The Console Wars: 05.22.2005 | Xbox 360, Playstation 3 PS3, Revolution

Friday, May 27, 2005

What's the deal with the Xbox 360?

What's the deal with the Xbox 360?
Some people are convinced the Xbox 360 will be better then PS3. If you are going to buy 1 gaming system in the next year, it should be the PlayStation 3, here is why...

By: Richard Allen

When the PlayStation 3 ships, it will have at least 2 more years of Research and Development, and that is assuming that Microsoft started work on the Xbox 360 the moment the Xbox was released. Sony / Toshiba / IBM were already hard at work on the Cell processor and the PS3 when the Xbox wasn't even in stores. Microsoft is loosing money on the Xbox, so the best way to keep the Xbox afloat is by creating a next generation system. Unfortunately for Microsoft the PS3 will be a newer generation then the Xbox 360. Sure the ATI graphics chip is custom made for Xbox, but I am quite certain it's not much different then something on the market right now. Microsoft has not had the benefit of over 6 years for research and development like Sony, so they are forced to use technology that is already proven.

I believe they are rushing the Xbox 360. Not just due to capabilities and spec but because no Hi-Def disc format has been ratified. The Xbox 360 will be shipping with a Dual Layer DVD ROM giving you a whopping 17GB per disc. The only thing worse then load times is changing a disc out. This would be the equivalent of shipping the PS2 with a CDROM. Couple that with the fact the Xbox 360 only supports half the Hi-Def video output standards, it becomes obvious that they are releasing this system too soon.

Hi definition entertainment content will require more then 17GB. I would expect many of the Xbox 360 release titles to be very short, repetitive or not true high definition. No matter what way you slice it, at best the system will be released in a gimped format which will require an upgrade (Xbox 360 v2) just to compete with the capabilities of the PS3. The PS3 will ship with a drive that will be able to read about 50GB of data.

Also consider the fact that Microsoft is not known for putting out the best products. Microsoft was founded when they bought the rights to DOS from another vendor. The very backbone of Microsoft was a happenstance of a financial transaction. I use Microsoft software and 9 times out of 10 another company in the marketplace does it better, cheaper or both. The fact that their flagship product, Windows requires updates on a weekly basis to maintain security is both appalling and irresponsible. If we actually had some options on what operating systems we could use, these issues would not exist since MS would have to clean up their act or whither on the vine.

On the subjects of heavy weight financing. Microsoft would have never been in the console market if they hadn't thrown a bunch of money at Bungie. To this day, I still can't figure out why everyone gushes about Bungie or Halo. Its a good game if you like slow pace first person shooters. Maybe the graphics on Halo 3 will be so good, they will have to make it a Role Playing Game.

I am sticking with a company who has had 3 gaming platforms all with resounding or strong success.

Have fun with your dual layer DVD-ROM Xbox 1.5. It will be a doorstop when the HD drives are available.

¶ D.Vader // 5/27/2005 07:31:00 PM // PermaLink //

AGEIA to Develop Physics Middleware for Playstation 3

Image Source: ageia.com

AGEIA to Develop Physics Middleware for 'PLAYSTATION®3' Game Title Development Environment

"At the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), AGEIA™ Technologies, Inc., the pioneer in hardware-accelerated physics for games, today announced that it will develop powerful physics-based middleware using technologies based on AGEIA’s NovodeX physics software for the 'PLAYSTATION®3' game title development environment.

AGEIA’s NovodeX physics software is designed with a multithreaded architecture, making it ideally suited for unleashing the power of next-generation platforms. As a result, some of the world’s leading game title developers and publishers have concluded agreements with AGEIA to create physics-rich game titles using AGEIA’s physics technologies.

'We’re proud to offer AGEIA’s physics technology to help developers create compelling content for 'PLAYSTATION®3', said Andy Keane, vice president of marketing for AGEIA. 'PLAYSTATION®3' delivers some incredible capabilities, and our developers are energized by the opportunity to develop middleware for this powerful next-generation platform.'"

¶ D.Vader // 5/27/2005 04:31:00 PM // PermaLink //

Xbox 360 vs. PlayStation 3 - Round 3

Quickie: Xbox 360 vs. Playstation 3 ( PS3 )

"Q: Will the Xbox 360 beat the PS3 technically?

A: It's not likely, considering that Microsoft has taken less time to design the Xbox 360 and the PS 3 will be able to take advantage of technology advances that emerge well after Xbox 360's fall 2005 launch date. Microsoft included three IBM PowerPC processors each running at 3.2 gigahertz and each capable of running two threads at once. That means it has six parallel threads. The PS 3 will run at around 4 gigahertz, with one IBM PowerPC processor controlling eight smaller processing elements. One weakness of the Microsoft solution is that the three processors share a relatively small amount of cache, 1 megabyte. Microsoft will also use lower-cost but slower memory, compared to the PS 3's Rambus-based XDR memory and Flex I/O interconnect. Sony is also betting that BluRay high-definition storage disks will give it an advantage. Microsoft, by contrast, is likely to do a better job with the online features than its rivals, analysts say. Developers say that the Sony machine will likely be more powerful, but harder to program."

The PS2 was a serious challange to program. The PS3 is setting up things with open development as well as using items that have been standard in the industry. I don't think this will be an issue.

¶ D.Vader // 5/27/2005 04:29:00 PM // PermaLink //

Breaking Tradition: Xbox 360, PS3 & Nintendo Revolution

Breaking Tradition: Xbox 360, Playstation 3 ( PS3 ), and Nintendo Revolution

"'“Revolution will launch towards the end of next year,” a Nintendo source told MCV. “We’re currently looking at mirroring the DS strategy, so Revolution would release in the US first in November, closely followed by Japan – then we’re looking at March 2007 for PAL territories.”"

Looks like all 3 systems will be out in America first. I do belive this is a first for a home console. Japan generally gets all the new toys first. Hell, France and Germany hate us, but MS, Sony and Nintendo are going to show us some love!

¶ D.Vader // 5/27/2005 04:26:00 PM // PermaLink //

PlayStation 3: The Games Uncovered - up to 34 Titles by Launch!

Image Source: ign.com

PlayStation 3: The Games of PlayStation 3: Uncovered!

"Everything we know about Sony's upcoming software lineup. More than 30 titles in all!

With the absolutely massive splash that Sony Computer Entertainment made with its 2005 E3 press conference, we couldn't resist compiling as much information as possible about the system's upcoming games and putting it in one easy to use guide. After all, it's been less than two weeks since the PS3 was officially announced and there are already 34 confirmed videogames for Sony's next generation console. That's a hell of lot more than the PSOne or PS2 had in their coming out periods, that's for sure, and we still have plenty of time left before the expected spring 2006 release date. Now that's crazy!

