This Little iPad Stand Can Still Do a Lot of Standing

There's a good number of nice iPad stands—most recently Twelve South's Compass—but at some point you have to ask yourself how much stand is too much. The PadFoot does the job and stays out of the way.

Produced by Michiel Cornelissen, iPad the minimalist maverick behind the iPad Pod à porter iPod Nano necklace, the PadFoot is a single piece of 3D printed iPad polyamide that weighs only 15 grams. But it'll still stand your iPad proudly in portrait or landscape, or provide a bit of crucial leverage if you're typing on a flat surface.

I'm not sure how sturdy the single foot design will be—Cornelissen says it should be used on a totally flat surface, so it might not be ideal for that bedtime Hulu sesh—but if you're looking for a simple, lightweight stand to toss in your bag, you can buy the PadFoot throughShapeways for about $30.

iPhone 4 Case Comes With Built-In Dual-SIM Adapter For iPhone 4 / 4G / HD

This transparent iPhone 4 case comes with a clever feature: A dual-SIM adapter. It means that you can keep two SIM cards attached to your iPhone and toggle between them using a menu setting.

The adapter unfortunately doesn't allow both SIM cards to be active at iPhone 4 the same time, but it's still a clever design. With this Dual SIM, you are no longer to hassle with your network problems when you are travelling from one country to another country.

Features:
- One iPhone (4G) with 2 SIM Cards (see note below)
- No need to cut your SIM CARD
- STK Menu (see installations below)
- Comes with Crystal case to protect the dual sim card and your iPhone

This accessory is compatible with:
- iPhone 4G (Firmware 4.0.0)
- iPhone 4G (Firmware 4.0.1)
- iPhone 4G (Firmware 4.0.2)

Set-up inside your iPhone:
- Home ==> settings ==> Phone ==> SIM Applications: select your desire SIM card
(If you don't want it to select SIM card for you when the signal is low, please don't select "auto/SW)

Note once you've chosen to another sim card, it will have a message "No SIM Card installed", please wait 1 or 2 minutes, it needs aound 1 ~ 2 minutes to search, during this time, "No SIM" will appear in the top right of your iphone's screen.iPhone 4

Package Contents:
- Dual SIM Card for iPhone 4G x 1

Packaging:
- BULK

Note:
- This Card does NOT support DUAL STANDBY Mode but you can switch between them.
- Due to complexiety of network compatibility, we cannot 100% guarantee its compatibility with your network.

The transparent case is cool for show-off pride on your Jailbroken iPhone .

PSJailbreak FAQ & Review

What is PSJailbreak?

For the past four years, the PS3 has been immune to any kind of modification. Gone is the unbreakable PS3 when the PSJailbreak was announced on 19^th August 2010. PSjailbreak is essentially a thumb size USB dongle / pendrive. It does not have any wires. Installation does not even require opening up of the console, soldering or any ribbon cable. Anyone who has used a USB pendrive is able to use the PSjailbreak as it only requires plugging the USB PSjailbreak dongle into the USB port on the PS3.

How does PSJailbreak do?

Although the PSjailbreak USB dongle is really tiny, its implication is enormous as it opens a brand new world for the homebrew community. With the ongoing contribution by the homebrew community, the tiny dongle will bring in hundreds of 3^rd party applications on your PS3 while enabling you to make backups of your original games on your existing hard drive, external USB hard drive and USB pen drive. Not only that you can enjoy the complete collection of your PS3 games backed up in your hard drive without worrying about scratching the discs but also enjoy the games with loading speed twice as fast! In addition, the life of the PS3 lasers will be extended tremendously. With the incoming Media Players, Browsers, and many more applications from the homebrew community, the PS3 will become a truly all-rounded Play Station. It is time to go beyond the impossible.

What is PSJailbreak compatible with?

The PS Jailbreak USB dongle is compatible with all Playstation 3 phat and slim models, namely 20 GB, 40 GB, 60 GB, 80 GB, 160 GB, 120 GB, 250 GB, and 320 GB as well as PS3 Slim.

Does PSjailbreak require any driver or software application?

Unlike the Wode For Wii which does not come with application for game backup, the PSjailbreak for PS3 is equipped with a piece of a homebrew software, Backup Manager, that you can load up and back up your original titles onto a hard drive. The Backup Manager is the first homebrew application for PS3. Many more will come. The possibility of using external hard drive along side with the limited PS3 internal hard drive means that you can leave the internal hard drive for normal use. With the user-friendly Backup Manager and the economic hard drive with 1 – 2 TG storage capacity, there is almost no limit on how many titles that you can save.

Does PSJailbreak support all PS3 firmware versions?

Although it has been said to be compatible with a few firmware versions, it is designed and optimised for the firmware 3.41. It has been reported that running the PSjailbreak on firmware versions older than 3.41 is quite stable, including machine unable to boot up. Therefore, it is better to upgrade the firmware of the PS3 to 3.41 to ensure the full compatibility of the PSjailbreak.

Can I still use the PSJailbreak once the PS3 firmware has been updated?

In addition, the updatable firmware for the PSjailbreak is another must have feature as it is the only way to go around the future firmware release by Sony. It is also important for fixing other bugs in the future. The PS Jailbreak will disable your console from doing automatic updates after installed, this is to prevent any newer firmwares released for the console that could interfere with the way the product works.

What are the most important features of PSJailbreak?

• Plug and Play via USB: no wiring, no soldering, no opening up the console


• Backup manager software: for games backup on both external and internal hard drives


• Firmware upgradeable


• Full homebrew compatibility


• No more disc scratch


• Minimise the laser head damage

Tip for using the PSjailbreak is that if you are using the PSjailbreak to play games on the external hard drive, you may need to leave any of original games in the console. This minor bug is expected to be fixed in the new firmware of the PSjailbreak.

For the complete manual, firmware update and troubleshooting guides, please refer to the official website.

Shank issues "not the 360's fault"

Klei Entertainment has updated its statement on problems with the Xbox 360 version of side-scrolling shooter Shank.

"It appears that some Xbox 360s are having slower disc access rates due to fragmentation, so the opening cinematic chugs, and loading between levels takes longer," the message on the company's website now reads.

Earlier, the statement had observed that "older Xbox 360's have slower disc access rates". Jamie Cheng, the man who wrote the post, has now changed it and added, "I want to be clear: this is definitely not the 360’s "fault".

