So another week, another war. Now I'm not talking about our Government's reaction to the world's troubles... I'm talking about the weekly 'Nichols v The World' battle.
And this week's evil foe is Telewest - oh, sorry... Virgin Media.
A couple of weeks ago there I was sat in my front room watching the news on the tv. I heard mention of Virgin Media losing most of its Sky channels (namely Sky News, Sky Sports News and Sky News) because the two giants could not agree on a fee for what is effectively the rental of the channels.
'Poor sods' who have Virgin Media I remember thinking. So you know what's coming right...?
The next day I went to see how Chelsea got on the night before and guess what... no Sky Sports News. Instead I had a message on my screen stating that Virgin Media was sorry for the lack of a channel and blamed the entire situation on Sky.
The war of giants had reached my home viewing pleasures in Mannamead. Now, that on-screen message infuriated me no end.
A). Why were Telewest customers not made aware of the fact that Virgin Media had bought the company out?
B). Why were Telewest, sorry Virgin Media customers not made aware of the threat of the loss of channels?
And c). Why did Virgin Media then not tell its customers they have a month-long period in which to cancel their subscription without charge (for your info that month ends on March 31)?
I tell you, the answer is MONEY.
Virgin Media is obviously fearful that it would/will lose customers if they were/are made aware of the pretty dire situation.
And I'm sorry if I'm being disloyal in any way at all, but I simply couldn't give a monkeys about Richard Branson and his Virgin empire.
My package of TV/phone and internet is handy and enjoyable but by no means essential.
My feelings were strengthened further when I tried (and I mean TRIED) to contact Virgin. From pillar to post is where I was passed on the phone system.
Eventually I got through and asked a series of questions: is it true there is a month long period where customers can leave the service without charge? (yes until March 31); can I keep me broadband connection and get rid of the other two? (yes, but I'll have to pay off the remainder of the monthly tolls for TV and phone for the rest of the 12-month contract); and why has Virgin NOT sent out a letter to its customers making this clear? (We haven't had time unfortunately).
Pfah.
Sky has cleverly began circulating fliers advertising Lost and other Sky shows which Virgin no longer has. It is also cheaper. Clever clever chaps. On these grounds I'm pitching my flag in the Sky field and cancelling my contract.
However while I'm happy for now with a better deal of what I want, I know that it won't be the end of the hassles involving these media giants.
I may have won this battle but there's still the war to come.
Anyhow, escape the madness and try your hand at these new titles:
Title: The Con
Platform: Sony PSP
RRP: £19.99
Hit count: 3/5
Review: Developed in Japan by Think And Feel Inc, The Con tells the story of a fighter indebted to an influential organiser of illegal street fights. Obviously, the game's objective is to make money through fighting, but all is not as it seems and not all fights are created equal.
In some clashes, the player will have to take their fare share of tactical losses as well as striving for pugilistic victory. This skewing of priorities is supported by a betting system that allows the player to gamble on either side winning each fight.
This opens up new avenues for generating cash via subterfuge and feint as well as guile and technique, where making money may be more important than winning with honour.
The Con's versatile fighting engine opens up tactical possibilities never seen before in a fighting game. Punches can be faked, guards can be deliberately lowered and dives to the floor can be initiated, making The Con the only game where losing a fight can benefit the player more than winning - provided it's done convincingly.
If the crowd don't buy your performance, you'll lose your winnings. Fights aren't strictly a one-on-one affair, either. Battles can involve up to three fighters on each side.
The Con also provides a remarkable amount of player customisation. The player's team of three characters can be moulded with an exemplary range of appearance-altering options.
Physique, clothing and accessories are all up for modification and the ability to import photographs allows for an infinite number of player faces - familiar, famous or otherwise.
Also part of The Con's complex package is the multiplayer mode, which takes a traditional route of providing one-on-one matches. Single-UMD game sharing is included, but players with two copies of The Con get the added benefit of being able to place unlocked items as a stake in their victory.
As part of the enhancements introduced for the UK release of The Con, players will find loading times have been shortened and tweaks have been made to the overall difficulty level.
Title: Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
Platform: Sony PS2
RRP: £19.99
Hit count: 5/5
Review: Vice City, 1984. Opportunity abounds in a city emerging from the swamps, its growth fueled by the violent power struggle in a lucrative drugs trade. Construction is everywhere as a shining metropolis rises from foundations of crime and betrayal.
As a soldier, Vic Vance has always protected his dysfunctional family, his country, himself.
One bad decision later and that job is about to get much harder. Kicked out onto the streets of a city torn between glamour and gluttony, Vic is faced with a stark choice - build an empire or be crushed. Top stuff.
Title: Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception
Platform: Sony PSP
RRP: £34.99
Hit count: 3/5
Review: Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception brings the intense combat action to your PSP, as you fight for control of the skies. The Federal Republic of Auerila is at war with it's neighbour, the Democratic Republic of Leasath.
Auerila was said to have exploited Leasath during a civil war. You are the leader of Gryphus Squadron, of the Aurelian Air Force - which means you don't care about the politics behind the war. You're a fighter pilot with a job to do, so get in the cockpit and get ready for action.
Friday, 16 March 2007
Tuesday, 6 March 2007
March 6
Ever found yourself humming along to a tune while going about every day life wondering where it came from?
