Daily Wrap Up 2.6.08
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Wednesday, February 06, 2008 6:01 PM
Here's what's happening in the world of videogames, technology and popular culture:
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TAGS: Daily Wrap-Up, Videos
X-Play Gaming Update 02.06.08
Posted by Jonathan Hunt - Wednesday, February 06, 2008 5:10 PM
Today, Morgan brings you the latest in gaming news, including rumors of a GTA movie, new Mass Effect DLC, and Mario Kart Wii.
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TAGS: PC Gaming, PlayStation 3, Wii
Quantum Mario!
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Wednesday, February 06, 2008 4:48 PM
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TAGS: Nuggets From The Nets, Videogames
Sessler's Soapbox: License To GoldenEye
Posted by Jonathan Hunt - Wednesday, February 06, 2008 4:39 PM
In this week's Sessler's Soapbox, Adam addresses the issues over rights and licensing that kept GoldenEye 007 from making it reemergence on Xbox Live Arcade. He explains how this is an issue that we will probably see more and more frequently as the popularity of XBLA and the Wii's Virtual Console continue to grow. What do you think? Check out the video and let us know what you think below, or share your thoughts on our forums.
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TAGS: Sessler's Soapbox, Videogames, Videos
Real-Life Sackboy!
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Wednesday, February 06, 2008 3:29 PM
The above is what LittleBigPlanet's Sackboy would look like in real life.
More pics can be found here.
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TAGS: PlayStation 3, Videogames
PSP Burns Kid
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Wednesday, February 06, 2008 3:05 PM
A Detroit-area seventh-grader was burned when his PSP caught fire in his pocket during band class. A teacher removed the game from the student's pants. EMS was called, and the student went away to a hospital.
Michigan News: Oakland County 7th-grader treated for burns from video game
That's not the end of the story though. Tmidiman, one of our readers, sent us what he says is a copy of the Principal's email to parents to the middle school. It's under the Read More tag. We can't vouch for the authenticity, but we trust Tmidiman.
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TAGS: Other People's Misfortune, Sony PSP, Videogames
Celebrity Houses Dropping in Price
Posted by Ty Colfax - Wednesday, February 06, 2008 2:19 PM
 This Just In: Celebrities are losing money in the real estate market in Southern California.
This Also Just In: HA HA HA HA!!!!!!
The recent downturn in the national housing market is crunching people at all levels of income including the rich and famous. Folks like Avril Lavigne, Slash, Wilmer Valderrama, and Ed McMahon all have had houses on the market for a while and have been forced to drop their asking price. TheFeed is sad to learn that, for instance, Avril will only be getting $5,800,000 for her five-bedroom, six-bath house in Beverly Hills.
It is a sad day for such a cute, little Canadian badgirl who just wanted to keep things so uncomplicated.
forbes.com: Celebrities losing in real estate game
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New XM Hip-Hop Stations Coming
Posted by Mike D'Alonzo - Wednesday, February 06, 2008 2:14 PM
 XM is stepping up the hip-hop content, with two new stations designed to appeal to different segments of the culture. The first features N.O.R.E. and his cohorts DJ EFN and Capone, talking smack about the topics of the day. "It’s barbershop talk on the radio," N.O.R.E. told AllHipHop.com. " We are covering all issues from Superhead [Karrine Steffans] to Hillary Clinton and Obama, to the Iraq war, to smoking cigarettes, getting weeded and drunk and lying to your girl. It’s made for n***as but females will enjoy it as well."
The other show will feature Philly native Monie Love and her old-skool take on the hip-hop community, with a show called Ladies First Radio that will feature her reflections on life, all set to a 90's rap soundtrack. We are glad that XM is reaching out to the hip-hop community, and shows like this will allow fans and casual listeners to get a grip on that world in much more far-reaching ways.
All Hip-Hop.com: N.O.R.E., Monie Love Debut Shows On XM
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TAGS: Music
Ex-Google Guys Startup New Video Site
Posted by Brian Leahy - Wednesday, February 06, 2008 1:57 PM
A new video site is stepping up to the plate and we think it could really take off. The new site is Howcast, a familiar looking flash-based video site, which focuses on How-To instructional videos.
The website is the brainchild of three ex-Google employees and they have already secured $8 million in financing from Tudor Investment Corp.
There are loads of community features and the content ranges from purely instructional to comical. Users are encouraged to make their own videos, but the site emphasizes that the quality must be high to run on the service.
Check it out because this is your shot to get in on the ground floor.
TechCrunch: Ex-Googlers Launch Instructional Video Site Howcast, Raise $8 Million A Round
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TAGS: Internets Culture, Tech, Videos
Fake iPhone Almost Gets It Right
Posted by Brian Leahy - Wednesday, February 06, 2008 1:47 PM
 Want an iPhone, but don't feel like shelling over the big bucks to Daddy Apple? There's a new imposter in town and he's almost like the real thing.