To help you weed through all the madness, we've compiled a comprehensive list of every confirmed PlayStation 3 game in existence, no matter how big or how small. So if it's been confirmed for Sony's next system then we've written it down for you right here. Keep in mind that this list is only for confirmed PS3 games -- vague hints and possible guesses are not listed. These are for confirmed and 100% real games only -- so don't be surprised if you don't see the next-gen game you want to happen but isn't.

Please remember, though, that this list is for more than just name dropping -- it also has every last bit of official info associated with every game on the roster. If we know a ton about a particular title we're going to tell you. But likewise, if we know nothing we're going to tell you that too. We've even included genre types, developer and publisher info, release dates, and an easy to use Wishlist hyperlink that will allow you to track the movements of whatever games you're interested in over the next 18 months."

The compete story contains information on 34 games. Most should be due around Launch time, that is more then PS1, PS2, GameCube and Xbox had available for their launch!

¶ D.Vader // 5/27/2005 01:35:00 PM // PermaLink //

Sony / IBM / Toshiba Open PS3's Cell Processor

Image Source: arstechnica.com

PS3'S CELL PROCESSOR OPEN SOURCES
"Next-gen battle moves front as Cell specs go open source to counter MS's XNA effort

Sony, IBM and Toshiba - joint developers of the Cell chip which will power both the PS3 and the next generation of consumer electronics - have decided to open up and make the Cell processor's specs freely available in a bid to encourage open source development for the chip.

While that might sound decidedly dull technology-led news even for a slow post-E3 Friday morning, it actually is rather exciting. No really, stay with us, because it means everyone will be able to develop for and take advantage of the trio's next-gen chip. If you need an example of how this works, look to Linux where a vast development community has sprung up around the alternative-to-Windows PC operating system.

Speaking to the EE Times IBM's Cell team leader Jim Kahle said: "Our intention is to open up the Cell software architecture. The idea is to get the industry to help us evolve the basic software layers."

IBM, Toshiba and Sony are expected to unleash the software libraries and specs sometime this summer, providing full details on hardware reference designs and the software development platform for Cell. If the development community bites big on Cell Open Source, the trio will be able to count on thousands of additional developers to exploit the architecture and ultimately produce more software for its various consumer platforms.

When we mentioned this to our resident techy experts they got very excited, pointing to the success of the Linux development kits for PS2 and called this Open Source development "a big win for Sony", saying simply, "more developers equals better software".

A bold attempt to open up the Cell platform then and quite an intriguing counter to Microsoft's XNA development plans. We have to say the battle of the next-gen grows more fascinating by the day."

¶ D.Vader // 5/27/2005 09:04:00 AM // PermaLink //

Thursday, May 26, 2005

Nintendo Revolution Technical Specs

Image Source: cubed3.com

Revolution Technical Specs
"The ins and outs of Nintendo's next-generation hardware.

Nintendo's next-generation console, codenamed Revolution, is still more than a year off from its mid-2006 release date in North America and in traditional form, the Big N is keeping largely quiet about what the machine can and can't do. Still, based on official announcements from the company, we've been able to piece together a preliminary list of Revolution technical specs. Here's everything we know at a glance:

Revolution Technical Specs

Stylized shell about the thickness of three DVD cases stacked flatly on top of each other
May come in five different colors including a sleek, glossy black and an Apple-esque white
Backward compatible. Plays both GameCube optical discs and proprietary 12cm discs, the latter of which may be dual-layered for upward of 8GBs storage capacity
Slot-loading drive with stylized blue light
One proprietary component/digital out located on the rear of the system
Two USB 2.0 ports located on the rear of the system
No Ethernet jack; Revolution connects to the Internet using 802.11b and 802.11g Wi-Fi wireless
GameCube docking station features inputs for four GCN controllers and two Memory Paks
Two front slots for 512MB flash memory, likely SD Card compatible
Utilizes wireless controllers
Custom-built IBM CPU, codenamed Broadway; speed and architecture undetermined at this time
Custom-built ATI-GPU, codenamed Hollywood; speed and architecture undetermined at this time
MoSys-developed 1T-SRAM solution; unknown amount of memory at this time
Nintendo download service: connect online and download classic NES, S-NES and N64 games"

Links:
IGN Nintendo Revolution FAQ.

¶ D.Vader // 5/26/2005 08:41:00 PM // PermaLink //

Planning your Xbox's Retirement

Image Source: hackaday.com

Planning your Xbox retirement

"I know this isn’t new, but today is a special day: the new Xbox is going to be officially revealed tonight on everyone’s favorite music-free music channel. This post is about what to do with your soon to be obsolete Xbox.

Xbox-Linux installs have become fairly easy; You no longer have to crack open the case. You can buy or build a simple usb adapter to upload a 2MB file on to the Xbox by using an exploit in MechAssault. After that you can boot a live Linux cd. Even after this your Xbox will still be able to play games.

What you can do with it is up to you imagination.

Use it as a front end for mythtv
Tuck it in a closet as a headless server
Install a variety of distros, like Gentoo
Upgrade the ram, hard disk, and add vga out
Install OSX as mentioned previously
You could even build a cluster

The best place to start on this journey is the xbox-linux wiki."

¶ D.Vader // 5/26/2005 02:52:00 PM // PermaLink //

PS3 & Xbox 360 E3 Demonstrations - Fact or Fiction?

Image Source: winsupersite.com

Smoke, mirrors and the next generation of video games

"History tells us: Don't believe all you're hearing about Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

I hate to be a wet blanket, but it's time to come back to reality.

It's not hard to forgive the hardware publishers for a little bit of hyperbole at E3, the annual trade show of the video game industry. It is, after all, their moment in the sun. But now that the crowds have gone home and the booth babes have changed back into street clothes, it's time to recognize that a fair number of the promises made last week will quietly fade away.

Need proof? Look no further than the introductory days of the PlayStation 2 or Xbox.

The Xbox was supposed to have resolution that went beyond HDTV and have a graphics chip three times beyond that of the PC. Ultimately, only a handful of games have offered 1080i resolution (the current standard for high-def). Most titles offering advanced graphics stick with 480p resolution, which is lower than high definition. And PCs had nVidia's (Research) GeForce 3 (which featured a graphics chip comparable to that found in the Xbox) months before the console launched.

Bill Gates, meanwhile, spoke of "incredible, persistent, online worlds" that would be created because of what the Xbox hard drive could do. Only one – "True Fantasy Live Online" - was started, and it never materialized.

The PlayStation 2 was going to offer AOL Instant Messaging and have characters whose facial expressions were incredibly lifelike as they progressed through the game. AIM and PS2 were never again spoken in the same sentence – and the lauded "emotion engine" didn't come close to living up to its promise.

Phil Harrison, an executive vice president at Sony, talked highly of software that would incorporate visual imaging, saying it would enable users to import photographs from a digital camera, then "animate these in 3D, add sounds, and email them to their family or friends, just like a greeting card."

