Sony Ericsson Xperia Play: The Playstation Phone
Sony Ericsson has announced their new Xperia Play smartphone this month. For the first time the company fuses their cellphone and their gaming divisions. The so called “Playstation Phone”, which is releasing March 2011, comes with a full Playstation game controller integrated. All other phone functionality is based on the Android platform.
RIM Unveils BlackBerry 4G PlayBook for Sprint
By now, we’ve heard all about Research In Motion’s upcoming tablet, the BlackBerry PlayBook, as well as the pressure on RIM to make it a successful device, and the alleged battery and OS issues that have marred its pre-release reputation. What we didn’t know was that a 4G version of the PlayBook is heading Sprint’s way.
Venture Heat 588 Heated Jacket
Venture Heat, a company that designs technical heating clothing, created the “588 Heated Softshell Jacket.” The jacket offers “the latest in battery and heating technology to enable you to create your own personal micro-climate.” Their jacket was tailored to meet all the needs of a adventurer needing warmth.
Playing Around: Microsoft Kinect
By Brian Bowers
This officially makes the second post about gaming from a person who has claimed not to be a ‘real gamer.’ And at this rate, it will soon seem as if I am actually a ‘real gamer’ and entertainment console aficionado! Mabye not, but wishful thinking! (Note: the discless Netflix streaming ability on the PS3 we told you all about—it is FANTASTIC) In any case, recently I caught wind of Microsoft’s latest brainchild Kinect. Currently, the new technology seems poised to further revolutionize the world of gaming and entertainment consoles.
With such developments happening, it seems it will be only a matter of time before we began seeing completely immersive gaming technology. It’s been predicted before that eventually the entire entertainment realm will be a true virtual reality that one can take part in. A fantastical experience machine, if you will.
Kinect is the new development from Microsoft that connects with the X-Box 360 to provide an interactive and physical involvement while playing. Pairing a camera with infrared technology, body movements, joints and other actions are detected almost in real time. This added feature to the X-Box places it in direct competition with the Wii, a system that has long since allowed for this sort of interactive gaming experience.
It is very interesting to watch the development of entertainment technology, specifically games. Soon the days of viewing gaming as ‘lazy’ or ‘uninvolved’ will be long gone. I’m sure this ‘sort of technology’ will bring equal portions of delight and upset from the public. I personally can’t imagine kicking around in a small apartment or trying to ‘act-out’ some complex martial arts maneuver. But perhaps I’m thinking a bit far ahead, but I’ll definitely be keeping my eyes out for such systems to see how they go. But for those who really want to ‘get into the game’ you are almost there. Read more about Kinect here .
Windows Phone 7 Debuts In The U.S.
Microsoft fans, start your engines. It’s been a long time coming but today it’s finally here… Windows Phone 7 handsets are now available for your purchasing pleasure in the U.S. Microsoft launched its new mobile OS last month in Europe and we’ve had to sit and wait impatiently as our friends across the pond dangled their Windows wear in our faces. Well, not any more — the HTC Surround, Samsung Focus and HTC HD7 are already available for purchase and the Dell Venue Pro is rumored to drop later today. The LG Quantum is also available for pre-order from AT&T starting today.
New Netflix App Makes for Discless Streaming
By Brian Bowers
Disclaimer: I am not a ‘real’ gamer. That rhymes, how nice. I’m a poet and didn’t know it! But pressing onward. I enjoy entertainment and gaming consoles. Particular their media and streaming capabilities. They can serve multiple functions.
Considering these things, there are a number of reasons X-Box 360 users have claimed the system is superior to the Wii or PS3. Luckily for all of us, we don’t have enough time to go through them all. Nor do we want to stir debate! When shopping for my own console, one of my main concerns was streaming capabilities, namely Netflix. There are number of top brand BlueRay players that have this capability, but I was set on a gaming console and after much thought I decided to get the PS3.
But, in order to stream Netflix on your PS3 you needed a nice little disc. This was definitely one of the number one complaints I read about the PS3′s from those who try to fully maximize its features I mean, when you are comfortable on your couch, do you really want to get up and take out the game and put the disc in!?!? Of course not! Honestly, it wasn’t ‘that’ serious for me, but I completely understand the sentiment.
It is now official: Wii and PS3 users no longer have to use the Netflix disc with the latest Netflix app/upgrade! In addition to the update, users will benefit from 1080p HD streams, subtitles and 5.1 Dolby as well–with select films! Another disclaimer: I’m not sure whether or not you have to have a ‘newer PS3′ to benefit from this upgrade. If yours does not work, don’t blame Hypursuit! We are just telling you what the press releases say!
Although I’ve yet to try this specific feature out (my AT&T Uverse isn’t going to be set up until this coming Tues), it is nice to know I’ll be smooth sailing…hopefully. Though there are complaints about the user interface, queue issues…etc, many users hope these are kinks that will soon be worked out. There you go, and if you didn’t know, now you know! I’m sure a follow-up review is coming soon…
Research In Motion (RIM) & Kobo Team for Playbook App
Kobo is a global eBook retailer known for offering a rich eReading experience. Today RIM and Kobo announced plans to preload the Kobo eBooks app on the BlackBerry® PlayBook™.
Seeing HD: The HDTV Price Drop
Are you in the market for a new TV? Well, if your answer is yes or you just want something new, you definitely might be in luck. If you are looking for something that won’t break the break and doesn’t sacrifice quality, you better start looking around—everywhere! Compusa, even Circuit City, Best Buy are slashing the prices as the technology transitions!
Though both plasma and LCD HDTVs have decreased in price, the plasma TV market in is offering prices, deals and bundles like never before. Just do a quick search online to see the evidence yourself. The price of plasma TVs from popular brands like LG, Sony, Panasonic and a number of others are dropping and they are dropping quite quickly. If you are lucky and resourceful, you could possibly land a 45″ super thin plasma for under $500 which sounds like a great deal to me!
If the word “plasma” sounds less enticing than “LCD” be sure to do a little research before making this your deciding factor. Many of the technological issues that previously existed with many plasmas have been remedied to provide a smooth viewing experiences. There are pros and cons to both LCD and HDTV brands.
So, if you are looking for a little luxury viewing then perhaps you are looking at the right time. Here are a few sample choices (let google be your best friend):
Samsung PN42C450
Panasonic TCP42C2
LG 42PJ350
Happy hunting! Hopefully soon you’ll be viewing in HD!
iPad Mixr DJ App
Finally a DJ App Done Right. DJ App for iPad. Feels & functions like authentic turntables. Mixr gives you a DJ experience unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. Beautiful interface, professional mixing.
Apple iPad Launch
The iPad is the first tablet computer developed by Apple Inc. Announced on January 27, 2010, it is part of a device category between a smartphone and a laptop computer. Similar in functionality to a larger and more powerful iPhone or iPod touch, it runs a modified version of the same operating system (iPhone OS). Its included applications have also been redesigned to take advantage of the larger screen with added functionality similar to their Mac OSX counterparts.
It starts at $499 for 16GB, 32GB for $599, and $699 64GB. Adding 3G costs a $130 per model, so the most expensive model (64GB / 3G) is $829. The WiFi-only model will ship in 60 days, and the 3G models will come in 90 days.
