Posts Tagged entertainment
4 Pics 1 Word: countless time spent playing this game
Four pictures. One Word. Countless time spent playing this addictive game. There isn't a lot to it, but that's just fine by us. 4 Pics 1 Word is a smooth, fun and well designed game that's free to play and can offer hours upon hours of entertainment. With now millions of downloads in the Play Store, this game is certainly doing something right.
Check out our impressions and some more information about 4 Pics 1 Word after the break.
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nGees IndieGoGo idea brings attractive multimedia box for your TV
Looking for something cool to back on IndieGoGo? A new product called the nGees is being pitched as a next generation entertainment system, and its creators will rely on a combination of beautiful hardware and software to stand out from the rest. The device is smaller than an Apple and will connect to any television that accepts an HDMI port.
You might be asking yourself how it’s different from the likes of the MK802 Android stick. Well, this little guy comes with a nice motion-enabled remote, has some pretty nice specs, and is supposed to come to market with a lot of custom apps to create a better entertainment experience for TV. The MK802 isn’t the hottest thing on the market so there’s still a lot of room for good competition.
The specs on the nGees include an ARM Cortex-A9 dual-core processor, a quad-core GPU, 1GB of RAM, 8-32GB of storage, WiFi N, mini HDMI, a mini USB port with a full-sized USB 2.0 port, Bluetooth and more. It looks like a lot of time, effort and thought has been put into the design of this thing so there’s no wonder it’s such an attractive device.
That said, if you want to see something like this on top of your entertainment center anytime soon, you’ll want to pledge some funds to make the project a reality. The project’s goal on IndieGoGo is $395,000, and there are 52 days left to reach that as of the time of this writing. Only $431 have been pledged so far so there’s a long way to go.
The cheapest pledge option to walk away with one is $100 for the 8GB version, but there are a lot more to choose from (including the ability to get a custom-designed nGees system). These things should be out in May if everything goes well, so get over to IndieGoGo and help them out if it’s something you wouldn’t mind seeing on the market in the next few months.
Another great ‘Free Movies’ app loaded with Movies, TV shows, Concerts and Programming Tutorials
Free, legal, entertainment is often tricky to find. You can spend $7.99 a month for Netflix, or go with Hulu Plus for a monthly fee. On the free side of things though, Crackle is about the only real app that can deliver at least some sort of entertainment without shelling out cash from your bank account. I am always looking for good free alternatives to help keep me busy as well as my kids. If you have kids yourself, then you know how expensive keeping them entertained and happy can be at times.
I came across another app that offered up a selection of free movies that I am sure lots of you already have. Simply because their download rate is well over 1 million. The app offers so much though that it is easily a must have. Beyond a fairly good list of free streaming movies available to you at your fingertips, you also get a huge list of concerts, TV shows, Documentaries and even some educational coursed on programming for Android and other systems. Take a look at few screenshot I took of the app to get a better understanding of what it offers.
Of course I didn’t take a screen shot of all the content, but you get the idea. There is a whole lot of great flicks and various other content available at the tap of your finger. I know I have watched quite a few movies and documentaries already. All without issues, glitches or playback problems.
If you do choose to install the app to your device, there are a few things to know right away though. Once it installs, the icon is actually orange and red, not the blue you see in the app store. It also appears as Peliculas gratis. So look under ‘P’ for the app. It launches in Spanish, but has English as well. The app is free, but does have ads running at the bottom of the menus and the title selection screens. You won’t see any adds while watching any content.
If you want to check it out for yourself then please click or scan the QR code down below and pick it up for yourself.
Application: Free Movies
Developer: Desarrollo Droide
Cost: FREE
Anansi Mobile Announces Its Latest Game: Wild City
Anansi Mobile is proud to release Wild City to the Apple Store for iPod touch, iPhone and iPad devices. The development team has designed a game that stimulates creativity, socialization and career building while providing an addictive gameplay.
Wild City takes the player to a world where anything can be achieved, all it takes is guts. The player starts up as a rookie under the lead of a skillful master who preaches the ways of this marvelous city. From then on it’s a fast ride. The player must find a job, learn to use tools, develop money-making abilities, build his strength at the gym, learn to use items, fight to make a living, buy a property, go on errands, learn how to receive medical treatment, buy and handle weapons and armor, and why not? Fight for the fun of it, not to mention the possibility to join a family or get married to obtain common benefits. All this in order to be happier and wealthier.
To confront these harder than life conditions, the player must work out frequently to raise his strength, defense, speed and dexterity. By doing so, he becomes a better fighter and might perhaps choose to make a living out of it. With the money earned, a player can buy a better property to live in and become happier, obtaining better results from his workouts. On the other hand, becoming a businessman is also very profitable. The game allows the player to buy commodities, items and specialties from world-renowned cities and bring them back to Wild City for sale. The law of supply and demand applies here, so timing and good bargaining abilities are a must.
