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Video: Orb Swarm gets a brain, going autonomous at Burning Man
Remember Orb Swarm, that merry band of rolling semi-autonomous spheres? Well, they've seen the open-source wizard and came back with a brain. In other words, they've gone autonomous, or mostly so as they are now capable of navigating within a pre-defined GPS course. Besides navigation, these orbs feature an embedded processor, accelerometer and ZigBee wireless communication all of which allow the rolling spheres to "flock , flirt, dance and interact," say their creators. They're set for release en masse onto the Burning Man playa at the end of this month where they're sure to punish chemically-influenced revelers with a sense of panic suitable to the uprising. Check the video after the break for a taste if participating in pagan festivals celebrating experimental living is a bit beyond your sense of sheltered sensibility. [Via Hack A Day and BotJunkie]
Crossbeam Studios cancelling entertainment
Even when it was called the Revolution, Crossbeam Studios decided to get their hands dirty and promote some big titles. The original three were Thorn, Midnight and Orb, and everyone was totally getting into the vibe of these promising projects.Unfortunately, all those titles seem to be heading to the big recycle bin in the sky. The studio isn't going out of business; they are changing direction towards the PC and the early Wii projects simply aren't a priority, despite the fan following. A giant Falafelkid article on Crossbeam delves deep into the studio and its staff, which is a must-read for anyone interested in the core machinations of a smaller development team.The games haven't been scrapped forever and ever, but you can stop thinking about saving up for any imminent pre-orders. Check out Cubed3's coverage and discussion with Greg Szemiot from Crossbeam, as well as the original dissection feature.[Via Cubed3]
Swarm project lets semiautonomous orbs loose
Ah, it doesn't get much better than a smattering of spheres rolling about with absolutely no human intervention, now does it? Said scenario is exactly what members of the Swarm project are attempting to create, and while it managed to make an early appearance at Yuri's Night, the big show won't be unveiled until Burning Man commences. When all's said and done, a number of orbs will "flock, flirt, dance and interact" based solely on instructions beamed out by the directing orb, or mother node. Just be sure not to put yourself in the path of an oncoming ball of fury should you show up for the fireworks -- after all, it's not like a fellow human is directing the act.
Orb plays nice with DirecTV HR21 on video
Oh sure, DirecTV's Media Share has allowed Viiv-certified machines to network in for a good while now, but what if you just so happen to prefer Orb? The same streaming software that functions with the Wii, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 has been caught playing nice (read: transmitting media from a WiFi-enabled laptop) with an HR21 HD DVR. Judging by the looks of things, the setup procedure isn't all that different from syncing up a traditional Viiv machine, but feel free to peek a step-by-step video posted after the jump if you're looking to give it a go yourself.
WildTangent unveils 'PC game console' Orb, Sierra and THQ pledge support
WildTangent announced today Orb, a new PC service aimed to give a game console experience. Orb will act as a portal for "console games," defined here as games designed for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, and let you download and play games in its entirety or in play sessions, which will cost you via tokens or free through watching advertisements. THQ and Sierra have signed on, with Sierra promising to bring titles to the service "day and date" with console launches, according to WildTangent CEO Alex St. John.In an interview with Joystiq, St. John explained how the cost per play session will depend on the game, but that it would be priced "fairly" based on statistics they derive in testing. That said, he presumes most will opt for the advertiser route. (In their casual portal, he said, 98% of the users opt for watching advertisements and playing for free.) Games can be queued up for download in the background, but there's also an option for taking the games you want to play and having them sent to you for the cost of burning the DVD and shipping. The program will be offered in eight languages, including Chinese and Korean. No community features will included at launch, but St. John said he'd consider it in the future. It's a shame, too, because we think it's a key reason that programs like Steam and GameTap thrive. The developer version will launch this week, with a consumer version poised for tomorrow. For users of the current WildTangent portal, which largely consists of what St. John calls casual gamers, they will be offered the client free for download when it launches. Orb will also be packaged with Dell and HP computers. Orb will be officially unveiled during a session tomorrow at GDC. We'll have more from our interview with St. John later this week.
