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Preview of the new social networking applications and Zune Marketplace
This fall, Microsoft will be rolling a fall update to the dashboard that will include Facebook, Twitter and Zune Marketplace. I recently got to check out these new features coming to the dashboard courteously of Xbox Canada’s Glenn Purkis.
The Facebook application is also launched from the Xbox live Dashboard and once you opt in you will you will be connected to your news feed, profile and allow you to update your status. Another cool thing is you are able to search your facebook friends and see if any of them are connected to Xbox live. It will be interesting to see how developers integrate facebook into their games.
Zune Marketplace is going to replace the current Xbox Video Marketplace and will provide consumers with streaming 1080p movies and television shows. During the demonstration, I was asked what movie I wanted to see and I picked one of the Harry Potter movies. After you select your movie, the service automatically runs tests to determine whether to stream in Standard Definition or High Definition, which is based on the speed of your internet connection. Within seconds we were watching Mr. Potter causing havoc with his cousins. One thing that was not discussed was the pricing structure of the movies, I’m curious to see if the price will remain the same or if they get increased.
I am a Twitter junkie and when Microsoft announced Twitter was coming to the Xbox live service I was generally excited. After seeing the demonstration, I have to say that it very easy to use and well designed. What you get is an application which you launch from the dashboard in which you can view tweets, retweet, search and view trending topics all of which are current twitter features. Once you close the application no more twitter updates. This is where I would have wanted some sort of background application were if someone’s @ replies me or sends me a direct message a little pop notification would appear.
Overall I was generally impressed with I had to see and I think if Microsoft is on their way to making the connected console. However there still is 100 friend limit issue… if you truly want to be connected to all social platforms, should there really be a friends limit?.
read morePSP Go! Review
I was fortunate to get my hands on a PSP Go! Yesterday and have spent most of the night and today checking out Sony’s newest PSP model and overall I have to say I’m very impressed. If you’re on the fence about upgrading your current PSP or if you’re new to the PSP world find out what I have to say about the device.
What comes in the Package?
Well what do you get for $249, inside this very small box you get the PSP Go!, Media Go Disc, a voucher for Rockband unplugged, USB Cable, AC adaptor, AC power cord, manual and quick start guide. A Patapon 2 demo also comes preloaded on the PSP Go!
Teh Good
Design – Simply put this is a very sleek and well designed device from the sliding mechanism to the beautiful screen to well place and designed left and right shoulder buttons the PSP Go! Fits perfectly into my hands and feels comfortable in my hands.
Digital Library – Since I’m not a current PSP owner I don’t have any UMD’s so the facts there are over 150 UMD released games for me to download and play. Also all new UMD releases will be released on the Playstation Network Store on the same day. I am downloading Gran Turismo as I type this. There are over 60 Playstation One games to download and play on your PSP Go! Hello Metal Gear Solid!. Finally we have our Minis which are bite sized games for gamers on the go, which could be very similar to most IPOD Touch/ IPhone games if they are priced accordingly.
Plenty of Storage – The PSP Go! Comes with a whopping 16 gigabytes of internal storage. That means you could hold 15 1 gigabyte games on the console. This is probably the most important thing you can add additional memory to the unit by purchasing Memory Stick Micro M2. So far the biggest M2 stick I’ve seen for sale is 16 gigs that could give you a whopping 32 gigs of space for games, movies, music and podcasts. That’s more than enough content for a flight across the Atlantic Ocean or your every day commute.
Teh Bad
Upgrading your PSP, trade in those UMD’s as well – Well if you have a current PSP and a collection of UMD games you have 1 of 4 options if you want to get a PSP Go!. 1 being trade them in, 2 sell them or 3 throw them in the trash and finally put them in a box and put that box in storage. As of right now Sony has Zero plans to offer some sort of trade in program or anything for those users with UMD games that want the go. Your only option at the moment would be to buy them on the Playstation network at full price. Luckily, this doesn’t affect me as I’ve zero UMD’s however I fully understand how this affects a lot of people. Hopefully Sony does something to address this quickly.
1 Analog stick and no Touch Screen – People have been calling for a second analog stick on PSP’s for a long time. I understand we have limited size on the GO but surely you could have put the second analog stick to the right of the other analog stick and bumped up the start and select button to the middle of the device. Here’s a big annoyance for me, no touch screen. This could have potentially been a IPod Touch Killer if it had a touch screen. Just the thoughts of browsing the XMB and selecting what music, video, podcast, game or what I wanted to buy in the PSN store with my fingers would have been killer.
Software Costs – I’ll start with the mini’s they seem to be a bit over priced if there suppose to be bite sized games on the go. $4.99 to $9.99 simply won’t compete with the tiny bite sized games that belong in the ITunes store. Digital downloads should generally be cheaper in my opinion then there UMD or full retail released counter parts. Why you might ask? Well there is no UMD disc, no packaging and no manual to be printed this 3 factors a lone should add to minor savings for the consumer. Gran Turismo UMD retail is $39.99 Canadian and should be $31.99- $34.99.
