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Clearwire's WiMAX ordained with official Atlanta launch
Sure, Clearwire has actually been running its WiMAX network in Atlanta for six weeks already, but that technicality isn't stopping the company from deciding now is the time to "launch" the service in the metro area, with an appropriately-sized marketing blitz to boot. Portland travelers already using the service should feel at home now with their own personal 4G network to keep them company while they engorge on the recommended dosage of Chik-Fil-A sandwiches and Varsity chili dogs. Prices are identical to what we've already heard and, yes, even though the company just quietly launched the service in Las Vegas, expect to see the delayed red carpet rollout for that city sometime later this Summer.
LG's dumbphone haul for AT&T: Shine 2, "Georgia," and something else?
It should come as no surprise that AT&T would be eager to replace one of its more popular, longer-lasting dumbphone staples with more modern hardware that retains the original's major selling points -- so when we found documentation backing up an earlier rumor that there was a Shine 2 in the works for later this year, we didn't bat an eye. Specs on this one should include a 2.2-inch QVGA display, 2 megapixel fixed focus cam, Bluetooth 2.1, microSD expansion, and 3.6Mbps HSDPA. We've got a tiny picture of this sucker in the gallery below, but it came equipped with a big "TBD" over the top of it (which we removed), so we're skeptical that this is the final ID of the device. Moving on, the "Georgia" -- pictured above -- is a slightly higher-end slider with a 2.8-inch wide QVGA display, accelerometer, 3 megapixel camera, and MediaFLO support. We're actually more curious about the phone that was clipped out of the shot to the left, though; the little snippet you see here is all we have, and we don't have any documentation to suggest whether it's coming to AT&T. Any juicy guesses? Update: We've had a couple folks point out now that the Shine 2 appears to be a picture of the KF510. Whether the actual device will really be a branded, North American KF510 is unclear (we're still wondering about that "TBD" that had been slapped on there). Thanks, everyone!
CCP honored with two awards for innovation
While the latest EVE Online expansion, Apocrypha, has hit the main server and the retail boxes for EVE have reappeared on game store shelves, CCP has been busy winning awards for all of their work with EVE.CCP's awards include the Icelandic Innovation and Knowledge Award from the Association of Businessmen and Economists in Iceland as well as the 2009 Top 10 Innovative Technology Companies award from the Technology Association of Georgia.Both of these awards come from industry peers, a high honor for a company. CCP isn't going to be resting on their laurels, however, as they have pledged a heavy presence at this year's GDC in San Francisco.
Savannah giving one year of free work space to qualified developers
The Creative Coast Alliance and Savannah Economic Development Authority announced today that they will give up to one year of free rent to game developers in the Game Development and Digital Media Center, currently under construction on the first floor of a new office building along the Savannah River. The year of free space, when combined with the potential of 30 percent off in Georgia taxes, could equal significant savings for start-ups.We contacted Savannah-based game designer and industry advocate Brenda Brathwaite, who apparently spearheaded this program, which is being dubbed "the offer." She told us, "Having seen one company close after another, I know there are a lot of amazingly talented developers out there who would like to continue developing games. These are my friends in many cases, and I started to think of possible things that I could do to help."She continued, "I got the idea to approach the Savannah Economic Development Authority about this concept of free space for game developers. They're pretty progressive, but at the same time, I knew I was asking for a lot. When they not only agreed but were incredibly enthusiastic about it, I was honestly thrilled. After months of layoffs, it felt like a bit of sun on the proverbial horizon."
Atlanta's CBS affiliate transitions newscasts to high-definition
Hotlanta may be feeling the chill of winter right about now, but those looking for one more choice when it comes to watching the evening news in high-def can rejoice. As of this week, the region's CBS affiliate (WGCL) has converted its newscasts to HD, making it the third in Atlanta, Georgia to do so. Also of note, the CBS 46 branding has been trashed in favor of the altogether lovely CBS Atlanta logo you see above, and for those keeping inventory, FOX's WAGA now sits as the only local in the area not broadcasting news in high-definition. Anyone willing to wager that changes soon?[Thanks, Eric]
Comcast adds E!, Toon and Travel Channel HD in Augusta, Georgia
Augusta just picked up three from Comcast in late October, and now the famed Georgia town has another three to mount up on its wall. As the wave of expansion continues, Augusta has been struck with E! HD, Toon HD and Travel Channel HD. Any guesses where Comcast will strike next?[Thanks, Caleb]
DirecTV lights up HD locals in six new markets
DirecTV's a few months behind on finishing up its summer HD locals expansion, but we're pretty sure subscribers in six new markets are willing to forgive the delay now that their favorite broadcast networks are in shining high-def. As of now, customers in Boise, Idaho; Harlingen-Weslaco-Brownsville-McAllen, Texas; Macon, Georgia; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Traverse City-Cadillac, Michigan; and Fort Smith, Arkansas can tap into HD locals via DirecTV, and the satcaster can now claim that over 86% of US households are within range of 'em.
