates to match this. Furthermore, we were given a "maybe" for a bulk order of 15 to 20 units, which is quite a lot for something that's not even out yet, but we were told over the phone that there's always a back door to Foxconn as long as you wave cash at someone. Not that you should engage in such risky business, plus this piece's authenticity will be revealed in about three weeks' time, anyway. One more shot after the break. [Thanks, Francesco]
Xbox 360 retailing in a Final Fantasy XIII bundle for the rest of us
Japan's been Final Fantasy-ing for a while now, but it looks like an import FFXIII PS3 isn't your only shot at pointy-haired excellence. Outside of Japan, Microsoft has the exclusive "official" Final Fantasy XIII bundles, in the form of a $399 Xbox 360 that packs a 250GB HDD, two controllers, a standard edition of the game, and some exclusive avatar downloads. Separately available will be some limited edition faceplates (pictured after the break) created by designer Tetsuya Nomura, but if you want a full console paint job you're still going to have to turn Japanese and fork it over for a PS3 -- or level up on your Bob Ross technique and paint it yourself. The bundle should hit stores March 9th.
Final Fantasy XIII 360 faceplate witnessed in the wild
It looks like 360-owning JRPG fans shouldn't get too jealous about the Lightning-clad PS3 Slim which was release in Japan late last year. A recent promotional spot for GamertagRadio's Community Vibes event featured a lengthy look at what appears to be a Final Fantasy XIII-branded 360 faceplate, seen above. We almost didn't notice the accessory the first time we watched the video -- after someone mentioned Major Nelson in a Speedo, our brains went briefly catatonic, which is our reflexive defense mechanism when faced with unsettling mental images. We've contacted the Major to find out if the faceplate is legit, and to see if we'll be getting our hands on it any time soon. [Via Gaming Angels]
XBLA collage faceplate is a work of XBLA art
Our buds over at 360Sync just dropped us a note informing us that a select few (developers, Xbox elitists, etc.) have been holiday gifted a snazzy new Xbox Live Arcade faceplate from team Microsoft. The faceplate's XBLA collage of collation borders the line of being too chaotic and too sexy, but truth be told, we'd like to have one in our possession. Interesting to note that the faceplate lists XBLA titles that are yet to be released including The Dishwasher, The Maw, Airburst and Death Tank. Yum!
The mystery of the Joystiq faceplate, solved
We were as perplexed as the next gamer when a mysterious Joystiq branded faceplate showed up during Microsoft's E3 keynote yesterday. We spent much of the evening deciphering clues, following up on leads, calling in favors, meeting with shady characters in dark alleys. Basically, we found out nothing.So imagine our surprise today while we were confirming our facetime with the Fallout 3 Bethesda crowd. It was as if the heavens parted and an angelic hand from heaven lowered said faceplate right into our laps. It turns out we didn't dream it. It's real. Find out all about it after the break, and learn how you can win this fabled item.
The mysterious Joystiq Xbox 360 faceplate
We really don't care for those flimsy, frilly faceplates, but we think we've finally discovered one with some redeeming qualities. Glimpsed by one of the whiteboard cameras at Microsoft's E3 press conference and consequently by everyone in attendance, the unsanctioned, Joystiq-branded Xbox 360 faceplate has been a source of great mystery for those who spend their days posting inconsequential filler insightful commentary on this very website.Is it real? Who made it? Why would they go through that sort of effort? Is it all just an elaborate marketing ploy? And most importantly, where can we get one? We hope to find the answers -- and the faceplate itself -- sometime before the week is out. It's not like we have anything better to do.