No matter which path is chosen, the possibilities of the game are endless, allowing the player to play in a fresh and unique environment where only one rule applies: Freedom. “We wanted to give gamers something different, something unique,” says Yuhui Wang, CEO of Anansi Mobile.
Wild City 1.0 is Free and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Games category.
Finish reading “Anansi Mobile Announces Its Latest Game: Wild City” and see screenshots for the app on AppCraver.com.
Enjoy New Years with the official Times Square Ball Drop app for 2013
Just like years past, Countdown Entertainment and Toshiba have released their brand new and updated Official Times Square Ball Drop app for Android. They’ve completely updated and redesigned the app for the new year, and as expected supports the latest versions of Android and more. To learn how to get your picture on the big screen live in New York this year read on below for all the details.
If you’ve never been to New York City on New Years Eve it’s a site worth seeing at least once. Same goes for my little town here in Las Vegas!! Today Toshiba and Times Square have tossed their latest edition of this popular app in the Play Store. The update is available as we speak and looks rather nice, as always.
Just like last year, Toshiba has their massive screen right in the middle of Town Square. Using their official Ball Drop app users on Android and iOS can upload their photo right to the app, and if you’re lucky your face will be shown right on the big-screen for the entire world to see. Better make it a New Years kiss with that lucky someone. I’ll be doing a toast myself.
The app will be streaming all of the NYC live performances by tons of popular artists, there’s a Times Square wedding this year they’ll be showing, as well as the countdown and ball drop of course. Don’t forget to stay up til midnight to watch the Crystal ball drop in all its glory. Bust out the champagne and enjoy yourself. Get the official Times Square Ball drop app right now from the Google Play Store.
[via Times Square]
The Consumer Electronics Show
We're headed back once again in beautiful Las Vegas for the 2013 International CES. (That's Consumer Electronics Show for you noobs.) It's an insane amount of all things tech, from phones, to TVs to cars to tablets to — well, just about anything you can think of, and a number of things that defy logic.
Some CES basics:
- CES doesn't officially start until Tuesday, Jan. 8. That's when the show floors open.
- But Monday, Jan. 7, is Media Day. Press conference after press conference. It's a little insane, actually.
- And stuff's actually going down on Sunday, too.
- Unlike years past, the Adult Entertainment Expo isn't taking place at the same time, adjacent to some of the same venues. There shall be no (or at least not quite as much) accidental mixing of nerds and nipples. (We can't be held responsible for what happens in Vegas after hours, though.)
- We're going to have more liveblogs than you'll be able to follow. It'll be epic.
The latest Android CES news
How best to keep up with the Android news? Start right here, on this page. All of our CES stories will land here, and we'll update this top section with the most important stuff. So bookmark it. Also be sure you're one of the more than 121,000 people locked in on the @AndroidCentral Twitter feed, and don't forget about our 24,000-strong Google+ page as well.
If you're looking for some behind the scenes coverage, follow Phil (Twitter, Google+); Anndrew (Twitter, Google+), Alex (Twitter, Google+) and Andrew (Twitter, Google+) from ground level. It could get messy.
And look for this little Lloyd logo in all of our CES 2013 stories. It's an easy way to find the breaking CES news. And click on it to get back to this page.
We've got more than a month's worth of work to cram into a few short days, and the news starts long before the show even gets under way. So we'll compile every damn CES 2013 story here for easy reading.
Strap it on, folks.
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Google updates Currents to support scanning through categories, editions and breaking stories
Google has rolled out an update to its Currents application today, allowing users to easily scan various categories, publications and breaking news. The minor upgrade may not seem a like a huge deal, but the new navigation metric will give users the ability to browse through the latest and most popular headlines without delving into a specific article or publication.
A new array of categories has also been added, meaning readers can now view articles based on subject matter like Entertainment, Sports and Lifestyle. Additionally, stories from specific publications can now be navigated by swiping vertically–something that will come as a welcomed addition for those who previously used Currents. You can find the full list of changes at the source link below.
Source: Android
Google updates Currents to support scanning through categories, editions and breaking stories
Google has rolled out an update to its Currents application today, allowing users to easily scan various categories, publications and breaking news. The minor upgrade may not seem a like a huge deal, but the new navigation metric will give users the ability to browse through the latest and most popular headlines without delving into a specific article or publication.
A new array of categories has also been added, meaning readers can now view articles based on subject matter like Entertainment, Sports and Lifestyle. Additionally, stories from specific publications can now be navigated by swiping vertically–something that will come as a welcomed addition for those who previously used Currents. You can find the full list of changes at the source link below.
