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Finally, a Switch controller with a headphone jack
Using voice chat on the Nintendo Switch is about to get a whole lot easier, thanks to a new controller from PDP. Its Faceoff Deluxe+ wired controller – slated for launch this summer -- features a 3.5mm headphone jack, so you can simply plug in your headset and play without messing around with Nintendo's mobile chat app.
Sony's new PS4 remote automatically links up with your A/V gear
If you were looking for an update to PDP's basic PS4 media remote, you're in luck: The new version, announced today, uses "advanced Cloud technology" to automatically detect all the devices connected to your console to help you program them at your whim. In theory, this makes it easier to track and link up all the disparate parts of your entertainment diaspora.
The PS4 will get an officially licensed media remote
You'd think that Sony would have released a remote control for the PlayStation 4 given that video is even more important this time around, but that's not the case -- without a compatible TV remote via HDMI-CEC or Harmony setup, you're usually stuck using a gamepad. The next best thing is coming, however. Accessory maker PDP has quietly unveiled an officially licensed PS4 media remote that gives you an easier way to navigate both your console and your TV when watching movies. PDP hasn't formally announced launch details, but US retailers have it shipping in October for $30. That's not a trivial amount, but it could be worthwhile if you spend as much time watching Netflix as you do grinding through Destiny.
Mortal Kombat X controllers from PDP are lopsided, not final
Gaming accessory manufacturer PDP is working on new gamepads designed specifically for Mortal Kombat X, and the company showed off designs for Xbox One and PS4 at GameStop Expo last week. Iron Galaxy Community Manager Alex Jebailey snapped some photos of the gamepads and posted them on Instagram. The controllers displayed at the conference featured six big buttons on the stumpy right side of the gamepad – A, B, X, Y, LB and RB for Xbox One – and a directional stick on the left side. It's not an analog stick, PDP told IGN. "The stick that you see is actually a series of micro-switches as well (just like the buttons), not an analog stick. It helps to bring the player closer to the classic arcade feel." PDP clarified that the gamepads shown at GameStop Expo were not final products. "The Mortal Kombat X controller that we showed at the GameStop Expo is still in development, so platforms have not been finalized," PDP said. "We like to work with the manufacturers to get a licensed product when possible. The controllers are designed along the lines of our VS Fight Pads which came out for the Xbox 360 and PS3 a few years back." Mortal Kombat X is due out on April 14, 2015, for PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360 and PC. [Image: PDP]
This is Samsung's last year making plasma TVs
If you've been flirting with buying a new plasma TV, now's the time: Samsung SDI has announced that it's stopping production of PDP (plasma display panels) later this year. The Korean firm's reasons for abandoning the technology echos Panasonic's PDP shut-down -- low demand and declining profits. Of course, the real culprit is likely an increasing focus on 4K, and an inability to manufacture higher-res plasma sets for the mass market. It isn't clear how long the company's remaining plasma sets will remain on the market, but Samsung plans to have the last of its PDP facilities closed by November 30th. Plasma production resources will be repurposed or sold to support Samsung's battery and materials business. This leaves LG as the last major player making PDP-based HDTVs, but if you're a die-hard plasma fan, it might better to hedge your bets and upgrade sooner rather than later. [Image credit: Tomas Hudcovic/isifa/Getty Images]
Enter the Super Smash Bros. melee with GameCube-inspired controllers
Do you want to take on the challengers of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U with a sense of fa-melee-iarity? Good news: third-party accessory manufacturer PDP is working with Nintendo to produce the Wired Fight Pad, a controller designed after the original, fan-favorite GameCube controller. The Wired Fight Pad will connect via a Wii Remote's bottom port, so you'll already need to own said Remote to use the Fight Pad. The good news is, that means it's also compatible with the Wii. The Wired Fight Pad will work with any of that system's games that support the Classic Controller or Classic Controller Pro. The Wired Fight Pad is set to release alongside Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, with an estimated price of $24.99. We've been told to expect Smash sometime this winter. [Image: Nintendo]
Kinect eye patch for Xbox One will protect what's left of your privacy
If you couldn't bear the original Kinect staring at you all day every day, then you're going to be doubly unappreciative of the upgraded Kinect 2.0 module that comes with the Xbox One. Fortunately, as with the 360, a straight-forward fix is just a few dollars away. Accessory maker PDP has a privacy-protecting Kinect TV mount available for pre-order on Amazon for $20, which will serve the dual purpose of attaching your new Kinect module to any flat-panel display and hobbling its core functions. By adding a layer of solid plastic over the device's infrared and color camera sensors, the mount should bring some comfort to anyone not fully convinced by Microsoft's earlier assurances about how imaging data of our living rooms will be used in the future. Meanwhile, those all-important voice commands should still work fine.