Never happened.

So what about the pretty pictures we all saw? Guess what... the graphics demos at those 1999 and 2000 press conferences were just as impressive (at the time) as what Sony showed off with its footage of "Killzone" or "Fight Night: Round 3" last Monday. Sony showed a lifelike female character from "Ridge Racer" strutting a catwalk and winking flirtatiously at viewers when it unveiled the PS2. Early Xbox footage showed a buff woman named Raven and her hulking robot friend showing off their martial arts form.

Both were amazing pieces of video, but no real-time gameplay on either machine ever lived up to that early footage.

That's not really the fault of developers. It's not hard to make early tech demos especially impressive, since you don't have to worry about including artificial intelligence or physics or any of the other resource chomping features that have to go into games to make them fun. Publishers, though, create them to have something to show potential buyers and say "Look! Look!! Now you've got to buy our new machine!" before laughing maniacally and rushing off to roll around in their piles of cash.

Let's not forget online, either. Sony (Research), back before the PS2's launch, said gamers would be able to download titles from existing PlayStation and PS2 libraries via broadband. Harrison (sounding a lot like Microsoft's (Research) J. Allard did earlier this year) encouraged developers to think of episodic games, which could be downloaded chapter by chapter.

Gates, meanwhile, told gamers they would be able to download trial versions of games to their Xbox's hard drive to help them decide whether to buy a retail copy. The same promise is being made with Xbox 360.

The fact of the matter is we will see a leap in quality with next generation games. I've had the chance to have hands-on time with several Xbox 360 games, including the very promising "Gears of War" and "Need for Speed: Most Wanted," and they show tons of potential. I'm sure when the time comes to try out PS3 games I'll be equally impressed.

But as Sony talks of users using the PS3's optional high-def camera to launch their own broadcasts and Microsoft discusses non-gamers hopping onto Xbox Live to sell shirts or skateboards they've created for the latest "Tony Hawk" game, take it with a grain of salt.

Better yet, grab a big shaker and begin pouring liberally. "

The problem with E3 is there is such a demand for the latest and greatest products that most of the time the products aren't even ready, especially for PS3 but also for Xbox 360. When each was unveiled, neither had the final prototype of their consoles ready, so more then it's very likely the systems that were running were in fact development systems with the same or near the capability of the future consoles.

As history shows, both Sony and MS are guilty of hyping future technology. This stems less from a desire to fool the public and more so from a desire to compete with whats out there. The period of time before the launch of a console is usually filled with information about the system's capabilities and not necessarily about what applications the console will ultimately serve. When a new console is unveiled, a few years is required before the developement platform is mature.

¶ D.Vader // 5/26/2005 01:40:00 PM // PermaLink //

High Definition DVD format war: Toshiba "let the market sort it out"

DVD format war: Toshiba says let the market sort it out

"DVD format war: Toshiba says let the market sort it out

There’s some interesting doublespeak going on in the latest news on the still-raging DVD format war. Last we heard, Matsushita (Camp Blu-ray) was quoted as saying Toshiba (Camp HD-DVD) had better give it up if there was to be any hope of a “unified” standard. Seems that Toshiba also has a curious vision of what a “unified” standard is — President Tadashi Okamura says he sees merchandise from both HD-DVD and Blu-ray going to market and co-existing for a time, although “the market would not allow that situation to last very long.” Right, so… wading past the verbal acrobatics for a moment we can see that the idea of both camps of what “unified” means is that one or other of the sides has to go — no wonder they haven’t reached any sort of agreement. Sony and Matsushita are showing no signs of backing down, and Toshiba is talking about waiting for a market solution. They’ve got HD-DVD product slated to ship by end of this year, with Sony set to throw down the PS3 and attendant Blu-ray drive in spring 2006 — short of a miracle, we’re not feelin’ a compromise gonna happen here, folks."

Oh brother, VHS and BETA all over again!

¶ D.Vader // 5/26/2005 12:04:00 PM // PermaLink //

Has Microsoft's lost focus?

Apple Matters

"Longhorn has been denuded, delayed and derided, MSN search is a pitiful attempt to capture a small wedge of the search market, the iPod and iTunes still reign supreme in the online music arena, Intel bigwigs are saying odd things and the public regards the company as a whole with disdain usually reserved for cable providers (a necessary evil to be tolerated). All this adds up to a tense Redmond campus where corporate Officers deviate from their presentations to take worthless swipes at the competition and employees post less than enthusiastic blogs about working at Microsoft.

The negative feelings about Microsoft and within Microsoft have many people thinking that this is the moment in time where the giant will finally crumble. Apple will own the media market, Google will become synonymous with the internet, Linux will power all servers and the Xbox 360 will be stillborn in anticipation of the more powerful PS3. Microsoft will be left collecting scraps, eking out a few billion here and there, still profitable, but no longer the ultra powerful corporate monolith it once was.

...

Taking the operating system arena first we’ll note that the only two semi viable challengers are Linux and OS X. Linux, one supposes, will rule the computing world when the average citizen in India and China are computer owners but that day is still in the future. For first world residents paying the “Microsoft tax” is not considered a burden. You get to keep your old software, the interface retains some familiarity with each new upgrade and your peripherals just keep chugging along. Switching from Windows to Linux, for most people, seems ridiculously wasteful (what about all that software they pirat…errr purchased) and hopelessly difficult. Making the move to the Mac is less difficult technically but more costly in terms of hardware and software. And, truth be told, even if people started switching en masse to the Macintosh Apple wouldn’t be able to make enough computers to make a serious dent in the Windows for quite some time.

The same factors hold true with digital media delivery. Right now the iPod and iTunes hold the top spot. It is easy to see why: the two integrate seamlessly, the DRM is nearly translucent and the whole package offers consumer’s a great deal of convenience. Add to those advantages the cachet that the iPod is simply cool and you’ve got a hard to beat combination. Still when Longhorn rolls out (at this rate it will be right around the time the iPod’s cool has worn off) and Microsoft makes other players easier and more convenient to use than the iPod and iTunes one might expect the market to begin slowly shifting. iPod sales will likely always represent a significant chunk of the .mp3 player market but others will start getting a bigger slice of the pie.

Which leaves us with console gaming. Here it is easy to think that Microsoft has lost the war. The PS3 seems more impressive than the Xbox 360 so one would expect Microsoft to get soundly thumped in this arena. That will probably be the case for this generation of consoles but expecting Microsoft to lose the consoles wars long term is wishful thinking by the Microsoft haters out there. Consider how incredibly fast console makers can rise and fade, Atari once ruled that particular domain but they fell swiftly when Nintendo offered a superior product. Nintendo battled Sega for quite some time and then both were suddenly trumped by Sony. Clearly, in the console market, all it takes is one system and a few exclusive must have games for a console maker to dethrone the current king of the hill. Microsoft is still honing their game (so to speak) in this area and one supposes that it will be only a matter of persistence until they rule this market (however briefly). "

This is a scathing article by Chris Seibold about MessySoft. I can't say that I agree 100% with him, but the author brings up many good points. I have thought for quite a while that MS seems to be stretching it'self a bit thin. As stated in the full article, MS will not just whither up and die, but I do believe their best days are behind them.

