Tag Archives: Video games

VUDU on-demand movie service coming to PS3 November 23

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Sony is really doing a splendid job at racking up the movies selection for its PlayStation 3 users.  After making deals to bring television and movie content from Netflix and Hulu Plus, come November 23 PS3 owners will have access to VUDU’s on-demand movie service which includes more than 4,000 HD movies for all major Hollywood studios, including new releases available the same day they are released to DVD.  VUDU supports 1080p HD and Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 surround sound streaming, which is a big plus.  VUDU plans to release a UI revision in mid-December, and it will bring a more streamlined user experience, intuitive structure, and support for next-generation motion-based input devices including the PlayStation Move controller.  VUDU offers $2 for a two night rentals and new customers will receive a $5.99 credit; that’ll get you a ticket for one free HD streaming movie. Sony and VUDU official PR sits after the break.  Catch a peek of VUDU on PS3 in the gallery below.

[Via Engadget]

Continue reading VUDU on-demand movie service coming to PS3 November 23 →

EPIC WIN & FAIL for Kinect owners

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Kinect for Xbox 360 released earlier this month.  And when new super cool tech such as the motion sensing Kinect hits the mass market, you expect some astute attempts at hacking and laughable attempts at practicing to hit the interwebs at some point.  This very post presents you with these videos.  Let’s start with the hackers.  Visualization researcher Oliver Kreylos has discovered a way to turn the Kinect into a 3D video capture tool.  He describes the hack: “By combining the color and the depth image captured by the Microsoft Kinect, one can project the color image back out into space and create a “holographic” representation of the persons or objects that were captured.”  Kreylos’ demonstrating is embedded above (left); is your mind blown yet?  A man who goes by AlexP managed to hack the Kinect’s built in accelerometer in an interesting way; check out his batch of demos after the break.

And on to the wacky EPIC FAIL videos you’ve been oh-so patiently waiting for.  Or maybe you haven’t and you already watched my personal favorite Kinect fail in the video embedded above (right).  Salivating for more embarrassing moments like this?  You know where to find ’em.  Ahem, they’re sitting after the break.

Update (11/17): Hacker Chris Rojas has managed to make the Kinect communicate with an iPad.  Click here to see the action.

[Via Engadget, here, here & here, here] Continue reading EPIC WIN & FAIL for Kinect owners →

Microsoft sells 1 million Kinect sensors in 10 days

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Today Microsoft is happy to report that it sold one million Kinect for Xbox 360 units worldwide during the product’s first ten days on store shelves.  Before the Kinect launched on November 4, Microsoft raised its worldwide sales forecast from 3 million to 5 million sensors sold by year-end; according to today’s official press release (which is posted after the break for your perusal) the company is still on pace to hit that higher mark before 2010 closes.  President of the Interactive Entertainment Business Don Mattrick shares his excitement and reiterates what I just told you: “We are appreciative of the response we have seen from consumers that has culminated in sales of more than 1 million units in the first 10 days on the market for Kinect for Xbox 360.  This is a great start to the holiday season, and we will continue to work with our retailer partners to keep pace with high demand and deliver against our plan to sell more than 5 million Kinect sensors worldwide by the end of this year.”  I know what you’re thinking.  How does this compare to the PlayStation Move sales recently reported?  Well, it’s hard to say.  And that’s because Sony did not post units sold; rather they publicly announced that they shipped over one million units during the product’s first month on sale.  We’ll definitely have a better look at head-to-head sales figures when the companies decide to share post-holiday data.

[Via Joystiq] Continue reading Microsoft sells 1 million Kinect sensors in 10 days →

CoD Black Ops tops Modern Warfare 2 in day one sales to become biggest entertainment launch in history

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The video games industry has done it again.  More specifically, Activition has pushed out another Call of Duty game that has managed to break launch day records and become the biggest entertainment launch in history.  Call of Duty: Black Ops garnered $360 million during its first day on sale in the United States and United Kingdom, according to internal Activision estimates.  This sales figure beats out MW2 which generated $310 million almost exactly one year ago.  5.6 million copes of Black Ops were sold on day one, topping MW2‘s 4.2 million copies sold.

