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Ford, U-M students send socially-connected Fiestas on cross-country roadtrip, aim to become Mayor of the USA
Ford is certainly no stranger to internet-connected cars, but it looks like it's now truly stepped up its game with a little help from some University of Michigan students, who have teamed up to send two Fiestas on a socially-networked, cross-country road trip. The two cars (part of the American Journey 2.0 project) apparently each pack a similar trunk-full of gear -- including both WiMAX and EV-DO modems, and a 2.6 GHz PC with an 80GB SSD hard drive -- and they'll each be testing out a number of different applications developed by Ford and the students. Those include the UMich-developed Caravan app, which allows the two cars to communicate with each other during the trip, and three different Ford-developed social networking apps, which will let the cars blog and tweet their progress and, yes, even check in on Foursquare each time they make a stop. Head on past the break for the complete press release, and be sure to hit up the Autoblog link below for a closer look at the cars themselves.
Ford's Sync AppLink bringing in-car voice control to Android, BlackBerry apps
Look, there's a better-than-average chance you're buying a 2011 Ford Fiesta simply because it's the rebirth of the Fiesta, but if you need a little encouragement, look no further. The aforesaid automaker has just confirmed that Sync AppLink will be coming first to next year's Fiesta, enabling drivers to access and control select Android and BlackBerry apps via in-car voice commands and control buttons. At least initially, Pandora, Stitcher and OpenBeak will be AppLink-capable, but we're pretty sure other app makers will be adding updates as the bandwagon swells. In fact, Ford's going to be encouraging such behavior with the creation of the Mobile Application Developer Network, and if all goes well, AppLink will be installed in every single 2011 Ford model with Sync built-in. Of course, only time will tell if our demands for an INXS Pandora playlist leads to one capped off by Baja Men, but hey, at least the concept is sound.
WonderKing Online enters into the final phase of closed beta
It's time for a fiesta in WonderKing Online! "Yippie, arriba, arriba!" as our friend Speedy Gonzalez would say. The fiesta is being thrown in celebration of the game entering into the fourth and final phase of closed beta, and players can take part in the celebration in a few pretty easy ways. Monday nights from here until the end of the phase are going to be double experience nights, which is absolutely perfect if you want to get to level 30 and qualify for a special gift that will be given to your character at launch. If you feel more creative, WonderKing is also offering a few contests involving Facebook, MySpace, and YouTube. YouTube users can create WonderKing videos to try to win a special ring, MySpace users can comment on screenshots posted each day to win a special beanie or earmuff item, and Facebook users can write a paragraph about snow to attempt to win a Santa's Gift Bag wearable item. Or, lastly, you can always go the safe route and submit bugs, as there's even a contest for that! Five users each day who submit bugs will win three Gigantes' Blessing items from the GMs. So, WonderKing players, it's time to get cracking! Fiesta away!
Fiesta Europe opens two new instant dungeons
European Fiesta players are in luck as Gamigo has opened up two new instant dungeons in the game, and not just for high end players either! Players in the mid-game levels of 25 to 45 can now take on the challenges of ferocious monsters in the Tower of Izyel. Players will fight to retake the tower with one of the monster creator NPCs, Maria, and hopefully restore the tower's purity. High level players will be able to enjoy the Lair of the Sleeping Dragon, where we here at Massively think that dragon won't be sleeping for long once players start entering the lair! It's really hard to sleep with all of those adventurers in their plate mail clunking around. For all of the information on Fiesta Online Europe, check out their main website.
Ride a turkey in Fiesta and help feed the homeless in America
We here at Massively always appreciate it when games give back to the community, and the folks over at Fiesta seem to follow our line of thought. In celebration of Thanksgiving, they've released the new Thomas the Turkey mount for players to grab from the item shop.Thomas is a special beast, however, as 100% of his proceeds until November 30th will go towards Feeding America, a charity that works with local food banks to provide food to the homeless and needy. After the 30th, Thomas will stick around in the Fiesta store as a standard mount.Thomas is currently priced at around $6.80, but it's good to know that the money will be going to a good cause. So don't dilly dally, go out and purchase your turkey before the 30th to make sure you help the homeless and get a sweet ride while doing it.
Fiesta Online fires up a new server
When it comes to growth in the F2P world, Outspark's largest game Fiesta seems to be doing quite well. They recently opened up a new server, Cypion, in June to make sure they had enough room for their steadily growing playerbase. Now we get word that they've just opened up another new server, Legel, to make room for even more players. Not to leave it at just that, Outspark have decided to throw a party in honor of the new Fiesta server. From now until September 15th, the first 500 players to hit level 50 will get a unique Coin of Teva for the event. This coin can be redeemed for a "permanent, unique, new exclusive in-game item called the Coat-of-Arms." Now why they don't skip the Coin bit and just give the first 500 level 50 players the Coat, well - your guess is as good as ours. At least on a new server you've got lots of leg room to run and other new people to level up with, even if you don't zoom to 50.
