Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Epic Citadel runs faster, maps bumpier in Clovertrail+ demo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/epic-citadel-runs-faster-maps-bumpier-in-clovertrail-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/epic-citadel-runs-faster-maps-bumpier-in-clovertrail-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/epic-citadel-runs-faster-maps-bumpier-in-clovertrail-demo/#comments

Epic Games hasn't abandoned Epic Citadel for Android phones, today demonstrating the engine running on Intel's new dual-core Atom Processor Z2580 chip, part of a series codenamed Clovertrail+.

In the above demo video, Epic Citadel tops out at 61 frames per second. The demo shows off Epic Citadel's ability to handle realistic reflections, bump mapping and all manner of aerial camera zooms on a mobile device. Intel showed off the Clovertrail+ chips running Epic Citadel at the Mobile World Congress 2013 in Barcelona.

JoystiqEpic Citadel runs faster, maps bumpier in Clovertrail+ demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidCloverTrail+Epic-CitadelEpic-GamesIntelmobileMon, 25 Feb 2013 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[All of Modern Warfare 3's intel already catalogued]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/all-of-modern-warfare-3s-intel-already-catalogued/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/all-of-modern-warfare-3s-intel-already-catalogued/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/all-of-modern-warfare-3s-intel-already-catalogued/#comments

You haven't found all the intel in Modern Warfare 3 yet? What's the holdup? The game has been out for, like, hours. WikiGameGuides has the locations of all 46, available in both video and text form. In case you're slow to conclusions as well, we'll warn you that there are spoilers here.

JoystiqAll of Modern Warfare 3's intel already catalogued originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3infinity-wardintelmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3pcplaystationps3xboxTue, 08 Nov 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[OnLive gets Disney Interactive support, universal controller, heading to UK this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/onlive-gets-disney-interactive-support-universal-controller-he/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/onlive-gets-disney-interactive-support-universal-controller-he/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/onlive-gets-disney-interactive-support-universal-controller-he/#comments Black Rock Studios' excellent racers, Pure and Split/Second, are sliding to OnLive, the streaming game service announced today. The duo of arcade racing titles will lead the charge for Disney Interactive titles on the service, with LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean up next on the list. And that's not all -- OnLive had a bunch of news to drop just before E3 begins next week.

For starters, the service will be officially launching in the UK at some point this fall. As with the company's North American debut, UK residents are encouraged to sign up for early "Founding Members" access -- the official UK site goes live in the coming days. Additionally, OnLive revealed intentions to make its way to a variety of "Intel-based consumer TVs, Blu-ray players, and set-top boxes" later this year. The first such devices will begin arriving this fall, and will reportedly stretch beyond the company's currently deal with consumer electronics manufacturer Vizio.

Alongside the Intel deal, OnLive plans on launching a "universal wireless controller" that will work with said Intel-based devices. It looks and operates very much like the OnLive MicroConsole controller, and will come with a USB dongle for non-wireless devices. It's said to contain several different radio signals for working with a multitude of devices.

You'll be able to brag to your friends all about how you're playing high-end PC games on your Intel-based TV on a wireless controller right from within games, pushing brag clips to Facebook. Which is to say, yes, OnLive is getting Facebook integration as well, starting June 7. Now, you'll excuse us if we take a moment to catch our breath.

Gallery: OnLive (E3 2011)

Continue reading OnLive gets Disney Interactive support, universal controller, heading to UK this fall

JoystiqOnLive gets Disney Interactive support, universal controller, heading to UK this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-rockblack-rock-studiosdisneydisney-interactivedisney-interactive-studiose3-2011facebookintelmacmobileonlivepcpureSplit-Secondukunited-kingdomThu, 02 Jun 2011 20:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Razer, Intel, Tencent to bring Switchblade gaming device to China]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/14/razer-intel-tencent-to-bring-switchblade-gaming-device-to-chin/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/14/razer-intel-tencent-to-bring-switchblade-gaming-device-to-chin/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/14/razer-intel-tencent-to-bring-switchblade-gaming-device-to-chin/#comments Just in case you were worried, it looks like Razer's Switchblade ultra-portable PC "concept" is totally, really real -- in China at the very least. Razer, Intel and Tencent have announced "a strategic partnership aimed at expanding the entertainment possibilities for Chinese gamers" based around the Switchblade. Several of Tencent's titles, including League of Legends and Dungeon Fighter Online, will be optimized for the Switchblade and its magical keyboard.

There's still no release date for device, with the three companies only promising that there will be updates in "the months to come." That's probably for the best, as we're fairly certain that the ability to play League of Legends at any time will bring civilization to a screeching halt.

Continue reading Razer, Intel, Tencent to bring Switchblade gaming device to China

JoystiqRazer, Intel, Tencent to bring Switchblade gaming device to China originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinadungeon-fighter-onlineintelleague-of-legendspcrazerswitchbladetencentThu, 14 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Download Intel AppUp Center, get free Angry Birds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/download-intel-appup-center-get-free-angry-birds/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/download-intel-appup-center-get-free-angry-birds/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/download-intel-appup-center-get-free-angry-birds/#comments Bribing people to use new app stores with free Angry Birds is the hot new thing. Soon after Amazon offered a free Android download of Angry Birds Rio as its inaugural Appstore offer, Best Buy and Intel are partnering to slingshot a free PC version of Rovio's mobile hit to US residents via the Intel AppUp Center. The only catch is that, you know, you have to use the AppUp store. Click here to find the offer.

If you're in the UK, there's no need to be angry (unless you're a bird): the same offer is available to you through Currys.

[Thanks, Marco]

JoystiqDownload Intel AppUp Center, get free Angry Birds originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angry-birdsbest-buyintelintel-appuppcrovio-mobileThu, 24 Mar 2011 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Steam Guard now available to all Steam users]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/psa-steam-guard-now-available-to-all-steam-users/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/psa-steam-guard-now-available-to-all-steam-users/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/psa-steam-guard-now-available-to-all-steam-users/#comments The Steam Guard system (which uses identity tech to warn you when anyone tries to log in to your Steam account from a different computer) is now available for all users, according to the official website. Previously, it was only being tested by certain users (including Gabe Newell, who even posted his password online during GDC), but now anyone with a Steam account can give it a try.