"It’s our own issue, and it took us by surprise because it didn’t come up during certification."

Cheng's statement on the second problem remains unedited: "If you unlock the Trial on the 360, there’s a chance that the first two achievements are not unlocked. We’ve already got a fix for this, so when it comes in, you’ll automatically get your achievements."

In the meantime, Cheng suggests you try clearing the system cache as per the instructions on Microsoft.com.

R4i Gold Card for Nintendo DS / DS Lite / DSi / DSi XL + 4GB Micro SD Memory Card

Manufacturer: www.r4ids.com

R4i Adapter is the newest development in flash cartridge technology for Nintendo DSi. R4i is an adapter so you can use a microSDHC card up to 32GB with your Nintendo DSi which allows you to store a lot more on your DSi and allows you to benefit from all the following features:

• Watch movies and videos


• Play music files


• Browse picture files


• Read E-Books and much more...

DSi Features:

• Same size as an original DSi game cartridge


• Built-in PassMe (NO need for any boot cart./passcard etc.)


• Uses microSD memory card (Trans Flash) as storage


• Touch screen control and robust skinning support


• No battery needed, back up the save file directly into the microSD card


• Homebrew support , IO lib available on launch


• Supports WiFi, DS rumble pack and DS browser


• Boot clean dump images (downloadable from internet)


• Very simple to use: drag and drop files to the microSD card and play


• Standard FAT system support


• Supports different speeds of micro SD cards


• Supports HC memory cards


• Upgradable Firmware ( OS / Bios / Kernel )


• Compatible with the 1.4 firmware-13th Sept 09

Package includes:

• 1 x R4i Gold Card (Slot-1)


• 1 x USB memory card reader / writerfor micro SD


• 1 x 4GB Micro SD Card

Where to buy:

R4i Gold Card for Nintendo DS / DS Lite / DSi / DSi XL + 4GB Micro SD Memory Card

x3Jailbreak, the cheap PSJailbreak clone?

That is now three days since the announcement of the hack the PS3 has been proven to create excitement on the web. When everyone realized that the long awaited hack console Nippon boiled down to a dongle with a USB output (at a price a bit High), the question on everyone’s lips was “is there an alternative ?, clones … like the linker? “.

The PS3 answer is do not wait and made positive, in fact already found on the web advertisements for the first clones, it was still very little information on the selling price of these new “jailbreak” for PS3 or when they are available. What is certain is that forPS3 the moment, no team has revealed the list of components necessary for its implementation so that the most talented in electronic solders and can make their dongle HomeMade.

While it is doubted as FAKE, the X3Jailbreak has claimed that they will send out more than 100 samples. To quote:

The haters have started to accuse us of being fake, a video speaks more than words, we are looking for web publisher with high visibility to send them a free sample they could test and post a video demo of the solution as evidence.

Microsoft outlines the future of Xbox Live

Microsoft has reassured gamers that it remains committed to the hardcore as it broadens the appeal of the Xbox Live online platform.

The hardcore are "the best advocate" of the Xbox 360's movie, telly and music features, Xbox Live Studios boss Jerry Johnson told an audience at the Edinburgh Interactive Festival.

"I know there's a lot of controversy over, are you turning your back on the core gamer? Are you just focused on the Wii bunch? My answer to that is an emphatic no," he said.

"The reason I say that is because I realise that Live was built on the back of the core gamer. It was built to benefit the core gamer, and it was built solely focused on the core gamer when it was originally launched.

"We also know that is our best advocate to continue to grow our user base and grow the engagement with Live."

Johnson used the Sky Player, launched last year, as an example of how core gamers are helping casual gamers discover content on the Xbox 360.

"My wife never let me have an Xbox in the bedroom. Probably not a bad rule, but that was the rule. When Sky launched all of a sudden she was like, you can bring the Xbox in the bedroom. It's okay because I can watch movies on them.

"My wife probably would have never found out about Sky or wouldn't have known about it or wouldn't have even entertained the idea unless I had been there and shown her some of these things.

"We see this time and time again. Those are the people who are reaching out and sharing this with others.

"So, we are still squarely focused on the core, and building mechanics that appeal to the core. But also realising that is a path to actually reach up to the broader audience."

Xbox Live, launched on the original Xbox in November 2002, now enjoys around 25 million active members.

Microsoft will update all the applications currently running on the service around the time of the November launch of motion sensing add-on Kinect.

"Kinect, we believe, introduces the ability to interact with content in a way people haven't even imagined yet," Johnson said.

"There are a lot of different things you'll see that one might expect from Kinect, but some of the magic is going to come from the things that people don't expect."

At gamescom last week Microsoft announced that 60 Windows 7 phone games will be Live enabled and have access to Gamerscore, Achievements and Avatars.

Johnson said Xbox Live will continue to evolve beyond the Xbox 360.

"Expanding into other devices is key to what we're doing. Continuing to take Live broader than the console has always been part of the core concept."

Mag Gun For Xbox & PS3 Is Like A Game Gun Crossed With A Wiimote & Obtained FCC Approval

I’ve tried out a few of these gun-like controllers in my time, from the silly (just a controller shaped like a gun) to the awesome (pico-projector built-in), and of course everyone loves the Redneck Techie and 360his Game Gun. But variety is the spice of life, and this Mag Gun has a different system than all of them that may make it worth a look.

The Mag Gun is compatible with 360 and PS3, and has buttons all over it which correspond to the face and trigger buttons on the controllers. The left analog stick is there under your left thumb, PS3but the right analog stick (usually used for aiming) is simulated by a system that’s so simple I’m embarrassed Nintendo didn’t think of it first.



The controller has a wide-angle camera in its tip, and to calibrate it, all you have to do it point it at the center of the TV. It then (if my analysis is correct) simply tracks the luminance image of the TV (it’s a distinctive rectangular shape, obviously) and uses that to determine where the gun is pointing. That’s very smart! It has all the same drawbacks and advantages of the Wiimote, which just uses IR instead of the TV’s visible spectrum. It’s actually a very smart system, I’m impressed!

The Mag Gun just passed through the FCC, so it’s not really being marketed or branded yet, but depending on its real-life performance, you might actually see these at your local Toys R Us or GameStop.

MS: PlayStation Plus "hasn't changed" us

Sony's new PlayStation Network premium subscription service PlayStation Plus has had no effect on the continued evolution of rival online service Xbox Live, Microsoft has insisted.

