Category: Games and Gaming

Microsoft Q2 2013 Earnings Indicate $21.56b Revenue, $6.38b Profit

Microsoft says its fourth-quarter earnings slipped 4 percent, despite a lift from its latest version of Windows.

The Redmond, Washington-based software giant posted revenue of $21.46 billion and net income of $6.38 billion, with earnings per share of 77 cents. That’s largely in line with what Wall Street had been expecting, though a bit lower on the revenue side and higher on the earnings side — ahead of today’s financial report, the analyst consensus was that Microsoft would post earnings of 75 cents a share on $21.53 billion in revenue.

The results announced Thursday are the first to include Windows 8. The program is a dramatic overhaul of the Microsoft Corp operating system that powers most PCs. Windows 8 came out 26 October with slightly more than two months left in Microsoft’s fiscal second quarter.

When Windows 8 finally hit the market, Microsoft also unveiled its own tablet computer, Surface, as a showcase for the operating system. Microsoft didn’t disclose Thursday how many Surface devices were sold in the October-December period.

Microsoft’s Entertainment & Devices division, which is responsible for the Xbox and Surface, saw an 11% decline from last year, with only $3.77 billion of revenue. This comes after Microsoft announced that the Xbox 360 was the top-selling gaming console for two years straight. It looks like holiday sales weren’t as great as the company expected.

Microsoft’s Online Services division saw more growth, however, with $869 million in revenue, which is an 11% increase year-over-year. Thanks to the upcoming Office 365 suite and SkyDrive, Microsoft’s online services don’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon, especially with the deal that Microsoft made with the city of Chicago to bring Office 365 services to city employees.

January 25, 2013
Sony Fined $395K For 2011 PlayStation Network Hack, Plans Appeal

Sony Computer Entertainment has been fined a record £250,000 by the data protection watchdog after the personal details of millions of gamers – including passwords and credit card numbers – were leaked online.

The Information Commissioner’s Office on Thursday said the security breach was “one of the most serious” it has handled under the Data Protection Act. The £250,000 fine is the maximum penalty awarded by the ICO against a private company.

The privacy blunder happened in April 2011, when computer hackers targeted the Sony PlayStation Network. It compromised the personal information of millions of customers, including names, addresses, e-mail addresses, dates of birth and account passwords. Customers’ payment card details were also at risk, the ICO said.

“An ICO investigation found that the attack could have been prevented if the software had been up to date, while technical developments also meant passwords were not secure,” it added.

Sony, however, has released a statement saying that it plans to appeal the fine.

“Sony Computer Entertainment Europe strongly disagrees with the ICO’s ruling and is planning an appeal,” it said. “SCEE notes, however, that the ICO recognises Sony was the victim of “a focused and determined criminal attack,” that “there is no evidence that encrypted payment card details were accessed,” and that “personal data is unlikely to have been used for fraudulent purposes” following the attack on the PlayStation Network.”

Sony executives, including President and CEO of Sony Corporation Kazuo Hirai, made a public apology for the PSN hack in May 2011

January 24, 2013
Blimey! 5 Year Old Boy Finds Porn On Christmas Present Nintendo 3DS Bought From GameStop!

A five-year-old boy in Colorado got a nasty surprise on Christmas morning when he unwrapped a Nintendo from Santa to find it had pornographic images on it. His father said he had to return the refurbished Nintendo 3DS Santa had left under the Christmas tree after discovering the images on the device purchased at GameStop.

Unfortunately for all involved, the device wasn’t properly wiped of its previous owner’s content, which included porn. As such, Braydon discovered the images while playing with the device and asked his brother for help in getting rid of them.

Mark Giles, from Colorado, said his son Bryton had been waiting all year for a Nintendo 3DS but when he finally opened it both father and child broke into tears.

He cried as he told NBC News his son told him about the porn straight away, saying “Dad, I don’t think you should be looking at these pictures.”

“I just handed him the 3DS,” Bryton said.

After complaining to GameStop electronics store where he had bought the device, Mr Giles said he was told the six homemade images were put there by a previous owner and weren’t spotted before the device was resold. But he said the damage had already been done when it came to his son.

[quote]”You can’t unsee this, he’s five years old… he’s not going to forget about this tomorrow,” he said.[/quote]

GameStop has issued a statement saying it wants to make it up to the Giles family.