The C-002 HiPhone (lol) features an interface that comes very close to the iPhone featuring multi-touch, a single button, and similar applications. None of them work as smoothly as Apple's phone, but they get an A for effort.
In addition, they throw in a removable battery, support for two SIM cards, a microSD slot and a cheaper price.
Check the video after the break, which is set to Eminem's Stan for no apparent reason.
Engadget: Keepin' it real fake, part CIX: C-002 HiPhone ups the ante
--Read More--
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TAGS: iPhone, Products, Tech
'Pirates 4' Plot Rumors Ahoy!
Posted by Mike D'Alonzo - Wednesday, February 06, 2008 1:16 PM
 Yes, Virginia, there will likely be a Pirates of the Caribbean 4, regardless of what you thought of the last couple of Pirates movies. Why? Because they made about a googol of dollars, that's why. Still, you might ask, what would happen in such a film? Good question, and now, here's a rumor about the answer. Elizabeth Swann and Will Turner would be jettisoned, and the film would be a "bawdy buddy movie" featuring Johnny Depp and Geoffrey Rush's characters.
Note we didn't say it would necessarily feature Johnny Depp and Geoffrey Rush. Nope. We're thinking that, in the end, such a movie would be such an unpopular move that both men would decline involvement, and it would end up being a typical Disney straight-to-video release that kids would absolutely love and parents would kill if they had to watch more than once. And it would be called Pirates of the Caribbean 3 1/2 or some such.
IGN: Pirates 4 a Buddy Pic?
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TAGS: Movies
Fifth Undersea Internet Cable Cut
Posted by Brian Leahy - Wednesday, February 06, 2008 12:46 PM
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TAGS: Internets Culture, Other People's Misfortune, Tech
Capcom Doin' Fine
Posted by Ty Colfax - Wednesday, February 06, 2008 12:27 PM
 Japan's gaming giant recently released its third quarter figures and they pretty much show they're breaking even. Sales were up thanks to great showings from Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles in the US and Europe and Monster Hunter Freedom 2 [the best title ever composed of three random words] which did well in Japan. Surprisingly, titles like We Love Golf! and Mega Man Star Force 2 did not do so well. See the sarcasm there?
Other sections of the business for Capcom had issues which caused the leveling off of their overall ledger, but they are very optimistic (as are we) about the upcoming release of Devil May Cry 4 which has done well in pre-sales. Also doing well in pre-sales is Monster Hunter Freedom 2G [the second best title ever composed of three random words.]
gamespot.com: Capcom sales up, operating income down
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TAGS: Videogames
HD-DVD 360 Add-On Price Drops
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Wednesday, February 06, 2008 12:13 PM
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TAGS: Videogames, Xbox 360
Analyst: Verizon Will Win 700MHz Spectrum
Posted by Brian Leahy - Wednesday, February 06, 2008 12:12 PM
 The 700MHz auction that could have huge implications for the future of telecommunications in this country is well underway, but much like the election, analysts are about ready to call a winner.
Verizon looks like it will come out on top and gain access to the coveted 700MHz C Block, which they could use for mobile internet or other services. The spectrum is ideal because it carries a long range and has good penetration (if you laughed, grow up!).
The good news for consumers, however, is that the bidding pushed passed past the magic number of $4.63 billion, which was required by the FCC to activate the Open Access Clause.
Google, presumably, bid that number as they said they would to force the winner to operate an open network. This move seems perfect for them because it allows them to put Android phones on any new network that arises without having to operate it themselves.
Gizmodo: Analysts Say Ring the Bell, Verizon Set to Win 700MHz Auction
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TAGS: Internets Culture, Tech
M-Rated Titles On The Decline
Posted by Mike D'Alonzo - Wednesday, February 06, 2008 11:55 AM
Though alleged nutjob Jack Thompson would have you believe that every other game that comes out these days should have an "M" rating from the ESRB, the opposite is, in fact, true. Statistically speaking, according to the ESRB, the number of M-rated games have been cut in half since 2005, and make up roughly 6% of the gaming market, which is dominated by games that are rated "E" for "Everyone."
Now, why would people want you to believe otherwise? Might have something to do with the fact that it's a political chip in the favor of a lot of elected officials, and the more that they can keep your elders scared about what the young whippersnappers in their lives are up to, and the more they can con them into thinking they're the only solution, the more votes they are likely to attract come election time.
You are now armed with information. Use it at will.
Ars Technica: Percentage of M-rated titles halved since 2005. What gives?
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TAGS: Videogames
Bungie's Next Game "Totally Different" From Halo
Posted by Ty Colfax - Wednesday, February 06, 2008 11:54 AM
 The most recent Bungie podcast has revealed something quite interesting to its listeners. The next release from them will be "something totally different" from the Halo series. Christian Allen, Bungie's lead designer, essentially said it's far too early in development to talk about.
