Fusion
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Within a Deep Forest creator Nifflas interviewed
Two very small, unassuming freeware platform games have made a big splash in the indie gaming community: Within a Deep Forest and Knytt. Created with Multimedia Fusion, a game creation suite similar to Game Maker, designer Nifflas wanted to make something different than the thousands of platformers swarming the internet.Nifflas' games focus on exploration and intrigue, breaking a few gaming conventions along the way. Both WaDF and Knytt feature large game worlds with very few enemies and tons of secrets to uncover. Knytt has practically no background music and instead relies on ambient sounds played at key points during the game.PlanetFreeplay has just posted an interview with Nifflas who is hard at work on a new game. He continues to forge ahead with his current philosophy to create more of exactly what we want. These games may look simple, but they're just as epic as many commercial titles on the market. Plus, they're free.
Macworld 2007 Show Floor Showoff: VMware
Virtualization is the new black in the Mac market these days. I got a chance to talk with Pat who is the product manager of VMware for the Mac (aka Fusion). VMware is the granddaddy of virtualization, and a 'big deal' in that space. Pat gives us an overview of what VMware is trying to do with Fusion and a glimpse at their software philosophy.If you would rather view this view in QuickTime an iPod video formated version can be found here.
BT's Fusion VoIP service loosed on the WiFi public
Good news punters, BT's Fusion wireless VoIP / cellular offering will be turned loose for home use tomorrow. Even better, the new system will use WiFi rather than Bluetooth like the system we previously saw. The service is designed to work with BT's OpenZone WiFi hotspots and should initially support three UMA handsets: the Nokia 6136, Motorola A910, and Samsung's P200 before the month is out. A total of 20 handsets should be up and running on the service by Q3 2007, according to BT. Initially, Fusion will only be sold to customers of BT's own broadband service with a more open plan, including a pre-pay option coming later in the year.
AMD's revamped roadmap unveils APUs, Hawks, and Griffins
While we've had plenty of time to digest Intel's path forward, we've been critiquing AMD's latest efforts rather than gazing down their intriguing roadmap. Nevertheless, a (presumably yawn-inducing) four-hour presentation yielded a few noteworthy tidbits about where AMD's headed, and how it plans to arrive. The firm insinuated that Intel's gazillion-core approach was simply rehashing the megahertz race, and said it would be focusing it efforts instead on Accelerated Processing Units (APUs). Although the composition is still a bit vague, the devices will supposedly be "multi-core chips that include any mix of processor cores and other dedicated processors," such as discrete units for graphics, physics, audio, video, encoding, etc. While a dash of this has already been divulged when we heard about Fusion, it looks likes AMD's getting pretty serious about it now. Additionally, the desktop roadmap didn't deviate from what we'd previously seen, but the firm plans to unveil a new power-conscience "Hawk" processor to replace the current Turion 64 X2 and Mobile Sempron chips. Moreover, it's working on offering up a hybrid graphics solution, which would see discrete GPUs disabled when unplugged from a power source, letting the integrated graphics set take over and conserve juice. Finally, the company plans to introduce yet another mobile chip (dubbed Griffin) in late 2007 that will reportedly support split power planes and HyperTransport 3.0, hopefully meaning that it'll be based on a quad-core architecture. While we don't exactly recommend sitting through the entire webcast, those who eat, sleep, and drink circuitry can hit the read link for the full (and we do mean full) skinny.[Via TechReport, thanks Keaton]
Samsung unveils Powerhouse Fusion memory, dubbed OneDRAM
Being that Kingston went and introduced its own blazing fast DDR2 RAM, Samsung's hitting back by announcing its Powerhouse Fusion Memory Solution, dubbed OneDRAM. But Samsung's not gunning for the gamer's wallet necessarily, as its new device is specifically geared towards "handsets, game consoles, and other digital applications such as 3D graphic work." By taking a "dual-port" approach, the RAM "sharply increases" the time it takes to transfer data between processors, not to mention reducing power consumption by 30-percent. Moreover, Samsung claims that "a single OneDRAM module can replace at least two mobile memory chips in a high-end smartphone," further stating that "five-fold" speed increases were realizable in cellphone response and gaming console operations. While we're not sure how much Samsung plans to charge cellphone / console manufacturers for this snazzy new module, you can expect to see handsets loaded with OneDRAM "by the second half of 2007."
