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San Francisco reader meetup details, note: location has changed!
Last week in Tokyo was pretty amazing, but this Wednesday's reader event in San Francisco promises to be possibly our most amazing yet. Here's a bit about what you can expect: We're giving away literally tens of thousands of dollars in gear, including... A free Sandisk Sansa Connect (4GB with WiFi) to the first 200 people! (And free Flickr Pro accounts for the next 250 people.) We'll also have free food and drinks! Live Q&A session with Engadget The event is ALL AGES and FREE ADMISSION As well as giveaways from: Drobo, Motorola, Nokia, OQO, Plantronics, Samsung, SanDisk, Sling, and others! When: Wednesday, October 10th, 7:00PM - 10:00PM [Listing on Upcoming] Please note, however, that we have changed our event location! We are no longer holding the event at Mighty, the event is now at the Mission Bay Conference Center at UCSF. 1675 Owens StreetSan Francisco, CA 94158866.431.UCSF Also, a note to the local hackers in the audience! We'd like to try out the "lightning talks" round here in the US -- let us know if you have something interesting and electronic that you might want to show off!We'd also like to thank the premium event sponsor of our San Francisco event, the Bluetooth SIG, who've been instrumental in getting this thing off the ground!Oh, and please leave us a comment if you're thinking of attending so we can at least try to estimate how many to expect. See you there! (Map, directions, and full list of companies at the event after the break.)
SCEE: No plans to offer PS2 backwards compatibility later as DLC for 40GB PS3
The 40GB PlayStation 3 models, devoid of any PS2-related semiconductors, will likely not have any options for backwards compatibility in the future. Speaking to Joystiq, SCEE Director of Corporate Communications Nick Sharples said that there are no plans to offer emulation software as downloadable content at a later date."We have no plans to do so at the moment. The sheer numbers of PS2 titles available, together with the increased complexity of using a software only solution for each and every title means that to ensure accurate software emulation for the majority would be technically challenging, time consuming and costly," he said. "As we have mentioned on several occasions, our engineering resources are now focused on developing new and innovative features and services for the PS3 and, as a result the 40GB model does not have backwards compatibility with PS2 titles," he said.When asked about the fate of future emulation updates for 80GB and PAL-territory 60GB models that are running software-supported backwards compatibility, Sharples told us, "the current PS3 system software and future updates will continue to support backwards compatibility for the current 60GB and 80GB models." He later added, "The current solution offers around 90% backwards compatibility with PS2 titles and we are able to help publishers to make sure any new PS2 titles are backwards compatible with the 60GB and 80GB models."Sharples had no information on today's rumor concerning the 40GB model coming to North America. Included after the break is Sony's statement confirming the loss of PS2 semiconductors in the latest model.
iPhone v1.1.1 firmware gets the Jailbreak treatment
For all you fanatics on the edge of your seat over the iPhone v1.1.1 hacking situation, there's some good news on the horizon. According to Erica Sadun -- one of the soldiers heading up the fight to break Apple's stranglehold -- the iPhone / iPod touch dev team have indeed managed to Jailbreak the new update. Apparently, the general-use tool hasn't made a showing yet, but baby steps have been taken, and the goods are sure to follow. So what can you expect? Third party apps are working, but will probably need to be recompiled due to the new frameworks, Springboard won't recognize DisplayOrder.plist (included apps now seem to be hard-coded into the Springboard app), you can activate the phone with third-party workarounds, and the Mobile Terminal and BSD suite work, as well as ARM-compiled command-line utilities. Of very interesting note: Erica says that the new firmware references both Nike and a radio, and that the devs are taking up a fund to buy a cake and deliver it to Apple, courtesy of "the Crazy Ones." She says the Jailbreak isn't "ready for prime time," and based on this info we tend to agree, but if you really want the full scoop, truck over to TUAW and check out the info for yourself.
