Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Nintendo announces Wii Speak Channelhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/nintendo-announces-wii-speak-channel/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/nintendo-announces-wii-speak-channel/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/nintendo-announces-wii-speak-channel/#commentsFiled under:

As one of the last two announcements for their fall media summit, Nintendo has announced the Wii Speak Channel for use with the Wii microphone (pictured, from E3 2008). According to Cammy Dunaway, up to four people can chat together, and the microphones will come with a coupon to download the channel.

Of course, this leads to a plethora of other questions, such as: release date, price (if not buying with the microphone), can a USB mic be substituted, what else can we do with the channel besides speak? We're not holding our breath waiting for answers anytime soon.

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]]>breakingnewsmicrophonenintendowii-speakwii-speak-channelwiispeakwiispeak-channelRoss Miller2008-10-02T13:25:00+00:00Declaration of Independence reading gets perfect vocal score in Rock Band 2http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/declaration-of-independence-reading-gets-perfect-vocal-score-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/declaration-of-independence-reading-gets-perfect-vocal-score-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/declaration-of-independence-reading-gets-perfect-vocal-score-in/#commentsFiled under: ,

Back in July, a GameSpy preview for Rock Band 2 claimed "the phoneme detection system used for the 'talkie' parts [in Rock Band] has been completely stripped and a new one has been put in place [for Rock Band 2]." Well, Harmonix definitely stripped out the old system, but it seems to have forgotten to put a new one in its place, as the new game seems to award perfect vocal points if it detects any noise during the "talkie" parts.

We first became aware of this problem when we saw this video of a singer using a bunch of gibberish to pass the Beastie Boys' "So Whatcha Want" with a 100% rating on Expert difficulty. It's an impressive illustration of the faulty phoneme detection, but it's not wholly satisfying -- the singer is occasionally on rhythm and his voice occasionally does kind of match with the on-screen words. We wondered: how bad would a vocal performance have to be to fail this song?

The answer, apparently, is "worse than a monotone recitation of the U.S. Declaration of Independence." As shown in the above video we've put together, even a dry reading of a 200+-year-old political treatise can be victorious in a Rock Band 2 vocal battle. Rest assured, there's no computer trickery going on here -- this video was taken as a direct feed from the Xbox 360 and has not been edited in any way. Now we only have one more question: when will Harmonix put in that improved phoneme detection system it's long been promising.

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]]>beastie boysBeastieBoysdeclaration-of-independenceEAelectronic-artsharmonixmicrophonephonemerock band 2rock-band-2RockBand2singingSo Whatcha WantSoWhatchaWanttalkingvocalKyle Orland2008-09-16T08:30:00+00:00Details on Lips: microphone, your songs, its songshttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/details-on-lips-microphone-your-songs-its-songs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/details-on-lips-microphone-your-songs-its-songs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/details-on-lips-microphone-your-songs-its-songs/#commentsFiled under: ,


We got a chance to sit down with Keiichi Yano - chief creative officer of Lips developer iNiS - for a walkthrough of their upcoming Xbox 360 karaoke game. We'll get around to writing up some of our impressions later, but first we wanted to share some answers to our biggest questions about the game.

The microphone
  • The wireless microphone will bind with the Xbox 360, no dongle required.
  • It's unclear if it will work with other music games. When asked about Rock Band or Guitar Hero World Tour, Keiichi Yano told us, "That's a great idea. We would love to do that." Alas, it's up to those third-party devs to implement support for this peripheral.
  • A second player can shake the microphone to instantly "jump in" to the song, no menus needed.
  • They use 2 AA batteries, just like the Xbox 360 controller. Yanno said that, despite the motion-sensitivity and the lights, the battery life is pretty impressive already, on prototype hardware.
  • Lips will be bundled with a black and a white controller
Your music
  • Though they were only showing off the streaming functionality through a Zune, they assured us it would work just as simply through an iPod. When asked why they couldn't use one now, Yano responded, "Trust me. It works." We then crossed our arms and fell backwards into his waiting arms ...
  • DRM'd songs can't be used, regardless of the DRM scheme used. So no Zune or iTunes songs.
  • Lips will perform "vocal reduction" on your own songs, though they weren't showing the functionality off.
  • You can be scored on your own songs.
  • Audio from a Zune or iPod is streamed only, not downloaded, so you'll need to keep it nearby
  • After telling us that they "actually don't know" if Lips will be able to read directly from your streaming media library (think iTunes) the way the Xbox 360 can, Yano said they'd like to implement the feature, which he followed up by saying "hint hint, wink wink, say no more." We asked him to repeat that in a British accent and he was all too happy to oblige.
  • When asked if you would see your Avatar singing on the screen in the absence of a music video, they said they weren't talking about Avatars now.
  • No word on how they'll implement lyrics or a beat chart for the songs, though Yanno promised it would be "very, very compelling."
Its music
  • There are only three confirmed songs: "Mercy" by Duffy; "Young Folk" by Peter, Bjorn & John; and "Bust a Move" by Young MC
  • All songs will be master tracks and will include the original music videos
  • Rap songs work a little differently, it's not just about rhythm.

