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Microsoft shutters Pioneer Studios, we pour one out for J Allard
It's been about a year since he left Microsoft, but the J Allard era came to a more definitive close yesterday, with the shuttering of his brainchild, Pioneer Studios. Microsoft opened the incubation lab more than three years ago as an entrepreneurial space where designers could toy around with new consumer technologies. The tragically shelved Courier tablet was first developed within Pioneer's exposed brick walls, where Allard and his Alchemy Ventures team also worked on the Xbox, Zune and Windows Phone 7. Now, however, a Microsoft spokeswoman has confirmed that the downtown Seattle office is no longer occupied, telling CNET that many of the lab's employees have either left, or moved on to different positions within the company. Pioneer co-founder Georg Petschnigg left Microsoft in April to pursue an "undisclosed new venture," while fellow godfather Jonathan Harris is still at Redmond, where he serves as "principle experience director," according to their respective LinkedIn profiles. The spokeswoman didn't offer a specific reason for the decision, but in a now-ominous video posted to Microsoft's developer site back in October, Petschnigg acknowledged that the unit's innovative spirit would frequently lead to dead ends. "Often times our work just doesn't go anywhere," he explained, adding that Pioneer would only pursue projects expected to bring in more than $100 million a year. "That's one of the perils of being an entrepreneur." See the full video after the break.
Halo Fest set to take place during PAX Prime 2011
Already snagged one of the (quickly diminishing) passes for PAX Prime 2011 in Seattle? Little did you know that you were secretly buying your admission into a second, equally exciting event. At this year's original, Seattle-flavored Penny Arcade Expo, 343 Industries will turn the third floor annex of the convention center into "Halo Fest," an event the studio describes as "the largest and most expansive live Halo experience ever." The event, which will celebrate the franchise's tenth anniversary, will also feature tournaments, panels and giveaways for stoppers-by. Best of all, your entry is guaranteed with a PAX Prime ticket, meaning you have literally no reason to stop by. Unless, of course, you don't like Halo. Or if you're super scared of heights. Three floors is awfully high up, you know.
TUAW discount for Voices That Matter: iPhone Developers Conference
If there's anything that TUAW tries to do to separate itself from the other Apple blogs, it's making sure that we support the iOS and Mac developer communities through our involvement in conferences. While we're usually at Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) to cover the stories, TUAW bloggers have been actively involved in the Voices That Matter, 360 MacDev and 360 iDev conferences. Mike Schramm is at GDC this week. Our very own alpha geek queen bee, Erica Sadun, is the Technical Chair for the Voices That Matter: iPhone Developers Conference taking place in Seattle April 9-10. At the conference, you'll be able to learn from top devs such as Jessica Kahn of Disney Mobile, who will speak on Designing Family Friendly Apps. If you're looking for less suitable-for-work content, Mike Lee will be hosting another From Crap to App session for your education and enjoyment. Others expected to be at the conference include Aaron Hillegass, Jeff LaMarche, Andy Ihnatko and Graham Lee. The usual conference fee is $695, but if you use our special secret TUAW handshake and discount code (TUAW444), you'll get $150 off that fee to make the conference even more affordable. Don't wait until it's too late -- sign up today.
Mobisante's MobiUS smartphone ultrasound system secures FDA clearance, now needs to graduate from WinMo
The concept of a smartphone-based ultrasound imaging system is far from new, but Dr. Sailesh Chutani -- Mobisante's CEO and a former bigwig at Microsoft -- is bound and determined to take things beyond the drawing board. The aforesaid company has just landed what may in fact be the most important part of the production puzzle: 510(k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration. That's a major seal of approval, and pretty much allows the company to move forward with plans to get ultrasound technology into remote villages and rural hospitals where it's simply not feasible to purchase a $20,000+ system. Of course, there's still many years of work between now and then; the existing build only works on Toshiba's WinMo-based TG01 smartphone, and current estimates still put a $7,000 to $8,000 price tag on the whole MobiUS package. If it can reach critical mass, it's hoping to halve that asking price, and if things keep progressing, this may very well be the company that makes an ultrasound stethoscope a reality. Here's hoping this is just the firm's first celebration of many to come.
