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[OnLive's new senior VP of engineering to push tablet, Smart TV]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/onlives-new-senior-vp-of-engineering-to-push-tablet-smart-tv/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/onlives-new-senior-vp-of-engineering-to-push-tablet-smart-tv/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/onlives-new-senior-vp-of-engineering-to-push-tablet-smart-tv/#comments OnLive is looking into the tablet and Smart TV gaming market with its latest hire, Don Gordon, founder of Smart TV tech company Bulldog United. Gordon is OnLive's new senior VP of engineering, and his goal is to drive integration of OnLive onto tablets and Smart TVs, Develop reports.

OnLive saw a public, rocky buyout and restructuring in August, when Lauder Partners picked up the company for $4.8 million. At the time, OnLive was $18.7 million in debt and had no available cash. Gaikai, a competing cloud gaming service, was picked up by sony for $380 million in July. OnLive is still, well, alive, and LG Smart TVs now come standard with the streaming service.

JoystiqOnLive's new senior VP of engineering to push tablet, Smart TV originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloudiosipadmobileOnLivepcSmart-TVtabletWed, 20 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony patents 'Eyepad,' a Move-enabled PS3 tablet controller]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/16/sony-patents-eyepad-a-move-enabled-ps3-tablet-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/16/sony-patents-eyepad-a-move-enabled-ps3-tablet-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/16/sony-patents-eyepad-a-move-enabled-ps3-tablet-controller/#comments Sony patents 'Eyepad,' a Moveenabled PS3 tablet controller It's important to remember, especially in situations like this, that the existence of a patent does not necessarily correlate to the existence of a product, or even a company's desire to build what it has patented. So, with that in mind, let's take a look at Sony's ridiculously named PlayStation 3 tablet controller patent.

The device Sony refers to as an "EyePad" in its patent application, seen in the sketch above, would theoretically come equipped with the usual trappings you'd expect from a PS3 controller: D-Pad, buttons, analog stick, SIXAXIS motion sensors, etc. The more interesting bits, however, are a bit harder to pick out from the drawing.

First of all, those shaded stripes on the edge are not a creamy nougat center, as we had originally surmised, but rather illuminated strips of LEDs or comparable light source. This would allow the EyePad, in conjunction with an EyeToy camera, to function as a PlayStation Move controller.

Secondly, those dots on either corner of the apparent display (which could actually be a normal display, touchscreen or Vita-esque touchpad, according to the filing) are paired stereoscopic cameras. The cameras are arranged in such as way that their respective fields of vision provide a full, 360-degree view of any object placed onto the surface of the EyePad's screen, allowing for objects to be fully scanned in three dimensions and then rendered in game. Theoretically the player could also place their face within this field, allowing for face mapping in character customization applications, for instance.

Again, we doubt this patent represents anything more than a combination of day-dreaming and butt-covering on the parts of Sony's engineers and legal department, respectively, but the ideas presented here are definitely interesting.

JoystiqSony patents 'Eyepad,' a Move-enabled PS3 tablet controller originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 16 Feb 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-camerasARcontrollereyepadeyetoymovepatentplaystationps3stereoscopictabletSat, 16 Feb 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD counts 39M game consoles in US homes going into 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/npd-counts-39m-game-consoles-in-us-homes-going-into-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/npd-counts-39m-game-consoles-in-us-homes-going-into-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/npd-counts-39m-game-consoles-in-us-homes-going-into-2013/#comments The NPD counts 39 million game consoles in US homes going into 2013The NPD's latest report says there are 400 million Internet-connected devices in American homes these days, 39 million of which are video game consoles.

The majority of connected devices (about 184 million) are still plain ol' desktop and laptop computers, and smartphones are in second place with about 133 million devices. Video game consoles come in third, right above tablets (31.8 million) and connected HDTVs (16 million), which means there's a significant number of game-oriented devices out there plugged into the Internet.

The NPD says it expects these devices to start connecting to each other more in 2013, with smartphones and tablets doing more sharing to larger television screens. Video game consoles serve plenty of functions outside of pure gaming already, including video streaming, networking, and Internet browsing. NPD's report says that if smartphones and tablets can provide those services in a combination that appeals to customers, those categories will continue to grow this year, possibly even leaving dedicated game consoles behind.

JoystiqNPD counts 39M game consoles in US homes going into 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jan 2013 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013computersconnectedinternetmicrosoftnpdplaystationps3reportsmartphonessurveytablettabletsvideo-game-consolesxboxThu, 03 Jan 2013 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve tried Dota 2 on tablets, they ended up being 'a disappointment']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/valve-tried-dota-2-on-tablets-they-ended-up-being-a-disappoint/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/valve-tried-dota-2-on-tablets-they-ended-up-being-a-disappoint/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/valve-tried-dota-2-on-tablets-they-ended-up-being-a-disappoint/#comments Valve wants Dota 2 on tablets, but initial tests were a 'disappointment'Valve tested the Dota 2 experience on current-gen tablets and came away with a bad taste in its mouth, studio founder Gabe Newell told Kotaku. Today's tablets just weren't fast enough, apparently:

"We were working on getting Dota 2 running on some tablets," Newell said. "That ended up being kind of a disappointment. But the good news is that tablets are getting faster very quickly, so I think we'll get the kind of performance we want and other game developers want in the near future."