HTC Fiesta: definitely Android, headed for AT&T
Months and months after the telltale signs appeared over at the Bluetooth Special Interest Group, we've now got further confirmation that HTC's as-yet-unpeeped "Fiesta" will indeed be an Android handset. The good folks over at Cell Passion "stumbled upon" the UA Profile for this bad boy, also known as the HTC T5252, and here's what we know: the phone will boast a QVGA display, and a numeric keypad (read: non-QWERTY). Did we mention that internal HTC linking indicates this puppy is headed to AT&T? Yeah, we're definitely getting one -- to go with our super stylish, tricked-out Ford of the same name.
Outspark to reward Fiesta's fastest levelers with 1 million Spark Cash
The free-to-play game Fiesta from publisher Outspark has announced the game's "Race for 1,000,000" contest, which will be held in tandem with the launch of Fiesta's newest server Cypion on June 3rd. In celebration of the opening, Outspark will give 1,000,000 Spark Cash to the first three players to reach the game's level cap of 105. The promotion's site is counting down to the Cypion launch, at which time more info (namely rules and restrictions) about "Race for 1,000,000" will be posted.
Outspark giving away $15,000 in prizes to players
If you're one of the people playing any of Outspark's free-to-play games - Fiesta, Secret of the Solstice, Wind Slayer or Project Powder - we've got a bit of news that may be of interest to you. Apparently Outspark has decided to reward the players who are using their item mall with a little contest. From now until May 17th, 2009 anyone who makes a purchase of at least $25 will be entered for a prize drawing. What's up for grabs? Well, that depends on how much you spend in their item mall. If you drop at least $25 on SparkCash, you'll be entered in the drawing for one of 250 'Ultimate Gamer Packs' which include lots of in-game items for your character in whichever is your favorite Outspark game. Of course, if you plonk down some serious dinero - $50+ in SparkCash - you'll be entered for the cherry prize. One lucky player will walk away with a $15,000 prize pack: Toshiba 46" REGZA XV645 LCD Screen 1080p 120 Hz TV Samsung HT-BD1250 Blu-ray Home Theater System 1 Year Netflix Subscription As usual, this contest is open to those who are 18+ and a US Citizen. They've got all the information over on their page for those who are curious. So if you've been considering spending some money in the Outspark item mall, good luck! Maybe you'll get lucky and all that SparkCash will net you something bigger.
HTC Fiesta is "an Android phone," so says Bluetooth SIG
We know from countless encounters with our dear, dear friends at the Bluetooth Special Interest Group that their certifications aren't as... shall we say, "detailed" as their counterparts at the FCC; frequently, we don't even bother with them because there's simply nothing there to talk about. Android phones are still pretty difficult to come by, though, so whenever we see the platform mentioned in a certification of any kind, we're bound to sit up and take notice -- particularly when said certification comes via HTC. Tipster Jeff came across a filing for an HTC "Fiesta" in the SIG this time around, descriptively noted as "an Android phone" that'll be available in Asia, Europe, and North America. Other than that, we can count on it having Bluetooth (would be funny if it didn't, wouldn't it?), but that's about it; the G1 / Dream was the Kila, the Magic was the Sapphire, so what's this gonna be? [Thanks, Jeff]
News From the Wider MMO World: September 16, 2008
The MMO genre is more than World of Warcraft, Age of Conan, and Warhammer Online. Here's what's going on in the rest of the world.World of Kung Fu opens screenshot contestFrom September 15th to the 30th, VestGame Entertainment has partnered with zownder.com to create the first World of Kung Fu screenshot contest. "This contest really gives us the chance to showcase the awesome graphics and spectacular artwork that forms such an integral part of the game", says David Clarke, World of Kung Fu's North American Producer. The Grand Prize includes a permanent Xuan Wu mount and over a hundred rare items such as high level Forging Vouchers, Advanced Craftsman Charms, Sky Pearls, and much more. For more information, visit either founder's website.Gaia Online brings Snoop Dogg and the Incredible Hulk to the virtual mallEach month, residents of the virtual world Gaia Online have a chance to vote for their favorite real-world celebrities as part of the Celebrity Snare section of the website. As an example, the latest items to have been made available are Snoop Dogg's hairstyle, and the Hulk's torn-up purple pants. "Gaia Online is truly an extension of our users' real life interests and passions and Celebrity Snare is just another way we're enabling Gaians to customize their online persona and express themselves to the community," said Craig Sherman, CEO of Gaia Online. "The same way fans hang a poster on their bedroom wall or wear a t-shirt with their favorite band on it, we're enabling our users to establish a connection with the celebrities they admire." Further celebrities to go virtual will include Elvis Presley, Justin Timberlake, Tila Tequila, Paris Hilton, Raven Symone and Marvel's She-Hulk.