Well, chances are you either heard it on the television or the radio. But with the fairly recent take up of quality music on videogames, there's now the very strong possibility that you might have heard it there.
Such is the gaming market nowadays, games publisher Electronic Arts has just announced its intention to release its videogame music on iTunes.
Game players and music lovers worldwide can visit www.ea.com/eatrax/ and jump directly to an iMix of the music from their favorite EA game on iTunes. From Madden NFL to Burnout to Need for Speed, every song that can be heard in the game can now be purchased on iTunes including exclusive mixes, non-album cuts and previously unavailable international tracks.
Now I know game publishers like Rockstar Games has already pumped out countless CDs of tunes from the likes of the Grand Theft Auto titles, but this is the first time I have heard that they have released the tracks onto iTunes.
My my how things have changed since the mind-numbingly annoying multi-pitch tones from the likes of Jet Set Willy.
EA will continue to add songs, scores, themes, beats and ringtones from EA game franchises past and present including NBA LIVE, FIFA Soccer, Command & Conquer, Medal of Honor, NASCAR, SSX, Battlefield and more.
The songs are live in North America today and will soon be available throughout Europe.
"As our culture goes increasingly mobile, music fans have demanded to take our game music with them," said Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive of Music and Marketing at EA.
"They have been looking for a singular destination that houses all of EA's music - and this is it.
"Our game soundtracks have now officially transcended their consoles.
"All songs, all mixes and all exclusives from all nations: if it's in the game, it's now available for fans to own.
"We consider this to be the next major step in evolving the music discovery experience." EA believes that since 2001 it has helped to define the sound of current and upcoming pop culture.
It also believes it has helped break emerging bands on a worldwide level and has brought established superstars to new international audiences.
Its track record speaks for itself. EA games have helped launch the careers of such artists as Good Charlotte, Jet, Franz Ferdinand, Scissor Sisters, Arctic Monkeys and Fabolous just to name a few.
Music to your ears if you've ever wondered what a certain track is on an EA game. To see the full song lists and buy the music from the soundtracks, visit www.ea.com/eatrax/.
Well, chances are you either heard it on the television or the radio. But with the fairly recent take up of quality music on videogames, there's now the very strong possibility that you might have heard it there.
Such is the gaming market nowadays, games publisher Electronic Arts has just announced its intention to release its videogame music on iTunes.
Game players and music lovers worldwide can visit www.ea.com/eatrax/ and jump directly to an iMix of the music from their favorite EA game on iTunes. From Madden NFL to Burnout to Need for Speed, every song that can be heard in the game can now be purchased on iTunes including exclusive mixes, non-album cuts and previously unavailable international tracks.
Now I know game publishers like Rockstar Games has already pumped out countless CDs of tunes from the likes of the Grand Theft Auto titles, but this is the first time I have heard that they have released the tracks onto iTunes.
My my how things have changed since the mind-numbingly annoying multi-pitch tones from the likes of Jet Set Willy.
EA will continue to add songs, scores, themes, beats and ringtones from EA game franchises past and present including NBA LIVE, FIFA Soccer, Command & Conquer, Medal of Honor, NASCAR, SSX, Battlefield and more.
The songs are live in North America today and will soon be available throughout Europe.
"As our culture goes increasingly mobile, music fans have demanded to take our game music with them," said Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive of Music and Marketing at EA.
"They have been looking for a singular destination that houses all of EA's music - and this is it.
"Our game soundtracks have now officially transcended their consoles.
"All songs, all mixes and all exclusives from all nations: if it's in the game, it's now available for fans to own.
"We consider this to be the next major step in evolving the music discovery experience." EA believes that since 2001 it has helped to define the sound of current and upcoming pop culture.
It also believes it has helped break emerging bands on a worldwide level and has brought established superstars to new international audiences.
Its track record speaks for itself. EA games have helped launch the careers of such artists as Good Charlotte, Jet, Franz Ferdinand, Scissor Sisters, Arctic Monkeys and Fabolous just to name a few.
Music to your ears if you've ever wondered what a certain track is on an EA game. To see the full song lists and buy the music from the soundtracks, visit www.ea.com/eatrax/.
Monday, 26 February 2007
February 26
For those of you who read this blog, you might have noticed my absence on the updating front in the last couple of weeks.
Now this is not through want of trying, laziness or indeed computer breakdown. I have been doing some research for my latest blog subject... in fact I like to call it unintentional research.
Yep, what started out as an easy way of making a few quid and clearing a space in the lounge, has transformed itself into my inspiration. Oh and a costly nightmare.
Just over three weeks ago I received the email from those nice people at Sony giving me the spec on the new PS3 console. At that point I realised I needed to act fast.
Within two hours my Sony PS2 was up on eBay. Complete with 41 games, two controllers, all the leads, instructions, some eye toy thing and a few other choice bits and pieces, I was confident it would sell for a few hundred quid.
So, the seven-day sale progressed and I watched the price slowly creep up and up and up.
Twinned with countless questions from potential buyers, my excitement was going through the roof.
And then it happened. I could almost hear the angels sing as the 'confirmation of the winning bidder' email dropped into my inbox.
"Not a bad price," I thought... it'll pay for a big chunk of my new shiny PS3 when it's launched.