Dota 2 will come to PC and Mac at a future date that is sooner than originally planned, but still unannounced.

JoystiqValve tried Dota 2 on tablets, they ended up being 'a disappointment' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dota-2gabe-newellmacmobilepctablettestvalveMon, 10 Dec 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wikipad delayed on launch day, 'refined and upgraded bundles' to be announced soon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/wikipad-delayed-on-launch-day-refined-and-upgraded-bundles-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/wikipad-delayed-on-launch-day-refined-and-upgraded-bundles-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/wikipad-delayed-on-launch-day-refined-and-upgraded-bundles-to/#comments Wikipad delayed on launch day, 'refined and upgraded bundles' to be announced soonThe upcoming Android gaming tablet Wikipad was set to launch today, but the company's representatives have sent along a statement from the development team (which you can read in full after the break) saying that the launch has been delayed. According to the statement, the device's release was moved in order to take advantage of a "last minute opportunity" to "ensure our first customers are completely satisfied with the Wikipad." Unfortunately, no new launch date has been set yet.

The team says that it's working with GameStop on dealing with current pre-orders, and that anyone who's already pre-ordered the product will not only get the "refined and upgraded" bundle when it's eventually released, but "a special bonus gift" as well. Again, there's no indication when that might happen, so we'll just have to wait and see what Wikipad's plans are going forward.

Continue reading Wikipad delayed on launch day, 'refined and upgraded bundles' to be announced soon

JoystiqWikipad delayed on launch day, 'refined and upgraded bundles' to be announced soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agreementsandroidbundledelayedgamestopmessagemobilepreordersreleaserelease-datespecialtabletteamwikipadWed, 31 Oct 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Iwata on Wii U launch strategy, new IP, tablet and smartphone impact]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/29/iwata-on-wii-u-launch-strategy-new-ip-tablet-and-smartphone-im/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/29/iwata-on-wii-u-launch-strategy-new-ip-tablet-and-smartphone-im/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/29/iwata-on-wii-u-launch-strategy-new-ip-tablet-and-smartphone-im/#comments During the Q&A following Nintendo's latest earnings presentation, president Satoru Iwata addressed several topics, including Wii U marketing strategy, the difficulty of selling games based on new IP and the impact of smartphones and tablets on the video game industry. Concerning the Wii U, Iwata noted that one of Nintendo's mistakes in previous launches was releasing too many games alongside new hardware.

"Nintendo tends to release too many titles at the launch of a hardware system and as a result suffers a drop in new games for quite some time after launch, and for the Wii U launch, we are being very careful not to let it happen," said Iwata. Furthermore, a hefty third-party lineup has enabled Nintendo to delay the release of certain games until next year, though they were originally planned to launch with the Wii U.

One questioner pointed out that Nintendo's sales seem to be dominated by well-known franchises such as Mario and Pokemon, while new IPs "seem to have little presence." Iwata acknowledged that consumers tend to stick to established brands, but noted that digital sales have the potential to help move new IPs. He cited Art Academy as an example, noting that it began life as a digital product on DSiWare. Art Academy was well-received and "we therefore recreated it as packaged software and it eventually became a million-unit selling title worldwide." Iwata said he'd like to see more "positive outcomes" arise from similar strategies.

Continue reading Iwata on Wii U launch strategy, new IP, tablet and smartphone impact

JoystiqIwata on Wii U launch strategy, new IP, tablet and smartphone impact originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Oct 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsnintendosatoru-iwatasmartphonesmartphonestablettabletswii-uMon, 29 Oct 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Alt-Minds is a 'transmedia fiction' from Amy publishers, coming November 5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/alt-minds-is-a-transmedia-fiction-from-amy-publishers-coming/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/alt-minds-is-a-transmedia-fiction-from-amy-publishers-coming/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/alt-minds-is-a-transmedia-fiction-from-amy-publishers-coming/#comments AltMinds, from makers of Amy, coming November 5Lexis Numérique is setting its sights on its next title: Alt-Minds, a game the publisher claims will feature "a true transmedia fiction." Its first title since launching the less-than illustrious horror game Amy, the European publisher says that Alt-Minds will arrive on both PC and Mac on November 5, along with a companion app.

Alt-Minds follows the story of five young scientists working on a mysterious physics experiment. While the PC/Mac game will tell the core story, players will also be able to use the location-based app to find story clues in the real world, and get (oh so not creepy) texts and phone calls directly from the story's characters.

The experience will take place over eight weeks, with participants being given clues or missions at any time during the period. If you can't be on your computer all of the time, the game will also have a "catch-up mode," to access past missions and re-play live events. To help tell its story, Alt-Minds will have a web series of ten seven-minute episodes, explaining the scientific background of the proceedings as they unfold.

