Posts Tagged gaming gadgets
Sony PlayStation Move motion controller announced
Posted by admin in Games Gadgets on March 11th, 2010
Looks like Sony has finally ceded to the fact that having proper motion controls in their home console is definitely a step forward, instead of having a half-baked one on their original SixAxis. Well, the PS3 finally seems to be taking off in a big way worldwide so many years after the console was originally released, which is a good thing since more competition among Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony would see consumers win out in the end. But I digress – the Sony PlayStation Move motion controller has just been slated for a fall release worldwide later this year, where it will also be released with the PlayStation Move sub-controller that can be used along with the motion controller for intuitive navigation of in-game characters and objects. The entire PlayStation Move platform will comprise of the motion controller, sub-controller, and PlayStation Eye camera. Hmmm, it does look as though gaming has gotten a whole lot more expensive with so many peripherals to purchase and set up before you get your game on – maybe Nintendo’s approach with the Wii is so much simpler and better for some?
The PlayStation Move system will combine the PS3 system and PlayStation Eye camera to detect precise movement, angle, and absolute position in 3D space of PlayStation Move motion controller. This in turn enables users to intuitively play the game as if they themselves are within the game. Capable of delivering unmatched accuracy via its advanced motion sensors which comprises of a three-axis gyroscope, a three-axis accelerometer, and a terrestrial magnetic field sensor, you will also find a color-changing sphere which is tracked by PlayStation Eye camera. Bfast and subtle motion can be detected, so it doesn’t matter whether you are swinging a tennis racket, or painting with a brush. Direct input can be done via action buttons and an analog trigger, and the PlayStation Eye camera is capable of capturing the player’s voice or image, enabling augmented reality experiences. Would this development drive you to the arms of a PS3?
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Seven45 Studios unveil SixString guitar controller
Posted by admin in Audio Gadgets on March 11th, 2010
Rock Band and Guitar Hero are great rhythm-based games, no doubt about that, but how about upping the ante when it comes to realism? Seven45 Studios has released its guitar gaming controller that boasts half a dozen strings, functioning not only as a regular gaming controller for their Power Gig: Rise of the SixString title, but it also doubles up as an actual electric guitar which can be plugged into an amp. Both the game and guitar will be sold together, where experienced guitarists can go for the option of chording, which in turn is a whole lot more challenging and requires specific finger placement on the strings. Both the Xbox 360 and PS3 platforms will be able to enjoy the game. No idea on pricing yet, but expect a launch later this fall.
Source: Electronista
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Seven45 Studios unveil SixString guitar controller
NEO SNES/SFC Myth cart
Posted by admin in Games Gadgets on March 10th, 2010
Always wanted to run your favorite SNES ROMs, but prefer a more authentic experience to it? The NEO SNES/SFC Myth cart makes that possible – just load all those ROMs onto it from a computer via USB, insert the cart into your still working SNES/SFC and you’re good to go. Just make sure the ROMs are no larger than 64MB in size, and good news is, it supports all save types and is compatible with all but 0.5% of SNES/SFC games out there, with selected games requiring the DXP cart support. We wonder whether Nintendo will file for a lawsuit against such hardware knowing their notorious demands for protection against piracy.
Source: DCEMu
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10 Minute Solution comes to the Wii
Posted by admin in Games Gadgets on March 9th, 2010
Some of you have probably heard of the 10 Minute Solution series of exercise DVDs. I mean, they have a Pilates version, Tone and Trouble Zone version, even one called Hot Body Boot Camp. (Shouldn’t it be called Hot Body Booty Camp? Just saying.)
Anyway, Anchor Bay Entertainment, who makes these 10 Minute Solution videos, is planning on doing some business on the Wii as they are making a Wii version of the 10 Minute Solution. The 10 Minute Solution for the Wii uses the WiiFit board, and has three categories of aerobics, cardio boxing, and other mixed games.
I can’t help but wonder why the 10 Minute Solution is being made into a Wii game when the Wii Fit has a very in-depth exercise program. I suppose that the 10 Minute Solution is probably the current exercise fad that will eventually go the way of Jane Fonda, the 20 Minute Workout, Tae-bo, Buns of Steel, and countless others before and after. I guess 10 Minute Solution wanted to make a Wii game before the fad dies, and before the new version of the Wii comes out.
Anyway, the 10 Minute Solution for the Wii should be out soon, but I don’t have the release date as yet. The price point is about $19.99, which is about the same price as the WiiFit Plus without the balance board.
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10 Minute Solution comes to the Wii
Power Gig: Rising of the SixString gives the six string its gaming glory
Posted by admin in Games Gadgets on March 9th, 2010
The Game Developers Conference gave us a very interesting music game: Power Gig: Rise of the SixString. The most obvious description of it is Guitar Hero with a real guitar.