I completed checkout on the internet auction house and emailed the invoice to the buyer.
And then I waited... And then I waited some more... and then a little longer just in case... And then sent a reminder invoice... and then waited just a little bit longer.
In exactly the same amount of time that it had taken for my excitement to build-up, it deflated over.
No contact and no money.
Anyway, this leads me onto part two. I re-listed, put a Buy It Now price on it and waited.
To my amazement after an hour it had sold - to a Nigerian who wanted it for her son.
Now anyone who knows anything about eBay will know about the Nigerian eBay scam where they set up phoney Paypal accounts ask you to send the item as a matter of urgency and then never pay you.
I was not a person that was going to be sucked in.
I went to re-list and discovered you could only do that once. I then had to re-type it all out.
Oh well I thought, picking up the pieces of my enthusiasm for selling things on the internet.
By the third attempt, Sony had officially announced the launch date of the PS3 and so interest in my third PS2 auction dwindled somewhat.
My enthusiasm for the whole process dwindled further when the item once again sold, and the buyer disappeared without a trace.
Fortunately I'm pretty resilient so I thought I'd give it one more shot. And it sold, and the winning bidder actually paid!
Though I wasn't quite prepared for the bill eBay sent me for selling the same item four times. (They take a chunk of your winnings as it were for the effort).
Anyhow, at the very least it gave me inspiration for this piece.
So readers be warned! EBay is great when it's good, but it sucks when time wasters and certain Nigerians have fun at your expense.
I think I'll start selling things at Stonehouse Creek car boot sale from now on.
Here are the latest releases reviewed (sorry post-Christmas is a very quiet period for game releases):
Title: The Warriors.
Platform: Sony PSP.
RRP: £29.99
Hit count: 4/5
New York, 1979. A battle on the streets. The armies of the night number 60,000 strong, and tonight they're all after The Warriors a street gang wrongly accused of killing a rival gang leader. The Warriors must make their way from one end of New York to their turf on the other side of the city. All that stands between The Warriors and their survival are 20 miles and thousands of street gang members. The army of gangs owns the streets and there's no turning back, they must fight for their lives and learn the meaning of loyalty as danger and uncertainty emerge from the city night.
Boasting varied gameplay and the ability to play as nine different Warriors with a huge range of visceral fighting styles and deadly combos, this game is great for beat-em up fans - but bad for the aching fingers (which is no great shake).
Title: The Sims 2: The Seasons.
Platform: PC DVD.
RRP: £19.99
Hit count: 1/5.
Head outdoors for year-round fun with your Sims! New seasonal activities await your Sims including snowball fights, chasing fireflies, jumping in leaf piles, and more. Strengthen family ties in Winter, let romance bloom in Spring, deepen the bonds of friendship in Summer, or fast-track your career in Fall. Your Sims can now explore new careers and master new talents throughout the year, but beware freezing, sunburn, sneezing, and other unexpected weather effects! Dress your Sims appropriately or face the consequences!
That's what the PR company say who are trying to market the product. What I would say is STOP REINVENTING THE SAME THING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The first one or two were fun okay, but how many more can we take?!
Now this is not through want of trying, laziness or indeed computer breakdown. I have been doing some research for my latest blog subject... in fact I like to call it unintentional research.
Yep, what started out as an easy way of making a few quid and clearing a space in the lounge, has transformed itself into my inspiration. Oh and a costly nightmare.
Just over three weeks ago I received the email from those nice people at Sony giving me the spec on the new PS3 console. At that point I realised I needed to act fast.
Within two hours my Sony PS2 was up on eBay. Complete with 41 games, two controllers, all the leads, instructions, some eye toy thing and a few other choice bits and pieces, I was confident it would sell for a few hundred quid.
So, the seven-day sale progressed and I watched the price slowly creep up and up and up.
Twinned with countless questions from potential buyers, my excitement was going through the roof.
And then it happened. I could almost hear the angels sing as the 'confirmation of the winning bidder' email dropped into my inbox.
"Not a bad price," I thought... it'll pay for a big chunk of my new shiny PS3 when it's launched.
I completed checkout on the internet auction house and emailed the invoice to the buyer.
And then I waited... And then I waited some more... and then a little longer just in case... And then sent a reminder invoice... and then waited just a little bit longer.
In exactly the same amount of time that it had taken for my excitement to build-up, it deflated over.
No contact and no money.
Anyway, this leads me onto part two. I re-listed, put a Buy It Now price on it and waited.
To my amazement after an hour it had sold - to a Nigerian who wanted it for her son.
Now anyone who knows anything about eBay will know about the Nigerian eBay scam where they set up phoney Paypal accounts ask you to send the item as a matter of urgency and then never pay you.
I was not a person that was going to be sucked in.
I went to re-list and discovered you could only do that once. I then had to re-type it all out.
Oh well I thought, picking up the pieces of my enthusiasm for selling things on the internet.
By the third attempt, Sony had officially announced the launch date of the PS3 and so interest in my third PS2 auction dwindled somewhat.
My enthusiasm for the whole process dwindled further when the item once again sold, and the buyer disappeared without a trace.
Fortunately I'm pretty resilient so I thought I'd give it one more shot. And it sold, and the winning bidder actually paid!