The full experience will be free for everyone for a week. After that, players will need to pay about $5 per episode or around $30 for the entire series.

Continue reading Alt-Minds is a 'transmedia fiction' from Amy publishers, coming November 5

JoystiqAlt-Minds is a 'transmedia fiction' from Amy publishers, coming November 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Sep 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alt-mindsamydevelopersiosipadlexis-numeriquemobilepcpublisherssmartphonetablettransmediaWed, 26 Sep 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii U WiiPads won't be sold separately at launch in US, will be later on]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/wii-u-wiipads-wont-be-sold-separately-at-launch-in-us-will-be/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/wii-u-wiipads-wont-be-sold-separately-at-launch-in-us-will-be/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/wii-u-wiipads-wont-be-sold-separately-at-launch-in-us-will-be/#comments Wii U WiiPads won't be sold separately at launch in USWe've known the Wii U can support the simultaneous usage of two WiiPads for as long as we've known that no launch titles will support such madness. Japanese Wii U owners will eventually be able to purchase extra WiiPads for ¥13,440 ($173), while Americans have not been given a price or separate release date yet.

"Through the launch window, there are no games that leverage a second controller," Nintendo of America CEO Reggie Fils-Aime told Engadget. "And so, during the launch window here in NOA territories, we will not be selling at retail a second gamepad. But certainly, when the games come out, we'll be making that accessory available."

We suppose that wanting to future-proof your living room against the inevitable games that will support two WiiPads could be a valid reason for buying one right now, but a more likely scenario is one involving children, permanent markers and that stylus-driven touchscreen. Anyone looking to replace a damaged or otherwise undesirable WiiPad will need to contact Nintendo customer support when the times comes.

JoystiqWii U WiiPads won't be sold separately at launch in US, will be later on originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Sep 2012 18:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>extragamepadnintendonorth-americareplacementsalestabletwii-uwiipadThu, 13 Sep 2012 18:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Archos reveals 7-inch Android GamePad tablet]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/30/archos-reveals-7-inch-android-gamepad-tablet/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/30/archos-reveals-7-inch-android-gamepad-tablet/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/30/archos-reveals-7-inch-android-gamepad-tablet/#comments Archos reveals 7inch Android GamePad tabletIt seems like tablets geared toward gaming are all the rage these days. With the Wikipad slated to arrive in time for the holidays, Archos has announced its own gaming tablet, simply named GamePad. The GamePad sports a 7-inch screen and physical controls, including face buttons, shoulder buttons, a D-pad and what appear to be a pair of adorable analog nubbins.

As for specs, the tablet comes packing Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), a 1.5GHz dual-core processor and a Mali 400mp quad-core GPU. The unit also features a patented technology that allows virtual controls to be mapped to the physical controls, with Archos boasting that "over a thousand" Android apps are already compatible.

The GamePad will be available by the end of the year for less than €150 ($188). Engadget reports that it will ship simultaneously in both Europe and the US.

Continue reading Archos reveals 7-inch Android GamePad tablet

JoystiqArchos reveals 7-inch Android GamePad tablet originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Aug 2012 03:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidarchosgamepadmobiletabletThu, 30 Aug 2012 03:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Wikipad specs revealed, will run Android 4.1 games on a 10.1" screen]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/31/wikipad-specs-revealed-will-run-android-4-1-games-on-a-10-1-sc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/31/wikipad-specs-revealed-will-run-android-4-1-games-on-a-10-1-sc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/31/wikipad-specs-revealed-will-run-android-4-1-games-on-a-10-1-sc/#comments Yo dawg, Wikipad's Wikipad specs revealedThe Wikipad is a gaming tablet device revealed at CES earlier this year, and it's slowly moving from idea to reality. The company behind the tablet (also known as Wikipad, go figure) has announced the final specs for the design, and they're hot: The display will be 10.1 inches with a 16:10 1280x800 resolution, the tablet will be powered by an Nvidia Tegra 3 T30 1.4 GHz processor, and it will run with 1 GB of DDR2 RAM, and at least 16 GB of internal Flash memory storage. Android 4.1 will power the OS, and an onboard 23.46Wh battery will go for six hours of gaming and eight hours of video playback.

There will be an 8 megapixel camera on the back, as well as a 2 megapixel camera on the front. An early model this year featured a 3D display, but the final version will opt for 2D.

For the casing itself, Wikipad is going with a flat-backed shape with rounded corners, both slightly thicker, but also lighter, than the iPad 2. The controller add-on, which you can see above, is similar to a current-gen gaming controller (complete with triggers and buttons on the back) and will come with the unit.

A price and release date haven't been officially announced yet, but Wikipad is planning to have its namesake device out later this year.

