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SanDisk announces Sansa TakeTV, Fanfare video download service
That SanDisk Sansa TakeTV we saw over the weekend? Well, it's officially announced: the USBTV is now the TakeTV, and will take advantage of a new video platform called Fanfare. The details:Sansa TakeTV 4GB and 8GB sizes, $100 and $150 respectively Supports DivX (including Home Theater profile), XVID, and MPEG-4 Up to 720 x 576 resolution On sale immediately Intended for use in downloading shows from one's computer to the TakeTV (which is then physically moved to the TV) Fanfare online video service Launching with content from CBS, Jaman, Showtime, Smithsonian Networks, The Weather Channel and TV Guide Broadband, including shows such as CSI, Survivor China, Dexter, and Sleeper Cell Video downloads will be both ad-supported (free) and paid (not sure how much yet), depending on the wishes of the content creators Fanfare video will also be playable on Sansa portable media devices Yes, it's DRMed, and yes, it's proprietary: TrustedFlash, developed by SanDisk Launching in beta today, officially launching in 2008 %Gallery-8924%
iPhone / iPod touch v1.1.1 jailbreak code posted
Well if you like looking through line after line of incomprehensible programming gibberish, make sure to hit up the Read link below, in which the TIFF exploit-based firmware v1.1.1 jailbreak code from team Toc2rta is posted in its entirety. More of an academic exercise for curious geeks than a useful bit of knowledge for the average iPod owner, we're sure there's still some interest out there in seeing exactly how this hack was developed. And as usual, if you do decide to go about 'breaking your device as previously described on these pages, we're, like, totally not responsible for any undesired consequences.
Xbox 360 to get built-in HD DVD drive in late 2008?
This certainly isn't the first time we've heard this rumor, but SmartHouse is reporting that Microsoft and Toshiba are working on an updated Xbox 360 with a built-in HD DVD drive. If that were all, we wouldn't bat an eye -- it's gotta happen sometime -- but there are some other, crazier aspects to this version of the rumor that set off some red flags: SmartHouse also claims that the new box will be Toshiba-branded and have dual HDTV tuners, electronic program guide capabilities, built-in wireless networking, and sport an "MP3 player" dock, which we'd imagine would be for a Zune. That's a hell of a box, right there, and while we've seen similar devices like Sony's PSX, they didn't exactly take the world by storm. Our money is still on a simple bump of the existing 360 to HD DVD, but get ready to hear a lot of about this rumor in the weeks to come.[Via Joystiq]
Future comes one week early for Ratchet & Clank
Like the comically violent effects of the series's trademark weapons, some fantastic news comes flying in from the Official PlayStation Blog regarding Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction. Due to manufacturer's expediency, the game started arriving in stores early and instead of getting angry and Hulk smashing everything, Sony's given retailers the green light to start selling the game next week. However, it's not yet known what stores will be selling it before the "official" October 30th release date.This situation currently remains YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary) given there's no list of stores, public anyway, who've received a slice of the Future early. However, expect fellow gamers to post tales of receipt on every forum they post on, which while annoying should aid you in your quest. Good morning, and good luck.
Steelcase's Walkstation marries desk and treadmill
Anyone who reads the fine site Book of Joe knows that the man behind the blogging empire is religiously devoted to working out while writing, and prides himself on having integrated a treadmill into his workspace. Well manufacturer Steelcase thinks that this trend has grown beyond one individual multitasking in his underwear, and is poised to introduce a nicely-designed product called the Walkstation which seems more at home in a CEO's office than your messy living room. Not many details are available on this converged piece of furniture co-designed by the Mayo Clinic's Dr. James Levine (who's been working in this specialized field for at least two years, apparently), but supposedly there's an all day demo going down on October 25th at 4 Columbus Circle if you happen to be in the New York area. And if you do go, try to show up in a cab just to be ironic.Update: We've learned -- unsurprisingly, from the Joe mentioned above -- that this rig will retail for a cool $6,500, thereby making it the Rolls Royce of integrated workstations. Thanks, Joe, and keep, um, running for the stars!Update 2: Whoops, guess there's no demo going on after all. You can still show up to that address, we guess, but you certainly won't have the good time you would have had working and exercising simultaneously.