To use the service, you just need to update Steam to the latest version, make sure you have a verified email associated with your account, then just restart Steam. Then, any time you log in from a new computer, Steam will send an email with a code that you'll need to enter to use the service. If you get an email for a computer you didn't log in from, someone else is trying to access your account. Pretty easy -- now no one will be able to play with your Torchlight characters but you.

JoystiqPSA: Steam Guard now available to all Steam users originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>computeridentityintelpcsteamsteam-guardThu, 17 Mar 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve introduces Steam Guard to fight account phishing and hijacking]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/valve-introduces-steam-guard-to-fight-acount-phishing-and-hijack/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/valve-introduces-steam-guard-to-fight-acount-phishing-and-hijack/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/valve-introduces-steam-guard-to-fight-acount-phishing-and-hijack/#comments What's Steam's "number one support issue" according to Valve's Gabe Newell? "Account phishing and hijacking," says the boss. In an effort to combat the theft of digital goods, Valve has announced Steam Guard, a new service that allows users to restrict account management to a specific Intel-powered PC.

Using Intel Identity Protection Technology (IPT), a hardware-based feature available in second generation Intel Core processors, Steam Guard users will be notified whenever a different PC attempts to log into or modify their account settings. This should give Steam users "the account security they need as they purchase more and more digital goods," said the filthy rich Newell.

Because Steam Guard is hardware-reliant, the service will not be available to all Steam users. Still, Valve's Doug Lombardi expects "to see widespread adoption of hardware-based security like Intel IPT by other service providers" in the future. "If as a customer you are buying movies, music, games, or digital goods, you want to know that they are more secure than your physical goods."

Continue reading Valve introduces Steam Guard to fight account phishing and hijacking

JoystiqValve introduces Steam Guard to fight account phishing and hijacking originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>account-securityintelintel-iptmacpcphishingsecuritysteamsteam-guardsteamworksvalveThu, 03 Mar 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty: Black Ops Intel video walkthrough]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/15/call-of-duty-black-ops-intel-video-walkthrough/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/15/call-of-duty-black-ops-intel-video-walkthrough/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/15/call-of-duty-black-ops-intel-video-walkthrough/#comments Man, remember when you had to comb through message boards looking for tips on how to find that 200th medallion or the location of that secret power-up? Those days are gone, thanks in part to handy video walkthroughs. Today, we present some footage from Game Videos documenting the location of every piece of Call of Duty: Black Ops Intel in the game. After all, knowing is half the battle!

Continue reading Call of Duty: Black Ops Intel video walkthrough

JoystiqCall of Duty: Black Ops Intel video walkthrough originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblack-ops-intelblack-ops-intel-locationCall-of-Duty-Black-Opscall-of-duty-intelintelmicrosoftpcplaystationps3treyarchxboxMon, 15 Nov 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaikai gets Intel, Limelight backing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/gaikai-gets-intel-limelight-backing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/gaikai-gets-intel-limelight-backing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/gaikai-gets-intel-limelight-backing/#commentsFiled under: , ,

As the September launch of game streaming platform Gaikai draws ever-closer, the company has announced its latest business win: investments from Intel and Limelight Networks. This news (for which the full press release can be found after the break) comes just over a month after Gaikai inked a multi-year deal with EA to provide its titles via in-browser streaming.

Gaikai isn't disclosing the nitty-gritty, dollars and cents details of the investments, but we know that the company was already at work building its servers utilizing Intel's "overkill is not a word" six-core CPUs and solid-state drives. Which, essentially, makes Gaikai a showcase for Intel's most cutting-edge tech; tech that will be installed at "key nodes" within Limelight Networks' infrastructure. (We also hear it'll give Gaikai a fresh, citrus-y smell.)

Continue reading Gaikai gets Intel, Limelight backing

JoystiqGaikai gets Intel, Limelight backing originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 01:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloud-gamingGaikaigame-streamingIntelLimelight-NetworkspcThu, 22 Jul 2010 01:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Project Offset team disbanded at Intel; Offset Software founders form new startup]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/project-offset-team-disbanded-at-intel-offset-software-founders/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/project-offset-team-disbanded-at-intel-offset-software-founders/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/project-offset-team-disbanded-at-intel-offset-software-founders/#commentsFiled under: , ,

You remember Project Offset, right -- that really purdy game that Offset Software was working on for PC and Xbox 360 before Intel bought it up and relegated it to a tech demo? Yeah, we'd pretty much forgotten about it too, until our compatriots at Big Download remembered the game and bugged Intel for an update. Unfortunately, it appears that Project Offset, as we once (barely) knew it, may be no more.

Intel issued the following statement in response to the query: "Intel purchased Offset Software to improve our game development knowledge-base and to further Intel's visual computing technology development expertise, helping the company offer robust products, support, and tools to customers. With the recent changes in our product roadmap, some of the resources and technologies from the acquisition are being re-applied to help support new graphics related projects. Additionally, other Offset Software team members have moved onto other external projects outside the company."

Sam McGrath, along with the other founders of Offset, have left Intel to form their own startup: Fractiv. McGrath confirmed as much to Big Download, adding that he "can't say any more than that at this stage," but he'll be spilling more "in the near future." So, has Project Offset been canceled? It seems likely given the situation, but we've asked Intel for a solid "yes" or "no" either way.

