beats
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Pen tapping along with the Super Mario song
"Clicking out beats to the Mario tunes with disposable pens" sounds a lot less impressive and awesome than this video actually is, so you might as well go ahead and check the video after the break to watch for yourself. We can't help think that Shane has better things to do, but this is what the kids are up to nowadays, we guess. No more useless than pogs were back in the nineties, and a lot cheaper to boot. A better question might be: Where can we get that T-shirt? Our extensive Google-searching turned up lots of great Mario shirts, but we couldn't find that one for sale. If you see it online, let us know in the comments below. [Via GoNintendo]
HP Envy, dv8 Quad, Mini 311, and numerous other Windows 7 machines now available to order
Since today really needs a good heap of news to somewhat balance out yesterday's glut, HP has updated its online store to give it an abundance of new and revised Windows 7 machines, including the Envy series (Beats edition and all), Pavilion dm3 with AMD Neo or Intel CULV chips, Core i7-packing dv6t/ dv7t / dv8t Quad editions, and the not-so-netbook CQ61. We're still not seeing the previously-leaked dm1 ultraportable anywhere, but the Mini 311 and a slightly updated Mini 110 are, with the option to jump from Windows XP to 7 for a cool $50 / $30 respectively. Most everything in the store, desktops and laptops, has been updated to at least include Windows 7 as the standard shipping OS, and while all claim free 2-day shipping, estimated shipping dates begin sometime the week after 7's Oct 22nd launch -- no early chances here, folks. Browse the read links and keep an eye on the shiny red "new" icons (no flashing GIFs, we're afraid) for the entire revised lineup. Update: As a number of you have pointed, the Envy product page is a bit, well, sloppy. Typos and missing commas notwithstanding, it seems to biggest laugh is the cost of customization, i.e. $800 more to downgrade from a 500GB HDD to 320GB or 250GB (same price), or $900 more to downgrade from 6GB or 4GB of DDR3 memory. Yeah, it might be best to hold off on that one until HP get the kinks worked out. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in!] Read - Desktop lineup Read - Laptop lineup Read - Envy series lineup
Stylophone Beatbox made interesting, desirable by superstar Brett Domino (video)
The $25.50 Stylophone Beatbox doesn't look like much, and if it weren't for one Brett Domino and his partner in hip-hop crime Steven Peavis, we just might have continued about our lives without knowing of this thing's potential. Described as the ultimate street cred token for the average white boy, this diminutive box reacts to panel presses by dishing out the hottest beats this side of Compton. The result? An eclectic mix of melodic rap tunes, all beautifully re-rendered by Leeds' most handsome, talented and skilled resident. Hit the video after the break if you know what's good for ya, and feel free to fast forward to 1:33 before having your mind blown. Thug lyfe, y'all. [Via Gizmodo]
HP and Dr. Dre team up to shill a limited edition Envy 15
When we saw the HP-branded Envy leak a whole four days ago we certainly didn't expect to get any news on the beast so soon, but 'lo and behold! The new Envy is here, and we've been getting plenty of positive feedback from HP fanboys the world o'er regarding the new sub-brand. Who could find fault with a Windows machine that features everything we love about those new MacBooks, including the chicklet keyboard, unibody aluminum chasis, thin-and-light physique, multitouch trackpad, and all the Microsoft OS action you so obviously crave, wrapped ever-so-lovingly in a Hewlett Packard shell? We'll tell you who: Lady Gaga. That's right, the popular recording artist and all-around good American just found out that HP has teamed up with Dr. Dre to create a limited edition Envy 15 laptop and is a little perturbed that she wasn't involved in the branding. How dare they think that a matte black chassis and bright red "Beats" logo would be enough to sell this bad boy? We'll tell you what -- if you feel for her plight, you might think about spending some of your heard earned cash on a pair of her headphones. The rest of us can feel content to peep the gallery below and think about what might have been. %Gallery-73404%
Hot Shots Golf, Beats top list of PSP downloadables
The PSP Go may not be available yet, but that doesn't mean the PlayStation Store is devoid of PSP games. In fact, Sony has been ramping up the number of UMD legacy games on the Store every month, with 50 available on the Store as of July 2009.Gamasutra looked at the top sellers on the PlayStation Store, with a specific focus on PSP games. They discovered that the highest selling UMD legacy game on the Store is Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee, the PSP-exclusive golf game that debuted at the system's launch. It's available currently for $15.99 -- more than the cost of buying the UMD at amazon.com.The PlayStation Store also hosts a number of games that are available exclusively through the PlayStation Network. So far, the most successful PSP venture to date is beats, London Studios' rhythm game, which transforms music stored on Memory Stick into interactive experiences. It's one of the first PSN games ever developed for PSP, and also one of the cheapest. At $5, no wonder it tops the list. To check out more of the best-selling PSP games on PSN, visit Gamasutra.
