expo
Latest
E For All not for Sony, others
IDG Entertainment is running into a little trouble crafting "a follow-up to the now-defunct E3 Expo." Firing Squad is reporting that Sony Computer Entertainment will not be attending the upcoming E For All Expo.Along with the major console maker, publishers NCSoft, Sega and Capcom will also be missing the October show, according to FiringSquad. The show won't be a total bust, though: Nintendo and EA will be there, along with THQ, Konami, Namco, Intel and NVIDIA.These losses are a pretty major blow as the new show tries to become a must-attend event. Any show that's going to replace E3 is going to have to quickly build up to a critical mass of publisher attention to draw in the press and consumer interest that makes an expo work.
Nintendo at Tokyo Game Show 2007?
The talk around town is that Nintendo might have a significant presence this year at the traditionally Sony-dominated Tokyo Game Show, going so far as to secure a booth. The video game trade show hasn't made much of an effort to include Nintendo in the past, as the company stuck to the Space World expo and its own events to make announcements. But with the Wii's current momentum and Dragon Quest IX: Defenders of the Sky set to appear on the Nintendo DS, leaving Nintendo out of TGS just doesn't make sense. Wired's Chris Kohler has an interesting post on how Nintendo's attendance at the September event will affect the console market in Japan and what the company might present at the convention. Playable DQIX demos of seem given, but we're sure that Nintendo has a lot more planned for the biggest dedicated video game show in Japan. What games and announcements are you looking forward to hearing about?
Origami TV Remote Control redefines remote simplicity
Every so often, it pays to go completely and utterly against the grain, so while Logitech and friends are pumping out remote controls that could arguably be used in another life to launch space shuttles, the Origami TV Remote Control delivers just the basics for those who don't mix well with instruction manuals. The device, shown at the Work in Progress Show of Design Interactions in London, was designed for youngsters (and let's face it, adults too) who are downright intimidated with the smorgasbord of remotes used in most homes to "get the TV to work." This two-handed controller brings back fond memories of a paper-related game we all played in grade school, and is apparently used to dictate "only the essential functions" of a TV set such as channel selection and volume control. Designed by 1-week Electronics, the cordless remote reportedly relied on a sensor board and "Max/MSP" to get the signals across, and while we do appreciate the beautiful simplicity, the geek in us can't help but wonder what one of these bad boys in each hand could accomplish with a well-integrated DVR setup.[Via Uber-Review]
E for All advertised at Macworld Expo
IDG World Expo, the company that puts on the Macworld Expo, is already advertising its Tea for Two Expo E for All Expo at this Mac convention with stacks of fliers greeting show visitors. (We hope there's a Mac games audience here this week; is that the reason for the fliers? Is IDG Expo just trying to reach show-goers on the way to the iPhone?)Of course, it's hard to predict the show vibe of the EA Expo E for All Expo, but these cards and their edgy Halloween font scream "attitude to the max" or maybe just "quick turnaround." If E3 died because it cost exhibitors too much to cause a scene -- waving shiny models at retailers and the media -- here's hoping that E4EVR E for All reigns in some of the hype. Nah, who are we kidding? If it's aimed at a consumer audience, won't that just be an excuse for more noise?See the full fliers after the break.
E for All Expo takes the reigns, stays in Los Angeles
Those of you so deeply saddened and hurt by E3's sudden departure can take heart, as there's a new trade show coming to town, and hopefully it'll be half as good as the tried-and-true Electronic Entertainment Expo of days past. Slated to open its doors to the public and adoring media on October 18th through the 20th, the Entertainment for All Expo sports a kinder, more inviting title, that apparently hopes to focus more on the general public rather than industry insiders and advertising giants. Clearly hoping to garner more attention by continually stating that "this show is for everyone," IDG World Expo also claims that we kiddos will be able to "test drive the latest in games and gadgetry" as well as purchase things we like right on site. So while it'll (probably) never live up the expo of old, we're still down with ginormous trade shows with too much to do in not nearly enough time, and hey, now you've already got something to look forward to in October.
Toshiba's 55-inch SED TV to be a no-show at CES
If you had high hopes of seeing Toshiba's "soon-to-be-released" SED TV showcased at CES in just a few weeks, well, you can probably already read the writing on the wall. Unsurprisingly, the set has seemingly hit another snag on its journey to retail reality, as Toshiba has announced that "technical issues" will keep the 55-inch surface conduction electron emitter display from being present at the show. While another delay hasn't exactly been confirmed, in all likelihood there's yet another one behind the scenes, and it could be due to the tension between Canon (Toshiba's partner) and Nano-Proprietary. Reportedly, the two firms are in "closed-door settlement talks" over licensed technology to be used on SED TVs, and the matters at hand could be forcing Toshiba's hand to hold back at CES. Nevertheless, it's a shame we won't be getting up close and personal with the mystical display in just a few weeks, but Toshiba feels that the issue(s) should be "resolved soon," and insinuated that we'd see a demo here in the States before too long.
NYU shows its stuff at the Winter 2006 ITP
When hordes of folks gather 'round to show off various forms of gadgetry or design-influenced niceties, we can't help but stare, and while we weren't able to attend NYU's Winter 2006 ITP show like we were last year (and the year before), we were there in spirit, and now we're bringing you the pics. While there's far too much to cover here, a few highlights included the solar (iPod-charging) bikini, which gave the fellas an excellent excuse to gander at such a fanciful article of clothing, the "Botanicallss" plant that lets you know when it needs some lovin', a 3D display known only as the "Orb," and a MIDI-enabled guitar pick. Of course, the LED-infused stones that lit up differently based on arrangement, child-proof rendition of the iRocker music chair, and the motion-activated lamps were all showstoppers as well. So if you're craving a glimpse into the hereafter, be sure to hit the links below to see just how bright (and zany) the not-so-distant future is.[Via MAKE]
Wii documented at GAME1 Expo
During the recently-concluded GAME1 Expo, a show dedicated gaming in Melbourne, Australia, Aussie-Nintendo took a ton of footage from the Wii games on-hand. With separate videos documenting their times with Wii Play, Twlight Princess and WarioWare: Smooth Moves.They also have video of the console powering on and setting up, which has been included along with all of the other videos into the post, embedded past the break.
