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GDC 07: Less than half of PS3 owners are "connected"
Sony discussed the number of people that were actively interacting with the PlayStation Network services in yesterday's bloggers meeting. According to Sony, there are about 500,000 PSN accounts open in the North America. However, according to recent sales data from VGcharts.org, one can see that there are about 1.3 million PS3 systems out there: shouldn't more PS3s be connected to Sony's Xbox Live alternative?Phil Harrison was quick to point out that the 500,000 figure represents PSN sign-ups only. You can still use the PS3's online capabilities without ever registering for Sony's online service by uploading music to your console, or by using the Internet Browser, or by downloading a firmware upgrade. The goal of Home, however, is to increase PSN sign-ups, and have people become increasingly involved with Sony's robust online services.
AnyDATA's ADU-610 checks into the USB HSDPA modem game
With all this HSDPA and EV-DO Rev A love going around, we knew it wouldn't be too long before AnyDATA took the leap and joined the ever-growing party. The firm's ADU-610 works worldwide on 3G networks that utilize HSDPA / UMTS technology, and will even play nice on 2.5G networks, albeit at 384kbps. Additionally, we've got a "world's smallest" tag slapped on, as the USB modem comes in at just 35- x 93- x 10-millimeters, and just in case you new upgraders are worried, it will indeed work with Windows Vista (and XP, of course). Based on the Qualcomm MSM6280 chipset, users can expect a maximum throughput of 7.2Mbps, and the two multi-colored LED indicators should keep you informed on just how your connection is humming along. No word just yet on price, but we do know that at least one mysterious Korean carrier has already certified the unit for use and made it commercially available to those interested.[Via Slashphone]
Skype to FCC: open up those cellular networks, please
It's painfully obvious just how tight cellular providers have control over how their networks are used, which features are enabled, and what handsets are locked, but Skype is hoping to chip away a bit more at the mighty provider stranglehold by suggesting that wireless networks be made to carry Skype calls. In a recent petition to the FCC, Skype is purportedly "asking regulators to force cellphone carriers to loosen their controls on what kinds of hardware and software can be connected to their networks," essentially paving the way for free calls to be made over costly connections. Skype is asking that the so-called Carterfone rules (circa 1968) be applied to the wireless industry, which basically "allowed consumers to hook any device up to the phone network, so long as it did not harm the network." Unsurprisingly, carriers are less than enthralled about the notion, and a cellular trade group has already reacted by calling Skype's proposal one that "completely disregards consumer benefits provided by a competitive marketplace," which is certainly nominated for laughable statement of the year. As of now, no other companies are putting their collective necks out to join Skype's agenda, but hopefully it won't remain solo for too much longer.[Via ArsTechnica]
Activision buys DemonWare, claims Irish paper
Dublin's Sunday Independent reports that Activision has dropped €15 million (about $19.75m) for DemonWare, maker of the popular network middleware technology. DemonWare's two primary products are its State Engine and Matchmaking+, used to power the multiplayer component of Activision's Call of Duty 3 -- as well as THQ's Saint's Row and Ubisoft's Rainbow Six Vegas. Since its creation in 2003, DemonWare, which is headquartered in Dublin, has emerged as a leading outsource option for publishers' networking needs. As online multiplayer grows into an industry standard, DemonWare technology could prove to be a valuable asset to Activision .DemonWare has yet to comment on the alleged acquisition.Source (registration required)
Novatel's Merlin EX720 launches on Sprint's Rev A network
Hot on the heels of Novatel giving a bit of Rev A love to Verizon with the USB720 comes the company's tailored-for-Sprint version of the adapter, the Merlin EX720 ExpressCard. Nothing too special here, aside from its ability to hit up Sprint's Rev A EV-DO network for average upload speeds of 300 to 500Kbps and download rates topping out around 1.4Mbps. Interestingly, it does tout Assisted GPS (A-GPS) location-based capabilities, which should allow users to locate nearby "restaurants, gas stations, banks, etc." without having to input their current address. The card itself will play nice with Windows 2000, XP, and Vista, and even Mac OS X users won't have a problem utilizing the Merlin on their shiny MacBook Pro, and if all goes as planned, you should see these cards popping up in Sprint retail channels in just a few weeks.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
