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Rumor: PlayStation Motion Controller to be renamed 'Arc'
According to an anonymous source speaking to VG247, the PlayStation Motion Controller will officially be called "Arc" by the time it launches. It was previously codenamed "Gem," with rumors also dubbing it "Sphere" at one stage. As expected, Sony declined to comment on the story. You know what, Sony? Stop it. You may think you're building suspense here, but all you're doing is creating a lot of work for bloggers who'll have to go back and re-tag all these posts when you reveal the real name. Oh, don't you skulk away, Microsoft, we're including you on this too. If it's Natal, fine, if not, just pick something already. Both of you. Now. Choose. Go ahead. We'll wait. Hello?
Sony's PS3 motion controller might be called Arc, or something far less bodacious
Remember that retooled controller that Sony seemed darn well inclined to bring to the masses with its PlayStation 3? Some might say that was the original Arc, but given that just about everyone laughed the design off and forced the company's hand with the conventional SIXAXIS, there seems to be a distinct possibility that the suits are about to get their revenge. According to "a concrete source speaking under conditions of strict anonymity," VG247 has it that Sony's forthcoming PS3 motion controller will be labeled Arc when it hits retail shelves sometime "this year." If you'll recall, we knew that the device was called Gem (or was it Sphere?) during its internal production, but this is first time we've been notified of a proper name for those "on the outside." 'Course, only time (and high-ranking marketers) will tell whether the moniker will stick, but we find ourselves strangely attracted -- who knows, maybe we're just sympathetic.
Microsoft debuts Arc Keyboard, exclusive to Best Buy
Well, it looks like Microsoft still has a bit more stuff in store for CES that didn't slip out ahead of its big keynote, with it now announcing its new Arc Keyboard that will exclusive to Best Buy (at least initially). Like its Arc Mouse, this one is slim and high on style, and relatively light on any extraneous features, although you will get a 2.4GHz wireless receiver that can be tucked away in the keyboard, and at least a few extra function keys. Look for this one to be available February 21st for $59.95.
3D, ARC and Ethernet capable HDMI 1.4 hardware announced, still a long way off
The new HDMI 1.4 spec adds a host of new features (and, most likely, a lot of new ways to get scammed on cable purchases) but for those excitedly anticipating Audio Return Channel, HDMI Ethernet Channel and 3D over HDMI should know Silicon Image has announced its first line of chips supporting them. Destined for HDTVs, receivers, Blu-ray players and the like, the new port processor and transmitter have the extremely specific sample delivery date of "second half of 2009" so while we certainly don't expect to see any actual hardware until well into next year, keep an ear to the ground if you're considering an upgrade before then.
XStreamHD licenses audio processing from ARC, resumes radio silence
When we last heard from XStreamHD, the company had grand plans on streaming movies via satellite to some boxes with great looking specs, Michael Douglas and a non-functional CES booth that failed to impress. Now we see that the company has licensed ARC audio processing for Dolby Digital Plus decoding, which presumably would come in handy -- if there were any content to decode. To be fair, there's still time for XStreamHD to meet its long-ago promised Q4 2008 release, but absent any of the "latest content from leading studios" the only audio that will get decoded is the sound of one hand clapping.