JoystiqProject Offset team disbanded at Intel; Offset Software founders form new startup originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fractivintelmicrosoftoffset-softwarepcproject-offsetsam-mcgrathxboxFri, 02 Jul 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Sony considered Larrabee for PS4, will reconsider for PS5, PS6]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/28/ps4-larrabee-sony-will-reconsider-for-ps5/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/28/ps4-larrabee-sony-will-reconsider-for-ps5/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/28/ps4-larrabee-sony-will-reconsider-for-ps5/#comments PC Watch's Hiroshige Goto, citing a number of unnamed sources familiar with Intel's long-awaited Larrabee project, claims that Sony once considered using Intel's proposed architecture in the eventual successor to the PS3, presumably named the PlayStation 4. It was rumored that Intel was pursuing a relationship with Microsoft and Nintendo for their next-generation Xbox and Wii consoles, but considering the recent downsizing of the Larrabee project, it appears Intel was unsuccessful at wooing a major partnership.

According to Goto's sources, Larrabee simply didn't offer the sheer power Sony was looking for. Instead, Sony is likely to pursue one of two options for the PS4: use a modified and improved version of the Cell architecture (as previously rumored), or develop a "normal" multi-core CPU akin to the chips found in personal computers and the Xbox 360. The latter option, of course, would help woo back developers turned off by Cell's unconventional design. However, an unnamed SCE executive isn't counting Intel out of the game yet, noting "Larrabee can help us to plan PS5 and PS6, but it cannot make it into PS4."

Considering Sony has yet to decide on an architecture for PS4, it's clear that Sony's next-generation console is still years away. Good thing too, because by Sony's calculations, PS3 still has seven years of life left in it.
Translation provided by Ittousai

JoystiqRumor: Sony considered Larrabee for PS4, will reconsider for PS5, PS6 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cellintellarrabeepc-watchplaystation-4ps4rumorsonyMon, 28 Dec 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC09: Project Offset reemerges with new media]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/27/gdc09-project-offset-reemerges-with-new-media/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/27/gdc09-project-offset-reemerges-with-new-media/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/27/gdc09-project-offset-reemerges-with-new-media/#comments No, it's not a dream. Go ahead and pinch yourself. After a year of nearly complete silence, the team behind the fantasy FPS Project Offset -- which was acquired by Intel last year -- has redesigned its website and released new media. Specifically, there are two new tech demo videos and some fresh concept art. Embedded above is a video of meteors destroying the environment as they fall from the sky. It certainly looks impressive, though it's unclear if this is dynamic destruction or something pre-defined. Either way, it certainly looks nice.

The second video, embedded after the break, shows off a cottage being constructed inside the Offset engine. The cottage is apparently a prefab, which is essentially a reusable asset for game design. Objects are added to the structure and several textures and graphical effects are added on the fly. The video certainly makes it look easy to create objects within the game world, though we'd like to see something made from scratch.

Sadly, neither video features any gameplay. There are no giant trolls and stealthy elves this time. Project Offset's Sam McGrath promises there will be "much more" in the upcoming months.

Gallery: Project Offset Concept Art

Continue reading GDC09: Project Offset reemerges with new media

JoystiqGDC09: Project Offset reemerges with new media originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdc-2009intelproject-offsetFri, 27 Mar 2009 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Nvidia and Intel at odds over chipset license agreement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/nvidia-and-intel-at-odds-over-chipset-license-agreement/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/nvidia-and-intel-at-odds-over-chipset-license-agreement/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/nvidia-and-intel-at-odds-over-chipset-license-agreement/#comments
We don't wish to bore you with our extensive knowledge of integrated memory controllers or graphicular renderpipe cashays, so we'll simply leap to the core of this computer matter. Nvidia has responded to an Intel court filing, which alleges that a 2004 chipset licensing agreement between the two companies does not extend to Intel's future generation CPUs -- you know, the ones with integrated memory controllers.

Nvidia has deemed this movement counter to the prior agreement, with president and CEO Jen-Hsun Huang saying, "We are confident that our license, as negotiated, applies." He sees it as a brewing power struggle, labeling his own company as the major innovator and Intel as attempting to "stifle innovation to protect a decaying CPU business." Nvidia claims that it has been attempting to settle matters outside of the court for over a year. Good luck to whatever judge has to decide which hardware giant has the bigger chip on its solder, eh? EH?

[Via Big Download]

JoystiqNvidia and Intel at odds over chipset license agreement originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChipsCPUIntelLawsuitNvidiaPCWed, 18 Feb 2009 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Intel vying for Larrabee chip in Xbox 720]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/05/rumor-intel-vying-for-larrabee-chip-in-xbox-720/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/05/rumor-intel-vying-for-larrabee-chip-in-xbox-720/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/05/rumor-intel-vying-for-larrabee-chip-in-xbox-720/#commentsFiled under: ,

Intel is rumored to be heavily courting Microsoft for inclusion of its high-performance GPU Larrabee in the next-generation Xbox, according to The Inquirer. Its source states that Intel is willing to make a lot of major concessions, the logic being that inclusion in the console would compel game makers to develop for the chipset, thus increasing interest in the consumer PC market and making a dent in the GPU market dominated by ATI and Nvidia. It's certainly not a far-fetched scheme; we'd be surprised if Intel didn't at least make a pitch to Microsoft, regardless of the actual terms.

The Xbox 360 currently uses a PowerPC-based CPU from IBM and a GPU designed by ATI. Should this rumor prove true, our first reaction is "cool" and our second is to wonder about backwards compatibility, which became an issue given that the original Xbox's GPU was based on a different, Nvidia-based architecture in comparison to its successor.

[Via Tweaktown; Thanks, Tigerj]

JoystiqRumor: Intel vying for Larrabee chip in Xbox 720 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>intellarrabeemicrosoftrumorxboxXbox-360xbox-720Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Intel: Some example of Ray Traced gaming likely in 2-3 years]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/intel-some-example-of-ray-traced-gaming-likely-in-2-3-years/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/intel-some-example-of-ray-traced-gaming-likely-in-2-3-years/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/intel-some-example-of-ray-traced-gaming-likely-in-2-3-years/#commentsFiled under:

Already looking to the future, Intel's Dr. Michael Vollmer expressed hope towards the future of ray traced visuals in gaming. When asked by PC Gaming Hardware if there were developers already working on ray traced games, Vollmer said, "I dare say that in two to three years time we will see something," noting that he keeps in touch with companies all over the world.