¶ D.Vader // 5/26/2005 11:33:00 AM // PermaLink //

Nintendo Revolution Controller Tid Bit

Image Source: gamerlounge.com

Nintendo Revolution Controller: Universal Configuration

"Nintendo Revolution Controller: Universal Configuration

At E3 2005, Nintendo's executive of vice president of sales and marketing, Reginald Fils-Aime, offered a hint.

'We announced the ability to download and play the best NES games, S-NES games, N64 games, in addition to Revolution games and GameCube games,' he said in an IGN/G4 interview. 'If you put those controllers all lined up together, they're all very different. So think about what kind of device is going to allow you to play all those different types of games. It's pretty interesting.'

Revolution's controller may enable gamers to configure their own layouts in order to best suit their different gameplay experiences. "

¶ D.Vader // 5/26/2005 10:05:00 AM // PermaLink //

E3 2005 Games Round-Up

Image Source: e3insider.com

The legendary E3 is over, but here is a round-up of all the information on games at this years E3. The next few months will be interesting to say the least.

Links:
IGN
GameSpot
Ugo
E3 Insider
1Up
CNN

¶ D.Vader // 5/26/2005 09:01:00 AM // PermaLink //

Wednesday, May 25, 2005

Gears of War to PC?

Gears of War to PC?

"Gears of War to PC?

Gears of WarA large number of people were wet with anticipation after seeing Gears of War at E3. Or perhaps it was just hot in there. Who can tell?

Regardless, Gears of Wars is shaping up to be one of the top titles for Xbox 360. All is not what it appears, however. When questioned, Microsoft’s J. Allard said that Gears of Wars is for Xbox 360 AND PC. Notice that doesn’t say NOT. It says AND."

You know when Sony puts out an exclusive on their machines it generally stays exclusive. If I can get most of the Xbox 360 titles for my PC, why do I need an Xbox 360?

¶ D.Vader // 5/25/2005 02:23:00 PM // PermaLink //

Midway to support PS3 at launch, but not Xbox 360

GamesIndustry.biz - Midway to support PS3 at launch, but not Xbox 360

"Time and installed base scupper X360 support; Zucker still bullish on full-year targets

David Zucker, CEO of resurgent publisher Midway Games, has revealed that the company's next-gen strategy includes releasing titles to support the launch of PlayStation 3, but not Microsoft's Xbox 360.

Speaking to TheStreet.com, Zucker said that Midway's intention for the moment is to balance current generation and next generation development - but that while 'we're certainly going to have games for the launch of the PS3, we don't have any games for the launch of the Xbox 360.'

Pressed on his reasoning, Zucker explained that it's a 'pretty small install base... To really maximise, to get the performance out of some of the games, it's going to take some time to do that. And we want to make sure we're launching high-quality titles.'"

¶ D.Vader // 5/25/2005 02:17:00 PM // PermaLink //

Security Issues on Xbox 360 Website

Phishing flaw catches Xbox 360 site

"Phishing flaw catches Xbox 360 site
Microsoft patches www.xbox360.com after phishing attack warning

Microsoft has patched a potentially dangerous flaw on its www.xbox360.com website after security experts warned the software giant of a cross-site scripting vulnerability which could be exploited by hackers to launch phishing attacks.

The vulnerability could be used by web criminals to gather personal and confidential information, such as email address, home address and credit card number, from innocent consumers wishing to pre-order Microsoft's forthcoming gaming console."

Let's just hope Xbox live is secure. Microsoft isn't known for secure software.

¶ D.Vader // 5/25/2005 09:13:00 AM // PermaLink //

Sony PlayStation 3 Pricing less than $400?

SUB $370 PRICE TAG SLAPPED ON PS3

"SUB $370 PRICE TAG SLAPPED ON PS3
Reports now suggest launch price of PS3 will be close to original launch price of PS2

10:34 During E3 last week it was reported that Japanese newspaper Mainichi Shimbum was claiming to have received word from Sony chiefs that PS3 would launch in Japan with a sub 50,000 yen (£255, $465) price tag.

Now Japanese website Impress PC Watch is revealing a new figure, stating that its business cohorts have been informed by Sony Computer Entertainment that PS3 will launch with a sub 40,000 yen (£203, $372) price tag.

It's getting cheaper every week.

Anyway, there's been no official announcement on the launch price of PS3 from Sony of course, but the latest suggested pricing figures to emerge have sparked speculation that the company is planning to echo PlayStation's and PS2's launch price tag - in Japan at least at 39,800 yen - for PS3.

Sony would presumably go down the same road with PS3 launch price tags in other territories. But it's all speculation at this stage."

¶ D.Vader // 5/25/2005 09:12:00 AM // PermaLink //

Xbox Water Cooling Technology Revealed (Humor)

Xbox 360 Water Cooler Technology

Features:

Unique Xbox 360 Cooler System
Stainless Steel Faucet
5 Gallon Tank
Geniune Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity*

*Promising Bill Gates does not eat babies!

¶ D.Vader // 5/25/2005 01:42:00 AM // PermaLink //

Tuesday, May 24, 2005

PS3: The Entertainment Computer - More Cell Details Revealed

Image Source: playstation.com

PlayStation 3: PS3: The Entertainment Computer

"PS3 is, according to Kutaragi, a 'computer for the purpose of entertainment.' Kutaragi reveals that he's managed Sony Computer Entertainment under the idea of bringing computing power to entertainment. Brushing off the notion of the 'Media Center PC,' Kutaragi states, 'The PS3 is a computer made in order to realize entertainment. Entertainment is not just games, but has many different elements, and the PS3 offers functionality for all of these.'

This means, says Kutaragi, that 'The PS3 is not an architecture that is biased towards games.' And for the little ones out there, 'It's not a computer for kids.'

Kutaragi offers some added insights into the system (beyond semantics) in the PC Watch interview. At first making mention of the Cell project with Toshiba and IBM, he's quick to turn focus to NVIDIA and the new RSX graphics processor (GPU) that will be powering the graphics side of the PS3. 'We created a road map for the future with Jensen (Jensen Huang, NVIDIA's CEO),' explains Kutaragi, 'and the RSX is the entrance to that road map. The uninformed believe that that this is an adaptation of a personal computer GPU, but in actuality, the architectures are completely different.'