VMWare Fusion beta round up
Virtualization on the Mac is heating up, and Parallels isn't the only company with some stakes in the game. VMWare, the Juggernaut of the virtualization world, has been running a private beta of their Mac client, Fusion, for awhile now. They point to a few bloggers' thoughts on the product in a recent post to the company's blog. Some people aren't too thrilled with the simplifed 'wizard' setup that Fusion exposes to the user. They want to be able to tweak more settings, though I imagine the typical OS X user will just want to get Windows (or another OS) running as soon as possible.It seems to be quick, versatile, and fairly solid in beta. I'm hoping to get my hands on the client myself and put it through its paces, but there is no denying that this is an exciting time to be a Mac user.
VMWare's Fusion begins private beta
Some beta testers that we won't name for their own protection have let us know that VMWare is now ready to take Parallels to task in the desktop virtualization market with Fusion.What is Fusion? According to the private beta site... "Fusion is the codename for a new VMware desktop product for Mac that will enable Intel-based Macs to run x86 operating systems, such as Windows, Linux, NetWare and Solaris, in virtual machines at the same time as Mac OS X. It is built on VMware's robust and advanced desktop virtualization platform that is used by over four million users today."Fusion boasts the following features and benefits: Ability to create and run a wide variety of x86 operating systems on OS X without rebooting. You can easily create virtual machines and run multiple operating systems simultaneously on Mac OS X. In addition, you can download and run any of the 300 virtual appliances available on VMware's Technology Network. Easily share files between OS X and guest operating system. You can simply drag and drop files between OS X and virtual machines to easily share files between the two environments. Access physical devices from the virtual machine. You can access physical devices such as CD ROM drives, video cameras, iPods, printers and high-speed disks from the virtual machine. Leverage Virtual SMP capabilities to gain additional performance improvement. You can assign more than a single CPU (on supported hardware with Intel Core Duo CPU) to gain additional performance for CPU-intensive workloads. Consolidate onto your Mac: If you need a PC to run specific applications that are not supported on your Mac, you can consolidate onto your Mac by running the PC environment in a virtual machine. In addition to space savings, consolidating onto your Mac reduces hardware, power and cooling costs. Safely evaluate software in isolated virtual machines: You can evaluate non-OS X applications safely on your Mac by running them in an isolated virtual machine. If the application crashes or corrupts the system, your Mac is not affected. Run over 300 virtual appliances: You can download any of the over 300 virtual appliances - preinstalled and preconfigured applications packaged with an operating system in a virtual machine - available from VMware's Technology Network. Setting up a wiki or blog server has never been easier. Fusion supports all Intel Mac hardware, including the new 64-bit Mac Pro and iMac. Your virtual machines can have multiple virtual processors, taking advantage of the Intel Core Duo chips in today's newest Intel Macs. Fusion supports high-speed USB 2.0 for a huge range of devices. Even devices that do not have drivers for Mac OS X will work in a virtual machine. Simply drag and drop files and folders in and out of your virtual machines to transfer your data. We'll keep you posted with more on how Fusion measures up as the beta progresses. Looks like a winner so far, though!
AMD and ATI finally tie the knot, embark on "Fusion" honeymoon
We all knew it was just a matter of time, but AMD has finally completed its $5.4 billion acquisition of ATI, after jumping through all the necessary regulatory and shareholder hoops. They sure aren't wasting any time, either. The newly joined pair is taking this special moment to announce their upcoming -- and totally expected -- integrated platforms, which should debut in 2007 and will present a rough equivalent to Intel's integrated offerings. However, the new AMD also has a new "Fusion" technology in the works which goes quite a bit beyond regular old integrated graphics. The "new class of x86 processor" integrates the CPU and GPU at the silicon level, supposedly allowing for better performance-per-watts and all other kinds of good times. This sort of "modular" processing has a lot of potential, and we should be seeing Fusion-based products in late 2008 or early 2009. The chips are supposed to make it into everything from laptops to desktops to servers, and could provide a delightful twist to the AMD vs. Intel wars everybody is gearing up for.[Via Randomly Accessed]
In2Games' "Fusion" controller spices up next-gen motion sensing