Make your PSP glow in the dark
Seeing this sort of mod makes you just want to stop and stare and say some pre-school gibberish like "ooh, glowing thing." While you comfortably ogle idly with desire, we'll continue reporting on this gorgeous add-on. When you're ready to wipe the drool over your chin, read on. This product you see here is called the XCM Magic Night Glow faceplate. It latches onto the front side of slim model PSPs only and comes in pearl, yellow, blue (pictured), green, pink, and red. Each faceplate glows a different color than its original scheme. For example: the blue one pictured above will glow greenish (also pictured). So far there's no price set yet, but you can find a place to pre-order it over at XCM's website. Now, just think of all the practical uses your PSP will now have; it's not only a game machine and a music player, but also a nightlight and a rave party glow toy! Sweet.[Via Gizmodo]
Activision and RedOctane send guitar faceplates to Guitar Hero III owners
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/nintendo/Activision_says_it_s_sorry_to_GH3_Wii_owners'; Activision has made some mistakes with the Wii edition of Guitar Hero III, and it probably wasn't all too much fun for game owners to send in their discs and await fixed copies. The company, along with RedOctane, are trying to get back into people's good graces, though, by sending a free guitar faceplate to people who've replaced their discs.We think this is a great move on Activision's part, especially since they didn't announce their good will publicly. It's nice that they're trying to compensate gamers for the inconvenience they've caused, considering they could have done nothing but fix the problem at hand -- that's what we call good customer service. From what we understand, the faceplates will arrive a few weeks after customers get their fixed editions.So, what do you say, Guitar Hero owners? Will you forgive Activision, or will the company still be sleeping on the couch tonight?To see Activision and RedOctane's love note to customers, check past the break.
Faceplates available for hardcore PSP-2000 owners
Already tired of the look of your PSP-2000? Then, get a new faceplate for it! CoolMods is offering faceplates in a variety of colors, such as this rather swag looking gold color. At £9.99, they're a bit pricey, but those that desperately need to have a different looking system will want to pick one up.[Via PSP GadgetZ]
Get Mario on your 360
Last week, you may recall our sister site DS Fanboy frothing over a Zelda-themed Xbox 360 faceplate, a fine, one-of-a-kind piece of fanwork that eventually sold on eBay for the criminally low price of $31. At the bottom of said auction, creator 'worldwidewebbs' (who has a bit of a knack for these, it would seem) promised us a Mario version within the week, and has duly delivered. Impressively, this fantastic Super Mario World faceplate (which, as we type, is still only at $21.50) boasts moving parts (the Piranha Plant emerges from its pipe at the touch of a spring-loaded button) and even a sound chip that plays the jaunty Mario theme. Sir, we applaud your talents! While simmering beneath the surface with envy.
Zelda modders take on the Xbox 360
You know what the Xbox 360 is missing? The Legend of Zelda, that's what. No worries, though; it looks like one faceplate-maker is here to save the day with this custom job designed to spruce up any 360. Even the greatly-feared RROD has to look a little better when framed by this baby.For our tastes, we'd prefer something with a little less bronze and a little more gold, but overall, this faceplate is pretty nice -- and as of press time, you can pick it up on eBay for a mere $19.99, plus shipping. That's not a bad deal if you feel a driving urge to take your fandom to other systems.Also, whoever is making those shield crests has got to love the modding community -- they're everywhere![Via Hawty McBloggy]
Parrot's new RK8200 car stereo plays nice with everything
Looking for a car stereo that does it all? Maybe the boys and girls at Parrot can help you out with its latest and greatest -- the RK8200. In a rare case of ultimate convergence, the electronics-maker is bringing you a head-unit for your vehicle which boasts a USB port, SD card reader, line-in jack, iPod connector, and A2DP Bluetooth support. Let's be honest -- that's a lot of options for your system. In addition to the Swiss-Army-like connectivity choices, the stereo has 2GB of onboard storage, and the faceplate drops down to reveal an area where you can store a device (or anything else). The RK8200 can also be coupled with a mobile phone for hands-free talking / dialing, can hold up to 8000 of your precious contacts, and touts voice recognition and intelligent microphone switching. Here's the kicker: you don't even have to rob a bank to get one of these puppies -- the stereo will be out by the end of the year for the very affordable price of £149.99 (or around $302).
Halo 3 faceplates and skins for your 360
Getting tired of your plain white (or black) Xbox 360 and feel like it's time to give it a makeover? In comes GameShark to your rescue with officially licensed Halo 3 faceplate / console skin bundles in three different Halo'licious designs. Each design pack is made up of one faceplate and two easy to put on (and remove) skins for the sides of your 360 which retail for $29.99 with free shipping. The three designs include the Master Chief inspired Brown Vehicles skin, the Grunty Orange Culprit skin and our favorite purple and pink Covenant skin. Go ahead, get in the Halo 3 mood and skin your 360 or we'll make you purchase another even more Halo themed console.[Via Grunts R Us]