It is developed by Seven45 Studios, a sister company of First Act, leading musical instrument maker responsible for making the entry-level guitars, basses, and other instruments found at such retailers as target and Wal-Mart.
The guitars that Power Gig comes with are reported to look like the guitars used by younger jammers, and they can be hooked up to any guitar amp. I believe that these games are set up to work for the Xbox 360 or Playstation 3, and my source tells me that there is some sort of “dampening block” that holds the strings in place, and the guitar’s fingerboard controls the game.
So, will this Power Gig make Guitar Hero and Rock Band players want to play a real guitar. I would have to say that it does remove the middleman.
Also, does it really make sense that our retail stores have shelves full of plastic instruments but nothing of the real thing? By the way, when Power Gig: Rise of the SixString arrives this fall, but will also include a microphone and drums. I wonder if those will be the real thing too.
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SteelSeries 7H headset
Posted by admin in Audio Gadgets on March 6th, 2010
SteelSeries ranks pretty high up there on the list if you are one who spends plenty of time gaming, and chances are you would have considered offerings from SteelSeries at one point in your gaming life before settling on a purchase. Well, the company is back yet again with a brand new device known as the SteelSeries 7H headset. Judging by the name itself, you can tell that this is something you wear over your head to provide you with the most authentic gaming experience possible. This high-end headset was specially designed and built for competitive gamers, where you will be able to enjoy a superior soundscape in an exclusive design that travels well with the choice of two ear-cups, accompanied by hear-through cloth and noise dampening leather.
The SteelSeries 7H headset will come with 50mm drivers in the ear-cups that cover the ear fully, letting it deliver a clean soundscape of high, low and mid tones from background, mood setting sounds which are useful in MMO games while those involved in FPS titles will definitely appreciate its ability to handle 3D positional alerts that are so crucial in detecting your opponent’s position. Thanks to its closed-type headset, you will be able to enjoy superior passive noise reduction, specifically developed in cooperation with competitive gamers for use at loud tournaments and LAN-events. Guess that means you have an excuse not to answer your phone whenever there is an incoming call, eh? The previously mentioned two interchangeable ear-cushions can come in leather cushions with noise dampening foam or hear-through cloth covered foam, depending on your preference.
Boasting an all black stealth design for that added menacing look, the SteelSeries 7H headset features subdued chrome elements around each ear-cup and at the base of either side of the headband, making it a snap to dismantle it into four pieces for easy traveling. On its left ear-cup, there is a retractable, uni-directional microphone which can be hidden when not in use. You can place a pre-order for the SteelSeries 7H headset at Amazon.com for $119.99.
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Berlin Brain Computer Interface lets you play pinball, with your mind
Posted by admin in Games Gadgets on March 5th, 2010
This is an odd way to play pinball, don’t you think? Shouldn’t this man be standing in front of the machine? And what’s with that wired bathing cap?
This is probably what I would have said if I was at CeBIT 2010 and passed by this display of the Berlin Brain-Computer Interface. As it turns out, this man is playing this game of pinball with his brain. I’m not saying that he’s really getting his head into the game, but his head is playing the game.
You can watch a video of the setup of this person in action after the jump. I really have no idea if this man is just some visitor to CeBIT or someone who works for the company, but you can watch him as they set him up to play pinball on this Addams Family themed pinball machine. Yeah, I would have chosen a different theme, but the multiple flippers does make it interesting.
Unfortunately, there isn’t really an explanation about how this works on the video, which has absolutely no voiceover narration. I have no idea if you have to think: “Left flipper, right flipper” to get it to work. I notice that this user has to manually start the ball rolling, and I’m guessing that mentally tilting is not an option.
I suppose we are probably looking at an age where arcade games make a comeback, and the players are jacked into them mentally. That, or come up with a console version of this mental controls. I suppose that this could be the next version of Project Natal.
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Berlin Brain Computer Interface lets you play pinball, with your mind
Polk Audio rolls out HitMaster
Posted by admin in Audio Gadgets on March 4th, 2010
Video games have certainly come a long way since its early Pong days, where the only kind of audio you got was that of musical ditties at best. Apart from beeps and digitized chirps, gameplay and graphics had a much more engrossing hold on the gamer. Of course, this has changed over the years with the advancement of technology, and games these days are really the complete package with lifelike graphics as well as realistic audio cues. For those who have played music-based titles such as Rock Band and Guitar Hero, you will know just how important audio quality is to you, which is why Polk Audio has come up with a brand new speaker known as the HitMaster, bringing your gameplay to a new level of depth and detail.