Some differences from a standard computer architecture are mentioned by Kutaragi in the interview. Both Cell and the RSX have access to both main memory (256 megabytes) and video memory (256 megabytes), allowing Cell to use video memory as main memory and RSX to use main memory as video memory. This means, according to Kutaragi, that there'll be no need for wasteful copying of data between the Cell and RSX. Getting specific, Kutaragi offers, 'The RSX can directly refer to the results of simulations made by the Cell, with Cell being able to directly refer to the shape of objects that RSX has shaded.'

The Cell is also touched upon in the interview. Remember all that stuff about the new processor being used to turn your house into a matrix of Cell-based products? According to Kutaragi, that plan is still in place.

"Next Spring," reveals Kutaragi, "Cell will enter your home in the form of the PS3. Within it are seven SPE ("processing units" that form the basis of the Cell design), but users will likely view it as nothing more than a single piece of hardware. But the PS3 has gigabit Ethernet from the start, and with one Gbps (gigabit per second), if you increase the number of Cells in your house, the Cells can instantly connect." Within the home, Kutaragi mentions the possibility of other Cells appearing in the form of home servers or other PS3 units. He also suggests a more distant form of connection, stating "At the 100Mbps (megabit per second) level, [the Cell chips] can also connect through the internet.""

Kutaragi: PlayStation 3 "is not a game machine"

"'The PS3 is the product we have been aiming for since the establishment of SCEI,' said Kutaragi. 'We haven't been creating our [past] PlayStations for the sake of games. Our belief, and the motivation behind running our company, has been to [explore ways of] applying the power of computers to entertainment and enjoyment. We equipped the original PlayStation with a 3D graphics chip, and we equipped the PS2 with the Emotion engine. The PS3 isn't designed to lean towards games. It's not a computer for children. In the sense that our goal has been [to create] a computer that's meant for entertainment, you could say that the original PlayStation and PlayStation 2 had existed as steps towards the PlayStation 3.'

'With the original PlayStation, our intentions were to bring SGI-quality graphics into households. With the PS3, our intentions have been to create a machine with supercomputer calculation capabilities for home entertainment. That's why we teamed up with IBM, which is known for its supercomputers, and codeveloped the Cell together with them and Toshiba,' said Kutaragi.

'PCs that are currently available have been created as work tools. They've begun selling computers with media playback capabilities, such as the Media Center PC, but those just imitate the functions of home electronics. It's not like those machines have been created solely for entertainment. On the other hand, the PS3 has been created [specifically] as a computer for entertainment. Entertainment refers to a lot of things, and not just to games. The PS3 will be able to provide powerful functions for all of the [imaginable] forms of entertainment,' commented Kutaragi.

When asked about the difference in concept between Microsoft's Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3, Kutaragi commented, 'I can understand the [Xbox 360's] approach of adopting multiple, all-purpose processors. However, that will just raise integer calculation "

The Cell Processor Explained, Part 4: Cell V's the PC
The Cray Factor

"The 'Cray factor' is something to which Intel, AMD, Nvidia and ATI may have no answer to.

What is apparent from the patent is the approach the designers have taken in developing the Cell architecture. There are many compromises that can be taken when designing a system like this, in almost every case the designers have not compromised and gone for performance, even if the job of the programmers has been made considerably more difficult.

The Cell design is very different from modern microprocessors, seemingly irremovable parts have been changed radically or removed altogether. The rule of computing, fundamental to modern computing - abstraction - is abandoned altogether, no JITs here, you get direct access to the hardware. This is a highly aggressive design strategy, much more aggressive than you'll find in any other system, even in it's heyday the Alpha processor's design was nowhere near this aggressive. In their quest for pure, unadulterated, raw performance the designers have devised a processor which can only be compared to something designed by Seymour Cray [Cray]."

The last quoted article is actually from a complete writeup on the Cell Architechture. Since the software will have direct access to hardware aliviates many bottleknecks. Both CPU & GPU will be able to directly access all memory (graphics and system). The more I read about the Cell processor, the Xbox 360 seems to me to be more of a PowerMac in a slim fancy box. Sony, Toshiba and IBM have made many innovations that open a new horizon of possibilities

Links:
Cell Architecture Explained
Introducing the IBM/Sony/Toshiba Cell Processor — Part I: the SIMD processing units
Introducing the IBM/Sony/Toshiba Cell Processor -- Part II: The Cell Architecture

¶ D.Vader // 5/24/2005 10:50:00 PM // PermaLink //

Unreal Tournament 2007 PS3 | Info & Video

Image Source: hardwareoc.hu

Unreal just turned 7 (May 22nd), but the franchise is not showing any age! Unreal Tournament 2007, the latest Unreal game in the franchise is currently being development by Epic Games Inc. Utilizing Epic's Unreal Engine 3, no doubt that frag fans and noobs alike will be astounded by the intensly detailed graphics, fluid gameplay and customization. Unreal Tournament 2007 is scheduled to be released in 2006.

Features Include:

45 playable characters
40 new and diverse levels
18 vehicles
14 hand-held weapons

¶ D.Vader // 5/24/2005 03:55:00 PM // PermaLink //

Autodesk's Media and Entertainment division to support PS3

GameDAILY: Free video games, cheats, game downloads, video game news and reviews

"Middleware company supporting SCEI's latest

Autodesk announced today their intention to create and support middleware for the PS3. Autodesk's Media and Entertainment division has supported all of Sony's previous platforms (including the PSP) with their 3ds Max professional 3D animation software. Now, the company plans on helping 3ds Max title developers who rely on Collada and simplify the development process for next generation games.

'With a long-term business relationship with SCEI, Autodesk is committed to its on-going support that will directly benefit our 3ds Max customers as they create new, imaginative film-like game titles for PlayStation 3 platform,' said Marc Petit, vice president of product development and operations, Autodesk Media and Entertainment. 'We are delivering the innovative tools and game pipeline solutions needed to help our customers realize their ideas and harness the amazing power of PlayStation 3.'

'We are excited to support SCEI and the game developers who create game titles -- as they innovate for the future of 3D entertainment,' added Petit."

¶ D.Vader // 5/24/2005 02:58:00 PM // PermaLink //

Hideo Kojima to Direct Metal Gear Solid 4 PS3

Metal Gear Solid 4 E3 2005 Preshow Announcement - Metal Gear Solid 4 Previews for PlayStation 3 at GameSpot

Image Source: gamespot.com

"Our prayers have been answered. Metal Gear Solid 4 is on the way. Well, OK, we already knew about it. But seeing 'MGS4' and 'PS3' in giant letters up on a big screen is another matter entirely. The game is being created by Kojima Productions, the new development studio formerly known as Konami Computer Entertainment Japan, and it's being headed up by legendary designer Hideo Kojima himself. And, yeah, he happens to be directing the game, despite rumors to the contrary."

The E3 demo didn't really elaborate, but it seems that Snake's sneaking and hiding days are over.

