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Full PlanetSide 2 E3 theater details customization and player tools
Those who weren't at E3 to get a hands-on experience with PlanetSide 2 now have the opportunity to watch the same theater presentation attendees were treated to. For just over seven minutes, developer Brian Bosch gives viewers a run-down of PS2's factions, classes, and vehicles while demonstrating the in-depth customization for gear and vehicles. The video ends with a look at the tools Sony Online Entertainment is offering players to keep connected with the game even when logged out. The player website will allow players to check and compare their stats and performance; it will have also a separate planet status tab giving a real-time view of activities on a player's home server. Still worried about being out of touch? Brian states that on the way are mobile uplink apps that will mirror most of the website's functions as well as allow players to hook into the voice program in-game and talk with friends. Enjoy the full video (and check out the coordinating squad zebra uniforms) after the break.
Tesla delivers first Model S a little early, EVs take a big step forward (update: video!)
Tesla had originally pegged the Model S' first delivery for June 22nd. At least one owner, though, is getting an early treat: one of venture capital firm Draper Fisher Jurvetson's namesake managing directors, Steve Jurvetson, just picked up his red-hued EV sedan in the San Francisco Bay Area. He can also rightfully claim to have the very first production Model S anywhere, as he's since posted photographic proof on Flickr that his car was the earliest to have completed the factory run. The arrival is no doubt a milestone for taking purely electric cars into the mainstream. Even so, we'll admit that we're just hoping Jurvetson shares what it's like to live with Tesla's four-door -- both out of curiosity as well as a vain attempt to live vicariously through someone who's had more than a test drive. Update: Sure enough, Jurvetson has posted video of the delivery, which you can catch after the break.
Garmin multi-sensor controller concept replaces touchscreen interface with in-console dial rig
Garmin may be in the early stages of navigating its way from the narrow roads of portable GPS to the in-car infotainment highway, but the company appears to be on the right path, directing focus away from dedicated compact devices and towards permanent in-dash installations. The latest advancement places a greater emphasis on improving control systems, marking a potential departure from the touchscreen in favor of a console-mounted multi-controller that enables adjustments while minimizing distractions. The system combines a proximity-sensing rotary controller that displays the appropriate interface as your hand approaches, along with a touchpad and a variety of selection buttons with functionality that varies depending on the current menu. In addition to the obvious GPS module, the system would enable HVAC control, car monitoring and even smartphone app integration. The multi-sensor controller is still in the concept phase -- the project doesn't even have a proper name yet -- but it does appear to be a practical solution for future vehicle interfaces. You'll find a few more details in the blog post after the break.
Strike like Lightning with PlanetSide 2's latest vehicle reveal
In PlanetSide 2, wars are not won by infantry alone. Sometimes you've gotta bring in the big guns, and sometimes you've gotta attach those big guns to even bigger tanks that can turn unwitting enemy foot soldiers into a fine crimson smear on the ground. For those times, Sony Online Entertainment has announced the latest Nanite Systems vehicle, the Lightning. The lightning is a lightweight 75mm tank that uses its mobility and obscene rate of fire to rain havoc upon the battlefield while avoiding enemy counterattacks. The one-man tank can fire up to six rounds in under three seconds, "allowing the driver to quickly adjust [his] aim after [his] first shot." The modular turret can be swapped out for a variety of other turret types for those times when you just want to mix it up a bit, and the Lightning's Skyguard turret is "the most effective ground-to-air weapon on the battlefield, as it's fitted with 40mm cannons with an elevation range of 80 degrees." To top it all off, the Lightning is one of the fastest ground vehicles, which makes it just as useful for tactical retreats as it is for vehicular manslaughter. The vehicle will be available to all three factions, so no matter which side you're fighting for, you can rest assured that you'll have some speedy firepower at your disposal. [Source: Sony Online Entertainment press release]
DUST 514 dev blog details vehicle roles
DUST 514 isn't at PAX this weekend, which probably explains CCP's strategic reveal of a new dev blog earlier this afternoon. We knew that the MMOFPS will boast a number of similarities to its EVE Online sibling (like the fitting screens, factions, and lore); one thing we didn't know, though, was that DUST will also repurpose vehicle hulls in a decidedly EVE-like way. Many EVE ships share the same hull visuals despite having radically different performance envelopes and combat roles, and DUST vehicles will definitely follow that trend, according to CCP's Cmdr Wang. DUST vehicles will also be powered by a capacitor (which should seem awfully familiar to you capsuleer types). Cap management will therefore play a vital role in the new game just as it does in the old. Finally, DUST's vehicle skill system also takes a page out of EVE's book. Today's dev blog finishes up with a look at a couple of high-level vehicle skills as well as some verbiage on module customization.
