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Sony goes bling with new Champagne Gold [Update 1]
While us Americans have been stuck with black PSPs since its launch nearly two years ago, Japan has been collecting more and more unique colors. The newly revealed "Champagne Gold" PSP will hit Japan on February 22nd for the standard PSP price of 20,790 yen (~$175US).This is, coincidentally, when Monster Hunter Portable 2nd comes out, the most wanted PSP game in Japan. As with Tales of the World and Metal Gear Solid, Sony will bundle the new system color with the highly anticipated game into a special package, which will undoubtedly include some other collectibles. The premium package will go for 26,000 yen (~$218).[Via Playstation][Update 1: More details on the Monster Hunter bundle after the cut. Additional details via IGN.]
Gold and silver USB drives celebrate the Year of the Pig
While most of you may think we're just rolling along in 2007, you're probably just paying too close attention to that Gregorian calendar, as there's still a ways to go before the Year of the Pig is rung in. In a collaborative effort between the Beijing Zhongshi Boda Company and Lenovo, a limited run (9,999 to be exact) of gold and silver USB flash drives are being released with celebratory engravings on the sides. Each drive is made from "30 grams of its respective metals," and reportedly sports a purity level of 99.9-percent. Looking to woo folks who just can't get enough of that Chinese culture in the side of their computer, the devices feature a pig pattern and "2007" to commemorate the upcoming new year, and moreover, the Chinese characters "Jin Zhu Tian Fu" are inscribed, which translates to "may the gold pig bring you good fortune." We've no idea if silver users won't be nearly as lucky for typographical reasons, nor how much capacity these things actually have, but the sets should start selling soon for a whopping 9,999 CNY ($1,281) over in China.[Via Spluch & Engadget China]
WoWEconomy.com tracks the AH online
Curse points to an interesting new site that's taking on an idea a lot of players, I'm sure, have considered, if not hoped for: WoW Economy is a site that tries to finally monitor, and mirror on the web, real-time prices in the AHs on the different servers.Unfortunately, they're going uphill trying to implement something like this-- first and foremost, prices are different all over the servers, and that means that even if they come up with a price for something, there's no guarantee it'll sell for that on your server. They say they scan all the auction houses every day and provide information for trends, but if they only scan all the houses every day, the small collection of info they have is still pretty close to useless. (Not to mention the site is full of ads and a few spelling errors, but we'll give them a pass on that one-- buy any jewelry or mess around with a Flash paper doll lately?).On the other hand, I do have to give it to them: if you search for an item, they'll give you a price, right or not. They've even got a list of Most Traded and Most Valuable items (and it's kind of close to Blizzard's list... kind of). And they'll even track an item's listing over a period of time.But while it's the not most complete or worthwhile resource, it's one of the only resources we have on auction items on the web, so if you haven't yet installed the Auctioneer alpha, you might get a little use out of it. I'd like to see a few fewer ads and a few more pieces of valuable data, but I'll give them a B for effort... so far.