Source: Android
Google updates Currents to support scanning through categories, editions and breaking stories
Google has rolled out an update to its Currents application today, allowing users to easily scan various categories, publications and breaking news. The minor upgrade may not seem a like a huge deal, but the new navigation metric will give users the ability to browse through the latest and most popular headlines without delving into a specific article or publication.
A new array of categories has also been added, meaning readers can now view articles based on subject matter like Entertainment, Sports and Lifestyle. Additionally, stories from specific publications can now be navigated by swiping vertically–something that will come as a welcomed addition for those who previously used Currents. You can find the full list of changes at the source link below.
Source: Android
Google Currents 2.0 update brings gestures and easier access to breaking stories
Google Currents has a fair share of competition in terms of similar apps. And one thing that Google can say for Currents is that is has been updated as of today. Google Currents version 2.0 has recently found its way into Google Play. The app remains as it has — available for free and with support for devices running Android 2.2 or later.
More important here, Currents 2.0 has brought some new and improved features. For one, the app now has support for some gestures. You will be able to swipe vertically or horizontally. Google is referring to these as a “fast scan.” Rather simply, the vertical swipe will allow you to scan an edition and a horizontal swipe will advance to the next edition.
Another notable addition is the editions sidebar. This gives access to your editions, but does so within categories. This will mean easier access to categories such as World, Entertainment, Sports and Science. And nicely done, these come customized based on your country and language. You can also filter out sections with the “customize” option.
Otherwise, Currents 2.0 has added a new catalog design, a new widget, the ability to star stories for later reading, the ability to have already read stories hidden and breaking stories which are ranked by Google News with links to the full story. All said and done, this appears to be a worthwhile update.
[via Google Play]
FAVI starts shipping SmartStick, instantly turn any HDTV into an Android smart HDTV
The new SmartStick from FAVI Entertainment is available and shipping. This magical little device is a simple to use, plug and play device that connects directly to your HDMI input on on your HD TV. Simply hook it up, add a power source and you are of to the races.
The SmartStick offers quite a lot in a very small package. It comes ready to rock out of the box with the SmartStick, a remote control, an IR Receiver USB plug, HDMI Extender and the manual. This little guy has access to the Google Play Store so you can snag thousands of other compatible apps, like Netflix, HBO Go, Spotify, Pandora, Google Play TV & Movies and thousands more. Heck, they even have Plex pre-installed for you. You can even browse the internet if you choose to do so.
As for the hardware, it uses a ARM Cortex-A9 at 1GHz with 1GB of RAM. Allows connection quickly and easily to Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n. Has a USB port, Mini USB power port and a Micro SD card slot with support for up to 32GB of extra memory. The units come in two size variants, a 4GB model for $49.99 or an 8GB model for $79.99. Check out the quick little video of how quick and easy it is to set up and use.
Pretty straight forward I’d say. They even have an additional wireless keyboard with touchpad accessory available for those of you that need something a little bigger and easier to use instead of the small and somewhat annoying looking remote in the box.
Lets face it, the included remote is pretty limited in use. If all you plan to do is stream some media content via various apps, it should work out just fine. If you plan to post to Twitter, Facebook or surf the web, you will want to grab the little wireless keyboard accessory. It even has backlights so you can see the keys in the dark. It is under $30 via Amazon.
Interested in snagging one for the holidays a s gift to yourself or maybe for a friend who needs a little technology boost in their lives? All the links to get them ordered through Amazon are down below. Let us know what you think of this little guy, and hopefully some crafty devs will get a remote app built for our Android phones for future controlling.
I can already see my self packing this thing in the car for road trips and visits to family members houses. Slap a loaded SD card in the side for good measure. Sure beats packing the Logitech Revue around. Which I have done on vacation and hooked it up to the Hotels TV. :O)
Barnes & Noble announce NOOK Video for UK-based Nook HD and HD+ users
Barnes & Noble first announced Nook Video back in September and as we often see with new video offerings, the availability was limited to select markets. In the case of Nook Video, this was made available for those in the US with the promise of UK availability coming before Christmas.
And well, it looks like Barnes & Noble has made good on that promise. Coming this morning, Nook Video is now available for those in the UK. This also makes Barnes & Noble the first retailer that is offering Ultraviolet titles in the UK. Perhaps more to the point though, the availability of Nook Video in the UK means those with a Nook HD or Nook HD+ will be able to easily watch movies and television shows.
Nook Video will have content available from a variety of studios and providers to include BBC Worldwide, HBO, NBC Universal, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, STARZ and Warner Bros. Entertainment. The content will be available for download and streaming and include a mix of classics, hits and new releases as well as original television series and local favorites.
The video content will be available from the Nook Store and then stored in your Nook Cloud. The cloud option may not be as exciting for those with only one device, however Barnes & Noble did make mention of other Nook Video apps. These are said to be coming soon and will allow you to watch your Nook Video content on “other” devices.