Hoo boy, now it's really on. Sure, motion sensing controllers have existed in some sense or another for a while now, but ever since Nintendo got into the game with their Wiimote, and Sony followed suit with the SIXAXIS, a good bit of interesting tech is starting to surface. Case in point, the new motion-sensing tech from In2Games, codenamed "Fusion," takes things to a whole new level, providing for accurate on-screen representation of your motions, not just an approximate like on the Wii or the PS3. The tech apparently works with "sound waves and other technical wizardry," though those dots on the various controller remind us a bit of a motion capture setup. The benefit of all this is that your motions are tracked just as they happen in real space, and you don't need to have the controller pointed at the sensor for it to work. Of course, as demonstrated by video demonstration of the unit, this also means you'll need a good bit of room to swing your arms, and might make things like same console multiplayer quite difficult. There's also the fact that software support will be relatively minimal, but In2Games is making things as easy as possible, since the sensor connects via USB, and therefore should be interoperable with the next-gen consoles. They should be launching Fusion Q3 '07 for "sub-£30" (around $56 US), so that shouldn't be too hard to swallow either. Along with tennis, baseball, lightsaber, golf and bowling controllers pictured above, the Fusion controller also comes in a version shaped like a traditional next-gen controller, but which can be split apart for performing motion-sensed moves. It's pictured after the break.[Via Joystiq]
360 to get Wii style control
We saw this article on Joystiq this morning, muttered a heartfelt "meh" and moved on. Lucky for us, a gut instinct told us we should look again. A company by the name of In2Games has created a new control method -- codenamed "fusion" -- that could be a potential Wii buster. The technology uses sound waves and In2Games claims that it is more accurate than either the PS3 or Wii motion sensing controllers -- which operate using gyroscopes and IR sensors. The major claim is that In2Games' controllers will work even when pointed away from the screen. There are several videos of the technology in action (controller, tennis, and bowling) and it does look impressive, though the skeptic in us will note that there is a definite delay between movement and onscreen response. Says Elliot Myers, Managing Director of In2Games, "We've got the best technology, with incredible functionality allowing developers to produce exciting new games specifically for the system - taking advantage of its unique features - or to allow titles which use motion sensing to be published on any platform. It's an exceptional proposition - for the industry and for consumers. We can't wait to begin showing it off."If the technology pans out, it could lead to motion sensing controllers for every console and even the PC. Of course, the past has shown that developers are loath to develop games specifically for a third party peripheral so, we have our doubts as to how successful it will be. Still, with both Sony and Nintendo banking on motion sensing this generation, it's interesting to see a third party step in with (arguably) more impressive tech. What say you? Do you want motion sensitive games on the 360, or do you love it just the way it is?[Via Joystiq]
New motion-sensing tech is Wii-beater?
Computer and Video Games has the scoop on a new motion-sensing controller technology from In2Games codenamed "fusion." The article says that the USB-based, multi-platform control system uses "sound waves and other technical wizardry" to sense the controllers position and orientation in space.Sounds kind of ho-hum when both Nintendo and Sony are building motion-sensing technology into their standard controllers. But after a short demo, C&VG is ready to declare that the new system "offers a much more advanced means of control than Nintendo's forthcoming console." Indeed, a video of the system in action show a tennis racquet controller that mimics every real world move on-screen with incredible accuracy. Other videos show a bowling controller and a PS3-style prototype that splits apart for independent hand movements.With Nintendo and Sony both investing so much into gyroscope- and IR-based controllers, this new, more accurate technology has the potential to be a spoiler when it comes out in Q3 2007. Forget the console wars... we may be entering the age of the controller wars.(Thanks YimTaka)
A reader documents their Nintendo Fusion attendance
One of our readers from the Detroit area recently attended the Nintendo Fusion Tour there and, like the class A reader he is, caught a whole bunch of the show on film, including play time with the Wii. Of course he did, we aren't a music blog after all!So head on into the post to see the embedded videos, presented after the break.[Thanks Ali!]
Fusion Tour demonstration videos
One tech-savvy attendee of Nintendo's Fusion Tour decided to snap up some footage of a few of the available games at the event. In playing Excite Truck, Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam, and Wii Boxing, they've filmed themselves playing plenty for you to gawk at, fine reader.As always, videos are embedded into the post, after the break.[Via Go Nintendo]
Nintendo Fusion Tour begins, no one listens to the music
Truth be told, if you're headed off to one of the Nintendo Fusion Tour in numerous locations around the country, you're probably not heading there for the music. Hawthorne Heights and Relient K may excite the plebian youth, but not seasoned and impossibly articulate gamers such as ourselves. No, we are drawn to higher forms of art and diversion. Like, you know, pretending to hula hoop to earn a green checkmark on a bright screen.In any case, the NFT kicked off with its opening act in Columbus, Ohio last night, and we've got some early impressions of the event. Wii and DS units galore, but nothing Earth-shattering, save perhaps for the mysterious disappearance of the glowing blue light from the propietary slot-loading DVD drive. It's a rather disturbing absence, as that remains on the coolest aesthetic features of the console. Is it gone for good? Read the full impressions after the jump.
Fusionnnnn Frennnzyyy!...um...2!
