Saturday, March 26, 2005
more psp news!
according to various web site reports, there is a web browser buried deep into the psp version of wipeout. this obviously makes sense as wipeout does load an html page when you choose the "downloads" feature from the online menu.
no word on exactly how to hack it in order to open any web page, but it seems like we are getting a lot closer to ipod killing features on the psp
no word on exactly how to hack it in order to open any web page, but it seems like we are getting a lot closer to ipod killing features on the psp
Thursday, March 24, 2005
First US PSP game save uploaded!
it has begun. psp game saves are being uploaded as we speak. it looks like the psp vault is the best place, for now..
sony launches psp video content site
sony is going straight for the jugular to sell the psp as both a gaming and multimedia device. yesterday marked the launch of the official psp content download site which is powered by sony connect. users can download native .mp4 videos for immediate psp playback and also learn, via a tutorial, how to convert their own videos.
of course, quicktime users can simply export to mp4.
of course, quicktime users can simply export to mp4.
PSP: Japanese PSP Update
the first system update for the psp has been posted to bring japanese psp systems up to date with the newly released firmware that is contained within the us psp which goes on sale today.
according to ign:
The full package for the first PSP update, which will take the PSP operating system to version 1.5, includes a lot of simple interface upgrades. These features include: Support for German, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese and Russian language options on the PSP menu (it will not affect in-game menus), a setting to retain the screen mode on videos, and a quick-resume function to resume playback of audio and video after coming out of the PSP's sleep mode (it won't automatically keep playing the media file, but you can jump right into the track or movie exactly where you left off before sleeping.) Total file size for this is a whopping 14MB, and those cool extra features in development are nowhere to be found thus far.
according to ign:
The full package for the first PSP update, which will take the PSP operating system to version 1.5, includes a lot of simple interface upgrades. These features include: Support for German, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese and Russian language options on the PSP menu (it will not affect in-game menus), a setting to retain the screen mode on videos, and a quick-resume function to resume playback of audio and video after coming out of the PSP's sleep mode (it won't automatically keep playing the media file, but you can jump right into the track or movie exactly where you left off before sleeping.) Total file size for this is a whopping 14MB, and those cool extra features in development are nowhere to be found thus far.
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
apple exploring subscription services?
apple, please dont sue me for what im posting. thanks.
the register is reporting that apple has significant interest in acquiring the ihoopla music distribution and sales service which is leading ti speculation that apple may explore enhancing the itunes music store offering with some type of subscription service.
the register is reporting that apple has significant interest in acquiring the ihoopla music distribution and sales service which is leading ti speculation that apple may explore enhancing the itunes music store offering with some type of subscription service.
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
iPods banned in Sydney school for breeding "social isolation"
engadget has a great posting today about ipods being banned in a sydney school for "breeding social isolation. my favorite, or shall is say, "favourite" part is:
...because they enable students to "avoid communication with others" and may lead to "social isolation or escape from our community."
troy, can you provide some insight into the minds of sydney students?
...because they enable students to "avoid communication with others" and may lead to "social isolation or escape from our community."
troy, can you provide some insight into the minds of sydney students?
Friday, March 18, 2005
baby steps towards interoperability..
Thursday, March 17, 2005
5 non sony movies to be available on umd format
disney/buena vista home videohas announced that they will release five movies this spring on the sony psp umd disc format. this follows sony's announcement that they will release 4 movies on this format.
anticipated umd movie prices are about $19.99-$29.99 depending on the title. considering that the psp will be in early adopter phase through the summer, dont expect mass market titles. look for action/adventure/sci-fi/comedy films and beautiful martial arts movies :)
disney is planning the following releases:
national treasure
pirates of the carribean
reign of fire
kill bill
hero
have you seen what a umd disc looks like?
anticipated umd movie prices are about $19.99-$29.99 depending on the title. considering that the psp will be in early adopter phase through the summer, dont expect mass market titles. look for action/adventure/sci-fi/comedy films and beautiful martial arts movies :)
disney is planning the following releases:
national treasure
pirates of the carribean
reign of fire
kill bill
hero
have you seen what a umd disc looks like?
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
video searching - the next frontier
according to the inquirer, both google and yahoo! are working on providing search services that will analyze video.
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Xbox 2/Xbox 360 specs revealed?
engadget is reporting that gamespy has the lowdown on the specs for the next generation xbox (which everyone likes to call the xbox 360 these days).
the hd display specs seem to be the most interesting as its apparent that microsoft wants to showcase its graphics ability on digital tvs.
time to buy a new tv. :)
the hd display specs seem to be the most interesting as its apparent that microsoft wants to showcase its graphics ability on digital tvs.
time to buy a new tv. :)
mac pda - again, again, again
if i didnt passthis one along, i wouldnt be very responsible as a mac fan. it looks like rumors are stirring up again about a possible apple pda that runs on a slimmed down version of os x and relies on inkwell handwriting recognition. we've seen this rumor about 10 times before.
say all you want about the current state of the pda market, but remember, most pdas are for pcs. give a pda a mac personality, and lets see what happens.
perhaps apple is finally readying its hardware compliment to imovie as ipod was to itunes?
say all you want about the current state of the pda market, but remember, most pdas are for pcs. give a pda a mac personality, and lets see what happens.
perhaps apple is finally readying its hardware compliment to imovie as ipod was to itunes?
the published rumblings of a mac genius
ever want to read a first hand account of what goes on in the daily life of an apple store genius. everything you assume is true. get a look, through its google cache, before it disappears completely.