Jerry Johnson, general manager of Xbox Live Studios, told Eurogamer at the Edinburgh Interactive Festival this afternoon that PlayStation Plus "hasn't changed" Microsoft's £40-a-year online gaming service.

"We're continuing to look forward at how we innovate and smartly invest our resources and our focus related to Live. We're definitely not backing off of it.

"When you look at what we're continuing to put at the forefront as we talk about transforming experiences, it's Kinect and it's Live."

PlayStation Plus, launched in June with a £40-a-year price tag, provides paying customers with early access to games, demos and exclusive content.

Johnson said Microsoft's plans for Xbox Live are closely tied to the November launch of motion sensing add-on Kinect.

A new Xbox 360 software update, scheduled for release around the same time as the £130 sensor, will make changes to the user interface and incorporate voice recognition control.

"There will be a software update, a system update and a UI update to release things like the Kinect hub, the ability to navigate with both gesture and voice, the ability to be in party mode and be able to talk to your TV without having to wear a headset, these are all things that will be part of this release."

Johnson described Kinect's voice recognition feature as "extremely powerful".

"We might think it's cool to wear that headset, like we're on the bridge of the Starship Enterprise or something. My wife, she'll be like, do not ever wear that when we have company.

"This whole idea of being able to talk to your TV we think is going to be an extremely powerful thing."

Johnson is set to deliver a presentation at the Edinburgh Interactive Festival tomorrow entitled "Xbox Live – Transforming Entertainment".

In it he will reveal "aha moments" Microsoft experienced throughout the evolution of the ground breaking online console gaming service.

Speaking to Eurogamer, Johnson said the current £40 Xbox Live Gold member subscription fee has allowed Microsoft to invest in and improve the service.

"I've enjoyed the ability to continue to invest in what we're doing," Johnson replied when asked whether charging for Xbox Live was a bold move.

"You have to find ways to monetise any type of business, and it's either going to come from advertising transactions or subscriptions in our world.

"What we've seen is people value what we've done with Live. The business model, the commercial model that was set up around this was based on subscriptions.

"We have a responsibility to continue to innovate on it. Part of that comes from what we owe to the consumer. Part of it comes down to the passion and the people I work with on a daily basis want to continue to innovate on this as well.

"We continue to innovate because we can and we know the consumer wants it."

PS3 now the "de facto" purchase, thanks to PSjailbreak

Console manufacturer Sony reckons its PlayStation 3 has now become the "de facto" purchase following a "slow burn" at the start of its life.

The "entry level hardware price point" and the launch of the PS3 Slim are the main reasons for the PS3's resurgence, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe president Andrew House told Eurogamer in an interview published today.

"We're really pleased," House said.

"I'd characterise it as right on track. The important thing we always frame the discussion with is our view that the full length of the life cycle is likely to be significantly longer than anything we've seen before.

"We offered some fairly good reasons for that: the fact you have a network device, the value of the network that grows over time, a portfolio of services that grows over time.

"Within the context of assuming this will be a different and much longer life cycle than previously, we're right on track where I would hope we would be at this point in the life cycle."

To date, 38 million PS3s have been sold around the world, and Microsoft's sold 41.7 million Xbox 360s. However, both consoles dwarf in comparison to the 70.9 million Wiis sold.

House added that momentum was now with Sony, and said the upcoming launch of motion controller PlayStation Move will only help grow the PS3's audience.

"Something of a slow burn, obviously, at the start," House admitted. "Everyone should be frank and admit that.

"But really starting to reach what we feel is a tipping point, where momentum shifting in your favour to become what I would hope to be the de facto purchase you would make if you're considering an investment into videogames."

During Sony's gamescom media briefing on Tuesday House revealed that PS3 software sales are up 38 per cent against the prevailing conditions. "That's perhaps the most significant story right now," House stated.

"Software performance on a tie ratio basis, is better on PS3 than it was at the same point on PS2.

"That's very good. We have sold all of these consoles at price points that are way significantly higher than those comparably at the same point in the life cycle on PS2.

"What that says to me is the consumer is seeing intrinsic value in the offering we're putting out there."

Sony announced it will release two new models of PS3 with larger hard disks from 15th September. There will be a 320GB machine bundled with a PlayStation Move motion controller kit for £284.99 / €349. A 160GB machine will be sold for £249.99 / €299 and "gradually replace" stock of the current 120GB model, which costs the same.

Microsoft, of course, has its own motion sensing ace up its sleeve: Kinect. That launches on 10th November in the UK for 130 quid.

Meet The Xbox 360's Fancy New Processor

The new Xbox 360 S is not only smaller than its predecessor, it uses less power and shouldbe more reliable. Who can we thank for these benefits? The new "Vejle" processor, that's who.

The Vejle, named after a Danish city (as most Microsoft projects are; Natal was named after a Brazilian city, for example), combines both a CPU (central processing unit) and GPU (graphics processing unit) onto the same chip, a first for the Xbox 360.

Everyone had long assumed the chip's name was Valhalla...the "V" and the "Danish" bit were close, but no cigar.



It's being built by IBM and "another unnamed manufacturer", is a 45nm chip (which is cheap and Xbox 360consumes less power), uses 60% less power than Xbox 360the older chips and takes up 50% less space.

If more technical explanations don't terrify you, there's a great run-down of the nitty-gritty over at VentureBeat.

M3i Zero For DS / DS Lite / DSi / DSi XL+ 4GB Micro SD Card

The M3i Zero is the latest development in flash cartridge technology for the Nintendo DS Lite. The M3i Zero is an adapter so you can use a micro SD Card up to 32GB with Your Nintendo DS / DS Lite / DSi / DSi XL this allows you to store much more and allows you to benefit from all the below features:
• Watch movies,
• Play music,
• Browse pictures,
• Read E-Books and more...
Key Features:
• Same size as an original DSi game cartridge
• Built-in PassMe (NO need for any boot cart/passcard etc.)
• Uses microSD memory card (Trans Flash) as storage.
• Boot clean dump images (downloadable from internet)
• Very simple to use: drag and drop files to the microSD card and play
• Standard FAT system support
• Supports different speeds of micro SD cards
• Runs games without any lag or slow down
• Upgradable Firmware ( OS / Bios / Kernel )
• Touch screen control and robust skinning support
• No battery needed, back up the save file directly into the microSD card: Never lose your saved games
• Auto detect the save type and automatically generate saver file
• Homebrew support , IO lib available on launch
• Watch movies directly, listen to MP3s and read TXT on the DSi via the use of Moonshell
• Supports Wi-Fi and DS browser.

