BreakingNews
Latest
Mario Kart Wii allows for 12-player online racing
Amidst all the Sonic celebration and delay debacle, we seemed to have a missed a crucial bit of info regarding Nintendo's other multiplayer prodigy. As 1UP graciously points out, Satoru Iwata made the formal announcement at Nintendo's Japanese press conference that Mario Kart Wii will support up to 12 players in an online race, making it the largest Mario Kart yet, and the biggest multiplayer effort on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection so far.According to 1UP, Iwata also stated that Nintendo would attempt to streamline the matchmaking process in Mario Kart Wii. We'll go ahead and put in a "second" for that "no friend codes" request, futile though it may seem.
EA owns Mass Effect ... so, what now?
Also discussed during EA's BioWare/Pandemic conference call was the fate of the (thus far) Xbox 360-exclusive Mass Effect. While Microsoft is still publishing the first installment of the game (which is due November 20) – now that the previously BioWare-owned IP belongs to EA – Gamasutra notes that it "would conceivably from here out be EA published."If one examines EA's publishing practices, it isn't difficult to assume that this would also conceivably be a multi-platform title, meaning Microsoft may have just lost one of their biggest exclusives. Will we see a PS3 sequel at parity with the 360? Or perhaps a Wii version: Mass Wiifect ... over a dozen minigames ... in space!Update: A Microsoft spokesperson tells Joystiq that while the publisher has not "announced specifics regarding sequels" to Mass Effect, it will be "talking to EA and BioWare in the weeks to come." In addition, Microsoft remains "committed to the franchise's long term success."Update 2: BioWare tells GameDaily that the developer's "focus is pure and simple; it's to deliver the best game possible for our fans with Mass Effect, and that's an Xbox 360 exclusive." Currently, there are no plans to extend the franchise to PS3.
EA: BioWare, Pandemic purchase 'mutually beneficial,' studios to remain distinct
With the gaming world still reeling over this afternoon's purchase of BioWare and Pandemic by EA, the major publisher/developer held a conference call discussing its plans for the studios, calling the acquisition "mutually beneficial" for all parties. Says EA CEO John Riccitiello, "We bring a lot to the table ... we simplify the process of courting publishers, basically taking it to zero." He adds that EA, being the publishing giant that it is, can "reach places where [BioWare and Pandemic] don't get to so we can build their properties bigger." As for what EA itself gets out of the deal, the exec noted matter of factly that EA is "not in the open world action-adventure business. These guys are the leaders ... this strengthens us where we need to be stronger."
Nintendo's Perrin Kaplan reveals her exit strategy, finally
George did it. And so did Beth. Now, as forecast, it's Perrin's turn. Nintendo Vice President of Marketing Perrin Kaplan has announced her retirement from the company after 15 years of service.Kaplan did not give an explicit reason for her departure, saying only, "I finally will be leaving Nintendo at the end of the year. Until then, I am focused on getting a great transition team in place and handling all of my normal responsibilities as well." It had been speculated that the marketing exec trio -- now all officially on course to retire -- would leave Nintendo after plans to relocate the company's PR headquarters from Washington to San Francisco and New York were revealed in May. But this theory remains pure speculation. Think about it: there are plenty of other circumstances that could have prompted Kaplan's resignation ... well, actually, we can only think of one.
Assassin's Creed to stalk DS in February '08
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Assassin_s_Creed_confirmed_for_Nintendo_DS_in_Feb_08'; Lending some convincing creed-ence (OOF!) to those nearly forgotten rumors, the DS version of Assassin's Creed has appeared on Nintendo's "holidays and beyond" release list. Those hoping to abandon their Pokémans in favor of, uh, poking a man in the back with a dagger should note that the game falls into the "beyond" part of Nintendo's schedule. Ubisoft's pint-sized bump-off sim is currently set for release in February 2008.Aside from a release window, not much is known about the game. Will it play anything like November's console versions? Will the stylus be used to simulate violent and inevitably controversial slashing motions? We've already sent the appropriate demand to Ubisoft: Your assassinz, let you show me them.