[quote]”We have a rigorous quality control process in place to ensure that existing content is removed from all devices before they are re-sold. Out of millions of transactions each year, ones like this happen very rarely. Our number one priority is to make this right for our customer,” the company said.[/quote]

GameStop sent the family a new Nintendo 3DS, as well as a handful of games.

[CNET]

December 28, 2012
Atari Celebrates The 40th Anniversary of Pong, Releases Custom Pong 40th Birthday Xbox 360 Screen Console

To celebrate the 40th birthday of Pong, one of the earliest arcade video games ever created. Atari has created a modded Xbox 360 which is equipped with a LCD screen and been custom styled to look like the original Atari 2600 games console.

The original Atari 2600 game console was released back in October 1977 by Atari and used microprocessor-based hardware and ROM cartridges containing the games code, rather than using non-microprocessor dedicated hardware with games code built in.

The company has also launched a new Pong game for iOS which is now available to download for free from the Apple iTunes App Store. “Pong World introduces a new generation to the classic game of PONG with a dazzling unique twist and colorful new look,”

To enter into the draw for the custom Pong Xbox 360 console, jump over to the Atari Facebook page to signup. Competition only open for residents of the U.S.

November 30, 2012
Xbox World To Unveil Info On The Next Xbox In Its Second Last Issue

UK gaming magazine Xbox World may be shutting down soon (alongside Nintendo Power, PlayStation: The Official Magazine, and PSM3), but with news like this, it seems they’re making sure they go out with a bang.Their second to last issue will reportedly unveil tons of information on Microsoft’s highly anticipated follow-up to the Xbox 360.

For starters, it will be known officially as simply “Xbox,” and will introduce Kinect 2.0 to the world, which will be capable of tracking as many as four players at once, with enough detail for all of their fingers to be tracked too.

Blu Ray discs will be used for games, as a stop gap for full digital download releases, as well as directional audio for a more 3D sound. There will also be a TV input along with the usual outputs, which could potentially mean video editing on the platform. It will also mean that you’ll be able to record live TV on your Xbox. Also the inclusion of Augmented Reality is mentioned.

In terms of internal hardware, the CPU apparently features four hardware cores, with four logical cores in each of those. Memory wise, you’re looking at 8GB, which is a massive increase over the current Xbox 360’s 512mb. It’s also thought that Microsoft will be introducing a new “innovative controller,” as part of the release, which would suggest something other than Nintendo’s Gamepad, since Smartglass will cater to touch screen controller schemes.

With Microsoft’s next Xbox console expected to release towards the end of 2013, are you now starting to get excited that these are indeed the main features of the next-gen console? It’s the second time we’ve heard about the possibility of augmented reality and glasses on the next Xbox, so would you support Microsoft’s decision to go down this route?

November 18, 2012
HALO 4 comes to the Gaming world with a Bang

Microsofts biggest game series ever HALO will get its newest edition the HALO 4 to the world today. Microsoft hopes the return of the laconic green-armored super-soldier protagonist of Halo, which has generated $3 billion of revenue since its 2001. The Game launched in 40 countries starting midnight tuesday. The Halo series, made by Microsoft Game Studios, spearheaded the company’s foray into gaming that began with the 2001 launch of the first Xbox. It has sold more than 46 million copies to date and helped the console lead the market ahead of Sony’s

The Game will be launched and will compete alongside Activision Blizzard’s Call of Duty Enterprise.

[quote] “Because there hasn’t been a game to star “Master Chief” for five years, there’s a bit of a pent-up demand,” said Ryan McCaffrey, Xbox Executive editor at videogame website IGN.com. “Call of Duty has taken over as the most popular game on the Xbox, so I think it will be very close,” [/quote]

HALO 4 is expected to haul a large gaming re-ignition with Microsoft, and is being pegged at the biggest thing to have happened to Gaming since the original HALO. Microsoft also held a massive launch event last week in the small country of Liechtenstein in Europe. Some historic landmarks and the countryside of the 62-square mile nation was transformed into a futuristic Halo-like universe and reporters were allowed to test the game.

November 6, 2012
Sony launches new slimmer PlayStation 3 2012 (PR)
Sony has launched a newer thinner version of the Playstation 3 in both black and white versions, available in 250GB and 500GB models.
- “Charcoal black” option has a September 25th launch date and a $269.99 price tag
- “Classic white” model arrives on November 22
- 500GB, charcoal-only option will be available on October 30th
Sony Computer Entertainment CEO Andrew House introduced the new model, calling it 50 percent smaller than the original (rather large) PS3, and 25 percent smaller than the previous slimmed-down version.

