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Napa Valley winery flips on Flotovoltaic solar array
Chalk another one up for Sharp. The company has landed yet another partner willing to utilize its solar panels in order to make news, wow onlookers and give Mother Earth a modicum of a break. Napa Valley winery Far Niente has flipped on its self-coined Floatovoltaic installation, which was developed by Thompson Technology Industries and installed by SPG Solar. Nearly 2,300 Sharp solar panels were secured for the job, and we're told that the array generates 400 kWs at peak output, which "significantly offsets the winery's annual power usage and provides a net-zero energy bill." Don't expect that coveted bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon to be any cheaper as a result, though.[Via CNET]
Cry 99 Tears over a glass of wine
In what seems like a very appropriate promotion, Namco Bandai will offer a specially-labeled wine to tie in with 99 no Namida, the game featuring short stories designed to elicit tears. Go ahead and start crying now unless you'll be in Tokyo between June 5 (the game's release date) and June 30, because the 99 no Namida wine will only be available in the Vinoteca wine bar located in the Tokyo Midtown area.Banamco also announced that soccer star Naohiro Takahara had contributed a story to the game based on his own experiences. Short story writer Yasushi Akimoto also revealed that he had written one of the game's tales. Is this the first original short fiction anthology video game?%Gallery-15389%
Square Enix to help gamers get sloshed
Wine no Hajimekata DS (Beginner's Wine DS) was released in Japan last November, yet Square Enix hasn't finished promoting the title just yet. Those who purchased the unique wine guide also gained entrance to the "Square Enix Members" club, and are now eligible to enter a raffle in which 100 bottles of (fairly inexpensive) Casillero del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon are up for grabs.It's not the first time that Square Enix has given away wine as a tie-in -- the limited edition version of Wine no Hajimekata DS contained a bottle of Dourthe No. 1 Bourdeaux -- but it's still a nice touch![Via Go Nintendo]
Promotional Consideration: DS Style, the Freshmaker
Promotional Consideration is a weekly feature about the Nintendo DS advertisements you usually flip past, change the channel on, or just tune out.Square Enix has rolled out no less than seven commercials for its DS Style line of "non-games," one for each of the series' seven casual software titles. They're low-budget productions shot with simple scripts, spartan sets, and a single actress in most of the scenes.Bring your trivial dilemmas past the post break, where we've posted a medley of the 15-second spots past the post break, as well as early 90s commercials for the minty product referenced in this installment's title.
Karim Rashid-designed Globalight champagne cooler steals the show
Typically, you'd think a pricey bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne would be the star attraction on a night out, but we'd have to suggest otherwise if said container is being toted around in this thing. The Karim Rashid-designed apparatus, which is limited to just 500 pieces worldwide, is said to be a "modern reinterpretation of the traditional French chandelier." As for utility, it promises to keep your alcohol chilled for four solid hours, and considering the built-in LEDs will also flicker out after the same amount of time, we suppose that's a good indicator of when it's time to toss 'er back and get going. Here in the US, a handful of the Globalight's will be available exclusively at select W Hotels, but you're not unboxing one without laying down $4,500 first.[Via Luxurylaunches, thanks Yoge]
LG KF300: the Wine Phone goes global
We weren't particularly pumped about LG's so-called Wine Phone, the SV300, when we saw it last year for the Korean market, so we're definitely not pumped about it now. Especially when you consider that in the process of its transformation to the KF300 (a member of the fashion-centric "KF" series, you'll notice), it apparently managed to lose 3G somewhere along the way. Then again, with buttons the size of Chiclets and a name like "Wine Phone," we guess the target audience won't have much use for anything that travels more than a small handful of kilobits per second. Other features -- if you can really call them that -- include a 2 megapixel camera, 10 megabytes of onboard storage with microSD expansion, and Bluetooth. Thanks, but we'll just take an actual glass of wine instead if that's quite alright.[Via Unwired View]
Run IE on your Intel Mac, if you absolutely have to
If you're a Mac-based web developer, a sysadmin at SomeBigCo, or an Outlook Web Access user, you might find yourself needing to use MS Internet Explorer from time to time. No, not IE for Mac OS X, frozen in amber within Applications folders around the globe; I mean IE for Windows, the hairy scary Active-X enabled browser that for better or worse represents a huge chunk of the web-surfing world.Getting 'real' IE on the Mac, up until now, has meant OS emulation (Virtual PC), virtualization (Parallels/VMware), API translation (Wine/CrossOver) or remote access (RDC). Now there's another option for Intel Mac owners: ies4osx, a Mac port of the ies4linux package. Built on top of the Darwine version of the Wine Win32 API translation layer, ies4osx downloads and installs an official version of IE (you pick from v5, 5.5, 6 or 7) and then runs it inside the X11 environment on your Mac. The resulting browser looks a little weird -- almost like a Bizarro version of IE, with the slightly altered type and menu look of the X11 windowing system -- but this bear can dance. OWA runs nicely, with full rich-text editing and message search, and the administration pages for MS Virtual Server also work pretty well. I wouldn't depend on ies4osx in a production role, at least not with the current build, but for one-off testing of websites in IE it's worth the (free) download. The ies4linux developer plans to roll the Mac-specific fixes back into the main package, so the next version of ies4 will probably support both Mac and Linux users from the same codebase.[via MacApper]
DS wine guide helps you get started drinking wine immediately
... by including wine! Square Enix's Wine no Hajimekata DS (Beginner's Wine DS) will ship in two packages: the standalone game, and what will no doubt prove to be a very popular limited-edition set containing a bottle of Dourthe No. 1 Bourdeaux. The bottle and game come packaged together in a very handsome box, which will no doubt lead to the open-and-drink/keep-LE-package-pristine dilemma.This is exactly the kind of training game we like to see: it is a handy reference to a subject that not a lot of people know about; gamers, in particular, may not be well-versed in this particular area of the culture. Being non-drinkers ourselves, we can't tell one glass of wine from another, finding them all kind of disgusting. A little education would probably help in that department, a little.Of course, we imagine the people raging about Manhunt 2, who assume that all games (and "games," we assume) are for children, would begin breaking glass with their screeches if they saw a DS game that included alcohol.