Google spends a few more million, picks up Widevine DRM software firm
Two acquisitions in as many days? Say it ain't so! Prior to even unboxing Phonetic Arts, Google has now snapped up Seattle-based Widevine. Truth be told, you're probably taking advantage of the company's technology without even being aware of it -- it's used in over 250 million web connected HDTVs and streamers around the globe, and it's primarily designed to thwart piracy attempts while enabling consumers to enjoy content on a wider array of devices. As these things tend to do, neither outfit is talking prices, but it's fairly obvious why El Goog would want a firm like this in its portfolio. Moreover, it's borderline comical that Viacom's pushing an appeal in order to pit Google as an anti-studio, pro-piracy monster while it's spending hard-earned cash on a DRM layer. At any rate, Google's not getting into specific plans just yet, only stating its intentions to maintain Widevine's agreements, provide support for existing and future clients as well as "building upon [the technology] to enhance both Widevine's products and its own."
Halo: Reach launch festivities detailed by Microsoft
Next week's release of Halo: Reach carries with it some dire consequences for one New York City Best Buy-owned location -- the Times Square Best Buy theater will be taken over by thousands of rabid Halo fans, patiently waiting for their copy of Reach at 12:01am Tuesday on the dot. Additionally, the theater will feature a "surprise musical performance" and a chance to meet the creators of Reach. Seattle will also be holding a major launch event. The Experience Music Project / Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame will host folks from both Bungie and 343 Industries, as well as a chance to compete in tournaments and win "coveted Halo prizes." Will you finally get that real-life plasma sword? We certainly hope not. That's dangerous! As expected, US game retailers (from GameStop to Walmart) will be holding midnight launch events across the country, though we suggest you check with your local retail outlet before lining up next Monday night. A week's worth of Xbox Live-based activities -- named "Invasion Week" -- are also planned, which you can find detailed after the break. [Thanks, p01nt.]
PAX Prime 2010 performers and exhibitors announced
PAX Prime, which is largely considered to be the O.G. of Penny Arcade Expos, doesn't kick off until the weekend of September 3, but that doesn't mean we can't start getting excited right now. A portion of the 70-strong exhibitor list has been released alongside the announcement of this year's musical acts -- a ledger (posted in full after the break) which leads us to the inevitable conclusion that PAX Prime 2010 might be the comic's largest gala to date. PAX Prime's "bigger and better" convention hall will play host to big names like 2K Games, Capcom, EA, Microsoft, Nintendo and Ubisoft. The main stage will see a cadre of returning musical acts, including Anamanaguchi, Jonathan Coulton, MC Frontalot, Metroid Metal, The Minibosses, Paul and Storm and The Protomen. Tickets are available now at $35 for single-day passes and $55 for three-day passes. Given the incredible speed with which tickets for PAX East sold out earlier this year, interested parties probably shouldn't hesitate to register.
Quartet of Dell Streaks spotted in the wild in Seattle, testing for AT&T
Image credit: Seattle Times It's not often you see four unreleased gadgets rather unceremoniously attached to a plank of wood on the sidewalk, but that's exactly what Seattle Times blogger Brier Dudley spotted: four Dell Streaks all in a row. AT&T network technicians were apparently verifying performance of the devices on the company's 3G network and also ensuring their ability to send accurate e-911 information. Among the four was a bright crimson model, but sadly the pink and orange versions we're holding out for were not present on this particular piece of timber. We should be just a few weeks away from the Streak going fully public, at which point you can hopefully find something a little more suitable to which to attach yours. [Thanks, Kris Hill]
Voices that Matter iPhone: App Store prices
Here's just a quick shot from Jeffrey Hughes' lunchtime presentation on marketing iPhone apps here at this weekend's Voices that Matter iPhone developers' conference here in Seattle. Because the presentation ran a little long, he had to hurry through his planned section on pricing, but he did share these interesting figures, culled from 148Apps.biz. The average non-game app price in the iPhone store right now is actually over US$3. But the average game price, $1.39 (driven way down by the many 99 cent games available) actually brings the overall app price down another 20 cents or so, putting the total at just $2.79. That might seem low (especially if you're an app developer who has worked a lot on what you think is a quality app). But given all the 99 cent and free apps out there, it actually seems somewhat higher than I expected. And apparently this includes iPad apps, too, many of which have settled down at $9.99. Interesting stat to see.
