[MobileRatty] tag: game

Sony PSP gets third iteration

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:45:45 +0000

The Sony PSP has been around for quite a fair number of years already, and has always been playing second fiddle to the more successful Nintendo DS Lite despite looking as though it will crush all competition when it was first announced. I guess this proves yet again that software is king - after all, take a look at the original iPhone when it was released. Despite being inferior in many ways to other high end handsets in the market, the iPhone still did phenomenally well thanks to the user interface and software. Still, the Sony PSP is no slouch when it comes to portable gaming, and it is a very capable portable media player as well, although there are certain quarters who continue to gripe about its size. Sony has a third revision of their PSP, aptly known as the PSP-3000.

The updated PSP-3000 will roll out on October 14th, and will feature a brand new LCD display that is said to come with a wider color gamut as well as anti-reflection technology, allowing you to enjoy a better gaming experience even when you’re out in the bright sun. Interestingly enough, the PSP-3000 will now adopt a microphone just like how the original DS does, so does this mean we will see a quirky use for this feature, or will it be used more for VoIP applications in Wi-Fi areas? At last, in-game multiplayer verbal communication is a possibility with the microphone. Other than those improvements, everything else remains the same as the PSP-2000 (Slim & Lite edition). You can choose to pick up the PSP 4GB Memory Entertainment Pack which retails for $199.99 and comes with the PSP-3000, a 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo and a PLAYSTATION Network Voucher.

Would you be upgrading your PSP if you already have one?

Press Release
[ Sony PSP gets third iteration copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.

Latest Wii gadgets: Check out Logitechs Speed Force Wireless racing wheel

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:30:57 +0000

Logitech’s latest Speed Force Wireless is now officially the first racing wheel for the Nintendo Wii. As you can guess from it’s name, the gadget features force feedback and has a pretty good wireless range of up to 30 feet. No more messing around with the Wiimote, fitting it into a plastic steering wheel shell as if it was an actual steering wheel. Let’s admit it, it wasn’t the cleverest of all ideas in the first place in my view, now you can get something more closer to a real thing!

The 10″ wheel rotates 200 degrees and has analog gas and brake controls. Need For Speed Undercover will be the first game to take advantage of the force feedback capability! The Speed Force Wireless will hit the stores in November for $99.99 USD, unsure about date of availability in the UK though, presumably before Christmas time!

Here’s the official word just for completeness…

LOGITECH INTRODUCES FIRST FORCE FEEDBACK WHEEL FOR WII
Logitech Speed Force Wireless Racing Wheel Works With EA’s Highly Anticipated Racing Game Need for Speed™ Undercover

FREMONT, Calif. — Aug. 21, 2008 — To give you a more realistic driving experience on your Wii™, Logitech (SWX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) today announced the Logitech® Speed Force Wireless™ racing wheel – the first force feedback wheel for the popular gaming platform. Licensed by Nintendo®, Logitech’s newest force feedback wheel works with Electronic Arts’ Need for Speed™ Undercover and paves the way for more force feedback racing titles on the Wii.
“We’re excited to team up with Nintendo and Electronic Arts to bring driving realism to the Wii and Need for Speed Undercover,” said Ruben Mookerjee, Logitech’s director of product marketing for gaming. “Logitech has been at the forefront of force feedback technology for more than a decade, and we’re confident that our driving platform will be an indispensable part of the racing experience on Wii as more titles that support it become available.”

“As the world’s most popular racing franchise, Need for Speed is committed to delivering players superior racing experiences,” said Larry LaPierre, Vice President at Black Box, developer of Need for Speed. “This November, Wii gamers can fully experience the thrill of the chase in Need for Speed Undercover with Logitech’s force feedback realism.”

Easy to set up and store, the Logitech Speed Force Wireless features a one-piece design that is convenient to use whether you’re sitting on your couch, arm chair or living room floor. The built-in gas and brake controls are located on the wheel itself and the expandable lap rest is easily adjusted – allowing for comfortable game play without the need to use a table or a desk. Plus, familiar Wii controls make navigating game menus a snap.