Finally, as one would hope for, Barnes & Noble is already working on new content partnerships. And while they have yet to reveal anything specific, they did offer the following teaser;
“The company is also planning to make content available from other leading studios, to be announced.”
Story Timeline
[via Barnes & Noble]
Nook Video UK launch announced with UltraViolet support
Good news for Nook HD and HD+ early adopters in the UK — Barnes & Noble has announced the launch of its Nook Video service for British Nook owners. The move brings B&N's tablets up to speed with the latest Amazon, Google and Apple tablets, all of which offer their own on-board video services.
The move is made possible through new, expanded UK licensing deals with content owners such as BBC Worldwide, HBO, NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, STARZ, and Warner Bros. Entertainment, Barnes & Noble says. Individual TV shows and movies highlighted by B&N in today's press release include –
Sherlock, Call the Midwife, Game of Thrones®, True Blood®, Ted, The Bourne Legacy, The Amazing Spider-Man™, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Men in Black 3, Spartacus, Party Down, The Dark Knight Rises, Inception, Happy Feet Two.
Both high and standard-definition video content is available through Nook Video, with streaming and downloading supported on the service. Downloads are linked to the Nook Cloud service, allowing them to be played on other supporting devices.
What's more, Nook Video will also tie into the UltraViolet video system, allowing those who've purchased Blu-ray or DVD versions of titles to view a digital copy of this content on their Nook tablets.
You'll find more details in the presser after the break. If you've picked up a Nook HD or HD+ tablet in the UK recently, let us know how you're getting on in the comments.
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Sony launches web store for PlayStation games, movies and TV shows
Catching up to Microsoft’s own web-based Xbox store, Sony’s unleashed a new online store for its movie, TV and video content– but neglected to mention it. Titled the Sony Entertainment Network, and separate to its own book store we were able to login to the UK site and found that content pricing matched what we’ve seen on the PlayStation Store and other Sony digital shops. As an example, the complete Mass Effect trilogy rings in at £60 ($96), although Sony is kind enough to offer links to discounted titles, PlayStation Plus highlights and other offers at the top of the browsing sidebar — Tokyo Jungle is today’s holiday deal at £5 ($8). Purchases can be done through the store, with the product downloaded to your game console when it’s turned on next. Video content, meanwhile, can be purchased and then played on your PC, as well as on the PlayStation 3, PS Vita, PSP, Sony Tablets and compatible Xperia smartphones. Even if you’re balking at some of those early prices, it might be worth browsing through some more palatable festive deals by visiting the source below. We’ll have more when we hear the official line from Sony.
Update: We’ve been unable to access our downloads just yet, something that was also noted by Eurogamer, which spotted that content can also be purchased through Paypal. PlayStation Blog manager Fred Dutton has added that the store is currently under testing, and that Sony are set to announce the full details of the service soon — no harm in taking an early look, however.
Gallery: Sony Entertainment Network web store
Filed under: Cellphones, Gaming, Home Entertainment, Tablets, HD, Mobile, Sony
Via: Eurogamer
Source: Sony Entertainment Network, Fred Dutton (PlayStation Blog)
Korea Times: LG’s first in-house chips will launch at CES 2013
Remember when LG announced it would license ARM’s processor designs so that it could be come a fabless chipmaker — so that it could exert more control over its own processors? Well, if the Korea Times is to be believed, then LG could unveil its first homemade chips at CES 2013. In an attempt to gain more “independence and dignity” for its business, CEO Koo Bon-joon has pushed for the company to own as much of its technology as it can. As such, it’s apparently ready to debut a chip for embedded devices called H13, built on TSMC’s coveted 28-nanometer process. The newspaper is also reporting that a mobile version is in the works which the company will use in its own phones and also try to sell to rivals — mirroring the business plan of that other Korean behemoth.
Filed under: Cellphones, Home Entertainment, HD, Mobile, LG
Via: Android Authority
Source: Korea Times
Google Play, developers slash prices on apps and media for Thanksgiving weekend
If you’ve taken advantage of the myriad Black Friday deals on mobile devices and PCs, you’re probably looking for content to feed the technology beast. Google and app creators are pulling out all the stops to make sure that beast stays full: Google Play has discounts throughout the Thanksgiving weekend for just about every format on offer. Android apps are the highlight, with SwiftKey 3, Shadowgun and Documents To Go on the list of those with grander price cuts, although there’s some definite bargains to be had in media. Among the picks are price drops on books like The Hobbit, movies like The Big Lebowski and Serenity, and music from the likes of Diana Krall and Kendrick Lamar. We can’t possibly mention every offer here, so check our links for some of the larger deals.
Terrence O’Brien contributed to this report.