AT&T redirecting 911 calls from Salt Lake City to Seattle, working on a fix (update: fix is in)
Ready for a surreal way to start your day? Salt Lake City's KSL News has a report out this morning detailing the baffling experience of AT&T subscribers trying to access emergency services in the city. Instead of being routed through to their local dispatcher, the urgent calls somehow found their way to Seattle's 911 response center. Brought to the news team's attention by one Tony Sams, this issue was originally thought to originate in his iPhone's GPS system, as he was being identified as being located in the Seattle area, but then his local police also tried dialing their own number only to find themselves chatting it up with their Emerald City colleagues. Until they figure this out, we'd recommend using your landlines -- if you still have one of those antiques -- or just yelling at passersby for help. Hit the source for the full video report and the 10-digit direct number for Salt Lake City general dispatch. Update: AT&T has been very nippy in getting this routing problem sorted out, and proper service has been restored. The company is now investigating the cause of this problemo. [Thanks, Ryan]
Verizon 'wrapping up' Boston and Seattle trials, 'friendly user' ones coming this summer
Remember those LTE trials that Verizon Wireless started up in Boston and Seattle back in August of last year? Good news, mobile surfers -- the operator has today confirmed in a roundtable at CTIA that they're both nearing their end, giving us hope that they're gleaned the necessary information from them to start moving onto bigger and better things. Namely, more elaborate trials in more locales around the nation. As you might expect, Verizon Wireless is indeed gearing up to move into its next phase of commercial LTE testing, with Tony Melone (Senior VP / CTO) stating that 'friendly user trials' were slated to begin this summer. He declined to elaborate on the whos, whats and (most importantly) wheres, but there's no doubt that these are likely the last hurdles before we see its 4G network go live in "one third" of the country. We're told that those tests will be used to kick the tires on "commercial" gear, which is starkly different than the non-commercial kit that has been used in Beantown and the Emerald City. So far, the company's seeing peak rates of around 40Mbps and 50Mbps (down), with average download rates hovering in the 5Mbps to 12Mbps range and upload speeds falling between 2Mbps and 5Mbps. Be sure to let us know if any undercover VZW engineers start installing weird antennas near your abode in the coming months, cool?
Seattle eager for Google fiber, other cities apt to fall in line
Talk about rapid response. Just a day or so after Google blew a few minds by announcing its plans to serve 1Gbps internet to a select group of communities, Seattle mayor Mike McGinn has come forward and confessed that the Emerald City is ready to accept said offer. 'Course, we shouldn't be shocked to hear that one of the most educated and wealthy cities in North America -- as well as (almost) being home to Microsoft -- is up for a little fiber action, but it's certainly interesting to see just how willing the local government is to share its resources with Gmail's creator. We're guessing that other tech-savvy cities throughout the US will be jumping in line as well, so if you'd like to be one of the first, now might be a fantastic time to ping your own mayor and get him / her on the ball.
Report: Seattle one of the top three game-developing cities in U.S.
[Image] Ahh, Seattle. It's already home to grunge rock, the Penny Arcade Expo and the highbrow, dry comedy of Frasier; arguably our three favorite things on this planet. Oh, we're pretty big fans of video games as well -- and according to a report recently published by the Washington Interactive Network, it's one of the three best cities in the country for making those, as well. The firm's Interactive Media Competiveness Study compared a number of factors (such as the number of studios and educational institutions nearby) of twelve of the country's most prolific game-developing cities. While it doesn't name a definitive leader, the report found that San Jose, San Francisco and Seattle were the top three -- the latter of which made the cut after expanding its gaming industry 8 percent between 2003 and 2006. Sure, the Washington Interactive Network might have just been playing favorites -- but still, we'd be willing to award Seattle the crown based on Frasier alone. [Via GamePolitics]
The Queue: Now or later
Welcome back to The Queue, WoW.com's daily Q&A column where the WoW.com team answers your questions about the World of Warcraft. Alex Ziebart will be your host today. It's been awhile since I've done listening music for The Queue. It's a lot of fun to do, but we do it so often here on WoW.com that it's starting to get a little stale. I've started to miss doing it though, so here you go. Today's listening music is some fantastic Rhett and Link, who you probably have never heard on the radio. Which is a shame. YimmyZ asked... "Is there any lore related to Emblems/badges? Something like the people need so many badges to draw magic from to imbue items or some such?"
Clearwire's WiMAX rollout rolls on: NC, WA, TX, IL and HI get lit
Think LTE is the future? How's about the present? Clearwire is expanding its national footprint in a big, big way today by announcing WiMAX services in a slew of regions in a smattering of states. Starting today, 4G access can be found in both Honolulu and Maui, Hawaii, which effectively removes the last sane reason to not visit and / or relocate there. In fact, CLEAR is now available to 800,000 citizens of America's finest state, with service extending 1,759 square miles over Oahu, Maui, and Lanai. Moving on, residents of Charlotte, Greensboro and Raleigh, North Carolina can also buy in, right along with those folks in Dallas/Ft. Worth, San Antonio and Austin, Texas who mistakenly think their BBQ is superior. Closing things out, we've got new access throughout the Puget Sound area (including Seattle and King County, Pierce County, Kitsap County, and Snohomish County), not to mention a green light to hop on the 4G superhighway in the Chicago region. If you're anxious to ditch 3G, you'll find plans starting at just $30 per month.