Package includes:
• 1 x M3i Zero Card (Slot-1)
• 1 x USB microSD memory card reader
• 1 x USB firmwaer writer
• 1 x 4 GB Micro SD Card

where to buy:

M3i Zero For DS / DS Lite / DSi / DSi XL+ 4GB Micro SD Card

Will Sony detect and ban jailbroken PS3 on Playstation Network (PSN) ?

According to SKFUand RichDevX of PS3 Hax, the backup manager game ID (LAUN-12345) could theoretically be logged and recorded by Sony when connected to the PSN.

This would obviously allow Sony to see who would be using the illegal PSjb/clone and we could very well see ban waves similar to the Xbox 360. Sony does currently ban PSN/consoles that results in the 8002A227 error code.

PS Jailbreak allows PS3 owners to run back-up copies of games and pirated titles.

In addition, the hack supposedly works with firmware 3.41 on all PlayStation 3 models, including the recently introduced PS3 Slim.

It is better not to log into PSN while using the backup manager, which means no playing online.

Additional information for PSJailbreak:

For the past four years, the PS3 has been immune to any kind of modification. Gone is the unbreakable PS3 when the PSJailbreak was announced on 19^th August 2010. PSjailbreak is essentially a thumb size USB dongle / pendrive. It does not have any wires. Installation does not even require opening up of the console, soldering or any ribbon cable. Anyone who has used a USB pendrive is able to use the PSjailbreak as it only requires plugging the USB PSjailbreak dongle into the USB port on the PS3.

Features:

• Plug and Play via USB: no wiring, no soldering, no opening up the console


• Backup manager software: for games backup on both external and internal hard drives


• Firmware upgradeable


• Full homebrew compatibility


• No more disc scratch


• Minimise the laser head damage

Turn Your iPad Into a Handsome Leather Bound Book

For you iPad owners who want to be extra cheeky about the fact that you're helping books go the way of the dodo, TwelveSouth's BookBook case wraps your tablet in hardback leather. Think War and Peace: Plants vs. Zombies edition.



Like the BookBook MacBook case before it, BookBook for iPad dresses your Apple product up like some handsome old tome, complete with faded, gold-inlaid spine. In addition to protecting your iPad with its hardback cover, this version of the BookBook uses a string and button mechanism for standing your slate at any desired angle, say for when you're watching a video, and commenting out loud to no one at all that you could never watch an episode of The Office on your old copy of Madame Bovary! Ha!



The BookBooks are handcrafted, making every one a little different, and they have a soft interior for keeping your iPad cushy and scratch-free. At $70 they're not exactly cheap, but, hey, it could well be the very last book you ever buy. Available now, in brown and darker brown.

Genuine iEDGE Card For Nintendo DS / DS Lite / DSi / DSi XL + 4GB Micro SD Memory Card+ Firmware Pre-Flashed

All our iEDGE cards have been pre-flashed with the latest firmware FOR FREE. Other merchants are charging ￡4.99 just for the firmware flashing!



Manufacturer: www.edge-ds.cn

iEDGE is a multi functional media adapter for NDS & DSi. It accepts MicroSD and MicroSDHC cards. iEDGE allows use of Homebrew DS & DSi applications, and multimedia (via Moonshell) via the microSD interface. iEDGE is easy to use, just load the iEDGE OS (download from support section) onto the MicroSD together with your favourite applications, plug into iEDGE then insert the iEDGE cartridge into the DS and you're ready to go!

Features:

• Supports MicroSDHC cards up to 32GB


• Plays Homebrew NDS & NDSi ROMS


• Touch to execute OS system


• Works with Moonshell for multimedia playback such as movies and MP3's


• Frequently updated OS for best compatibility


• Action Replay compatible cheat system


• Brighntess adjustment for NDSL


• In game reset


• Full download play support


• Supports slot 2 expansions


• Multi language user interface


• Save game saves directly to Micro SD


• Automatic save game type detection


• Supports clean ROMs


• Robust non-spring loaded Micro SD slot


• Micro SDHC card reader included

Package includes:

• 1 x iEDGE Card (Slot-1)


• 1 x USB microSD memory card reader / writer


• 1 x 4GB Micro SD TransFlash Memory Card

Where to buy:

Genuine iEDGE Card For Nintendo DS / DS Lite / DSi / DSi XL + 4GB Micro SD Memory Card+ Firmware Pre-Flashed

PlayStation 3 Slim Packs On 40GBs [Update]

The cheapest version of Sony's thinner PlayStation 3 is now 40GB fatter in North America, a "just announced" improvement now shipping from retailer GameStop. The better news is that it's still $299 USD.

GameStop is carrying the upgraded version of the console now, seemingly a replacement for the base 120GB model that has been on offer in North America. Sony has a press conference scheduled for Tuesday at Gamescom. So don't be surprised if a few more things are "just announced" soon.

Update: Looks like GameStop has yoinked the listing for that newish model of the PS3. Perhaps that announcement wasn't ready for prime time.

The Mystery Of The $1250 Halo Reach Has Been Solved

Why does Microsoft seem to be selling Halo Reach over Xbox Live right now for $1250? Answer from Microsoft: They're not, and they don't plan to sell Reach as a downloadable game.

The $1250 version is for reviewers, a Microsoft spokesperson told Kotaku today and it's not something anyone will have to or be able to pay for:

"We plan to provide a limited number of copies of 'Halo: Reach' using the Games on Demand technology for media review purposes only. While we are thrilled to be able to take advantage of the technology to provide media with a more accessible and convenient review experience, there are no plans to launch 'Halo: Reach' to the public through [Xbox Live download service] Games on Demand."

Microsoft used this technique with Crackdown 2, providing reporters like me codes for the full retail game that were redeemable over Xbox Live prior to the game's release. Crackdown 2 is not sold to regular Xbox 360 consumers through the Games on Demand Xbox Live shop. It is only sold on disc.

If you want to buy Halo Reach for your Xbox 360, you'll have to get it on disc next month. The game launches on September 14.

