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Transformer Prime falls at the hands of XDA dev, rooted
'Twas just days ago that we reported upon developer uproar over the locked bootloader currently taking up residence on the ASUS Transformer Prime -- and now it looks like some of that pain has been alleviated. A tinkerer over at xda-developers has published viperMOD Primer to help you easily root -- or unroot -- your shiny new laptop-tablet hybrid. The software necessary to apply the mod is only available for Windows at the moment, although developer -viperboy- is promising a Linux version in the not-too-distant future. Go ahead, pop the hood on your Prime and take a good look around. Update: While XDA member -viperboy- created the viperMOD Primer tool, it should be noted that the NachoRoot exploit used by viperMOD was developed by TeamAndIRC. [Thanks, Gez]
Samsung Illusion dispenses with the mystique, available on Verizon November 23rd for $79
Ice Cream Sandwich, quad-core, LTE -- sure, those are the delectable specs most mobile geeks currently crave in a handset. But for the average Joe Consumer, 3G plus modest internals makes for a more than adequate phone. Good thing then Verizon finally pulled Sammy's Illusion out of its Big Red hat. The 3.5-incher -- officially announced today -- packs a single core 1GHz Hummingbird processor, Android 2.3, 3 megapixel camera, 2GB of storage, WiFi and Bluetooth 3.0. It's set to hit the network's online shop this November 23rd for $79 on contract, but if you can manage to hold off for one more day, that price drops down to free until the 28th. Unfortunately, those looking to snag this modest piece in-store will have to mark their calendars for a January 2012 debut. Follow past the break for the official presser.
Samsung Illusion gets pictured on Verizon, convincing us it's not a figment of our imagination
We can't put all of our focus on Verizon's LTE lineup, lest we forget that there's plenty of 3G phones that need some attention too. The one shown above is a leaked image of the Samsung Illusion, also known to some as the Viper or the SCH-I110, a conceivably lower-end Android device with Gingerbread. It's difficult to pin down any more hard details on the device, as the components inside the phone seem to be even more of a hallucination than the phone itself; speculation, however, points to at least an 800MHz CPU, a 480 x 320 HVGA smaller-screen display and a few eco-friendly features (as indicated by its Sustainable Product Certification). Persuaded yet? Yeah, we didn't think so.
Behind the Mask: A long, slow, rumbling
One of the things I absolutely hate about comics is waiting. When I read Detective Comics regularly, I used to patiently wait while re-reading my old issues, wondering what was going to happen to Batman next. Eventually, I got into manga a little bit and was totally spoiled by the graphic novel format. Now I only read comics (or novel series) if I can get an entire plot arc in one shot. I hate waiting. Heck, I prefer to watch an entire TV season on Netflix instead of waiting for each episode to get released. Unsurprisingly, I played through the first three issues of Aftershock, Champions Online's new comic series, before I decided I was irritated with waiting every week for the latest issue. I was sort of put off by bugs in the first issue of the series, and I decided that waiting for the final release would give the devs time to polish out the bugs. New content is new content after all, and when it's released weekly, it doesn't get a lot of time on PTS before it gets pushed to live. Issue #6, The King is Dead, was released a few weeks ago, and the devs have put the finishing touches on Aftershock. How does it match up with the rest of CO's content?
Massively Exclusive: Darkspore reveals the Viper
Unless you're relatively new to gaming, you've undoubtedly heard of Maxis -- the developer behind the The Sims. Maxis and Electronic Arts have decided to use concepts from Spore to create a brand-new dungeon-crawling isometric online RPG called Darkspore -- and we've secured an exclusive first look at the Viper hero that gamers will be able to play in this upcoming title. With venomous damage-over-time attacks, enormous blades built into its muscular body, and the ability to add even more spines covered in poison, this beast is deservedly subtitled the "toxic ravager." It's got lots of damage, lots of carnage, and by the looks of it, lots of fun! While this is one of those borderline-in-the-MMOeque-neighborhood type of games, we understand the world is persistent, and players will be able to gather gear and customize their characters as they level up within the powerful Spore engine. Darkspore will feature both a single-player mode and groups of four players in the basic co-op multiplayer modes. We haven't heard concrete numbers on PvP battles, so perhaps the game will cross into the truly massive at that point. For now, you can check out the exclusive video for Darkspore's newest hero, Viper, behind the break.
