Latin America
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T-1 Day for Latin American, Chinese launch of iPad
Apple has announced that the iPad will be officially launched in five Latin American countries and China tomorrow, September 17, 2010. The über-popular iPad will be available in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru starting tomorrow. In China, the Wi-Fi model is launching, while the Wi-Fi + 3G is listed on the online Chinese Apple Store as "Coming Soon." TUAW also received a number of tips this morning that U.S. electronics retailer Micro Center is beginning to sell iPads in a number of locations. Recent rumors also point to mega-retailers Target and Walmart selling the iPad before the critical Christmas buying season. With the influx of new markets and retailers, it's a good thing Apple is ramping up production of iPads. [via AppleInsider]
Motorola Milestone to get Android 2.2 in Europe and Korea in late Q4, Dext 2.1 upgrade looking bleak
Until now, Milestone owners could do nothing but to envy Droid users rocking the Froyo upgrade; however, according to Motorola's recently published timeline, the former device is now slated for the same dessert party in Europe and Korea in Q4 -- specifically, "beginning at the end of this year," which could well mean the majority of users won't get the update until 2011 (!). Meanwhile, said upgrade is still "under evaluation" for Canada, Latin America, Mexico and Asia-Pacific sans Korea. But here's the real heartbreaking news from the same chart: unlike their American counterparts, the Dext and Backflip will not be getting an Eclair update in Europe, Latin American and Mexico, while Canada and Asia-Pacific still have a glimpse of hope. Sure, it's not like Motorola's earlier timeline laid any concrete details for the European Dext, but there was definitely a date for the Latin America flavor. What concerns us the most is that back in January, Motorola did make a promise -- which has since been deleted but forever cached by Google -- to its European fans on Facebook: "[the] Dext will get the Android 2.1 upgrade as well." We have the full shameful statement after the break. In case you still care, other devices mentioned in the timeline include the US-only Devour (no 2.1 update), Cliq XT / Quench (2.1 in late Q3 / early Q4; under evaluation for Canada and Asia-Pacific), Droid X (Froyo upgrade in late summer, which we knew), Motoroi and Titanium (2.2 in Q4 in Korea for both). If you're still mourning over the canned update for your Dext, let us remind you that there's no stopping you from updating your Android slider manually; alternatively, there's no harm in sending Sanjay a nice postcard, either. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in] Update: Miraculously, the offending Facebook status link is now back online...
Killzone 3 and inFamous 2 being 'fully localized' for Latin America
Sony will release "fully localized" versions of Killzone 3 (in Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese) and inFamous 2 (in Spanish) in Latin America next year. According to the company, the localization will include "actors, action, dialog, effects and every inch of gameplay." We have no idea how "action" and "effects" are different in Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese, but it sounds fascinating. Speaking specifically about inFamous 2, Sony states localization for the region will create new elements that will "allow gamers to discover this open world in a relevant and unique way." Also set for Latin American release: a pair of "Gamer Kit" bundles for PS2 and PSP this August. The PS2 bundle includes a system, two DualShocks, an 8MB memory card and "three top games." The PSP one features the handheld, a travel case and "three popular games." The announcements come a year and a half after Sony expanded into the other half of the Americas with PlayStation products, which, according to it, are now available in 18 countries on the same day as the US and Canada.
Starcraft 2 offering subscription plans in Latin America, Asia and Russia
Plans for a subscription-based StarCraft 2 are in the works for Latin America, Asia and Russia. While US gamers will only pay a one-time fee to start harvesting Vespene Gas on July 27, players abroad will be offered two different ways to play: subscription or an all-access fee. A press release detailing plans for localization in Latin American Spanish for Mexico, Argentina, Brazil and Chile covers the subscription model. By picking up the title for $299 MXN / $119 ARS / $13,900 CLP -- about $30 USD -- gamers will be given access to the single-player and multiplayer portions of the game for 60 days. Once that period ends, they can re-up their subscription for a fee (which hasn't been disclosed yet). The other option is to download the game directly from Blizzard for a one-time fee of $59.99 USD, granting permanent access to the title. During Activision's annual investors call yesterday, Blizzard CEO Mike Morhaime confirmed that Blizzard would pursue a similar pricing structure for Asian and Russian territories. Source - Official press release Source - Big Download confirms Asia and Russia inclusion
Telefonica scores global Pre coup?
