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Left 4 Dead creator Turtle Rock developing co-op shooter Evolve
Publisher 2K Games has partnered with Left 4 Dead series developer Turtle Rock Studios for the upcoming release of the cooperative multiplayer first-person shooter Evolve for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC platforms, Game Informer reports. Evolve first crawled out of the ooze in 2012 as a trademark filing by THQ. When that publisher went under the same year, the intellectual property was purchased by Take-Two Interactive at auction for $10.9 million, beating out the game's developer, Turtle Rock, which had tried to keep the game inside its own shell for $250,000. Evolve centers around a four-versus-one Hunt mode in which four teammates square off against a fifth player, who controls a powerful alien creature that grows stronger as matches progress. The cooperative/competitive gameplay dynamic defined Turtle Rock's Left 4 Dead games, which put players on opposing sides of a zombie apocalypse.
T-Mobile launches trio of budget Android smartphones and an LTE hotspot
T-Mobile USA doesn't do anything by half measures, apparently -- it just launched four devices that address many of its budget- and data-conscious subscribers in one fell swoop. We'll break it down for you. To start, the company is now shipping its promised Alcatel One Touch Evolve, a 4-inch Android smartphone that costs a mere $100 at full price. The handset's 4.5-inch cousin, the Fierce, will arrive on October 23rd for $164. Samsung will offer a rough parallel to these devices through its upcoming Galaxy Light. While there are no launch details for the Light so far, it will be one of T-Mobile's cheaper LTE phones thanks to its 4-inch WVGA screen and 5-megapixel camera. Wireless internet mavens will also want to look at Samsung's LTE Mobile HotSpot Pro, which is available now for $170. We can't guarantee that everyone will like the carrier's expanded lineup, but curious customers will find more details at the source links.
Alcatel One Touch Evolve and Fierce coming to T-Mobile this October
Not only is Alcatel One Touch on a roll in Europe and Asia, it's starting to make more strides in the US. Sure, this isn't the company's first rodeo in this neck of the woods -- the Shockwave came to US Cellular last fall, while the Idol has been available online as an unlocked handset for a few months -- but it's refreshing to see it get its foot in the door with one of the big four networks. This morning, Alcatel announced that it has two budget-friendly devices coming to T-Mobile next month: the Evolve (pictured above) and the Fierce (pictured below). The Fierce is the nicest of the pair, featuring a 4.5-inch qHD display with a 1.2GHz quad-core MediaTek processor, 1,800mAh battery, 5MP rear camera and Android 4.2. The Evolve, on the other hand, has a 4-inch WVGA screen, Android 4.1, 1GHz MT6575 SoC, 4GB total storage, microSD support up to 32GB, a 5MP rear camera and 1,400mAh battery. Certainly prime material for the budget category; the Fierce will come in silver and slate and will retail for $170 off-contract (that's $20 down with monthly payments of $6), while the Evolve will start at $100 off-contract ($28 down with $3 monthly payments). Alcatel tells us that both phones will be offered for a slightly lower cost during the holiday season, in case you're looking for a more basic smartphone for the kiddos.
Pokemon X/Y's mega evolutions, super training shown in mega video, mega screens
The Pokemon Company offered more information today on the Pokemon X and Y details announced yesterday in CoroCoro. Pokemon capable of mega-evolving, such as Mewtwo, will undergo the change during battle, and only see its effects last for the duration of the battle. Eligible Pokemon must hold a "mega stone" item, each one unique to a particular creature, in order to access its latent abilities. The latest Pokemon X and Y screens and trailer also show glimpses of a new method for boosting a Pokemon's skills. Known as "super training," players can increase an individual Pokemon's base stats by playing mini-games, one being a soccer-like activity. The games will also offer "core training" workouts, allowing Pokemon to slowly improve their stats on their own. Three new Pokemon, Dedenne, Bunnelby and Skiddo, as well as a gym leader, Korrina of Shalour City, were also announced for the games. The mega-evolved version of Blaziken will only be accessed through a special distribution event via Nintendo Network starting at the game's launch for a limited time, which will grant players a free Torchic holding the Blazikenite mega stone. Pokemon X an Y will arrive on October 12 for 3DS. %Gallery-195732% %Gallery-195738%
MMO subscriber numbers have peaked, says industry analyst
Whether you love him, hate him, respect him, or ignore him, when Michael Pachter speaks, his voice carries. So it's of note that everyone's favorite videogame analyst is back with a few more controversial remarks concerning the growth -- or lack of it -- in the MMO market. Speaking at the Evolve Conference, Pachter said, "It looks to me as though the MMO market is as big as it's ever going to be -- as far as subscription MMOs. People willing to play $15 a month, there are six or seven million of them. Period. If Star Wars couldn't expand it, when it's made by BioWare, nothing can do it. That's why Curt Schilling's 38 Studios went out of business, because he couldn't get financing." In May, Pachter proclaimed that nobody was buying MMOs after Star Wars: The Old Republic's launch.