BMW i8 Concept Spyder takes to the road, sounds almost as gorgeous as it looks (video)
It's been less than a year since our first opportunity to get up close and personal with BMW's i8 plug-in electric car, and now the German automaker is back to tease a whole new beast. The Concept Spyder made a static appearance over the weekend, but today the sportier i8 has returned to the spotlight, with video footage in tow. BimmerPost managed to share some clips via YouTube, including a straight-cut-gear-fueled drive around a parking lot and across a lamp-lit bridge, somewhere in the Eastern U.S., believe it or not (take note of the I-95 sign in the first few seconds). You can also gawk at some side-to-side pans of the Spyder's exterior, with a few HD interior close-ups to boot. And where can you find said stimulating simulations? Buckle up and click past the break.Update: That's Miami there in the bridge scene. A perfect setting for the Spyder test drive.
Terrafugia Transition production prototype completes first flight, set to land at NY Auto Show this Friday
Terrafugia's Transition could finally be making its way to the production line. The "flying car" has journeyed far beyond the concept phase, achieving its compulsory nod from the DOT last summer, and now reaching production prototype status. On March 23rd, the latest Transition flew past one more hurdle, completing its first airborne trial. The hybrid vehicle rolled down the runway at Plattsburgh International Airport in New York before ascending to 1400 feet -- the entire flight lasted a mere eight minutes, and marks the first of six planned phases of flight testing during the aircraft's voyage past experimental stage. There's still no word on when the Light Sport Aircraft will be making its way to soon-to-be Transition owners, but those hankering for a preview can catch a glimpse of the craft at the New York Auto Show from April 6th through the 15th. You can also taxi past the break for a tail-level view of the test plane's trek to takeoff.
Garmin partners with Suzuki for company's first in-dash infotainment system
Sure, the portable GPS may still have a home among multi-car families, or drivers that have yet to make the jump to a smartphone, but we wouldn't be surprised to see the dedicated device's share decline over the next few years. At the same time, in-car infotainment systems are clearly gaining in popularity, so it only makes sense for one of the world's largest handheld GPS makers to make the jump to in-dash. Garmin's partnering with Suzuki for its first factory-installed infotainment system, which includes a 6.1-inch "high-res" touchscreen, a CD player and AM/FM radio, internal flash memory, along with USB, AUX jack and Bluetooth connectivity. The voice control-enabled system also includes backup camera support, Pandora integration and an SD card slot for loading updates. One benefit of vehicle integration is access to the car's speed sensors, allowing the GPS to follow along accurately when it doesn't have a signal, such as in enclosed areas or tunnels. You can also use Garmin Smartphone Link to access traffic, weather and fuel price info. The in-dash system will ship with most American 2013 model year Suzuki vehicles, along with select cars sold in Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Russia. I'll also be on display at Suzuki's New York Auto Show booth next week, if you happen to be planning a trip to the Big Apple.
PlanetSide 2's Higby talks resource costs, business models, and more on Reddit
Aside from the big GDC demo earlier this month, mass information dumps regarding PlanetSide 2 have been few and far between. Thankfully, creative director Matt Higby took to Reddit yesterday for an AMA (ask me anything) session that brought a few interesting nuggets to light. If you're one of the game's hardcore faithful, the talk was more confirmation than revelation, but for casual or newly interested fans, there's a lot of stuff to digest. Among the more interesting bits was the fact that PS2 will use PunkBuster and the fact that all of the game's classes and vehicles will be available from the get-go. Higby also touched on resource costs for vehicles as well as the fact that the devs want "to create the game first and then build the business model that best services the game, rather than trying to conform the game to some particular business or membership model." If Reddit's sprawling threads and needle-in-a-haystack nested replies aren't your cup of tea, PlanetSide Universe has collected most of the relevant info on its own discussion boards.