An illuminating look at PDP's Afterglow Wireless Headset
We were pretty impressed with PDP's Afterglow wireless stereo headsets when we saw them at E3 last year. We recently got a chance to try one out and decided to film a short video. But where to film a video about a glowing headset? The only sensible place, of course, was the one source of perpetual darkness and fear for children and children-at-heart: the closet.Turn off the lights and come join us, won't you?
IRL: iPhoneTrip, PDP Afterglow headset and Western Digital's My Net Wi-Fi Range Extender
Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we're using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment. It's a mixed bag this week, with Zach trying out the SIM rental iPhoneTrip, Jason adding a budget gaming headset to his collection and Darren finding success with a Western Digital WiFi range extender. Turns out, it's thumbs up all around. Click through to see what we liked.
Panasonic's 103-inch glasses-less 3D plasma panel arrives at IFA (eyes-on)
While it might not be as huge as the Super Hi Vision panel lingering in the same darkened theater, Panasonic's new 103-inch demonstration display has the ability to offer up a 3D view to five different viewers -- as long as they're in the right visual sweet spot. The effect is subtle, natural, although colors felt little bit muted compared to the 145-inch prototype, with the demo videos drawing us in to its demo reel, rather than pushing out an image. The plasma display panel prototype is also glasses-free, with the 4K2K screen able to push out enough pixels to offer these multiple viewing angles. But again, there's no substitute for being there yourself.%Gallery-163828% Follow all of our IFA 2012 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Panasonic's 145-inch 8K PDP eyes-on (video)
Tucked away into a dark corner of Panasonic's booth is the clear highlight of the outfit's IFA 2012 showcase: a 145-inch 8K plasma display panel. Developed in partnership with Japan's NHK, the prototype is merely a proof of concept for the broadcaster's planned 2020 launch of Super Hi Vision TV. In person, the flat screen is truly awe-inspiring, offering such richness of detail that even up-close we weren't able to discern any pixels, while colors appeared balanced and natural. Overall, the image quality -- 16 times that of regular full HD -- nearly apes the real-world images it replicates. Unfortunately, you'll have to wait sometime before this tech trickles down to the mass market level. In the meantime, content yourself with a brief video demo after the break. Follow all of our IFA 2012 coverage by heading to our event hub!
PDP Afterglow 2.0 controllers and stereo wireless headset hands-on
Here at E3, PDP is showing off a handful of new gaming accessories for those looking to jump on the third-party bandwagon. The company has refreshed its line of Afterglow controllers that now sport a second edition label. Much like the previous models, the family will include accessories for PS3, Xbox 360 and two for Wii. The major difference that you'll notice is a portion of the peripherals is now black -- a bit of a departure from the clear interior-lit controllers that we've seen previously. In addition to the recharged versions of the Afterglow add-ons, the outfit also allowed us to go ears-on with a wireless stereo gaming headset that will sport the same illuminated moniker. Here, you'll have your choice for either white or black (and then red, blue or green interiors) for the set of cans that provide a quite cozy fit -- thanks in part to the extra padding around the earcups. We gave them a spin with latest Call of Duty offering and were quite pleased with the sound quality, too. Three sound modes provide a bit of customization, allowing you to choose between pure audio, bass boost and 3D expander listening pre-sets. An LED on the tip of the unit's mic will keep you informed as to which selection you've made. Speaking of controls, all of the in-game adjustments that you'll need to make can be easily done from the left side. You can expect around 10 hours of gameplay on a single charge, an auxiliary jack for your mobile devices and connection to your console via USB dongle. When the headset arrives in September, it will set you back $89.95 and play nice with PS3, Xbox, Wii and PC. If you're still curious about further visual details, head for the gallery below and take a closer look. %Gallery-157628%
The Wii U accessory onslaught begins in the Scribblenaut-iest way
With a new console comes a world of new accessories. I encountered my first Wii U accessory in PDP's booth, and it's glorious. To go with the Wii U version of Scribblenauts Unlimited, PDP has concocted a cover for the WiiPad designed to mimic Maxwell's "rooster hat."Now that it exists, every Wii U controller that isn't in a rooster hat is a missed opportunity.