Orb reportedly set to announce support for iPhone, iPod touch
Not that it comes as a huge surprise given the wide array of devices it already supports, but according to The Register, Orb is apparently set to finally get official with its support of both the iPhone and the iPod touch "in the next few days." As with other devices, that'll let you get in a little place-shifting with the aid of the iPhone's browser, including letting access your music collection via the Orb-powered version of Winamp. On the iPhone, you'll also have the added benefit of being able to send links to songs in an SMS chat session. Of course, just 'cause it's not official doesn't mean you make use of Orb in its current state which, for all we know, could be exactly what's in store when Orb does make things official.
USB Moody Ball apes Ambient Orb, soothes your soul
Connectland's USB Moody Ball may look awfully soothing, yet awfully familiar at first glance. If so, you're probably conjuring up memories of the Ambient Orb, which this device no doubt takes more than a few design cues from. Nevertheless, this USB-powered soul soother automatically changes hues to ease your mind, is constructed from "bump-resistant" materials and weighs in at 179-grams. Best of all, this one's just $20, but convincing your boss to leave the office lights dim just so your Moody Ball can have a greater effect will be the real challenge.
Ambient Orb power-usage hack reduces energy consumption by 40%
We've seen some interesting uses for Ambient Devices' various "thin data" products, but Mark Martinez, a Southern California Edison power station manager, has probably hit upon the most interesting application we've seen: by reprogramming the device to reflect energy usage and costs, customers in his 120-person test program managed to reduce their energy consumption by 40 percent. Martinez chalks the results up to the "sentinel effect," saying that ""It's nonintrusive. It has a relatively benign effect. But when you suddenly see your ball flashing red, you notice." Ambient Devices actually sells a similar product called the EnergyJoule, and we've seen some other monitoring attempts before, but we think we like Martinez's hack better -- it brings a little mod flair to living green. Hopefully he'll let us know how he did it soon.[Via Inhabitat]
Leaked UK retail list raises questions
Nanostray 2 ... on Wii? Orb, Thorn and Midnight all coming this year? When they leak retail information sheets in the UK, they do it right. Wii UK got their hands on a retail list (origin and destination unknown) with few concrete dates and a lot of unexpected, and even unknown games, as well as a few old favorites we're always happy to hear about. Hit the jump for the full list, but keep in mind that these are UK titles and games ... and since there's not much source information, you might want to keep a few grains of salt handy. But it's okay to get a little excited. We won't tell anyone.
Orb works with Wii, PS3, and now 360
Not to have the thunder completely stolen by the Apple TV, Orb Networks has announced compatibility for streaming media service with Wii, PS3, and now Xbox 360 console owners. The newly-added 360 support can use the built-in media capabilities of its Windows Media Center Extender, with just the Orb software on the PC end. PS3 and Wii setups stream from a Flash-embedded MyCast site. The Orb streamer only plays well with Vista and XP, and needs a 2.4GHz Pentium 4, AMD 3200+, or higher CPU, as well as Windows Media, Real, or Quicktime Players for the streaming. Content also ends up as Flash video, so that probably nixes any support for high definition, but if you're itching to do some streaming to your console across the house -- or across the globe -- and don't want to wait for or use Apple's solution, then Orb could be the best thing for you.[Thanks, gibber9583]
Watch internet TV on your 360 with Orb
var digg_url = 'http://www.digg.com/gaming_news/Stream_video_photos_and_music_to_your_360_PS3_Wii_with_free_program'; IPTV may be a ways off for the Xbox 360, but that doesn't mean you can't have a little internet TV fun right now. Introducing Orb, a media streaming solution for the Xbox 360, Wii, and PS3. Orb allows users to stream video, photos, and music to selected devices, including our beloved Xbox 360. Of course, the Xbox handles streaming all by its lonesome, but Orb adds the option of streaming content from internet sources as well. While we've seen similar functionality in programs like TVersity, we've actually managed to get Orb up and running with minimal hassle. So far we've watched a little BBC and a Japanese rock concert with little trouble (over a wireless connection no less). The program takes some time to buffer (over a minute in our case) but the ease of use is appreciated. To give it a shot yourself, head over to Orb.com, read the Xbox 360 guide, download the software, and get cracking.Keep in mind you will have to create an Orb account, but it's free (for now at least). Also, we have no knowledge of how reliable Orb is, so use it at your own risk. Give it a whirl and tell us what you think.[Via TeamXbox. Thanks, Didlee]
mStation 2.1 Stereo Orb 'Colors'
Have you ever thought to yourself, 'Sure, I like my iPod but it would be much better if I have some sort of round speaker to plug it into. Oh, and if that round speaker was available in a bunch of colors that would be awesome.' If you have, and who hasn't, then mStation has you covered.Today, mStation has announced the immediate availablity of their 2.1 Stereo Orb 'Colors.' These $129.95 speakers come in pink, green, blue, and silver, black and white. They also feature a remote control and a line in jack.