In order to celebrate the availability of HitMaster, Polk is feeling extra generous by giving away one free music game every single day until April 15. You don’t even need to buy anything at all beforehand, since all you need to do is drop by www.polkhitmaster.com and enter. Retailing for $99 a pop, the Polk Audio HitMaster debuted at CES 2010 a couple of months ago, paving the way for a new category of gaming stage monitors which was specially designed for use with the latest music-based games. Polk Audio believes that once you have tried out their HitMaster, you won’t ever go back to regular TV speakers again, especially if you play lots of Guitar Hero and Rock Band.
HitMaster can be purchased from Polk Audio dealers as well as online, where it comes with a single-point stereo design that comprises of a couple of 2.5″ x 5.5″ horns with two 1″ neodymium tweeters surrounding a 6.5″ woofer. All of those are housed in a cabinet which measures 14″ x 9 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, tipping the scales at 13 lbs. The use of single-point stereo by HitMaster results in a wide, immersive soundfield which will bring a live concert sense of realism to the latest crop of music-based games. If you want to rock the house, the HitMaster is equally capable, playing loud, clear and detailed audio, pumping out 100 Watts maximum, 80 Watts RMS, with total frequency response rated at 40Hz-20kHz. Maximum PL is rated at 103dB 1M/1W. Other connectivity options include line-level inputs and outputs for daisy-chaining two or more monitors.
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SteelSeries 6Gv2 keyboard
Posted by admin in Games Gadgets on March 4th, 2010
SteelSeries is a name synonymous with quality gaming peripherals, and it ranks right up there with other players including Logitech and Razer. This time round, the leading manufacturer of gaming peripherals and accessories has taken advantage of its presence at CeBIT to introduce a brand new gaming keyboard in the form of the SteelSeries 6Gv2 keyboard. This model was specially designed with 18-karat gold-plated mechanical switches (don’t think you can pawn this off if you’re in a tight spot though), making sure the keyboard offers quicker reaction times and advanced key combinations that results in more Actions Per Minute and a lifetime more than 10 times that of conventional keyboards. Hmmm, but how does it stack up against its rivals that produce quality gaming keyboards as well? Surely it can’t stand up to the frustrated pounding of fists whenever the more violence-inclined gamer loses a round, eh?
Similar to the SteelSeries 7G, this new keyboard will rely on a powerful buffer-system that was created specifically for gaming, making it capable to support a myriad of simultaneous key presses – in fact, as many as there are keys on the keyboard. This special “anti-ghosting” feature will enable gamers who delve in first person shooter games to move, crouch, aim, fire and even check the scoreboard, all at once without missing a beat. In fact, SteelSeries is proud that their SteelSeries G product line is the only series of keyboards on the market right now which allows such functionality all at once.
Apart from that, you will find that SteelSeries’ Media Controls has been incorporated in the 6Gv2 keyboard, enabling quick access to volume, mute and other audio controls. You won’t find the audio ports for headphone-in and microphone-out on this though as compared to the SteelSeries 7G, while the couple of USB ports and removable plastic handrest are also missing, but guess those aren’t terribly important to have. The switch lifetime can last up to 50 million operations, which we probably think by then that you would have purchased a brand new keyboard already. Expect the SteelSeries 6Gv2 keyboard to cost 79.99 Euros when it hits the market in Q2 this year.
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Nintendo Wii could help stroke victims recover
Posted by admin in Games Gadgets on February 27th, 2010
We have reported how WiiSports and other Wii activities are simply not as good real exercise.
However, a recent research project by the American Stroke Association International Stroke Conference 2010 would suggest that playing these virtual reality games could help stroke victims improve their motor function.
This study was based on 20 stroke survivors, and both groups engaged in eight one hour sessions over a two week period approximately two months after suffering from a stroke. The ones who played Wii Tennis as well as Wii Cooking Mama demonstrated “significant” motor “improvement in speed and extent of recovery”.
According to Gustavo Saposnik, the director of the Stroke Outcomes Research Unit at the Li Ka Shing Institute at St. Michael’s Hospital, this is the first randomized clinical study showing that Wii gaming technology can produce effective stroke rehabilitation.
In all honesty, this reminds me of a recent episode of The Simpsons. On this episode, there was a Plot B involving Lisa giving Grandpa Simpson and his rest home a Zii gaming system. Yeah, it’s clear what Zii is satirizing, and the gameplay of ZiiSports was enough to get all of the senior citizens of the rest home on their feet again. Too bad the nurses didn’t feel the same way.
Still, the prospect of the Wii helping victims of strokes is interesting enough to follow up with more studies.
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