Comcast adds FX, FOX News and SPEED HD in Augusta, Georgia
With the weather growing a bit too chilly for golf in Augusta, wouldn't you say it's about time you stayed in for the night and caught some HDTV? Comcast sure thinks so, evidenced by the fresh trio of high-def channels that it beamed up to the aforesaid region over the weekend. As of now, Augusta-area subscribers can check out FOX News Channel HD, SPEED HD and FX HD, which ought to keep you occupied for at least a week or two.[Thanks, Caleb]
Move over Austin; Georgia aims to be the next big thing for game studios
When you think of game development meccas, your mind immediately points to Austin or San Francisco, right? You might even think of Seattle, or Boston too, but what about Georgia? That's right, the state most commonly-known for The Dukes of Hazzard, Jimmy Carter and peaches is fast becoming quite a hub for gaming technology and development studios lately.Not only does the state play host to gaming services such as Gametap and lottery giant Scientific Games, but they also house online gaming companies such as Hi-Rez Studios, Cartoon Network's latest online project and the North American divisions of CDC Games and EVE Online's CCP, who recently merged with Georgia's own White Wolf Studios. Electronic Arts operates an R&D lab in one of North America's premiere design schools: Savannah College of Art & Design in Savannah, Georgia. In fact, you may be surprised to hear that Georgia's video game industry is currently 60-companies strong, employing approximately 2,000 game professionals.
DirecTV uncorks HD locals in Springfield-Holyoke, MA / Savannah, GA
Now that we've officially hit fall here in the US of A, we suppose DirecTV should revamp is HD rollout plans to include this season. Nevertheless, the satcaster is slowly but surely wrapping up its summer plans by bringing HD locals to the Springfield-Holyoke, Massachusetts and Savannah, Georgia DMAs. Both markets can now tune into their local CBS, NBC and ABC affiliates in HD, though FOX was strangely omitted for both. Hope you weren't looking forward to the World Series in high-def or anything...Read - Springfield-Holyoke, MA rolloutRead - Savannah, Georgia
DirecTV adds HD locals in Chattanooga, Augusta, Johnstown-Altoona
Coming right back is DirecTV, just a few days after activating HD locals in New York and Nebraska comes word that Johnstown-Altoona, PA, Chattanooga, TN and Augusta, GA are the latest in its 44 planned local rollouts this summer/fall. Better hurry DirecTV, the days are already getting shorter. Beyond the read links is the list of newly-added local networks, proceed with caution, or reckless abandon, it's pretty much the same to us either way.Read - Johnstown-Altoona, PaRead - Chattanooga, TennRead - Augusta, Ga
Russian-Georgia conflict predicted by Ghost Recon
Tom Clancy might be this generation's Nostradamus. Although off by about three months, the first level in 2001's Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon is eerily familiar to the past week's events, where Russia and South Ossetian rebels have been fighting with Georgia. Unlike Ghost Recon, however, there has been no signs of US special forces armed with technologically advanced firepower and controlled by a mysterious "player."Scholars are already sifting through The Great Texts in anticipation of any potential conflicts in 2014 Mexico City.[Via Game Politics]
Georgia teen arsonists allegedly learned from GTA
The Grand Theft Auto blame-express keeps rolling on as three Georgia teens say they learned to make Molotov cocktails from the game. We must have skipped that level, is it the one with the points for the rape? WSBTV reports that the 15 and 16-year-old youths have been charged with 57 felony counts for a series of "car bombings" by Molotov cocktails.The real kicker here is that police figured out who the arsonists were by going to the local Wal-Mart and sifting through receipts. One had on it the purchase of "Sprite bottles, red rags and lighter fluid," then the cops pulled the tape for the time of the purchase to identify the suspects. Poor guys, the game allegedly taught them how to make their tools of destruction, but not how to get away with the crime. Pro Tip: Hop in a car and drive until out of the police's radius.[Via GamePolitics]
Hargray Communications adds more HD in South Carolina and Georgia
Hargray customers in Bluffton, Beaufort, Hardeeville, Ridgeland and Pooler, Ga may feel like the heavens have opened up and delivered unto them a great bounty, as the number of HD channels has increased from nine to 29 including most of the usual suspects like ESPN2 HD, Food Network HD and TLC HD. Sure, it's not 100+, but it's a start. Unfortunately left out are Hilton Head Island and Sun City Hilton Head customers, where The Island Packet reports HD is still in the testing phases. Topping things off, the new channels don't come with a rate increase - as long as you've got HD service and equipment they should be on by Wednesday. Check after the break for a list of all 29 HD channels.