JoystiqWikipad specs revealed, will run Android 4.1 games on a 10.1" screen originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Jul 2012 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddevicegamingmobilespecstabletwikipadTue, 31 Jul 2012 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft announces Surface tablet at Los Angeles event]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/18/microsoft-announces-surface-tablet-at-los-angeles-event/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/18/microsoft-announces-surface-tablet-at-los-angeles-event/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/18/microsoft-announces-surface-tablet-at-los-angeles-event/#comments Microsoft announces the Xbook at Los Angeles eventThe Microsoft Big Announcement Speculation Game can finally come to an end, as the company announced a new tablet device called Microsoft Surface this afternoon during a Los Angeles press event. Microsoft calls it the "companion hardware innovation" for Windows 8, an OS that was designed to work on mobile devices specifically.

The Surface includes a kickstand built in to the device, as well as an optional cover that contains a touch-typing, super thin keyboard and a multitouch trackpad. Because the device runs a full version of Windows 8, it presumably will run any games that work on that OS, but we'll have to wait and see how those games play. We can also presume that the Surface will work right alongside any other Smart Glass features to be announced for the Xbox later on. We'll have more on Surface in the future, so stay tuned.

Continue reading Microsoft announces Surface tablet at Los Angeles event

JoystiqMicrosoft announces Surface tablet at Los Angeles event originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Jun 2012 19:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hardwaremicrosoftmobilepcsteve-ballmersurfacetablettechtouchscreenwindowswindows8Mon, 18 Jun 2012 19:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Redesigned Wii U tablet shown off by TT Games QA guy [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/redesigned-wii-u-tablet-shown-off-by-tt-games-qa-guy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/redesigned-wii-u-tablet-shown-off-by-tt-games-qa-guy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/redesigned-wii-u-tablet-shown-off-by-tt-games-qa-guy/#comments ImageA QA tester at TT Games (Lego Harry Potter, Lego Star Wars, et al.) has tweeted an image of a Wii U tablet that appears to have undergone a redesign since we saw one out in the wild during last year's E3.

Most importantly, the concave 3DS-esque circle pads have been replaced with Wii-style analog sticks. The Wii U logo has been moved to the bottom left-hand side of the unit, while the plus and minus buttons have been moved to the right. Two mysterious button-ish indentations exist below the d-pad and between the power button and battery life indicator; their function, if any, remains unclear. Click here for an omega hyper resolution version.

Update: Well that didn't take long! The tweet in question has been removed, but a screenshot of said tweet has been safely ensconced after the break.

Additionally, eagle-eyed commenter Anthony noticed a couple more disparities between this unit and those seen at E3, namely that the Home button appears to be surrounded by an Xbox 360-style ring light, and that the tablet's edges look more dramatically beveled than previously seen. We've also noticed that the gates surrounding the analog sticks are circular, rather than octagonal, as seen on the Wii Nunchuk and Classic Controller.

Continue reading Redesigned Wii U tablet shown off by TT Games QA guy [update]

JoystiqRedesigned Wii U tablet shown off by TT Games QA guy [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 May 2012 17:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendoredesigntabletwii-uSat, 19 May 2012 17:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light ported to the BlackBerry PlayBook]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-ported-to-the-blackberry-pl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-ported-to-the-blackberry-pl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-ported-to-the-blackberry-pl/#comments ImageLara Croft and the Guardian of Light has been generally recognized as a great downloadable game that should be played by as many people as possible, which is why we're confused about its launch on the BlackBerry PlayBook. Get it? Because no one owns a PlayBook.

That's not true, we realize, but all is fair in love and bad comedy. Already a few happy PlayBookers and/or RIM and Square Enix employees have left gushing reviews on Guardian of Light's App World page, suggesting it's a solid experience even two years out and even on PlayBook. Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is available now for $3.99 via the BlackBerry App World.

JoystiqLara Croft and the Guardian of Light ported to the BlackBerry PlayBook originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 May 2012 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlackBerrylara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmobileplaybookSquare-EnixtabletTue, 01 May 2012 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony patented Wii U-esque controller, has pics to prove it]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/sony-patented-wii-u-esque-controller-pics-to-prove-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/sony-patented-wii-u-esque-controller-pics-to-prove-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/sony-patented-wii-u-esque-controller-pics-to-prove-it/#comments Sony may have been caught in the same handheld wavelengths as Nintendo in 2010. A patent uncovered by Games Beat shows Sony considering a handheld, touchscreen device that would function similarly to Nintendo's Wii U. Titled the "Position-dependent gaming, 3-D controller, and handheld as a remote," the device would track its own location as "input to a video game" and render "an avatar on a mobile device such that it appears to overlay a competing user in the real world."

Sony's Vita can share saves and transfer data with the PS3, and even has the capability to be used as a controller for compatible PS3 games, meaning this patent could simply be a tale of what might have been. Inspect some more images of Sony's device below.

Continue reading Sony patented Wii U-esque controller, has pics to prove it

JoystiqSony patented Wii U-esque controller, has pics to prove it originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controllerhandheldnintendopatentplaystationplaystation-vitaSONYtabletvitawii-uFri, 03 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Razer tests the waters with Project Fiona at CES]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/razer-tests-the-waters-with-project-fiona-at-ces/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/razer-tests-the-waters-with-project-fiona-at-ces/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/razer-tests-the-waters-with-project-fiona-at-ces/#comments Razer's Project Fiona looks just like you'd expect a prototype to look. Despite a thick but standard tablet-style body and 10.1 inch touchscreen, it has some unfinished aluminum struts sticking out of either side, with not-quite-perfect joysticks and buttons placed unceremoniously on the top. In short, it's a manufactured idea and not a real product just yet. And Razer's purpose at CES last week was to judge, reps told me, just how good that idea actually was.

