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'WiiPop' dance game hacks Wiimotes and Kinect into unlikely tryst
Whether by choice or by force, chances are good you've experienced a dancing game by now. Typically, these games ask users to mimic dance moves for points, but WiiPop, created by one Christian "Mio" Loclair, is completely freestyle.The game achieves this feat by incorporating both body-mounted Wii remotes and the Kinect. Used together, the devices measure how a user moves throughout the dance space and how he or she "pops" to the beat. It's all very amazing and complex and, as such, we suggest you watch the video above for the full rundown.
Conductor controls Aussie pipe organ through MIDI and Kinect, explains how he did it (video)
Doing a little desktop DJing with Kinect and a MIDI device is nothing new, but last year a man with loftier musical machinations took Kinect conducting to the next level. Chris Vik composed a piece that he and vocalist Elise Richards performed using the sensor bar and the massive Town Hall organ in Melbourne, Australia last November. Recently, he released a video explaining how he made the magic happen. The organ, despite being built in 1929, was retrofitted to take MIDI input back in the late 1990s, which allowed Vik to use a custom bit of code he wrote, called Kinectar, to communicate with it. That software also allows users to assign various notes, chords, and scales to different spatial zones and gestures, then trigger them through Kinect. The results were pretty impressive, so head on after the break to soak up the sonic goodness for yourself.
Dressing up the iPhone
The iPhone has an iconic look, but not everyone is content with the standard black and white casing. A report in the New York Times details how a growing number of people are risking their warranty by modding their phones. It's not just individuals working alone in their garage, but a new set of companies whose primary business is to help you tweak your phone's appearance There's Zeetron which offers an iGlow modification that'll light up the Apple logo when you are using your phone and Material6 which sells kits to replace the back of your iPhone with a rustic, wooden casing. It's the predictability of the iPhone that's allowed these cottage companies to flourish. Unlike Android phones which come in a variety of sizes and shapes, the iPhone's dimensions have remained relatively consistent. Of course, there was a big jump from the iPhone 3GS to the iPhone 4, but among five models that was the biggest deviation from a consistent product design.
Grand Theft Auto 3 Rage mod makes us happy
The GTA III Rage Team is hard at work making Grand Theft Auto 3 run on Rage, the engine powering the most current lineup of Rockstar's titles, from Grand Theft Auto 4 to Max Payne 3. The GTA 3 Rage project includes previous mods from the Rage Team, including GTA III HD Cars - HD Claude, GTA SA: Liberty City, Project Oblivion and GTA III HD.The video above shows off what we can expect in a Rageful GTA 3 when the mod drops.
Things to do with your iPad other than sell it
Not long ago, I wrote a post about using your older iPad as an extra television. Following up on that post, our beloved leader Victor asked if I could suggest other things to do with out-of-generation iPads other than sell them for cash. Of course, handing them over to another family member is one of our favorite ways to redeploy older devices. Beyond that, there's a lot you can do with something this versatile. An iPad can make a beautiful art installation and a unique wall clock in addition to acting as a recipe station and instant reference library. Our favorite wall mount of the moment was written up over at Glasshouse Apps by Graham Clarke. He created a foldaway kitchen-friendly installation that keeps his iPad in instant reach. Other readers shared a variety of installations. Irene wrote that she mounted her older iPad behind an aquarium, running a fishes app on the iPad. Other readers like Raphael have created in-vehicle entertainment systems. He writes, "Getting an iPad or iPad 2 hinged-mounted on the ceiling [offers] a cheaper alternative, providing anything from transferred movies or streaming Netflix or SlingPlayer, or other apps." And of course, there's the Angry Birds arcade station lovingly created with an original iPad. So how are you using your previous generation iPads? Tell us in the comments and help inspire some ways to make the most of these devices without passing them out of the household.
XCOM: Enemy Unknown to support mods, have unique UI on PC
XCOM: Enemy Unknown is a more traditional return to the XCOM series, with Sid Meier "indirectly" lending his expertise. PC Gamer recently visited the Firaxis offices to speak with the developer about how the PC version will stack up next to its console brethren. The site reports the PC version will get some extra TLC in mod support and a special, mouse-driven user interface.In addition to the UI tailoring, the PC will support mods through the underlying Unreal Engine, though none will be available at launch. Check PC Gamer for more info.
Galaxy Note LTE gains access to T-Mobile's HSPA+ network with custom radio
To all T-Mobile users that've privately longed to wield the Galaxy Note, yet've remained deterred by its nasty EDGE speed limitation, we've just one thing to say: welcome to flavor country. A new workaround designed specifically for AT&T's LTE variant of the monolithic smartphone (and ostensibly, Canadian versions, but not the international model), has successfully enabled HSPA+ support for AWS networks. Just like the Galaxy S II Skyrocket hack, the process is fairly straightforward; users must simply enter a SIM unlock code and then flash one of three radio files to the handset -- feel free to experiment and pick the most reliable of the bunch. While all functions are said to work properly, your phone's battery life may take a hit, as reports indicate that signal strength isn't quite up to par. For those wanting to proceed, just be sure to obtain a stock copy of your phone's radio file before diving in -- otherwise, once the new baseband's in place, you'll be unable to access Ma Bell's LTE network. Isn't compromise the greatest?