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]]>INISLipsmicrophoneChristopher Grant2008-07-17T17:44:00+00:00Rumor: Xbox 360's 'Lips' microphone, box art leakedhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/first-shots-of-xbox-360s-lips-microphone-box-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/first-shots-of-xbox-360s-lips-microphone-box-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/first-shots-of-xbox-360s-lips-microphone-box-art/#commentsFiled under: ,

No sooner does Variety all-but-confirm that Microsoft's somewhat mysterious Lips karaoke project will be shown at E3 then Gamekyo gets their hands on some apparent promotional shots of the game's wireless microphones (above) and box art. No screenshots of the gameplay yet, but the photo dump does include two pictures of people standing around with microphones near their mouths (you know, in case you were wondering what karaoke looked like).

Actually, these singing shots do show one interesting feature: the "lights on the shaft of the microphone that pulse to the rhythm of your voice," that were hinted at in last month's leaked Intellivoice Intellisponse survey. According to the pictures, this feature takes the form of two rings of light near the base and tip of the microphone, bathing the singers' hands in an ethereal blue or red glow. We'll let you know if the feature comes off as trippy or tacky when we inevitably get some hands-on time with the game next week.

[Update: Corrected the name of the Intellisponse survey. Not to be confused with Intellivoice. Whoops!]

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]]>breakingnewskaraokelipsmicrophonemicrosoftKyle Orland2008-07-11T16:25:00+00:00Rumor: Guitar Hero: Aerosmith to use drum and mic peripheralshttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/17/rumor-guitar-hero-aerosmith-to-use-drum-and-mic-peripherals/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/17/rumor-guitar-hero-aerosmith-to-use-drum-and-mic-peripherals/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/17/rumor-guitar-hero-aerosmith-to-use-drum-and-mic-peripherals/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


While you might think a game titled Guitar Hero: Aerosmith would have you playing, you know, guitars, a Best Buy advertisement for the latest mistake chapter in the rhythm game franchise claims you'll be able to play as all of the "famous rock legends" in "America's greatest rock and roll band" -- including the drummer, Joey Kramer, and band's own lady-lookin'-dude, Steven Tyler, using a drum peripheral and microphone peripheral (complete with flamboyantly colored scarf, we assume).

If true, we wonder if Activision would release their own controllers for the game, or count on backwards compatibility with the Rock Band peripherals (fat chance, considering the near feud between Harmonix and Activision over Rock Band's guitar compatibility issues). Not that it matters to us -- the only devices we'd use to interact with a rhythm game featuring songs by Aerosmith are a clay pigeon launcher and our trusty pump-action shotgun.

[Thanks, Waffle Slayer.]

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]]>activisionaerosmithdrumsguitarherojoeykramermicmicrophoneneversoftsteventylerGriffin McElroy2008-02-17T20:30:00+00:00Standalone Rock Band mic not compatible with Wii; company regrets errorhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/01/standalone-rock-band-mic-not-compatible-with-wii-company-regret/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/01/standalone-rock-band-mic-not-compatible-with-wii-company-regret/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/01/standalone-rock-band-mic-not-compatible-with-wii-company-regret/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


We've been informed that the mention of Wii compatibility on the packaging for the standalone Rock Band microphone was an error. A spokesperson from manufacturer PDP contacted Joystiq to say, "Our packaging mistakenly states that the microphone is compatible with the Wii. Unfortunately, this is not the case and will be corrected in future versions of the packaging. We apologize for the confusion."