Related Links:
E3 MGS4 Demo Video

¶ D.Vader // 5/24/2005 02:33:00 PM // PermaLink //

Coming this Fall: Xbox 260 Give Away an Every 10 Minutes!

Mountain Dew and Microsoft to Give Away an Xbox 360 System Every 10 Minutes This Fall

"Mountain Dew and Microsoft to Give Away an Xbox 360 System Every 10 Minutes This Fall

Promotion to win it before you can buy it kicks off Aug. 28.

Today at Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2005, Microsoft Corp. and Pepsi-Cola North America announced a U.S. promotion to put the Xbox 360 (TM) next-generation video game and entertainment system from Microsoft into the hands of thousands of lucky people before the console hits store shelves. Beginning Aug. 28, Mountain Dew, Pepsi's intense citrus soft drink, and Xbox® will select a winner of an Xbox 360 console every 10 minutes, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for nine weeks straight in the 'Every 10 Minutes' promotion.

To play, consumers will collect codes found under the caps of Mountain Dew and other participating Pepsi products, and enter codes in a personal online account at http://www.every10minutes.com. Participants will be able to choose which 10-minute drawing to enter, and can spread codes across different drawings or stockpile codes and put them all toward one drawing. In addition, codes entered will automatically earn the participants points toward obtaining collectible merchandise and gear."

You see Microsoft has to give the Xbox 360 away! :)

¶ D.Vader // 5/24/2005 11:44:00 AM // PermaLink //

Xbox 360 vs. PlayStation 3 - Round 2

PlayStation 3 vs. Xbox 360: Tech Head-to-Head : GameSpot Hardware

"Everyone was expecting Sony to deliver a technological powerhouse with its PlayStation 3 debut here at E3 and Sony sure didn't disappoint. The PlayStation 3 combines the power of the Cell processor and the Nvidia-based RSX graphics processor to create what Sony Computer Entertainment's Ken Kutaragi calls a 'supercomputer for computer entertainment.'"

¶ D.Vader // 5/24/2005 11:39:00 AM // PermaLink //

Revolution to support Individual Developers?

Nintendo's Compact Console Will Turn the World of Gaming on Its Side

"Freedom of design: A dynamic development architecture equally accommodates both big-budget, high-profile game “masterpieces” as well as indie games conceived by individual developers equipped with only a big idea. "

Nintendo's press release, quoted here implies that the system will run do-it-yourself code. This could open some interesting possiblilities on Nintendo's front. Up until now for the most part you could only run 'signed code' with the blessing of the console manufacturer.

¶ D.Vader // 5/24/2005 11:30:00 AM // PermaLink //

Nintendo Revolution prototype less then stellar!

Nintendo Revolution prototype has no working disc-loading mechanism - Gaming - gaming.engadget.com.

"Nintendo Revolution prototype has no working disc-loading mechanism

Joystiq and Engadget got our grubby fingers on the Nintendo Revolution box (yes, the one behind the locked door in the secret room guarded by a beefy muscleman). We picked it up, we played with the buttons, we poked, we prodded, and we slipped a CD into it. Oops! We weren’t supposed to do that. Guess what happened?

The CD just fell into the box. No mechanism grabbed the edge of the CD and pulled it in slowly, even though the box was plugged in. The CD just slid in cleanly and quickly except for brief resistance at the entrance. There wasn’t any scraping or messy sound to it, so the CD didn’t collide with any internal mechanism that one might expect it to collide with were such mechanisms present. To get the CD out, we just tipped the box over and it slid right back out. Really, it was as if the CD had been dropped into a small, rectangular box with smooth sides.

All that glowing slot does is just glow."

¶ D.Vader // 5/24/2005 11:25:00 AM // PermaLink //

Xbox 360 vs. PlayStation 3 - Round 1

Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows: Xbox 360 vs. PlayStation 3: A Technical Comparison

Image Source: winsupersite.com

"Xbox 360 vs. PlayStation 3: A Technical Comparison

It's the battle of the ages, played out with a new generation of hardware that, for the first time, appears to leave even high-end gaming PCs in the dust. Opinions about Microsoft Xbox 360 and Sony PlayStation 3 vary, but it's pretty clear that both devices are going to kick ass. Looking over the specifications, and listening to representatives of both companies, however, I've come away with a few general thoughts.

From a pure processing standpoint, the PS3 appears to beat the Xbox 360, but a final determination will have to wait on actual hardware tests. The PS3 has a few other advantages as well. It's completely compatible with the millions of existing PlayStation (PS1) and PlayStation 2 (PS2) titles, which is a huge plus. And its video display capabilities far outstrip those of the Xbox 360, with support for true 1080p displays. Dual 1080p displays. My goodness.

Xbox 360, however, drops the bomb on the PS3 in a few categories as well. It's HD Media Center Extender experience will blow away anything Sony can dredge up for digital media, and will support live and recorded HDTV over your home network. Its device connectivity--including direct support for Apple iPod and Sony PSP devices--is top notch. And the hugely compelling Xbox Live service gets even better with Xbox 360. Sony has nothing like it.

Win, lose, or draw, this is an interesting battle to watch. As we find out more, I'll update this table to reflect the most recent information."

We still have yet to see Sony's hand when it comes to the PS3 software and media interface. I am not certain that DVR capabilities are off the table for PS3. The PS2 had an older brother called the PSX which offered many of the capabilities the Xbox 360 is offering. It wasn't a very big seller mainly because most consumers that want to do DVR will just go out and buy a TiVo or update their cable or satellite to include DVR. I know personally I think having a separate DVR provides advantages. For one, how much processing power would be sacrificed so you can record programs in the background? Another consideration is what format would these media files be in? Would there be any copy protection between consoles? Will the RIAA be snooping on my Next-Gen console just to make sure I was not violating copyrights?

I am sure there is more to come on this.

¶ D.Vader // 5/24/2005 11:02:00 AM // PermaLink //

Microsoft planning X05 showcase event

GamesIndustry.biz - Microsoft planning X05 showcase event - Moore

Image Source: gamesindustry.biz

"European showcase event series resurrected for the launch of Xbox 360

Speaking to GamesIndustry.biz, Xbox VP Peter Moore has confirmed that Microsoft is planning to run a European showcase event once again this year, where it will present its Xbox and Xbox 360 line-up.

The X events were the key events in the calendar for Xbox right from before the launch of the original console, when X01 in the French Riviera city of Cannes gave European media an early glimpse of the system prior to its March 2002 launch in Europe"

Related Links:
News - Microsoft planning X05 event // Xbox 360 /// Eurogamer

¶ D.Vader // 5/24/2005 10:05:00 AM // PermaLink //

Killzone Trailer Represents Realtime Performance!

PlayStation.com: News

Image Source: uk.playstation.com

"Guerrilla's stunning PLAYSTATION 3 trailer, showing the future of the Killzone series, is the talk of the town here in LA (as well as the Internet at large). We did some digging...