Inhabitat's Week in Green: cloning a woolly mammoth, mesmerizing kinetic facade and LED-suited break dancers
Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green. This week Inhabitat reported on several breaking technological controversies as South Korean scientists announced plans to clone a woolly mammoth and a group of researchers suggested bioengineering the human body to combat climate change. Printing tech also got a green upgrade as researchers developed a laser "unprinter" capable of erasing pages with a quick zap, and scientists used a 3D printer to create the world's smallest F1 car. Speaking of print, the University of Texas in Austin just developed a revolutionary paper sensor that can detect HIV and malaria for less than 10 cents and a group of aerospace engineers created a pacemaker that's powered by the human heart.In alternative energy news, this week we showcased a solar-powered shipping container office that produces twice as much energy as it consumes, and Arup unveiled its striking net-zero arena for the 2022 world cup. We also highlighted 6 brilliant sun-powered art installations, a pair of massive oil pumps sprang up in Midtown Manhattan, and we brought you a mesmerizing kinetic facade that changes with the wind. President Obama also delivered a speech where he slammed opponents for their single-minded views on energy and a team of researchers developed a ultra thin battery that could power displays on credit cards.Several groundbreaking green transportation projects launched this week as the first 2012 Coda all-electric sedan hit the streets, and scientists proposed a crazy maglev "Startram" train that could make space travel cheaper and more efficient. We also brought you the latest on the Chevy Volt saga as Bob Lutz went on the defensive for the Volt, Bill O'Reilly got caught red-handed as he flip-flopped his position on eco vehicles, and we got the scoop from Chevy's Rob Peterson about the Volt production shutdown. Last but not least, we published you several dispatches from the field of wearable technology - including a dazzling "Aurora" dress made from 10,000 LEDs, a line of space-age fashions inspired by Hubble photography, and a team of pop-locking LED-suited break dancers.
Wings Over Atreia: Ode to 3.0, second verse
Encore! You are my expansion, My favorite expansion, You'll make me happy With a house and more. You have to know, dear, How much I want you! Please hurry the expansion to my door! Just when I thought I was getting a handle on waiting for Aion's sorta-soon-to-be-released 3.0 patch, NCsoft went and announced a slightly less nebulous launch date of "this spring." Our patch-to-be even has the auspicious privilege of having a name: Ascension. And you know a name means extra special! WOOO! I, of course, started a requisite wing-flapping celebratory dance, but my tune soon changed: As exciting as this news was, I quickly realized that the more concrete the knowledge, the more I wanted it to release already. GAH -- this wait is truly taxing my patience! There is just so much to look forward to. Last week I regaled you with a stirring, soulful rendition of anticipation for 3.0. Together we explored just a few of the goodies in store for patient and -- luckily for me -- not-so-patient Daevas alike. This week the recital continues, and as promised, Wings Over Atreia takes another peek at more of the features coming our way and highlights some of the more tantalizing additions and changes, including new fortresses with their own unique siege system, XP changes, mounts, and more.
Leaderboard: Mechanized vs. monster mounts
Unless you're stuck in the invisible wall, no jumping, running-with-your-hands-flopping-about hell of Guild Wars, chances are you've gotten the opportunity to pick up a mount or two in an MMO. It's one of the ways that MMOs are so superior to the real world: There are no driver tests, no insurance policies, no (usually) gas. You just plop down some money and the vendor looks the other way while you go off-roading in a major metropolitan area. But it wouldn't be a Leaderboard if we didn't force you to choose between your '67 Mustang and your pet Tauntaun, and so it shall be. In the world of mounts, there are two categories: the mechanized and the monsters. Vehicle mounts may be more rare due to fantasy's dominance over the genre, but they're still there and quite popular for the set that doesn't appreciate staring at horse doody all the live-long day. Then again, the fantastic creatures that have served as animal mounts are unceasing in variety as they are in style. So what shall it be? Will you plug Old Yeller and go with your motorcycle, or will you mothball your favorite dune buggy in favor of Seabiscuit? Vote after the jump!
PlanetSide 2 webcast features lengthy community Q&A
If you're a PlanetSide 2 fan, you'll want to check out Sony Online Entertainment's latest webcast. The 30-minute affair features creative director Matt Higby, game designer Kevin Moyer, and senior art director Tramell Isaac. The trio field a whole bunch of community questions on the upcoming sci-fi MMOFPS, most of them centered around Nanite Systems vehicles like the Sunderer and the Galaxy. If you don't have time to watch the whole shebang, PlanetSide Universe has a good breakdown of the new stuff (including some awesome bits on vehicle customizations like hood ornaments, camouflage, racing stripes, and other visual tweaks). Click past the cut for the full video.
BASF, Philips team up to create transparent OLED car roof
If you're the sort who wished your car had a transparent roof when the rain falls down but want some shielding when the sun's up (or, you know, vice versa) then BASF have good news for you. It's showing off the transparent OLED technology it developed with Philips that behaves like glass when inactive, turning opaque when activated. We're already familiar with the technology here, because it's the same kit that the chemicals giant showed off on its custom Smart Forvision it produced with Daimler back in September. As before, it's also been able to pair them up with transparent solar cells, for environmentally friendly sky watching: just remember that people will be able to see you pick your nose from all angles now, okay?