Though I wasn't quite prepared for the bill eBay sent me for selling the same item four times. (They take a chunk of your winnings as it were for the effort).
Anyhow, at the very least it gave me inspiration for this piece.
So readers be warned! EBay is great when it's good, but it sucks when time wasters and certain Nigerians have fun at your expense.
I think I'll start selling things at Stonehouse Creek car boot sale from now on.
Here are the latest releases reviewed (sorry post-Christmas is a very quiet period for game releases):
Title: The Warriors.
Platform: Sony PSP.
RRP: £29.99
Hit count: 4/5
New York, 1979. A battle on the streets. The armies of the night number 60,000 strong, and tonight they're all after The Warriors a street gang wrongly accused of killing a rival gang leader. The Warriors must make their way from one end of New York to their turf on the other side of the city. All that stands between The Warriors and their survival are 20 miles and thousands of street gang members. The army of gangs owns the streets and there's no turning back, they must fight for their lives and learn the meaning of loyalty as danger and uncertainty emerge from the city night.
Boasting varied gameplay and the ability to play as nine different Warriors with a huge range of visceral fighting styles and deadly combos, this game is great for beat-em up fans - but bad for the aching fingers (which is no great shake).
Title: The Sims 2: The Seasons.
Platform: PC DVD.
RRP: £19.99
Hit count: 1/5.
Head outdoors for year-round fun with your Sims! New seasonal activities await your Sims including snowball fights, chasing fireflies, jumping in leaf piles, and more. Strengthen family ties in Winter, let romance bloom in Spring, deepen the bonds of friendship in Summer, or fast-track your career in Fall. Your Sims can now explore new careers and master new talents throughout the year, but beware freezing, sunburn, sneezing, and other unexpected weather effects! Dress your Sims appropriately or face the consequences!
That's what the PR company say who are trying to market the product. What I would say is STOP REINVENTING THE SAME THING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The first one or two were fun okay, but how many more can we take?!
Tuesday, 30 January 2007
January 30
Clever or just plain sneaky?
That's the question that came to mind immediatedly after hearing Sony's announcement regarding the European release of the PS3.
Now I knew it was going to cost a few quid and yes, I had prepared myself that it would amount to around £425, but still.
In the official statement, Sony said: "Responding to retail and consumer demand, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe confirmed that initially only the 60GB model would be available, with the 20GB model to follow later in the year dependent on demand."
Do people REALLY need 60GB if they intend on saving a few games on it?
I realise that it is much better to have more and not need it than to not have it at all, but isn't it a bit sneaky?
Personally, (and I can hear my feelings echoed in households around the country) I'd rather pay a few quid less and just be able to buy it now.
Sony obviously knows the level of demand and so expects people to pay the full whack instead of waiting a few months. See? That's the clever bit.
Anyways, for those of us who probably will spend the money and get it sooner rather than later, this is for you... The Sony PS3 will be launched in the UK on March 23 at a price of £425.
An expected 1million PS3 units will be made available during the initial launch period across Europe.
A line-up of more than 30 game titles for PS3 will also be launched alongside it, including eagerly awaited titles published by SCEE such as Resistance: Fall of Man, MotorStorm, Genji: Days of the Blade, Formula One Championship Edition and Ridge Racer 7.
A range of titles in every genre will also be available at launch from the world's leading third party publishers, including Electronic Arts, Activision, Namco Bandai, Sega, Take 2, Ubisoft, Vivendi Universal, and Sony Online Entertainment.
In addition to games on disc, a range of fully-featured downloadable games will debut on the PlayStation Network.
These will include gaming icons such as Tekken: Dark Resurrection and Gran Turismo HD Concept.
Concurrent with the European launch, a new System Update to further enhance the entertainment potential of PS3 will be issued.
Announcing the launch details, Ray Maguire, managing director of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe UK said: "Following the hugely successful launches of PS3 in Japan and North America, we are absolutely delighted to be able to bring significant numbers of PS3 to the UK.
"To be able to launch with over 30 titles including retail versions and great downloadable gaming experiences across every genre shows that this is our strongest launch line-up in the history of PlayStation, and is what PlayStation fans in the UK have been crying out for."
That's the question that came to mind immediatedly after hearing Sony's announcement regarding the European release of the PS3.
Now I knew it was going to cost a few quid and yes, I had prepared myself that it would amount to around £425, but still.
In the official statement, Sony said: "Responding to retail and consumer demand, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe confirmed that initially only the 60GB model would be available, with the 20GB model to follow later in the year dependent on demand."
Do people REALLY need 60GB if they intend on saving a few games on it?
I realise that it is much better to have more and not need it than to not have it at all, but isn't it a bit sneaky?
Personally, (and I can hear my feelings echoed in households around the country) I'd rather pay a few quid less and just be able to buy it now.
Sony obviously knows the level of demand and so expects people to pay the full whack instead of waiting a few months. See? That's the clever bit.
Anyways, for those of us who probably will spend the money and get it sooner rather than later, this is for you... The Sony PS3 will be launched in the UK on March 23 at a price of £425.
An expected 1million PS3 units will be made available during the initial launch period across Europe.
A line-up of more than 30 game titles for PS3 will also be launched alongside it, including eagerly awaited titles published by SCEE such as Resistance: Fall of Man, MotorStorm, Genji: Days of the Blade, Formula One Championship Edition and Ridge Racer 7.