Playing with the Project Fiona tablet doesn't feel quite right, but not because the games don't work. The Intel Core i7 processor powers a full Windows 7 installation (though it will eventually run Windows 8, says Razer), and the two prototypes at the show had full PC games on them, including the excellent Warhammer 40K: Space Marine. It ran quite well, but it was still difficult to play -- those joysticks and buttons just aren't fully in the right places. My thumbs did find and learn to use them after a few minutes of play, but it's unclear why, when Razer is already borrowing the "console controller" setup, the buttons are so strangely placed.

After about twenty minutes of handling and playing with Project Fiona, I came to the biggest question about the prototype: Why?

Continue reading Razer tests the waters with Project Fiona at CES

JoystiqRazer tests the waters with Project Fiona at CES originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces-2012gamingmobilepcpc-gamespc-gamingproject-fionarazertabletMon, 16 Jan 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Razer's 'Project Fiona' is a gaming tablet prototype ... and it plays PC games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/razers-project-fiona-is-a-gaming-tablet-prototype-and-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/razers-project-fiona-is-a-gaming-tablet-prototype-and-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/razers-project-fiona-is-a-gaming-tablet-prototype-and-it/#comments Perhaps the PlayStation Vita's leggy 5 inch screen just isn't enough for your dedicated gaming portable needs. Perhaps -- and this is just a theoretical, of course -- you think Sony's promise of console quality games on the Vita isn't nearly as important as full-on console games on the go. Enter Razer's "Project Fiona PC Gaming Tablet." It's merely a prototype (at least for now), but this may be the go-to portable for you at some point in the future, fictional crazy person.

Razer unveiled the prototype concept this week at CES, ending an ambiguous, weeks-long promotional campaign (seen after the break). According to a press release issued by the hardware company, the Project Fiona tablet comes with an Intel Core i7 processor, and is capable of running "current-generation PC games" -- Firefall, Assassin's Creed: Revelations and H.A.W.X. 2 are shown in the teaser, offering examples of some titles that will apparently work on the device -- surprise surprise, Ubisoft is jumping at the chance to showcase its wares on a new gaming device. Razer claimed in the announce that "many" PC games will "run natively" on the device without any need for specialization.

Beyond being a super powerful gaming tablet, Project Fiona also keeps up with the Joneses by including "ultra-precise accelerometers and a highly sensitive multi-touch screen," which is intended to give developers a chance to cater their PC games to the device. It also has now de rigeur forced feedback, so you can rumble while commuting.

Unlike Razer's previous gaming prototype, the Switchblade, the company isn't giving out a hard price for Project Fiona, but said it'll be "under $1,000" when it's expected to launch in "Q4 2012."

Gallery: Razer's 'Project Fiona' PC gaming tablet

Continue reading Razer's 'Project Fiona' is a gaming tablet prototype ... and it plays PC games

JoystiqRazer's 'Project Fiona' is a gaming tablet prototype ... and it plays PC games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>firefallmobilepcproject-fionaproject-fiona-pc-gaming-tabletprototypeq4-2012razerred-5red-5-studiosrelease-datetabletubisoftTue, 10 Jan 2012 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Anomaly: Warzone Earth debuts on Kindle Fire, took one guy two weeks to port]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/anomaly-warzone-earth-debuts-on-kindle-fire-took-one-guy-two-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/anomaly-warzone-earth-debuts-on-kindle-fire-took-one-guy-two-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/anomaly-warzone-earth-debuts-on-kindle-fire-took-one-guy-two-w/#comments
That's right, you can download Anomaly: Warzone Earth on the Kindle Fire. If you've got an Android tablet sporting 2.3 or higher, it should also be compatible with your non-Kindle Fire thingamabob. All you need to do is install the Amazon App Store and cough up $3.99.

More impressive than Anomaly: Warzone Earth's debut on a yet another platform is how it made its way over to Android in the first place -- via one guy. It took 11 bit studios' lead programmer Bartosz Brzostek just two weeks (and a lot of coffee) to port the iOS version over to Android.

JoystiqAnomaly: Warzone Earth debuts on Kindle Fire, took one guy two weeks to port originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>11-bit-studiosamazonamazon-app-storeandroidandroid-tabletanomaly-warzone-earthkindle-firemobiletabletWed, 21 Dec 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ lays off 30 Play THQ employees]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/10/thq-lays-off-30-play-thq-employees/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/10/thq-lays-off-30-play-thq-employees/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/10/thq-lays-off-30-play-thq-employees/#comments The business world, like the rest of the world, is a cruel and unforgiving mistress. Following the "weaker than expected" sales figures achieved by THQ's uDraw tablet during the third quarter of the 2012 fiscal year, THQ has let go 30 members of its Play THQ team; the Agoura Hills unit responsible for uDraw.