Call of Duty case mod has spinning gatling gun, energy drink fridge (hands-on)
We've had our fill of Ultrabooks and tablets at CeBIT, so now it's finally time to move on to the crazy stuff. This over-the-top case mod was awaiting unsuspecting attendees at the far back end of the China pavilion, of all places, and only caught our eye (or ear, rather) thanks to its squeaky gatling gun. It seems that this case first made an appearance at the Taipei Game Show last month, and has now landed on German shores, making a miraculous pass through EU customs to settle here, hidden amongst a hodgepodge of accessories on the outskirts of Hannover. This Thermaltake Level 10 GT chassis was modded by Brian Carter, and is highlighted by a six-barrel rotating gatling gun. There's a bazooka up top where the handle would be, a .50 caliber cartridge on the side and a combination energy drink / hand sanitizer compartment just below. Yes, hand sanitizer. The rotating (and rather noisy) gatling gun makes our hands-on video a must-watch if you're looking to get the full mod experience, so jump past the break and check it out.
Inception brings root privileges, rush of adrenaline to Nokia N9 community
So, here's the thing: Aegis, the security framework on the Nokia N9, has been busted wide open -- thanks to an exploit known as Inception. Much like root access on Android, the software allows developers to write apps (and users to install apps) that take full advantage of the N9's capabilities. Naturally, exploits such as these aren't for everyone -- in particular, Inception requires a familiarity with the command terminal -- but if you've ever wanted to load custom kernel modules, activate disabled hardware features or apply community-provided upgrades, a quick and relatively painless method is now here. A few words of caution: users mustn't upgrade their firmware beyond PR1.2 without first confirming that Inception is compatible, and because the exploit allows applications to gain full access to the phone, users should only install apps from trusted sources. Want to know more? Just follow the rabbit hole in the source below.
Mojang acquires Minecraft mod makers, will make mods official
The four main developers behind Bukkit, a popular set of unofficial modifications for Minecraft servers, have been hired on by Mojang, makers of the uber popular block-world simulator. Mojang says Warren Loo, Erik Broes, Nathan Adams and Nathan Gilbert will join the company to update Bukkit and make it more compatible with the next version of the game, and to enable support other server mods in the future.Loo writes on the official forms that the team will basically redesign the game's API, which means unofficial developers everywhere will be able to hook into the game's mechanics much more easily and smoothly. Mojang points out that there are a few teams that have made popular mods for the game, including Spout and Forge, but the Bukkit team was chosen because they've developed specifically for Minecraft servers. The plan is to have them working on "more than just modding."Obviously, the gentlemen are quite excited about joining the Mojang guys. That tends to happen when a company whose game you work on for free decides to start paying you in real money.
Mobile Miscellany: week of February 6th, 2012
Not all mobile news is destined for the front page, but if you're like us and really want to know what's going on, then you've come to the right place. This week, we've learned that T-Mobile is offering some of its best phones free after rebate (today only), and we've also spotted a new power management feature that seems destined for BlackBerry 7.1 OS. These stories and more await after the break. So buy the ticket and take the ride. Let's explore the "best of the rest" for this week of February 6th, 2012.
The world of World of Warcraft recreated in Minecraft
Minecraft players are well-known for their insane, over-the-top LEGO building projects, but one may have all the rest beat. A player named Rumsey is in the process of recreating the entire world of Azeroth from World of Warcraft inside the game, and while it's not completed quite yet, it's already incredibly impressive. Rumsey says that he had to cheat a little: Instead of placing every single block by hand, he wrote a piece of software that helps to automate the process of making full-scale version of the world. He's recently completed one continent -- Kalimdor -- and has plans to do the others as well as all of WoW's dungeons. He says that the only problem he's run into is Minecraft's height limit of 128 blocks, so he's had to employ mods to get around that. When the project is complete, Rumsey has hopes that it will be hosted online for tourists to visit this much blockier version of their favorite WoW stomping grounds.
