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Sony says PS3 80GB may come to US
That was quick. Following the announcement Monday of an 80GB PS3 model for South Korea, the AP was informed by a Sony official today that the model is being considered for the US and elsewhere. The quote that the AP uses is a bit ambiguous and really isn't much different than what we've been hearing since Monday. Sony spokesman Satoshi Fukuoka says, "Increasing capacity for models is one of the options ... We make such decisions depending on the needs of the market, and every country is different." Although they didn't get it in a quote, the AP says further on that Fukuoka did say they are considering the 80GB model in the US and other markets.An 80GB model is great, but would this be a horrible time to mention the Xbox 360 Elite? Although being a rip-off of an upgrade compared to the regular Xbox 360, it still has a 120GB hard drive and HDMI. Even if the 80GB PS3 model enters the market at the 60GB model's current price, the Elite still has it beat by 40GB and being around $100 less. Yes, yes, add the HD DVD drive and it's practically the same price -- touché. Also, if it's just about a hard drive upgrade, you could simply do it yourself. At least the 80GB model is coming, we wonder what other changes Sony will place under the hood before release.[Via Engadget]
LEGO Johnny Five is (kinda) alive; needs input
While we're no strangers to the crazy robots people build out of LEGOs, Daniele Benedettelli's LEGO Johnny Five has got to be the most awe-inspiring brickwork we've seen in a while. The NXT-based 'bot actually contains two NXT units that communicate via Bluetooth to provide Mr. Five a full range of motion from his 6 motors and as much input as he can handle from up to 8 sensors. Benedettelli built the model after careful study of Johnny Five photos to determine his precise measurements, and two previous attempts. While we applaud all this effort, we can't imagine how much time it's going to take him to plate version 4 in gold. Check the read link for plans and videos of Johnny in action.[Via MAKE: blog]
DS Lite gets "liter," less functional
This is one crafter's answer to all the criticisms about the DS Lite being too bulky and sturdy. Or it would be, if those criticisms existed and weren't crazy. Junyang's papercraft DS Lite is actually part of a series of miniaturized electronic devices, any of which would make a very nice (and very small) display piece. But we especially love when paper and glue come together to honor our favorite handheld. And look at that teensy Nintendogs cartridge! It actually fits into the cartridge slot. That's the kind of detail work that has us rushing to print our own and get started, after we edit the image to change Nintendogs to Elite Beat Agents. Knowing our stumpy, clumsy fingers, the end result of our folding and gluing won't be quite so photogenic. But hey, that's no reason not to try it yourself!
Ambit Broadband's Channel Bonding cable modem does 144Mbps / 30Mbps
Questions surrounding cable's ability to keep up with the big boys have been circulating for what feels like ages, but an intriguing new product from the labs of Ambit Broadband has some fairly substantial numbers to go along with it. The firm's Channel Bonding cable model will be available exclusively to subscribers of Hanaro, and by partnering with Netwave, the device will enable "triple play service" consisting of VoIP, IPTV, and high-speed internet. More interesting, however, is the reported maximum speeds that this thing can handle, as it boasts the "capability to bond three downstream channels to enable a maximum 144Mbps downstream and up to 30Mbps upstream." The modem also supports the usual interfaces such as gigabit Ethernet and USB 2.0, but it supposedly comes pre-ready for DOCSIS 3.0 and IPv6 -- you know, the protocols used to shatter the Internet2 transmission record. While it may all sound a bit sensational at the moment, the truth shall be unveiled when Ambit / Netwave delivers 150,000 of said modems to Hanaro "during Q2" of this year.