"We are taking a difficult but important step to reduce the number of employees that supported this brand," a THQ representative said in a statement to Game Informer. "30 people will be leaving the company and business unit leader Martin Good will also be leaving to pursue new opportunities outside the company."

THQ is still hopeful that the success of Saints Row: The Third and WWE '12 will pull out a fourth quarter turnaround before the end of fiscal 2012.

JoystiqTHQ lays off 30 Play THQ employees originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Dec 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>firedfiscal-2012laid-offlay-offslayoffslet-gomicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3Q3Q4tabletTHQuDrawwiixboxSat, 10 Dec 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdom for Keflings coming to OnLive with touchscreen controls]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/kingdom-for-keflings-coming-to-onlive-with-touch-screen-controls/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/kingdom-for-keflings-coming-to-onlive-with-touch-screen-controls/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/kingdom-for-keflings-coming-to-onlive-with-touch-screen-controls/#comments NinjaBee's decidedly adorable city-building game, A Kingdom for Keflings, is the latest arrival on the recently launched OnLive mobile streaming application. As part of its welcoming celebration, the title will run players $2.50 (down from $9.99) through midnight on Monday, December 12. Better yet, anyone who bought the PC version of the game directly through NinjaBee's site are eligible to receive a free OnLive copy -- just email Swag@NinjaBee.com with the subject "Keflings OnLive," including the name and email address you used to buy the game.

The OnLive version is one of few games on the platform to be altered to include native touchscreen controls, making it a nice fit on tablets like the iPad 2 and Android devices. Keflings, you see, are meant to be poked and prodded, not manipulated with cold, unfeeling joysticks.

Continue reading Kingdom for Keflings coming to OnLive with touchscreen controls

JoystiqKingdom for Keflings coming to OnLive with touchscreen controls originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-kingdom-for-keflingsandroidiosipadmobileninjabeeonlivestreamingtabletThu, 08 Dec 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[OnLive releases iOS and Android apps, custom touch controls, and a wireless controller]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/onlive-releases-ios-and-android-apps-custom-touch-controls-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/onlive-releases-ios-and-android-apps-custom-touch-controls-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/onlive-releases-ios-and-android-apps-custom-touch-controls-and/#comments Cloud gaming service OnLive has been up and running for about a year now, and in all that time it's been doing exactly what many gamers thought impossible: Playing high resolution games over the Internet on any computer powerful enough to run a simple streaming app. Now, the company is taking its cloud-based show to smartphones and tablets, with a whole suite of apps available this week for Android and iOS devices.

Joystiq had a chance to chat with OnLive CEO Steve Perlman, and he told us how the company has brought OnLive's library of PC and console titles to touchscreens everywhere (with the help of developers like Rockstar Games and a brand new controller), how OnLive and its service compares to the Xbox 360 console, and how his company would rather play nice with traditional console makers like Microsoft and Sony than disrupt their current business models.

Continue reading OnLive releases iOS and Android apps, custom touch controls, and a wireless controller

JoystiqOnLive releases iOS and Android apps, custom touch controls, and a wireless controller originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappsceocloudgamingiosipadiphonemobileonlivesteve-perlmanstreamingtabletWed, 07 Dec 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop selling specialized Android tablets at 200 U.S. stores right now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/30/gamestop-selling-specialized-android-tablets-at-200-u-s-stores/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/30/gamestop-selling-specialized-android-tablets-at-200-u-s-stores/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/30/gamestop-selling-specialized-android-tablets-at-200-u-s-stores/#comments GameStop has initiated Protocol 3 -- which is less lethal than Protocol 10 but possibly has the same resonating impact on humanity -- with the sale of specialized Android tablets at 200 of its U.S. stores. The tablets are produced by Asustek, Acer and Samsung, and come installed with seven games, including Dead Space and Madden NFL, and links to the GameStop Kongregate Arcade app store and the Android Market.

GameStop began radically expanding its business to include mobile gaming this year, establishing a cloud-gaming division and acquiring Spawn Labs and Impulse, but had said its GameStop-branded Android tablet wouldn't hit shelves until next year. These 200 stores could be an initial test-run before the tablets go mainstream (what hipsters). GameStop now accepts iOS-device trade-ins, which means, in theory, you'll be able to trade in your Apple product directly for an Android one.

As long as the GameStop tablet plays GoatUp, we'll be satisfied.

JoystiqGameStop selling specialized Android tablets at 200 U.S. stores right now originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 30 Oct 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgamestopmobiletabletSun, 30 Oct 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamestop launching branded Android gaming tablet next year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/gamestop-launching-branded-android-gaming-tablet-next-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/gamestop-launching-branded-android-gaming-tablet-next-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/gamestop-launching-branded-android-gaming-tablet-next-year/#comments Gamestop has come up with a thoroughly thought-provoking method to stop losing business to the ever-expanding mobile market: By jumping into that market with arms outstretched. The company hinted at the possibility of developing a gaming tablet earlier this year; today, Gamestop president Tony Bartel explained to GamesIndustry that they're currently testing the sale and distribution of an unspecified Android tablet which will be Gamestop branded, and paired with a dedicated controller peripheral.