Ray tracing is a graphics technique that is capable of some impressive, photorealistic visuals but conversely is very computational-intensive. Vollmer also said that the raytracing demo shown last month should be seen as a technical demo and that the graphics portion had been taken from the non-raytraced optimized Enemy Territory: Quake Wars. Speaking of which, we couldn't think of a more likely candidate for showcasing raytraced graphics than John Carmack and Id Software, except maybe Crytek. If Vollmer's estimates are accurate, we hope to see some ray traced frag fest in time for the 2011 Game Developers Conference.

[Via Blue's News]

JoystiqIntel: Some example of Ray Traced gaming likely in 2-3 years originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Jul 2008 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crytekid-softwareintelmichael-vollmerPCray-tracingraytracingThu, 31 Jul 2008 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Force your older Mac to evolve and run Spore Creature Creator]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/fool-your-old-mac-minis-and-macbooks-into-running-the-spore-crea/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/fool-your-old-mac-minis-and-macbooks-into-running-the-spore-crea/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/fool-your-old-mac-minis-and-macbooks-into-running-the-spore-crea/#commentsFiled under: ,


If you've been living under a rock lately and haven't heard about the Spore Creature Creator, we forgive you. However, if you actually just live under a rock and look like something spawned from the Creature Creator, and have been pouting because you have an Interl Mac Mini or an older MacBook with Intel's GMA 950 integrated graphics, then turn that frown upside down.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog will let you know how to fool the program into thinking you're sporting a different graphics chip, and you'll be able to play God on your precious piece of outdated, but still loved, hardware. Just don't blame us if your now hacked machine becomes sentient and starts spawning.

JoystiqForce your older Mac to evolve and run Spore Creature Creator originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 20:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GraphicsIntelMacMacBookSporeTue, 17 Jun 2008 20:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Intel acquires Offset Software]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/intel-acquires-offset-software/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/intel-acquires-offset-software/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/intel-acquires-offset-software/#commentsFiled under:


Lost in the shuffle during the GDC08 news flood was the announcement that Intel had acquired Offset Software, makers of the upcoming, Project Offset. Currently in development for the Xbox 360 and PC, Project Offset is reminiscent of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion with a third-person perspective that doesn't look broken (first-person is also selectable). The game will also feature a multiplayer component, so it actually might be a little more like Two Worlds. Oh, man. We really hope it doesn't turn out like Two Worlds because the for Project Offset trailer looks pretty promising.

[Thanks, Joe]

JoystiqIntel acquires Offset Software originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Feb 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>inteloffset-softwareproject-offsetMon, 25 Feb 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Intel buys up Offset Software, Project Offset still 'going strong']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/intel-buys-up-offset-software-project-offset-still-going-stron/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/intel-buys-up-offset-software-project-offset-still-going-stron/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/intel-buys-up-offset-software-project-offset-still-going-stron/#commentsFiled under: ,


Sam McGrath, technical guru and one of three founders Offset Software, has announced that the company has been purchased by technology giant Intel. The notice came in the form a short post on the Project Offset website, with McGrath adding that the now mythical project is still "going strong" and that the team is "excited about things to come."

Honestly there are two ways to take this, either as PR rhetoric, or a sign that the tech demo that wowed us way back in 2005 could finally be getting its game legs. We'd like to believe the latter, but most of us here stopped believing in miracles a long time ago. But it begs the question as to what Intel has up its sleeves -- why would it pick up such a small developer if Offset Software's game engine technology didn't somehow fit into Intel's master plan? Whether it's interested in pushing Project Offset ahead or is just wanting to field the company's impressive middleware technology, it will be very interesting to see what comes out of this latest game industry acquisition in the months to come.

JoystiqIntel buys up Offset Software, Project Offset still 'going strong' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Feb 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionintelmiddlewareoffset-softwareoffsetsoftwarePCproject-offsetprojectoffsetMon, 25 Feb 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC08: Intel's lounge enslaves minds of GDC attendees]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/gdc08-intels-lounge-enslaves-minds-of-gdc-attendees/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/gdc08-intels-lounge-enslaves-minds-of-gdc-attendees/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/gdc08-intels-lounge-enslaves-minds-of-gdc-attendees/#commentsFiled under: ,


We ventured into Intel's "Interactive Lounge" to try out some fancy 3D headgear, but were terrified to learn that ze goggles, they do something to the minds and bodies of users. Instead, we snapped some pictures from a safe distance and assembled a visual tour for you. Just click on the paralyzed GDC helper person to see it.

JoystiqGDC08: Intel's lounge enslaves minds of GDC attendees originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Feb 2008 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3D-GlassesGDCGDC08IntelPCMon, 18 Feb 2008 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Intel predicts camera-powered, controller-free game system]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/18/intel-predicts-camera-powered-controller-free-game-system/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/18/intel-predicts-camera-powered-controller-free-game-system/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/18/intel-predicts-camera-powered-controller-free-game-system/#commentsFiled under: , ,

While waggling your Wii remote around provides a decent approximation of natural motion, Intel predicts a future where cameras will provide highly accurate motion data to a game system. "We imagine some future generation of [Nintendo's] Wii won't have hand controllers," Intel Chief Technology Officer Justin Rattner, told Business Week. "You just set up the cameras around the room and wave your hand like you're playing tennis."

It should be noted that there's nothing in the article to indicate that Rattner has any insider info on Nintendo's plans -- more than likely he was just theorizing about what he'd like to see in a future system. Still, the idea of a camera-based 3D motion-sensing setup has incredible potential for gaming. More than the simple video transposition of the Xbox Live Vision Camera or the PlayStation Eye, a multi-camera system could model your three-dimensional movements in real time, in effect placing a digital version of you in the game. The result could revolutionize the way we play games and even how they're made -- after all, why should developers use motion captured performances when the players can provide them for themselves?