Microsoft announced today that the sequel to Fusion Frenzy -- creatively titled, Fusion Frenzy 2 -- will be released in the US in time for the holidays. The title is being developed by Hudson (Mario Party, Bomberman) and published by Microsoft Game Studios. For those unfamiliar with the original Xbox title (pictured above), Fuzion Frenzy is a party game full of frantic minigames and eXtreMe! character designs. It's kind of like Mario Party without all the boring board game sections (oh, snap!).It will be interesting to see what Hudson does with the franchise -- the original game was developed by Blitz games, who are currently working on another 360 game, Possession. Anybody itching for a good 360 party game?[Thanks, Paul]
Go to concert, play with the Wii
As gamers, you're probably only concerned with music composed by Nobuo Uematsu or Michiru Yamane, when in fact there is a whole world of alternatives, good alternatives out there. So do yourself a bit of good, go out into that wide world (watch out for bears) and discover things for yourself. Oh, and while you're out there, why not attend a concert and play with the Wii. Some of the bands playing in the Nintendo Fusion Tour 2006 are Hawthorne Heights, Relient K, Emery, and The Plain White T's. There's no mention as to what capacity the Wii's presence will be in at the show, but something is better than nothing, eh? For those who did not get to try the console at the yearly Electronic Entertainment Expo, this is a good chance to give it a spin before it launches. [Via Codename Revolution]
Maxtor Fusion personal media hub launched
Remember Project Fusion? Well that effort to consolidate, then turn your media loose on the web via Fabrik's software and Maxtor's disks is now product. Seagate's Maxtor Fusion personal media hub holds up to 500GBs of your digital content which can be shared both privately and publicly via a web browser. Fabrik's so-called "webtop" interface makes use of AJAX and tags to provide the responsiveness and drag-n-drop flexibility generally associated with desktop apps and supports browser plug-ins for both Windows Media Player and QuickTime for seamless access to slideshows, videos, and music independent of platform. Kind of like your own You Tube and Flickr service in a box, eh? The Maxtor Fusion features a 7200RPM 500GB disk, Gigabit Ethernet, and 2 x USB 2.0 ports. Available now for $799 exclusively from J&R Music in NYC with more retailers on deck for the summer.
BT launches Glide bluetooth home phone
Not surprising that along with BT's Fusion wireless / landline service, they're launching the BT Glide, another foray shoehorning cellphone tech into the landline handset (this time Bluetooth). Doesn't seem like it does all the interesting things we'd hope it would, like pair with our computers or have built-in VoIP (then again, why would it?), but it does use Bluetooth to communicate to the base and can sync contacts, sends texts, and basically generally pretend to be smart enough to make it seem appealing to use when even your lower end cellphones nowadays have features never even considered for most landline handsets. That £179.99 ($336 US) sale price though, ouch; somehow even a heavy carrier subsidy (which you're not gonna get) makes it a tough sell.[Via TechDigest]
Maxtor shows new storage products
We're still trying to cut through the jargon in Maxtor's latest press release (which may be the first we've seen that actually manages to fit "Web 2.0" and "tipping point" into a single sentence), but once you manage to pare it down, it turns out the company is announcing one new product, teasing about another, and providing some more info about a deal we checked out earlier. The new product is the Maxtor Shared Storage II, a NAS for home and office users, offering RAID storage, gigabit Ethernet and up to 1TB of space. The teased product is the One Touch III Mini Edition (pictured), a one-inch thick drive that can hold up to 100GB of data and which will, according to Maxtor, include "an industry first." Details, including that "first," will be available later this month. Oh, and the deal? As we previously noted, Maxtor's working with Fabrik on something called "Project Fusion," which sounds like an online backup service that will take advantage of Maxtor's One Touch interface to make it easier to store and share files on a hosted server. Pricing is expected to range from a free service to one costing about $50 a year, depending on storage and feature needs. We're looking forward to it; we need something that will, in Maxtor's words, help us "truly harness [our] content."
iPod appears in Ford ad
The practice of aligning your own product with another cool device is nothing new. Check out this ad for the Ford Fusion. It starts, oddly enough, with a full-on shot of an iPod. Some sort of odd "bubbles" float out of the iPod, through the air and eventually into the Fusion, as if to say, "Watch as the iPod's 'coolness' is transferred into our car." It's Ford's intention to reach that coveted 25-35 year old demographic with the spot, and "...[it] plays into that generation's love of technology and their love of music. Also, the iPod is so iconic that people stop to watch the ad," says Linda Perry-Lube, car communications manager for Ford. So now the iPod itself is being used to sell other items. As Slate notes, " [that's] because people think it's a new iPod ad."So, what's the effect on you, the consumer? Does the Fusion seem cooler, or does the iPod seem less so having been pawned out like this?[Via AdJab]