A range of titles in every genre will also be available at launch from the world's leading third party publishers, including Electronic Arts, Activision, Namco Bandai, Sega, Take 2, Ubisoft, Vivendi Universal, and Sony Online Entertainment.
In addition to games on disc, a range of fully-featured downloadable games will debut on the PlayStation Network.
These will include gaming icons such as Tekken: Dark Resurrection and Gran Turismo HD Concept.
Concurrent with the European launch, a new System Update to further enhance the entertainment potential of PS3 will be issued.
Announcing the launch details, Ray Maguire, managing director of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe UK said: "Following the hugely successful launches of PS3 in Japan and North America, we are absolutely delighted to be able to bring significant numbers of PS3 to the UK.
"To be able to launch with over 30 titles including retail versions and great downloadable gaming experiences across every genre shows that this is our strongest launch line-up in the history of PlayStation, and is what PlayStation fans in the UK have been crying out for."
Friday, 26 January 2007
January 26
Ever felt like you're working in the wrong industry?
Having looked at the latest sales figures for computer software and games, I think I might just have ticked the wrong box in my school careers talk.
According to the (much too long-winded) Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (yawn), the UK interactive entertainment software market hit a new all time high in 2006.
The year marked a new record in growth in sales, enjoying a seven per cent increase on units sold from the previous year. (Okay, yawn again... that's the boring bit over with).
The total number of units sold in the UK was a whopping joysticktastic 65.1 million units.
No wonder the association rather happily announced that these record sales across all formats totalled £1.36 BILLION.
Now that is a lot of scoobies.
Despite the rise in popularity of handheld formats on the market (notably the Sony PSP and the Nintendo DS - and the next generation consoles titles) PC software has also continued to sell increasing amounts.
This year was the best year ever for the sale of PC titles.
The most popular console software was the PS2, followed by the Xbox 360, the Xbox, Wii and GameCube (sorry, who?) followed.
These were the most popular game titles of 2006:
1. FIFA 07.
2. Pro Evolution Soccer 6.
3. Need For Speed: Carbon.
4. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories.
5. Lego Star Wars 2: The Original Trilogy.
6. The Sims 2: Pets.
7. Cars.
8. Tomb Raider Legend.
9. The Sims 2.
10. WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2007.
Having looked at the latest sales figures for computer software and games, I think I might just have ticked the wrong box in my school careers talk.
According to the (much too long-winded) Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (yawn), the UK interactive entertainment software market hit a new all time high in 2006.
The year marked a new record in growth in sales, enjoying a seven per cent increase on units sold from the previous year. (Okay, yawn again... that's the boring bit over with).
The total number of units sold in the UK was a whopping joysticktastic 65.1 million units.
No wonder the association rather happily announced that these record sales across all formats totalled £1.36 BILLION.
Now that is a lot of scoobies.
Despite the rise in popularity of handheld formats on the market (notably the Sony PSP and the Nintendo DS - and the next generation consoles titles) PC software has also continued to sell increasing amounts.
This year was the best year ever for the sale of PC titles.
The most popular console software was the PS2, followed by the Xbox 360, the Xbox, Wii and GameCube (sorry, who?) followed.
These were the most popular game titles of 2006:
1. FIFA 07.
2. Pro Evolution Soccer 6.
3. Need For Speed: Carbon.
4. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories.
5. Lego Star Wars 2: The Original Trilogy.
6. The Sims 2: Pets.
7. Cars.
8. Tomb Raider Legend.
9. The Sims 2.
10. WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2007.
Thursday, 11 January 2007
January 11
First there was the iPod, now there's the iPhone.
It was always going to happen wasn't it?
Where there's a will there's a way, and where there's a dollar or two to be made that will WILL be greater.
This week saw the launch of the slick new device which is sure to propel Apple to new heights of the fortune tree.
According to Apple bosses the iPhone will "reinvent" telecommunications. And reading the device's spec details it isn't difficult to appreciate why.
It will go on sale in the US in June, priced from $499 (just under £250), and should hit Europe late this year.
Just 11.6 millimetres thick, the handset has no conventional buttons but instead uses a large touch-screen.
As well as functioning as a music and video iPod it offers new services such as "visual voicemail", which shows users a list of their messages so they can go straight to the ones they want to listen to most.
A full touch keyboard is available for text messaging and there is a built in a two megapixel camera.
The phone, which runs the Mac OS X operating system, will display album artwork on its 3.5ins screen when it is being used for music.
Special sensors automatically deactivate the screen and turn off the touch pad when the device is raised to the ear.
Excuse me... but wow. I'm impressed.
Ever keen to feed the cash cow, Apple have come up with a convenient way to make sure the money flows in.
A 4GB model with a two year contract will cost $499 in the US, or punters can splash out $599 (just under £300) for an 8GB model.
Mobile service provider Cingular will be Apple's exclusive partner for the iPhone there.
Just to make its launch that little bit more of a special occasion, Apple bosses also showed us even more of a glimpse into the future.
During the event one of the hosts unveiled a wireless set-top box that will allow users to watch films they have downloaded from the internet on their TV.
He also announced that digital movies from Paramount, as well as Disney, will now be available on iTunes.