Why the IRS won't invade Azeroth
The Weekly Standard is the latest media publication to take up the flag on an interesting but so far theoretical subject: the idea of placing taxes on goods bought and sold in online universes, including our own World of Warcraft. Their latest issue has a look at the markets, both virtual and real, appearing around online games, and they claim the markets are "much bigger than you might expect."They quote both CNET and Wired on studies of the interaction between real and virtual dollars inside games like Project Entropia and Second Life, and come up with what seems like a pretty inflated figure to me: $880 million to $1 billion annually in the market for virtual goods. That, they say, is a big target for the IRS to go after. They end on a recent summit, at which an economist apparently claimed he was striving to determine "what is a taxable event in a virtual world."Interesting article, even though it does get a little bit too overspeculative at the end. For those of you who want it, my analysis is after the break. [ Thanks, Vince! ]
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Breakfast Club: Gold buying is naughty
We have had a lot of Breakfast Topics over the course of the past year. Some subjects are more popular than others. Some topics only appeal to certain classes. Some only to PVP junkies or the Naxx raiding crew. And then some topics completely explode and become the most commented on Breakfast Topic thread of the year. Gold buying and you is the topic that inspired more comments, and more arguments, than any post this year. It started innocently enough. One of my guildies mentioned he had bought gold, was promptly tossed from my guild, and I wrote a post about it. You guys took it from there. There seemed to be three camps of folks in the comment thread... People who don't condone gold buying under any circumstance. Shadowbrand hopes that those that buy gold get "ganked until the end of time." Pretty harsh! They blame the overpriced economy on gold farmers, and ultimately on the gold buyers. Gold buying is bad! Another, more neutral group, that while they don't buy gold, can see why someone might. Lykaon makes the point that gold farming equals time and time equals money. He thinks gold is easy to get, so he doesn't buy any, but he could see the rationale behind those that do. If you don't have the time to farm it, why not buy it? A rather vocal minority who believe that buying gold is just fine, and that everyone else is on the wrong page on this issue. Forsaken points out that he has bought plenty of gold, and having a wife and kids makes it too time consuming to spend hours and hours mindlessly farming. So there you have it. If you haven't read the comments in the gold buying Breakfast Topic, you really should. A lot of our readers went out of their way with some really excellent comments. Of course, some of the conversations get a little heated, but hey, it's still fun to read! And if you have any new opinions on gold buying, by all means, leave your comments right here!
The bling you just can't live without [update 2]
You know, as we walk in the 'hood with our decked out diamond chains, pinky rings, and various gaudy objects of choice, we can't help but feel that something is missing. We thought it was something like love, or a sense of self-respect, but that's just silly. Future Shop Accessories has shown us the truth: what we're missing from our lives isn't some intangible emotion or joy, but a bitchin' 18K gold DS Lite stylus.That's right. It's shiny. It's bling-tastic. And it's yours for only (Canadian) $19.99! Not to do their advertising for them, but this might just be the most important video gaming purchase of your lives. Don't miss out. Make like Midas and get clickin'.[Update 1: They appear to have run out of stock for the time being, but more should be available soon. Also, noted that the $19.99 was in CDN.][Update 2: They're back in stock!][Thanks, Hannah!]
New Gresso has more gold, less wood
We've yet to see a Gresso in the wild, but hot on the heels of its African Blackwood candybar, the upstart luxury phone manufacturer out of Russia is looking to make another splash with its 18 karat pink gold (and rather uncreatively-named, if we do say so ourselves) Gresso Gold. Like the Blackwood, the Gold is a member of Gresso's "Black Aura" series, suggesting that the guts are identical with a tri-band GSM radio (no 850) and sapphire crystal display -- though we suspect the Gold is decidedly less flammable. If everything goes according to the company's plans, look for both models to hit the streets next year. Look out, Vertu.[Thanks, James]
Pentax unveils shiny LX Gold SLR to celebrate 60 years
What better to snap oodles of pictures at your Thanksgiving feast than with a gravy-proof (and gold-plated) SLR? Taking a note from the bevy of other Midas-touched gizmos out there, the Asahi Pentax LX Gold sports a thoroughly blinding paint job with faux-alligator accents to add an extra layer of tacky to an already gaudy device. Apparently aiming to bring back a taste of 1981 (when the 10 millionth Pentax SLR rolled off the production line; pictured after the jump), the company is seemingly reintroducing the vivid shooter to celebrate 60 years of staying afloat. Of course, we aren't sure how many of these splendiferous units will be offered up (or wanted at all), but we're sure it'll rock quite a premium for those somehow interested.
24-carat gold HP Laserjet p2015: cheaper than a PS3
No, it's not another scandalous display from Andres Serrano, this is a 24-carat gold HP Laserjet p2015. On display at the GITEX show somewhere in Japan Dubai, this working prototype is up for auction with a starting price of US$299 or about a Benjamin less than the printer costs without all that gold. Why did they choose a middling LaserJet and not an HP-35 or other HP product more worthy of such opulence? Hell, we have no idea, but we'll get some private investigators to check their phone records and get back to you. What?
Goldeneye throwback maps for download, Xbox Goldies only
Microsoft and Rare have released updated versions of Goldeneye's Facility and Temple (now "Ruin") multiplayer maps for use with Perfect Dark Zero. The pair is free to download, but only available to Xbox Live Gold members (hey, it pays to pay). Throw in a polished-up Complex, and we just might consider re-investing in this game.