The device will support (and, after a trip through Gamestop's refurbishment center, will be pre-loaded with) mobile apps, but the goal is to allow the tablet to stream full retail releases (assumedly using Spawn Labs' Player software). Bartel also mentioned that the company was working with developers to create titles specifically for the hardware -- though we'll probably have to wait until the device's launch next year to find out the identity of those titles, not to mention the tablet itself.

JoystiqGamestop launching branded Android gaming tablet next year originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgamestopmobilespawn-labsstreamingtabletMon, 12 Sep 2011 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Ubisoft video hinted at tablet peripheral, Project InTouch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/20/rumor-ubisoft-video-hinted-at-tablet-peripheral-project-intouc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/20/rumor-ubisoft-video-hinted-at-tablet-peripheral-project-intouc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/20/rumor-ubisoft-video-hinted-at-tablet-peripheral-project-intouc/#comments Ubisoft may be looking to re-enter the peripheral market with a tablet called Project InTouch, as demonstrated by an internal marketing video found by superannuation. The video was hastily removed from Vimeo, leaving behind the message that Ubisoft claimed infringement on something called "UBISOFT TABLET," which doesn't do much to dispel the tablet gossip.

Screenshots from the video lend even more credence to the rumor, showing a family happily playing uDraw-WiiU-esque games from a chunky green and white tablet. See the shots below and decide for yourself if this is a new peripheral venture from Ubisoft, or a red herring for its unannounced game, Family Slaughterhouse Funtime.

Continue reading Rumor: Ubisoft video hinted at tablet peripheral, Project InTouch

JoystiqRumor: Ubisoft video hinted at tablet peripheral, Project InTouch originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 20 Aug 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftnintendopcplaystationProject-InTouchps3tabletUbisoftwiixboxSat, 20 Aug 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii U WiiPad controller patent reveals magnetometer, flash memory]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/13/wii-u-wiipad-controller-patent-reveals-magnetometer-flash-memor/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/13/wii-u-wiipad-controller-patent-reveals-magnetometer-flash-memor/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/13/wii-u-wiipad-controller-patent-reveals-magnetometer-flash-memor/#comments The Wii U's tablet-esque controller may tout its touchscreen as its main selling point, but there's a lot more than meets the eye going into every one of Nintendo's resistive-screened revolutionaries. Patent diagrams for the WiiPad's schematics list off plenty of components you'd expect (touch panel, touch panel controller, camera, etc), however eagle-eyed patent trolls have pointed out a few less common additions to the hardware, namely a magnetic sensor and flash memory.

The "magnetic sensor," more commonly referred to as a magnetometer, measures your proximity to Magneto disturbances in a device's magnetic field. Magnetometers have been used in smartphones to find true north for GPS and compass applications, however the technology can also lend itself to touch-less, camera-less gesture input.

Flash memory, while mentioned, is not listed in any specific quantity, which makes inferring its purpose somewhat difficult. The memory is listed separately from the onboard CPU's internal memory, however, so its applications will likely be user-oriented rather than processor-oriented. For now, all we can do is wait, imagine, and dream. How many Miis will we be able to fit on this thing? All of them? The future is so bright.

Continue reading Wii U WiiPad controller patent reveals magnetometer, flash memory

JoystiqWii U WiiPad controller patent reveals magnetometer, flash memory originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flash-memorymagnetometernintendopatentpatentstablettouch-screentouchscreenwiiwii-uwiipadSat, 13 Aug 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Take a closer look at the Wii U's crazy controller]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/take-a-closer-look-at-the-wii-us-crazy-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/take-a-closer-look-at-the-wii-us-crazy-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/take-a-closer-look-at-the-wii-us-crazy-controller/#comments You've seen the press conference, you've read all about the games in development for the Wii U, and now we've got our first hands-on with the Wii successor's enormous, crazy controller. We'll have a full writeup for you as the day goes on, but we figured you might wanna take a closer look at the pseudo-tablet right now.

Gallery: Wii U Controller (E3 2011 - Hardware)

JoystiqTake a closer look at the Wii U's crazy controller originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controllere3-2011hardwarenintendotabletwiiwii-uTue, 07 Jun 2011 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop porting game-streaming Spawn Player to Android devices]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/gamestop-porting-game-streaming-spawn-player-to-android-devices/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/gamestop-porting-game-streaming-spawn-player-to-android-devices/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/gamestop-porting-game-streaming-spawn-player-to-android-devices/#commentsGameStop is wasting little time expanding the scope of Spawn Labs, its newly minted "cloud gaming division." A recent job listing for the company seeks a senior software engineer to be "responsible for the development and maintenance of our Player software on Android tablets and smartphones." (Additional job postings are for key roles in the division, which is also looking to port the Spawn Player app to Linux-based systems.)