Apple anticipates bringing the iPhone to Europe in the fourth calendar quarter of the year, and to Asia in 2008.
The firm will begin taking orders for the $299 (£150) wireless Apple TV box this week and the devices will be available next month.
They will come with a 40-gigabyte hard drive that stores up to 50 hours of video.
If any proof is needed of whether iTunes downloading has truly taken off in recent times consider this: Apple has sold more than two billion songs on iTunes, equivalent to 58 songs per second, or five million a day since 2001.
Crikey...
Here's the latest releases reviewed:
Title: Wario Ware: Smooth Moves
Platform: Nintendo Wii
RRP: £39.99
Hit count: 4/5
Get ready for the ultimate party game extravaganza!
Wario Ware: Smooth Moves will have you and your friends competing in a series of wild and wonderful challenges as you use the Wii Remote in ways you would not have imagined possible.
Sequel to the hugely popular Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS games, Wario Ware: Smooth Moves is the latest in the Wario Ware franchise but this time it can make full use of the Wii Remote.
Featuring over 200 fast paced and action-packed microgames, players are challenged to hone their reactions and use the Wii Remote in an array of wonderful and wacky ways.
Each game only lasts a few seconds and requires the player to perform bizarre actions with the Wii Remote, such as sauteing vegetables, hula hooping (by holding the Wii Remote against your hip) and even slotting Grandma's teeth into her mouth.
Great fun for all.
Title: Ys Strategy
Platform: Nintendo DS
RRP: £29.99
Hit count: 4/5
This game is destined to become the real-time strategy benchmark title on Nintendo DS. Ys Strategy contains charismatic and absorbing heroes and heroines in a beautiful fantasy world.
Fight for supremacy by managing resources, building units and choosing the right strategy for real-time battles.
Title: Flushed Away
Platform PS2
RRP: £29.99
Hit count: 3/5
The creators of Shrek and Madagascar have teamed up with the makers of Wallace and Grommit to bring to life the movie, Flushed Away.
Now's your chance to get in on the action...
The game lets players relive the movie and beyond as they assume the roles of Roddy, Rita and take the wheel of the Jammy Dodger watercraft.
Manoeuvre through a dangerous underground city filled with enemies, waterfalls and traps in a struggle against the villainous Toad and his evil plans.
With lots of levels, characters and baddies, it's sure to keep the kids entertained for a while.
Sadly, not for long enough.
It was always going to happen wasn't it?
Where there's a will there's a way, and where there's a dollar or two to be made that will WILL be greater.
This week saw the launch of the slick new device which is sure to propel Apple to new heights of the fortune tree.
According to Apple bosses the iPhone will "reinvent" telecommunications. And reading the device's spec details it isn't difficult to appreciate why.
It will go on sale in the US in June, priced from $499 (just under £250), and should hit Europe late this year.
Just 11.6 millimetres thick, the handset has no conventional buttons but instead uses a large touch-screen.
As well as functioning as a music and video iPod it offers new services such as "visual voicemail", which shows users a list of their messages so they can go straight to the ones they want to listen to most.
A full touch keyboard is available for text messaging and there is a built in a two megapixel camera.
The phone, which runs the Mac OS X operating system, will display album artwork on its 3.5ins screen when it is being used for music.
Special sensors automatically deactivate the screen and turn off the touch pad when the device is raised to the ear.
Excuse me... but wow. I'm impressed.
Ever keen to feed the cash cow, Apple have come up with a convenient way to make sure the money flows in.
A 4GB model with a two year contract will cost $499 in the US, or punters can splash out $599 (just under £300) for an 8GB model.
Mobile service provider Cingular will be Apple's exclusive partner for the iPhone there.
Just to make its launch that little bit more of a special occasion, Apple bosses also showed us even more of a glimpse into the future.
During the event one of the hosts unveiled a wireless set-top box that will allow users to watch films they have downloaded from the internet on their TV.
He also announced that digital movies from Paramount, as well as Disney, will now be available on iTunes.
Apple anticipates bringing the iPhone to Europe in the fourth calendar quarter of the year, and to Asia in 2008.
The firm will begin taking orders for the $299 (£150) wireless Apple TV box this week and the devices will be available next month.
They will come with a 40-gigabyte hard drive that stores up to 50 hours of video.
If any proof is needed of whether iTunes downloading has truly taken off in recent times consider this: Apple has sold more than two billion songs on iTunes, equivalent to 58 songs per second, or five million a day since 2001.
Crikey...
Here's the latest releases reviewed:
Title: Wario Ware: Smooth Moves
Platform: Nintendo Wii
RRP: £39.99
Hit count: 4/5
Get ready for the ultimate party game extravaganza!
Wario Ware: Smooth Moves will have you and your friends competing in a series of wild and wonderful challenges as you use the Wii Remote in ways you would not have imagined possible.
Sequel to the hugely popular Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS games, Wario Ware: Smooth Moves is the latest in the Wario Ware franchise but this time it can make full use of the Wii Remote.
Featuring over 200 fast paced and action-packed microgames, players are challenged to hone their reactions and use the Wii Remote in an array of wonderful and wacky ways.
Each game only lasts a few seconds and requires the player to perform bizarre actions with the Wii Remote, such as sauteing vegetables, hula hooping (by holding the Wii Remote against your hip) and even slotting Grandma's teeth into her mouth.