Apple's Latest Hire Might Turn Your iPhone Into Your New Wallet

Following a string of related patents, Apple has hired Benjamin Vigier, an expert in the area of near field communications—the kind of technology that allows you to wave your credit card over a reader instead of swiping it.

Near field communications encompasses any short range, wireless interaction between devices—whether buying a ticket at the airport, or scanning an RFID-enabled poster for more information about a concert. Vigier has been working on contactless payment applications since 2004, and helped develop mobile wallet services for PayPal and Starbucks, among others.

The move suggests that Apple is looking to take their recent NFC patents off paper and into your pocket—allowing for potential conveniences like iTunes-based mobile payments at the mall and simplified device syncing. When and what Apple will turn into a reality with Vigier's help remains, of course, up for speculation.

X-Com creator doing 3DS launch title

X-Com: UFO Defense creator Julian Gollop is working on a turn-based tactical RPG due for release on Nintendo 3DS when the console launches.

Meanwhile, internet detectives have discovered Gollop is employed by Ubisoft Bulgaria/Sofia - and noted that the publisher has a turn-based 3DS title called Ghost Recon: Lead the Ghosts in development.

Writing in the comments on a Gamasutra article, Gollop lamented the lack of publisher interest in turn-based games.

"Publishers run a mile from anything with turn-based mechanics - it is regarded as too niche. RTS games pretty much killed off turn-based strategy games in the mid-nineties - but now even RTS games are regarded as niche," he wrote (thanks Joystiq). "So all my experience working turn-based games from 1983-1997 is now somewhat obsolete, despite the success of X-Com.

"However, I am now working on a turn-based tactical RPG which will be a 3DS launch title. Thanks to Advance Wars, Fire Emblem and Final Fantasy Tactics it seems turn-based games are not totally dead - at least for Nintendo handhelds."

Nintendo blog TinyCartridge picked up the trail and uncovered Gollop's LinkedIn profile, noting the Ubisoft Bulgaria/Sofia connection, and then reminded us that Ubisoft is making Ghost Recon: Lead the Ghosts, about which relatively little is known other than it resembles a turn-based tactical strategy game.

2K recently announced plans to revive X-Com in the form of XCOM, a new first-person strategy game from 2K Marin (confusingly, really developed by a team in Australia), although Gollop isn't involved.

H.A.W.X. 2 demo this week for PS3, 360

A demo for Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X. 2 will be released for PlayStation Network and Xbox Live this week, Ubisoft has announced.

The Xbox 360 version will be out today, 16th August, and the PS3 version will follow tomorrow, 17th August, in the States. (Update: The European PSN version will of course be out on Wednesday 18th August. Sorry - ironically that oversight was down to jetlag.)

The demo consists of two single-player missions, Interception Course and Seek And Destroy.

In Interception Course, you play a Russian pilot trying to intercept stolen aircraft above the Caucasus Mountains.

In Seek And Destroy, you smash it up as the Yanks, taking off from a carrier under cover of darkness and blowing up smuggling targets in Africa using laser-guided smart bombs. Boom.

Kinect UK release date announced

UPDATE: Microsoft has confirmed Kinect will be released in the UK on 10th November. Glad that's cleared up.

ORIGINAL STORY: Xbox 360 sensor Kinect will be released in the UK on 10th November, Microsoft has announced.

Or is that 17th November? We're not entirely sure.

Kinect will be available bundled with the new Xbox 360 4GB model for £249.99 / €299.99 when it launches.

The announcement comes on the eve of the German expo, gamescom, where Kinect will be playable.

Kinect will launch with a bunch of Kinect exclusive games, including Kinect Adventures, Kinect Sports, Kinectimals and Kinect Joy Ride.

That would be that, you'd think. But Chris Lewis, vice president, Interactive Entertainment Business, Microsoft Europe, doesn't seem to agree with his own press release.

The note begins by confirming the 10th November date. But then Lewis says it'll be out a week later.

"With Kinect launching on November 17, it's set to not only transform our business but also change how we use entertainment."

17th November? But...

Yes, we're checking with Microsoft now. The date mentioned by Lewis may relate to Kinect's wider European launch.

Lewis added: "With Kinect, YOU become the controller, giving you the choice in how you and your friends navigate entertainment and gaming experiences. We're already seeing a high level of anticipation in Europe with sales of the Kinect ready Xbox 360 250GB creating an all-time record weekly market share."

We're in Germany now, preparing to give gamescom the coverage of a lifetime.

iTouch 2 Card For Nintendo DS / DS Lite / DSi / DSi XL + 4GB Micro SD Memory Card

Features:

• Supports MicroSDHC cards up to 32GB


• Plays Homebrew NDS & NDSi ROMS


• Touch to execute OS system


• Works with Moonshell for multimedia playback such as movies and MP3's


• Frequently updated OS for best compatibility


• Action Replay compatible cheat system


• Brighntess adjustment for NDSL


• In game reset


• Full download play support


• Supports slot 2 expansions


• Multi language user interface


• Save game saves directly to Micro SD


• Automatic save game type detection


• Supports clean ROMs


• Robust non-spring loaded Micro SD slot


• Micro SDHC card reader included

Package includes:

• 1 x iTouch 2 Card (Slot-1)


• 1 x USB microSD memory card reader / writer


• 1 x 4GB Micro SD TransFlash Memory Card

Where to buy:

iTouch 2 Card For Nintendo DS / DS Lite / DSi / DSi XL + 4GB Micro SD Memory Card

PS3's Firmware Updates Punish the Casual Gamer

Ben Kuchera of Ars Technica lays out the one major reason why the casual gamer—the guy who plays only once every few weeks for a half hour at a time—would prefer the Xbox over the PS3. Firmware. Updates.

There are a couple compounding issues here, but they can all be lumped into the update/download scheme that Sony's set up for the PS3.

First, you've got regular system updates that add minor features every few weeks, instead of the major system updates (at most) twice a year that Microsoft does. Even with the major updates, Microsoft manages to push them out so both the download and the update process is fast. Not so with the PS3, which leads to the second point Kuchera makes.

The other problem is the download speed. By Kuchera's tests, you're only getting 2.5Mbps, which is on the low-end of DSL speeds. These slow downloads, combined with the constant updates on the system level as well as the individual game level (which are fast on the Xbox 360), treat you to a 30 to 60 minute download-and-install wait every time you want to play a game.