To help you minimize clutter, the Logitech Speed Force Wireless eliminates the console cable. With Logitech’s 2.4 GHz wireless technology, you can enjoy lag-free racing from up to 30 feet away from the console. To start racing, just connect the USB receiver to the Wii, plug in the wheel’s power cord, put in Need for Speed: Undercover, adjust the lap rest to a comfortable position and wait for the race to begin. There’s no mounting or assembly involved. And when you’re ready to put it away, the USB receiver can be stowed in a convenient compartment on the bottom of the wheel.

Logitech Force Feedback Technology
Having introduced its first force feedback products in 1998, the company has designed 19 models of force feedback wheels. And more than 100 racing titles have supported Logitech force feedback technology on a variety of game platforms.

When you’re playing a racing game, standard controllers don’t let you feel all the excitement that makes racing with force feedback technology the closest you can get to the real thing. Force feedback, unlike vibration feedback or rumble technology, creates directionally precise, tactile feedback that accurately simulates forces experienced in the game. Through the use of advanced software and electronics, force feedback moves a steering wheel as if the device were subject to real external forces.

About Need for Speed Undercover

Need for Speed Undercover takes players back to the franchise’s roots and re-introduces break-neck cop chases and spectacular highway battles. Players discover a world of high-stakes and high-speed action in some of the world’s hottest cars. The all-new Heroic Driving Engine propels the action forward as players experience the dramatic story through spectacular Hollywood-style live-action in-game movies.

Pricing and Availability
The Logitech Speed Force Wireless racing wheel is expected to be available in the U.S. and Europe beginning in November for a suggested retail price of $99.99 (U.S.).

Need for Speed Undercover is being developed by Black Box in Vancouver, B.C. and is slated to ship this November. It will be available for Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, and Wii™ as well as the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo DS™, PSP® (PlayStation® Portable) handheld entertainment system, PC and mobile. More information can be found at www.needforspeed.com.

Performance

Full-featured racing wheel: Provides a realistic driving experience.

2.4 GHz wireless technology: Delivers exceptional control from up to 30 feet (10 m) from the console.

Force feedback: Recreates bumps, crashes, and traction loss with jaw-dropping realism.

Convenience

One-piece design: Reduces clutter and makes setup and storage easy.

Expandable lap rest: Allows for comfortable game play without being bound to a table or desk.

Built-in gas and brake controls: Puts precise, fast action within easy reach.

AC power supply included: No batteries necessary.

Compatibility

Licensed for Wii™: Ensures both design and technical compatibility.

Works exclusively with: Need for Speed™: Undercover.

[via Logitech]

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Latest Wii gadgets: Check out Logitech’s Speed Force Wireless racing wheel…

New Sony PlayStation Portable - Model PSP-3000

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:29:58 +0000

Sony today announced a new model of PlayStation Portable, dubbed PSP-3000. The new hand-held game console is about the same as the model that it replaces, but for better contrast ratio, response time, and improved color gamut.

New Playstation Portable Comes With Advanced High Contrast LCD Screen - Sony Press Release, 08.21.2008

Dot Matrix Mighty Wallet Takes Me to a Warm and Happy Place

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:12:18 +0000

I must admit that I get a little sentimental whenever I see dot matrix-related goods and this dot matrix wallet certainly doesn’t let me down. It isn’t actually made out of paper, but that doesn’t matter, it looks real enough and the price is right.

My first printer was a dot matrix, it was a fast one for its time, but it was dot matrix, the print quality sucked, it was annoying to pull the strips of holes off the side of the paper, but it made that sound that I would come to associate with a job well done. There was nothing better than hearing the croak of the printer after you finished an assignment. These days I don’t even print, I just hit send; where’s the magic?