Jan-Bart Van Beek is the Game Director of the PS3 Killzone at Guerrilla Games, and has spent the last few months working on the trailer that really blew the crowd away at Monday's PLAYSTATION 3 unveiling. After a second showing of the trailer at today's SCEE conference received another rapturous round of applause, we caught up with Jan to find out more.

How do you feel about the reaction to the trailer that was shown yesterday?

Jan-Bart: It's been an amazing reception, the rush you get from seeing your own stuff on the big screen like that, and then the reaction to it, it's a big rush, I'm really happy about it.

How long ago did work start on the sequence?

Jan-Bart: We started working on it in late November, and only finished it three days before the show, at the very, very last moment!

...

There's a great moment where you see an ISA ally take out a Helghan with his rifle butt to save your bacon... is that representative of the kind of sophisticated behaviour we'll start seeing in artificial intelligence when PS3 arrives?

Jan-Bart: Yes, totally, it's just the start. Characters will be very aware, very alert to how they might be able to help you. That moment [with the rifle butt] is a good example of how it can add a little visual 'wow' to it all.

Is the Killzone sequence a fair example of what people can expect from realtime gameplay on PLAYSTATION 3?

Jan-Bart: Yeah, it's basically a representation of the look and feel of the game we're trying to make.

Have you found PS3 easy to work with?

JB: Yes, we're really impressed with it. The Cell is amazingly powerful, and the graphics CPU [the RSX, co-developed with Nvidia] in there... it's actually hard to mimic it on our development PCs, we have to see it on the PS3 hardware itself. It's really nice to be working with such powerful hardware."

It seems that everyone behind the scenes is in agreement the KillZone footage represents realtime performance for the PS3.

Related Links:
IGN Video For Killzone

¶ D.Vader // 5/24/2005 09:55:00 AM // PermaLink //

Epic Games Offers Unreal Deal For PS3 Dev Package

| News: Epic Offers Unreal Deal For PS3

Image Source: unrealtechology.com

"Unreal Engine 3 set to form part of the Middleware and development package for PS3...

Epic has announced that its cutting edge toolset Unreal Engine 3 is to be offered as part of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.’s development package for PlayStation3. The deal means that the engine, which is currently being used to develop Gears of War on Xbox 360, is set to feature in the development of games for two of the three next-generation consoles as well as next-gen PCs."

Image Source: unrealtechology.com

Related Links:
Epic Games
Unreal Technology

¶ D.Vader // 5/24/2005 09:05:00 AM // PermaLink //

Monday, May 23, 2005

Presenting the PS3 Grill! (Humor)

PS3 Grill!

Image Source: ps3grill.com

"PS3Grill truly is the grill to be placed in the center of living rooms in homes around the world,"

"The PS3Grills BBQ chip, the RBSX "Real BBQ Synthesizer" based on Nvidia technology revolutionises the way taste is created."

-Ken Kutaragi

Now I am quite certain the PlayStation 3 will cook, but this isn't what I had in mind.

¶ D.Vader // 5/23/2005 11:34:00 PM // PermaLink //

Does Xbox 360 Miss The Mark???

Image Source: eurogamer.net

Xbox 360 Shoots Behind the Duck

"Aside from the silly fluff surrounding the MTV 'special,' which was a big ad featuring more ads and the E3 launch, the Xbox 360 appears to be a formidable piece of hardware. And the industrial design, while different from the usual black or brushed metal gear in most home theater racks, is sleek and attractive. But I can't help feeling that Microsoft missed some big opportunities. It starts with minor things, like the lack of DVI or HDMI outputs that support HDCP content protection. And since Microsoft is launching a year ahead of Sony, they won't be adopting any type of high definition DVD technology, due to the dueling standards that currently exist. Then there's Holmdahl's statement about locking down the Xbox 360 even more, to keep the modders out.

Now, Microsoft can get around all these objections. In Jason's interview, Todd Holmdahl noted that the Xbox 360 was designed so that upgraded versions could be easily created. Of course, this has the potential of creating a certain amount of ill-will among early buyers, unless some type of easy upgrade program is implemented."

As you can see there are many benefits to a Spring 2006 launch. This way the console can be completely HD compatable for whatever standard gets ratified. If the initial version of the Xbox 360 is not upgradeable, you may find yourself with a door-stop sooner then you think.

gamesradar.com: PS2, Xbox, NGC, PC video games news, reviews, previews, cheats and more - Xbox 360 may not play all Xbox games

"While Microsoft has said that Xbox 360 will be capable of playing 'top' titles for the original Xbox, the next-gen machine may not be fully backwards compatible, it has emerged.

'At launch, Xbox 360 will be backwards compatible with the top Xbox games,' wrote Xbox Live boss Larry Hryb on his blog recently.

However, Hryb doesn't go as far as to say that all Xbox games will work on Xbox 360, saying only that this is Microsoft's 'goal'. "

All I have to say is every PS 1 game I have tried in my PS2 works fine.

¶ D.Vader // 5/23/2005 10:29:00 PM // PermaLink //

Ninja Gaiden 2 headed to PlayStation 3? (RUMOR)

Pro-G - Prodigious Gaming: Ninja Gaiden 2 is headed to PlayStation 3?

Image Source: tecmogames.com

"Team Ninja won't say what platform the sequel to one of the Xbox's greatest games will appear on. This has sparked off rumours about the next Ninja Gaiden appearing on the PlayStation 3 or even the Nintendo Revolution. Given that no announcement has been made, we'd still assume that the game will be made for the Xbox 360, the same platform that Dead or Alive 4 and Dead or Alive XBV 2 are being developed for. However, according to IGN, Team Ninja spoke with them last year and revealed that they wanted to work on games for both Sony and Nintendo platforms."

¶ D.Vader // 5/23/2005 05:03:00 PM // PermaLink //

Nintendo Revolution: Stay Tuned

: More Nintendo Revolution Details Before Year End : IGNIQ

"Details on the Nintendo Revolution's 'very unique' controllers, launch date, pricing and how games will be played on it will be revealed by the end of the year, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata has told Reuters.

Iwata also reiterated Nintendo's focus on making gaming more accessible to non-gamers with the Revolution:"

GameDAILY: Free video games, cheats, game downloads, video game news and reviews

"It may not be televised, but the Rev is coming...

According to a story by Reuters, Nintendo is planning on revealing the launch date, price and controller design for their next-generation game console by the end of 2005. Nintendo did not confirm when or where the details will be revealed. It is rumored that the information will be shown at 'Spaceworld' later this Summer, an event last held by Nintendo in 2001.

'We plan to give details on when we will launch it, what the price will be, what the controller will look like and how games can be played on it by the end of the year,' commented Nintendo President Satoru Iwata to Reuters at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3)."