Great fun for all.
Title: Ys Strategy
Platform: Nintendo DS
RRP: £29.99
Hit count: 4/5
This game is destined to become the real-time strategy benchmark title on Nintendo DS. Ys Strategy contains charismatic and absorbing heroes and heroines in a beautiful fantasy world.
Fight for supremacy by managing resources, building units and choosing the right strategy for real-time battles.
Title: Flushed Away
Platform PS2
RRP: £29.99
Hit count: 3/5
The creators of Shrek and Madagascar have teamed up with the makers of Wallace and Grommit to bring to life the movie, Flushed Away.
Now's your chance to get in on the action...
The game lets players relive the movie and beyond as they assume the roles of Roddy, Rita and take the wheel of the Jammy Dodger watercraft.
Manoeuvre through a dangerous underground city filled with enemies, waterfalls and traps in a struggle against the villainous Toad and his evil plans.
With lots of levels, characters and baddies, it's sure to keep the kids entertained for a while.
Sadly, not for long enough.
Friday, 1 December 2006
December 1
Okay, okay, I hold my arms up in the air and admit it... I was wrong.
Just a few days ago in my last blog I wrote a rather unfavourable review about Nintendo's new Wii and its Sports package which sees players act out a sport using a motion sensor controller.
Now it has to be mentioned here for the record that I hadn't actually played or experienced the game before writing that piece. I wrote it after reading and hearing about it.
Now, for all those people whose minds might have been swayed by the comments... FORGET I SAID A WORD!
The Wii's sports package is one of the most fun things I have experienced in a long while. In a bizarre twist of fate I found myself using one of the consoles (nine days before its British release I might add) on Wednesday at London's Science Museum.
The truth is that I was in London for the day picking up body armour and a visa for my forthcoming trip to Afghanistan (for the Defence Reporter side of my job).
Now it just so happens that the Science Museum is 200 yards away from the Afghan Embassy and when we were told to come back in two hours to collect the visa, we stumbled past a huge banner plugging the 'Game On' exhibition.
Me being me I saw the 'Game On' sign and thought 'that's weird, my blog's called Game On'. And so we decided to take a glance.
We walked in with the intention of 'blagging' our way into the exhibition stating our occupations as journalists.
When I introduced myself at the main desk imagine my surprise when I was greeted with a Bond-style "hello Mr Nichols, we've been expecting you..."
Somewhat startled I replied "Are you sure?!"
They then led us into the gaming exhibition thrusting a Wii controller in mine and my colleague's hands. What followed were three fun-packed best of three tennis matches.
Within seconds I realised I had been overly harsh about the console's sports package.
While I'm still not too sure what the neighbours will think of me playing air tennis with no racket or ball in my living room, the fact is that it is worth the embarrassment purely for the fun aspect of it all. There I was prancing around imagining I was Greg Rusedski thumping the ball over the net to victory each time. It is truly amazing how your movements are replicated in the game when you throw the ball up and when you hit it.
The speed and ferocity is matched in the gameplay. After triumphantly sweeping aside my opposition it transpired that, in a way, we had been expected to attend the event.
What was truly strange was that on that particular cool November morning a press launch facility had been arranged and we rocked up 20 minutes after the event had finished.
They simply thought we were late for the show. Bizarre huh?
Anyways, listen up... if you've got a day to spare you just have to go to the London Science Museum.
The whole of the second floor is dedicated to the show which explores the history, technology and culture of computer games.
From the PDP-1 of the 1960s to the latest consoles (INCLUDING THE SONY PS3 WHICH JUST ABSOLUTELY ROCKS!), Game On examines the technologies that have revolutionised the gaming world.
The 10 most influential consoles of all time are proudly on display, and the exhibition offers visitors the chance to learn about the design process behind games such as Tomb Raider and Grand Theft Auto.
At the same time visitors can also play any one of more than 100 games including classics like R-Type, Space Invaders, Pro Evolution Soccer, Halo 2 and Atari Star Wars.
AND most importantly the exhibition is the ONLY place in Britain to experience the Sony PS3 ahead of its March UK release.
Drawing 35,000 visitors so far, it's proving quite a hit. For further information on the show visit www.sciencemuseum.org.uk.
If you can't get to London straight away why not try your hand at some of these:
Title: Neo Geo Battle Coliseum
Platform: Sony PS2
RRP: £19.99
Hit count: 4/5
Review: Imagine a game when you can take many of your favourite characters from your favourite games and put them all in one place for one almighty scrap.
That place is Neo Geo Battle Coliseum. Fight in the traditional SNK style with 40 characters taken form classic games such as Metal Slug, Samurai Showdown, King of the Fighters, World hero's and many more.
It'a a great concept and knocks the daylights out of a lot of other titles on the market right now.
Title: Medal of Honor: Heroes
Platform: Sony PSP
RRP: £34.99
Hit count: 5/5
Review: Medal of Honor Heroes, available exclusively for the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system, gives gamers the chance to take all the epic, authentic World War II (WWII) action of Medal of Honor (MoH) on-the-go.
Medal of Honor Heroes is the newest addition to the critically-acclaimed Medal of Honor franchise which was credited with pioneering the First-Person Shooter (FPS) WWII genre when it debuted in 1999.