Nintendo flaunts mega-sized Wii and DS release list
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Nintendo_flaunts_mega_sized_Wii_and_DS_release_list'; Did someone say something about a lack of third-party support? Nintendo is eager to dispell that notion – or perhaps they simply feel bad about delaying Smash Bros. Brawl – but, regardless, they've released an enormous list of games coming to the Wii and DS platforms. Nintendo's George Harrison (is he still working there?) crowed, "Because of Wii and Nintendo DS momentum, third-party publishers are supporting our systems like never before." We don't know how much we'd brag about a history of poor third-party support but the list – conveniently contained after the break – shows off many of the releases planned through early 2008. Notable inclusions: The long-rumored Assassin's Creed for Nintendo DS, the Japanese imports Flash Focus: Vision Training in Minutes a Day and Master of Illusion, and the soon-to-be-blockbuster Elf Bowling (Collector's Edition no less). Alright, so this is a really big list, so let's use the power of numbers to defeat it! Anything really important we're missing?
Smash Bros. Brawl delayed in US until February 10, 2008
At a media summit this morning in San Francisco, Nintendo of America's George Harrison (via MTV Multiplayer) has confirmed that the US version of Smash Bros. Brawl will follow in its Japanese brethren's footsteps and be delayed until February 10, 2008. The loss of this future bestseller during the holiday season will definitely sadden some fans (and Nintendo's profit margin), but then again Mario Galaxy is also coming in November (so far as we know) and it was always uncharacteristic of Nintendo to space AAA-title releases so close together.No word yet on a delay for PAL territories, though we suspect a similar fate.
Motorola makes PEBL-ish U9 official
It's real! Motorola has made official its latest PEBL-esque device -- though there's no actual PEBL branding to be found on this one -- the U9. Think of the U9 to the original PEBL what the V8 and V9 are to the original RAZR, rocking Motorola's "CrystalTalk" noise reduction tech, microSD expansion, and a 2 megapixel camera. Media's the focus here with support for syncing with Windows Media Player 11; WMA, MP3, AAC, AAC+, and AAC+ enhanced files are all good to go, while the stereo Bluetooth support and "floating" external display with touch sensitive controls certainly don't hurt. Look for it to hit in the fourth quarter of the year in Asia, Latin America, and Europe. No North American release plans have been outed at this point, but it's a quadband GSM / EDGE phone, so we'd expect to find its way onto importers' shelves (and probably Motorola's own online store) right quick.
Sprint announces "affordable" LG Rumor
Don't be fooled by the Rumor's midrange appearance -- Sprint's positioning its brand spanking new QWERTY dumbphone as an entry-level device with a price to match. Features of the long-rumored (pun intended) LG handset include an integrated POP3 email client (beware the slow 1xRTT radio, though), microSD expansion, media player, 1.3 megapixel camera, Bluetooth, Sprint Navigation, integrated access to Facebook and Xanga, and a pair of numeric and slide-out alphanumeric keypads. Get it in silver or black / blue late this month online and in Best Buy locations -- Sprint stores start stocking it on November 4 -- for $79.99 on contract after rebates.
iPod touch now running Mail, Google Maps, and more
We're not looking at general availability yet, but those happy hacking cats unravelling the iPod touch have decrypted the ramdisk and are now busy installing applications. Already, Mail, Maps, and other 3rd party apps are up and running on their jailbreaked touches. The race is on between the cat and the mouse to see who will release their wares first. Maps screenshot after the break.
iPhone unbricking now available from IPhoneSimFree
Hacked your iPhone did ya? Now, after the 1.1.1 update, you're looking at a non-functioning paperweight? Well, we've got good news for you just as long as you're willing to pay. Not only does the 1.1.1 iPhoneSimFree unlock released earlier unlock 1.1.1 iPhones, it also unbricks any iPhone including those unlocked by the Dev Team's anySim or iUnlock software. However, that requires registering your IMEI with IPSF resellers which requires cash in hand. About $100 beans but that's a lot cheaper than a new handset, eh?
Dell's 22-inch SP2208WFP with webcam and 24-incher out in Japan
It's not out in the US yet, but Dell just announced another webcam packing LCD monitor: the SP2208WFP for Japan. This 1,680 x 1,050 resolution 22-incher features a 2 megapixel webcam and microphone integrated flush with the upper bezel, a 2-ms response, 2,000:1 contrast, and the ability to reproduce 92% of the NTSC color gamut. Inputs? Oh hells yes: analog D-Sub 15, DVI-D (with HDCP), 3x HDMI, and 4x USB. Japan-only for the time being for a tax-inclusive price of ¥59,800 or about $510 whenever it pops Stateside. They've also announced a ¥68,800 ($587) 24-inch E248WFP prepped for a Japan release on October 23rd. This 1,920 × 1,200 model increases the color gamut from the 72% found in their current 24-incher to the same 92% found in the new SP2208WFP. Peep the 24-incher after the break. [Via Impress] Read -- SP2208WFP Read -- E248WFP
iPhoneSimFree offers world's first 1.1.1 iPhone unlocks
So, what do you expect to happen now that a pair of jailbreak solutions are out? Why, a 1.1.1 unlock for baseband version 04.01.13_G of course. The "world's first" 1.1.1 unlock comes courtesy of the for-profit iPhoneSimFree team after a tithe to the usual service providers. For their customers who by chance bricked their iPhones by updating to 1.1.1 in haste, IPSF is making their SimFree v1.6 wares freely available to unbrick your $599 coaster. Just hit the read link for all the details.[Thanks, Dustin B.]