Filed under: Cellphones, Home Entertainment, Portable Audio/Video, Tablets, Internet, Mobile
Source: Google Play (1), (2)
Aliens vs Predator: Evolution Android game surfaces again
Back in August, Fox Entertainment and game developer Angry Mob Games announced that they’d be teaming up to bring an Aliens vs. Predator (AVP) game to Android. Since that announcement, they’ve managed to release a Predator-only game, however we’ve yet to see the AVP game that they promised, until now. Today the dev team is showing off the eye-catching title. The game will utilize the Unity3D game engine, which if you’re familiar with the team’s recent Predator game, you know it’ll look pretty sweet. The game will be story based in which you’ll get the chance to play as both the Predator and an Alien. We were looking forward to seeing this game by the end of this year, however it’s now slated for the first quarter of 2013. Hit the break for the full list of game details.
AVP: Evolution Features:
- Play as an Alien & Predator
- Rich Sci-Fi Universe: A gripping campaign draws players deeper into the world of AVP: EVOLUTION
- 5 Unique Environments & 24 Levels:
- Upgradeable Characters
- Unity Graphics Engine: Rich detail, advanced character models and distinctive lighting features
source: Android Gamers
Sony launches PlayStation Mobile Developer Program
It’s taken a few months, but Sony has finally taken the wraps off of their PlayStation Mobile Developer Program. This program allows developers to produce games on PlayStation-certified Android devices – such as HTC’s One X+ – as well as Sony’s PS Vita. It runs 7,980 Japanese yen for an annual license, or about $99. This annual license lets developers produce as many games as they would like, so that yearly fee doesn’t stack. Not a bad deal, if you ask me.
Today’s launch covers Japan, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Australia, and Taiwan and Hong Kong are to follow suit in the near future. The SDK is available for download below, after processing that annual entry fee. Hit the break for the press release.
PlayStation Mobile Developer Registration
SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT INITIATES THE PLAYSTATION®MOBILE DEVELOPER PROGRAM
Official Version of PlayStation®Mobile SDK Now Publicly Available
Program Allows a Wider range of Developers to Create Dedicated Content for PlayStation™Certified Devices and PlayStation®Vita
Tokyo, November 20, 2012–Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCE) today announced that it initiates the PlayStation®Mobile Developer Program which includes the official version of PlayStation®Mobile SDK*1 from today, in an effort to further expand the world of PlayStation® on open operating system-based devices*2 through PlayStation®Mobile.
Allowing a wider range of developers to create dedicated content for PlayStation Mobile, the PlayStation®Mobile Developer Program becomes available in Japan, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Australia. The forthcoming phased roll out will start from Hong Kong and Taiwan and with more countries and regions to follow. This program enables developers to distribute easily their content through PlayStation®Store*3 on a commercial basis and market their games to millions of dedicated gamers with PlayStation™Certified*4 devices and PlayStation®Vita. The license agreement fee is 7,980 yen annually*5.
After receiving the feedback from developers who have used the open beta version since this April, the official version of PlayStation®Mobile SDK enhances its system stability. Along with the technical support from SCE through the developers forum where developers can exchange useful information, developers are also be able to seamlessly continue to develop content which was created with the open beta version.
(Please refer to the special site link for more detailed information)
https://psm.playstation.net/portal/
SCE will further accelerate the expansion of PlayStation™Certified devices and continue to collaborate with content developers to drive the delivery of compelling entertainment experiences through PlayStation®Mobile.
*1 A set of development tools and software libraries for PlayStation®Mobile.
*2 As of November 20, Android based PS Certified devices and PS Vita.
*3 Users can download vast digital content including games through PlayStation Store for PS3, PSP, PS Vita and PS Certified devices.
*4 The license program to expand PlayStation®Mobile, dedicated for portable hardware manufacturers. SCE will not only license logos but also provide necessary development support. Please kindly refer to the URL for the line-up of PS Certified devices.
http://www.playstation.com/psm/certified.html
*5 The fee is for the Japanese market. The fee differs by countries and regions. After closing the license agreement, developers are able to use PlayStation®Mobile SDK and conduct verification on PS Certified devices and PS Vita to distribute their content on PS Store.
Blender Test: iPad Mini vs Nexus 7 vs Kindle Fire HD [VIDEO]
Tom Dickson, our favorite fun loving, mad scientist from Blendtec is back and he’s brought some new friends with him. Last time around we saw what happened when you put an iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S3 against each other inside a blender and this time he’s pitting the all new Apple iPad Mini against Google’s Nexus 7, and the Amazon Kindle Fire HD.
You know how this works. All the tablets go into Blendtec’s heavy duty blenders and are grounded up until they reach a smooth, carcinogenic powder. Less of a stress test (the tablets have to broken in half to fit inside the blenders) and more of some good old fashioned entertainment, I think it goes without saying — don’t try this at home.