Since the launch of PS3 in November 2006, the number of BD-based titles has reached more than 3,300 titles and more than 4,100*7 downloadable PS3 games are available worldwide.

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New Smaller And Lighter PlayStation®3 To Hit The Worldwide Market

TOKYO, Sept. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCE) today announced that a new PlayStation®3(PS3®) computer entertainment system (body color: charcoal black / classic white*1), featuring a new design and a downsized form factor, will become available worldwide this holiday season. The new PS3 will come in 3 models including extended built in Hard Disk Drive (HDD) capacity of 500GB model and 250GB model, and a newly added 12GB flash memory model initially for Europe only. Availability of models, prices and launch dates of the new PS3 system in each region are as follows.

Thanks to a complete redesign of the internal architecture, the volume and weight of the new PS3 has been reduced by more than half compared to the very first PS3 model with a 60GB HDD, and by 20% and 25% respectively compared to the current PS3. By adopting a sliding disk cover, the new PS3 continues with the characteristic sleek curved body design, which fits various places in the home and enables users to enjoy an array of entertainment content.

With the extra HDD capacity which has been extended from 320GB and 160GB, users can store and enjoy more and more entertainment content including games, music, photos, and video on the new PS3. In addition, the new PS3 with 12GB flash memory offers opportunities to experience the world of PlayStation® at an affordable price point. Users can also expand the storage capacity of the 12GB flash memory PS3 by connecting a dedicated HDD (250GB) to be released concurrently with the new model5. In addition, a variety of accessories will be introduced by SCE to meet various kinds of needs from users including a vertical stand that offers more flexibility in how the new PS3 can be displayed*6.

Since the launch of PS3 in November 2006, the number of BD-based titles has reached more than 3,300 titles and more than 4,100*7 downloadable PS3 games are available worldwide, thanks to support from a broad range of third party developers and publishers. In addition to this extensive software title line-up, exciting and attractive new titles are to be released from third party developers and publishers as well as SCE Worldwide Studios, including Assassin’s Creed III (Ubisoft Entertainment.), Call of Duty Black Ops 2 (Activision Publishing, Inc.), Madden NFL 13 (Electronic Arts Inc.), PlayStation® All-Stars Battle Royale, LittleBigPlanet Karting, God of War: Ascension (Sony Computer Entertainment), and more.

SCE will further accelerate the expansion of the PS3 platform which is in the 7th year of its lifecycle, by continually releasing a vast library of exciting and attractive software titles and offering users a choice from a variety of hardware models.

*1 The new PS3 in classic white will become available in Japan from November. Other regions and countries will follow this
*2 Only PS3 system bundled with software title will become available.
*3 Prices will vary by country across Europe.
*4 PS3 with flash memory 12GB will be sold in Europe and Hong Kong
*5 When using dedicated HDD, flash memory cannot be used as inner storage
*6 Users will need to use the separately sold “Vertical Stand” to set the new PS3 in vertical position.
*7 Includes PS one® classics and free of charge content (downloadable demos).

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September 19, 2012
Nintendo Says Wii U Will Launch On November 18

Nintendo’s upcoming Wii U gaming console will start at $300 and go on sale in the U.S. on Nov. 18, in time for the holidays, the company said Thursday.

A “deluxe” version will sell for $350. It will be black instead of white and include extra features such as more memory, a charging stand and the game “Nintendo Land.”

Nintendo Co. has been trying to drum up excitement for the Wii U, which is the first major gaming console to launch since 2006. The device has a touch-screen controller called the Wii U GamePad. It also plays games made for the original Wii.

Nintendo said the latest game in its wildly popular Mario franchise, “New Super Mario Bros. U,” will be available when the new console launches. It will include new ways to play that use the GamePad. It will also offer new challenges for advanced Mario players, such as trying to complete a level without touching the ground. “Mario” and other classic games have long been Nintendo’s main draw.

The company also announced new entertainment features for the console. Called “Nintendo TVii,” the service collects all the ways users have to watch movies, TV shows and sports. This includes pay-TV accounts along with services such as Hulu and Netflix. The GamePad works as a fancy remote controller and will let viewers browse shows they can watch.