Rift widens between Silver and Gold XBLA memberships
Xbox Live's Major Nelson announced on Wednesday that the newest Gears of War trailer was available online ... to Gold subscribers only. This marks the first time that exclusive XBL content has been delayed (not denied) for the free Silver members, and it's just the tip of the iceberg. Nelson commented on his blog entry after mixed reaction from readers, "So here is the deal ... Silver members WILL get access to this ... probably in about a week. This is going to happen more and more (Gold getting things before Silver) so you may want to think about upgrading if you want all the latest and greatest trailers, demos etc."It's not really a big deal at this point, because the trailer was available online within seconds of appearing on the XBLM. The real problem starts when Gold members start getting demos and downloadable game content before Silver members do; perhaps, eventually, the Silver members won't get them at all. Microsoft will find themselves treading a fine line between how much a Silver member will put up with not having, and how much a Gold member needs to feel justified in paying the cost for their features. It's important to note that this trailer is most likely a trial run by Microsoft (through Major Nelson) to see how things go, since it's not even true "exclusive" content. Nelson (can we just call him Larry, already?) admits that this is the same commercial played last week at X06 Canada. So where's the real super exclusive platinum fanboy stuff, eh?The point is that Microsoft is finally treating the Gold level like what it is supposed to be, a step above the Silver membership. Silver members don't pay for anything; it's a free service meant to provide an "introduction" to XBL. Gold members pay for additional features and, with it, they expect some perks to be delivered. While it's limited to trailers right now, expect to see it expand to demos, downloadable content, and anything else Microsoft can think about leveraging for more subscribers to make the jump up to the next tier while their model for microtransactions seems to be falling apart with the inmates running the asylum.And just because we love you, check out that Gears trailer after the jump in SD, or click here for the HD version.[Thanks, E.J.]
Let them download cake
If don't have this one on your RSS feed, you may not know GayGamer.net does more than cover obviously gay stuff like the Foley-friendly make-out sessions in Bully. Those flamboyantly homosexual gamers can write with Fab Five-ish wit and style, as they prove with this post on the divide between Gold Xbox Live Members and their "lice-ridden" Silver cousins. Let them download cake indeed.
Gears is gold, Emergence Day defined
We had a hunch Gears of War had gone gold. Today it was confirmed. To reflect this milestone, Microsoft and Epic have released a "Mad World"-laced promo trailer onto Xbox Live (available now). The trailer was first shown at X06 Canada and will lead the charge on TV and in movie theatres during the days leading up to November 12, or 'Emergence Day.'While many gamers will have Gears in hand on November 7, the following Sunday will play out as an Xbox Live extravaganza -- aside from being the official launch date. Gold members can jump into a 24-hour tournament (beginning at 12:01 a.m.), with the winner receiving a Gears-branded guitar (straight to eBay!) and an automatic bye to the finals of a future tourney. The thrashing tie-ins don't stop there, as game sessions with Megadeth and CliffyB, who's considered a rock star in certain circles, will also be online. Some prize giveaways, free downloads (gamer pic, theme, video), and an MTV infomercial round out the day.Helluva marketing blitz...[Via Press Release]
Gears of War is 'goldish,' CliffyB done
"My job as designer of Gears of War is, well, more or less done," writes CliffyB in his latest blog, titled "fin." The Gears lead designer is now off to fulfill his duties for the hype machine, leaving us to assume that Epic's game is gold and ready to lead Microsoft's holiday charge. Of course, Cliffy "can't speak to the status of gold" ... or can he? During a recent interview with Major Nelson, the designer clearly drops the "gold" word:"We actually found out like about week before we went gold that [the final boss] was actually too tough to beat, even on casual." [8:19][Thanks, Baker]
Onkyo's upconverting DV-SP504 gold DVD player