PSN reports best ever revenue for second quarter in a row
Play Station Network is the online community, store, portal, or whatever you want to call it, for big time gamers. The network offers a lot of features that the subscribers love. Even though the network was hacked and a lot of data was lost from Sony’s servers, the company is still able to please its customers and is able to retain the majority of them with renewals.
The company has just said that it enjoyed the best ever two quarters in a row starting from July to September. During this period, the company has enjoyed the highest revenue for a quarter. A Sony Computer Entertainment America spokesperson said in a statement to Games Industry International that, “Our last quarter was the biggest in terms of transactional sales in PSN’s six-year history.”
And talking to Joystiq, another Sony Computer Entertainment America spokesperson added to that statement, “Transactional sales refer to PlayStation Store sales through the PSN/SEN Wallet. Our last quarter (July – September 2012) was our ‘biggest’ on a global basis with regard to revenue.”
That is good news, thanks to the Play Station Plus service, which has attracted a lot of attention and customers lately. Joystiq writes:
“PSN is apparently on the up, with Sony claiming 97 percent customer satisfaction for the service along with 93 percent renewal intent. The company says the success of PlayStation Plus is driving PSN sales.”
Sony announced the Instant Game Collection feature this summer. And after the announcement, the membership count of the service has doubled since of the launch of Play Station Plus almost two years ago. Sony, like many other companies, has not released the exact number of subscribers on the network. But nonetheless, the service is proving very beneficial to the company.
Source: Joystiq
Samsung releases 3 videos showcasing some of what’s best on the Galaxy Note 2 [Video]
Earlier I posted how Samsung released 3 videos showcasing their Galaxy S III and it’s advantageous features. Now they’re at it again with 3 videos showcasing their brand new Galaxy Note 2 and some of it’s best features.
First they show how much improved their new S-Pen is and the possibilities it has. Then the next two shows how easy and nice multitasking is on the Note 2 with it’s huge 5.5” screen, and how great of an entertainment system the Note 2 is such as gaming and watching videos. Head on over after the break and check out the 3 videos and let us know what you all think about them!
Click here to view the embedded video.
Click here to view the embedded video.
Click here to view the embedded video.
Xbox SmartGlass and Xbox dashboard update showcased by Microsoft
Microsoft is all ready to announce its latest operating system, Windows 8, on the 26th of this month, which is this Friday. And with that announcement, the company is expected to show off many more new and exciting improvements to its existing services, and introduce new services. Apple is also holding an event on the 29th of this month, and the expected outcome of the event is the announcement of the much awaited iPad Mini. And with the iPad Mini, the Cupertino tech giant might also unveil some improvements to its Air Play feature. Even if not, Microsoft wants to compete with Apple on this front.
Giving users of your smart phone, tablet, computer, and a good flat screen smart TV the option to view every content from each and every device on the flat screen TV is awesome. Suppose that you are browsing the internet on your tablet and want to view it on the big screen. Instead of going to your desktop computer, you can just stream the content from your tablet to your flat screen smart TV. And if you are playing an awesome game on your smart phone, you can take that as well to the big screen in your living room.
Microsoft is going to announce a new service which will make this possible, and that is called the Smart Glass. This is a new app on your Windows Phone 8 smart phones and tablets. Yusuf Mehdi, chief marketing officer at Microsoft’s Interactive Entertainment Division, said in a blog post that the new app is part of why, as Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer promised, 2012 will be “the most epic year in Microsoft’s history.”
Mehdi writes:
“We are bringing the web to the TV like never before with Internet Explorer, launching a brand new music service, and making it even easier to find the entertainment you love using Kinect and Bing voice search. This release is the next step in our journey to transform Xbox 360 from a games console to an all-in-one entertainment system.”
Source: Venture Beat
PlayStation Store gets new facelift
After repeated calls from its PlayStation 3 fans to upgrade its digital store, Sony has finally decided to overhaul it. A new facelift for the web-based PlayStation Store will be available on October 17 to coincide with the important start of the Christmas holiday promotional blizzard. It also shows Sony’s shifting view on the importance of digital downloads compared to the traditional distribution of games through discs.
Sony’s vice-president for Network Entertainment Europe, Gordon Thornton provided the rationale behind the move: “We wanted to create a PlayStation experience, and we wanted to address some of the issues that consumers were telling us about the old version, which were around search and navigation – they wanted us to make it easier for them to find content.”
The company wants to show to its existing gaming customers that the redesign was based on consumer feedback.
“The essence of this is driven by what consumers are telling us – it’s not just that we read articles in the press, forums, blogs and so on. We’ve been getting to know our consumers better, getting to understand their needs, likes and dislikes as far as shopping for games and other content on the web is concerned,” said Elliott Dumville, the development manager of Game Store.