TVii “brings all of your services to one place,” said Reggie Fils-Aime, president and chief operating officer of Nintendo of America.

So if you like the TV show “Modern Family,” for example, it will pull in the show’s episodes from every available source.

[Washington Post]

September 13, 2012
BMW and Thermaltake design the most Awesome Mouse yet – Level 10 (PR)

We all saw the BMW Thermaltake concept mouse some time back.The company has made it real and will sell it for a 100 US $. Specs include : five programmable keys and a Z-key for quick profile changes, an optical unit with 5,000 DPI, can be increased up to 8,200 if needed. The vented top allows for air to pass through during long hours of gaming.

It’s available right now for $100 in the US.

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Computer Mouse designed by BMW Group DesignworksUSA revolutionizes the world of gaming. A futuristic piece of High Tech gives a boost to electronic gaming / Global product launch of Thermaltake´s Level 10 M Mouse in August 2012.

Munich/Taipei. Totally focused and oblivious to his surroundings, the young man speaks urgently but quietly into his headset. One hand hovers above the keyboard, the other on the computer mouse. On the monitor screen in front of him a virtual figure is chasing through a labyrinth of alleys and dead-ends, veering off, flattening itself against walls, reacting to opponents – all this happening at split-second commands. The speed with which these cyber scenes unfold is breathtaking. It’s like being taking along for a spin with a Formula One pilot. This is Kai “Kaii” Schäfer, one of the best German professional gamers, at work. Together with Thermaltake, renowned provider for electronic gaming accessories and based in Taiwan, BMW Group´s think tank of creative specialists, DesignworksUSA, has developed a high-end computer mouse specifically for tech pros like Schäfer and all those dedicated amateurs hoping to match their wits against the lightning-fast best. You need a speedy mouse for this.

Support from the Gaming Pro.

This piece of technology, resembling a tiny racecar, has about as much to with those grey plastic shells scooting over mouse pads like a family van does with a high performance supercar. Niko von Saurma, the director of the Munich studioof DesignworksUSA, takes up one of the three prototypes and handles it with the care afforded a rare artifact. And that is what this sleek concoction, outfitted for the rigors of professional computer sports, is set to become. Officially, this latest innovative example of industrial design is called Pro-Gaming Computer Mouse Level 10 M. Anyone who’s ever tried their hand at a computer game knows that Level 10 is reserved for the very, very good. Someone like the pro-gamer “White Ra”, who shared his first-hand experience during the developing process. Level 10 M has the potential to become a “game changer”, says Tony Liu. For the director of T t esports, the gaming division of Thermaltake, “the mouse is an extension of the player´s soul”. It is no less than the conduit into the game. Just like a basketball shoe, a golf club or a cockpit, a professional´s mouse needs to be customized to meet the competition needs of tech’s best athletes.

Design a new ingredient for digital athletic top performance.

DesignworksUSA´s mighty mouse does indeed fulfill the mantra of every designer: form follows function. It is a two-part construction, with the upper half seeming to float above the base. Made of an alloy also used in aeronautics and architecture, Level 10 M is both lightweight and immune to corrosive effects. The top part, where the gamer´s hand would be resting for hours during competitions, can be individually adjusted for height and lateral inclination. The mouse is also outfitted with a number of keys, which a gamer can set to meet specific demands. The software packed into the stunning hardware is also able to read out DPi-rates for gaming visuals. The drilling in the upper shell serves to ventilate a player´s palms during the game – even top-seeded gamers break into a cold sweat at heart-stopping moments. As a special highlight this mouse can even be illuminated in different colors.

This has now been the second project where Thermaltake and DesignworksUSA pooled their respective resources. The first was the Level 10 computer chassis, which made a huge splash in gaming circles. With a computer up and running and a mouse set to go, both companies are contemplating enlarging the Level 10 gaming portfolio of must-haves. The blogosphere was buzzing with anticipation when the designers and Thermaltake together presented their high-tech mouse at the international computer fair CEBit in Germany in the spring of this year. Equally at COMPUTEX Taipei in the early summer the mouse received a lot of praise and positive feedback in the web as well as the “COMPUTEX Design and Innovation”-Award.

Key Role for Ergonomic solutions.