iPhone and iPod touch v1.1.1 full jailbreak posted
Here it is folks, the TIFF image we tested that exploits firmware v1.1.1, giving you full root level file access to your iPhone (without upgrading from v1.0.2) and iPod touch. Before you click the link, note the caveats: This may open up file system access, but it's not a primetime hack, meaning it's not so graceful as to simplify the installation of AppTapp or anything. Once you get file system access you're kind of on your own to get apps working. Don't hold us responsible if it damages or bricks your device. You might be able use this on an unactivated v1.1.1 iPhone from Safari, but it's a hella tricky technique. Good luck with this one! [Via TUAW, thanks Camron!] Please don't hold us responsible if it damages or bricks your device. Apple will more than likely fix this vulnerability with v1.1.2, or whatever its next firmware version will be. When that happens we'll all be back to the same spot we were the day v1.1.1 was released. So know this is a temporary technique, unless you're committed to using v1.1.1 from here on out. We are so not responsible if it damages or bricks your device. None of this will help the sad reality that iUnlock and anySIM still disable the cell radio in v1.1.1, so use those apps at your own risk once you break on through to the other side. Good luck!
DirecTV launches yet another 5 HD channels
DirecTV has been telling us that they'd add a lot of HD channels this year and they've come through with a total of 37 new HD channels in the past three weeks. Today there are two that are new to everyone and two old favorites -- and one that was added late last week. First up is CNBC HD, which we gave all the flack to for not actually doing video in HD, but we have to say they've made the most out of what they have, and can even do three SD shots in a single frame, all while displaying plenty of info with HD graphics. MGM HD is also up today and we just love it when movies are presented in their original aspect ratio. We did look ahead in the schedule and it appears MGM HD has a good mix of movies, but most of them are older. Since last Wednesday they also added MHD, so we'll go ahead and throw that in as well. And finally a few old favorites for other providers with National Geographic Channel HD and Food Network HD which is for some reason on 231-1. We've updated our DirecTV gallery with these new channels as well. Food Network (Channel 231-1) MGM (Channel 255) National Geographic (Channel 276) CNBC (Channel 355) MHD (Channel 332) %Gallery-8097%
iPhone and iPod touch v1.1.1 full jailbreak tested, confirmed!
We were invited by iPhone / iPod touch file system hacker Niacin (who you might also know for his PSP and MSN TV Linux cluster hacks, etc.) and Dre to test out their new v1.1.1 file system hack. We know the whole v1.1.1 hacking thing has been massively confusing even to folks like us, so here's a quick n' dirty timeline to bring you up to date. Apple releases iPhone, which was obviously cracked six ways from Sunday. Through firmwares 1.0.1 and 1.0.2 Apple does not block these hacks in any way. Firmware v1.1.1 is released for iPhone and iPod touch, which completely locks out file system access (and thus 3rd party software). Awkward silence from Apple fans and the dev community as everyone ponders how to crack the new file system protections. Hackers dinopio, edgan discover the symlink hack, which takes v1.0.2 iPhones up to v1.1.1 with read / write file system access. In other words, the hack only works on v1.0.2 iPhones (not the iPod touch) when being upgraded to v1.1.1, and still doesn't grant the ability to execute loaded programs. The next version of dinopio & co.'s symlink hack (which hasn't yet been released to the public) grants the coveted execute privilege (so you can run those 3rd party apps), and enables another hack (by pumpkin) to make the new SpringBoard (the application launcher) recognize the freshly recompiled iPhone apps. Hacker Niacin (aka toc2rta) and Dre claim they've managed to combine the symlink hack with a TIFF vulnerability found in the v1.1.1 firmware's mobile Safari, which grants access to the file system. This is the hack we're testing here.Note: Due to the nature of this hack, it's to be considered ephemeral. Apple needs only to patch the TIFF vulnerability and file system access on v1.1.1 is out, with the touch and iPhone back to their previously not-too-hackable state. And the result thus far? We've tested the solution, and we can confirm file system read+write access via the TIFF exploit on an iPod touch, meaning loading a simple image file on your v1.1.1 device gives full root file system access!Caveats: The release has not at this time been released to the public. Niacin claims that will happen in the near future, possibly later this morning. Thus far the hack isn't entirely without issues. We're still trying to determine exactly what's what, but we've lost read and write access unexpectedly. This may or may not be a problem with our machine or device, though, and not necessarily the hack. We did not test this method on an iPhone, but technically there should be no difference in the effect. Side note: your v1.1.1 iPhone would, at this time, need to be activated to load the TIFF. (How else are you gonna load it?) This is supposedly being worked on. Quick terminal log using iPHUC on the iPod touch confirming write ability to root FS after the break.