HTC Polaris gets specs leaked, renamed the Touch Cruise
The next step in the HTC Touch line -- the GPS-equipped Polaris -- has been re-christened the Touch Cruise, and has gone and gotten its juicy specs all leaked out to the internet. In addition to having improved TouchFlo capabilities, like rotation and zoom, the new model will sport a quad-band GSM radio (850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900), tri-band UMTS (850 / 1900 / 2100), HSDPA and HSUPA data connectivity, a 400MHz MSM7200 Qualcomm CPU, 128MB of RAM and 256MB of ROM, a 2.8-inch, 320 x 240 QVGA display, 3-megapixel camera (plus secondary, 0.3-megapixel camera), WiFi, Bluetooth, and a microSD slot. Apparently, the design of the device hasn't been finalized, though it will likely feature four buttons and a navigation wheel (similar to the pics up above). Mouth watering? Eyes tearing up? We understand. The Cruise is expected by the end of November, so go easy on your credit cards till then. Update: Thanks to CoolSmartPhone and Smart Mobile Gadgets, we've gotten a proper view of the Touch Cruise, and it's sweet!
Virgin Mobile deals the Kyocera Wild Card
Virgin Mobile is officially dipping its toes into smartphone water with its latest offering, the Kyocera Wild Card. Of course, how deep into that particular pool both companies are going is a question for the ages. The Wild Card isn't exactly the most robust phone you'll ever get your hands on, though the flip-phone does offer a QWERTY keypad, dual screens, a 1.3-megapixel camera, Bluetooth integration, and a WAP browser. The hitch is that you'll have to view that browser on a 128 x 160 screen, which is painfully, embarrassingly small -- though they do throw in Pac-Man and Ms. Pac-Man to keep you distracted. Hey, for a price point of $99, you could do way, way worse. The phone is available now from your friendly neighborhood Virgin Mobile dealer.
Canon planning fix for EOS-1D Mark III autofocus issue
If you're one of those folks who just refused to fork out thousands of dollars for an EOS-1D Mark III after hearing reports of a seemingly widespread autofocus issue, take heart. Apparently, Canon is fessing up to the problem and is planning a remedy, although a simple firmware update doesn't seem to be it. According to an interview with Chuck Westfall, Canon USA's Director of Media and Customer Relationship, the firm is looking to issue a hardware fix that "adjusts the sub-mirror within the body." The company doesn't seem to think that every one of these beasts are afflicted, and its supposedly gearing up to provide a "simple way for owners to identify if their camera is among those affected." As for dates, US-based owners should be hearing more details about how the process will work by "the end of this month," while buyers that reside elsewhere will likely be informed shortly thereafter. If you're thirsty for more, be sure and hit the read link for the full chat.[Via CNET]
September NPD: Xbox 360 takes the lead, Halo 3 to thank
Though August was an unseasonably successful month for video games, we all saw September coming. Despite being released at the tail end of the month, Microsoft's Halo 3 juggernaut walked right up to the reigning NPD champ and rifle-butted it from behind. The Xbox 360 console jumped up two places with sales of over half a million units, nearly twice as many as in August. Total industry sales for the month: a staggering $1.36 billion thanks in large part to the efforts of Mr. Chief; hardware sales alone rose 188% to $418.6 million. Microsoft Xbox 360: 527.8K (6.8 million total) Nintendo Wii: 501K (4.5 million total) Nintendo DS: 495.8K (13.2 million total) Sony PlayStation 2: 215K (39.3 million total) Sony PSP: 284.5K (8.6 million total) Sony PlayStation 3: 119.4K (1.87 million total)
MGS Portable Ops+ gets dated, no MGS4 PSN demo
Do you remember when your fake ID couldn't fool the bouncer, leaving you outside sober, cold, and distanced from the girl you were looking to at least play ball with? That's kind of how we're feeling right now, after learning on the latest Kojima Productions podcast that there are no plans to bring a demo of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots to the PlayStation Store prior to launch.Host Ryan Payton stated: "I can tell you, as of right now, we don't have any plans of uploading this demo on the PlayStation Store." And definitely, he added, no plans of "uploading [on PSN] next week." His statements were echoed by Konami's new flak master, Michael Shelling, adding "[E for All] is going to be your one chance to actually play it prior to it launching next year."Yeah, while this news is certainly a crushing blow to the Metal Gear Solid fan base (many of which help run Joystiq), there was at least a little positive news: Shelling revealed that Konami has gone gold with Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops+, and is planning to release the game on November 13. That's a little antiseptic to the wound, no?