DICE: Phil Harrison PSP tidbits [Update 1]
In Gamespot's DICE coverage of Phil Harrison's Q&A, they had a few mentions of PSP. Firstly that there will be deeper online functionality later this year. Specifics weren't given, but I personally would like the ability to have most web pages finally work on the PSP. Though it could also be a hint at downloadable PS1 games finally being capable without a PS3. The homebrew community may have another reason to disagree wtih Phil Harrison after the event.Also during a talk about homebrew, someone asked about the PSP's role in it. Phil claimed that the system wasn't well-suited for homebrew. Newsweek's N'Gai Croal then mentioned Dark_Alex's work and Phil had some sort of cryptic response about future announcements. So all and all, not a whole lot of new PSP info so far, but hopefully GDC will bring us more news. [Update 1: "This year we'll be adding some functionality to the PSP that will unify our approach," Harrison reveals in an interview with Gamasutra. Seems like PSP might pick up some of the cooler network options of the PS3.]
DropCopy: Share Files and Clipboards Across Your Network
The apparently unexciting circle on the right is the main interface for DropCopy, a very cool little application for sending files between computers on your local network. First of all you need to install DropCopy on all the Macs on your LAN. When it is running, this little circle appears on your desktop and when you drag a file to it, a list of destinations (i.e. the other machines running DropCopy) will pop up. You choose the one you want and the file will "warp" to the other machine, no fuss, no muss. In addition to copying files you can also retrieve the clipboard contents of other machines running DropCopy (e.g. you can copy something to the clipboard on one machine, turn to another machine, retrieve it and paste it). I've found DropCopy to be the easiest and fastest way for sending a couple of files between machines on my home network (though you may have to open port 5052 on your firewall).DropCopy is donationware on networks with 3 or fewer Macs, and $25 for larger networks. It's definitely a convenient time saver.
Actiontec unveils range-extending Wireless FMC Router for mobile / WiFi hybrid phones
For those of you who happen to be in the predicament of owning a svelte hybrid cellular / WiFi phone, yet can't get cellphone service back in the boondocks where you reside, Actiontec is kicking out a range-extending router to help you make and receive calls on your mobile handset via WiFi. Touted as a "world's first," the Wireless FMC Router acts a standard four-port 802.11b/g/n router, supports WPA2 / WEP, and comes with a rather robust firewall to keep your conversations guarded from snoopers. Additionally, it facilitates call switching between the mobile and home WiFi networks as users move in and out of the house, giving you the option to connect via your cellular network or over VoIP with the same handset and same number. Aside from acting as a "middleman between the broadband and cellular networks," it can connect / drop from the WiFi / mobile networks on-the-fly while conversing, and can purportedly support "all major carriers" as well. So if you're thinking of consolidating the amount of phone numbers attached to your name, and don't mind picking up a hybrid handset, this multifaceted router will be able to simplify your conversations for $179.99 when it lands in Q2.
Sprint / Sierra Wireless extend EV-DO Rev. A support to Mac users
While the Wintel crowd has been enjoying that Rev. A speediness for some time now (in certain locales, at least), the Mac faithful have been fairly well shut out up until now. Thanks to Sprint and Sierra Wireless, all that changes today, as the Seirra AirCard 595 PC Card now works in OS X 10.4 or later. The free Watcher Lite 1.0 software is currently available from Sierra's website, but before you go dashing out to pick up a card, you will still need a Windows-based machine to activate the device or have it pre-activated before heading into your Mac. Furthermore, don't plan on utilizing that ExpressCard slot either, as the only supported card thus far rocks a PCMCIA interface. Nah, Macworld hasn't hit full swing just yet, but this news is a real fine way to get things rolling.