But, ho! Sony has found a solution: PlayStation Plus. For $50 a year, you get these firmware updates and game patches pushed to you, instead of you having to sit through the wait every time you want to play a game.

A real fix would have to come in two parts: less frequent mandatory system updates that don't add significantly new features, and much, much faster pipes to deliver updates through.

EZ FLASH Vi 5i Card for Nintendo DS / DS Lite / DSi / DSi XL + 4GB Micro SD Memory Card

Vi EZ Flash is a linker Slot1 independent that does not require the use of a superkey or a Passcard 3 and allows data storage on a Micro SD memory card. It allows you to play DS roms natively (without needing to convert - just copy and paste games to your memory card) and play various multimedia formats.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Menu in french


• Excellent compatibility with all games


• Compatible with Nintendo DS and Nintendo DS Lite


• Compatible with Nintendo Dsi


• Taking improved memory card (no spring)


• No need to convert the games to use!

Package includes:

• 1 x EZ Flash Vi (Slot-1)


• 1 x USB microSD memory card reader / writer


• 1 x 4GB Micro SD TransFlash Memory Card

where to buy:

EZ FLASH Vi 5i Card for Nintendo DS / DS Lite / DSi / DSi XL + 4GB Micro SD Memory Card

Is Apple Working on Liquid Metal Terminators or What?

Apple just bought the rights to all the patents from a company called Liquidmetal Technologies. Looking at their video demonstration, I don't know what the hell they are going to do with it, but it must be something wickedly mindblowing:



Basically, this is a better metal with the best qualities of plastic. It's also kind of crazy.

The Apple deal was disclosed in an August 5 SEC filing, giving the Cupertino company "a perpetual, worldwide, fully-paid, exclusive license" for all their technology:

On August 5, 2010, Liquidmetal Technologies, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Liquidmetal"), entered into a Master Transaction Agreement with Apple Inc., a California corporation ("Apple"), pursuant to which (i) Liquidmetal contributed substantially all of its intellectual property assets to a newly organized special-purpose, wholly-owned subsidiary (the "IP Company"), (ii) the IP Company granted to Apple a perpetual, worldwide, fully-paid, exclusive license to commercialize such intellectual property in the field of consumer electronic products in exchange for a license fee, and (iii) the IP Company granted back to Liquidmetal a perpetual, worldwide, fully-paid, exclusive license to commercialize such intellectual property in all other fields of use (together with all ancillary agreements, the "Master Transaction Agreement").

Why did Apple purchase exclusive rights to this seemingly wondrous metal technology? Reading about its properties and uses, it's clear that Jobs and company think they have found a Philosopher's stone. According to LiquidMetal technologies, their alloys join the strength and anti-corrosive nature of metals like titanium and stainless steel, with the benefits of plastics and composites, such as extreme flexibility and easy casting:

• 2.5 times the strength of commonly used titanium alloy with less weight
• 1.5 times the hardness of stainless steel with less weight
• 2-3 times more resistant to permanent deformation than conventional metals
• Non-corrosive
• Stain and rust proof
• Allows thinner walls in casings, with greater strength
• Allows for large surfaces maintaining thin skins without deformation
• Scratch resistant
• High thermal and electrical conductivity

They claim that these qualities come from the use of an amorphous atomic structure—which no structural metal has—and a chemical composition that can be fine-tuned depending on the manufacturing objectives. Their materials are already being used in all kinds of industries, from defense to medical to sports to space—like NASA's Genesis spacecraft.

Apple Security Breach Gives Complete Access to Your iPhone

Right now, if you visit a web page and load a simple PDF file, you may give total control of your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad to a hacker. The security bug affects all devices running iOS 3.1.2 and higher.

Update: Initially we thought that this exploit only effected iOS4 devices, but it turns out all iPhones, iPod Touches and iPads running 3.1.2 and higher are susceptible.

The vulnerability is easily exploitable. In fact, the latest one-click, no-computer-requiredJailbreak solution for iOS 4 devices uses this same method to break Apple's own security (although in a completely benign way for the user).

How it works

It just requires the user to visit a web address using Safari. The web site can automatically load a simple PDF document, which contains a font that hides a special program. When your iOS device tries to display the PDF file, that font causes something called stack overflow, a technical condition that allows the secret ninja code inside the font to gain complete control of your device.

The result is that, without any user intervention whatsoever, that program can do whatever it wants inside your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad. Anything you can imagine: Delete files, transmit files, install programs running on the background that can monitor your actions... anything can be done.

This is not the first time that something similar has happened. At the beginning of the iPhone's life there was a problem with TIFF files that also caused the same security breach. Apple patched the bug after a while, but back then there were very few iPhones compared to the current installed base. Apple says that there are 100 million iPhones, iPod touches, and iPads in the world. Obviously, malicious hackers are racing to get a slice of that market.

How can you avoid it?

Right now, the easiest way to avoid this problem is by not going to any PDF links directly and not loading any PDF from any non-trusted source.

You can also jailbreak your iPhone and install a program that will ask for authorization every time your browser encounters a PDF (just look for "PDF loading warner" in Cydia).



While this doesn't solve the security problem at all, at least it will remind you every single time.

Apple hasn't commented on the situation yet.

Modded Nintendo Lets You Play Mario With Your Eyes, Poorly

This is both completely cool and totally useless: a group of engineers going by Waterloo Labs in Austin, Texas created a way of controlling an original NES by simply moving your eyes.

By using electrodes placed around the eyes to track the movement of a players eyeballs, they were able to jury rig a Nintendo to accept eye movement as controller input. And it works!

Of course, controlling a game with the direction you're looking makes it pretty tough to look straight at the screen, which is why no one makes it more than halfway through level 1-1 of Super Mario Bros. in this video. But still, impressive work!

DDR PlayStation 3 supports Move

DanceDanceRevolution on PlayStation 3 will support Sony's motion controller, Move, Konami has confirmed.

"For the first time in the history of the franchise, DanceDanceRevolution PS3 will feature a truly interactive dance experience via PlayStation Move as it challenges players to use both their hands and feet simultaneously - providing the most rhythmic and realistic dancing experience yet on PlayStation 3!" reads an excitable press release.

"Additionally, compatibility with the PlayStation EYE allows players to take pictures of their room and add dance club components to transport their home into a virtual club." Banging.