The statement's timing seems odd following yesterday's confirmation that Rock Band is coming to the Wii. It seems there's some issue with this specific microphone, meaning it should not be compatible with Boogie or High School Musical either, both of which use microphones plugged into the Wii's USB ports.

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]]>microphonerock-bandrockbandAlexander Sliwinski2008-02-01T19:00:00+00:00Rock Band microphone in the wild for $50, Wii [update]http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/28/rock-band-microphone-in-the-wild-for-50/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/28/rock-band-microphone-in-the-wild-for-50/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/28/rock-band-microphone-in-the-wild-for-50/#commentsFiled under: , ,


This bit of info is flying pretty close under the radar, but apparently the Rock Band standalone microphones are sporadically out in the wild. The picture above comes from a tipster at a Best Buy in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, who tells us the microphone is being sold for $50. We knew the standalone guitar is coming in April and the drum kit gets a beat on retail next month, but the microphone was conspicuously missing from that announcement.

If $50 for the "official" mic seems a bit much, just remember that a standard USB mic should be compatible. Still no "official" announcement on this microphone that has apparently gone ninja into retail.

Update: The packaging claims the mic is compatible with PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and ... Wii! Rock Band for Wii?! Not so fast, this could just be a standard USB microphone for use with games like - *shudder* - Boogie.

[Via Engadget, Thanks Arcaynn]

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]]>eaharmonixmicrophonemtvrock-bandrockbandAlexander Sliwinski2008-01-28T15:00:00+00:00Mad Catz to make Rock Band instrumentshttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/mad-catz-to-make-rock-band-instruments/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/mad-catz-to-make-rock-band-instruments/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/mad-catz-to-make-rock-band-instruments/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

With the absolute flood of third-party guitars for the Guitar Hero series, it's not that surprising that accessory-makers are jumping on the Rock Band-wagon, too. Well, at least one is. Mad Catz today announced a "multi-year licensing agreement" with MTV Games to produce "both wired and wireless bass guitars, a drum percussion set bundled with professional quality wooden drum sticks, and a wired microphone."

While having extra options for drum kits and microphones is nice, the addition of officially licensed, wireless, third-party guitars will be welcome news to PS3 owners tired of not being able to use their Guitar Hero III guitars with Rock Band and Xbox 360 owners tired of tripping over wires -- not to mention general Rock Band owners tired of replacing their broken bundled guitars. The instruments will be available in the "first half of 2008," according to the release.

While the release specifically addresses Rock Band instruments, it also leaves the door open for other applicable "game accessories." We personally can't wait for the inevitable pyrotechnics launcher that goes off every time you nail a tough solo. Just, er, be careful with it, OK?

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]]>drumsguitarharmonixMad CatzMadCatzmicrophoneMTV GamesMtvGamesrock-bandViacomKyle Orland2008-01-04T12:00:00+00:00Rock Band playable at PAXhttp://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/24/rock-band-playable-at-pax/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/24/rock-band-playable-at-pax/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/24/rock-band-playable-at-pax/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Harmonix will have a booth at this year's PAX convention in Seattle Aug 24-26 where Rock Band will be playable. For those who during E3 didn't have an appointment with EA, get invited to the West Hollywood party or end up in the suite gathering, here's their chance to play with the general populace -- like Chris Furniss of The Weekly Geek Show. Furniss points out, "Sure you could play Harmonix's Guitar Hero-and-every-other-game-ever-killer behind closed doors at this year's E3 ... But it wasn't on the show floor. This just furthers my frustration with companies at this year's E3."

Yes, the picture above created by and featuring Furniss does not actually use the Rock Band peripherals and he's using Donkey Kong bongos in place of the drums -- but it's still funny, darn it! Hopefully Harmonix will think ahead and have some plan set up for PAX and the mass of people who will want to play Rock Band. The 20x30 booth they'll have set up may only be for one set, which means PAX attendees will hopefully not experience the Nintendo Wii line of 2006 for their chance at the game. Thankfully, the game is just as fun to watch as it is to play.