Sprint / Sierra Wireless extends EV-DO Rev. A support to Mac users
While the Wintel crowd has been enjoying that Rev. A speediness for some time now (in certain locales, at least), the Mac faithful have been fairly well shut out up until now. Thanks to Sprint and Sierra Wireless, all that changes today, as the Seirra AirCard 595 PC Card now works in OS X 10.4 or later. The free Watcher Lite 1.0 software is currently available from Sierra's website, but before you go dashing out to pick up a card, you will still need a Windows-based machine to activate the device or have it pre-activated before heading into your Mac. Furthermore, don't plan on utilizing that ExpressCard slot either, as the only supported card thus far rocks a PCMCIA interface. Nah, Macworld hasn't hit full swing just yet, but this news is a real fine way to get things rolling.
Ultrawideband and coax distribution announced from PulseLink
PulseLink has introduced a solution for combining 1394 (aka FireWire), coaxial ethernet, and Ultra wideband connections and distributing high-definition video throughout the whole home. It combines the wired technologies from the HANA and DLNA specifications, as well as UWB wireless tech for the "last mile" to compatible devices. As the connection between devices can be up to Gigabit speeds, PulseLink claims to be able to stream four 1080p HD signals at the same time, with wireless HDMI connections at the endpoints. The company's chipset will be available to manufacturers this quarter.
Cyberlink unveils streaming media software: Digital Home Enabler Kit
While most folks would probably take the hardware-based media streaming approach to get computer / HDD-based media onto their snazzy HD sets, Cyberlink is offering up a reasonable software-based alternative for those looking to pass media around from PC to PC (or HTPC). By installing Cyberlink's Media Server on your media-packed computer, it provides a hassle-free way to open up your files to the home network and share them easily with other connected users. Aside from allowing any UPnP-certified player to locate media across the network, it also supports multiple simultaneous users so long as each connected PC is outfitted with a copy of the firm's SoftDMA application. Although nothing here is truly revolutionary, it does offer up a fairly straightforward approach to achieving the "digital home," and you can pick this up (or download, actually) for $79.95 right now, which will include two SoftDMA licenses to get you going.
GlowWorm - Control Outbound Network Traffic
There is a powerful firewall built into the UNIX underpinning of OS X, but getting access to its power is sometimes difficult. GlowWorm FW Lite is a network utility that allows you to control outbound network traffic on your Mac. You can set up relatively simple rules by which "you can easily define the behavior that is acceptable on the basis of a particular application, host or ip address, port number, and any combination thereof, and what action to take if such an event occurs." This seems to be similar in functionality to the Little Snitch, but Glowworm is free (however the registration process is slightly arduous). [Via MacFreeWare]
NYC taxis to map out dead zones in mobile networks
We've already seen an influx of hybrid vehicles take their places in the mammoth fleet of New York City taxis, and now that the Taxi 2.0 will reportedly sport GPS tracking an built-in televisions, what else is really left to implement? Stockholm-based Ericsson has apparently seized the opportunity in using the random, perpetual motion of NYC's yellow mainstays to better itself (read: make some coin), and has recently received permission from the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission to install small devices "about the size of a computer modem" into cabs in order to "feed information about signal strength and clarity to engineers." The research, which has already been completed in other areas of the world, is being conducted in the Big Apple on behalf of a yet-to-be-named carrier, and it purportedly hopes to more accurately map out dead zones in mobile phone networks. Currently, "at least one fleet" has signed up to participate, and others could join in considering the royalties that will be paid out for tagging along on those zany routes through the city. Of course, this whole system should be relatively invisible to cab riders, but a continual voice recording of furious (and disconnected) passengers could probably work equally well in pinpointing those dead spots.[Via Textually]
NYC taxis to map out dead zones in mobile network
