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Wii Warm Up: Mii Audition
Not long ago, we posted about Nintendo's newest trademarks (in Japan), and today, we'd like to focus on one: Mii Audition. What could it be? We have a few (off-the-wall) ideas, and we'd like to hear yours as well. The first is an idea we've been kicking around for a while: the idea of a dedicated karaoke channel featuring performing Miis and downloadable songs. We just can't help but think this would be a blast, though the Wii's small hard drive may be a detriment. On the one hand, that could be a way to get people not interested in the Virtual Console to get into downloadable content. On the other hand, it could be a really good argument in favor of a hard drive, and with the increasing popularity of flash drives (we're even required to have them for college classes these days), the idea of an external hard drive may not be as complicated as some people make it out to be. But 512 mb isn't an unreasonable size for downloading enough songs for a decent karaoke mix; after all, the first iPod Shuffle was that size in the low end model, and it held over one hundred songs. So, say, twenty-five or so, priced at maybe two bucks per song? Seems reasonable. And the content available could be region-specific.We'd love to see something like this. We're not the first people to line up to buy karaoke games, usually due to the selection of songs. But if we were allowed to choose songs that appealed to us? That's a whole new ballgame, and one that would really make us want to whip the Wii out to tempt even the most staunchly opposed nongamers. But that's just us dreaming. Our second notion is probably much more likely: perhaps this could be an expanded form of Stage Debut, the application that was demoed every now and then, but never came to light. Stage Debut incorporated the GBA camera for face-mapping your likeness onto a character you could then personalize through a quiz. Replace the GBA camera and face-mapping portion of Stage Debut with your own Miis, but keep the other elements, which feature your character doing a bunch of random things. This has the benefit of being already designed and would need only to be adapted, and could even link in with the Check Mii Out/Mii Contest Channel.Enough about our ideas -- what do you see coming with this intriguing trademark?
The Sims + YouTube = The Sims On Stage
As if there wasn't enough worthless gibberish on the internet already, EA has seen fit to stick the gobbledygook speaking Sims down one of the internet's most popular tubes, YouTube. The Sims On Stage is essentially a Sims-branded (you might say Sim-ian) YouTube, with the added dangers of karaoke, video poetry and of course, The Sims content. You can thank / blame EA's acquisition of SingShot Media back in February if you want.Of the many make-your-own-video features the beta site offers, encouraging users to squeal their way through "thousands" of available karaoke songs and upload the recorded results is by far the most terrifying. EA's press release assures us that it's all for the sake of expressing "creativity," a term we feel may have been confused with one meaning "penchant for torturing complete strangers." It's a penchant we share, since we've embedded one of the first obnoxiously loud creations to be spawned by the site after the break.
Lip syncing Tengu adds some merriment to your USB port
We know, you're probably on your third USB hub by now, but even if this forces you to purchase an entirely new machine in order to cram one more USB-powered whatchamacallit into it, it's simply a must. Meet Tengu, the USB lip syncer that politely sits beside your machine until it gets wind of nearby tunes, after which its face lights up and the digital mouth begins to try its best at matching the words coming from your speakers. Unsurprisingly, the design will reportedly be manufactured by none other than Solid Alliance, and while it's hard to realize how awe-inspiring this thing is in just the picture above, click on through for a video demonstration you won't soon forget.[Via EverythingUSB]
i-Sing MP3 microphone replaces vocals with your own
Looking for that perfect Christmas in July gift for your favorite kiddo? The exorbitantly-named "It's Outrageous!" company has dolled out just the thing with its laughable, albeit well-featured i-Sing microphone. This device may sport all of the tell-tale signs of a good toy gone bad, but this karaoke enabler actually plays back MP3s and digitally removes the vocalist in order for you, er, your child to belt out the lyrics without being forced to out-sing the professional. Additionally, users can insert lyrics via the built-in software so they can read them back on the integrated LCD, and while you won't stuff too many jams onto 512MB of internal storage, parents can shove in an SD card for extra space if necessary. Hey, for $120, this seems to be a no brainer for your little diva. Check the video after the break.[Via PlayerBites]
Free TunePrompter tool lets you make your own iKaraoke vids
There's a dark family secret in my house, but it's one I must reveal: my wife is a karaoke fiend. Seriously, she's got a monkey on her back, and that chimp is singing "I Know Him So Well" from Chess. With this in mind, I've considered getting her Griffin's iKaraoke as a gift... but how to accomplish that ultra-cheesy singalong lyric scroll on screen? If only there were some way to add the lyrics to my iTunes tracks...Trust those wacky engineers at Griffin to come up with something. The just-released, free TunePrompter for OS X 10.4 & Windows XP lets you load up your songs, search for lyrics online, and then sync the words to the music -- save out a video version and you're ready to rock and roll. Griffin's also running a giveaway of a bundle of products, and anyone who provides feedback on TunePrompter is eligible to win. One caveat: even though the iKaraoke is compatible with a range of iPods, the videos produced by TunePrompter will play on an iPod with Video (and on an iPhone, but chances are the microphone won't work). Download it here and start tracking your tunes... just don't tell my wife, OK?