Orb Networks brings YouTube / Google Video to your smartphone
If you've been waiting ever so patiently for YouTube to make an official debut on the mobile side, and can't get TinyTube to work out just right, help is on the way. While Verizon is hoping to land an exclusive deal regarding YouTube content and its V CAST services, Orb Networks is releasing software which lets cellphone users "view, search, and create media channels from the internet" and direct it onto handhelds / laptops" from sites like YouTube or Google Video." While Orb's PC-accessing software has been available for some time now, this newly-unveiled program will put the zany clips of YouTube (and other online video resources) into the palm of you hand way before any of the other guys. While a list of compatible mobiles wasn't disclosed, it was stated that the software would "only operate on sophisticated smartphones" such as Nokia's N80 and Motorola's Q -- so, do your duty and hit the read link for your free download, cool?[Via Yahoo News]
Nokia to offer integrated Orb MyCasting service
Nokia looks set to be the first to offer integrated Orb MyCasting service on its phones, announcing that its N80 "Internet Edition" handset will ship with the media sharing service pre-loaded this November. Orb itself has, of course, been available for some time now, letting you remotely access media stored on your home PC from your cellphone or other mobile device, as well as control DVR functions on your computer and playback stored content. Orb's also only the latest bit of software to be announced for inclusion on the "Internet Edition" variation of the Nokia's N80 handset, with tools for Flickr and Amazon, as well as Yahoo Go For Mobile, an enhanced Nokia web browser, and SIP-compliant VoIP already filling up the internal memory. Like some of those other services, you'll most definitely want an unlimited data plan if you intend on doing any more than a test drive with Orb, 'cause those kilobytes are gonna add up fast once they start flying.[Thanks, Mo C]
Crossbeam divulges more info on projects
In an interview with Nintendo of Europe, indie development house Crossbeam Studios revealed some more on their three Wii projects. While the entire interview can be found here, it is only accessible to VIP members. Instead, we'll paraphrase the pertinent information for you.In regards to Orb, this is the company's main project, followed by the other two proposed titles of Thorn and Darkness. Orb and Thorn are classified as adventure games, where Darkness is being classified as a more fear-based experience. See, the Earth has been overrun by forces of darkness and now mankind must make their last stand against these evil forces. The game will feature many branching paths to progress the story and lots of NPC interaction. In commenting on the whole fear-based experience, Crossbeam's Greg Nichols said:"Basically what I want you to feel when you turn off the game is that you're too afraid to turn the lights off. Think of when you were three years old, and the fear you had of basements, or the attic, or the dark. It's not the scare of the shock that I'm aiming for, what I want is the actual fear of the things that make you look over your shoulder. When I get afraid, my eyes start to water and a small tear comes out. I want that kind of fear to come out of the game."