This marks the exciting debut for a Medal of Honor game on the PSP system.
With an entirely unique storyline and PSP-specific feature set, players will experience a totally new single player campaign and choose from six different Multiplayer modes within 15 different maps, while participating in wireless Multiplayer sessions with up to 32 players.
Or choose to play with up to 8 players across the room in a local Ad hoc game. Quickplay missions in skirmish game mode, allow players to jump right into the action or customize mission scenarios for added re-playability.
Relive your favourite Medal of Honor moments by unlocking over 20 classic characters to use in multiplayer games.
Just a few days ago in my last blog I wrote a rather unfavourable review about Nintendo's new Wii and its Sports package which sees players act out a sport using a motion sensor controller.
Now it has to be mentioned here for the record that I hadn't actually played or experienced the game before writing that piece. I wrote it after reading and hearing about it.
Now, for all those people whose minds might have been swayed by the comments... FORGET I SAID A WORD!
The Wii's sports package is one of the most fun things I have experienced in a long while. In a bizarre twist of fate I found myself using one of the consoles (nine days before its British release I might add) on Wednesday at London's Science Museum.
The truth is that I was in London for the day picking up body armour and a visa for my forthcoming trip to Afghanistan (for the Defence Reporter side of my job).
Now it just so happens that the Science Museum is 200 yards away from the Afghan Embassy and when we were told to come back in two hours to collect the visa, we stumbled past a huge banner plugging the 'Game On' exhibition.
Me being me I saw the 'Game On' sign and thought 'that's weird, my blog's called Game On'. And so we decided to take a glance.
We walked in with the intention of 'blagging' our way into the exhibition stating our occupations as journalists.
When I introduced myself at the main desk imagine my surprise when I was greeted with a Bond-style "hello Mr Nichols, we've been expecting you..."
Somewhat startled I replied "Are you sure?!"
They then led us into the gaming exhibition thrusting a Wii controller in mine and my colleague's hands. What followed were three fun-packed best of three tennis matches.
Within seconds I realised I had been overly harsh about the console's sports package.
While I'm still not too sure what the neighbours will think of me playing air tennis with no racket or ball in my living room, the fact is that it is worth the embarrassment purely for the fun aspect of it all. There I was prancing around imagining I was Greg Rusedski thumping the ball over the net to victory each time. It is truly amazing how your movements are replicated in the game when you throw the ball up and when you hit it.
The speed and ferocity is matched in the gameplay. After triumphantly sweeping aside my opposition it transpired that, in a way, we had been expected to attend the event.
What was truly strange was that on that particular cool November morning a press launch facility had been arranged and we rocked up 20 minutes after the event had finished.
They simply thought we were late for the show. Bizarre huh?
Anyways, listen up... if you've got a day to spare you just have to go to the London Science Museum.
The whole of the second floor is dedicated to the show which explores the history, technology and culture of computer games.
From the PDP-1 of the 1960s to the latest consoles (INCLUDING THE SONY PS3 WHICH JUST ABSOLUTELY ROCKS!), Game On examines the technologies that have revolutionised the gaming world.
The 10 most influential consoles of all time are proudly on display, and the exhibition offers visitors the chance to learn about the design process behind games such as Tomb Raider and Grand Theft Auto.
At the same time visitors can also play any one of more than 100 games including classics like R-Type, Space Invaders, Pro Evolution Soccer, Halo 2 and Atari Star Wars.
AND most importantly the exhibition is the ONLY place in Britain to experience the Sony PS3 ahead of its March UK release.
Drawing 35,000 visitors so far, it's proving quite a hit. For further information on the show visit www.sciencemuseum.org.uk.
If you can't get to London straight away why not try your hand at some of these:
Title: Neo Geo Battle Coliseum
Platform: Sony PS2
RRP: £19.99
Hit count: 4/5
Review: Imagine a game when you can take many of your favourite characters from your favourite games and put them all in one place for one almighty scrap.
That place is Neo Geo Battle Coliseum. Fight in the traditional SNK style with 40 characters taken form classic games such as Metal Slug, Samurai Showdown, King of the Fighters, World hero's and many more.
It'a a great concept and knocks the daylights out of a lot of other titles on the market right now.
Title: Medal of Honor: Heroes
Platform: Sony PSP
RRP: £34.99
Hit count: 5/5
Review: Medal of Honor Heroes, available exclusively for the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system, gives gamers the chance to take all the epic, authentic World War II (WWII) action of Medal of Honor (MoH) on-the-go.
Medal of Honor Heroes is the newest addition to the critically-acclaimed Medal of Honor franchise which was credited with pioneering the First-Person Shooter (FPS) WWII genre when it debuted in 1999.
This marks the exciting debut for a Medal of Honor game on the PSP system.
With an entirely unique storyline and PSP-specific feature set, players will experience a totally new single player campaign and choose from six different Multiplayer modes within 15 different maps, while participating in wireless Multiplayer sessions with up to 32 players.
Or choose to play with up to 8 players across the room in a local Ad hoc game. Quickplay missions in skirmish game mode, allow players to jump right into the action or customize mission scenarios for added re-playability.
Relive your favourite Medal of Honor moments by unlocking over 20 classic characters to use in multiplayer games.
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