Carriers and Palm have been absolutely silent on the matter, but let's be honest: there's very likely been one of the most heated, no-holds-barred wars over the past few months to score European exclusivity on the Pre since the Storm and the iPhone -- and with launches broadly expected by mid-year, time is running out to secure a deal. Spanish media is reporting that Telefonica has now locked up that deal, not just for Spain and the UK (where it operates as O2) but for Latin America as well under the Movistar brand. If true, that'd be a nice, big "screw you" to archrival Vodafone, which has the mighty Storm / Magic two-pack under its belt. Even more interesting, though, is the fact that most of Latin America operates 3G on the 850 and 1900MHz bands -- the very same used in the US and Canada -- which means that our assumptions that the Pre would be 2100-only may have been wrong all along. Awesomely wrong. We wouldn't get our hopes up that the Pre will be a walk in the park to unlock and use on AT&T or Rogers just yet, but it's a glimmer of hope that we'll gladly take.[Via Palm Infocenter]
Sony of America expands into other half of America [update]
In an attempt to finally give some attention to an entire continent traditionally devoid of official involvement from video game companies in general, Sony today announced its intentions to expand into South Latin America. This expansion brings with it access to the Playstation Network (though we're not sure how extensively just yet) as well as licensed retail versions of Sony's three major pieces of hardware -- the PS3, PSP and PS2. The company announced it'll be launching in "13 different countries in the region" through a partnership with Sony Latin America. Sony Argentina has said in the past that any retailers selling the Playstation 3 in the region are doing so illegally, specifically because, " [Sony] must certify it for compliance with the local RF spectrum regulations," said Federico Augspach, marketing manager at Sony Argentina, when he spoke with The Examiner. At the time, the system was running nearly $2000 USD at certain retailers (for imported versions, mind you). And now, Sony's making the system significantly more affordable in the region. Well, moderately more affordable ... if you're rich. We've put in word to Sony for more info on regions and pricing.UPDATE: Liz Archibald from Sony America updated us on the specific regions, saying, "These countries include Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru and Venezuela. Additional services such as PlayStation Network, will be introduced in a phased roll-out to select countries." As far as pricing goes, things get a little more complex, "SCEA (Sony Computer Entertainment of America] offers three different PlayStation gaming systems at various price points, and each offers a varying degree of technology and functionality, which ultimately speaks to more consumers in a region such as Latin America, which has many segmented economic classes."
Nokia's Comes With Music service plans world tour
Nokia's all-you-can-eat Comes With Music service has been humming along quite nicely across the pond, but until now, we've been left in the dark about its plans for world domination. No more, as a recent Reuters report has it that the unlimited music service should be headed to Australia, Asia and Singapore later this quarter and Latin America / USA sometime this year. We're also told that more corners of Europe should get served in the future, though no window of time was handed out there. It should be interesting to see if any carriers jump in to subsidize these, but our gut feeling says they'll be sold for a premium unlocked at your nearest Nokia flagship.[Via UnwiredView]
MTVNHD's second European invasion detailed
Our ambivalence about its programming hasn't served to slow the progress of MTV International's HD baby, poised to launch in ten new countries by the end of the year. The UK adds MTVNHD on Sky, Israel lights it up on HOT while the Latin American tour kicks off in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Caribbean Islands and Uruguay via DirecTV Panamerica. We already know that's not the end, with France queued up and the network prez noting interest from providers around the world including the Far East. Promising a (not-so) massive 300 hours of original programming commissioned for the next two years, sleep easy knowing repeats of the same old concerts will be available in 1080i no matter where in the world you are.