Vodafone Germany takes the guesswork out of Orb setup
If you've been curious about Orb but you're sweating the installation process or you're worried that your carrier might frown upon your indulgent use of data, life just got a little easier -- if you're on Vodafone Germany's UMTS network, that is. Their new "Vodafone-Mein PC" service, which is in public trial through September, includes a PC installer that reportedly does just about everything for you -- just add content and you're ready to roll. The service communicates with Vodafone's Live! portal, which you then access via your compatible, UMTS-capable handset. If the service flops, Vodafone is reserving the right to drop it following the trial period, but if it takes off, they're reserving the right to charge a few euros, too. If Vodafone's bandwidth wasn't already saturated with streaming Knight Rider and Baywatch reruns, this might just do the trick.[Via the::unwired]
SageTV Placeshifter offers mobile content streaming
Those of you who do the home theater thing from your PC and are for some reason unhappy with the free streaming service offered by Orb now have a new way of "slinging" your content to a remote computer with SageTV's Placeshifter add-on. The $30 software, which requires the $80 SageTV media center package, offers remote access to videos, music, photos, and if you have a TV tuner card or USB device, both live and recorded programming. Cnet got a "first look" at Placeshifter in action, and reports spotty but acceptable performance, with the delays and artifact-infested video we've come to expect accept from these remote streaming services. While we're pretty happy with our free Windows Media Center and Orb setup, if you already own SageTV, the one-time fee might be worth it to free your content with the knowledge that someone's there to troubleshoot the inevitable problems.[Via PVR Wire]
Orb works TiVo with DVR Everywhere
Orb (finally) just officially took a page out of the Book of SlingBox today with the release of DVR Everywhere, their TiVo-streaming and controlling Orb add-on (not to be easily confused with TiVoAnywhere, that other Orb / TiVo add-on which is now apparently DVR Everywhere). Basically you'll get the same easy-to-use no firewall adjustments necessary Orb experience steamed to your laptop or portable in Real, Windows Media, or 3GP, but with recordings culled from your Series2 TiVo (which is also controllable by said software -- something also available for a while). Not quite as versatile as your SlingBox, which can pull video from just about any DVR device you can throw at it, but hey, it's a start -- especially if you've been considering that new dual tuner TiVo that we've been dangling from a string.[Via PR Newswire]
Revolution developer interview
Joystiq reports of an interview with the director of Crossbeam Studios, Greg Szemiot, one of the few independent developers currently working on bringing some titles to the Revolution. Their current catalogue of titles planned for the Revolution are Orb, Thorn, and Darkness. Greg goes on to state the reasons why he jumped aboard the Revolution to make titles; both the innovative control scheme and low development costs were major contributing factors for his studio. Ross over at Joystiq makes a few wonderful points about some of the untapped potential of the upcoming Revolution. The lower development costs to attract smaller developers with bright, unique ideas and the possibilities of the Virtual Console make the Revolution a delicious buffet game developers should easily be saddling up to. Greg confirmed the team would be at E3, yet they would not be showcasing any of their work to the public, choosing instead to shop for publishers. [Via Joystiq]
Orb developer interview
With all the vague Revolution declarations we've had in the last few weeks, it comes as a refreshing gush of air to see someone actually fully committing to developing a Revolution game. The squares over at Cubed3 have posted an interview with just such a developer, Crossbeam Studios Entertainment, politely quizzing them about their forthcoming first-person RPG adventure, Orb. Though the game has yet to find a publisher or a Revolution development kit, it's already being designed with Nintendo's console in mind. This isn't the first time we've seen a small team of developers making Revolution games on their mouse-driven computers, but it raises some fears as to whether or not it's a good idea to count your eggs before they've hatched. After all, there's a chance that no publisher will take interest in the game at hand--even Nintendo might politely decline."The only thing that worries me is Nintendo has thrown out far too many game ideas because they think it won't fly, when in fact they are great ideas. They are too scared of not making it. "While that doesn't really sound like the Nintendo we know, there is a certain level of quality expected before you get that famous golden seal of approval stamped on your game. Let's hope things turn out well for Orb. If not, there's always Xbox Live Arcade to fall back on...