This morning saw the release of several new Sony audio products aimed at frequent fliers and other on-the-go users. The company announced a pair of ultracompact, travel-friendly speakers and three sets of headphones: one with noise-canceling, one with Bluetooth, and one with inline volume controls. You can find out all the details about the SRS-M50, MDR-NC7, DR-BT160AS, and MDR-EX36V in our photo gallery.
(Credit: Sony)
Source : http://news.cnet.com/
When the PlayStation 3 first launched, PS3/PSP connectivity was in its infancy stages. At the time, if you wanted to download any PSP content on the PlayStation Store, you had to first nab it with the console and then transfer it to the handheld. Nowadays, things are much more streamlined; the PSP can tap into the Store by itself.
But that doesn't mean the PS3 and PSP can't be in harmony, and according to Capcom's vice president of strategic planning and business development, Christian Svensson, about half of those who own a PS3 also have a PSP. The 50% quote came from one of Svensson's posts in the official Capcom forums in reply to a question about adhocParty possibly coming to the U.S. The post is unclear as to whether he was referring to worldwide data or just North America numbers, but evidently, his source is Sony themselves. "An interesting note from Sony's data that they've been sharing with us ... about 50% of PS3 owners, also own a PSP." Now, there may be a great deal of suspicion when viewing this statistic, but we suppose it's possible. If one can afford it and takes their gaming seriously, it certainly would be a bonus to own both platforms; both have awesome software sitting on store shelves right now. But 50%...? This would be a very good sign for Sony if it were true, but it's tough to call this verifiable fact.
So how's about a little poll of our own? If you own a PS3, do you also have a PSP? Come on now, tell us the truth.
Source : http://www.psxextreme.com/
Starting Friday, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment will distribute 30 current and classic movies in the Sony-developed high-definition format for 205 yuan ($30) per disc -- a considerable sum in a low-wage country.
Pics include "Hancock," "Kung Fu Hustle," the "Spider-Man" trilogy, "Hitch," "The Pursuit of Happyness" and "Close Encounters of the Third Kind."
Launch coincides with the preem in China of Sony's BDP-S350 Blu-ray player.
Other Hollywood studios have not announced firm plans to release movies in China on Blu-ray, though Warner Bros. and Disney are understood to be close behind.
"We will launch once (local) Blu-ray replication capability is ready -- hopefully in the first or second quarter," a Disney spokesman said.
Sony will import Blu-ray DVDs into China initially, with local production beginning within the year.
Local manufacturing could help companies cut retail prices and also earn a higher degree of protection from Chinese authorities against pirate operators.
Although pirating Blu-ray discs is a tricky technological proposition, illegal high-definition discs are now on sale in China. Only last month, trading standards officers in Shenzhen, just across the Chinese border from Hong Kong, uncovered a massive stash of pirated material including 800 discs that purported to be Blu-ray.
In fact, they used Advanced Video Codec High Definition, a high- and standard-definition recording format for use in tapeless digital camcorders. But they were packaged in fake blue plastic boxes complete with Blu-ray holograms.
The Motion Picture Assn. described the seized discs as "sheep in wolf's clothing."
"Consumers are being cheated twice -- they are buying stolen movies peddled on fake Blu-ray format," said Mike Ellis, MPA president-managing director for the Asia-Pacific region.
It is not just consumers who will have a headache. The arrival of AVCHD discs is a major worry for the studios.
AVCHD discs can be manufactured using cheap, standard blank DVDs, yet they are playable in Blu-ray disc players and provide a better image than standard definition discs.
The MPA estimates that AVCHD discs could account for 10% of Chinese piracy within the next six months. And Chinese pirates are expected to become exporters of AVCHD and fake Blu-ray discs -- something that could slow the spread of legitimate high-def discs in other territories.
Source : http://www.variety.com/
As a penny-pinching holiday season looms, video game companies are cutting game-console prices, beefing up supplies and releasing new games in hopes of attracting a wider audience.
Microsoft dropped the price of its Xbox 360 console to $199 from $279.
Nintendo has increased the supply of its Wii consoles by 50 percent in the U.S. from last year’s holiday season.
Both Microsoft and Sony are offering new online capabilities for their consoles, such as movie downloading.
In addition to feeding their core constituency with traditional shoot-’em-up offerings, video game makers have developed more “everyman” games. The titles feature creative themes, such as imaginary-world simulations, that a broader audience might enjoy. The hope is that more families will buy systems and games to play together.