Top 10 PSP games on the PlayStation Network
Did you know that you can download new games directly on your PSP? Yep! The PlayStation Store is available on your system. From there, you'll be able to download original PSN exclusives to archived UMD games. What are the top 10 PSP downloads in February? Beats Super Stardust Portable WTF: Work Time Fun Guilty Gear Judgment flOw Syphon Filter: Combat Opos Brain Challenge PSP Ultimate Ghosts 'N Golbins The Con SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo Overall, it looks like PSP owners have some great taste. London Studio's original PSP game Beats transforms your PSP music collection into a game and is a must-own for PSP fans. The only real stinker on this list? The Con. Do yourself a favor and avoid that one.
Samsung officially unveils Beat s and Beat b musicphones
Lowish-end tunes are the name of the game with Samsung's latest pair, the M3200 "Beat s" slider (pictured) and M3510 "Beat b" candybar. The Beat b you may remember from IFA, offering EDGE data, 2-megapixel camera, and FM radio all packed into a 9.9mm body. The Beat s, meanwhile, goes just a tiny bit upmarket with an integrated Bang & Olufsen-sourced ICEpower audio processor. Both phones feature 3.5mm headphone jacks, stereo Bluetooth, and something Samsung calls "Motion Play," which smacks of Sony Ericsson's Shake control by letting you knock your phone around in various ways to start playback, change tracks, or mute the sound. Both models will be available this month.
Puzzle & Power Packs: PSN-only games on UMD this Oct.
Despite a higher percentage of broadband penetration in Europe, and the introduction of a PC-based PlayStation Store for the PS3-less, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has still opted to wrangle up the bits of some of the PSP's download-only titles for UMD distribution in themed "packs".The first two packs (there are "more Collection Packs to be released throughout 2009") are the Puzzle Pack – cramming the mischievous Lemmings with the excitable Go! Sudoku and Go! Puzzle – and the Power Pack – an odd grouping of Syphon Filter: Combat Ops, the more contemplative stylings of flOw, and the rhythm-happy Beats. The Puzzle Pack is slated for a European debut in "mid" October while the Power Pack will come along right behind it, in "late" October. We've asked the fine folks at SCEA to comment on a North American release so, until then, let's just assume this is Europe-only.
Sony Europe preps UMD collection of downloadable games
Many hardcore PSP fans love being able to launch games off the Memory Stick, instead of UMD. Not only does it mean we can carry multiple games on our system, without having to carry around an extra pouch for games, but games stored on Memory Stick typically load faster as well. In spite of that, many casual users of PSP may not know about the PLAYSTATION Store. Sony Europe's solution? To bring downloadable games out on UMD.The PLAYSTATION®Network Collection - Power pack will arrive in Europe next month, and it will house three very different downloadable games: beats, a music game which lets you use your own MP3 collection, Syphon Filter: Combat Ops, a third-person multiplayer shooter based on the Syphon Filter universe, and flOw, a relaxing adventure where players grow and evolve creatures.The PLAYSTATION®Network Collection - Puzzle pack will feature three other download games: Lemmings, Go! Sudoku! and Go! Puzzle. This collection will also be available next month.[Via Siliconera]
Oh look, we're unboxing the new blue PSP
Hey, did you know? Those new blue slims are now out in the wild. We had previously said we were going to pick one up and that's exactly what we did. In fact, we've already opened up the box, scoped out all the goodies, and started playing with our new toy. Want to see what's inside the box with us? Then check out our unboxing gallery by clicking on the link below.Click here to head over to our unboxing gallery!