Microsoft Arc, BlueTrack mice get the hands-on treatment
Not satisfied by the polished press shots of Microsoft's new Arc and BlueTrack mice? Then you might want to head over to Maximum PC, which managed to snag each mouse for a quick hands-on look. According to the site, the Arc was unsurprisingly noticeably lighter and less solid than a standard gaming mouse, but that likely won't stop it from winning its share of fans among those more concerned with portability. As for the BlueTrack, Maximum PC was especially impressed by its tracking accuracy, which apparently delivers as promised, as well as its stylish design and, of course, its "mesmerizing blue glow." Be sure to hit up the links below for a closer look, plus some more technical details about Microsoft's BlueTrack technology.Read - Maximum PC, "Hands-on with Microsoft's Fashionable and Futuristic Arc Mouse"Read - Maximum PC, "Everything You Need to Know About Microsoft's BlueTrack Mouse Technology"
Hitachi and Seiyu develop light bulb with replaceable arc tube
While the rest of the world goes off to win the hearts of environmentalists (and laypeople, too) with LED light bulbs, Hitachi Lighting and Seiyu are taking the road (way) less traveled. Reportedly, the duo has collaborated in order to pop out a "bulb-shaped fluorescent lamp that can be separated into a lighting circuit unit and an arc tube unit." What this means is that the lighting circuit can be used repeatedly (up to 30,000 hours) while the arc tube simply gets replaced every 10,000 hours. The pair is hoping that the bulbs will take the place of traditional 60-watt incandescents, and considering that these only draw around 13-watts each, it's fairly easy to see how Mother Earth would just love you for making the switch. As for pricing, we're hearing that these will sell for around ¥1,500 ($14) apiece when they launch this October in Japan, so don't plan on recouping your investment in energy savings right away or anything.
Virgin Mobile rolls out Arc
Virgin Mobile has released the Arc, another in a long, long line of prepaid models designed to keep the upfront payment to a minimum at the cost of a killer feature list. Still, though, the UTStarcom-sourced flip makes out with Bluetooth, dual color displays, and a VGA camera for its $49.99 asking price, and the red / black color combo doesn't look half bad. We'll have a closer look at the Arc in the next few days, but if you simply must have one now, they're on sale immediately.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Check out Hoshigami Remix
The English version of Hoshigami Remix is well on the way to completion, as these new screens show.The game's battle screens are looking very much like Final Fantasy Tactics, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The three difficulty settings should help out players who are new to the whole tactical RPG scene, whilst keeping veteran players happy.We're promised around 50 hours of gameplay, with branching storylines and multiple endings to find. You'll also be able to trade items with your friends over wi-fi. Head past the break for the screens.
Gundam 0079 revealed, Guilty Gear XX Accent Core announced
We have yet to get the first Gundam game in the US, and Bandai Namco is already moving on to another one. Whereas SD Gundam SCAD Hammers used the pudgy lil' SD Gundam characters, this one is based on Gundam 0079, which is serious business. We've got a scan featuring the first images from the game after the break.Also announced, but not yet shown, was a Wii version of Guilty Gear XX Accent Core-- this is apparently 2D Fighter Announcement Week. We're a little scared to see how a precise 2d fighting game will use the Wiimote, and we're hoping that we can skirt the issue with configurable Classic Controller functionality. At least until Hori gets around to releasing a wireless joystick.
Breakfast Topic: Buggy encounters
Recently I was doing a half-guild/half-PuG Arcatraz run, trying to get my Sha'tar rep up for heroic Mechanar (free Badges of Justice FTW). It was all going very smoothly, up until the last encounter. If you haven't been, the Skyriss fight is more of an event than a straight-out fight. Four creatures spawn before Skyriss finally does, one at a time, although one of them is an awesome gnome who helps you with mad DPS, and you get drink breaks in between so it's not that bad. Anyway, we finally get to Skyriss himself. It goes pretty well for a while, although our Mage got double-mind flayed and thereby died. Eventually the tank (Druid) went down, and then the Hunter. At this point it's just me (Priest) and the Rogue left, and I've been mind-controlled. Rogue does a very impressive job staying alive, gets Skyriss down to 2% before dying, and then...the encounter reset, because I was still mind-controlled -- there were no "friendly" players left.The trigger mob to start the event over eventually respawned, we fought the first mini-boss again, but then the gnome, who spawns second, refused to spawn! This halted our progress through the encounter and, after opening a ticket and waiting for a while with no response, we had to call it. It was pretty frustrating. A similar thing happened to me at the chess event in Karazhan last weekend. The guy who was controlling our king disconnected, so we lost; however, you can usually restart again after a short break. Not this time. We waited around for a while, walked in and out of the room and even the instance; no joy. Frustrating again. What have been the most annoying bugged moments for you?