Says Activision CEO Bobby Kotick: “There has never been another entertainment franchise that has set opening day records for two consecutive years and we are on track to outperform last year’s five-day global sales record of $550 million.  The game’s success underscores the pop culture appeal of the brand. Call of Duty: Black Ops is the finest game that Treyarch has ever made and raises the bar for online gameplay by delivering the deepest and most intense Call of Duty experience yet.  The Call of Duty franchise has over 25 million players around the world that are engaged in billions of hours of online gameplay, and we are committed to supporting them with new content and features on a more frequent and regular basis.”

Yes, that feeling of speechlessness is normal.  Wowzers.

[Via Activision; Joystiq]

Oh, it’s on. “It’s on like Donkey Kong.” (trademark pending)

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In honor of the upcoming Nov. 21 launch of Donkey Kong Country Returns for the Wii console, Nintendo has filed a request with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to trademark the pop-culture phrase “It’s on like Donkey Kong.” For those unfamiliar with the term, “It’s on like Donkey Kong” is an old, popular Nintendo phrase that has a number of possible interpretations depending on how it’s used. In addition to Nintendo’s use, it has been used in popular music, television and film over the years, pointing to Donkey Kong’s status as an enduring pop-culture icon and video game superstar.

I just had to copy that snippet from Ninty’s official press release regarding this hilarious bit of news.  Can you believe it?  In just a matter of time the house that built Mario will own the famous phrase “It’s on like Donkey Kong.” Ridiculous or not so much? Sound off in the comments below.

Update (11/15): Colbert got wind of the news.

[Via Engadget]

Sony intros new Bluetooth headset for PS3 users

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What you’re looking at here is the newly redesigned Bluetooth headset for PlayStation 3 users.  It’s glossy, sleek, and 30% more compact than its original counterpart which debuted in 2008.  Hungry for specs?   It offers a dual-microphone design, automatic pairing via USB cable, in-game headset status indicator, an easily accessible microphone mute button, a charging cradle which also functions as a desktop microphone, a special High Quality mode that promises “crystal clear voice chat” during gaming sessions, and built-in noise cancellation.  It also packs three-way calling and call waiting support if you feel like pairing it with a mobile phone; its got six hours of talk time, so it’s definitely a viable cell phone companion.  All this can be yours for the same price of the original model–$49.99.  It will release sometime this month.

[Via PlayStationBlog]

The Fall 2010 Xbox 360 Dashboard update has arrived

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Today Microsoft rolled out the latest Xbox 360 Dashboard update.  It brings with it a whole new look (the UI is much more streamlined and flat), new navigation fonts and sounds, and many more aesthetic changes.  But that’s not even the best part.  Additionaly the update enables the ESPN hub previewed at E3 , Zune Music, Netflix search, and new family settings and family programming.  Last but not least, the update makes your console Kinect ready; the motion camera accessory releases in just 3 days!  How do you get the update?  Simple.  When you turn on your Xbox and attempt to connect to Xbox Live, you will automatically be promted to download and install the update.  Note that the update is mandatory if you ever want to connect up to Live again.  Hit up Major Nelson’s website to read about the new features in more detail, and power up your Xbox and start exploring.

[Via MajorNelson; image via Engadget]

320GB PlayStation 3 is Move-less

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Want a 320GB PlayStation 3 console but don’t care for the PlayStation Move motion accessory?  Sony’s got you covered.  Earlier this week the makers of PS3 introduced a new SKU into the market.  For $349.99 you get the 320GB PS3 console (the largest storage capacity next-gen console) and a DualShock 3 controller.  This new standalone PS3 model is available today.  But before you decide to make a decision at the counter, take into consideration your other options.  (1) For $50 less you can get the 160GB PS3; (2) for $50 more you can get the 320GB PS3 w/ Move bundle (which includes one Move controller and Sports Champion game).  Don’t need the large capacity?  Absolutely sure you don’t want to get off the couch and interact with games in a new way?  Ultimately, the choice is yours.