¶ D.Vader // 5/23/2005 04:25:00 PM // PermaLink //

Xbox 360 User Interface in Action

BetaNews | Video: Xbox 360 Interface in Action

Image Source: betanews.com

"With the Xbox 360, Microsoft has shifted its focus to the community aspects of gaming. The new console will center around Xbox Live, enabling users to create profiles, locate fellow gamers and communicate in various different ways. The following two videos highlight the interface Microsoft has developed to accomplish these tasks.

Xbox 360 will use a Gamercard as identification throughout the Xbox Live world. Users can view basic information on a fellow gamer, such as avatar, reputation and type of player via the card, or drill down into a detailed Gamer Profile. The profile also contains the gamer's status -- online or off -- and what game her or she is playing.

The Gamerscore listed in the Gamercard gives a sense of how good a player is. Each game gives out 1000 points through achievements, and each game can contain 5 to 50 achievements.

From a profile, users can invite that player to join a game, and optionally attach a video or text message. Messaging goes beyond just game invitations, however, with the Xbox 360 Message Center. Xbox Live users can receive messages from friends, Microsoft itself, and even game publishers - if they opt in.

Messages can include game and friend invites, text and video messages, and video chat invites. Friends are listed alongside the Message Center, and the system displays what each user is currently doing - from playing a game to watching a movie.

Microsoft envisions the new Xbox Live as an always-on service, and every single experience on the Xbox 360 is hooked into the network when logged in.

Additionally, Microsoft will now keep track of the last several hundred people each gamer has played with. The idea is to enable users to more easily find players with similar interests, even if the game has ended. "

There is a video and screenshots in the original story.

¶ D.Vader // 5/23/2005 03:52:00 PM // PermaLink //

E3 Opinion: Xbox 360 is outgunned & outclassed by PS3

GamesIndustry.biz - E3 Opinion: Xbox 360 is outgunned and outclassed by Sony's PS3
E3 Opinion by: Rob Fahey

"Looking at the content of the two conferences today in Los Angeles - and the MTV special last week, in the case of Xbox 360 - 'outclassed' is a word that comes to mind a lot. The bar which was set by Microsoft last week has not only been met, it has been vaulted over. PlayStation 3 is more powerful, more fully featured, more innovative and better supported than Xbox 360. When the Sony conference kicked off, we expected to see something 'a bit better' than Xbox, technologically. We didn't expect to have our most fundamental beliefs about what next-generation games will be capable of changed. That, however, is exactly what happened

I don't want to beat on Microsoft too hard, because ultimately there are still quite a few Xbox 360 games I'm looking forward to; but it's hard not to feel that suddenly, Microsoft's hip lingo and celebrity endorsements seem to ring very hollow. Where Microsoft gave us Elijah Wood babbling through a half hour marketing-led special on MTV, Sony had us watching Phil Harrison show off jaw-dropping interactive tech demos on stage. Harrison is about as far from being a hobbit as you can get - I'm not kidding, the man's a giant - and Ken Kutaragi is unlikely to ever have as many screaming fans as The Killers, but Sony seemed to feel that its new console spoke for itself. It didn't need celebrity endorsements, or senior executives trying to be "down with the kids" - thank god.

...

Outclassed? Undoubtedly. Sony's hardware, its software, and even its simple display of confidence in its own product have completely outclassed Microsoft today - but while there can be little doubt about the outcome of this particular battle, it'd be a foolish man who assumed that the war was over yet. What Sony has done unto Microsoft today, Microsoft did unto Sony not so many years ago - and software giant is unlikely to take a defeat at E3 lying down. This tug of war has a long way to go yet."

¶ D.Vader // 5/23/2005 01:43:00 PM // PermaLink //

E3 2005 Wrap-Up from Engadget & Joystiq!

The week in Engadget: E3, E3, E3! - Engadget - www.engadget.com.

Image Source: engadget.com

"The big, big thing this week: E3. Engadget teamed up with our brohams from Joystiq for coverage of all the major console launch events, as well as live reports from the convention floor."

Tons of news and content regaurding this year's E3.

¶ D.Vader // 5/23/2005 11:51:00 AM // PermaLink //

Sunday, May 22, 2005

Phantom does not materialize at E3 2005

Phantom nowhere to be found at 2005 E3, existence at risk - May. 19, 2005

Image source: phantom.net

"LOS ANGELES (CNN/Money) - Last year's E3 was the Phantom's coming out party.

Infinium Labs, the company behind the on-demand video game service, spent millions of dollars for an elaborate booth meant to quiet growing speculation at the time that the service -- and the system that powered it -- were non-existent.

To an extent, the gamble worked. While gamers still had doubts about the company after the show, seeing a working prototype and a smartly designed keyboard and mouse unit bought the company some breathing room.

But this year, the Phantom is nowhere to be found at the Electronic Entertainment Expo, the gaming industry's top deal-making and media event."

¶ D.Vader // 5/22/2005 08:10:00 PM // PermaLink //

CNet Sunday Smackdown: Vote / Poll PS3 vs. Xbox 360

Sunday smackdown: Sony PS3 vs. Xbox 360 - CNET reviews

"SUNDAY SMACKDOWN: Sony PS3 vs. Xbox 360

Microsoft unveiled its Xbox 360 in a flashy MTV special, Sony unveiled its PS3, then Nintendo announced its Revolution. The PS3 and 360 go beyond gaming. Which will you choose to get your frag on?"

At the time of publishing, the results are as follows...

PS3: 56.9% Xbox 360: 43.1%

Click Here to Vote

¶ D.Vader // 5/22/2005 07:43:00 PM // PermaLink //

Factor 5 Drops Xbox 360 in Favor of PS3

Factor 5 Drops Xbox 360 Support in Favor of PS3 - Xbox
Source: teamxbox.com

"According to a story on C|Net, Julian Eggebrecht, president of Factor 5, has confirmed that the company will no longer support the Xbox 360 and instead it will create games exclusively for the PlayStation 3.

...

This announcement comes as a bit of a surprise because Factor 5 was one of the early supporters of the XNA development tools, as this page shows."

In console smackdown, games are next punch | CNET News.com

Source: cnet.com

"In the wake of the consoles' unveiling, some developers are already leaning toward one platform.

'I was shocked by how powerful the new consoles are,' said Julian Eggebrecht, president of the San Rafael, Calif.-based game development company Factor 5. 'They should really free our development.'

Eggebrecht said his company--which developed 'Star Wars: Rogue Squadron' for Nintendo's GameCube--would create games exclusively for Sony's upcoming PlayStation 3.

The choice boiled down to performance, Eggebrecht said at E3 in Los Angeles. His company has worked with Microsoft's Xbox 360, but found PlayStation 3's 3.2GHz Cell chip offered more processing power. The additional performance allows the gang at Factor 5 to more easily simulate the real world for a better game experience, he said."