Dell XPS M1530: movin' on up
For those of you potential XPS M1330 customers out there whose orders have yet to be fulfilled or who are still within your 30 day Dell grace period, take heed. We've just gotten a booty load of information on the successor to the tainted throne, the XPS M1530. Featuring: 15.40-inch display (CCFL up to 1680 x 1050, LED up to 1440 x 900) Core 2 Duo options from 1.5GHz (T5250) up to 2.6GHz (T7800) Crestline GM/PM 965 chipset with up to 4GB of 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM GeForce 8400M or 8600M GS options (up to 256MB) Slot-loading Blu-ray / 8x DVD±RW Options for 802.11a/b/g/n, WWAN, Bluetooth HDMI, VGA, 1394, ExpressCard, (3) USB 2.0, Ethernet, fingerprint reader, media reader 2.0 megapixel (with CCFL) or 300k (with LED) cameras Weight supposedly 4 pounds to start (which is pretty light, we're assuming that's sans battery) It's slated for November 7th release for release before the holidays, but we can never make guarantees for any company to hit it's ship date, ok?%Gallery-8236%
40GB PS3 official for Europe -- no backwards compatibility, at all
Sony has announced that the 40GB version of the PS3 will enter the European market on Oct. 10th, for a price of €399 ($565). The unit sports only two USB ports (instead of four) and does not include the multi-memory ports. And, in a move we absolutely cannot understand, the new model is not backwards compatible with PS2 discs. Seriously.Since BC is handled by software emulation (in the 80GB model), why is it gone from the 40-gigger? It's not that DVD support has been removed from the Blu-ray drive, as Sony continues to hype DVD movie upscaling. But the official line is, "the new model is no longer backwards compatible with PlayStation 2 titles, reflecting both the reduced emphasis placed on this feature amongst later purchasers of PS3, as well as the availability of a more extensive line-up of PS3 specific titles." Extensive? Don't even get us started...If BC's on your checklist, you best scoop up a Starter Pack (now €499) "while stocks last."[Via PS3 Fanboy]
Sony launches 40GB PS3 in Europe for €399
Right on cue, the 40GB PlayStation 3 is indeed being confirmed by Sony. Announced today in London, the system that's been clamored over for what seems like ages now will "launch throughout the SCEE territories" on October 10th for €399 ($565), which means you don't have too awfully long to wait (or save up, for that matter) before getting your hands on one. Of note, the new model does feature just a pair of USB 2.0 ports rather than four, it no longer boasts the multi-memory card port and it is "no longer backwards compatible with PlayStation 2 titles." Also, the existing "60GB PS3 Starter Pack" will be reduced to €499 ($707), but only while supplies last. We'll keep our ear to the ground in case the news eventually impacts the US. Check out the new addition in high-resolution below.[Via PS3Fanboy]%Gallery-8190%
It's official: Bungie branches off from Microsoft
Just goes to show you, never say never. Bungie has just announced that they've "reached an unprecedented and exciting agreement" that they'll "branch off" from the Microsoft Game Studios mothership and become Bungie, LLC, an independent company, starting ... today (well, technically October 1, but effective immediately)! Worried about Halo going to another, less competent developer? No need, the studio will retain a long-term publishing agreement with Microsoft Game Studios for Halo titles. Other titles? All they're saying is that they "will continue to develop with [their] primary focus on Microsoft's platforms." With Microsoft holding a minority equity interest in the company, that's not surprising.Unsurprisingly, Microsoft is also retaining ownership of the Halo property (MGS chief Shane Kim calls it "our Halo entertainment property") as well as reserving first crack at publishing any Bungie-developed IP. We're left wondering if Marathon counts as a Halo property or a Bungie property ... What are the immediate repercussions of this division? According to Bungie, "Practically speaking, nothing has changed and you guys won't see much, if any difference, for a while ...." We hope it means that somehow they'll be able to bring the same level of skill to a project besides Halo.Read - Bungie Studios Becomes Privately Held Independent Company (Bungie press release) Read - Microsoft and Bungie Studios to Evolve Relationship (MS press release)[Update: GameDaily spoke with Bungie's Frank O'Connor about the "evolution" which, he says, has been in the planning stages for "about a year." He confirms they're not through with Halo yet; they're still working on the Peter Jackson project and DLC for Halo 3. As for Marathon, despite its close ties to the Halo universe, Bungie retains the rights to that property, while MS owns Halo and Take-Two owns Myth and Oni.]