Sonic, online co-op confirmed for Smash Bros Brawl
Nintendo has announced at their fall press conference (via IGN) that Sonic the Hedgehog, having already put aside 16-bit differences to challenge Mario in the Olympics, has joined the lineup for Smash Bros. Brawl. A new trailer was shown at the event that shows him transforming into Super Sonic. Anyone want to take bets on what his down+B special move is going to be?Also announced was the inclusion of online cooperative play. While North American Smash Bros. fans might be finding it hard to wait until December 3 to pick up the game, Japanese gamers have it even harder - Nintendo also announced that Brawl isn't hitting Japan until January 24, 2008.
Crysis PC requirements: a new PC
Because your trusty 486, TURBO MODE and all, simply isn't good enough to cope with the lush forests and cybernetic shenanigans of Crysis. Publisher EA has today chosen to end the tech spec-ulation in order to paint a clear, anti-aliased picture of the system you'll need for optimal first-person shooting. Still, if you think your filthy hobo of a mobo deserves to dine in Crytek's five star restaurant, you'd best try out the demo on October 26th. Minimum System Requirements OS: Windows XP or Windows Vista Processor: 2.8 GHz or faster (XP) or 3.2 GHz or faster (Vista) Memory: 1.0 GB RAM (XP) or 1.5 GB RAM (Vista) Video Card: 256 MB Hard Drive: 12GB Sound Card: DirectX 9.0c compatible Real Recommended System Requirements OS: Windows XP / Vista Processor: Intel Core 2 DUO @ 2.2GHz or AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ Memory: 2.0 GB RAM GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTS/640 or similar Supported Processors: Intel Pentium 4 2.8 GHz (3.2 GHz for Vista) or faster, Intel Core 2.0 GHz (2.2 GHz for Vista) or faster, AMD Athlon 2800+ (3200+ for Vista) or faster. Supported chipsets: NVIDIA GeForce 6800 GT or greater; ATI Radeon 9800 Pro (Radeon X800 Pro for Vista) or greater. Laptop versions of these chipsets may work but are not supported. Integrated chipsets are not supported. Updates to your video and sound card drivers may be required.%Gallery-4760%[Via EA press release]
Samsung's BlackJack II outed as the i617
Don't worry BlackJack fans, Samsung does indeed seem to have a true BlackJack II successor in the works for you, unlike that stylus-based i780 pretender to the throne. Turns out the i617 -- which we saw pass the FCC yesterday -- will be doing the honors, but unfortunately it's not terribly clear what those honors will be. AT&T is a lock, thanks to the HSDPA 850 / 1900, and of course Windows Mobile 6 will be the main attraction, but there's no confirmation of WiFi or any other notable hardware upgrades just yet other than a bump to 2 megapixels from the original's 1.3. As for looks, we'll let you make up your own mind, but the design isn't much of a departure -- there's still a back hump -- but everything is considerably more shiny this time around. No word on price or availability. There's a shot of the back after the break.[Via Mobile Phones Reviews and Tips]
Sony Japan's ceramic white PS3 and DualShock 3 announced
Nope, not an early sign of cataracts, you're looking at Sony's ceramic white 40GB PS3 and DualShock 3 controller just loosed in Japan. Like its European 40GB cuz, the CECHH00 Series PS3 aces the backward compatibility, memory card slot, and 2x of the 4x USB slots in favor of a low, low ¥39,980 (about $341/€242) price tag when it ships on 11 November. The DualShock 3 wireless rumbler (sold separately) first revealed at Tokyo Game Show hits shelves the same day for ¥5,500 or about $47/€33. Yes, both the PS3 and DualShock 3 are available in black if you're feeling the ebony over new-school ivory. [Via Akihabara News]