Apple patent attack 2: iPod karaoke, iPod remote
It looks like Apple is on a roll with its latest round patent applications. Hot on the heels of the recently seen illuminated touchpad and Home on iPod filings, comes two new applications that should have only the fiercest of fanboys excited. First up is a technology which the Cupertino camp calls "Dynamic lyrics display for portable media devices," or as we would describe it -- karaoke on your iPod. Nothing really groundbreaking here: obviously lyrics would be displayed while you belted out your favorite Pat Benatar song, which is pretty unexciting and definitely unoriginal. Patent number two seems a bit more promising, as it addresses the possibility of using your iPod or other "portable media player" as a wireless remote for your PC or media center, thus allowing you easier access to your Best of the 80's collection. Of course, this would require a wireless iPod, which doesn't exist, although we understand those new iPhone things have some kind of wireless capability...[Via Unwired View]Read -- Dynamic lyrics display for portable media devicesRead -- Portable media player as a low power remote control and method thereof
Thinkware's iNAVI G1 karaoke GPS unit in the wild
How were we to know that karaoke would become the next must-have feature in Korean do-it-all navigation devices? Thinkware's 7-inch iNAVI G1, which we spotted a few weeks ago, does all that you would expect of such a GPS unit, like picture-in-picture T-DMB, MP3 / video playback, and games, but the "Digioke" feature for road trip singalongs really makes this one a winner in our book. There's a 2GB version for 549,000 KRW ($598 US) and a 4GB flavor for 599,000 KRW ($652 US). Hit up the read link for a few more flesh and blood pictures, but that's about as close as you're going to get to this thing unless you're planning a trip to South Korea sometime soon.
iNavi G1 GPS unit adds karaoke for maximum distraction
Just when were beginning to think that PMP/DMB/GPS combo units couldn't offer any more driving distractions, along comes the iNavi G1, which boasts all of the aforementioned acronyms and adds some sorely-lacking karaoke to the mix. Apart from that notable distinction, the device looks to be a fairly ordinary one, boasting a 7-inch widescreen display, an SD card slot for expansion, support for all the usual audio and video formats (including DivX), and a so-called "G-Sensor" that promises to aid in navigation where GPS signals are weak. No word on price or availability, although you can be fairly sure that we won't be seeing one 'round these parts anytime soon.
Get your Boogie on, save it for posterity
Boogie just looks like good, clean dancin' fun and we're really excited about giving it a try, particularly after seeing this new video of ... well, video! Specifically, the video-making function in the forthcoming EA title. Looks very easy to use, and the results are pretty spiffy. Seems that impressions from the Nintendo Media Summit were on target -- Boogie is ready to get down. Now if only we could speed ahead to August!
High School Musical: a great idea with one fatal flaw
We love the basic idea behind High School Musical. We think a karaoke game would be a big hit with the "expanded audience" out there in the "blue ocean." If we were the type to perform in front of people rather than hiding in total silence, we'd totally play it.The major problem with High School Musical is High School Musical. If we're going to be singing in a game, we'd rather not sing material from a Disney made-for-TV movie. We'd rather belt out the theme from Night Trap than whatever was written for High School Musical.Check the link for some new screens. We hope the game is more exciting than the microphone peripheral!