More server outages for Whirlwind and Emberstorm [Updated]
There are more server outages hitting this afternoon, unfortunately impacting the same realms that were down for around ten hours last night. The Seattle datacenter was hit with a nasty power outage yesterday, but we currently don't know the reasons for the current downtime. There are no blue responses yet, but my gut says there's some lingering damage that will need to be dealt with this afternoon. Then again, we might be lucky and they'll be back in ten minutes. Who knows with these things? Keep an eye on WoW.com and we'll keep you posted should we hear anything. If you're not sure if you're part of one of these battlegroups, the full list is behind the cut. Update #1: Blizzard is aware of the issue. Not much else at the moment. Update #2: Looks like most servers are coming up. Our poor friends on Quel'Dorei are still down for the count. Update #3: Maintenance on these realms not necessarily 'done' says Malkorix. Update 11:57pm: Both battlegroups went down 12 minutes ago. More as we know it. Update 12:18am: Blizzard says they are working on it and that any compensation will come after the problems have been resolved. Update 3:37am: The servers are up temporarily, but will be intermittently taken down while they continue to resolve the underlying problem.
NCSoft sells over 300,000 Aion pre-orders
There's an interesting interview with Véronique Lallier -- NCSoft's managing director of publishing -- over at GamesIndustry.biz that reveals Aion has sold over 300,000 pre-orders so far. Not too shabby if you ask us. The interview also covers a lot of what's been going on over the past year with NC West, NCSoft's 'umbrella' for their western subsidiaries.The main goal of NC West is to give the company a stronger foothold in European and North American markets. Now based out of Seattle, employees can be closer to their players and be more responsive to their needs. Stepping back from their original strategy of making casual games, the Seattle studio is also focused on making more triple-A MMOs for the West. What's on the horizon for NCSoft? Apparently, we can expect to hear more about Guild Wars 2 next year and their Korean studio is working on Blade & Soul, which they claim has even better graphics than Aion. There are a number of unannounced titles as well.We should have the results of our own Aion interview with NCSoft out shortly, so make sure to stay tuned for that.
Joystiq is at PAX 2009
Joystiq has invaded the city known for Starbucks, Kurt Cobain, the Space Needle and, most importantly, the Penny Arcade Expo 2009! We hit the ground running last night with a pre-PAX Activision event (they aren't officially at the show), and got our hands on some games -- we'll tell you more later. Stay tuned for a lot more as we march through the halls, pausing only to record silly videos. %Gallery-71780%
Champions Online open beta and early start schedule revealed
Cryptic Studios has announced the open beta and head start schedule for Champions Online. It's actually a very nice setup. Here's the rundown: August 16th: closed beta servers wiped. August 17th: open beta begins, servers taken down nightly from 1am-3am PDT. August 24th: servers shut down at 10am PDT and wiped for early start. August 28th: early start begins, allowing GameStop and Best Buy pre-orders to play before the Sept. 1st launch. Players involved with the early start can defeat special enemies who drop unique items only available until September 1st. Cryptic hasn't said what these items are going to be, so we're in the dark until the early start begins -- or they decide to share that information early.We're definitely (unfortunately?) going through GameStop for the early start, as some of us will be in Seattle at PAX during launch and don't want to miss out on powering up our superheroes beforehand. Plus, we're pretty impatient when it comes to our MMOs. It just goes with the job, really.Update: Best Buy customers will also receive early start access. Our apologies!
Senior staff leave 'The Agency' to start new studio; SOE claims game unaffected
The Agency has lost some top agents as several members of Sony Online Entertainment's Seattle studio have left to form Detonator Games. The losses include art director Corey Dangel, studio director Matt Wilson and producer John Smith -- the latter two were founding members of the development house. Eurogamer reports the departures have ignited rumors that the The Agency will experience a reboot or overhaul -- which wouldn't be the first time the production team has had to go on the defensive. SOE denies that there's any reboot going on and notes that company is "looking forward to showing you new content in the future." Let's see if the game makes its 2010 release.[Via GI.biz]