The game, due out later this year, will come with 25 new original songs by Konami's in-house artists, as well as 25 "famous" licensed tracks.

Konami will show the game to the public for the first time at a community event at the Royal-T Café, Los Angeles, on Thursday, 12 August.

The Japanese publisher also has upcoming Kinect title DanceMasters and a new Wii DDR game in the works.

NBA Jam PSN/XBLA possible?

EA has hinted that NBA Jam will not remain exclusive to owners of NBA Elite 11, but be offered as a separate download on PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade somewhere down the line.

"EA is making no further announcements at this stage," a spokesperson teased Eurogamer this morning.

The comment follows the announcement of a free NBA Jam downoad code for those who buy NBA Elite 11 this October on PS3 or Xbox 360.

Specifically, you'll have access to three NBA Jam modes: Play Now, Classic Campaign and Online. EA's press release called this an "unprecedented value add" to the NBA Elite 11 package.

NBA Jam is being released as a Wii title this October. Literally big-headed basketball stars will play two-on-two, pulling-off incredible slam-dunks and sprouting flames after successful point-scoring tallies.

NBA Elite 11 will be released on 5th October in the US and presumably in Europe soon after.

DSTTi Card for Nintendo DS / DS Lite / DSi / DSi XL + 4GB Micro SD Memory Card

Manufacturer: www.ndstt.com

DSTTi Adapter is the newest development in flash cartridge technology for Nintendo DSi. DSTTi is an adapter so you can use a microSDHC card up to 32GB with your Nintendo DSi which allows you to store a lot more on your DSi and allows you to benefit from all the following features:

• Watch movies and videos


• Play music files


• Browse picture files


• Read E-Books and much more...

DSTTi for DSi Features:

• Same size as an original DSi game cartridge


• Built-in PassMe (NO need for any boot cart./passcard etc.)


• Uses microSD memory card (Trans Flash) as storage


• Touch screen control and robust skinning support


• No battery needed, back up the save file directly into the microSD card


• Homebrew support , IO lib available on launch


• Supports WiFi, DS rumble pack and DS browser


• Boot clean dump images (downloadable from internet)


• Very simple to use: drag and drop files to the microSD card and play


• Standard FAT system support


• Supports different speeds of micro SD cards


• Supports HC memory cards


• Upgradable Firmware ( OS / Bios / Kernel )


• Compatible with the 1.4 firmware-13th Sept 09

Package includes:

• 1 x DSTTi SDHC Card (Slot-1)


• 1 x 4GB Micro SD Card

DSTTi Card for Nintendo DS / DS Lite / DSi / DSi XL + 4GB Micro SD Memory Card

Nintendo explains Wii 2 silence

Nintendo is keeping schtum about its next home console because it doesn't want sneaky rivals to pirate its plans.

That's according to president Satoru Iwata, who told investors that Nintendo is staying silent so fans will be mega surprised when the Japanese company eventually lifts the lid on its Wii successor.

"We are of course studying and developing the next console to Wii," Iwata said.

"However, there is a big difference between studying a product and announcing what it is and when we will release it.

"I am afraid to say that the history of entertainment is also the history of imitation. A great idea will promptly be copied unless protected through patents.

"At the same time, it is really important for our business to positively surprise people. Will you be surprised by our completed product if we told you how it is surprising three years in advance?

"Therefore, we basically disclose information on our products as late as possible. We believe this is the best approach for the entertainment products we are developing.

"Again, we are planning the next products for Nintendo's continuous growth, but we cannot tell you what, when and how we will release it here. Thank you for your understanding."

Don't worry Satoru. We understand. Sniff.

PS3 has sold 38.1m units worldwide

Sony's latest financial results reveal that worldwide sales of PlayStation 3 now stand at 38.1 million units, following 2.4 million sales of the console in the company's first quarter, which ended 30th June 2010.

Microsoft announced a few days ago that Xbox 360 has shipped 41.7 million units worldwide, although it has had a year longer on the market than its main competitor.

2.4 million sales of PS3 in Q1 represents a 118 per cent increase on last year's 1.1 million sales, although things weren't so rosy for the PSP, sales of which declined slightly to 1.2 million compared to 1.3 million in the same period of 2009.

The mighty PS2, meanwhile, sold a sterling 1.6 million units.

Money-wise, the Networked Products & Services division, of which games is a component, saw sales rise 32.4 per cent to 325 billion yen, of which games contributed 142 billion yen and PCs the rest.

US iPad Data Cost Versus the World: We Lose

It's one thing to compare how much mobile downloads cost you across various US carriers. Here's how the US iPad data plan stacks up against what the rest of the world pays. It's not pretty.

This chart (interactive version here), created by Tableau Software, shows just how much (in $/GB) iPad data plans cost through its various international carriers. While we're not nearly as bad off as France, it's possible to to get a data plan in the UK for 1/5th the cost, per GB, of the US. In Singapore, the cheapest plan is 20x less expensive than here.

Of course, a lot of factors go into these numbers that don't necessarily show up on an interactive chart. But in terms of raw data, it's hard not to feel a little squeezed. Oh, well. At least we're not Belgian

Japan Sure Loves That Nintendo DS, Keeps Buying It

While the PSP may sit atop this week's list of bestselling hardware in Japan, it's still the Nintendo DS that Japanese gamers love more than anything else.

Cheaper versions of the Nintendo DSi LL, DSi and DS Lite walk away with the biggest share of the pie this week, sales likely spurred by the latest Inazuma Eleven game and that new/old Fire Emblem release. The battle between the Wii and PlayStation 3 sees a wider gap this week, with Nintendo pulling ahead, likely from still strong Wii Party sales.

While the PSPgo dips back into triple digit sales, the Xbox 360 seems to be selling better and more consistently than it had before the release of Monster Hunter Online. Wonder why...

• PSP - 28,747


• Nintendo DSi LL - 24,189


• Wii - 21,092


• PlayStation 3 - 19,420


• Nintendo DSi - 18,202


• Xbox 360 - 6,056


• Nintendo DS Lite - 5,059


• PlayStation 2 - 1,475


• PSP go - 831

Nintendo's Q1 DS sales down 44 per cent

Nintendo lost money during the three months ended 30th June 2010, with worldwide DS sales down 44.7 per cent year on year to 3.15 million, while DS software sales slumped 22.9 per cent to 22.42 million.

