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Amazon grabs two more Kindle related domains, keeps gadget writers in work
Amazon is sending book-loving gadget fans into a frenzy with another round of domain name buys. It registered KindleScribe and KindleScribes.com to go along with the KindleAir and KindleSocialNetwork addresses it picked up earlier this month. All that's left to do is speculate wildly on what they could represent (Thin and light e-reader? Tablet-style touchscreen? Kindle that comes pre-loaded with the Social Network?) and hope the new devices come packing Jeff's newly patented mobile airbags.
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.
Rumor: iPhone 5 to have 64 GB?
Recently-revealed engineering samples of iPhone 4s have been found to have 64 GB of memory -- see picture above from Unwire, and this M.I.C. Gadget story -- showing that there's no physical reason why the iPhone 5 couldn't have this much memory. The iPad 2 has already been criticised for sticking with the earlier version's 64 GB limit, and releasing an iPhone 5 with the earlier model's 32 GB limit would be bound to increase the complaints. Previous speculation about the 32 GB limitation on the iPhone's memory capacity centered on lack of physical space, production capacity and cost. With capacity due to almost double this year and prices falling, it looks like the third barrier may now have fallen if Apple can secure enough supplies. The 64 GB engineering samples are very similar to the (in)famous Gizmodo iPhone 4 from last year (with a similar serial number) and appear to date to early 2010, showing that it was indeed constraints other than physical ones which kept Apple from releasing an increased-capacity iPhone 4. It was apparently obtained from sources at Apple manufacturer Foxconn rather than on the Hong Kong grey markets - you can watch a video of it in action here. Update: Engadget spotted a 64 GB iPhone prototype in Hong Kong's Sin Tak shopping mall. Upon investigation it appears as though it was made in 2010 but the serial numbers were invalid. Perhaps if prices on memory drop the iPhone 5 could still sport a higher capacity. [via MacRumors]
Rumours abound in the latest issue of EGM: Parasite Eve 3?
EGM's superspy extraordinaire, Quatermann, has revealed some interesting nuggets of information in the latest issue of the magazine. They all center around the PS3 and they're all exciting. Don't forget though, they are still rumours. Doesn't stop us hoping though.It seems that our own Nick Doerr is a bit of a Nostradamus. Just this morning, he predicted an unannounced non-mobile phone sequel to the Parasite Eve series. Well if Quatermann is to be believed, the next proper Parasite Eve is already in development. He also insists that Sony and Epic Games are in talks and are working together to optimise the Unreal Engine 3 for use on the PS3. Oh, and there's a potential PS3 exclusive coming out of it.Despite Metal Gear Solid 4 being pegged for a fiscal 2007 release, there's a chance that Hideo Kojima may also be working on another title right now. Quatermann insists that it is not Zone of the Enders 3. Finally, Sony are due to release a wiimote style remote before Christmas. Not a bad selection of rumours. We'd definitely be happy if Parasite Eve and an Epic Games exclusive come to pass. We'll keep our eyes out for any developments.
New Alliance race: the latest rumour
It's all been a bit quiet on the new Alliance race front as of late. However, this image (courtesy of the forums) will help stir up some of the rumours again: it's a very good Photoshopping, in my opinion, but it may spark a few seeds of doubt. Of course, as several other people have said, if the race is Murlocs then I'm switching back to the Alliance.[Thanks, CapAmerica]
Halo 3: speculation roundup
Bungie have been remaining notoriously tight-lipped over any details surrounding Halo 3, which means that any tidbits of information end up spreading like wildfire. Earlier this month Engadget's interview with Bill Gates revealed that Microsoft weren't planning to push Halo 3 out in time for the PS3 release, and our interview with Peter Moore backed this up. So what speculation is there to satisfy our thirst for second-guessing Bungie? Firstly, tipster m3mnoch writes in with an interesting interpretation of Bungie's last weekly update. The update focuses on the UI design process, throwing up some questions -- if their next project is Halo 3, why so urgent a need to input text, and why isn't multiplayer a given? m3mnoch's speculation: a Halo MMOFPS. Nice. Another tipster, untitled, points us to this (quite frankly, absurd) news snippet: Halo 3 is ready at the mastering plant, simply awaiting the green light for launch. This contradicts everything we expect from Bungie, from intricate marketing schemes to their attention to detail (no software company has a product ready to ship months before the marketing has begun). Still, given the lack of real information to go on, snatching at straws is all we can do at this stage.[Update: fixed typo.]