The Level 10 M Mouse is an ingeniously designed piece of High Tech. The greatest challenge for the designers was to translate the geometric language of the lead product, the Level 10 Computer chassis onto a piece of equipment which naturally asks for ergonomic solutions. DesignworksUSA profited from its vast work for a great variety of industries far from the automotive world in which the designers discover trends, new phenomena and design developments in order to create world class creative solutions for its mother company BMW Group as well as for other clients outside the automobile field.

Game or Sports? The New Formula 1 of Tomorrow?

Two of the most popular electronic games at the international meets drawing pros are car racing and football. To compete at a high level in computer and video games demands the same set of skills as spending off-time with a Nintendo or Playstation set-up at home: hand-eyes coordination, reaction time, spatial awareness, control and tactical acumen. Except that these talents have been honed to the expertise that separates a weekend golfer from a Masters champion. In this business success is a matter of split seconds. Professional gamers, especially those qualifying for the annual World Cyber Games, train as seriously and assiduously as their more physically oriented counterparts in the real world. Putting in six to ten hours per day, immersed in the augmented reality of their virtual game scenario, navigating mouse and keyboard at the blink of an eye, is necessary in order to compete against the best in this brotherhood. But these computer athletes also need to train physically to have the stamina for twelve-hour bouts and often spend time in a kind of boot camp to prepare for the big events. Contrary to the geek image of gaming, players aren´t generally loners, however, but form teams that are financed and outfitted by sponsors such as the Apollos, that sport the T t esports colors. In gaming circles these groups are called clans, based on a legendary computer game called “Quake”.

Phenomenon with high prize money.

What draws the young gamers to this form of sport is not just the thrill of performing at Level 10. By now there is big money involved. Winners can easily cash into a million dollars, much like the top poker stakes, not least because big-name sponsors like Nike and Pepsi-Cola have discovered the hip allure of e-sports for themselves. A good professional can earn up to 250 000 dollars a year. Within Asia there are special stations televising the competitions, with the US and Europe following lead. For these TV shows, the pro teams get trained, styled and coached for the public show down. There are gaming stars in this locked-in world of halls full of busy computer screens just as there is the usual media hype.

It is only really since the eighties that the fledgling virtual world began offering a state of play. Ever since the advent of home computers, the rise of the Internet and faster and more powerful broadband technology has electronic gaming evolved into that – still somewhat hidden – mass phenomenon. Tony Liu pointed out, that at times up to 15 million people are online to play a game. Which is also why it was a real-time, real-world disaster when Sony´s online gaming platform was hacked, disclosing account holders’ data.

The features of the Level 10 M Mouse:

3D Steering Axis Movement: The Mouse is divided into lower and top part which seems to float over the base. This part which is also the essential steering element of the mouse can be adjusted in regards to height and angle. The 3D dimensional character of the mouse provides for new and highly sufficient axis movements in various directions and makes the mouse fit as many gamers’ preferences as possible.

Solid Aluminum base: Commonly used in the aerospace industry and in architecture, this material is characterized by its high resistance to corrosion. It ensures that the user’s Level 10 experience is durable and resilient to mouse-gliding movement.

Air-Through Ventilation System: Additionally the Mouse is fitted with exquisite texture – a perforated surface which provides for a better air and temperature exchange as a means of passive ventilation, solving issues due to heavy use and direct touch of gaming equipment and the rise of temperatures of the hand.

Intelligent Software Application: The Level 10 M Mouse is a programmable gaming mouse capable of using the most comprehensive software application to customize settings based on user’s needs. The Mouse has 2 regular keys on top and 5 additional keys at the side. Each key is programmable by software application by a single press with the finger. The so called “Z” key is especially designed for 5 different commands. There is a total of 11 programmable command keys on Level 10 M Mouse while the “Z” key offers another function: During the gaming mode this key can switch between up to 5 gaming profiles. In addition, the polling rate and the 7 lighting-effect colors of the Mouse are also customizable. The Level 10 M Mouse is equipped with 8200 DPI, adjustable from 800, 1600, 3200 to 5000 (default setting), and customizable by software application up to 8200 DPI. The Function-Lock Mechanism also serves to avoid accidental error command by locking side keys during gaming mode.

Level 10 Mouse in the market.

As of August 27th, 2012, the mouse will be available at most major retailer stores and online stores in the US, in Europe and Asia. The Level 10 M Mouse will also be displayed at Tt eSports’ website at www.ttesports.com

Available in four colors: Diamond Black, Iron White, Military Green and Blazing Red. Sales price will be around 99 US Dollar.