OUTSIDE THE BOX
LittleBigPlanet ($59.99)
Spore ($29.99-$49.99)
In “LittleBigPlanet” (PlayStation 3), users can customize a character known as Sackboy or Sackgirl, who can run, jump, grab and climb as he or she solves puzzles and navigates dangers. The unique feature of the game is that users themselves can design new levels and share them with other players online.
“Spore” (Nintendo DS/PC), designed by Will Wright — the creator of “The Sims” — lets players shape the evolution of a species from tiny organisms to mature creatures to space beings that can colonize neighboring planets.
MUSIC GAMES
Guitar Hero World Tour ($49.99-$59.99)
Rock Band 2 ($49.99-$59.99)
Wii Music ($49.99)
Though previous “Guitar Hero” games were played with controllers that looked like guitars, “Guitar Hero World Tour” (Xbox 360/PS3/PS2/Wii) also features drum and microphone controllers. Creators also added a “beginner” level and a “Music Studio” feature that lets users create their own music and share it online. Look for bundles with the game and controllers ($89.99-$189.99), though older guitar controllers will work.
“Rock Band 2” (Xbox 360/PS3/PS2/Wii) cranks up the competition with 84 preloaded songs, 20 free downloadable songs and the promise of hundreds of others that will be downloadable for a small fee. That doesn’t include the songs from the original Rock Band that owners of the game can load onto the sequel. Bundles of games packaged with the controllers are available for $189.99.
Nintendo is taking a different approach with “Wii Music” (Wii). Instead of appealing to your inner rock star, it wants to bring out the musician in everyone. The aim of this game is to come up with the most creative arrangements to simple, well-known songs, such as “Yankee Doodle.”
SPORTS AND RACING
Shaun White Snowboarding ($29.99-$59.99)
Need for Speed Undercover ($39.99-$59.99)
Midnight Club: Los Angeles ($59.99)
“Shaun White Snowboarding” (most game systems) was developed in collaboration with Olympic gold medalist Shaun White. Players can create their own characters, which are given the freedom to choose how and where to ride. White appears in the game as a friend and mentor. The Wii version has gotten particular attention because players can simulate snowboard moves on the Wii Balance Board.
“Need for Speed Undercover” (most game systems) is the latest installment of the popular racing game series. Players, acting as undercover cops, compete in races and take on dangerous jobs to infiltrate an international crime syndicate in a fictional city.
Another racing sequel, “Midnight Club: Los Angeles” (Xbox 360/PS3), is a fast-paced competitive street-racing game by the developer of the popular “Grand Theft Auto” series that lets players race through a realistic recreation of the City of Angels.
ACTION
Gears of War 2 ($59.99)
Mirror’s Edge ($59.99)
Left 4 Dead ($49.99-$59.99)
Resistance 2 ($59.99)
Fallout 3 ($49.99-$59.99)
“Gears of War 2” (Xbox 360) is the sequel to the critically acclaimed third-person shooter game released two years ago, in which the soldier characters have to drill underground to fight an enemy that makes holes capable of sinking an entire city.
The fast-paced “Mirror’s Edge” (Xbox 360/PS3) features a female courier who runs messages in a totalitarian regime. The character, Faith, must rescue her sister, who was framed for a crime, while evading the government.
Horror survival game “Left 4 Dead” (Xbox 360/PC), first-person shooter “Resistance 2” (PS3), and the role-playing game “Fallout 3” (Xbox 360/PS3/PC) — the latter two sequels to popular games — are also expected to be among this year’s hits.
Source : http://www.thestate.com/
AMD officially announced the new family name for the 45nm Phenoms and Phenom II, at the firm’s Financial Analyst Day last week. More interestingly, reports have surfaced that AMD has switched to a 3-digit model number scheme from the 4-digit one currently in use.
Back in September there were industry reports that AMD was going to change their Phenom X4 and X3 model number scheme from a 4-digit model number to a 5-digit model number. This no longer appears to be the case, but there has been no official word from AMD about these model numbers yet.