Monday, March 07, 2005
psp revolution - video will be even easier to import
with only 17 days left to go until launch day, the psp is getting more and more exciting. with 24 launch titles available on launch day and the soon to be plummeting price of the memory stick duo, the psp may become the hottest gaming and portable digital media platform in the US.
and now sony has announced that they will make it easy to move content back and forth between PCs and the psp with the release of pc and mac software to handle the task.
as reported within this column last month, the process is simple with the mac program "ipsp" (which by the way, its author announced yesterday that a pc version of this software will be released shortly) but a sony endorsed application will seal the deal in regards to user efficiency (and hopefully simplicity).
in other psp news: sony has confirmed game/content/unknown downloads for the psp via sony connect and music will soon be released on UMD format in japan
and now sony has announced that they will make it easy to move content back and forth between PCs and the psp with the release of pc and mac software to handle the task.
as reported within this column last month, the process is simple with the mac program "ipsp" (which by the way, its author announced yesterday that a pc version of this software will be released shortly) but a sony endorsed application will seal the deal in regards to user efficiency (and hopefully simplicity).
in other psp news: sony has confirmed game/content/unknown downloads for the psp via sony connect and music will soon be released on UMD format in japan
rfid to track luggage
the new york times (registration required) has a nice story today about the possible implementation of rfid into airline luggage tracking and management systems.
while it seems like a no-brainer, differences of opinions, costs, and other issues are complicating issues...but here is my favorite:
Another challenge for airlines and airports is making certain that the luggage tags can be distinguished from tags in other RFID systems being developed to identify aircraft parts used in maintenance and to track movements of airport service vehicles.
while it seems like a no-brainer, differences of opinions, costs, and other issues are complicating issues...but here is my favorite:
Another challenge for airlines and airports is making certain that the luggage tags can be distinguished from tags in other RFID systems being developed to identify aircraft parts used in maintenance and to track movements of airport service vehicles.
802.11s - mesh networking
intel is going big by proposing a standard for mesh networking which they are calling 802.11s.
mesh networking is an interesting concept for providing internet access beyond the current limitations of a single access point and 802.11/x antennas. instead of relying on a one to one connection between the computer and the access point, mesh networking allows computers with wireless access to "daisy chain" with other computers in order to share a single internet connection.
the notion of mesh networking has also been speculated about by the videogame industry media as it has been suspected in upcoming plans for the wireless capability and network of the nintendo ds. some people believe that this is the plan that is up warp pipe's sleeve.
mesh networking is an interesting concept for providing internet access beyond the current limitations of a single access point and 802.11/x antennas. instead of relying on a one to one connection between the computer and the access point, mesh networking allows computers with wireless access to "daisy chain" with other computers in order to share a single internet connection.
the notion of mesh networking has also been speculated about by the videogame industry media as it has been suspected in upcoming plans for the wireless capability and network of the nintendo ds. some people believe that this is the plan that is up warp pipe's sleeve.
apple rumors sites are not protected
a recent court decision will require that 2 of the popular apple rumor sites will need to relinquinsh their "inside sources" who have provided the site with proprietary and confidential information.
for those not in the know about this topic, apple has been on a legal onslaught since the beginning of the year when popular rumor sites such as apple insider, powerpage, and think secret began reporting on rumors that apple was to release a "headless imac" and other products that soon came to fruition.
the judge handling the recent lawsuit prepared by apple which seeks to have these web sites reveal their sources has decided that these web sites do not enjoy the same first amendment freedoms of the traditional press.
for those not in the know about this topic, apple has been on a legal onslaught since the beginning of the year when popular rumor sites such as apple insider, powerpage, and think secret began reporting on rumors that apple was to release a "headless imac" and other products that soon came to fruition.
the judge handling the recent lawsuit prepared by apple which seeks to have these web sites reveal their sources has decided that these web sites do not enjoy the same first amendment freedoms of the traditional press.
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
online music prices to increase?
the register reports that online music prices may increase in the near future as the music labels are looking to increase the wholesale price of music charged to various online music retailers including apple.
the article reports that the average wholesale song price is $0.65. however, one should not assume that retailers are making the difference between the retail price and the wholesale price as this cost doesnt include publishing and operating costs such as transaction fees and streaming/downloading costs.
there is speculation that the labels may want to explore their original (pre-2000) theory that they could charge more for certain songs than others:
One suggestion is that labels want to introduce variable pricing - so they can charge more for top selling tracks.
the article reports that the average wholesale song price is $0.65. however, one should not assume that retailers are making the difference between the retail price and the wholesale price as this cost doesnt include publishing and operating costs such as transaction fees and streaming/downloading costs.
there is speculation that the labels may want to explore their original (pre-2000) theory that they could charge more for certain songs than others:
One suggestion is that labels want to introduce variable pricing - so they can charge more for top selling tracks.