Such a theoretical system would take quite a bit of processing power, though, which might explain why Intel is talking it up -- after all, they already have a chip that can perform one trillion calculations a second. The future's so bright, we're using our Wii remotes as makeshift shades.

JoystiqIntel predicts camera-powered, controller-free game system originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camerafutureintellive vision cameraLiveVisionCameraplaystation eyePlaystationEyepredictionvisionwiiTue, 18 Dec 2007 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Reminder: Win a $5K gaming PC from Falcon Northwest]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/reminder-win-a-5k-gaming-pc-from-falcon-northwest/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/reminder-win-a-5k-gaming-pc-from-falcon-northwest/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/reminder-win-a-5k-gaming-pc-from-falcon-northwest/#commentsFiled under: ,


So, we're giving away this here gaming PC built by the folks at Falcon Northwest. Since they're the experts when it comes to building gaming PCs and we're the experts when it comes to asking obvious questions, we decided to combine our relative talents and present you with a short bit about a different component each day. We asked Kelt Reeves, CEO of Falcon Northwest, if the system's Intel Core 2 Duo E6850 3.0GHz was similar to our PC's 486DX2 processor. He replied: "Yes, very much so. I'm glad to hear your Falcon Mach V system from 1993 is still working for you. Oh shut up - what did you look like in 1993? Well this is the advertising-equivalent of our 'big hair days'. In 15 years our ads have gotten better."

So, that's the processor as relayed by comparing and contrasting advertising. Pretty fancy, eh? And here's your daily reminder to enter. Go to the giveaway post and answer the following question in the comments: What's your most embarrassing "big hair" memory? In 1993 we were rocking a Hypercolor shirt ... with matching Jams ... and braces. (Also virginity).

JoystiqReminder: Win a $5K gaming PC from Falcon Northwest originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Nov 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Falcon-NorthwestIntelPCWed, 21 Nov 2007 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Intel picks up Havok for $21M]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/17/intel-picks-up-havok-for-21m/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/17/intel-picks-up-havok-for-21m/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/17/intel-picks-up-havok-for-21m/#commentsFiled under:


Even if you're not familiar with the name Havok, you probably know of the games that have used the company's technology, a list that includes BioShock, Stranglehold, Halo 2, Half Life 2, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion and Crackdown. Intel announced today that they've purchased the entire company, a value of around $110 million. The last $21 million sliver was purchased from an Irish holding company called TVC.

As video game bloggers, it's important for us to use our expertise to frame the news in a context that you can use and relate to your daily life. So, here's what this announcement means to you: When you have to press start to skip through a Havok logo before you can play a game, know that you've helped Intel make some more money. ... That is all.

JoystiqIntel picks up Havok for $21M originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Sep 2007 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>havokintelMon, 17 Sep 2007 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Alice now Universal Binary on Mac]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/02/alice-now-universal-binary-on-mac/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/02/alice-now-universal-binary-on-mac/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/02/alice-now-universal-binary-on-mac/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

American McGee's Alice has been updated into a Universal Binary, and the tens of Mac gamers who both use Intel Macs and enjoyed this title -- or at least its gnarled art direction -- can now run the game natively. (Okay, we jest; there must be at least hundreds of us, including this writer and other Joystiq contributors.)

We salute Aspyr for offering a free update to this older title. This sort of support makes us want to keep playing Mac titles, even though the platform's gaming future is uncertain at best. Now excuse us while we dig up old copies of Alice and recite incantations for a Deus Ex update.

JoystiqAlice now Universal Binary on Mac originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Mar 2007 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AliceAmerican McGeeAmerican McGee's AliceAmericanMcgeeAmericanMcgee'sAliceApsyrAspyr MediaAspyrMediaIntelMacUniversal BinaryUniversalBinaryFri, 02 Mar 2007 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Cohen on Mac Pro's gaming prowess]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/15/cohen-on-mac-pros-gaming-prowess/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/15/cohen-on-mac-pros-gaming-prowess/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/15/cohen-on-mac-pros-gaming-prowess/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Cohen on Mac Pro's gaming prowessMacworld's Peter Cohen (author of the magazine's recently vanished GameRoom column) has posted an online idolatry to Apple's new Mac Pro workstation, in which he praises the G5 successor's potential as a gaming tour de force.

Cohen summarizes, "With Leopard coming next spring, Universal Binary games here today and Cider-wrapped games coming within the next couple of months, Mac gaming is on the upswing, and the Mac Pro is a rig that should really be able to take advantage of everything that's offered."

Do you agree? Some of the comments we received for our original post on the Mac Pro raised issues with the Xeon's shortcomings as a gaming chip (which Cohen also addresses), while other Joystiqers engaged in a healthy debate on cost comparisons with similarly configured PCs.

JoystiqCohen on Mac Pro's gaming prowess originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Aug 2006 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleciderdirectxdual coreintelleopardMacmac gamingmac promacworldos xpeter cohenwoodcrestxeonTue, 15 Aug 2006 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[AMD to keep ATI brand, may create more integrated chips]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/08/amd-to-keep-ati-brand-may-create-more-integrated-chips/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/08/amd-to-keep-ati-brand-may-create-more-integrated-chips/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/08/amd-to-keep-ati-brand-may-create-more-integrated-chips/#commentsFiled under: ,

After some initial rumblings that indicated otherwise, AMD has reaffirmed their desire to attach the ATI brand to several of their forthcoming product lines. "The ATi name will live on at AMD as our leading consumer brand, and so will the Radeon brand and other ATi product brands," says spokesperson Eric DeRitis. "AMD's executive management knows very well the power and value of branding, and ATi's branding is some of the most valued in the global technology industry. As such, we plan to keep it. Period."