CEDIA 2006 was a total success
We went and saw everything CEDIA had to offer but we weren't the only ones that had a great time. This years expo posted an eight percent increase in attendants over last years making it the most successful show they have ever hosted. There was more the 600 exhibitors showing off the latest and greatest they have in the custom install market signaling 100 more then last previous years and the best news is there was room for even more booths. Not many as the Denver Convention Center was packed but we are sure they could find more room for the '07 (Sept. 5-9) and '08 (Sept. 3-7) shows.
Steve Jobs will not give Apple Expo Paris keynote
Our hearts go out to all the Apple Expo Paris attendees in the audience, for Steve Jobs will not be giving a keynote yet again this year. In fact, there won't be any keynote at all. A show representative confirmed this keynote-less announcement with Macworld UK, citing that, while Apple has seen "significant" market share gains in France lately, they also mention the whole 'open up your FairPlay, or else' issue the French government is trying to force on Apple.That doesn't seem like a very good reason for Jobs to stop delivering his theatrical keynotes, though he was having surgery during 2004's paris expo, and for some odd reason didn't give a keynote at '05's Expo either. I guess the closest you'll be able to get to Mr. Jobs this time around is some hi-res desktop wallpapers.
New MacBreak podcast from Leo and friends
Yet another vidcast (and site) from Leo and friends has launched in the iTMS by the name of MacBreak (iTMS link). Its inaugural episode stars Leo Laporte, Alex Lindsay, Amber MacArthur and a new face in the Leo party: Emery Wells. This first episode is roughly 30 minutes of video coverage from the Macworld Expo floor, with the gang running around checking out iPod accessories, the Best in Show software award winners, AJA video cards, new iLife goodness and, of course, the new Intel Macs. I actually thought the Mac section was a bit interesting, as Leo interviews an Apple rep on the new MacBook Pros and tosses a few curve balls, giving the rep a good run for his money.It's a great first episode, and the vidcast as a whole shows a lot of potential. It's very well produced (thanks to Alex and the Pixel Corps, maybe?), with great special effect transition goodness and a professional flow not found in many other podcasts. Definitely check it and their site out, as I'm sure there is much to come.
Macworld Expo Boston 06, we hardly knew ye
Even though we've had meetups at and reports from Macworld Expo Boston, and even though Dave Caolo all but promised us Macworld was staying in Boston, it appears more powerful forces were at work, as Macworld is reporting that Macworld Expo Boston has been cancelled - for good. The reason is no surprise: support and attendance. Both have been dwindling since IDG World Expo moved the summer Macworld expo back to Boston from NY, despite Apple pulling out in 2004. IDG World Expo has stated they'll still be working closely with Apple to put on a darn snazzy San Francisco expo from here on out. Honestly I'm kind of surprised. I know support and interest have been slowly declining, but Apple is on such a hot streak right now that I figured the event would rebound sooner or later. So what really gives? Is Apple "that guy" who just has to be at the party to get things rockin?[via MacSlash]
No Jobs keynote at Mac Expo Paris
Apple has confirmed today that Steve Jobs will not be delivering a keynote speech at Mac Expo in Paris later this month. Instead, Apple executives (including Jobs) will host a Q&A with members of the media. "Yes, Steve will be at Apple Expo with other members of Apple's executive team," said Apple spokesperson Bill Evans in a comment to Macworld.No reason was given for the cancellation.Thanks, Fabienne!
We'll always have Paris... or will we?
Apple unveiled the iMac G5 at Apple Expo in Paris last summer. The Powerbooks were introduced there in 2003. In other words, there's a history of Apple announcing super-cool hardware at the Apple Expo. This has many speculating about what this year's Paris Expo (Sept. 20-24) has in store for Apple fans. Steve Jobs is expected to give the keynote at the Palais des Congres on the morning of September 20, and we know from experience that Steve doesn't get out of bed too early in the morning for just anything. Still, Apple won't officially confirm or deny Steve's flight plans for that week.So what, if anything, do you think will be unveiled? Will we get a 2.0GHz G4 Powerbook as a fond farewell to the PowerPC line? Or a Powerbook G5? Maybe a renamed portable lineup (Gigabook has a nice ring to it)? A color-screened iPod mini? A higher capacity iPod shuffle? Will the Power Mac G5 finally hit or break the 3.0GHz barrier? A new Mighty Keyboard to match the Mighty Mouse? A pony? C'mon... everyone loves ponies!Your guess is as good as ours... so start your predictions below.
Apple hardware at Macworld Boston
This year I have been lucky enough to convince the suits at my day job to send me to Macworld Boston. I went last year, too, and attended a couple of very informative workshops on Filemaker Pro. This year I'll be learning about Xserve administration, since we got a shiny, new one not long ago. Sure, Apple doesn't participate in Boston's Macworld, but that doesn't mean you can't have fun. Last year, I almost met Chris Breen, but that's a different story entirely...Apple's absence doesn't mean a lack of Apple hardware, either. This summer's expo will feature a Specialists Pavillion, which will be demonstrating a number of goodies, including Power Mac G5s, Xserve and Xserve RAIDs, iMac G5s and Mac Minis. Apple Specialists are a network of independent dealers formed to create brand awareness of the Apple Specialist channel through national advertising, marketing and Specialist-only promotions. No ". . one more thing," but still fun.