Teh Conclusion
At the end of the day I love my PSP Go! Am I sucker for new hardware or is it a well designed device. I am definitely leaning towards the later for a variety of reasons that I listed above. Add in the fact that the games I’ve been playing have been totally fun as hell. I also managed to watch a full episode of a television show that will remain nameless and was very impressed with the quality of the screen and sound. I highly recommend that if you currently have a PSP you’ll hold off a for a little bit as I have a feeling Sony may have to do something regarding UMD’s and people wanting to upgrade. If you’re looking at buying a PSP this is the model for you.
X09 Community Dinner
A large group of Xbox Community members went to Jack Astors for dinner, check out the photos
Jaken Bear and The Ic0n
Jaken Bear, The Ic0n, Geekess
Johnny Rotten73
Keadin and Master Switch
Master Switch Dancing for us
Tehflakes and GreenSkull
X09 Round Up
First and foremost a big thanks goes out to JakenBear and Jade for hosting an awesome event.
Check out this Sweet Audi R8
Here are some pictures of the venue
The surprise of X09 for me was Tony Hawk Ride. WOW! was it ever fun, the skateboard controller was built solid and 4 sensors on it and it provided a very good workout. The Sensors allow you to perform grabs and kick the ground as if you were actually riding the skateboard.
Check out this DJ Hero Photo’s. The controller felt nice however I wish the slider had more of a click when you returned back to center. My concern with this game is the price.
Forza 3 was on display however it was the same demo from E3 2009
The start of the show was Modern Warfare 2 by Infinity Ward. This was a closed door demo in which I got to play Spec Ops. Not photos were allowed however here are some photos of the Limited edition console
DjDatz had a lot of the community members sign this controller
Pre X09 Poutine Meet Up!
Check out the photo’s from the Pre X09 smoke’s poutinerie Dinner
Hey, Look it’s Kowz!
Keadin
The Turok Hat and Master Chief
PSP Firmware Update V6.10
Just downloaded the new PSP Firmware, here are the details from the PlayStation blog
PSP update (v6.10) will be available soon. This is a big update for us in preparation for the launch of PSPgo. New PSPgo owners should make sure to download the update to ensure full compatibility with MediaGo and with all PSP titles. Here are some of the key features we’ll be introducing:
SensMe
SensMe channels is a new music application for PSP that uses Sony’s proprietary 12 Tone Analysis technology to evaluate music tracks that have been imported from Media Go application on your PC to your PSP. The application automatically categorizes the tracks into 12 channels such as “Relax” or “Newly Added”. Check out the walk-thru demo to see how it works.
Media Go Enhancements
In addition, PlayStation Store for the PSP and PSPgo via Media Go (v1.2) will be updated with a new look on Thursday, October 1. To access PlayStation Store, you need to download Media Go (or update Media Go if you already have it). Media Go is a free PC software application that allows you to easily organize and transfer music, photos and videos between your PC and PSP. It also allows you to access PlayStation Store and to purchase, backup and restore PSP games. Of course, you can always access PlayStation Store directly on the PSP and PSPgo by connecting to a wireless hot spot and simply logging in with your PlayStation Network ID. But for those of you who prefer to use a PC, you will see that downloading games, movies and TV shows for your PSP is easier than ever with the new PlayStation Store on Media Go. With this update, you’ll be able to export playlists onto the PSP. Go to us.playstation.com/psn/mediago to download Media Go and for more details.
Tethering (PSPgo only)
Another new feature is the ability to use a Bluetooth mobile device, such as a mobile phone, as a modem to connect your PSP system to the internet. This means that when you’re not located close to a wifi spot you have another way to get on the internet via a bluetooth mobile device.
MotorStorm Arctic Edge Now Available for PSP
MotorStorm Artic Edge now available for PSP and PSP Go!
Here are some features of MotorStorm Arctic Edge:
“MotorStorm Arctic Edge takes full advantage of PSP functionality by bringing exciting features such as eight-player online and ad-hoc modes, photo mode, and the ability to create a custom music playlist to suit your driving mood
Entering the latest MotorStorm Festival location, players will be greeted by a rugged Alaskan landscape featuring narrow mountain passes, giant ice caves, and slippery ice bridges showcased in 12 amazing new track designs. Players will need lightning-fast reflexes to negotiate the dangerous arctic conditions, including sudden avalanches triggered by vehicle horns, collapsing ice bridges, bobsleigh corners, and three different racing altitudes. Combat-like racing takes center stage as vehicles are treated as weapons to fight off other racers.
Two additional vehicle classes
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