Wine bottle flash drive: too sweet for our tastes
At this point, it's hard to envision an object that hasn't been miniaturized for the purpose of creating yet another novel flash drive, so you won't color us wowed with BeWine Connected's latest. This wine bottle USB drive packs Open Cellar wine cellar management software, a screensaver / wallpaper and wine-influenced ringtones (saywha?) onto 1GB of internal storage, but we'd be tempted to promptly format the thing upon arrival. Nevertheless, those interested in expanding their weird-but-still-useful collection of thumb drives can hand over €35 ($50) and claim one more solid addition.[Via Gizmag]
TGS07: New DS game aims at the wine-loving crowd
Japan is set to receive a title aimed at wine connoisseurs in Beginner's Wine DS. Aimed at teaching the manners and advice on tasting wine, the "game" will demonstrate proper swirling techniques, as well as aid the user in choosing the right bottle of wine for that romantic occasion. Developed by Square Enix, the title comes stocked with 120 different bottles of wine, a glossary, built-in quiz and a "guide to bluffing knowledge about wine." The title is currently slated for a release of November 15th in Japan.
LG's LG-SV300 Wine Phone showcased at SEK2007
We're still a bit bemused at why the LG-SV300 gets the Wine Phone moniker, but even cellphone connoisseurs can appreciate a finely constructed handset photographed while receiving white glove treatment. The mobile was opened up and shown to the camera over at SEK2007, and interestingly enough, it looks like the enlarged buttons (and font, too) could hint that this device will be aimed at those with aging eyes (you know, the stereotypical "wine crowd"). Regardless of speculation, be sure to click on through for the pictures you're surely salivating over.
Nuvo Wino infrared wine thermometer sports retractable sensor
There's no shortage of gadgetry designed to keep your wine legit and chilled, but the Nuvo Vino infrared thermometer is hitting the market to ensure that your pre-drink rambling doesn't lead to you drinking an overly warm glass. The simplistic device sports a retractable sensor that purportedly measures the exact temperature of the wine itself, and there's plenty of accompanying documentation to inform you of what perfect degree you should look for before indulging. As expected, it also features a fairly attractive motif in order to catch the eye of the affluent, but until they add built-in aural cues that blurt out whether or not your beverage is ideal, we'll hold onto our $49.95.
The LG SV300 "Wine Phone"
What exactly makes this a "Wine Phone," we're not sure -- but then again, when you think about it, there isn't anything about the original Chocolate that makes it chocolatey, either. The SV300 looks to be a Korea-only special (for now, anyway) with a 2.2 inch display, media player, and cam of unknown resolution -- pretty unremarkable specs, even by fashionphone standards. Look for it in red (kind of wine-like, we suppose) or black (not so much) this week from Korea's SK Telecom and LG Telecom for 300,000 won, about $322.
WoWLinuxTools shows progress on open source WoW
Anybody out there brave enough to be running WoW on Linux? I'm not, but WorldofWar.net has announced that players are one step closer to getting Azeroth running on your favorite open source flavor. A user named Yaccin has posted a small app called WoWLinuxTools over on KDE-Apps.org. It's as early as early gets-- the version number is 0.0.0-prev5a-- but it's a start.Now, from what I know (and admittedly, what I know about Linux isn't a lot), the best way to get WoW running on Linux is to run it from within Wine, a Windows emulator (Yes, I know Wine Is Not an Emulator, but work with me here). But even running it from within Wine doesn't let you change certain settings like sound and video, and apparently that's what this WoWLinuxTools program is supposed to do. As I said, it's very early on in the process, so unless you know your way around Linux, you should probably stay away (or just dual boot Windows to play WoW), but what's there looks promising, and if a few more code monkeys get their hands on it, we could see something great.
EA unveils Booze Training
EA is proving that they really are interested in Japanese audiences: not only are they designing MySims with Japanese gamers in mind, but they are making training games. Three of them!They're all about drinking, too: Bartender DS, about mixing drinks; Sakashou DS, about sake, and Sommelier DS, about wine. The software is designed to help you choose fine beverages and properly store your wines. Sim City DS producer Hiroshi Murakami said that it was his hope that people would spend the 2950 yen on Sommelier DS and then buy good wine instead of going directly to the cheap stuff.