Nike's Amp+ watch: hearts your heart and iPod, too
Quietly -- too quietly perhaps since Apple hasn't update their site yet -- Nike's $79.00 Amp+ Sport Remote Control just made its first appearance on Nike's online store. That "+" indicates that this device integrates with Apple's wee iPod nano receiver for Nike+ shoes allowing you to wirelessly track and monitor your runs and personal progress. Yes, it's a watch too; an LED display shows the time of day with those biggie, iPod icons appearing only when activated by the remote. It's also water resistant for you Mr. Sweaty McFaty, up to 50-meters in fact just in case your glands react unfavorably to your new Twinkie-free lifestyle. With the Amp+ now shipping, it's reasonable to expect the other unannounced devices we peeped back in January to go to market as well, donchathink?[Thanks, Bernard A.]
Gears of War emerges on PC Nov. 6
The PC version of Gears of War -- that would be the personal computer version mind you, not the parentally correct one which replaces all the chainsaws with comically large walkie-talkies -- has been scheduled for release on November 6th. Shacknews reports that the testosterone explosion epic will be bolstered by loads of new content, including 5 single-player chapters, three multiplayer maps, a game editor and a showdown with the Brumak. (In case you're not familiar with Gears of War's monster lexicon, the Brumak is a very large monster that you'll want to shoot as much possible.)While you're waiting for the wildly popular franchise to arrive on your overclocked and garishly lit machine, read our hands-on impressions and carefully ponder which charismatic thespian would best fit into Marcus' curb-stompers.
Joystiq hands-on: PlayStation Eye
One of the most interesting, and certainly most unique video games coming to the PlayStation 3 this year is Sony and SCE Studios Japan's Eye of Judgment, which combines elements of a physical collectible card game with that of a traditional video game for an experience that is, if anything, wholly its own. While the influence of card games like Magic: The Gathering and Pokemon has long been felt in video games, Eye of Judgment represents the first time to our recollection that the marriage of the two mediums has evolved beyond gameplay to take on a more literal meaning. With real cards you hold in your hand, and a playing mat unfolded on the table, it's entirely possible to play Eye of Judgment with no PS3 involvement whatsoever, and even have a good deal of fun doing so. However, as the game comes bundled with the PS3's new PlayStation Eye camera, it seems a shame to leave such shiny new hardware ignored, so when the game showed up at Joystiq proper, we were inclined to put the new device through the wringer. %Gallery-2809%%Gallery-3181%
Japanese Halo 3 finishes the foreign fight in first place
There are some caveats to consider, but first place is first place. Media Create's Japanese software sales chart (as detailed by Gamasutra) shows Microsoft's absurdly popular sci-fi shooter in first place having sold 59,000 copies in the last week. It's a relatively modest debut in a sluggish sales period, but Halo 3 is one of a scant few titles to ascend the chart and indeed, the wall of apathy Japanese gamers have constructed around all things Xbox.Master Chief even managed to best Nintendo's Pokémon franchise, if only because of Nintendo's habit of splitting each installment into two similar but separate versions. With 55,000 units sold, Pókemon Mystery Dungeon 2 nips at Halo 3's heels in second place -- had its sales been combined with its counterpart, Master Chief would be finishing the foreign fight sans legs. Of course, that's nothing $300 million can't replace.
Halo 3 makes $300 million in one week
And now, a scene from Microsoft HQ:Bill Gates: Listen, those Bungie guys are OK, and it's great having them on the softball team and all. But I think it's time we set them free.Shane Kim: Yes, of course sir.Bill: Let's let them get out there in the world, you know? Make that Pimps at Sea game they're always talking about. After all, Halo 3 only brought us in $170 million, that's like 10,000 Segways, that's nothing. Shane: Actually sir, our most recent report is that the game made $300 million in its first week.Bill: ... How late is Shackles, Chains and Beyond open?
One hour later: 40GB PS3 rumor returns, announced tomorrow?
Ok, this is now getting sad. With Sony just denying the "Big Bang" announcement, the on again, off again, 40GB PS3 rumor is back on. Big time, according to an "exclusive" over at Pocket-lint. According to their "multiple sources," Sony will announce the 40GB "core" PS3 tomorrow at a price of £299 -- the same model we expect to hit the US for $399. Also expected is a £56 price reduction on the UK's 60GB PS3 making it £369 in time for the holidays -- those Sony "value pack" bundles will see the axe. The 40GB PS3 is expected to feature WiFi, Blu-ray, and SIXAXIS controller but will lose 2x USB slots, the memory card reader, and backward compatibility chip -- not a loss for European gamers whose compatibility is ensured via software. All the changes are expected this month if the rumor holds up. Tomorrow, it's only a day away.Update: A report from France's Les Echos seems to back Pocket-lint's claim: a €399 40GB PS3 in time for Christmas. A Sony spokesman would not confirm details but did say that an announcement was "imminent."