We can't even begin to speculate what this could mean or what their perspective of "totally different" actually means. Are we talkin space MMO different, sports game different, or the main character's name is Master Chef and he's battling Aliens called the Ovenant in an interstellar cooking competition kind of different?
the Bungie Podcast
Also, remember this?
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TAGS: Halo 3, Videogames, Xbox 360
'Assassin's Creed' PC Gets Release Date, Features
Posted by Brian Leahy - Wednesday, February 06, 2008 11:45 AM
Ubisoft has officially announced the release date for Assassin's Creed Director's Cut Edition for the PC: March 25, 2008.
The updated version "will feature four brand new exclusive types of investigations" for gathering information about assassination targets.
System requirements, however, are extremely high. Like, higher than Crysis. If you've got the machine and are positively itching to gather information in four new ways, check this out in March.
Hit the break for X-Play's review of Assassin's Creed.
IGN: Ubisoft Announces Assassin's Creed for PC Will Launch in March
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TAGS: PC Gaming, Videogames
Kurkova As 'G.I. Joe' Cover Girl
Posted by Mike D'Alonzo - Wednesday, February 06, 2008 11:40 AM
 Supermodel Karolina Kurkova has been cast as Cover Girl in the upcoming G.I. Joe movie, according to reports. The stunning blonde has been previously known as a Victoria's Secret model, but will bring her panache to the role, which is that of a former runway model who ends up being part of the Joe team.
Now, we weren't previously all that enthused about the movie, but the addition of Kurkova definitely makes the eye candy factor of the project leap off the screen. Not that Cover Girl has ever been a huge part of the team, but how can you squander a beauty like that by giving her less screen time. Answer? You can't. And that's good news.
IESB.net: G.I. Joe's Cover Girl Revealed!
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TAGS: Movies
Microsoft Building Consumer Surface?
Posted by Brian Leahy - Wednesday, February 06, 2008 11:28 AM
Microsoft's Surface is a cool concept that was previously assigned to commercial use. Companies like T-Mobile and Vegas casinos were considering using the technology to allow customers to get information easier.
Now, it appears as though Microsoft is considering a consumer version of the table after "more pushback to get a consumer version of the Surface than you can shake a stick at," said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer.
It is interesting to think about what Surface could be used for in a home and we've already seen "smart tables" being hacked up by people, but the price might get prohibitive. If Microsoft keeps the same 30" touch-screen, consumers might be shelling out a ton of money for the product.
Would you buy one for your home?
EETimes.com: Microsoft to build consumer version of Surface PC
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TAGS: Products, Tech
Spring 'Halo' DLC Gets a Map Substitution
Posted by Brian Leahy - Wednesday, February 06, 2008 10:37 AM
In the latest Bungie.net update, Frankie regrets to inform us that one of their favorite maps slated for the next map pack will not make the deadline.
The map, codenamed "Purple Reign" (which we can only assume is a closed in box with Needlers everywhere) will go back to development.
A new challenger approaches and that map is codenamed "Moonlight Sonata", which Bungie believes will "be universally adored". Supposedly a small map, suitable for 1v1 Slayer, the new map will hopefully be as good as they say it is.
Also in the update were details about some work on the melee system.
--Read More--
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TAGS: Halo 3, Videogames, Xbox 360
Helio's New Partnership with buzzd
Posted by Ty Colfax - Wednesday, February 06, 2008 10:36 AM
Helio (you know the little guy in mobile?) is unleashing a new service that helps you locate local bars, restaurants, and parties through a supped-up network known as buzzd. buzzd gets their info from entertainment know-it-alls like TimeOut New York, Flavorpill, and Citysearch.
But in addition to the info coming down from these providers, there will also be the option to search user-generated content to steer people to or from wherever you are. Helio is also going to integrate their handset's GPS capabilities which will make it even easier to find the hotspots, particularly while already blasted, as you won't have to enter your location manually.
news.com: Helio's new nightlife search site has lofty ambitions
more at buzzd.com
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TAGS: Products, Tech
'Duke Nukem Forever' In 2008!
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Wednesday, February 06, 2008 9:55 AM
We've been hearing rumors of the imminent launch of Duke Nukem Forever since the early 1970s, and yet, every time we get a new release date, we get excited all over again. Like the first time.
Today, the Dallas Business Journal has "confirmed" that the long awaited sequel to Duke Nukem is hitting consoles in 2008.
"We haven't formally announced any platforms for DNF," wrote 3D Realms President Scott Miller in an e-mail exchange. "But, of course hitting the big three makes the most sense (PC, PS3, 360)."
He went on to sound a note of caution: "we may miss the mark by a month or two, but I feel very confident that we're on target this time."
Miller also confirmed the existence of a downloadable Xbox Live Arcade version of Duke Nukem 3D, which will feature on-line multipl |