It's a mini paper Xbox 360 with a HD DVD drive
Over at Paper Art Gadgets Junyang posted a sexy miniature paper model of an Xbox 360 with HD DVD drive. Junyang creates 3D paper models of various electronics, completing each from the design process through folding the creation with his own hands. The Xbox 360 paper model comes complete with a Premium box and a DVD tray that pops out. He also created the HD DVD player add-on which measures only 1.5" long and also features a disc tray. And for those of you who want to create a paper 360 for your own, you'll have to be semi-resourceful, because Paper Art Gadgets doesn't supply all their print outs or instructions. But you may be able to create something with this.Two mini Xbox 360 masterpieces made out of paper. We're so in love. Though, we'd like to see a paper power brick included, so we could fire this bad boy up. Paper power brick ... that's just funny.[Thanks, laserboyjc]
Bryce 5 free until September 6th
DAZ Productions is the latest software company to have been struck by the 'let's give it away for free!' bug, as they have placed a $0 price tag on Bryce 5 for both Mac and PC - but only until Sept. 6th. For those who are scratching their heads over this 'Bryce' business: it's a 3D design app which specializes in modeling landscapes and animations, and in the grand scheme of 3D apps, it's pretty simple to use. A number of content packages that offer pre-built models of things like scenery and people are available, including a free starter set in tandem with this offer.Snagging a free copy is fairly simple: head over to DAZ Production's page which offers download links for either the Mac or PC version. Now before you ask: yes, this page states that Bryce 5.0 won't run under Tiger, however: the actual version of the Mac download is 5.0.3. I've tested this out myself already, having gone through the registration process, and it runs just fine. In fact, it's still a PowerPC app, but it zips along on my MacBook Pro (2.0 Ghz, 2GB RAM - YMMV); so much so that I had to use Scott's TUAW Tip to check whether it's Universal to be sure. Anyway, the first time you start Bryce 5 it will prompt you to log in and register (for free) the app at their site. You'll probably have to create a new, free account like I did, but once you're logged in, the registration link Bryce gives you will create your extra-lengthy registration code. After that, you're all set for having a grand ol' time in the world of 3D.Snagging Bryce 5 is a $70 value, but if you're itching for the latest and greatest, Bryce 5.5 can be had for a mere $20 upgrade. Scroll down on the initial Bryce 5 for Free page, as there are details for signing up with their ArtZone community (which I believe is also free) and scoring the cheap upgrade. There may be a lot of signing up for free accounts and unchecking opt-in newsletter and 'special offer' emails, but these are small prices to pay for a free 3D app. Enjoy.
Another story about Loco Roco... and Japanese models
Perverted Japanese PSP Fanboy's Andrew Yoon consistently writes news stories about Loco Roco and Japanese models. In his ideal version of paradise, those two would somehow be combined. That day... has come! Firstly, you can learn the difference between all the characters of Loco Roco by checking out Siliconera. See the cute MuiMui, the racially insensitive Mojya, and more! Next, check out how Sony's trying to make the Japanese people like Loco Roco a bit more than they do now: they'll use actress Ryoko Shinohara to pose with the game and star in new commercials. Oh my, it appears that Andrew's died and gone to heaven. Loco Roco comes to the US in just one week. [First half via Siliconera, second half via PSP-Vault]
Japanese model poses with Guilty Gear
It was absolutely hilarious to read your reactions to Moegaku. Whether or not you'd like to admit it, gamers love seeing the female form, and nothing gets them more excited than seeing a girl actually play games (shock!). ArcSystemWorks understands that, so in order to promote their upcoming PSP Guilty Gear game, they had Japanese model Kaori Manabe not only pose with, but play with the game. The press got a glimpse of her battling through PSP's exclusive beat-em-up mode, which looks absolutely fantastic. Go to Game Watch to see more pictures of the game in action. The game hits US shores in one week: September 5th.[Via PSP-Vault]
Near-naked asian girls pose with PSP
I'll probably get fired for all these videos I'm posting up. First there was a perverted English language school. Then, a weird photography game. Now, it's just two near-naked asian girls on top of each other, proudly showcasing PSPs. What does it mean? I don't really know, but I do understand that our traffic will go up with this story. You can see the video after the cut, because once again, it's not really safe for work.