News from the Wider MMO World: August 26, 2008
The MMO genre is more than World of Warcraft, Age of Conan, and Warhammer Online. Here's what's going on in the rest of the world.Mabinogi welcomes Generation 3The MMO that bills itself as "your fantasy life" has gotten its next upgrade with Generation 3. Now Mabinogi players will have the ability to marry each other, complete with license and wedding attire for both genders. An overarching quest will require warriors to recover dungeon seals to prevent the Fomor from entering the world. And finally, the pet system gets an overhaul, with new interactions, behaviors, and controls. The removal of the combat cap, increased UI options, and new items all await players in Generation 3.Neocron 2 developer declares insolvency10Tacle Studios AG, parent company of Reakktor Media GmbH, developers of Neocron 2, declared insolvency on August 6th. They are awaiting an insolvency administrator to determine what will happen with the game servers. In a later update to the original forum post, Kirk Lenke, CEO of Reakktor Media announced that the insolvency will not affect business operation of Neocron 2, and that they are still in development for upcoming title Black Prophecy.
News from the Wider MMO World: August 12, 2008
The MMO genre is more than World of Warcraft, Age of Conan, and Warhammer Online. Here's what's going on in the rest of the world.Trickster Online celebrates the Olympics with new themed itemsEven MMOs get into the spirit of real world competition, and Trickster Online has some themed items for your enjoyment. These masks, hats, and capes will have a particular country's flag on them; collect all five of each and receive a special item of each type. Check them out before the Olympics ends!Outspark Games offer Olympic-style competition within their titlesFrom now until August 24th, San Francisco MMO publisher Outspark will be hosting the Outspark Games, a series of Olympic-styled competitions within their online offerings. Titles Fiesta, Secret of the Solstice, and Project Powder will feature special events in-game. Expect medals to be granted to the top three winners, and increased experience points offered to all participants.More news after the jump!
Fiesta celebrates Independence Day with themed items
Outspark's Fiesta will celebrate the spirit of independence by holding a special parade for each game server, originating at Elderine and continuing on to OX Field, starting July 3rd. Additionally, there are a number of themed items that not only look festive, but grant bonuses to play as well. For example, the Liberty Hat grants a 7% additional probability for Critical hits, and the Uncle Sam pet boosts stats by +7. Get it? Seven?If you're wearing or using any of these items during the parade, GMs will give you treats in the form of treasure chests. These items will become available on the 1st of July. Check out the site for more information. Celebrate with Fiesta -- After all, the fun's baked right into their name!%Gallery-26337%[Thanks, Travis!]
Fiesta: to have and to hold, 'til death do you part
Ten Ton Hamster recently spoke with GM Dakkon from Outspark, about the new marriage system coming to their super-cute MMO Fiesta. They say the perfect spouse is someone who can be your best friend as well as your lover. Well as of June 30th, friends in Fiesta will be able to tie the knot in-game, by purchasing rings (that "allow the couple to warp to each other from anywhere within the game") and a marriage license. That special day is celebrated with a wedding dress and a tux, fireworks, and cute mini-pets. While Outspark is saying "I do" to virtual weddings, thus far there isn't a system for digital divorce in Fiesta. Is it unreasonable to assume that roughly half of these marriages will end up there? One envisions this playing out with much drama... and so many possible scenarios. Custody battles over the mini-pets, and of course who gets to keep the house? Green card hunters looking to marry their way onto another server. And who knows... maybe even a black widow, marrying her way to greater and greater wealth. All jokes aside, Outspark is onto something interesting here. It seems to be a bit of a social experiment, but definitely one to watch, at least until the devs implement prenups. But one real question remains: will Outspark ban same-sex marriages in Fiesta? Perhaps controversy will ensue after all.
Fiesta Online comes to Europe
You know what we love more than anything here at Massively? You guessed it, Asian import MMOs. We can't get enough of them. Seriously. If we didn't find an eager crop of bright-faced young, anime-inspired MMOs in our in-boxes each morning, we'd know there was something very wrong with the world. Luckily, we're in no danger, because we have news today that Fiesta Online, already a hit in the US as part of OutSpark's collection of free-to-play Asian imports, has signed Gamigo to bring the game to Europe. English (reworked) and German versions will be released this summer, with French and Spanish version arriving later this year.Fiesta Online is a 3D MMO with cartoony graphics, fully customizable characters, four character classes, and hundreds of quests, some of which need thirty people to complete. Dare we say, WoW-killer?[Worlds in Motion]
Outspark celebrates Cinco de Mayo with piatas and sombreros
Outspark, home of Fiesta, Secret of the Solstice, and Bread 'n Butter, are celebrating Cinco de Mayo in their own festive, colorful way. How, you bravely ask? Players of Fiesta have the opportunity to purchase the fine steed you see to the right -- a horse piñata to rival those in any local corner store! We hope that this guy's expression is more indicative of enthusiasm than frozen-smiling, mind-numbing terror.In Secret of the Solstice, there's a new "Happy Cinco de Mayo" emoticon and a sombrero that's more than just decorative, it has its own stats. From the press release: "Players should also be on the lookout for piñata monsters that have more than just ordinary candy for players diligent and strong enough to go toe-to-toe with the less-than-deadly beasts." You know, we like Outspark's style. These events will extend beyond the 5th, to last the rest of the week. Go check 'em out![Thanks, Travis!]