| Model | Cores | Frequency | Codename | Socket | Total Cache | TDP | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X4 945 | 4 | 3.0GHz | Deneb | AM3 | 8 MB | *125W | Q2 2009 |
| X4 940 | 4 | 3.0GHz | Deneb | AM2+ | 8 MB | 125W | Jan. 8 2009 |
| X4 925 | 4 | 2.8GHz | Deneb | AM3 | 8 MB | 95W | Feb. 2009 |
| X4 920 | 4 | 2.8GHz | Deneb | AM2+ | 8 MB | 125W | Jan. 8 2009 |
| X4 910 | 4 | 2.6GHz | Deneb | AM3 | 8 MB | 95W | Feb. 2009 |
| X4 810 | 4 | 2.6GHz | Deneb | AM3 | 6 MB | 95W | Feb. 2009 |
| X4 805 | 4 | 2.5GHz | Deneb | AM3 | 6 MB | 95W | Feb. 2009 |
| X3 720 | 3 | 2.8GHz | Propus | AM3 | 7.5 MB | 95W | Feb. 2009 |
| X3 710 | 3 | 2.6GHz | Propus | AM3 | 7.5 MB | 95W | Feb. 2009 |
*Expreview reports the Phenom II X4 945 as a 125W part. While the source did not specify, the 945 is assumed to have an unlocked multiplier as it is the flagship model. The Phenom II X4 940 and 920 will also have unlocked multipliers.
An interesting thing to note is the similarity between this naming scheme and that used by Intel’s Core i7 family of processors, specifically the Phenom II X4 920 and 940. Hopefully this won’t be a source of confusion for the less knowledgeable crowd should they decide to build their own system. At least the 3-digit model numbers are easier to say and remember than the 5-digit numbers.
April will reportedly see the launch of the mainstream triple- and quad-core Phenom II X3 400 and X4 600 series, and June the budget dual-core X2 200 series chips.
We contacted AMD and a representative told us that while the name changes are true, the processor model numbers cannot be confirmed at this time. We were also told that official numbers will be unveiled very shortly.
Source : http://www.tomshardware.com/
We are hearing that the new “Deneb” 45nm core AMD Phenom II processors will overclock pretty darn well. Up to 5GHz+ on LN2! Obviously, many enthusiasts will be satisfied with hitting QX9770 stock speeds on their current socket AM2+ motherboards. No doubt, AMD fans are talking about it a lot.
Until then we will share with you what AMD has let fly this week at analysts’ day. Yawn. The server part that is known as Shanghai and desktop Deneb will be very similar. Anyway, we are looking forward to desktop parts.
But honestly, after getting all riled up about Phenom last time and getting left with my wiener in my hand, I will wait in giving any kind of opinion on the new Phenom II until I know for sure. The fact is that I just bought two Intel Core i7 920 processors less than $250 each after tax, title, license, and destination charge. Core i7 processors overclock obscenely easily and will eat anything AMD currently makes for lunch, and possibly dinner too. Did you notice we just left them out of our Core i7 articles? There was just no sense even spending the resources doing the benchmarks.
So until we get our own Phenom II in our hands, please let us leave you with these awesome AMD slides. I hope these are enough to keep the AMD fanboys from going Postal over the holidays.
Take that Apple! HP has launched a new convertible notebook with multi-touch technology popularized by Apple's iPhone.
The new HP TouchSmart tx2 notebook PC's convertible design allows for three modes: PC, display and tablet, says the company. It comes with a rechargeable digital ink pen that users can use to draw and take notes on the screen.
The notebook includes an enhanced HP MediaSmart digital entertainment software suite that supports the familiar touch computing gestures such as pinch, flick, tap and drag with two fingers that can be used to interact with photos, video and other multimedia on the computer.
The laptop weighs about 4.5 pounds, has a 12.1-inch diagonal display and has an AMD Turion X2 processor. It is priced starting at $1,150.
HP already has a TouchSmart touchscreen desktop that it launched earlier this year.
Photo Gallery: HP Touchscreen Notebook
Source : http://blog.wired.com/
The upcoming Congo and Yukon platforms have been hailed by many as AMD's answer to the Intel Atom platform. However, the chipmaker has come out and said, categorically, that it does not plan to compete in the Netbook arena and that its new chipsets are meant for ultra-thin-and-light machines like the MacBook Air (pictured).
But if we take a look at the market, the very definition of what makes a Netbook is changing. Not only is it hittiSng screen sizes previously reserved for ultraportables, there is even talk of putting a discrete graphics card into an Eee PC. The low-cost factor of Netbooks is also slowly being thrown out the window with some machines going over the S$1,000 (US$669.21) mark. Bahr Mahony, director of AMD Notebook Product Marketing also commented that the high return rate of Netbooks in Europe show that users were not satisfied with the performance of this class of machines.
On the other hand, with dual-core Atom chips already used in Nettops, it is only a matter of time when Netbooks hit a performance envelope close to that of full-fledged ultraportables. Will AMD eat its words then? Only time will tell.
Source : http://asia.cnet.com/