Columbus, Georgia's WLTZ debuts HD newscasts
After hopping back in the local news game in November 2007 after a 14 year absence, WLTZ is out to show it means business. The Columbus, Georgia NBC affiliate has just announced that it will be delivering its local HD newscasts in high-definition from here on out, and according to Drew Rhodes, WLTZ general manager, the move "lends [the station] a lot of marketing credibility." In the Peach State, the only other broadcast networks with HD news are located in Atlanta, making this the first in the Chattahoochee Valley. Three HD news stations in all of Georgia -- what's up with that?
Comcast looking to sell outlying markets
Times are tough aoul over, and even cable giant Comcast isn't immune to a little tightening of the belt. Word coming out of Maine is that Comcast is looking to sell 46 of the markets on the outskirts of its footprint, mostly in Maine, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Mexico, Virginia, Georgia, West Virginia and California. The move is about more than just the monies that will be generated by selling off its subscriber eyeballs, though. At a going rate of $3,000 - $4,500 per subscriber, that's not an insignificant chunk of change, either. By geographically concentrating its service areas, it should be cheaper to deliver services, including the all-important "triple play." If you're affected by this selloff, we're hoping your HD lineup won't suffer for it.
AT&T quietly enables 2HD / 2SD U-verse service in more cities
Since activating dual HD streams in St. Louis earlier this month, AT&T has seemingly enabled the functionality in a handful of other cities without even an official peep. According to user reports stemming from Atlanta / Alpharetta, Georgia and certain sections of Michigan, they too are enjoying the luxury of recording one high-def program while viewing another live. We fully expect the carrier to spread the 2HD / 2SD service to more of the country here soon, but until it decides to open its own mouth, we'd highly recommend keeping an eye on your box for a certain surprise.
Georgia offers tax breaks to game industry
Apparently game developers can hitch a ride with the devil if they're looking for some tax breaks. According to the Duluth Weekly, Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue signed into law the 2008 Entertainment Industry Investment Act, which gives financial incentives to film, TV and game development. Bill Thompson, deputy commissioner of the Film, Music and Digital Entertainment Office, points out the law makes Georgia one of the few states with incentives for the video game industry.The signing took place at the studios of Turner Broadcasting, which not only runs several television stations, but also GameTap. The new incentives offer a 20% tax credit, with an additional 10% if it includes an animated Georgia promotional logo in the finished product. So, go on down to Georgia, developers. If you can survive the summers, they're giving away free money.[Via GamePolitics]
Comcast throws in AMC HD, TLC HD while it's down in Atlanta
Folks relying on Charter for their HD programming in Atlanta have had AMC HD for just under two months now, but based on user reports from the area (including Alpharetta), it seems as if Comcast is just now getting around to matching the offer. Shortly after introducing a trio of newcomers to the Peach State's capital, AMC HD and TLC HD have been tossed in late just for good measure. Unannounced, but very welcome.[Thanks, Rusty and Tim]
AT&T expands U-verse service in Atlanta, Georgia
Look out, Atlanta -- we know you're busy focusing on your hot-at-the-best-time Hawks, but it seems as if that U-verse trial launched in your city late last year went over stupendously well. Shortly after announcing that it surpassed the quarter-million subscriber mark during Q1 2008, the carrier has now announced that an undisclosed additional amount of Atlanta residents can now sign up for U-verse. Cited only as "expanded availability," AT&T is broadening the service in and around the city, and it's also noted that it plans on making it available to more domiciles throughout the area on an ongoing basis. One question, however, remains: When can we expect the service to spread en masse throughout the Southeast?