The AT&T Tilt, October 5 for $299.99
Bringing all of the HTC Kaiser's joy to AT&T, the Tilt has finally been set for an October 5 launch. Besides the obvious feature of a tilting display -- hence the name -- the spec sheet reveals a 3 megapixel autofocus camera, HSDPA, stereo Bluetooth, Windows Mobile 6 Professional (the first AT&T device to officially rock it -- can ya believe it?), microSDHC slot for cards up to 32GB, WiFi, an integrated GPS receiver, and BlackBerry Connect support. Last time we checked, that pretty much covers the "superphone" checklist. Grab it starting Friday for $299.99 on contract after the full suite of rebates has been applied. Follow the break for a bonus shot of the Tilt in its upright and locked position!
Fox's new Blu-ray titles with BD+ won't play in all players
Boy did we see this one coming. Fox just came out of their hiatus and with their first two releases they opted to use Blu-ray's optional DRM, BD+ -- which has been part of the spec, but this is the first time it's been used. The problem is that all the Blu-ray players aren't ready for BD+ yet, and without a firmware update you can't play the movies at all. You'd think the problem would only plauge 1st gen hardware, but the Samsung BD-P1000 was able to play the new discs just fine after a very long delay. The newer BD-P1200 didn't fair as well, but instead you see a scary red screen instructing you to install a firmware update that doesn't exist. We've contacted Samsung to see what the deal is and we'll let you know if we hear anything. We'd tell you to avoid titles with BD+ for now, but there's no way to know just from looking at the package, so just avoid just avoid these two Fox titles for now (The Day After Tomorrow and Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer).**UPDATE** unconfirmed reports indicate that it's a BD-J issue rather than BD+. Either way, all the latest movies won't play in all the players, even with the latest firmware update.
DirecTV launches another 11 new HD channels
We knew DirecTV had a long way to go to get to 100 and that they all wouldn't just pop up one day. Last week we had the first run of 21 and now today we get another 11. Of those, there are five regional sports networks, three more premiums, and finally three new HD channels that are new to everyone. We expect the three regular channels to be mostly stretch-o-vision at first, but there should be plenty of new HD content when they start to launch their original programming. There are still some obvious channels missing like National Geographic HD, Food HD and HGTV HD, but expect to see them anytime now. We don't know about anyone else, but we're excited that we won't have to wait six months to watch BSG in HD anymore. Comcast SportsNet Chicago HD (Channel 640) Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic HD (Channel 629) New England Sports Network/NESN HD(Channel 623) SportsNet New York HD (Channel 625) YES HD (Channel 622) Cinemax East (Channel 512) Cinemax West (Channel 514) HBO West (Channel 504) Bravo (Channel 273) SciFi Channel (Channel 244) USA Network (Channel 242)
Verizon's LG Voyager heads up newly official fall lineup
Verizon isn't kidding around this fall, with four new fashionable phones, a couple of which might divert a few iPhone dollars from archrival AT&T. It's those exact four that Engadget Mobile got the scoop on last weekend, the Juke, Pearl, Venus and Voyager. A few of the details have changed, but the basic gist is the same. The Samsung Juke is the first "flick" phone to hit the States, and arrives with 2GB of built-in storage, A2DP (which shows up in all these phones) and a VGA camera, and comes in blue, red or teal. Verizon's BlackBerry Pearl is the first Pearl to get EV-DO and a 3.5mm minijack, and also adds Verizon's VZ Navigator service, which is standard across these phones. The Venus slider sports an interesting dual screen setup, with the bottom providing contextual touch controls and the top one acting like all normal-like. Venus, with black or pink color options, is the real fashionphone of the group, and rocks a boring 2 megapixel sensor, but there's a microSD slot for up to 8GB of expansion. Finally, the Voyager (pictured) does it all, with a full screen touchscreen on the outside, and a second screen on the clamshell interior, facing a gargantuan QWERTY keyboard. V CAST Mobile TV makes an appearance, as does a microSD slot and 2 megapixel camera. All of these phones are supposed to be out by Thanksgiving, but no word on price or exact dates -- though the Juke and Pearl are hitting first, to be followed by the Venus and then the Voyager.%Gallery-8108%