Price: $17 [Fred Flare via 7 Gadgets]

Ply phone is Swiss Army knife of phones

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:43:32 +0000

The Ply phone concept packs so many gadgets inside of it’s wood exterior, you expect to see the Swiss Army logo on it. Like it’s namesake plywood, it has layers and in each layer there resides a gadget, like a phone, game controller, photo printer, projector and more. Designer Hideo Kanbara is obviously a big fan of all-in-one. A prototype actually exists and can be seen at the KDDI Studio in Harajuku. When in Tokyo check it out. I think most of us would love to see something like this become a reality and this is probably what future phones will be like.

[Technabob]

The Sony PSP 3000

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:36:09 +0000

Sony announced that it will be releasing the next Sony PSP version dubbed as Sony PSP 3000 by mid-october, just in time for the big Thanksgiving and Christmas season sale. This announcement was made in Leipzig Germany during a video game convention.

Most of the improvements will be based on a more enjoyable/comfortable gaming experience, which includes brighter screens (bright to bring out and play under the sun), speedier performance (due to memory boosts) and a better battery life.

The Sony PSP 3000 has new feature additions, the most important would be a built-in microphone that will make the new PSP capable as a telephone.

“We believe that this will establish the PSP as a viable communication device,” said David Reeves, president of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe.

It will retail for US$294 in the US and Europe.

Logitech creates Force Feedback Wheel for Wii

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:06:45 +0000

Racing simulator fans on Wii are for a special treat as Logitech churns out Wii’s first wireless Force Feedback wheel. The first title to support it will be Need for Speed: Undercover which will come out in mid-November. The accessory has been licensed by Nintendo and the wheel integrates the Wii Remote as well as accelerator/brake buttons.

It works by plugging in the 2.4 GHz USB receiver in Wii and attaching the power cord to the wheel. It will be available just in time before the launch of the game in early November for $100.

Press Release

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Sony Games Released to Mobile Phones, Gamers wait for Pico Projectors

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 10:42:14 +0000

How would you like to be able to play games where ever you go and not have to squint at a tiny phone screen? Many avid gamers are starting to realize the potential Pico projectors could have for their gaming experience. A user would only need to download a game onto their phone and then shine it on a wall, a table, or even someone’s back. This new concept came to life when Sony announced that for the first time ever, they have signed a three year deal that will allow third party companies to publish Sony’s video games onto mobile devices. Many gamers are excited about the news and are only waiting now for pocket and Pico projectors to hit the market so they can enjoy their favorite games anywhere.

[via Quickly Bored]

Guitar Hero For DS Modded With A Guitar

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 10:32:14 +0000

We've seen mods for Guitar Hero in the past, but this is the first I've spotted for the DS version. Eric Ruckman, unhappy with the gameplay of Guitar Hero: On Tour decided that, instead of cutting his loses, he'd mod a PS2 Guitar Hero controller to play the game.

As you can see above, that includes a special housing for the DS itself (it's still used for strumming), and even a built-in FM transmitter with its own screen, which lets him pump the audio through his home sound system.

Sweet modding skills Eric, but as the old saying goes, "just because you can, you probably shouldn't have." Hit the jump to see a video demonstration of the mod in action.

Logitech Speed Force Wireless racing wheel for Wii announced

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 09:54:13 +0000

There’s no denying that playing the Nintendo Wii is very fun with its unique control method. The one thing I don’t like playing on the Wii is driving games. I don’t care for steering the vehicle with the Wii remote turned sideways. I have wished for a real steering wheel on more than one occasion and Logitech has finally made my wish come true.

Logitech has announced the first force feedback wheel ever for the Nintendo Wii. The racing wheel is called the Logitech Speed Force Wireless racing wheel and is licensed by Nintendo. The wheel is easy to set up and store thanks to one-piece design that does not use pedals. Controls for brake and throttle are located on the wheel. Logitech equipped the wheel with an expandable lap rest that allows you to play while sitting on a chair or couch.

The wheel uses 2.4 GHz wireless technology providing a range of up to 30 feet from the console. The wireless receiver plugs into the Wii’s USB port and the wheel requires an AC outlet for power. Logitech says the wheel is designed to work with the forthcoming Need for Speed Undercover game for the Wii and will support future force feedback titles. The wheel will be available in the US and Europe in November for $99.99.

Logitech