New Stuff
One of the most visible changes to the PlayStation home page is the title that runs “What’s New”, allowing users to scroll sideways revealing an attractive start page. The new home page features cutouts of screenshots, game characters, a parallax effect when a user scrolls, and videos. This new page is also a display of full HD experience for users featuring a “hero” title for every carousel page.
With digital shoppers in mind, Sony strives to restructure the entire website. According to Dumville, the site has been designed to let shoppers know where they are, so they don’t feel lost. The end of every section gives options to users Sony thinks important to what users are looking for in the site.
Another important upgrade is the filtering system with let users search by price, game type, release date, accessories, online multiplayer games, and others.
Sony also threw away its old search mechanism by introducing a more intelligent search engine, encouraging users to look for searches one letter at a time. It also anticipates what the user is seeking, giving suggestions when available. “One of the challenges for the existing store was if you were looking for an add-on to a game, you’d have to head to multiple places,” Dumville said. For example, one can search for Duty Black Ops: Rezurrection by simply typing in letters R, E, and Z.
The digital stores for PSP and PS Vita will not be joined with the PS3 Store but users can select a menu option to go to the home page for each. This separation is also consumer-led as consumers want not to be distracted by stuff they are not interested in.
While the PlayStation Store had been undoubtedly in need of a major upgrade even before this, Sony deserves the credit for trying to gather input from consumers first before embarking on its redesign project. Dumville mentioned that the site will receive upgrades in a more or less fortnightly basis including but not limited to structural modifications if needed as well as a steady flow of fresh content like streaming trailers.
source: guardian
Xbox: The new face of ‘entertainment’ at Microsoft, beyond just video games
The most striking takeaway from a recent meeting I had with Xbox Music GM Jerry Johnson wasn’t the Spotify-like service he was in New York City to show off, but rather what he said about a much larger internal change at Microsoft. Having been relegated to the world of video games for the past decade, Microsoft is opening up its Xbox branding to a larger world of media. “‘Xbox’ is actually going from thinking about gaming in a device to being the entertainment face for all of Microsoft,” Johnson said — a major change from the Xbox name’s place as a stand-in for “the Halo and Gears of War box,” trotted out once or twice annually by lower level execs from the Washington-based software giant. “That’s what the company — all the way up to Steve Ballmer — have gotten behind. That’s why you’re gonna see movies on Windows 8 slates, you’re gonna see music, and it’s gonna be branded as ‘Xbox.’,” he explained. This naming convention carries to Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8 RT as well — all post-Windows 7 Microsoft devices (and Xbox 360) will refer to music and video libraries as “Xbox Music” and “Xbox Video,” respectively.
But to many, that shift could be confusing. Isn’t “Xbox” that thing in the living room? When “Xbox Music” shows up on Windows 8 devices later this month, will your average user understand that, no, they don’t have to own an Xbox to listen to the music therein? Johnson’s not worried about that potential reality. “The brand has continued to evolve,” he argued. “I don’t think it’s left anything behind, I think it’s broadened the number of people who engage in these type of experiences. And Microsoft as a company I think recognizes that, and it’s more about Xbox meaning ‘entertainment.’”
Gallery: Xbox Music on Xbox 360
Continue reading Xbox: The new face of ‘entertainment’ at Microsoft, beyond just video games
Filed under: Cellphones, Desktops, Gaming, Tablets, Software, Mobile, Microsoft
Xbox: The new face of ‘entertainment’ at Microsoft, beyond just video games originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Oct 2012 13:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Limited edition Entertainment Weekly magazine totes Android display
Who says print media is dead? Entertainment Weekly has put out a limited edition version of their magazine that features a functioning Android smartphone embedded in one of the pages, as reported by our friends at SlashGear. Let that sink in for a second; an Android device embedded in a magazine. It sounds like something out of a scifi movie.
The device has a 2.3-inch screen that displays commercials for upcoming CW TV shows. Commercials cover upcoming shows such as The Arrow and Emily Owens, M.D. After a couple of ads, it links to a live version of CW’s Twitter page. That means the device is connected the Internet at all times, and upon taking the device apart, it turns out there is a T-Mobile sim card installed.
As far as the insides of the device, it is appears to be a gutted ABO 810, a budget smartphone running Android 2.2 FroYo. If a user were to go and buy a similar device it would set them back around $40. The device is chargeable and can be tinkered with by more adventurous users.
Clearly, this ad is working. Android Community and almost every tech site on the Internet is talking about it, which is clearly brining CW the attention the ad is seeking. Does this mean we will see more ads like this in magazines? Probably.