Bigpoint launches Battlestar Galactica Online
SyFy's Battlestar Galactica odyssey may have ended, but Bigpoint's MMO adaptation of the beloved reboot has just begun. The free-to-play game maker has announced the official launch of Battlestar Galactica Online, a browser-based title set during the latter half of the TV show's second season. Players can choose to fight for either the Cylons or the Colonials, as both fleets are stranded in uncharted space and in need of repairs and critical supplies. This leads into a contest for nearby resources that involves space combat, exploration, and mission-based play as well as ship unlocks, customization, and market features. Bigpoint has also made use of assets from the television series including the seminal Bear McCreary musical score and the instantly recognizable ship models. How does all this hold up in a browser game? Pretty well, according to Bigpoint. "We are confident that a new standard has been achieved -- no longer should browser games be considered sub-par to their console or PC-installed counterparts," says CEO Heiko Hubertz.
Behind the Mask: High-tech Snakes and Ladders
VIPER is one of the most misunderstood villain groups in the Champions lore. This isn't entirely the fault of the players; the fact is that almost everyone who has played Champions Online for any length of time has beaten the snot out of dozens of VIPER soldiers, if not hundreds or more. VIPER is a complex, multinational organization bent on world domination. It's one of the single most powerful organizations in the Champions lore, second only to big hero organizations such as UNTIL. VIPER's web of intrigue extends even into the first-world governments. The snakes are literally everywhere and have their hands in everything. One of the troubles in producing a superhero MMORPG is creating large numbers of bad guys for heroes to beat down while also keeping true to the lore, which paints most of the villain groups as less overt, operating in the shadows outside of the world's public eye. When VIPER's air transports cruise the skies above Millennium City unmolested by the military or local police, we have to wonder whether the interpretation was... a little off.
Viper SmartStart app goes to 2.0, gets potentially cheaper and throws roadside assistance into the mix
About a year ago Viper got into the app game, releasing SmartStart the iPhone and allowing control of the locks, trunk, and ignition on their car. Since then Android and BlackBerry versions have trickled out, but now it's time for 2.0. What wondrous new functionality does this new major release offer? Not much, really, but it does come with one major improvement: cost. Before you were out at least $299 while the new version is said to cost as little as $199 according to the PR below, though the wording is awfully vague. PR states you can find "dealers advertising Viper SmartStart as low as $199," but under Viper's 2.0 site the MSRP is stated to be $299 -- the same as before. So, YMMV on the price cut, apparently depending on what your local dealer feels like charging, but know that whatever you pay you'll now get "Viper Motor Club" roadside assistance included. That should offer a little extra peace of mind as we enter dead battery season.
So say we all: Battlestar Galactica Online's blueprints revealed
Whether you're a human, a Cylon, a human working for the Cylons, a Cylon working for the humans, or a slightly off-kilter Massively editor, Battlestar Galactica Online promises to appeal across a wide spectrum. Ten Ton Hammer got in the good graces of Bigpoint at Gamescom this year and smuggled out information vital to the war effort. While it's not even in the alpha stage as of yet, BSGO is reportedly looking solid, especially for a browser-based title. The primary focus of this space-shooter MMO is the PvP conflict between human and Cylon forces. Players should expect to handle ships from the series (such as the Viper), but Bigpoint is planning on creating new spacecraft unique to the game. Each ship will handle differently, forcing users to adapt on the fly or die. Although the main stage of the game is the struggle to control systems (and their precious, precious resources), you'll be able to explore areas on foot, such as the titular Galactica, although this is mostly for atmosphere and storytelling. For players worried about the game's microtransactions model, Bigpoint promises that everyone will be able to experience the game from beginning to end without being forced to spend a penny.
