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Apple adding DisplayPort to iOS devices?
Not content with just building offices in the shape of UFOs, Apple is on the hunt for a "Signal Integrity Manager." That's an engineer who balances the noise that chips and circuit boards emit -- which, if left unchecked could overpower your iOS devices' data signals. Apple is specifically looking for someone with DisplayPort experience (plus ten years general experience and two years leading a small team) to work on future chip development -- like the A6. The move suggests that the standard could be coming in the future, but since the position is still listed, it seems unlikely that we'll see DisplayPort included with the next iPhone / iPad at this point.
PS4 production to begin later this year?
We're still waiting on that globe-like PS9 (aren't you?), but seeing as how wireless head-to-console gaming isn't yet available or ethical, we'll make do with PS4 rumors. Based on nothing more than a game of component-maker telephone, sources out of Taiwan are telling Digitimes to expect a brand new PlayStation 4 for launch sometime in early 2012. Reportedly on board for this latest iteration are baked-in motion controls à la Kinect and a holographic David Lynch virtual pet. We kid, but we do hope he helms those new ads. According to these anonymous insiders, Sony has a planned production run of 20 million consoles for launch -- all headed straight to eBay, we imagine. It should go without saying that news of this kind should be taken with a mouthful of salt, but with the PS3 turning five this November, it's a safe bet that there's a successor to the "It Only Does Everything" throne on the way. [Image credit via CNET Asia]
Rumour: Leaked document shows CCP's microtransaction plans [UPDATED]
In the wake of controversy surrounding EVE Online's new microtransaction store and its not-so-micro prices, a document has surfaced that has raised more than a few eyebrows in the EVE community. The PDF is reported to be a copy of CCP's internal company newsletter Fearless. Ex-CCP employee and current CSM member Seleene was able to verify that the company does circulate an internal newsletter by that name and that the style is very similar to the leaked document. However, the absolute authenticity of the document can not at this time be proven. The document dates back to May 2011 and discusses how microtransactions will be integrated into EVE Online, DUST 514 and World of Darkness. Most of the document is fairly harmless, but a few parts have stood out to players. According to the document, "Not all virtual purchases [in EVE Online] will focus on customization: some will simply be new items, ammunition, ships, etc. that can be purchased outright." Also mentioned is the possibility of buying faction standings. Both of these would be in complete contrast to earlier promises from CCP not to allow microtransactions that influence gameplay. Authenticity of the document is still in question, but we can reveal that the leaked PDF has had several pages removed before being made public. A link to the full version was later leaked on twitter. Page 2 of the document, which was omitted in the originally leaked file, contains a disclaimer stating that the views presented are personal opinions and not company policies or decisions. This adds further confusion as players attempt to make sense of the file's contents. We reached out to CCP to ask about the document's authenticity and to request clarification on the discussions presented in it. We'll update this post with any response we get. [UPDATE: The document's authenticity has been confirmed by CCP Pann from CCPs PR department. Massively has a hard-hitting interview in the works with CCP Zulu on the issue]
VZW leak teases HTC Thunderbolt update: Skype Video, Android 2.3.4 coming June 30th?
It's taken Verizon Wireless a painfully long time to get here, but it looks like the HTC Thunderbolt -- the carrier's once flagship 4G LTE device -- might finally be getting the much talked about, but not-quite-officially delivered Skype with Video. We first brought you news of a leaked build back in April, but if this rumored June 30th release pans out, you'll get to experience mobile video chat with your honeybun first-hand, as well as some Android 2.3.4 loving. As is the case with most carrier updates, Big Red appears to be loading this one up with some goodies -- not just bloatware. Sure, the requisite VZW apps are on-board, but how's about some Gtalk Video, a pre-loaded Amazon Appstore, and a handy fix for those irritating reboots? Keep in mind, we're still firmly planted in rumor territory, but it does seem like Thunderbolt owners are getting closer to the initial dream.
Is Sony Ericsson eyeing the netbook market?
According to a "reliable" source cited by Netbook News, the mobile phone manufacturer / adorable couple known as Sony Ericsson is looking to follow Nokia into the netbook (or is that "smartbook?") market. There's not much more to this story at present, although it does make sense -- so we'll take it, with the proverbial grain of salt. And while we're on the subject, does anyone have any more info on the PlayStation Phone?[Via Register Hardware]
Star Wars: The Old Republic to launch in October 2010?