Dr. Dre's Beats headphones keep they heads ringin' for $350
You can't put velvet in these earcups and call 'em nice headphones! As Mr. Chappelle would likely attest, there are no better headphones in which to drop the beat into than Dr. Dre's "highly anticipated" Beats. The master of chronic himself has slapped his all-but-forgotten name onto a set of cans (which we spotted originally at CES), and is now ready to introduce 'em to the world. Starting on July 25th, the crunk-inducing headphones will be available exclusively at Apple and Best Buy (both online and in-store), though the buying experience would likely be way more gangsta if checking out at BeatsByDre.com. Still, for $349.95, we'd recommend looking at more respected names in sound, but if your street cred is sitting at rock bottom, you may have no other choice. Thug life, fool.
Video hands-on: Beats
Wait, you still didn't buy Beats yet? Maybe you need some gameplay footage? Well, fine! We made a video late last night just for you, using the PLAYSTATION Eye. While you watch, you can also read some impressions of the game we received from PSP Fanboy readers through the evening: "Wow! This game is gorgeous! It's much more deep than I expected from a 5 dollar game. The gameplay is simple and effective. I really enjoy the visual customizations (I picked Rock as my background) and being able to play the game with any song that you want? Priceless." - Barndo111 "i am very, very happy about this game, downloaded it, and its going to be my new crack when I'm on the go! love it! anyone that has a PSP right now should download this immediately!!" - lenny0487 "The game is awesome ... who would've thought that this will be such a great game ? :D" - Alien Keep the comments coming in, folks. We love to see what you all think of it! %Gallery-11382%
How to download Beats with a PS3 (not a PC)
Okay, so maybe you don't have a Windows PC that is capable of running the PlayStation Network downloader. That's okay. You may have a Mac, or you might be running Linux -- or you're just too darn afraid to install a new program on your computer. Whatever the reason, there is an alternative ... provided you have a PS3. Visit the PLAYSTATION Store on any computer. Complete purchase of Beats, but do not download it. Log in to your PS3 using the same PSN account as the one used to purchase Beats. Go to PLAYSTATION Network on the XMB. Click on Account Management. Click on Transaction History. Then, click on Download List. You will see Beats on this list. Download to your PS3. Connect your PSP via USB and install your new favorite PSP game. Hope this helps the few of you that simply cannot access the Store on your computer. If you're without a PS3 and a Windows PC, you're in tough luck for now. Why not just buy the game at a friend's house?
Confirmed: Beats is the best PSP game ever
We'd write a much more thorough review right now. But there's a problem -- Beats has taken control, and we find it difficult to stop playing it. Before you read any further, make sure you load the PLAYSTATION Store, get your credit card ready, and download Beats. It's only $5 -- you won't even notice the cost. What can you do in Beats? A lot. Import your music -- and play it! Yes, Beats will detect every song on your Memory Stick and turn them into playable levels. There are multiple difficulties, and they very accurately correspond to the music. The advanced stages will also detect some of the finer nuances of each song. The amount of playability you have from this mode corresponds to how much music you want to put on your PSP. It can be limitless. And what does it play like? A lot like Gitaroo-Man (that's a very good thing). You'll hit buttons according to the beat, but they'll fly in from all sides of the screen, and you'll have to hit the corresponding D-Pad direction in tandem with the buttons on screen. Don't worry, in-game tutorials will teach you everything you need to know. Create your own music! Seriously. You'll get access to some rudimentary loops and samples, but you'll get everything you need to create your own tunes. Then, you'll be able to save your music to your Memory Stick. Play online via Infrastructure mode! Yes, you can go against other players online and compete in Beats challenges. Share your music online! You can also upload your musical creations and download other user generated content. Oh, and it's beautiful! Tons of animated skins bring the screen to life. This game is gorgeous. We have nothing but praise for such an incredible game. It deserves more attention, and we implore you to buy this game. You really have no excuse. Stay tuned for updated impressions.