The nature of the products to be branded as such have yet to be fully disclosed, but already AMD is hinting at providing more integrated graphics solutions. Indeed, the branding may become especially vital when faced with the widespread (and arguably correct) perception that "integrated graphics" is merely a shorter term for referring to that worthless piece of tech that came with your computer and can barely push two frames per second in the latest Tiger Woods game. According to their marketing manager for Europe, AMD sees integrating graphics acceleration directly into the CPU as the next logical step.

"So, in much the same way as a floating point unit is now integrated into the processor, I would expect to see joint single pieces of silicon for certain specialist markets too." Richard Baker restrains the idea a bit, though, and says that AMD won't "integrate some steaming great big quad-core CrossFire engine into a CPU; that would be crazy. But if you're looking at entry level parts for emerging markets, where a very simple GPU could be integrated, then that could be possible."

The true fallout of the AMD/ATI deal will likely become most evident once the new product lines show up which, if Baker is to be believed, could happen as early as next year.

Read - AMD stays hand over ATI brand axe
Read - AMD hints at integrated graphics and physics acceleration in CPUs

Previously:

JoystiqAMD to keep ATI brand, may create more integrated chips originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Aug 2006 21:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AMDATICPUGPUIntegrated graphicsIntegratedGraphicsIntelNvidiaPCphysics accelerationPhysicsAccelerationTue, 08 Aug 2006 21:55:00 EST<![CDATA[ATI responds to Nvidia, clears up post-takeover rumors]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/27/ati-responds-to-nvidia-clears-up-post-takeover-rumors/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/27/ati-responds-to-nvidia-clears-up-post-takeover-rumors/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/27/ati-responds-to-nvidia-clears-up-post-takeover-rumors/#commentsFiled under: ,

Not too long after Nvidia CEO, Jen Hsun-Huang, described AMD's purchase of ATI as a "gift" and as a sign of their main competitor "throwing in the towel," comes this retort from the newly formed CPU-GPU monster:

"The PC market is a tough place to be without any friends. ATI now has all the resources of AMD behind it, and will be producing faster, more compact GPUs and reaching the channel more effectively than ever before. Nvidia's words are bravado, designed to confuse the market while the company tries to find a way to compete now that it's standing alone."

Oh my, such comments are in desperate need of thermal paste and an officially endorsed heatsink and fan combination! Or, um, burn. While Nvidia is hardly "alone" in the market, the point ATI makes is not entirely without merit. In a considerably competitive hardware market, combining resources and technology couldn't easily be labeled as a terrible strategy and certainly not as a white flag flapping in the wind. Both companies have valid points -- we'll see which is more convincing once they start releasing their next generation of wares.

The rest of AMD's response is aimed at several rumors that have cropped up since the original takeover announcement. They pledge to remain committed to GPUs and to support graphics solutions on Intel platforms, rubbishing the suggestion that Intel is revoking ATI's license. Perhaps that's where Nvidia and ATI can agree: having a strange PC hardware format war would be unpleasant for all parties involved.

[Via Voodoo Extreme, thanks devian!]

JoystiqATI responds to Nvidia, clears up post-takeover rumors originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Jul 2006 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AMDATICPUGeForceGFXGPUIntelNforceNvidiaPCPentiumRadeonThu, 27 Jul 2006 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple, ATI, and the future of Mac gaming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/26/does-ati-have-a-future-with-apple/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/26/does-ati-have-a-future-with-apple/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/26/does-ati-have-a-future-with-apple/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Apple - ATI - Nvidia dilemmaIn the aftermath of AMD's acquisition of ATI, ZDnet blogger Jason O'Grady ponders Apple's next move with regards to graphics chips. While this isn't an issue for the MacBook and Mini product lines (both use the dreaded integrated graphics solution), the iMacs and MacBook Pros currently use the ATI Radeon X1600, while the Power Mac G5s ship with an Nvidia GeForce 6600.

Should Intel sever its ties with ATI, where would this leave the Intel Macs, including the forthcoming Mac Pros (rumored to be switching back to ATI)? Over the past year, it seems Mac gamers have been in an endless state of confusion with the CPU transition, Rosetta and Universal binary technologies, the introduction of Boot Camp, and now a potential GPU change.

What are your thoughts on the future of Mac gaming? Should Apple continue offering solutions from both graphics providers, and are Jobs and Co. doing enough to promote the Mac as a gaming platform?

JoystiqApple, ATI, and the future of Mac gaming originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Jul 2006 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amdappleatiboot campg5imacintelmacmacbooknvidiaPCWed, 26 Jul 2006 15:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Nvidia on ATI: "basically throwing in the towel"]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/25/nvidia-on-ati-basically-throwing-in-the-towel/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/25/nvidia-on-ati-basically-throwing-in-the-towel/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/25/nvidia-on-ati-basically-throwing-in-the-towel/#commentsFiled under: ,

It seems that graphics powerhouse Nvidia is reacting rather well to news of AMD scooping ATI off the corporate shelf and filling in coupons to the value of $5.4 billion at the checkout counter. Speaking to BusinessWeek Online, Nvidia CEO Jen-Hsun Huang described the purchase as a "gift", presumably whilst reclining in a henhouse, sipping cocktails and counting objects of some kind. He went on to say that ATI was "throwing in the towel, leaving us as the only stand-alone (graphics chip) company in the world." Of course, not being a stand-alone graphics chip company hasn't stopped Intel from competing in that market, so perhaps winning the "who can be the last stand-alone company" competition isn't all that important.

More importance can be found in the repercussions of such a large purchase. There are concerns that AMD's debt-to-capital ratio might take a turn for the worse after the company took out a $2.5 billion term loan to cover some of the purchase. Intel and Nvidia's chummy relationship may also prove to be a stumbling block should ATI's graphics chips ever be locked out of Intel machines. Still, AMD cautiously considers the potential benefits, such as major cost reductions and an entry point into the Intel-dominated laptop arena, to be worth the price and effort.