Spinnaker project mimics human brain
Scientists have been on the hunt for years attempting to model the human brain, but typically any research in this area was strictly used for medical purposes. Steve Furber of the University of Manchester is the head honcho of the Spinnaker (short for spiking neural network architecture) project, which seeks to better understand the complex interactions of brain cells in hopes of creating more "fault-tolerant computers." Furber states that although we lose one neuron per second during our adult life (just think, you've already lost a couple dozen reading this post), yet our brains don't suffer any catastrophic meltdowns or periods of underperformance because of it. Rather, the brain has an impeccable ability to disregard malfunctions and find alternate ways to function without throwing a theoretical BSOD. The Spinnaker computer consists of silicon chips containing 20 microprocessors, 19 of which will behave as neurons while the remaining processor records the activities. Each chip will replicate about 20,000 human neurons, and unlike normal processors, Furber's approach will eliminate the "clocks" that typically synchronize the processes, providing a much more accurate representation of how biological neurons somehow keep on ticking (so to speak). The Spinnaker project is hoping to reach a functioning system containing 50 chips and a thousand processors within two years, and although we don't claim to be experts on the subject, it sounds like they should take a peek at how those self-healing chips are coming along, eh?[Thanks, Ian]
Study: many don't know the model of their phone
We can understand your phone's model name slipping your mind. Heck, we've even confused the occasional Nokia 6680 with a 6682. In a study commissioned by consulting group LogicaCMG, British research firm Ipsos MORI has found that 49% of surveyed users feel the pain, unable to recall their phone's model on command. More frightening, though, is that full 9% of folks don't know the model or make of their piece. As LogicaCMG's COO points out, "many operators could well be trying to sell advanced data services based on the incorrect assumption that the users they are communicating with have basic knowledge of their own handsets." We shudder to think that the under-informed masses could slow down 3G rollouts that are already poking along at a turtle's pace in some parts of the world, but we can see how being unable to distinguish a Samsung from a Sony Ericsson could limit your ability to make use of, oh, pretty much any feature beyond voice calling.[Via textually.org]
Researchers teach computers to turn 2D images into 3D
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University appear to have solved a problem long thought impossible, teaching computers to turn static 2D images into 3D models. It was apparently a hot area for research in the 1970s but was virtually abandoned in the 80s after attempts to devise the machine learning necessary proved too demanding for the computers of the time. The key to Carnegie Mellon's research, apart from better machines, is the ability for computers to detect visual cues (such as a car) that can be used to differentiate between vertical and horizontal surfaces -- easy for us humans, but enough to turn even the most powerful computers into an incoherent mess. Apart from turning your vacation snapshots into a whole new experience, one of the big applications for this technology is obviously robotics, where it could boost their vision systems, improve navigation, and basically endow them with one more skill necessary to keep us in line after the uprising.
Google releases SketchUp for Mac OS X
Of course, with the Universal release of Google Earth, Google has also kicked out a Mac OS X version of their recently-purchased SketchUp, a 3D modeling app for the masses. If you need a quick explanation, here's one as good as any from their site: "Adding a deck? Remodeling your kitchen? From simple to detailed, conceptual to realistic, Google SketchUp (free) lets you populate the world with true 3D objects."This latest release also now supports textures, so "creating textured models is as easy as taking a photo and applying it to a 3D model". Sounds like a good time. Perhaps even better than SketchUp coming to Mac OS X is the fact that a powerful version is offered for free, while the pro version costs $495.[thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Cheaper PS3 loses HDMI, slots, Wi-Fi, 40GB
As you can see above, there are a few things different between the two PS3 SKUs planned. (Hint: the obvious alterations concern high-def output and wireless connectivity -- though Bluetooth controllers should work just fine with both, with or without any chrome case highlighting.)So what's HDMI, built-in multimedia card-reader slots, wireless internet connectivity, and an extra 40 gigabytes' hard disk space worth to you? $100? Now that Sony's gone with the 2-SKU approach with its next-gen hardware (a la the Xbox 360's premium and "Core" systems), we can expect some tough consumer choices after six months -- with console shortages possibly for another six months after that -- as $100 separates the base $499 and premium $599 versions of Sony's "Clear Black" hope.HDMI is important to those who want to take full advantage of Blu-ray high def and have the new screens to use it; MemoryStick, SD, and CompactFlash slots would be nice for the PS3 memory-card users and those will run multimedia on the system; Wi-Fi's the only way to avoid stringing ethernet cables for online access; and 360 owners might appreciate the full 60GB available to potential buyers of the premium PS3 model. Neither model comes with a second HDMI port; thankfully, one should hopefully be all most users need. The details are laid out in a feature-comparison table at the end of Sony's official PS3 hardware press release, available in both Adobe Reader and Microsoft Word formats. Determine what's most important to your PS3 ambitions there.[Image pieced together from the PlayStation.com forums; thanks, Guru]
Lair off-screen trailer looked good at GDC
Stills and screenshots can only do so much to convey how good a game looks. Here's an off-screen video presentation of Lair recorded from GDC, showing off the Factor 5 game in action (or, should we say, motion).You might recognize some of the animation from videos seen elsewhere, but it was nice to catch the newer footage of a dragon wireframe model meticulously rendered with layers of musculature and skin, too.If that's not enough for ya, you can always just listen in to the audio, which features a young lady from Washington asking questions of a developer with the hope of getting hired. Consider this a lesson in networking.[Via GameBrink]
