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The King of Pop is dead, but his legacy is live N kickin’, and it seems like it’d get even bigger as time goes by. One company that has recognized Jakson’s extremely attractive merchandising potential is Sony Japan that recently announced it would release a limited edition This is it! package of the king that suppose to include a slim PS3 console, boasting a 120GB storage and a nifty Blu-ray drive. This special pack – a result of the collaboration between Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Computer Entertainment Japan – is set to go live on January 27, either in Black or White colors, priced at Â¥33,500 (about $361), nothing a fan can’t afford these days.

[via SCEJ]

Yes, we all heard about it time after time on recent weeks, but now it’s for real, as Sony finally makes the PS3 Slim edition official, at GamesCom show, ending up months of rumors and speculation about the new gaming console. And speaking about the slim console, turns out it will be available in the first week of September, worldwide, priced at merely $300 (that’s 300 Euros, or 29,980 Yen) and packing a 120GB HDD along with all the good features we know from the regular PS3. In addition, the slimmer version actually have clickable buttons on front, while sized 32 percent less than previous model. Furthermore, the new edition apparently consumes 34 percent less power and the bundle includes a wireless DualShock3 controller to comfortably rock your gaming experience from your living room sofa, as vertical stand is optional for extra $24. Sony will also release Firmware version 3.0, next to the Slim debut, so you will enjoy animated themes with avatars, some cool UI changes, modified friends lists and even a new status indicator, when running your brand new matte black console for the first time. For more details about the PS3 Slim announcement, the full specs, and some video footage to watch, hit the jump or pass the break.

Update1: Apparently, you won’t be able to play any Playstation 2 games with your new PS3 Slim console, which is a bummer (!) if you think about it, since not having a PS2 backwards compatibility will force everyone get rid of their cool games collection, but this way or another, if you keep searching for some cool advantages inside the latest Slim edition, then mind you this hot box will presumably support Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio bit-streaming through your fancy hi-fi receiver. Huzzah!

Update2: Looks like Sony’s new PS3 Slim console is officially up and available across US retailers like Best Buys and GameStops (earlier than expected) for $299, so you can go down to your local store and get it NOW. Meanwhile, If you happen to have it at your disposal, already, and curious to see the inside parts of the box, hit the break and take a look, both at the image (one of few) and video footage that iFixit group has recently published.

Update3: A 250GB PS3 Final Fantasy XIII edition officially announced, set to be released in Japan somewhere around December for ¥41,600 Yen. Image is right after the break.

Update4: And moments after, Amazon.co.uk has listed a 250GB version as well, but this time you’ll have to settle with the ordinary black. Pre-order price is set for £285 ($455) and delivery is scheduled to October 1st.

Update5: Apparently, the 250GB Playstation Slim version is about to hit US shelves on November 3rd for $349.99, so you have only couple of weeks to get yourself this extra capacity-size edition.

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It’s not that we were totally surprised when Sony’s new gaming console abruptly showed up in a June 09 Qore edition – after all, rumors are floating around for quite some time – Yet, having a first look on a future portable gaming device can definitely rock our geeky heart, which barely stands the endless expectation for the official announcement to take place. And with so many neat features crammed inside, It shouldn’t take long until we snack ourselves a copy or two. But until we’ll manage to fulfill this dream, you all should probably like to know that Sony’s new PSP GO – as for on the go – seems to be offered with a 3.8-inch screen display, along with a built-in Bluetooth connectivity, rounded sleeky slider design and 16GB of internal Flash, expandable via Memory Stick Micro slot. Other essential traits to be noted include a smooth integration with PlayStation 3 gaming console (full network support), thin-and-light body design (43% lighter than PSP-3000), “10-year life-cycle products” guarantee (meaning long term viability) and various new action-game titles like Gran Turismo, Little Big Planet and Metal Gear Solid – in plan. With no pretensions to be crowned as a PSP-3000 successor and without determined price-tag given, all that’s left is a vague “This Fall” release announcement, which Sony executives were willing to share. And while waiting for this dates to arrive, hit the jump and watch the video itself.

Update1: Sony just announced the PSP Go at the E3 convention, to be available on October 1 in North America and Europe for $249, with a month later release in Japan. Turns out it’s 50% smaller and 40% lighter than Sony’s first PSP-1000 console, as most other specs remain the same, with few surprises at the corner – like a built-in WiFi connection, a new auto-playlist feature which randomly plays your favorite music and called Sense Me, a new video delivery service, and a lack of the UMD drive, implying you’ll be loading your games either through the Memory Stick Micro slot or over PlayStation’s network. Stay tuned for even more. Meanwhile, you can read the full PR announcement after the break.