Engadget Primed: HDTV technologies detailed, past and future
Primed goes in-depth on the technobabble you hear on Engadget every day -- we dig deep into each topic's history and how it benefits our lives. You can follow the series here. Looking to suggest a piece of technology for us to break down? Drop us a line at primed *at* engadget *dawt* com. Like so many things in life, when it comes to high-definition televisions, size matters. So, too, does picture quality -- we like watching the devil in crisp detail, after all. As the centerpiece of home entertainment systems, today's flat big-screen HDTVs pull triple duty. They're the preferred display when you're braining zombies during a flesh-tearing PS3 game of Dead Island. They're ideal for watching zombies (er, walkers) get brained on AMC's hit The Walking Dead. And in terms of social status, big HDTVs serve notice that, yes world, you've arrived. So join us as we explore and demystify the acronym-filled habitat of HDTVs -- and in the process maybe save your bank account from getting bitten. In this installment of Primed, we'll examine the two main breeds of flat-panel HDTVs, including a look at liquid crystal display and plasma technologies. We'll also put screen size, resolution and frame rates under the microscope. We'll wrap things up with a view of what's on the high-def horizon and close out with a critical assessment of 3D HDTV. Strap yourselves in, couch jockeys, it's time for Primed.
Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection to bring the original trilogy to XBLA and PSN
Has the rich, all-encompassing story mode of Netherrealm Studios' reboot of the Mortal Kombat franchise filled you with an unquenchable thirst for more of the universe's gore-lore? We suggest going back to the franchise's roots -- an act which will be made much easier in late summer, when Warner Bros. Interactive launches the Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection on XBLA, PSN and PC for 800 Microsoft Points ($10). The compilation promises to include "arcade-perfect" ports of the series' original trilogy: Mortal Kombat, Mortal Kombat 2 and Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3, each of which will be infused with online multiplayer and leaderboards. As an added promotion, the company is licensing an official Mortal Kombat Klassic Fight Stick with PDP, a $129.99 peripheral with a retro Mortal Kombat button layout (similar to PDP's recent Tournament Edition stick) which includes a download voucher for the upcoming Kollection. The Fight Stick is available to pre-order now, but the Kollection itself is not. Because you don't have to pre-order downloadable games, you silly goose.
Eyes on with the VT30, Panasonic's flagship 3D plasma
The latest and greatest (and largest) 3D plasmas from Panasonic are finally shipping, including the flagship, THX-certified Viera VT30 sets with their single sheet of glass panels and Infinite Black Pro2 filters. We first caught a glimpse of these bad boys back at CES and we've been impatiently waiting for a chance to blast our retinas with their PDP goodness in all three dimensions. The company was nice enough to invite us over recently to have a little TV powwow that featured an uncomfortable amount of Avatar on Bluray. Keep reading after the break for all the not-so-gory details. %Gallery-123262%
Mortal Kombat tournament koming to Bally's Las Vegas May 14-15
Planning to be in Vegas later this summer and know a thing or three about pulling off Fatalities? Good news: PDP Tournaments is coming to Bally's in Las Vegas on May 14 through 15, and is bringing along $21,000 in prize money for a Mortal Kombat tournament. All you need to do to enter is sign up on the event's website (though you'll need to book a place to stay if you're not from around there, of course). The tourney will be played using official PDP Mortal Kombat joysticks, so you've got the option to shell out $129.99 at sign-up for your own to practice on. The event sounds exciting: double elimination over two days of nothing but MK. Good luck to everyone who enters; we'll help you start psyching up right now.
PDP and Power A reveal first batch of 3DS accessories
You've already made the biggest decisions regarding your upcoming acquisition of the Nintendo 3DS: What color should you buy? What launch titles are worth your time and money? Shouldn't you wait for that Zelda jam? However, we'd wager that one of your most important decisions remains unmade: Which accoutrements should your purchase to compliment your new, handheld friend? (That's French for "video game accessories," we believe.) Power A and PDP have each revealed their Nintendo-licensed suites of cases, chargers and cleaning kits -- all of which are available to order from their respective sites. We're confident that between the two of them, all your needs are accounted for. Need a standalone car charger? No probs. A businesslike, faux leather case? Oh, here it is. How about a Rainbow Telescoping Stylus Pack? We don't even know what that is, but we want one.
PDP Mortal Kombat Fight Stick's secret compartments revealed
Wondering exactly what makes the PDP-designed "portable" fight stick that comes bundled with the $150 Tournament Edition of Mortal Kombat so darn "portable?" Check out the nooks and crannies of the device in the gallery below -- looks like it's got enough space to fit a small family of guinea pigs.
Marvel Versus Fighting Pad features micro-switch thumb pad, art direction courtesy of a 12 year old boy
PDP, known in the gaming biz for everything from PlayStation Move accessories to heart-shaped guitar-ish (and garish) controllers, has really pulled out all the stops with its latest. The Marvel Versus Fighting Pad is a wired joypad that sports micro-switches for the thumb stick and six front-facing buttons, which is what you get on most arcade consoles (and what you don't get on cheaper controllers, so theoretically this should be rather nice). Available February 14, this bad boy will set you back $40. Right now only an Xbox 360 model is planned, but if it sells well they will also be bringing it to the PS3. And yes, that is a panel from an actual Marvel comic slathered all over the thing. PR, Video after the break.