Rampant Speculation Theatre presents: THQ trademarks 'Evolve'
THQ has filed a trademark for "Evolve" with the United States Patent & Trademark Office, according to an application dug up by Gamespot. The trademark's classification is rather wordy and all encompassing, ranging from what you'd expect ("computer game software") to what you might not ("providing entertainment services, in the nature of a site featuring entertainment information, discussion groups, non-downloadable video games, and downloads relating to video games").Here on Rampant Speculation Theatre, it's our job to take news that is particularly svelte and jazz it up with lies predictions, so let's get to it: Evolve will be a Spore-esque artificial life simulator, covering the evolution of all planetary life from single-celled organisms through modern man. Evolve's differentiating factor will be the fact that all evolution takes place in real time; at 6 billion years long, it offers players excellent value for money.
Evolve III prices triple-booting Maestro S and swiveling Maestro C tablets, unveils cordless NGen desktop (video)
We knew Evolve III had some major plans in store for this year and now, we've found out a little more about the company's latest creations. First up is the Maestro S -- a triple-booting slate that, as promised, can now support Android, Windows 7 and Meego. Rocking a 10.1-inch, 1024 x 600 capacitive touchscreen, the Maestro is powered by an Intel Z670 Oak Trail processor clocking in at 1.5GHz and runs on a battery that can last for up to ten hours per charge when running on Windows 7, or up to 18 hours when in Meego mode. The Maestro C will give you all of this, plus that swiveling kickstand we heard about last month. Designed with frequent flyers in mind, the convertible tablet also comes with a wireless keyboard that can serve as a protective, hardshell case. Rounding out the troika is the NGen -- a next-generation, "all-in-one" PC, powered by an Intel Core i7 Sandy Bridge CPU. The WiDi-enabled desktop boasts a 21.5-inch, 1920 x 1080 LED, supports Intel HD graphics and packs a 2.0-megapixel, front-facing camera. Weighing in at a little under 13-pounds, the cordless NGen can be folded up for quick transport, or mounted on a wall. Content can also be synced across all three devices, with a Wormhole connecting cord. As far as pricing goes, the Maestro S and C are running for 800 AUD (about $860) and 825 AUD (around $886), respectively, while the NGen, according to an Evolve III representative, will retail for about $1,500 of the green stuff. Unfortunately, this lineup won't be available Stateside until later this year, but you can find out more in the video that awaits you, after the break. [Thanks, Nicholas]
Somfy Tahoma Z-Wave and RTS home automation gateway (hands-on)
Typically there are two ways to go with home automation solutions built around gateways: cheap but labor intensive DIY solutions using off-the-shelf products, or expensive professionally installed solutions using proprietary technologies. Somfy's Tahoma Total Home Automation gateway fits somewhere in between. Tahoma supports Somfy's own RTS communication protocol to control Somfy's own line of window coverings in addition to Z-Wave for pretty much everything else. Unlike solutions like Vera from Mi Casa Verde, Tahoma must be professionally installed. The company partnered with Cooper Wiring, Evolve, and Leviton to optimize device integrity while remaining (mostly) true to the Z-Wave protocol. From there the end user is free to move about the automation cabin in order to customize scenes to their liking. We had the chance to see it in action here at CES and came away impressed with both the browser-based user interface and iOS app. Look for it to launch in Q2. Until then, we've got video.
Griffin's Evolve wireless system mutates add-ons
Griffin's oh so sexy wireless Evolve iPod speaker dock now has a little buddy. Two actually: the $100 Cube Speaker and $30 Charging Base add-ons. The speakers operate at 433MHz and feature an internal lithium-ion battery for 10-hours (at "normal" listening value) between charges. And you can add as many speakers as you can afford. Our own hands-on from CES allowed us to walk about 100-feet from the base station before interference set in. Not bad considering the density of RF noise the speakers had to compete with on the busy show floor. Combined with the charger, the complete system could make for a quick, dirty, and expensive (the Evolve costs $299) wireless setup in your tiny dorm or garden apartment.[Via iLounge]
Nokia's eco-friendly 3110 Evolve
The just-announced 3110 Evolve candybar from Nokia is big on features. Not features of the gizmo sort, though -- quite the contrary, actually -- rather, features of the "Mother Nature will thank you" sort. As its name suggests, the phone appears to be an evolved version of the rather plain 3110 classic, a phone that features a 1.3 megapixel cam, FM radio, and a tri-band GSM radio. Certainly nothing to write home about there, but the Evolve's claim to fame is that it's rocking "bio-covers" made with over 50 percent renewable materials and comes in a box made of 60 percent recycled stuff. On the technical side, the Evolve's charger is Nokia's most efficient ever, delivering juice at a full 94 percent below Energy Star specifications. Looks like the Greenpeace love is destined to continue, eh? No word on pricing or availability for the 3110 Evolve just yet.