Update2: In case you were all wondering what will happen to your old UMD games, once getting the PSP GO, maybe you should know that Sony will be offering for purchasing digital copies of those gamese, but maybe – just maybe – the company will be generous enough to make it even free of charge. Stay tuned.

Update3: If inner parts will make you excited, the folks at levelup.cn have managed to get their hands on one of the few available PSP Go devices out there and as expected, dissected it into pieces. Hit the jump to see the picture or click the link for even more.

Update4: Firmware update 6.10 is out, and those of you who’ve managed to get their hands on a PSP GO console (even though it’s not officially out yet) will now enjoy Bluetooth internet tethering for remote internet access. Additionally, you’ll find a new SensMe feature that literally creates audio playlists based on moods.

Update5: It’s here. Sony’s new PSP GO console finally goes live and can be found at your local retailers for $249.99. Gamind Party !

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Apple’s OS 3.0 preview event in Cupertino, California was just ended with some interesting announcements concerning hardware accessories, firmware tweaks, App Store business model improvements and some new games/software developments – answering most of our long lasting expectations. Although it was more of a conference, targeting third party developers, some of the news are all about iPhone’s consumers usability. That includes:

• Copy & Paste capabilities.
• MMS messaging support.
• Forward and delete for multiple messages.
• Peer-to-peer connectivity over Bluetooth for gaming and info exchange.
• A2DP stereo Bluetooth add-on
• Voice Memos.
• A new home screen page with Spotlight feature, allowing universal search on the phone (like Palm’s Pre).
• Shake To Shuffle function.
• Landscape keyboard, available in Mail, Notes and SMS.

First event without Steve Jobs around, and everyone in Apple talks about a complete return to CEO position somewhere around June 2009. But illness matters aside, we’ve learned that the company craves for extra revenues, specially from third-party applications. That is why developers will be able to include subscription fee inside paid apps, together with optional paid content that can be purchased directly from the app itself (like T-shirts and other stuff). Developers will also be able to build apps combined with Google Maps or connect with hardware accessories, such as computer speakers, keyboard and even a blood pressure monitor, through their applications. The new package will include 1,000 new APIs, allowing push notifications (at last), in-game voice use and built-in tethering functionality, that will hopefully work in the future. Other than that, users will get auto WiFi login around hotspots, full parental controls over TV shows/App Store apps and even Bluetooth functionality, in case you’re a 2G iPod touch owners.

OS 3.0 Beta version for developers is now available in here. The other 3.0 firmware update for consumers will be launched in the summer, free of charge. Those who hold iPod Touch devices in their hands will have to pay the usual annoying fee (which stands at $9.95), to get the new version.

Update1: checkout the video after the break.

Update2: iPhone OS 3.0 beta 2 was just released (for developers) and looks like we’re about to get the opportunity to use up to 11 home screens instead of the 9 screens limit on the current one. Additionally, Apple will finally add the push notifications feature in the upcoming version, so here’s a good reason to look forward for something.

Update3: You’ve guessed it right, the guys at QuickPwn have just kicked in with their latest release, which jailbreaks Apple’s OS 3.0 for free use. As always – at your risk – just to the following link, as download is available in here.

Update4: Looks like you’ll also get Voice Control (which stands for voice dialing), together with some other goodies like video recording, auto-focus camera, a compass and a digital battery indicator.

[Apple]

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For those who plan on getting a new shiny PSP 3000 console, hold on for a while, as Sony Japan has just announced 4 new carnival colors to hit the gaming device, starting March 5th. The new collection, which comes in Blue, Red, Yellow or Green flavors is expected to be priced at ¥19,800 ($225), but in case you wish to include 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo, a pouch, a wrist strap and a cloth in the bundle, it will cost you ¥24,800 ($279). In any case, both options pack a 2200mAh battery inside to your satisfaction, so it’s worth the waiting, specially if you’re tired of those boring black/silver hues.

[Via Akihabara News]

Some players pretend to be a gaming device and Oppo Muse G11 is one of them. It comes with a 3.2-inch 432 x 240 touchscreen, 4GB of RAM, FM tuner, text to speech function and wide audio/video formats support, all for merely $161. Howether, the interesting part is the sliding d-pad controls that suppose to allow its users to play games while playing your favorite songs. The question is: what kind of games.