What to do if you spill liquid on your laptop
Losing a laptop to a spilt glass of wine can be a very frustrating experience, particularly when said wine is of the cheap Rosé variant, as was the embarrasing case with this writer's late laptop. Well, one group of kindly DIY technology authors have assigned their noggins to the problem, and have created a post with an accompanying video which shows exactly what to do if you accidentally spill some red on your keyboard. Apparently, the best policy is to act fast -- just like the pretty, pretty, pretty good salt and club soda solution for carpet and upholstery spills -- by pouring off the excess liquid onto a towel, opening up the laptop, washing it under tap water, rinsing it under distilled water, and then leaving it out to dry. A quick reassemble later and the laptop should be back in working condition: but for how long? Also, if you do watch the video after the break, bear in mind that the music track is a loud variant of "Kung Fu Fighting," which seems to have been chosen purely for the line "and they did it with expert timing." Sigh.
Nintendo Wii mashed with YouTube = WiiTube
We were playing around with Yaplet tonight, and by complete chance we ran into the whirlwind of energy that is Gary Vaynerchuck. He REALLY loves two things; wine and the Wii. He doesn't just love them, either ... he is extremely charged up about both as we found out firsthand.Gary runs a website called Wine Library, where he sells wine. He also runs a "vidcast" about wine called Wine Library TV, appropriately enough, where there are over 186 episodes (!) about wine. He's not some snobby "We serve no wine before its time" Orson Welles-ish character, instead he's a bit 'in yo face!' and Marv Albert about things. Of course, he's from New Jersey, so can you blame him?However, what's even cooler (and of more interest to you, dear readers) is the latest site Gary has co-founded called WiiTube. It's meant to be a social site for Wii owners, with profiles containing Wii numbers, and also a spot for people to come to share tips and tricks. Can't beat a certain boss? Post about it on WiiTube, then someone can upload a video on the site showing how it's done. The site is built around Opera and meant to look great with the Wii browser. They also collect the best Wii videos and game trailers from YouTube and link them all in one central location, so you don't have to go searching through YouTube on your own and sift through loads of spam vids and those bizarre Japanese entries that are impossible to read. Gary and his team will be giving away Wiis through the site very soon, so you might want to head over and sign up if you're interested in something like, oh not much ... just a free Wii. Plus some Wii-centric goodness for your Wii browser.
Kim Jong-Il's iPod, wine orders to get denied by US
If you've ever wondered what happens when you run an entire nation into the ground, bar almost every type of contact with the outside world, launch nuclear bomb tests against the orders of outsiders, and still try to order an iPod, well, now you know. North Korea's highly dodgy Kim Jong-Il will reportedly be "doing without luxuries" such as iPods, jet skis (saywha?), jewelery, designer clothes, and fine wines as the US implements an all-out ban against selling these goods to the power-trippin' leader. The nation's elite often enjoy lavish luxuries of first-world countries while the vast majority of its people are left without bare necessities, and apparently, new sanctions are trying to put an end to it. While this case has certainly been made before, individual countries were previously allowed to "make their own decisions," however the United States has now taken a stand by barring all luxury sales to Mr. Kim and his constituents -- which will probably do nothing outside of producing a sudden swell in iPod knockoff orders to the DPRK, unfortunately.[Thanks, SRW985]
Tetsuya Mizuguchi talks about non-existing girls and alcohol
You should know that Tetsuya Mizuguchi is a gaming god to me. Lumines is still one of the best games on the system by far, and Mizuguchi's puzzling sequel has me more than a little excited. CVG recently had an intimate discussion with the gaming master, and he had some really crazy, possibly drug-induced things to say:CVG: Can you tell us a bit about the title song in Lumines 2, 'Heavenly Star'?Mizuguchi: So the girl in the video, she is 17 years-old. She doesn't exist in this world; she's a future girl. She was born in outer space and she's never touched on this planet yet. This is kind of the big love song for the Earth; she's always dreaming of what kind of place Earth is.Uh... Okay... Maybe the guy had a bit too much to drink before the interview:CVG: How important is synesthesia - integrating music and visuals - in Lumines? More or less important than in Rez or Every Extend Extra?Mizuguchi: Rez is kind of tequila; a very strong shot, but Lumines is like a Sauvignon Blanc; a wine you can drink at Sunday lunch.Yep. The secret to Mizuguchi's success has to be some kind of chemical influence. Maybe you too can become a successful game designer with the right... materials...
Oh PaPeRo, what have they done?
Someday we'll look back at decisions like this and understand why The Robots have risen against us. It turns out that NEC's wine tasting robot is just their little food taster all growed-up and hooked on the vices of drink and cigarettes just like little German girls. Poor little guy, if we see you staggering the halls of CES in a wife-beater smelling of sewage then we'll know it's the booze talkin', not our sweet, sweet PaPeRo.[Thanks, Daniel]