American PSN updates for December 6th
Wow! This is our first PSN Thursday update on PSP Fanboy! Following the tradition set by PS3 Fanboy, we'll provide you an overview of all the new content that's available on the PSP Store. As expected, beats headlines this week's updates -- but that's not all!Original Games: Beats ($4.99) PS1 Classics: Wild Arms ($5.99) %Gallery-11382%
PSP 'Beats' on PC PlayStation Store today
PlayStation Store's PC portal will be updated today with an original PSP game, Beats. The $4.99 download serves as a rhythm playground for any tunes you've got stored on the Memory Stick, not unlike Harmonix's Phase for iPod.Developed by SCEE's London Studio, Beats began as a UMD project to be loaded with licensed music and videos by British pop band Sugababes. Thankfully, the London team got the memo in time. As soon as the developers learned that the PSP Store (albeit a PC-to-PSP store) was finally transitioning from dream to reality, they dropped the Sugababes, rear-loading disc and bloated price tag, and opted for an inexpensive, downloadable game powered by its users. Imagine that, Sony did something right.(Note: Beats is not currently available through PS3's PS Store.)[Via PSP Fanboy]
Beats: transforming from UMD to downloadable game
The PSP Store will be updated tomorrow with a brand new game: Beats will be available for only $4.99, making it the second original game available on the Store since it launched. As fans of the music game genre, we're excited for Beats. Just like every other music game, players will tap buttons and move the PSP's analog stick in sync with icons that appear on screen. However, the game's biggest appeal is the ability to import your own MP3s and let the PSP generate playable levels based on them. Originally developed by SCEE's London Studio, Beats was going to be quite different when it started as a UMD title. "Originally, we were going to have it as a UMD [PSP disc-based] title, but as plans for the PlayStation Store developed, we decided to change over and make it downloadable," Daimion Pinnock told MTV. It was going to include licensed music and videos from the British pop band Sugababes. Thankfully, Sony went for the more creative route instead -- opting to generate code that will allow players to play with their own music. Expect a full review of Beats later this week. %Gallery-11382%
beats for PSP is finally unveiled
A long time ago, we stumbled upon an ESRB rating for a then-unannounced PSP game, beats. It looked quite revolutionary, as it would allow you to play with and share music in new, innovative ways. It's available on the European PS Store, and we'll be checking it out soon. Until then, enjoy this new trailer of this exciting music game.
PlayStation Store now live, grab PSP content from your PC
The PlayStation 3 no longer exclusively acts as the eerily quiet middleman for your purchases from Sony's PlayStation Store. The PC-based online store (store.playstation.com) has gone live for the US and is ready to absorb your munnies in exchange for PSP games, demos, themes and PlayStation 1 games. Everything you need to get started is right on the front page -- software for transferring the downloaded content from your PC to your PSP, and the ability to create a free PSN account (your PS3 login will work too). Be sure to check out PSP Fanboy's step-by-step guide if Flash-based interfaces flummox you.The store currently boasts an exclusive PSP game, Syphon Filter: Combat Ops, along with downloadable versions of some UMD-based games (we spy WipEout Pure), several familiar PlayStation 1 titles (also compatible with PS3) and some new themes, demos and trailers, all of which you'll find listed after the break. The amount of content doesn't yet prompt the use of words like "glut" and "avalanche", but it's a solid start. Let's hope Sony keeps the store updated and the content fresh in the coming months.
Tokyoflash's BPM watch: for DJs and runners alike
Cramming a heart rate monitor into a wristwatch isn't all that difficult, but Tokyoflash's BPM watch does the trick in style. This multipurpose timepiece dons a stainless steel face, spits out the time in digital fashion, keeps track of the date, and includes a "mini-torch" backlight to find your way to an empty seat when entering a theater seven minutes late. The standout feature, however, is the built-in beats-per-minute mode, which allows you to "tap the button to the rhythm of the beat" or monitor your current heart rate. Additionally, BPM mode brings out textual inspiration in the form of random DJ phrases that are presumably meant to get you even more amped up. Not too shabby for ¥7,900 ($65), eh? Check the closeups after the jump.[Via PlasticBamboo]