Creative Zen Stone Plus lobbed at consumers
It was barely a month ago that Creative pelted the market with its Zen Stone, and now they're rolling out a re-upped and revamped version known as the Zen Stone Plus. While pretty much keeping the form factor the same, Creative has added a blue OLED screen, FM tuner, karaoke mode, and a stopwatch. The capacity has been increased to 2GB, doubling the original Stone's, but the color choices remain the same. Price and release date haven't been mentioned, but you'll know as soon as we do.Update: For what it's worth, Impress tells us that the 2GB Stone Plus will hit Japan Saturday for ¥9,800 which translates to a tax-inclusive price of about $79.[Via epiZENter]
Currently unused component found in Wiimote
Before you go running off to troll post on various message boards, we'd like to give you some specifics. A recent CNN technology feature details some of the various chips and components found within the forty-dollar Wiimote. Among the Bluetooth converters and accelerometers is a component listed as an "audio translator," which "converts analog data such as human speech into a digital data stream. This feature is unused now but will probably be employed in future games." The approximate cost is listed at $2.00.So, what's the deal? First, there is no actual microphone (a device capable of converting vibrational energy into electrical signals) found within the Wiimote. Though basic electrical engineering principals allow a standard speaker to act in such a fashion, the signal quality and frequency response would be unacceptably low. This chip actually requires an expansion device for it to be used at all. So why add it? It's only two dollars, but this rather unnecessary addition has cost the company several dozen million dollars. We can only assume that Nintendo or significant third parties are planning a title utilizing an expansion microphone, which will be presumably cheap enough to bundle with a title and incur no markup in price.God knows the masses need a mainstream karaoke game (we know about Karaoke Revolution for the PS2, but it never really took off), and the Wii is just the system to do it. Like a Virginnnnn ... hey!
Everybody hurts, everybody cries, SingStar 90s tracklist
Are you a Barbie girl, in a Barbie world? Well, if you think being filled with plastic is fantastic, then you'll be happy to know that SingStar 90s is coming to the love shack. The game popped up on a New Zealand store with an August 3rd release attached to it. You can't touch this compilation of the '90s most addicting, and therefore ultimately annoying, songs; full list can be found after the break. So, tell us what you want, what you really, really, want to see on this compilation if you notice anything missing from the '90s? Maybe they'll add it in the PS3 SingStar download service. There's always the debate between which is tougher: SingStar or Karaoke Revolution? Well, if you missed it the first time, our intrepid Kyle Orland reported on this a few months ago. Checka checka check it out!%Gallery-3496%[Via PALGN]
Nintendo Media Summit: Boogie hands-on (Wii)
The most pleasant surprise at this week's Nintendo Media Summit was the EA-developed rhythm/singing game, Boogie. I was pretty skeptical of the game from just the early screenshots that I had seen, and judging from the deserted EA booth, a lot of other people felt the same way. You'll understand then that I was surprised to find myself actually enjoying Boogie, not only for the gameplay but also the attractive and pleasant graphics. For those of you unfamiliar with the game, Boogie is one EA's attempts to cash in on two current crazes at the same time -- rhythm/music games and the Wii. It combines a rhythm-based dance game with karaoke (via an included microphone) and a host of likeable, wacky characters and they pull it off surprisingly well.Probably what impressed me the most about Boogie was the graphics; it had a really nice cel-shaded look to it, fantastic stages, and good animation. It was by far and away the best looking game at the show, with no other game except maybe Mario Strikers Charged coming anywhere close. The five different characters are attractively designed in a cartoonish way, and they're all well animated -- a key detail for a dancing game. The stages themselves were fairly small, but the backgrounds were huge and detailed. The forest stage in the below screenshots is probably my particular favorite. And the game gets extra points for being less aliased than any other title shown by Nintendo that day -- a huge plus for people bothered by the chainsaw-like jaggies on some other Wii titles (like me).%Gallery-3417%
Digital Cowboy's CA-K7 karaoke DAP