Skyrim's Creation Kit released with 'surprise' High-Resolution Texture Pack, Portal cameo
Tamriel's PC adventurers have finally been granted access to the long-awaited Creation Kit for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. A special surprise was promised with today's release, coming in the form of a High-Resolution Texture Pack for the game. "Experience The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim as you've never seen it before with the Skyrim High-Resolution Texture Pack," a press release noted.Skyrim also becomes the second title to be featured on the Steam Workshop, which acts as a "central hub of player-created content and tools to publish, organize, and download that content into your games."Valve and Bethesda have teamed up to bring users the Space Sphere mod, which adds the space-loving robot from Portal 2 to the game, following players around the world (pictured above). While the special mod appeared on Steam earlier today, it has since vanished. Joystiq has contacted Valve and Bethesda to find out when the new companion will land back on the dragon-infested planet. [Update: Steam Workshop is back online! Enjoy your new talkative friend!]Steam is also featuring the Elder Scrolls series in a mid-week sale, offering a discount on each game in the series or a bundle (Morrowind, Oblivion, Skyrim) for $49.99.
Skyrim Creation Kit out on PC this Tuesday, with a 'surprise'
The Skyrim Creation Kit will be available for the PC version this Tuesday, according to a tweet from Bethesda VP of Marketing Pete Hines. It'll be available through Steam under "Tools," for free.As if the ability to generate infinite, free Skyrim content through mods weren't enough, Hines also teased a "special surprise" that would be coming along with it. We'll have to wait until Tuesday to see what that is, but we're guessing dragons. That game would be awesome with some dragons in it.
Skyrim's Creation Kit available 'soon' on PC; latest vid offers a first look
Trolls, dragons, giant spiders, giant crabs, giant ... people -- Bethesda's Skyrim has it all, at least in terms of things that can kill you. But series fans know that they can take the game a few steps further into crazytown with mods, as we've seen over the past few months. Bethesda knows this too, clearly, as the developer is releasing a Creation Kit sometime soon which will allow users to more easily mod and share creations for Skyrim.Interestingly, the company notes in its developer diary that it's "going to keep looking for ways to get mods to more people, and hopefully one day to our console audience," but comes up short of saying anything more concrete. Frankly, we'd love to be able to snap into a Skyrim with our fellow Macho Man fans out there (oooooh yeah!), but we simply don't have a PC strong enough.The Creation Kit will support Steam Workshop, allowing mods to be shared via Steam users easily. We'd suggest pushing that Steam Workshop support to PS3 given Steam's past with Sony's home console, but then we also know of Skyrim's ugly past with the PS3. Oh well, maybe next game, right?
Skyrim mod replaces dragons with My Little Pony
As Bronies can attest to, the "Yay" of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic's Fluttershy is far more terrifying than any thu'um of a dovahkiin. As seen in this Skyrim mod, watch as a pack of the winged horses devastate a town, all while repeating their haunting call.
Homemade golden Nunchuk is a real treasure
Keen with desire to own a golden Nunchuk to match the golden Wii Remote released for The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword? Well, you can't get an official golden Nunchuk outside of Japan's Club Nintendo, but that can't stop you from making your own. Enter Reddit user alycenwonderland, who crafted a very slick custom Nunchuk that, dare we say it, looks even better than the official peripheral. Of course, should you decide to make one yourself, it will likely take hours of monotonous work before you can reap the sweet payoff -- not unlike the latest Zelda.
Reddit author offers custom SWTOR load screen mod [Updated]
Is your Star Wars: The Old Republic loading screen getting a bit stale? Have you always wanted to see your character's mug emblazoned with corporate branding from BioWare, Electronic Arts, and that killer old-school Star Wars font? Look no further than a cackle-worthy mod recently developed by a Reddit user named ranier511. It's basically a layered Photoshop file, ready and waiting for your avatar's closeup. All you have to do is rename it LoadingScreen.jpg and use it to overwrite the image in your Program files/Electronic Arts/Bioware/Star Wars – The Old Republic/swtor/retailclient/LoadingScreensfolder. PC Gamer has a few examples to get your creative juices flowing, and you'll find the original thread on Reddit. [Update: Goldnames on the official forums have warned that mods like these can corrupt your game installation, so install them at your own risk!]
Snap into a Skyrim with the 'Macho Men' mod
We had to watch the above video a couple of times to make sure we weren't having some sort of fantastical dream, but we are apparently awake: the late "Macho Man" Randy Savage has made his way into Skyrim, and he's bringin' the pain. Ohhhhhh yeah!
CyanogenMod Compiler project allows Android tweakers to easily make custom blends
Ever wish that building your own personal ROM was as simple as placing an order at Starbucks? Well, an intrepid coder known as lithid-cm has taken that vision one step closer with the CyanogenMod Compiler (CMC), a command line utility that allows armchair mixers to remove unwanted features and then compile their own special blend of CyanogenMod. While CMC's functionality is currently rather limited -- which allows users to eliminate languages, wallpapers and tweak themes -- the developer will introduce new installation / removal features and additional plug-in support in future releases. The software is early alpha stage, which means its creator needs the help of others to identify and resolve the rough edges. So, if you aren't afraid to get your hands a bit dirty, CMC seems quite worthwhile. Just don't blame us when you break something.