We've already seen an influx of hybrid vehicles take their places in the mammoth fleet of New York City taxis, and now that the Taxi 2.0 will reportedly sport GPS tracking an built-in televisions, what else is really left to implement? Stockholm-based Ericsson has apparently seized the opportunity in using the random, perpetual motion of NYC's yellow mainstays to better itself (read: make some coin), and has recently received permission from the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission to install small devices "about the size of a computer modem" into cabs in order to "feed information about signal strength and clarity to engineers." The research, which has already been completed in other areas of the world, is being conducted in the Big Apple on behalf of a yet-to-be-named carrier, and it purportedly hopes to more accurately map out dead zones in mobile phone networks. Currently, "at least one fleet" has signed up to participate, and others could join in considering the royalties that will be paid out for tagging along on those zany routes through the city. Of course, this whole system should be relatively invisible to cab riders, but a continual voice recording of furious (and disconnected) passengers could probably work equally well in pinpointing those dead spots.[Via Textually]
Blocking business targets gaming at the workplace
Sophos PLC is in the business of security. For years the company has designed software to protect business networks from viruses and spyware. But a recent survey determined a need to extend security concerns to another productivity inhibitor: games. And so, a January upgrade to Sophos's application will quietly erect a wall, blocking mischievous employees from their secret workplace obsessions, like The Sims 2, Need For Speed Carbon, and Guild Wars: Nightfall.Of course, blocking games does more than just thwart slackerdom, it protects networks against malware (often hidden in game installations); programs that could potentially compromise a business's security. We're all for playing it safe too -- just keep an ear out for big boss as you sneak some Portable Ops in under the desk.[Via VH1 Game Break]
Style Network joins iTunes lineup
New to iTunes comes the Style Network, home to shows about beauty, fashion, home and entertainment. I have never personally watched the Style network and, until it popped up on iTunes tonight, was never actually aware that it existed. The new shows include "Clean House", where the host inspires homeowners to--wait for it people, wait for it--clean their houses, "Split Ends", which covers the sheer shear madness (the wit!) of stylists who swap hair salons and "Whose Wedding is it Anyway?", which dives into the lives of wedding planners. Sadly, none of the new shows offer any free episodes to sample.
LANrev v4 released
Got a big ol' bunch of Macs to be managed? Your choices are numerous, with Casper, FileWave and of course Apple Remote Desktop all smoothly monitoring and updating your OS X clients. Now, with the latest update to cross-platform asset manager LANrev (which bears a striking resemblance to another management tool -- not surprising, same development team!), we get supercharged Active Directory integration, new packaging and deployment tools for software installs, and theft prevention features like IP tracking and iSight snapshots. A 30-day demo is available.
OnStar could go black for millions of analog subscribers in '08
If you just so happened to pick up a 2004 (or earlier) year model GM vehicle while waiting for that oh-so-tempting self-driving edition to land in '08, and can't wait to take full advantage of the svelte built-in OnStar system, you better start now. When analog networks have the option to go silent in 2008, vehicles equipped with analog-only hardware will not be able to communicate with those friendly voices on the other end of the blue button, which could leave some (previously) loyal GM customers seeing red. All vehicles kitted prior to 2002 will unfortunately not sport the same sense of security they once did, while select vehicles from 2002 to 2004 can be upgraded with digital equipment. Verizon Wireless -- the current network of choice for OnStar -- "has not said how or when it will dismantle its analog network," but will likely pull plugs in stages. While the value of OnStar's service is certainly debatable, leaving a substantial amount of your four million customers without a resolution certainly doesn't bode well if you're looking to snag repeat buyers, but we suppose it's the price you pay for keepin' things fresh.[Via Autoblog]
3.0 manual online; confirms PS3 necessary for downloadable games!
Our reader Matt T. sent in a very hot tip. It appears that the online manual for PSP version 3.0 is up and running. Thankfully, it doesn't have any features removed. However, it confirms our fears that a PS3 is necessary to download games to the PSP. Here's the proof:"Play PLAYSTATION®Network titles downloaded from (PLAYSTATION®Store). A PLAYSTATION®3 system is required to use this feature."What??? Didn't Peter Dille confirm that you didn't need a PS3 to download games to the system? Sony's got a lot of explaining to do...