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September 4, 2012
IFA : Sony HMZ-T2 Personal 3D Viewer Hands-on

We go hands-on with the new Sony HMZ-T2 Personal 3D Viewer which was showcased here at IFA.

Tthe HMZ-T2 uses stereo OLED panels (one for each eye) to deliver its 3D visuals, eliminating the crosstalk issues other 3D sets suffer from. There’s also virtual surround sound onboard for a personal cinema experience. With the 45° field of vision, you’ll feel completely immersed in a widescreen cinema experience.

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The all-new, totally enhanced cinema and gaming experience–the Personal 3D Viewer

29 August 2012
Sharper display, improved sound and superior comfort with the new HMZ-T2
· Play 2D & 3D movies and games in vivid High Definition
· Enjoy smooth, comfortable viewing with bright, clear OLED screens and a lighter, more adjustable headset
· Get the full atmosphere with virtual 5.1 surround sound

Totally immersive gaming and movies
Now even more light and comfortable, the all-new Personal 3D Viewer from Sony is a head-mounted, High Definition 2D and 3D personal display with virtual 5.1 surround sound. It’s perfect for movies and gaming, with twin OLED screens that display vivid, super-sharp images (with zero cross-talk interference) to absorb you in a truly personal experience.

Clear, smooth, cinematic 3D viewing
The Personal 3D Viewer features dedicated, high response Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) screens for each eye, which reproduces deep, vivid colour tones with sharp contrast and no blurring. And with a 45° field of vision, you’ll feel completely immersed in a widescreen cinema experience.

The HMZ-T2 also has a set of detachable and adjustable light shields for greater privacy and total involvement in your viewing experience. These flexible light shields simply clip on or off the Personal 3D Viewer, and are completely unobtrusive to the headset comfort and design.

Viewing perfection for film fans or gamers
The Personal 3D Viewer is made for both film enthusiasts and solid gamers. 24p True Cinema mode shows films exactly as the director intended for the big screen, at 24 frames per second. Or, if you’re a keen gamer, select the Clear mode for smooth fast-action sequences. Whatever you select, Auto Colour Temperature adjustment gradually lowers image tone intensity from blue to red hues so that you can watch or play your favourite movies/games comfortably for longer hours.

Lose yourself in 5.1 surround sound
With a choice of sound modes, the Personal 3D Viewer features Virtualphones™ technology to create a 360º natural sound field, just as though you’re listening to true 5.1 channel surround sound. There’s also Harmonic Equalizer technology built in, which restores audio compression losses in the digital waveform for a fuller, more spacious sound.

Lighter and more adjustable for wearing comfort
Weighing just 330g, the Personal 3D Viewer is 20% lighter than previous models, with greater options for wearing comfort. It has a highly adjustable headband and forehead support for a secure, gentle fit with positional screen lenses for relaxed and clear 3D viewing. You can also use your own favourite wired or wireless headphones or inner-ear phones to enjoy immersive surround sound.

“Everything about the HMZ-T2 Personal 3D Viewer is designed for comfort and total immersion,” says Naoto Yoshioka, Home Audio Video Senior Product Manager at Sony Europe, “so once you’re watching a film or playing a game, you’re totally absorbed in the thrilling action and forget you’re even wearing the headset.”

Notes to editors

HMZ-T2Personal 3D Viewer

Your personal, cinematic home entertainment experience

· Immersive Full HD 2D and 3D – enjoy a 45° full cinematic widescreen picture
· Smooth 3D viewing – dedicated, high response OLED screens for each eye smoothly display 2D and 3D images without the blurring of image crosstalk
· Virtual 5.1 channel sound – crisp, clear 360º audio with ambient sound, also Harmonic Equalizer audio enhancement and a choice of listening modes
· Vivid clarity and high contrast picture – a TruBlack display creates a clear visual experience
· Watch comfortably for hours – Auto Colour Temperature adjustment lowers image tone intensity for longer play with less eye fatigue
· Adjustable supports for enhanced performance – for optimum comfort, headband and forehead supports are fully adaptable, with adjustable screen lenses for precise 3D viewing
· Use your favourite headphones– make it more personal by using your own wired or wireless headphones or inner-ear phones
· Detachable light shields etacable lwersg mode you select, you’dset[stipeirnce for different kinds of play. for greater privacy– fully detachable and adjustable light shields for total involvement in your viewing experience
· Wireless remote controls– adjust sound and vision, and access the menu wirelessly without breaking from the action
· Play while others watch TV – a dual output switcher means other people can watch TV or films while the wearer plays games (or the other way around)

