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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]

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]

More new colors keep wrapping the PSP console, as Sony announces the release of the new stunning metallic blue PSP, coming up bundled with a Madden NFL 09 package, on August 12th. Additionally, the box will include a 1GB Memory Stick, a voucher to download the game Beats, free of charge, and the “NFL: In Just One Play” video on UMD, all in all for the same old $200 price tag. Personally, I like the blue so i’m a little biased, but it seems the bundles trend is doing good for Sony.

[via Joystiq]

The upcoming PS3 firmware update, will bring some substantial improvements to the game console. According to Sony, version 2.20, which is just days from launch, will feature Blu-ray spec 2.0 and BD-Live capabilities that include online downloading of video content, ringtones and interactive movies or audio. In addition, you will be able to copy to your PSP photos and music playlists via USB connection. The update will also add movies bookmarking function, so you can return back to the exact point and resume play from where you left off. Furthermore, “Audio Output Device” function will enable the PSP console to serve as a remote control for music played through the PS3. Check the full details after the break.

Update: users will be able to copy Blu-Ray movies directly from the PS3 to the PSP.

Update 2: update one turns to be untrue.

[via gizmodo]

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Here’s another look at the new Sony Mylo 2, this time it’s the guys from akihabaranews who’ve created an interesting video review, showing this great device and its main features. To refresh your memory, we are talking about a mini portable PMP with wireless connectivity and instant messaging support. Main parameters include 1 GB storage capacity, USB 2.0 interface, video playback MPEG-4, MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, video encoding, audio player supports MP3, WMA, ACC, ATRAC, etc, photo supports JPEG, PNG, BMP, and more. Other parameters feature a 3.5-inch touchscreen with 800 x480 screen resolution and a 1.3MP camera. Check out the video:

[via akihabaranews]

Sony has announced a new PSP cradle, to be available in Japan  in April 24th. The new desirable cradle enables PSP users to output movies or games straight to their TV box and control it directly from their couch with a supplied IR remote. You get the choice to choose between a $46 cradle or a $62 cradle, bundled with A/V cables. It seems the cradle is a must product for PSP users and we welcome the idea, hopefully to be hitting our western shores - soon.

[via kotaku]

Hold me, save me, i don’t know what to think anymore, looking at Sony’s latest bronze limited-edition PSP model, to be released in Japan around April. The company will offer a new PSP Lite Value Pack, including a 32MB Duo memory stick and a TV-out cable, along with this slice of rusty-like game console. Only 60,000 pieces will be available, so if you prefer getting the AV digital cable in the bundle, you can get your pack for $230.

[via akihabaranews]

Another picture after the break.

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Sony intros a new PSP console, bundled with God Of War entertainment pack. The box includes various titles like Chains of Olympus, Superbad and a free voucher to download Syphon Filter: Combat Ops from the PlayStation Store game. The shiny reddish PSP is expected to go live in June for 199$.

[via kotaku]

Another picture after the break.

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Sony wants to turn the games purchase into an easy and approachable experience. The company has officially announced they are developing a wireless store for the PSP consoles, during the GDC conference. The store is expected to be similar to the wireless iTunes, located on iPhone and iPod Touch. Unfortunately, Sony has dropped the availability details, so i guess we all have to wait impatiently for any future announcements.

[via slashgear]

Korean company, MyRacer, introduced their latest portable gaming device, equipped with a 2.4-inch (320 x 240) display and a media player. Personally, i don’t think Sony has to be fearful for its PSP gaming consoles, but the MF101 does support AVI, MP3, WMA, WAV, JPEG and BMP. Additionally, it has 1GB internal flash memory, expandable SD slot and 2 keypads on both sides. The MF101 sports a flash interface and supports Adobe Flash-based games. The device is available in S.Korea for 104$.

[via technabob]

No doubt, Sony has big plans for its PSP game console. Turns out the company develops a new PSP-style phone, trying to play in the mobile court, as we read in Sony Magazine. So far, these are just speculations and Sony has denied any development of a PSP-based gaming cellphone, but we have learned that Sony is a fond of “hidden-exposed” sales promotions, as we flutter back to the day the PSP-Skype was initially unveiled. Don’t get us wrong, we like to play with the idea of a mobile gaming device with cellular capabilities, but this time we should take the word of Sony Ericsson’s VP, Merran Wrigley, for not believing his company “would be able to create a phone worthy of the PlayStation brand”.

[via phonemag]

As mentioned earlier, Sony announced the availability of Skype on PSP and despite a small delay, it is here, included in the latest firmware update 3.90 . For the time being, it is only available threw network update for PSP-2000 models, but the new firmware expands the Playstation Network support to all models - Rock on.

Update: The M33 team has released a custom version of the 3.90 firmware update, available threw the Network Update.

[via gizmodo]

Recent speculations, concerning Skype application on the PSP console are becoming reality. Sony announced the availability of Skype on PSP, at the end of this month. Once the new firmware is released and installed into the device, a small Skype icon will pop up in the network section and users will be able to login with their Skype account or create a new one. As other Skype users, PSP owners will have the privilege to talk freely with their Skype friends, make calls to any regular phone or receive calls on their PSP device. Mind you, this will work only on a PSP Slim devices.

This new formation requires a designated microphone, to enable users make or receive calls on their PSP. A Japanese website, Famitsu, unveiled a designed PSP mic, together with some presumably pictures of the new interface.

[via engadget]

WowWee presented a new line of cool robots, at the CES show in Vegas. One of the most attracting robots within their line is the Rovio. This advanced surveillance machine is equipped with a multi functional WiFi webcam connection, allowing you to spy or surveil after your home or office remotely from any web accessible device, including your laptop, Archos 605, Cell phone, iPod Touch, PSP console and more. The Rovio is able to stream the video signals directly to your handling device and can interact audibly with people nearby. It even can coordinate its location accurately, thanks to a built-in navigation system. The Rovio will be available in summer time for $299. Cool!

[via i4u]

Pinnacle is about to unveil a new video transfer box, at CES 2008. This unit can transfer any analog video source directly to a USB 2.0 storage device, such as USB flash drives, iPods, PSP consoles or external hard drives with USB connectors. The box has a built in audio input, s-video/composite outs, and the transfer is recorded with H.264 video format. The device should go live somewhere around the middle of January, for 130$.

[via gmp3]

Check the video after the break.

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