Okami confirmed for Wii, reports Eurogamer & MCV
One headline, two reliable British sites. Read: "Okami confirmed for Wii." Following the Capcom Gamer's Day event in London yesterday and a subsequent resurgence of the Okami Wii rumor, comes frank -- and frankly bare -- confirmation from Eurogamer and MCV of the long-anticipated port. Capcom apparently announced Okami for Wii to the Gamer's Day audience, adding that the release is expected by next spring. We're anticipating more details tomorrow, as Capcom has hinted at additional announcements planned for Friday. Read – MCV Read – Eurogamer
Sony officially bringing 40GB PS3 to US
Reuters brings word that Sony has officially announced the 40GB Playstation 3 for North America, with the new SKU going on sale November 2. The 40GB PS3 will cost $400 USD and, as in Japan and Europe, will no longer feature backwards compatibility.Also announced is a price drop for the 80GB PS3, bringing it down to $500 USD from $600.Sony Computer Entertainment of America president Jack Tretton tells Reuters that they hope to continue focusing on the strong PS2 software market with the PS2 alone, and that backwards compatibility is a "secondary consideration" and not a "number-one priority" for the Playstation 3 (at least not anymore).
Sony releases $399 40GB PS3 for the US -- November 2nd
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Sony will announce their 40GB PS3 today for $399. Right, the same PS2 incompatible, 2x USB port model already announced for the rest of the gaming world. That's $50 more than Microsoft's Xbox 360 (with 20GB disk) and $150 more than the Wii. Still no date, or official press release from Sony but that should be rectified on the quick as the US wakes up to a retrenched, domestic console war.Update: It's official! This from Reuters: the 40GB model will be on sale November 2nd and the 80GB model will be reduced to $500.Update 2: Sony's press release is now out.
LG.Philips announce 0.78-inch ultra-slim 42-inch LCD -- available March!
LG.Philips just announced an "ultra-slim" 42-inch Full HD 120Hz panel for 2008. Not Q4 2008 either kids, we're talking sometime before March. So what can we expect after Sharp's 1.1-inch thin 52-inch panel and Hitachi's 0.74-inch 32-incher? Something in between right? Nope, 7.8-inches thick. Exactly, 19.8-mm or just 0.78-inches thin. According to LG.Philips, that makes it 40% thinner and 10% lighter than conventional LCD TVs which is pretty hot. It'll be CCFL backlit (not LED) though when it does hit -- that'll keep the cost down but won't do much for the contrast. The panel will be on display at FPD International in Yokohama next week where we hope to bring you a first look. Update: Ooops, major metric conversion snafu -- good thing we're not in charge of the Mars space program. It's fracking thin![Via DigiTimes]
Verizon lays out upcoming smartphone lineup; Samsung i760 comes first
No surprises in the mix here, but we're delighted to see that Verizon is finally getting official with four smart devices that have been rumored to be in its pipeline for ages. Of the four, only the i760 from Samsung's been priced and slated for release -- October 19 online, November 2 in stores for $350 on contract after rebates -- featuring Windows Mobile 6 Professional, QWERTY slide-out and offset numeric keypads, and a 1.3 megapixel camera. The XV6800 succeeds the tired XV6700, going up against Sprint's Mogul by offering the HTC Titan reference design in a custom Verizon skin; it shows up with a 2 megapixel cam, WiFi, and a full QWERTY keyboard. Already released on several CDMA carriers, the HTC Libra sees the light of day on Verizon as the SMT5800 bearing Windows Mobile 6 Standard and a 2 megapixel cam (we loved the Libra's GSM cousin, and we're guessing this one's great too). Finally, make some noise, Palm OS fans -- it's okay, don't be shy! Verizon finally gets down with the Treo 755p, a phone that could ultimately serve as the platform's swan song in the classic Treo form factor. As we mentioned, only the i760 has been priced and dated at this point, but we'll keep ya in the loop just as soon as we know more.