Mr. Huang's expectations may turn out to be accurate in the long run, but in an industry that was once ruled by 3dfx Interactive (remember Glide?), anything can happen.

JoystiqNvidia on ATI: "basically throwing in the towel" originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Jul 2006 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dFXAMDATICPUGPUGraphics cardsGraphicsCardsIntelJen-Hsun HuangJen-hsunHuangNvidiaPCTue, 25 Jul 2006 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic's Mark Rein: Intel is killing PC Gaming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/12/epics-mark-rein-intel-is-killing-pc-gaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/12/epics-mark-rein-intel-is-killing-pc-gaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/12/epics-mark-rein-intel-is-killing-pc-gaming/#commentsFiled under: ,

A couple of hours ago, Epic Vice President Mark Rein opened the Develop Conference in Brighton with a keynote covering topics ranging from the economics of next-generation games, episodic content and middleware (which, incidentally, Epic makes a lot of its money from). The majority of the second half of his keynote took a critical look at Intel's place within gaming; specifically, Mark thinks "Intel is killing PC gaming".

Over several slides on the topic, Mark laid out the reasons he thinks that PC gaming is being harmed by Intel. He pointed the finger at Intel's integrated graphics chips. Integrated chipsets are often incapable of playing the latest (and certainly next-generation) games at any kind of graphics settings. Despite this, they are wildly popular amongst retailers. According to Mark's figures, 80% of laptops and 55% of desktops (note: he failed to cite a source for these figures) feature integrated graphics. That's bad news for companies like Epic, which are investing heavily into extremely demanding next-generation games.

If next-generation games don't run on the vast majority of computers, big-name and -money developers will lose (or have already lost) their bottom end. At the same time, the higher end is getting higher. The last year has produced widespread-SLI adoption within the hardcore PC gaming community and new technologies like Quad-SLI, Quad-CPUs, physics processors and $10,000+ PCs.

Over the next couple of days we'll be exploring this keynote and other seminars from Develop in more depth, but for now we'll ask you the same questions that Mark asked the audience:
  • Do games like The Sims, World of WarCraft and other low-budget Asian MMOs prove Mark's hypothesis, that PC gaming is going away because of Intel, wrong?
  • Will console MMOs put the nail in the coffin of PC gaming?
  • How come big publishers aren't placing big bets on PC gaming? (Mark says that he knows of at least two "major" developers that are considering moving exclusively to console based development, although he failed to elaborate on which ones).
  • Will the PC market be relegated to only mass-market and casual games?

JoystiqEpic's Mark Rein: Intel is killing PC Gaming originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Jul 2006 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Develop Conferencedevelop06DevelopConferenceEpicIntegrated GraphicsIntegratedGraphicsIntelMark ReinMarkReinPCWed, 12 Jul 2006 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise of Legends tourney announced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/11/rise-of-legends-tourney-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/11/rise-of-legends-tourney-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/11/rise-of-legends-tourney-announced/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Rise of Legends tourneyIntel, ATI, and Logitech will be sponsoring a Rise of Legends tournament that includes $100k in prize money. Qualifying events will be held between September and November, and the top eight combatants will be invited to the final round in January to determine the "ultimate champion". Visit the official site for details.

Professional gaming has been a frequent topic of discussion in recent months:

JoystiqRise of Legends tourney announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Jul 2006 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atibig huge gamesintellogitechmicrosoft gamesPCrise of legendsrise of nationsTue, 11 Jul 2006 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaming products dominate top tech list [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/01/gaming-products-dominate-top-ten-tech-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/01/gaming-products-dominate-top-ten-tech-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/01/gaming-products-dominate-top-ten-tech-list/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

PC World's list of top 100 tech products of the year praised our sister blog Engadget and gave Apple lots of love but the categorical winner of the list is undoubtedly gaming. The following products aren't all directly gaming related (you could use some of them to run spreadsheets) although there's a quite clear video gaming subtext underlying many of the choices. Lets just say that they're as close to being gaming technology as Uri Geller is to being locked up in an asylum.

1. Core Duo - the first chip to enable desktop level performance in games on laptop computers.
2. Athlon 64 X2 - for that ultimate gaming rig you always wanted (but couldn't, and still can't, afford).
10. Boot Camp - Apple's Mac gaming solution.
16. GeForce 7600GT - hits that price/performance sweet spot.
19. Guitar Hero - we think that this is some kind of video game.
55. Raptor X - 10,000RPM Hard Drives were invented for gaming.
58. X1900 XTX - ATI's biggest, baddest GPU. Stupid name though.
63. A8N32 mobo - it's all about the SLI, baby.
89. Xbox 360 - we've heard of this! Isn't it designed to hold your lunch?
92. GeForce 7900 GTX - nVIDIA's biggest, baddest GPU. Stupid name though.

I personally own several products identical or similar to products on this list (a MacBook with a Core Duo CPU running Windows via Boot Camp is being used to write this post - I'm off for some Eve Online in a sec). Do you agree with these choices? What's missing?

P.S. If anyone from PC World is reading this, I apologize for desecrating your logo.

[Update: "top tech," not "top ten tech". Thanks Ahms!]

JoystiqGaming products dominate top tech list [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Jun 2006 01:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10,000RPM64 X264X2AppleAsusAsus motherboardAsusMotherboardAthlonATIBoot CampBootCampCore DuoCoreDuoCPUEngadgetgamingGeForce 7600GeForce 7900Geforce7600Geforce7900GPUGuitar HeroGuitarHeroHard DriveHardDriveIntelMacnVIDIAPCprice/performanceRaptor XRaptorXSLItop 100Top100TUAWUri GellerUriGellerX1900Xbox 360Xbox-360Xbox360Thu, 01 Jun 2006 01:45:00 EST<![CDATA[China, Intel, and the WiMAX agenda]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/31/china-intel-and-the-wimax-agenda/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/31/china-intel-and-the-wimax-agenda/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/31/china-intel-and-the-wimax-agenda/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

China proposes new WiMAX standardWireless gaming will be getting a boost over the next few years, thanks to broadband technologies such as WiBro and WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access). WiMAX was created to enable cheap and easy wireless Internet access over ranges spanning 50 km (31 miles), and Intel has been working to deploy WiMAX networks worldwide. Through their Asian Broadband Campaign, the world's leading chip maker is building wireless broadband networks in Taiwan and across Southeast Asia. South Korea is also on board and has pledged to make their WiBro (Wireless Broadband) standard compatible with WiMAX.