SOE shows off PlanetSide 2's Galaxy transport
Another day, another PlanetSide 2 vehicle reveal. The latest update from Sony Online Entertainment features the venerable Galaxy, and if that doesn't quicken your pulse a little bit, you must've missed the original PlanetSide. The Galaxy is a heavily armored troop transport designed to "hot drop" 12 soldiers into the heart of enemy territory. What's a hot drop? It's basically the game's sci-fi twist on the traditional parachute, and SOE says that it "automatically encapsulates any soldier or MAX unit that bails out with a protective barrier that slows their fall." Galaxies are also sturdy enough to serve as mobile infantry bases after landing, and the ships feature respawn tubes, equipment terminals, and four weapon systems that may be operated on the ground.
PlanetSide 2's Sunderer carries troops, pushes tanks
Sony Online Entertainment is continuing its tradition of PlanetSide 2 vehicle reveals in a news blurb on the game's official website. The Sunderer looks like a cross between a tank and a Mack truck, and it's designed to pancake enemy defensive lines and deposit a load of troopers smack dab in the thick of the action. SOE says the beastly ride can withstand a focused barrage of enemy fire due to its heavy armor, and the Sunderer also features enough mass and horsepower to push other vehicles (including tanks) out of its way. Its cargo hold can carry up to 12 soldiers as well as medical supplies and ammo. PlanetSide 2 is a large-scale persistent world shooter based in a sci-fi setting, and SOE is currently accepting closed beta applications.
Headphone-wearing pedestrian injuries triple as audiophiles stop noticing onrushing trains
The number of pedestrians injured or killed while wearing headphones has tripled in the last six years: 16 oblivious PMP users were offed in 2004, the number rising to 47 for last year. The research, carried out by Dr Richard Lichenstein at the University of Maryland found that headphone wearers became "inattentionally blind" to dangers such as passing cars and on-rushing trains. That's not us being flip either: 55 percent of the incidents involved locomotives. The majority of victims were male (68 percent) and under the age of 30 (67 percent): which puts your average Engadget reader in the center of the danger zone -- take it from us guys: sometimes it's better to press pause, "Baby, baby" will still be there when you've crossed the railway.
SOE shows off PlanetSide 2's Quad and Liberator
What do giant transport vessels like the Galaxy and tiny ATVs like the Quad have in common? They're both built by Nanite Systems, of course. Who the heck is Nanite Systems? You'll have to brush up on your PlanetSide 2 lore to find out, and luckily the official website is here to help. Today's reveal showcases the Quad, and Sony Online Entertainment tells us that "it has the highest top speed of any ground vehicle and is easy to acquire." As you would expect, the speed comes at a price, and let's just say that you don't want to be riding on a Quad when it takes a hit. Head to the PS2 website for a couple of screenshots and some backstory. When you're done reading about the Quad, click on over to SOE's Liberator reveal to get the goods on another Nanite Systems product. The Liberator is a gunship, and while it boasts a ton of firepower and decent armor protection, it pays for its bristling bulk by being quite slow in the air.
The Daily Grind: What would you pay for a fancy ride?
World of Warcraft set the bar at $25 for a shiny horse. EverQuest II followed suit. You can imitate Marty McFly or Aladdin in City of Heroes for about $7.50. And for various amounts of cash in Star Trek Online, you can pimp out your spaceship with all sorts of shiny new nacelles -- or you can ride in a ship with some famous modifications. It's certainly cheaper than a sports car in the real world, but it's still part of a trend of real-world cash buying you a new vehicle. (Or carpet.) So the question should be obvious -- what would you pay for a fancy in-game ride? Are you willing to drop sparklepony money? Would you not pay more than a dollar for something that doesn't have any functional benefit over other in-game options? Or would you drop even more money on something sufficiently shiny, perhaps a horse-car that could be seen from orbit? Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!
Nissan Leaf to get inductive charging, lose its stem in 2013 (video)
Nissan has big plans for the still-budding Leaf. The Japanese automaker lit up its impressive Leaf-powered Smart House at the Tokyo Motor Show last week, but also demoed its wireless charging solution for a much smaller crowd at the company's Oppama factory. The device uses electromagnetic induction to transfer power between a charging pad and a receiver on the bottom of the car, with an efficiency level between 80 and 90 percent -- simply park your EV directly above the system to begin charging, and monitor progress on the ground transmission unit's control panel. The pad is expected to become available as soon as 2013, but will only be compatible with new vehicles, so you won't be able to use it with an older Leaf, unfortunately. There's a silent demo video waiting for you just past the break.