Tabula Rasa delayed until Nov. 2
Despite confirming an October 19th release date early last month, NCSoft has announced their years-in-the-making MMO Tabula Rasa will see a minor delay, bumped two weeks back to November 2. A message from the game's producer, Starr Long (now that's a stellar name!), on the official site explains, "This short but critical amount of time will give us time to address several issues including stability and balance as well as allowing our players to test the continent of Ligo (L38+) and our major changes to crafting for a few weeks rather than a few days."Don't get all worried pre-orderers, your Halloween plans aren't ruined after all; you'll still get the game three days early on Oct. 30. Everyone else, what can we say besides we're sorry?[Via Gamespot]
Microsoft's new Zunes: officially in 80, 8, and 4GB sizes
We love a good non-mystery around here, and Microsoft's new Zunes are about as un-mysterious as they get. But we also love a good product refresh, and now that the cat's officially out of the bag we can really dig into the new Zunes, which definitely have a lot going for them. There's plenty to cover, so here's what you need to know.Hard drive Zunes It's called the Zune 80 and, shockingly enough, it has 80GB of storage. Uses the new Zune Pad -- four way touch-sensitive d-pad (with up, down, left, and right buttons). It will sell for $250 (with "premium" headphones). Available only in black (to start). Screen size has increased to 3.2-inches (from 3-inches). As far as we know the resolution is still QVGA. Dimensions are 61.1 x 108.2 x 12.9mm (2.4 x 4.25 x 0.5-inches), some 1/3rd smaller than the classic Zune. The classic Zune will now be known as the Zune 30 -- it's not going anywhere. More on that in a sec. New flash Zunes Zune 8 and Zune 4 are the names for the 8 and 4GB flash based models. Also uses the Zune Pad. These will sell for $200 and $150 respectively. Both will be available in pink, green, black, and red. It will feature a 1.8-inch screen (compare to the nano's 2-inch screen). Dimensions are 41.4 x 91.5 x 8.5mm (1.6 x 3.6 x 0.33-inches) -- compare to the new iPod nano, at 69.8 x 52.3 x 6.5mm (2.75 x 2.0 x 0.26-inches). Everything else New Zunes ship in November, date not yet announced. All Zunes (including the Zune 30) will have a new, redesigned interface and feature parity. In other words, early Zune 30 adopters will have all the same software features as new Zune 80, 8, and 4 users. Additional native video codecs for h.264 and MPEG-4 -- users no longer need transcode those file types to WMV. Zune can FINALLY sync video from your Media Center PC! Jeez, took you friggin long enough, guys! WiFi sync to host computer! Includes moving over music, movies, photos, podcasts, etc. Podcast support! (Sorry, no over the air downloads -- sync only.) Podcasts can also be shared via WiFi. The 3x3 song sharing DRM has had its three day restriction removed, but users can still only play files three times. There is still NO wireless music store. The Zune software is all new and rewritten, and is supposed to actually be more than a rebadge of WMP10 now. Friggin finally. The Zune music store is going DRM-free, with over 1m MP3 tracks being made available for download. Other details (like which labels, whether there is a DRM-free upgrade path is for users who've bought music with DRM, price differences, etc.) are not yet revealed. Accessories info after the break.%Gallery-8101%
Bundled no longer: Onyx and Crimson DS set free
Oh, the woes of being a bundled system, joined at the hip with a potentially uninspired game that forces you from the forefront -- the limelight you deserved -- to mere obscurity. However, fear not, Onyx and Crimson DS, your Ashlee Simpson moment ends now. Nintendo announced today that the red and black monstrosity, originally released in August, shall no longer be tethered to the Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes a Day bundle. Now available in stores for the MSRP of $129.99, expect to see Nintendo haters call this glut, and Nintendo fans call it bold. Either way, at least it can't jig.