Chinese gamers, however, might be late to the party. Despite having their WAPI national standard dismissed by the International Standards Organization (ISO) last year, China still figures to have a hand in the evolution of wireless networking protocols. The Chinese government has not only filed an appeal to ISO alleging unfair play by the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), but a group of Chinese corporations and academic institutions have drafted a proprietary WiMAX specification to counter the recently adopted IEEE 802.16d and 802.16e standards. This will make life difficult for PC manufacturers such as Lenovo, Sony, and Toshiba who have a strong presence in the booming Chinese market, as they wait to see which standard prevails in the People's Republic.

See also:

JoystiqChina, Intel, and the WiMAX agenda originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 May 2006 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSieeeintelisoPCPSPwapiwibrowimaxWed, 31 May 2006 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[More integrated graphics from Apple]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/16/more-integrated-graphics-from-apple/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/16/more-integrated-graphics-from-apple/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/16/more-integrated-graphics-from-apple/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Apple released the MacBook, its new consumer laptop, today. The full tech specs -- which are over at Apple's site -- mention that the MacBook features an Intel GMA950: in other words, an integrated graphics chip identical to the Mac mini. Previously we've summarized the disadvantages of integrated graphics and we've moaned about the poor graphics performance of Apple's line-up in an attempt to force someone at Apple to listen, but it was all in vain.

Apple's supposed "gaming solution" (Windows) is hardly a solution now that Apple's consumer line-up (MacBook, Mac mini) doesn't have a dedicated graphics card, the prosumer line-up (MacBook Pro, iMac) features a low- to mid-range mobile chip and the remaining top-of-the-range machine (PowerMac) is stuck with PowerPC processors, crappy default GPUs (GeForce 6600s, yuck!) and a largely unobtainable price.

If Apple one days wakes up and realizes that there are a load of potential gaming switchers sitting on the fence it would either: tell, no, force Intel to make some integrated chips that aren't "virtually unplayable for anybody that cares about gaming" or provide the option of dedicated graphics cards for gamers, even if it costs us more.

JoystiqMore integrated graphics from Apple originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 May 2006 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Computer gamingComputerGamingFPSG5GamesGamingGeForceGMA950GPUsIntegrated graphicsIntegratedGraphicsIntelIntel Core DuoIntelCoreDuoMacMac miniMacBookMacBook ProMacbookProMacMiniOS XOsXPCPowerMacWindowsTue, 16 May 2006 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The switch from Intel/NVIDIA to IBM/ATI]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/03/the-switch-from-intel-nvidia-to-ibm-ati/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/03/the-switch-from-intel-nvidia-to-ibm-ati/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/03/the-switch-from-intel-nvidia-to-ibm-ati/#commentsFiled under:

The "Dean" (har har) of Xbox education, Dean Takahashi, wrote a typically thorough and thoughtful piece for this month's Electronic Business magazine. What? You're not a subscriber? Tsk tsk. Lucky for you, the good folks at EBM have put the article online.

Takahashi profiles Nick Baker, one of the 360 system architects who decided to switch chip camps, going from Intel to rival IBM and switching from NVIDIA to (bitter) rival ATI. Takahashi covers the fascinating project of building a next-gen game console in -- what we assume is -- just a taste of his upcoming book on the 360.

One of the most interesting parts in the piece is Takahashi's details surrounding the shortage of the GDDR3 RAM. He writes, "Both Samsung and Infineon Technologies had committed to making the GDDR3 memory for Microsoft. But some of Infineon's chips fell short of the 700 megahertz specified by Microsoft. Using such chips could have slowed games down noticeably. Microsoft's engineers consulted and decided to start sorting the chips, not using the subpar ones. Because GDDR3 700-MHz chips were just ramping up, there was no way to get more chips. Each system used eight chips. The shortage constrained the supply of Xbox 360s."

Microsoft has argued that it was a generalized component shortage, but we've known better.

[Thanks, Joe]

JoystiqThe switch from Intel/NVIDIA to IBM/ATI originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 May 2006 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HardwareIBMIntelPowerPCProcessorsTakahashiWed, 03 May 2006 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[WoW will work on Intel Macs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/01/16/wow-will-work-on-intel-macs/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/01/16/wow-will-work-on-intel-macs/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/01/16/wow-will-work-on-intel-macs/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When His Steveness debuted the brand new, lust inducing Intel-based Macs at Macworld last week, Mac gamers knew it signalled a significant shift towards a more viable gaming platform. What remains to be seen is if more developers choose to port their games over because of the common x86 architecture the Mac and PC platforms share.

Blizzard had a small booth at Macworld showing off their Intel-compatible Mac port of World of Warcraft, and it was fast! Ars Technica writes, "One wonders why Steve Jobs didn't blow the crowd away with the saturated colors and excessive frame rates of WoW on an iMac. It loaded fast, and when the first character popped up in town, the frame rate never dropped below 60, and this was pretty much going full tilt in the settings."

So if you're lucky enough to be getting a new Intel dual core 2GHz iMac, but worry about the lack of native speed for World of Warcraft, Blizzard will be issuing the Universal binary in about three weeks... for free.

[Via /.]

JoystiqWoW will work on Intel Macs originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jan 2006 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleiMacIntelMacWorld of WarcraftWorldOfWarcraftMon, 16 Jan 2006 11:15:00 EST