Griffin's Evolve wireless iPod speakers start shipping
We first saw Griffin's Evolve wireless iPod speakers way back in January at CES, and it looks like they're finally shipping. The detachable speakers each contain a battery with enough juice to last 10 hours, and the Evolve base can charge both the speaker cubes and a docked iPod. Apparently Best Buy is getting the exclusive here -- the system costs $299 at ol' Blue, but those of you morally opposed to bricks and mortar can cough up an extra $50 and buy direct from Griffin for $350.[Via Macworld]
New Sprint site hints at "wireless evolution" on Independence Day
Sprint seems set to evolve something or another on Independence Day this year, and while the flash is trippy, we have no real clue what's up. The teaser shows a countdown to the big day along with a few keywords such as music, messaging, TV, search, and Navigation. While none of these point to a specific tech or device, forums are a buzzin' with dreams that it is for something like WiMAX, or even a complete national roll-out of EV-DO rev. A. Either way, we will keep the site refreshin' and see how long we can continue kinda lovin' the song in the Flash animation.[Via WirelessInfo.com]
The future of console hardware design
The next generation has just barely become the new generation, but the folks at Semiconductor Insights are already thinking about what might be under the hood of the next generation of consoles. In an article at TechOnline, SI manager Allan Yogasingam discusses how the focus of system design has tilted from simple cosmetics for the Atari 2600 to "cost, heat [management], cooling and [efficiency] test." in the 30 years since.That cost bit might be the most important -- SI manager Greg Quirk predicts Sony and Microsoft will soon introduce 65 nanometer processors to reduce the costs associated with their current, 90-nanometer-chip systems. Yogasingam also predicts that the drive for cost reduction might lead console makers to look towards "second- and third-tier chip and software vendors " for the next generation. Someone better warn IBM that their gravy train might be in jeopardy. What else is likely to be in the next generation of hardware? The SI team thinks 802.11n wireless, tilt-sensitive MEMS controller sensors and other entertainment features are likely to stay hot, but that's not exactly rocket science. Where are the bold predictions for things like laser cannon attachments and Holodeck-style projectors.
Macworld 2007 Show Floor Showoff: Griffin Technology
We continue to relive the wonder and joy that was Macworld Expo 2007 with yet another showfloor interview. I got a chance to speak with Jackie from Griffin Technology about the Evolve and the Amplifi. Both iPod speaker systems sound impressive, though the Evolve is a little more exciting. Check the video for more details.You can grab an iPod ready version of the interview here.
Griffin's new iPod speakers Evolve -- beyond wireless
You didn't think the Mac-daddy of iPod accessories was going to go through CES, letting other companies show off wireless speakers for the famed MP3 player without throwing down its own now did you? The Evolve is a $350 system that comprises of a dock, RF remote, and two rechargeable, wireless speakers. The system streams "CD quality sound" over an unspecified wireless protocol as far as 150-feet. Finally, the dock doubles as a charger for the iPod as well as the speakers. There is however, no date specified yet for release.[Via iLounge]
Divineo 'evolves' PSP face plates
If Divineo's chrome PSP faceplate wasn't your bag, the Talismoon Evolve series might be.According to Divineo, everything needed to create a new-look PSP is included in a single package, consisting of the faceplate color of your choice, an illustrated diagram, hardened steel jeweler's screwdriver, a dazzling set of diamond series buttons as well as a finely made polishing cloth to preserve the appearance of your PSP for years to come. If you want a custom look for your PSP but can't afford one of Sony's Signature PSPs, this may be an excellent way to go. And for only $15, you won't be out too much if you don't end up liking it. However, keep in mind that removing your face plate will void your PSP's warranty.[Via DCEmu]
Intense first Pokemon Diamond/Pearl footage: walking around
No, it's not the most amazing of clips. Still, we get to see the new pseudo-3D art style and hear a bitchin' remix of a traditional Pokemon fanfare. Nintendo has been relatively tight-lipped about its sure-to-sell-a-million-units franchise, but Pokemon Diamond and Pearl are well on their way to becoming yet another triple-A DS title. There are a lot of those, these days.[Thanks, Dwarpdesign!]