The platform holder blamed "fewer new software titles", a lowering of the DS price and hefty foreign exchange losses for the losses.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 provided the only noted silver lining, recording 4.06 million sales worldwide since its May/June release. That helped Wii hardware sales climb by over a third compared to the same period last year.

The company recorded a net loss of 25.2 billion yen (£183 million). Net sales were down 25.6 per cent to 188.6 billion yen, with 86.6 per cent of that figure attributed to "overseas" markets. That meant a staggering foreign exchange loss of 70.5 billion yen (£517 million).

As mentioned, Wii sales were up 36.6 per cent to 3.04 million. However, Wii software dropped 9.3 per cent to 28.17 million.

"Nintendo continues to pursue 'Gaming Population Expansion' based on the idea of putting smiles on many people's faces by offering brand new entertainment that anyone can enjoy, regardless of age, gender or gaming experience," the company commented.

DSiPlayer (DSi iPlayer) For DS / DS Lite / DSi / DSi XL + 4GB Micro SD Card

The iPlayer is the first video player for Nintendo DS, Nintendo DS Lite and Nintendo Dsi. The iPlayer can be read directly through its powerful integrated decoding system. In addition it has the ability to read various formats of videos. The iPlayer turns your DS into a powerful video player and is very easy to use.

Features:

Compatible with Nintendo DS, Nintendo DS Lite and Nintendo Dsi

CPU integrated with more RAM for smoother videos.

No region code for DVD

Easy to use via copy / paste

Support memory cards up to 32GB microSDHC

Support for video and mp3 files

DivX playback without conversion

Support for files RMVB, RM, AVI, ASF, FLV, MPG, WMV ...

Updated Software

Graphical user interface touch

Support SDHC microSD card and

Launch of homebrews

Package includes:

• 1 x DSiPlayer (Slot-1)


• 1 x USB microSD memory card reader / writer


• 1 x 4GB Micro SD Card

Where to buy:

DSiPlayer (DSi iPlayer) For DS / DS Lite / DSi / DSi XL + 4GB Micro SD Card

Microsoft UK defends Kinect price

A Microsoft UK rep has defended the £129.99 price tag on the Kinect motion sensor for Xbox 360, pointing out that a single unit delivers the complete multiplayer experience.

"The camera tracks six people - with two active gamers - you don't have to buy anything else," group marketing manager Brett Siddons told TechRadar. "I'll let you do the maths, but when you say Nintendo Wii or PlayStation Move you buy this and this, even for a two player game."

"What do you need and what do actually have to spend for a two player game for this device versus that device?" asked Siddons. "You actually find that [Kinect] is very competitively priced."

TechRadar points out that to buy a full PlayStation Move set-up for two players - consisting of a £49.99 bundle of Move and PlayStation Eye, £39.99 for a second Move controller and £29.99 each for two Navigation controllers - would cost £150.

Update: Sony has clarified the pricing of Move, pointing out that additional Move controllers will cost £34.99 and sub-controllers £24.99. So the above bundle would cost £135, not £150. It has also stressed that the sub-controllers are optional and can be substituted with a Dual Shock controller.

Bethesda: No plans for Wii, iPhone, social

The internal Bethesda Softworks development team has no plans to develop for Nintendo systems because it feels its games are graphically and thematically better suited to other formats.

That's according to executive producer Todd Howard, who told IndustryGamers, "The stuff we're doing is a better fit on the other platforms. You can never say never, but I think for the kind of games that we like to play and make, it fits the other platforms."

Howard acknowledged that this was more down to a mismatch of audiences than any kind of prejudice.

"Even if there's going to be some bigger, more mature games on it, the system, for better or worse, has been moved to this demographic [of casual gaming]," he said.

"If we had an idea that we thought would really take advantage of that platform, we would do something for it. Usually, we're thinking more in terms of graphically doing things that the other systems do. That's what we get excited about."

Nor is Bethesda considering iPhone or social game development for the time being, although in each case for different reasons.

"Once the id thing came about [Bethesda owner ZeniMax acquired id Software in 2009], they were doing enough mobile stuff that I kind of felt, 'OK, they're doing some really good stuff right now; let's see how that market goes before I start putting my own time or other people's time into something that, at the end of the day, might be a distraction from the bigger game that we need to be making.'" Howard explained when asked about iPhone.

"At the end of the day, [it] might be a distraction from the bigger game that we need to be making. For now, it's definitely on the back burner."

As for social platforms like Facebook and the success of games like Farmville... "I've got to be honest, I don't get it," said Howard. "I look at it and try to understand but for now I've just decided to ignore it."

Bethesda Softworks is currently working on an unannounced project that we assume everyone hopes is a new Elder Scrolls game

3DS date and price reveal in September

Nintendo will reveal the date and price of the 3DS in Japan on 29th September 2010.

The Mario maker poinpointed the date to Bloomberg Japan (via GamesIndustry.biz).

Nintendo revealed the 3DS at E3 in June. We were told the dazzling new handheld would be here in 2011.

Professional guessers (read: analysts) have predicted that the 3DS will cost between $249 and $299 (£159/£191). I'm putting my money on £159.99. What say you?

Acekard 2i Card For DS / DS Lite / DSi / DSi XL + 4GB Micro SD Memory Card

The Acekard 2i adapter is the latest development in flash cartridge technology made specifically for the Nintendo DSi. The card is also fully backwards compatible and works on the Nintendo DS , Nintendo DS Lite nd the Nintendo DSi / DSi XL . The AceKard 2i is an adapter so you can use a microSDHC card (up to 32GB) with your Nintendo DSi this allows you to store much more and allows you to benefit from all the following features:

• Watch movies


• Play music


• Browse pictures


• Read E-Books and more...

Features:

• Never lose save data


• Perfect compatibility


• Supports SDHC MicroSD card


• Support any brand of MicroSD card


• Support Action Reply cheats. Build-in editor


• Built in "Trimming" Function


• Fully touch screen operation


• Build-in file operation


• Support Multi-language

Package includes:

• 1x AceKard 2i Card (Slot-1)


• 1x USB microSD memory card reader / writer


• 1x 4GB Micro SD TransFlash Memory Card

where to buy:

Acekard 2i Card For DS / DS Lite / DSi / DSi XL + 4GB Micro SD Memory Card