[via Mashable]
Project Eternity Reaches 50K Backers, New Stretch Goals Announced
We are now halfway through Obsidian Entertainment’s Project Eternity Kickstarter fund, and it has reached 50,000 backers with $2.2 million pledged to the project. That is nearly twice as much as Obsidian originally asked for, which just means we are going to be seeing an even better game than what it was originally going to be. Even though they have already earned a whopping $2.2 million for their game, they are trying to push the stretch goals even further to keep the money flowing and the excitement kindled. The next stretch goal sits at the $2.4 million mark (which happens to be very likely due to almost being at $2.3 million). At this point the company will be adding a crafting and enchanting system to the game. As you might expect (due to the amount of games we play with crafting in it), this will allow you to combing x amount of items to make potions, upgrade your gear, make scrolls and etc.
All of that aside, Obsidian Entertainment has also announced that they will be adding a new, extra dungeon into Project Eternity in celebration of reaching a whopping 50,000 backers. The Endless Paths of Old Nua are going to be something players will be able to venture in after a crazed architect died and left his catacombs unattended. Honestly, this dungeon sounds really exciting, as crazed architects and unattended catacombs always mix together well, right? A few preparations may need to be made before going on the adventure, but surely it is going to be perfectly safe (not really)! Project Eternity is really starting out to shape up like a fantastic RPG. Obsidian has always been great about these games, even if it hasn’t been their very own IP before. They have done a fantastic job on the Fallout series in the past, along with other titles like “Icewind Dale.” I’m really excited for this.
So, we’re getting close to the project ending, but I wonder if Obsidian will be able to break the record and surpass Double Fine in the record amount of money earned off of Kickstarter. The only problem is, Double Fine is pretty huge on point and click adventure games, while Obsidian loves their old school RPG classics. I guess it depends on what the community is wanting and what company has more appeal. I’m excited for both companies, but it would be awesome to see that record broken and prove that Kickstarter is, once again, the number #1 crowd-sourcing tool.
Is anyone excited for Obsidian Entertainment’s Project Eternity? With it being an old school-like classic based off of the Infinity engine, there is a lot of excitement surrounding it from some of Obsidian’s older fans. Heck, I even donated and I’m more of a newer fan. Obsidian really has something special here, and I am extremely glad that they were able to surpass the funding goal that they were looking for. Project Eternity is truly going to turn out to be one of the best RPG’s that was ever made.
Any thoughts about this upcoming game? Let us know in the comments below!
source: pc gamer
Ripleys Bring the Worlds Weirdest Phenomena to Mobile Devices
Fans of all things unbelievable can now enjoy the world’s weirdest phenomena for free on their Apple or Android device when they download the brand new Ripley’s Believe It or Not! App.
Designed by Ripley Entertainment Inc., the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! App offers exclusive access to the latest Believe It or Not! stories, cartoons, videos, and photos. Users can get social with live Twitter and Facebook feeds, as well as share and retweet Ripley posts directly from the app, download the latest Ripley’s Magazine that is available to Ripley fans only through the app, and get info on all 32 Odditoriums located around the world.
Finish reading “Ripleys Bring the Worlds Weirdest Phenomena to Mobile Devices” and see screenshots for the app on AppCraver.com.
How we’d improve the Nexus Q
The Google Nexus Q is the coolest sphere sitting atop our entertainment center. OK, so it's the only sphere we've got. And despite how cool it looks, and its great build quality, it really doesn't do all that much, especially when you consider its $299 price tag.
Of course, that was before Google decided to shelve the Nexus Q, ceasing sales and giving away a free sphere to anyone who preordered. Now it sits in a state of limbo as Google works "on making it even better." Maybe it'll return. Maybe it won't. We're holding out hope.
So how would we improve the Nexus Q? We've got a few ideas.
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Truffle Trails is a Trials-inspired obstacle course racing game… with pigs
Just like zombies hitting the film and games industry, it seems like pigs are trying to make a case for the new hottest thing on the block. Finnish developer Salami Entertainment (awesome name) has come to the Google Play Store with its first game — Truffle Trails.
The game puts a fat pig into a makeshift wooden cart, and it’s your job to get that pig across the course without tumbling over. You’ll come across things like a rolling ball that you need to balance on, a rickety string bridge, and more.
It reminds me of Trials, except less awesome. But Truffle Trials free, and you can’t get Trials on your Android device — go ahead and grab it from the Google Play Store here.
How we’d improve the Google Nexus Q
The Google Nexus Q is the coolest sphere sitting atop our entertainment center. OK, so it's the only sphere we've got. And despite how cool it looks, and its great build quality, it really doesn't do all that much, especially when you consider its $299 price tag.
Of course, that was before Google decided to shelve the Nexus Q, ceasing sales and giving away a free sphere to anyone who preordered. Now it sits in a state of limbo as Google works "on making it even better." Maybe it'll return. Maybe it won't. We're holding out hope.
So how would we improve the Nexus Q? We've got a few ideas.
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