If you don't see the need for karaoke in a DAP then you're obviously living outside of this "continent oriented" player. The CA-K7 from Japan's Digital Cowboy packs 1GB of flash, an integrated microphone, and a proprietary jack on the bottom for connecting an external mic, TV, and home audio system. It also packs enough vocal manipulation tweaks to give you a shot at fronting Jane's Addiction. Of course, it also functions as a portable player with an integrated FM tuner and support for MP3, WMA, and OGG audio at up to 12 hours per charge. Rolling out in Japan and vicinity on May 31st for ¥14,800 or about $122. Check another picture after the break. [Via Impress]
P-kara's music subscription goes offline June 30th
A sad farewell for short-lived P-kara. The interactive karaoke game was released this past December in Japan and its last day offering access to online content will be June 30th. P-kara was a unique title for the PSP system, allowing users access to over 3,000 streaming songs through an online subscription. Without access, only 20 songs are available for play on the UMD disc alone. Although karaoke services are nothing new in Japan, there isn't much of anything to choose from in the karaoke game genre over here. Users in North America that haven't already imported the title will have to look at other platforms. Sony will offer an upcoming solution to the drought of karaoke games with their latest Singstar entry for the PS3 and if connectivity with the PSP leads to further engaging popularity, we see no reason why karaoke games wouldn't make a welcome return to the PSP platform. So, farewell for now, P-kara. Lets just hope it's not for too long.[Via Kotaku]
SingStar adds PSP-PS3 connectivity
UK retailer GAME may have accidentally leaked a crucial tidibt about the upcoming PS3 version of SingStar. The karaoke game allows wannabe performers to record their performances with EyeToy and post them online to a personal SingStar page. In addition, players will also be able to save their recordings to PSP, to share with friends at any time. With both a PSP system and SingStar handy, you'll be able to show off your next embarassing karaoke performance forever.Gallery: SingStar (PS3)[Thanks, Ben!]
Karaoke Revolution vs. SingStar: Which is tougher?
The surface differences between SingStar and Karaoke Revolution are obvious. One uses the official versions of songs, the other uses covers. One has full music videos in the background, the other has animated 3D singers and environments. One has remained blessedly license-free, the other gave us the image of an uncanny-valleyified Simon Cowell that can never be erased from our minds.But the surface differences don't really matter in the end. What really matters is how well each game judges your vocal performances. After all, this judging is what separates the karaoke video game from the weekly "talentless hack night" at your local bar. When we noticed that SingStar Pop and Karaoke Revolution Vol. 2 both shared the Britney Spears hit "...Baby one more time," we knew we had a definitive test on our hands.That's right: two systems, two games, two microphones, one performance. Which game would be more lenient on our awful singing? Continue reading to find out.Previously: Joystiq Video: Karaoke Revolution Country
EA reveals Wii-exclusive game: Boogie
After several weeks of hushed rumors about Electronic Arts' rhythm-based game for the Wii, the video game giant finally pulled the curtains back on its gossiped project, Boogie. The new IP will take advantage of the Wii's unique controls, encouraging gamers to sing and sway along with the karaoke/dance game. The reports of a microphone peripheral for the Wii remote seem indisputable now, but we're puzzled as to how it will work since the nunchuck will already be attached to the controller's bottom port. Players will be able to customize their characters and even "[star] in their own music videos." We're not sure if that means Boogie will allow us to import our Miis, but it would be a criminal oversight if the game didn't. Judging by the screenshots released so far, it would pain us to hear that our character selection would be limited to SpongeBob rejects with chest hair.EA Montreal (SSX Blur) is handling development for this Wii-exclusive game, and they expect to release the title worldwide later this year. Check out the first screenshots for Boogie after the post break!
EA bags SingShot's online karaoke community
EA today announced its acquisition of SingStar SingShot Media, bringing founders Ranah Edelin and Niranjan Nagar into the fold as company VPs. SingShot, an online karaoke community, is operated by a five-person team, which now joins the EA Sims division.The user-generated technology will be applied to several community-based projects in development within EA, suggesting that some implementation of the service could extend beyond the PC platform and be offered through console networks (e.g., Xbox Live). The widespread appeal of SingShot could help EA further expand the already broad Sims-consuming demographic.Prior to SingShot, Edelin and Nagar created Rhapsody, a digital music subscription service that was eventually sold to RealNetworks.