Star Wars: The Old Republic has been causing waves since it was first announced. The revelation that it would be the world's first fully-voiced MMO made people sit up and pay even more attention. Well now a French fan site, Star Wars-Universe.com, is reporting (in French of course, but you can read it in English here) that the game will see a release date in Q3 2010, specifically September. This date is attributed to what they call 'a reliable source' within LucasArts itself. If this is true, it means there is just over a year until the game -- an MMO version of the classic Knights of the Old Republic -- is launched. Excited yet?We're not sure how accurate this is (making it pinch of salt time, folks) and we'd really love it to be true. Particularly as the wait is not intolerable, but it also allows a nice period for beta testing. We've contacted LucasArts to confirm the release date and we will let you know what they say as and when. Until then, check out that awesome cinematic trailer below.[via Gamerzines and MMORPG.com]
Cheyenne Mountain responds to rumors of no pay for employees
As the story spread across the blogosphere yesterday concerning the website http://days-since-cheyenne-mountain-employees-have-been-paid.com, we at Massively remained interested, yet apprehensive on something that was little more than an anonymous url. Yet today we're happy to report on an actual response to the rumor and speculation.Kevin Balentine, senior Marketing Manager at Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment released an official explanation of the rumors: "At Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment, we have always been upfront with the media and our fans that we are a start up. Like many start ups, we face the same cash-flow issues that all pre-revenue companies face. We have maintained a core of dedicated investors, but the new economic realities are forcing us to seek out additional sources of funding and that's what we're doing. We continue to move forward on the Stargate Worlds project. We recently completed a successful phase of closed beta testing and we will start a second phase early in 2009. We invite all of your readers to come to our site, check out our fantastic community and sign up for our beta."
Rumour: 2008 looking great if Best Buy release list is to be believed
We all know that 2008 is going to be a great year for the PS3 with regards to games, but when are they all coming out? User "Xeonoumus" on the official PlayStation forums might well have the answer. Demanding that his local Best Buy show him a list of 2008 releases, he receives a full list of predicted dates - and they appear quite favourable. We're labelling this a rumour for many reasons, not least because even if these dates are correct today, they could change at any time. Enough disclaimers. When are we going to see some games this year? Most of the big titles we're looking forward to seem to be due out within the next six months, which is fine by us. We'll list out the big titles below and then post the full scan after the jump. [Enjoy Speculation responsibly!] Burnout Paradise - 14th of January Devil May Cry 4 - 4th of February GTA IV - 1st of April Haze - 18th of March Killzone 2 - 7th of April LittleBigPlanet - 7th of April Metal Gear Solid 4 - 17th of June Rainbow Six Vegas 2 - 11th of March Singstar - 13th of May [Via TheSixthAxis]
Bioshock PS3 rumour resurfaces
From the vault of rumours that won't die (no, not that one - that one is hopefully dead forever) comes, once again, the rumour of Bioshock coming to the PS3 sometime in 2008. While this was buried a few months ago the latest issue of EGM - and, in it, the newest Quartermann rumour predictions - has dug it back up and plans to rehabilitate it into mainstream debate. We're not biting, however. There's no new evidence other than Mr. Quartermann's statement. We'd be happy to see it, but until we see some sort of proof we're firmly labeling this as the rumour it is.
Rumour: Another Metal Gear Solid PSP title in the works
EGM's resident rumour-monger, Quartermann, has suggested in the latest issue that Kojima Productions have another PSP Metal Gear Solid game planned. This is completely unconfirmed and, at this stage, nothing more than a rumour but, to be honest, we wouldn't be surprised. There are no other details other than the implication that the game will be based on the early days of Snake's career. Makes sense really, seeing as how Metal Gear Solid 4 will be the last chapter of Snake's story - going backwards in the timeline is the only choice left.
Rumour: Bioware to showcase a PS3 exclusive at E3?
PSU is today reporting that the community director of Bioware has confirmed that they will be at E3. He states that they weren't happy to confirm their presence there until they "were sure that the cool stuff we're going to be showing there was set, ready and very, very cool."While it's clear that they will be showing Mass Effect and Sonic RPG at the expo, PSU is speculating that they will also be revealing a new PS3 exclusive. Their reasoning stems from a conversation with Richard Vogel, Bioware's Director of Operations, at the GDC, during which he mentioned to PSU that there was a game in development for the PS3. Unfortunately, no further details were able to be obtained.Checking the Bioware website, the "in development" games list shows a listing for a "new next generation game". We look forward to seeing if PSU's hunch is correct when E3 comes around.[Thanks Justin]