[via zol]  

How many times have you encountered with difficulties to write on your PS3 game console through the lame virtual keyboard UI and the retard SIXAXIS controller? Well, guess what, hot news are coming from the Leipzig Games Convention, as Sony unveils a wireless keypad attachment, that hooks onto your SIXAXIS/DIALSHOCK3 game pad and lets you use the built-in keypad comfortably, whenever you need it. Mind you, the unit is compatible with other Bluetooth enabled devices, such as mobile phones and other gadgets. Still no word on price but we do know it will go live around November 2008, in 8 different assimilated languages.

Update: you can now pre-order it at Amazon for $49.99. Regretfully, you will have to wait until November for shipping.

[via joystiq]

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Some internet rumors become real, some don’t. This one is now official, as Sony has announced the new PSP-3000, at the Leipzig Games Convention, to be released on October 15th across Europe, with the same PSP-2000 design, but  with a better “Outside Friendly” screen visibility, a built-in microphone for your Skype experience and a new ‘PS’ button, to be defined later-on. Price is set for €199 ($291) and we tune in for more details to come.

Update: October 14th – it is now available across North America for $199.99.

[via slashgear]

Twitter users, if you happen to own a Nintendo DS device, you might be interested knowing you can use them both as your microblogging tool, thanks to DSTwitter, a cool twitter application with multilanguage support, that lets you easily twit your friends after ending another Mario Kart game playing. Actually, you can use it whenever you like but before doing so, you will have to make an effort installing the application by setting up the WiFi connection on your DS, Register to Scene Beta website, download the DSTwitter 1.3 version file, extract the contents of the RAR in the root of the memory card and run the program. Complicated but definately worth a try!

[via techdigest]

Nintendo DS lite has known some special limited edition versions in the past, but this time fanboys can get a chance to put their hands on a Japanese Pokemon flavor, as a scanty number of devices hit the U.S and appear on GameStop store, decorated with Dialga and Palkia pokemons on the top of the case. The bundle includes a fancy carrying case, along with Pokemon Mystery Dungeon DVD, a poster of Grovyle and a Pokemon t-shirt. As for the price, i guess it’s much better to get this groovy package for the same $129.99.

[via DS Fanboy]

Sony has officially announced a new 80GB PS3 package, to go live in September for $399 price tag. The new expected version has exactly the same 40GB features, including a Blu-ray player, HDMI output, an integrated Wi-Fi connection, and Cell Broadband Engine, but you also get double storage capacity for the same price. checkout the press release after the break.

Meanwhile, we hear that the PS Store video service goes life, offering movies and TV shows available for renting or buying.

Update1: It seems like Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia and New Zealand are going to get the new 80 gigs model on August 27th, with prices standing at €399 in Europe and £299 in the UK.

Update2: 19.8.08 – earlier than expected, the 80GB model arrives to Best Buy and unofficially available for purchasing. European retail launch suppose to be on Friday 22nd.

[via feedmoo]

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As you probably know, Apple has launched its new App Store with over 500 applications for your iphone and ipod touch devices, some are free some are priced. We’ve already posted a preliminary list of cool applications to download and i guess you’d like to see some new available games, so here’s a quick look at some of them, just hit the jump for more:

Aqua Forest

Fantastic game that uses both touchscreen and accelerometer capabilities to play with realistic water via ‘OctaveEngine’, a new generation physics simulation software that controls the five categories, including Tilting, Touch, Drawing, Warm and Cold in 50 different puzzles (reminds “Physics”).

Please enable Javascript and Flash to view this Flash video.

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I bet you all been waiting for the official Apple App Store to make a debut and today it is finally available in both iPhone 2.0 and iTunes, running smooth, offering many applications to download, some are free some are priced. Among the assortment you can find applications like:

• eBay – cool application that lets you use the service from your iPhone device, search items, watch favorite stuff, place a bid and follow auctions, all for free.
• Loopt – a nice location-based application that lets you discover who’s hanging within your location range (don’t try to hide with this service ON).
• TypePad – one of the most popular blogging services, now available from your iPhone, allowing users to upload real time photos, straight from their handset, directly to their blogs.
• Associated Press – another free application, allowing users to upload their media stuff to AP service and contribute to the content.
• Band – a cool feature, developed by an independent insurance developer, allowing users to create their own music and play it from their own iPhone device, with the ability to choose from a various of instruments.
• MLB.com – a nice application, designated for baseball fans, allowing them to receive real time results and watch highlighted moments.
• MySpace – iPhone app that allows you to manage their MySpace social network account, including add friends, exchange messages, upload photos,and more, all for free.
• Kyte Mobile Producer – a great application that lets you upload images you take with your iphone, directly to your Kyte account or the available channels, including blogs, social networks (Facebook, MySpace) etc. You can make slides, conduct polls and add captions.
• AIM – Finally an instant-messaging application on your iphone, lets you interact with your friends and chat online via Wi-Fi. In additio, you can mark contacts as your favorites and can even send away messages.
• Twitterrific – The official twitter client to send your messages via twitter.
• Facebook - Manage your Facebook account from your iphone device. The application lets you view messages, search friends and even chat with them whenever you want.
• Pandora – The cool online radio service comes to your iphone, allowing you to play your favorite music while recommending similar bands and artists.
• Remote Control - Lets you control your iTunes or your Apple TV with your iphone device. You can play, pause, skip, and even search in libraries.

Some additional Apple App lists:

Engadget – preliminary list.

Gizmodo – variety of applications list.

TechCrunch -  Great applications list (with video).

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While new games are about to be released for the iphone and iPod Touch devices within the near future, the iControlPad project might be a nice playable alternative to handle the controls instead of the clumsy touchscreen solution. It is actually a gamepad device that your jailbroken iphone  can slide into (without any special modifications)  in order to improve your gaming experience and make it more accessible. Release date is set to mid July for only $30, so if you plan buying some of the new titles and turn your handset into a PSP-alike device, just follow up the updates to come.

[icontrolpad via gmp3]

Originally written on June 22nd:

John McCain is a war hero, no doubt, but if you have seen his latest campaign ad, you might have had a deja-vu feeling. The reason for that is the commercial’s background music, originally created for EA’s Medal Of Honor:European Assault by Christopher Lennertz, an Obama supporter, who wasn’t pleased to see his videogame composition, used in McCain’s campaign, without any granted authorization. Still, Lennertz made it very clear that there was just a mix-up over rights, and nothing illegal took place. To read Lennertz official statement on the McCain ad, hit the jump.

Please enable Javascript and Flash to view this Flash video.

[via kotaku]

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After the game comes the watch, as Metal Gear Solid 4   limited-edition wristwatch is up for pre-order at UK online retailer Gamestation, featuring stailess steel body, exclusive serial number along with a certificate of authenticity from Konami, all packed in an adorned black box with a silver MGS4 logo on top. Mind you, there are only 500 pieces to be released on October 31st for estimated price of £99.99 ($196), so hurry up!

[via Tech Digest]

We all miss those Mario Bros alike emulator games from Nintendo. Now you can play them on your own iphone or iPod Touch, thanks to the guys from ZodTTD, who’ve created a nice application that lets you play both TurboGrafx and PC-Engine games along with the good old ROMs, straight from your devices. Regretfully, it is still in beta version and available only for testers, but be sure they will be released as soon as possible. Meanwhile, checkout the video after the break.

[via engadget]

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If you’re a PS3 owner who look for a nice and speedy way to control your console’s UI, you can try hooking up a Wacom tablet into your Sony device and start navigating the menus by moving the drawing pen on the tablet surface. True, most of us don’t hold this graphic designers tool at our disposal but it’s another cool way to interact with the playstation 3 device. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work in games but it can really speed up your interface control as you can find in the following video.

Please enable Javascript and Flash to view this Flash video.

[via PS3 Fanboy]

I’m sure Microsoft is planning a portable Xbox 360 device; after all, if Sony can develop one, Redmond can do it as well. Meanwhile, until it happens, we have a chance to look at an interesting portable concept that was emerged on T3 magazine, opening our appetite and our gaming imagination. This handheld concept features an all-in-one device, including a Microsoft Zune, XBox 360 and a mobile phone, packed in a sexy slim and sleek case, with gaming buttons on the right side and directions pad to the left. Honestly, I will be stoked having only an Xbox 360 portable device without the phone or the Zune included, so if people from Microsoft are listening, we do yearn for one of those.

[via yanko]

I must admit, i’m not a modding aficionados, but this new glowing green Xbox 360 neon case from XCM looks great, specially with the semi-translucent look that provides inner glance at the console itself. There’s no word on price but it should be available soon, so if you’re looking for a unique design for your gaming box, this might be a nice solution.

[via Technabob]