Serpent Lantern info goes live for Champions Online
It's easy to write VIPER in Champions Online off as just being another group of armed-and-armored mooks along the lines of, well, Cobra. But that's neglecting the fact that the only thing keeping them from having a serious impact on the world is the lack of internal unity... something that the upcoming Serpent Lantern adventure pack is set to address. With the buzz for the free add-on having been tossed around for some time, Cryptic has unveiled the official information page for the globe-trotting adventure. As previously stated, the adventure scales for both level and team size -- a party of five characters at Level 40 or a single character at Level 11 can both take part. The pack will also include new unlockable VIPER-themed costume pieces, action figures, and perks. And if that weren't enough, the update is also slated to include the recently-discussed difficulty slider for missions, a new set of costume pieces in the C-Store, and veteran rewards for the longstanding player. Due out in June, the full page contains more information on NPCs as well as a trailer for the next major Champions Online update.
Top Gun takes PSN, Mac and PC to the danger zone this summer
Click image to buzz our gallery Paramount has announced a new Top Gun game in development at doublesix, ready to assault PSN, Mac and Windows PC this summer. Described as "a free-flying air combat shooter," the press release promises "large-scale dogfight battles" as players jump into pilot Maverick's F-14, following his journey from Top Gun Academy to the Indian Ocean. Top Gun won't be a strictly solo affair, either -- five multiplayer modes, supporting up to 16 players online, will also be included. Screenwriter Jack Epps, Jr. will return to the Top Gun world, expanding on the film's events through the game. "With Jack Epps, Jr. on board, we're excited to deliver a new Top Gun arcade experience that holds true to the popular film," said John Kavanagh, VP of games at Paramount. Sounds fine by us, but we swear, Mr. Epps, if you don't fit the volleyball scene into the game somewhere, we're probably going to write you a tersely-worded letter explaining our disappointment. %Gallery-93409%
Cryptic reveals Serpent Lantern Adventure pack
Cryptic Studios has announced a new Adventure Pack for their Champions Online superhero MMORPG. The Serpent Lantern pack will focus on VIPER, the worldwide criminal organization made famous in the Champions pen and paper RPG and now populating the NPC ranks of Cryptic's game. The update is tentatively scheduled for late May or early June. In Champions lore, the forces of VIPER were a thorn in the side of mere mortals and law enforcement types, but were something of a laughing stock when matched against super humans and super heroes. Cryptic looks to change all that with the update, and the announcement features a lengthy listing of changes intermingled with some story-based explanations. "VIPER forces throughout the game will change. We hope they'll be more interesting and fun to play, and not be quite the pushovers they are right now. You'll see these guys on PTS after the April Update goes Live. Let us know what you think," says Cryptic's Balserath in a post on the official forums.
Roomba saves child from deadly Viper, challenges Tango to a fight
We've always known that the Roomba was something of a bad-ass -- iRobot, after all, has quite a reputation within the defense industry -- so we weren't surprised when one of the autonomous vacuum cleaners took down a certain Vipera palaestinae (a venomous snake found in the Middle East). Considered a leading cause of snakebites within its geographic range, the snake was found mangled 'round one of the robot's rotating brushes when Eli and Efi Frida returned to their home in Galilee, which they share with their two children, aged four and seven (as well as several cats and dogs). "We were very lucky," said Eli, "If the snake would have hid in the house and bitten one of the children it could have ended badly."
Viper Security launches SmartStart iPhone app for well-appointed whips
Jealous of the way those hipper-than-thou ZipCar people are always unlocking the doors to their rented Minis with an iPhone? We aren't either. But if you are looking to recreate that scenario with your Dodge Dart, have we got a gadget for you! If you already own a compatible Viper security system, the SmartStart module will let lock and unlock your car, arm and disarm your car alarm, pop the trunk, or fire off that panic alarm -- all from your cherished handset. There are two modules available, priced at $299 and $499, depending on which Viper system you've installed. You also need a SmartStart account which will run you $29 a year (the first year's free). But don't take our word for it -- check out the action-packed video below for a breathtaking recreation of the system's features.