Onkyo has got a new all-purpose player for the super-villain wannabe in your life, or anyone else that digs the gold-encrusted home theater look, we suppose. Apparently an update to the two-year-old DV-SP502, the incrementally-named DV-SP504 will handle your basic DVDs, CDs, and SACDs, as well as DivX, MP3, and WMA files stored on your choice of recordable optical discs. The biggest upgrade to the earlier player is the addition of HDMI output, which you can use to upscale DVDs to 1080i. It also adds Onkyo's VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry) system, which'll supposedly work its magic to remove noise and make your music and movies sound as good as they can. Look for this one to set you back about $370 when it drops November 15th.[Via Akihabara News]
Minox DC1011, now gold-plated for the casino set
Somewhere, we imagine that there has to be a warehouse (or at least a small storeroom) full of gilded inventory, guarded by a very sad man wondering where his business model went wrong. Still, that hasn't stopped low-end Chinese equipment outfitter Minox, which is hoping that its new DC1011 24 carat plated camera, iced out with ten 2mm 0.03 carat diamonds along the lens, will be a hit with the absurdly rich (and grossly uninformed) crowd. This 10 megapixel camera has a 2.4-inch screen and a 10.4x digital zoom and also come in mere mortal colors, flavors, and prices, although we don't know what the price is on either model. But we can already feel the folks clamoring for a gold-plated SD card, because ordinary SD cards would just clash with this Midasian exterior.Read - Minox DC1011 CaratRead - Minox DC1011
Breakfast Topic: Where does your money go?
Ever found yourself looking at your pitiful stash of gold and wondering where on earth it all went? Log in daily to find yourself spending more cash than you earn? Once you reach a 'comfortable' amount of money (for me, it's about 200g) it's easy to spend freely, but a gold here and there quickly add up, putting you on the fast track to Brokeville. Personally, I find almost all my cash goes on repairs and potions -- with a recent unlucky streak of multiple wipes due to lag, I've definitely been haemorrhaging money during raids. PvP is also costly, though at least I don't have to provide ammo or feed a pet. Thank goodness I have profitable tradeskills! Where does your cash go, and how do you juggle the demands on your pocket?
Keymat's YALOS Diamond: world's most expensive LCD TV
So, you thought the 103-inch Plasma from Panasonic carried a bit of heft around the price tag, eh? Well check out this $130,000 YALOS Diamond LCD TV from Keymat. Now, just forget everything you thought was important when measuring the value of a good LCD panel -- you know: brightness, contrast ratio, response, pixel resolution, and so on -- those measurements are for fools, boy. As any self-righteous heiress knows, a good TV must feature a white gold plating and at least 160 diamonds totaling to a minimum of 20 carats. Think differently and you might just end up dodging Blackberries with the rest of the help.
The Boy Genius Report: BlackBerry loves Goooold!
Field report tidbits from Engadget's mobile insider, the Boy Genius.I guess Pharrell really started a trend. Here we have a solid 18k white gold BlackBerry 8700g. If you can stand your service being reduced a little (due to the massive amount of, well, gold) and can afford the high price tag, call up your boy Jacob The Jeweler -- he made this flawless. I have never seen such craftsmanship.[Click on for another pic! -Ed.]
The Long Road to a Flying Mount
Abro from the Crushridge server has a great question: What's it going to take to get one o' them fancy flyin' mounts? Blue posts in the thread, but all they do is point us to the already-up preview site for the Nether Drakes. (In which, incidentally, I learned that we won't even be able to touch a flying mount until level 70!) But everyone, of course, has lots of guesses about what we'll have to do to take to the air.First of all, you know it's going to cost money, and lots of it. A normal mount runs about 90g or so, and an epic mount runs 1,000g, so most people are guessing at 10,000g at least. But then again, it could be higher-- Blizzard is saying there's going to be a lot of content between 60 and 70, and they clearly want a flying mount to be the ultimate prestige item. So it's not unlikely that they'll probably require some sort of quest item as well-- although even Blizzard wouldn't be so heartless as to put the necessary item in a 40-man raid instance... would they?There's more they can do to you. Lots of people are suggesting faction grinding, which seems really mean, but the video trailer does say it'll cost us "Quests, Reputation, Shopkeepers, or a combination of these three." At any rate, it sounds like it's going to be a long time before any of us lift off on a Nether Drake.