Capcom venturing into 'Dark Void'
Experience has taught us again and again that despite being entirely empty, voids are often filled to the brim with danger. Should a friend ever spot one and inquire as to what exactly it is, you'd thoughtfully answer, "A void!" Of course, that's a purely hypothetical scenario -- your trite wordplay repels any potential friends immediately. It's alright then, if you don't entirely trust Capcom when they invite you to experience "Dark Void", a new game announced at Capcom's Gamer Day in London. Not much light has been shed on the sci-fi actioner, though Games Radar describes its protagonist as a fellow with a jetpack and a habit of leaping into gyroscopic vehicles. You'll know more when we do.
Nokia N810 gets official
Shocking everyone -- especially Engadget readers -- Nokia announced its new N810 this morning. Details are still incoming, but here's what we know for sure: Same 4.13-nch WVGA (800 x 480), 65k color display as the N800, brightness increased by ~20% GPS with particular focus on the "context sensitive web" via Ovi 2GB internal storage (not including memory cards), ships with maps for use with GPS Has WiFi (802.11b/g), does not have WiMAX Bluetooth (2.0+ EDR) DUNs to capable phones, totally Foleo-like 400MHz OMAP 2420 CPU, 128MB RAM, 256MB ROM Integrated frontal camera, ambient light sensor, mini USB 2.0, hardware lock switch Plays back video: 3GP, AVI, H.263, H.264, MP4, ASF, WMV, MPEG-1/4, Real video; audio: MP3, WMA, AAC, AMR, AWB, M4A, MP2, Real audio, WAV Battery life aimed at 4 hours of "typical use" (movies, music, internet access, etc.), 10 hours music only, and up to 2 weeks totally idle time, and 5 days active standby ("improved compared to previous generation devices") Runs Nokia's Linux Maemo interface (duh) 5 x 2.83 x 0.55-inches, 7.97 ounces Ships in November, $479 %Gallery-8740%
Lost Planet finds its way to PlayStation 3 in '08
After initially speculating that their frozen shooter Lost Planet could come to PS3, then stating (quite unequivocally) that neither Lost Planet nor Dead Rising would find their way to the Wii or PS3 (for reasons which, at that point, were apparently "quite convoluted"), Capcom has announced at their London Gamer's Day event that Lost Planet will indeed be on PS3 "early next year." A wise choice, considering the Xbox 360 shooter did quite well in North America but didn't make a dent in Japan (... we wonder why). Games Radar says the PS3 package will sport 16-player online over PSN, as well as include "all bonus characters" from the PC version and "extra downloadable content" from the 360 version (apparently "made possible" by the platform's capacious Blu-ray format).
Apple planning iPhone SDK for February!
Well, would you look at that. Apple apparently wants third party applications on the iPhone and iPod touch just like every other sane individual on the planet. The company just announced on its Hot News feed (and we'd say this certainly qualifies as such), that it is currently at work on an SDK for the iPhone, the apps from which will naturally work on the iPod touch. Apparently it's going to take 'em until February to do it up right -- you know, secure and stable and all that nonsense -- but this is certainly a beautiful breath of fresh air. Less excitingly, Apple claims that it agrees with Nokia's approach of "digital signatures" for applications, meaning that Apple gets to say who qualifies for entrance onto its hallowed devices as was rumored last week; though who's to say what exactly that will look like just yet. But even with that caveat, we suppose we should take what we get from this sometimes benevolent, but never aesthetically challenged, dictator of ours and eat it like we're told. [Thanks, Dennis S.]Related stories:What iPhone apps do you want to see? Polls: Special iPhone SDK Edition
Capcom announces Street Fighter IV
This sort of thing doesn't happen very often, you know. According to Games Radar, a Capcom Gamer's Day event in London has revealed a brand new (and not entirely unexpected) entry in the seminal 2D fighting franchise, Street Fighter. Most notably, this new entry increases the numeral at the end of the title as opposed to the number of Super Hyper Ultra adjectives at the start. Not much is known about Street Fighter IV at present, save for the fact that its release is more than a year away. Other things you can likely expect while we wait for more details and media to arrive: Ken and Ryu in HD, Hadoukens and extremely pithy victory remarks.