DirecTV goes live with HD service in Latin America
So, that's what those HBO HD ads down in Latin America were all about, huh? As of this week, DirecTV is now taking orders for HD service in Latin America, and reportedly, those that sign up can receive an HD DVR capable of storing 400 hours of SD or 100 hours of high-def footage. Initially, there will only be four high-definition channels available (HBO HD, Movie City HD, Fox HD and DirecTV HD), but we suppose you've got to start somewhere. Has anyone down that way signed up? How's the image / audio quality?[Thanks, Eduardo]Read - DirecTV launching in Latin AmericaRead - DirecTV's official HD site (Peru)
HBO HD coming soon to Latin America?
Our Spanish is a touch rusty, but based on these images (two more after the break), we'd say that planned HBO HD launch in Latin America is all but imminent. According to a tipster, he captured these images of an HBO HD advertisement while watching The WB. Beyond that, we've really no idea what's going on nor when the channel will finally launch, but we're guessing you don't just run ads for something you don't plan on taking live soon.[Thanks, Takuru]
Bigwigs tussle over DirecTV Latin America's future
Not that DirecTV CEO Chase Casey and his chairman John Malone have begun grabbing each other by the ties yet, but reports are flowing that the two aren't in agreement about the future structure of DirecTV Latin America. Liberty Media, which has a controlling stake in the satcaster, could actually spin DirecTV LA off once Liberty gains full control -- at least, that's the vibe being felt from Liberty CEO Greg Maffei. Carey commented that he wasn't "a fan of financial re-engineering," noting that spinoffs and "similar engineering options haven't been particularly successful." On a slightly related note, he also made mention that the satcaster's exclusive NFL Sunday Ticket deal may not remain that way after it expired in 2011 due to "cost considerations." Hate to say it, DirecTV, but we're pretty sure cable / fiber users nationwide won't feel sorry for you.[Image courtesy of Business Week, thanks Vanbrothers]
Nintendo's next stop: Latin America
With Nintendo having a large share of the market in North America, Europe and Japan, it's now formulating a strategy to get its hands on as many slices of the pie down in Latin America. This new marketing campaign will target non-core gamers and kick off sometime before the busy Christmas season."The long-term economic potential of Latin America makes this an extremely important market for video games," said Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime. "Nintendo has experienced phenomenal growth in the region over the past few years," commented Reggie, who went on further to say that it is "growth that has even surpassed what we have seen in the United States." Nintendo estimates that the market could be worth $2 billion this year.[Via Go Nintendo]
World of Warcraft en espaol hits retail July 25th
The Latin American-localized version of World of Warcraft, which was first announced in March, will finally reach store shelves on the 25th of this month. Initially, it will be available in México, Argentina, and Chile; no word yet on when other countries will get it too. Both the original game and its expansion, The Burning Crusade, will be on sale, along with 60-day prepaid gametime cards.Spanish language servers will be provided for new Latin America subscribers, but those already playing on the North American servers can download a Latin American Spanish "language pack," and even transfer to the new servers if they want to. Check out the FAQ for more info.Oh, and Blizzard will be hosting a midnight launch party on the 25th at the Blockbuster at Av. Universidad #697 en México, D.F., followed by another event at Plaza Satelite in Estado de México. ¡Diviértase!
Details on iPhones in Latin America
All indications point to a large, international distribution of the iPhone that's just waiting for to launch. Earlier in the week, Vodafone announced their intention to carry the iPhone in ten countries, and The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Vodafone, Telstra and Optus will carry the iPhone in Australia.Today, Reuters is reporting that America Movil will carry the iPhone across Latin America. They're in 16 Latin American countries, plus the Caribbean and the United States. As of March 2008, America Movil held more than 159 million mobile subscribers.Of course, they were tight-lipped about the details of the arrangement, like exclusivity or plan specifics. We'll see soon enough.Thanks, Rodrigo!