[Via PlayStationBlog]

Microsoft revamps Games for Windows Marketplace next month

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Having updated Xbox.com for Xbox 360 gamers, Microsoft is readying a relaunch of their Games for Windows Marketplace online portal for PC gamers.  The gaming on-demand online distribution site “will offer PC gamers a robust lineup of games they love, easier navigation and purchase, and recurring specials such as Deal of the Week.”  The new streamlined experience promises fewer clicks to purchase and download games and better search functionality.  The Marketplace will launch with a portfolio of 100 “top-quality titles” including Fable: The Lost Chapters from Microsoft and Grand Theft Auto III from Rockstar.  As long as you’ve got a Windows Live ID (that emcompasses Windows Live, Xbox LIVE, Games for Windows – LIVE and Zune accounts) you will have access to the store and all that it offers.  Microsoft Points are accepted as currency.  Expect the site to undergo core and aesthetic changes November 15.  In a recent interview with Kotaku, Microsoft’s Peter Orullian says that the company is “doubling down” on PC gaming”, so you can expect the revamp of the Marketplace the beginning of a chain of events in the PC gaming realm as far as Microsoft is concerned.  Better Windows/Xbox 360/Windows Phone 7 integration?  Fingers crossed.  PR after the break.

[Via Engadget, here & here] Continue reading Microsoft revamps Games for Windows Marketplace next month →

Sony ships 1 million Move controllers in first month of availability

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The suits at Sony have something to smile about.  Today the company reported having shipped 1 million PlayStation Move controllers in North and Latin America in the first 30 days of availability.  SCEA CEO Jack Tretton is enthused to say the least.  “Retail demand is incredibly strong and we’re working hard to keep the product in stock”, he said.  “We believe consumers have already shown their preference for a precise, interactive game experience.  We are on target to meet our end of year goals and expect sales to increase as our publishers and developers continue to update popular titles and introduce new games.”  This is certainly great news for Sony, but Joystiq makes a solid point when they say this announcement does not help you figure the precise install base of the new motion controller.  Many PS3 owners likely purchased more than one Move for two-hand and multiplayer functionality.  Still, this does not take away the fact that Sony has something powerful in their (er, our) hands.  Right now there’s 24 Move-supported titles out, with 17 more promised before the year runs out.  I gotta get my Move on.  Full PR after the break.

[Via Joystiq] Continue reading Sony ships 1 million Move controllers in first month of availability →

Nintendo Wii Remote Plus comes stateside for $39.99, bundled inside celebratory red Wii console

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We knew it was coming, but Nintendo has made it official.  The Wii Remote Plus (or the newly designed Wii-mote with the MotionPlus accessory built inside) is coming to U.S. Wii players for an exciting low price of $39.99.  Ninty confirms the Wii Remote Plus will become the new standard Wii-mote to come stuffed inside all Wii packages and bundles when it releases November 7.  It will come in the following tints: white, pink, blue, and black.

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the original Super Mario Bros. game, Nintendo decided to deck out the Wii in a red coat of paint for Japanese gamers.  Today I am happy to announce that the company who invented Mario is bringing the celebratory console to the States.  In addition to the red Wii console, the limited edition bundle includes a red Wii Remote Plus and matching Nunchuck, Wii Sports, and a copy of New Super Mario Bros. Wii.  The bundle costs $199.99 and ships November 7.

But the fun doesn’t stop there!  A special-edition Nintendo DSi XL bundle lands November 7, too.  The red DSi XL features three iconic Super Mario Bros.-themed graphics and comes bundled with a copy of Mario Kart DS and preloaded with Brain Age games and a Photo Clock.  It’s priced at 179.99.

Let’s hear it for the most iconic video game characher ever–happy birthday Mario!

[Via Joystiq]