Official Champions DevBlog: Design Director Bill Roper on Storytelling
Hello and welcome to issue number two of the Massively.com hosted official Champions Online developer blog! If you happened to miss the first one featuring Jack Emmert, you can find it right here. Remember, we should be seeing a developer post about twice a month between now and launch day. So if you're interested in following the insights straight from the team make sure to follow our very own Champions Developer blogger, who will be doing the honors of posting your bi-weekly dose of DevBlog goodness.Today Bill Roper lays down some details on how Cryptic Studios is enabling a deeper sense of story in Champions Online. It's all pretty interesting stuff, and you can check it out after the cut!%Gallery-17946%
Aspect of the Viper changed again
The Hunter mana regeneration tool, Aspect of the Viper, has been revised again. Currently, in live, it provides passive mana regen. It was recently announced that it was going to be changed to provide 100% of your damage as mana regen, but cut your damage output by 50% (less with talents). This lets the hunter switch it on when they need mana, fill up their mana pool, and switch back to Hawk to DPS some more, as opposed to being in Viper all the time as many hunters do these days. Apparently, though, it was just a bit too powerful, as many users have commented. Hunters with good gear were filling up their mana bar way too fast. So it's going to be changed again, this time to restore a percentage of your base mana each time you hit. While this does do away with some scaling issues, it seems to introduce others. For instance, this makes a fast weapon vastly more desirable for mana regen. But (say it with me) it's still beta, so I'm confident that they'll work out any game-breaking flaws there may be in this new incarnation.
Planar announces Viper DLP HD projector
Planar has remained mostly quiet since CES, but given that CEDIA is within spittin' distance, it's no shock to see it making waves once more. Today, the outfit has revealed its first 3-chip HD projector, the DLP-based Viper. Other specs include a native 1,280 x 720 resolution, 10,000:1 contrast ratio, 2,000 lumens and 10-bit independent dual image / motion adaptive processing. You'll also find an RS-232 port, twin HDMI 1.3 sockets and a jaw-dropping $15,495 price tag. It's shipping immediately for those with the requisite coin. Full release after the break. %Gallery-30156%
Choi Jung Hyun assembles non-venomous viper with recycled keyboards
Yeah, this one's been slithering around the alleyways of the web for a tick, but it's just too hard to ignore a vicious looking viper created entirely from unwanted keyboards (okay, so glue and a faux tongue were involved, too). Still, the best part isn't the unquestionably amazing use of the dreaded Caps Lock key, it's the crowd of mice this thing is getting ready to feast on. Better check yo'self before you wreck yo'self, kids.[Via MAKE]
Battlestar Galactica open source project is frackin' sweet
Listen up, nuggets. You're in a Colonial Viper. You've got no wingman, three inbound Cylon Heavy Raiders, and you just spotted a Basestar several klicks away. What do you do? Choose your own adventure: Whiz your flight suit. Call for backup and fire up your FTL drive Hammer down the trigger and go for the gold Now you can actually make the call yourself. The open source Beyond the Red Line project based on Battlestar Galactica has finally released demos of the game for the Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms. We downloaded it and took it for a spin. While there's a fairly steep learning curve (much easier to deal with if you've played Freespace 2 a lot), the space combat and in-game elements are slick. The game is powered by the new and improved Freespace 2 engine, although it's entirely standalone so you don't need Freespace to play it. They've put together their own audio for the entire demo, which includes original characters, voice acting, and soundtrack pieces from Bear McCreary and Richard Gibbs (composers for the show), online multiplayer that actually works, and it's own storyline. In fact, if you haven't seen season two, you'll want to avoid the game for the spoilers.While there aren't any Six models in here, we like what they've put together so far. Plus our favorite word "free" is sandwiched in there too. It'll give you something to do until the next season starts ... in 2008.
Elbit Systems unveils VIPeR "hunter-killer" robot
Israeli defense firm Elbit System looks to be gunning squarely at iRobot's battle-hardened territory, today unveiling its less-than-originally-named VIPeR bot which, as you can see, boasts some serious firepower. In addition to that imposing Uzi machine-pistol (aimed via video camera, not autonomously), Reuters reports that the bot can also plant grenades, and be equipped with the necessary tools to sniff out bombs and dispose of them appropriately. While the bot will apparently be deployed with Israeli forces initially, the company also appears to be hoping to attract the interest of the United States military, as well as foreign police forces. No word if the the testing process included showdowns with other robots, although it's hard to imagine them being able to resist.