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August 31, 2012
“World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria” trailer released at Gamescom 2012

The release of the new World of Warcraft expansion Mists of Pandaria is fast approaching, and this week Blizzard displayed the opening cinematic to the game at the Gamescom conference in Cologne, Germany. As always, Blizzard’s cinematic team has some cutting-edge CGI to show off and we thought it was worth your time to take a look at

The trailer reveals the opening cinematic sequence to “Mists of Pandaria.” Described as a lost continent shrouded in fog, Pandaria is inhabited by a race called the Pandaren. The upcoming release is the fourth expansion pack of the uber-popular game.

“World of Warcraft” is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) which was released in November 2004. Expansion packs include “The Burning Crusade,” “Wrath of the Lich King” and “Cataclysm.”

In August, Blizzard Entertainment reported 9.1 million subscribers. “World of Warcraft” holds the Guinness World Record for the Most Popular Subscription-based Massively Multiplayer Online Role Player Game.”

“World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria” is expected to be released on Sept. 25, 2012.

August 18, 2012
Indian Company 7Seas Launches New Android Game

7Seas Entertainment Ltd today said its game ‘The Dark Man’ has been made available for Android-based mobile devices.

The Dark Man is an archery-based puzzle game that involves shooting apples placed as targets on a character’s head. If the player misses, he fails to clear the level. The game sports a classic black and white look. The levels start off easy but continue to become more challenging.

While the full version of the game priced at Rs. 55 in the Google Play Store, has 30 levels, the free version offers 10 levels. It will also be available in the Samsung App store, LG Store and other Android supported app stores.

August 17, 2012
Crytek releases CryEngine 3 Tech Trailer for Crysis 3

Today Crytek released a trailer that serves as a preview of Crysis 3‘s graphics and the capabilities of their proprietary tech CryEngine 3. It’s pretty much porn for you video game artists out there.

The in-game footage is probably from a high-end PC. While the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of Crysis 3 will be easy on the eyes, it seems unlikely they’d be capable of this level of quality. Look at it as a preview of next-gen consoles’ potential, I guess.

Tesselated vegetations, displacement mapping and real-time volumetric cloud shadows are among the features touted in the trailer. I understand about half of those words. The video seems to be targeted at fellow developers. Fortunately purty graphics are easy to decode even if the tech jargon isn’t.

Crysis 3 is due in February of next year.

August 11, 2012
Microsoft Launches Kinect For Windows In India At Rs 19,990

Kinect for Windows sensor, which aims to harness Microsoft’s Natural User Interface in a bid to ‘revolutionise’ computing, is now available in India along with the Software Development Kit (SDK). The Kinect for Windows sensor is available at Rs 19,990 while the SDK is available for free download at http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/kinectforwindows/.

The Xbox 360’s Kinect accessory has been quite a hit among casual gamers. Its list of accomplishments doesn’t end there though, as developers and scientists have modded it to carry out some complex tasks.

Microsoft is hoping that developers and businesses will take advantage of the cutting-edge features of this motion sensing technology like improved skeletal tracking, , enhanced speech, seated mode tracking to create innovative applications.

Kinect for Windows will include Studio – a tool which allows developers to record and play back Kinect data; Human Interface Guidelines (HIG) to guide developers on best practices for the creation of Natural User Interfaces and the Face Tracking SDK, which provides a real-time 3D mesh of facial features tracking the head position, location of eyebrows and the shape of the mouth.

August 7, 2012
Thermaltake intros Gaming Mouse with a fan!

The Black Element Cyclone Edition gaming mouse from Thermaltake has been designed for those long gaming sessions.

A 6,000 rpm rotor directed right at the point where your fingers sit on the mouse buttons. Priced at US $80 (IN Rs. 4000). The patent pending design promises to keep noise down to a sub-environmental 21.7dB, while delivering an airflow of 2.6 cubic feet per minute —

The fan can alternatively be removed, and the mouse comes standard with a 6,500 dpi laser sensor, an adjustable weight of up to 22.5 grams and a “military-grade” grip coating.

July 31, 2012