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]]>drumsfurnissguitarmicrophonepaxpennyarcaderockbandAlexander Sliwinski2007-07-24T12:45:00+00:00EA's Boogie-bundled Wii microphone picturedhttp://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/11/eas-boogie-bundled-wii-microphone-pictured/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/11/eas-boogie-bundled-wii-microphone-pictured/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/11/eas-boogie-bundled-wii-microphone-pictured/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's been rumored for well over a year that the Wiimote houses secret microphone functionality. As recently as this month, additional rumor fodder came in the form of one unused "audio translator" sitting idly inside each and every Wiimote. It's too bad then that the upcoming Wii rhythm game, Boogie, is coming with the pictured microphone, as promised.

Sure, maybe some part of us believed that -- through the magic of technology (or just plain magic) -- our plain, unassuming Wiimotes would be transformed into super-powered Wiimote / microphone hybrids. Or maybe they still will and Nintendo's just not ready to share the magic with third-parties. Speaking of third-parties, note the generic EA branding, perfect for use with other EA-developed, microphone-enabled Wii games. Yes, we're thinking of you, Harry Potter.

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]]>BoogieEAmicrophoneWiimoteChristopher Grant2007-06-11T13:27:00+00:00Rumor: The Wii-mic ... and Harry Potter will use ithttp://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/11/rumor-the-wii-mic-and-harry-potter-will-use-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/11/rumor-the-wii-mic-and-harry-potter-will-use-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/11/rumor-the-wii-mic-and-harry-potter-will-use-it/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Although there hasn't been an official announcement yet, we expect to see the Wii-mic by Q3. Rumors have surfaced and GoNintendo confirmed that NDA was broken -- so, yeah, about that Wii-mic. The writing was on the wall earlier this week when High School Musical was announced for the Wii. The Karaoke Revolution-esque game by Disney Interactive will use a microphone. Unless the game is using the Gamecube's mic to be stuck in on top of the Wii, that means a microphone attachment will soon be officially announced by Nintendo.

The real NDA breaking rumor has EA working on a Harry Potter game using the mic in conjunction with gestures to cast spells. Now that's the type of Wii title we're talking about! "Wingardium Leviosah" FTW! Sadly, those who attended the EA Wii event on Wednesday signed NDAs -- so there's a lot of people out there sitting on information they can't confirm, deny or share with their readers.

Update: Statement from GoNintendo, "The NDA I am talking about has nothing to do with the mic for the Wii. I was just mentioning the mic part because we already knew it was coming according to High School Musical info. The NDA deals with something else completely. If EA talked about a mic at their party, I didn't hear anything about it. "

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]]>gdc07harry potterhigh school musicalmicrophonewiiwii-micAlexander Sliwinski2007-03-11T23:08:00+00:00Nintendo snags wiikaraoke.com, built-in mic rumor heats uphttp://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/25/nintendo-snags-wiikaraoke-com-built-in-mic-rumor-heats-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/25/nintendo-snags-wiikaraoke-com-built-in-mic-rumor-heats-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/25/nintendo-snags-wiikaraoke-com-built-in-mic-rumor-heats-up/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Wii karaokeThe latest Wii rumor, which speculates that the Wiimote has a built-in mic, is starting to heat up with news that Nintendo has registered the 'wiikaraoke.com' domain. Currently, the address redirects browsers to the Nintendo homepage, but we have to assume that this will all change, in time. Of course, Nintendo hasn't confirmed a thing, so the domain could end up remaining dead space or used for other purposes, like a contest.

Still, we can't help but point out that the Wiimote makes for a perfect impromptu microphone.

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]]>karaokemicmicrophoneWiimoteJames Ransom-Wiley2006-05-25T13:25:00+00:00Rumor: Wiimote with mic, VoIP supporthttp://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/24/rumor-wiimote-with-mic-voip-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/24/rumor-wiimote-with-mic-voip-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/24/rumor-wiimote-with-mic-voip-support/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Wii VoIPNintendo has hinted that there are still Wii functions that have yet to be revealed. One of the latest rumors suggests that one of these functions is built-in microphone support.

We know that the Wiimote houses a speaker, but what if the controller also contains a microphone? And if that should be the case, could the Wiimote also double as a VoIP-supported communication device? Sure. Throw in a voice-activated phonebook and we're talkin' universal functionality (i.e. an incentive for "non-gamers" to buy in).

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]]>microphoneVoIPWiimoteJames Ransom-Wiley2006-05-24T16:55:00+00:00