Apple's iPhone coming to Latin America on America Movil
Just a day after we heard that Vodafone was taking the iPhone on a world tour, in comes word that Apple's darling will be headed to Latin America via America Movil. We aren't told if the deal is one of exclusive nature, nor were we given a specific launch date, but residents of 16 countries in Latin America will have their shot at latching onto an iPhone sometime "this year." Huzzah! [Thanks, Jesus]
Latin American-Spanish language pack beta available for US servers
It's Beta time! Unfortunately, we're not talking about the Wrath of the Lich King Beta. Instead, we're talking about the new Latin American Spanish version of World of Warcraft. Eyonix announced yesterday that the Beta Test has begun. You can download the language pack here, the FAQ is located here, and Q&A Representatives will be on hand on the official forums here to answer questions and address problems during the test. Good luck to all you Cazadores of bad grammar and misused language, Guerreros for the cause of South American servers, and all the rest who'll be testing this out.
HBO Latin America Group gears up for HD launch
We already heard HBO's CEO Bill Nelson proclaim that all 26 of its channels would soon be airing in HD, but today we've received confirmation that those parked in Latin America will also be enjoying the spoils. Motorola has announced that it will be adding multiple MPEG-4 AVC encoding channels at the HBO Latin America Group digital transmission facility in Florida, which will enable "rapid deployment of HBO's new HD services." According to HBO's Pierre Jaspar, it has seen "marked acceleration in demand" for HD programming in the Latin America region, and while we're not given specific dates, carriers, etc., it seems safe to assume more of the aforementioned region will soon be seeing HBO in high-def.
Bully ban means no virtual wedgies in Brazil
Brazil seems to be having a lot of censorship issues lately, but in terms of video games, Bully is the most recent victim.According to an Associated Press article, Judge Flavio Rabello recently ordered that Rockstar's controversial game be banned from the country. This means that Brazilian stores (both brick and mortar and online) cannot sell the software, nor can the title be imported, distributed, or promoted.So, why Bully over other violent games? State prosecutor Alcindo Bastos commented, "The aggravating factor is that everything in the game takes place inside a school. That is not acceptable." Yet, Bully isn't first game to be prohibited in the Latin American country; earlier this year, Counter-Strike and Everquest were banned as well.It's a shame when governments don't take the time to understand something before following a knee-jerk reaction. Perhaps bullying is a touchy subject, since the issue involves children committing violence against other children, but pretending it doesn't exist by banning media that portrays it won't solve any problems. Gallery: Bully [Via Game Politics]
WoW to be localized for Latin America
Blizzard has announced that World of Warcraft will soon be fully localized for Latin America. The new Latin American version of the game "will be based on the existing European Spanish version but will feature entirely re-recorded in-game speech." There will also be Latin American region servers. Latin American players as well as Spanish-speakers in the U.S. and Canada who have been playing on the North American realms will be offered character transfer opportunities.The Latin American region doesn't normally get its own official game servers even with huge releases, but as well all know, WoW is a groundbreaking global phenomenon. Adding support for this new region will expand upon its already colossal subscriber numbers.Oh, and Blizzard is hiring a whole new customer service team to offer 24/7 support for the region, so if you want to work for Blizzard y si usted habla español, this is your window of opportunity! Buena suerte! [Via WoW Insider]
Blizzard plans Latin American WoW
In their quest for world domination, Blizzard has announced plans to develop a Spanish version of World of Warcraft for Latin America. The new version will have the same stellar twenty-four hour customer service currently available to WoW players. The announcement stated that "The Latin American localization will be based on the existing European Spanish version but will feature entirely re-recorded in-game speech." The new version of the game is slated to be released soon, and will be available to Spanish-Speaking players in the and as well as in Latin America. Blizzard is making arrangements for language packs and transfers for existing Spanish-speaking players once the new version is released. You now have the option to read the official forums in Spanish or in English. I wonder if one of the new dances in Wrath of the Lich King will be the Cha Cha.