Upon announcing the acquisition of the game-streaming tech outfit late last month, GameStop laid out a clear goal: "Once the Spawn Labs integration and testing on a new consumer interface is complete, users will have immediate access to a wide selection of high-definition video games on demand on any internet-enabled device." Android phones and tablets (and Linux systems) would appear to be next on the checklist, but what about iOS devices?

"Getting the audio and video onto the iPhone or iPad is not too hard," Spawn Labs' David Wilson pointed out in the community forums (some months ago). "Getting game control in a way that works for console games is hard -- but only because Apple controls both the physical and Bluetooth interfaces to the device." In response to a followup question, he added, "Yes, Android is more within our control than the iPhone."

While Spawn Labs has operated as a sort of "Slingbox for gaming," with its Spawn HD-720 box providing the technology to stream your game consoles' content to a computer, GameStop appears to be angling to cast a much wider net -- not just to stream your console games on more devices, but to sell you new games to stream on more devices. The retail giant has also scooped up a digital distribution platform in Impulse, which would seem just the thing to provide that "wide selection of high-definition video games on demand" -- just as soon as Spawns Labs' "new consumer interface is complete," of course. (Muahahahahaha!)

[Thanks, Gregory]

JoystiqGameStop porting game-streaming Spawn Player to Android devices originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcloud-gaminggame-streaminggamestopjob-listingjobslinuxmobileportsmartphonespawn-labsspawn-playertabletThu, 28 Apr 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony reveals two PlayStation Suite-compatible Android tablets]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/26/sony-reveals-two-playstation-suite-compatible-android-tablets/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/26/sony-reveals-two-playstation-suite-compatible-android-tablets/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/26/sony-reveals-two-playstation-suite-compatible-android-tablets/#comments Two more PlayStation Suite-compatible devices are joining the Xperia Play in Sony's product lineup. Last night, Sony officially unveiled the S1 and S2 tablets, both running Android 3.0, and both pretty weird-looking as tablets go.

The S1 is the tablet whose unconvential design was revealed early by Engadget. It has a back panel that tapers downward, which is supposed to make it more comfortable, and a 9.4-inch screen. The S2 is the DS of tablets, with two 5.5" screens in a clamshell case, allowing one screen to be used as a soft keyboard.

Both tablets will feature PlayStation Suite, so users will be able to play selected PSOne games on the devices, albeit with virtual controls. Both Sony Tablets (in a rare moment of sensible naming convention, "Sony Tablet" is the name of the line) will be out this fall globally. Check out a brief video after the break -- there's a little Crash Bandicoot in it for you.

Gallery: Sony S1 and S2 tablets

Continue reading Sony reveals two PlayStation Suite-compatible Android tablets

JoystiqSony reveals two PlayStation Suite-compatible Android tablets originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 09:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid-3.0honeycombmobileplaystation-suites1s2sony-tablettabletTue, 26 Apr 2011 09:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Sony's PlayStation Certified tablet due this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/report-sonys-playstation-certified-tablet-due-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/report-sonys-playstation-certified-tablet-due-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/report-sonys-playstation-certified-tablet-due-this-summer/#comments Sony's gearing up to release yet another "PlayStation Certified" device by year end, Nikkei reports (via Bloomberg). Sony CEO Sir Howard Stringer confirmed as much to the Japanese newspaper, saying that the Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) tablet will be available in unspecified territories by the end of the summer, with the US receiving the first batch.

Oddly, Sony later told Japanese site AV Watch that the tablet would arrive "before the end of this year" -- Engadget speculates that this could both be referring to the Japanese version's release or simply an attempt to muddle things after Stringer said something he shouldn't have.

Stringer unfortunately didn't specify if he was referring to the rumored "S1" tablet in development at Sony (mock-up seen above) or the clamshell resemblant "S2" model, both of which are said to feature Honeycomb and ... uh ... both of them are unreleased Sony tablets. Given how Sony handled its last PlayStation Certified device, though, we expect to hear much, much more as 2011 progresses.

JoystiqReport: Sony's PlayStation Certified tablet due this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidhoneycombhoward-stringermobileplaystation-certifiedrelease-dates1s1-tabletsir-howard-stringersonytabletTue, 05 Apr 2011 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Mobile version of EVE Online demoed for smartphones and tablets]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/mobile-version-of-eve-online-demoed-for-smartphones-and-tablets/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/mobile-version-of-eve-online-demoed-for-smartphones-and-tablets/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/mobile-version-of-eve-online-demoed-for-smartphones-and-tablets/#comments No longer satisfied with completely absorbing the lives of its spacefaring businessmen via their personal computers, CCP Games recently demonstrated a simpler version of its MMO EVE Online that runs on Tegra 2-powered tablets and smartphones. CCP Chief Technology Officer Halldor Fannar explained that the application -- which was given absolutely no release details whatsoever -- could be used for "doing market transactions, managing your skill queue and, for instance, fitting your spaceship."

Wait, there's more to EVE Online than those things? Here we just thought it was a game about interstellar business mergers and hypergalactic corporate greed. You know: stuff like that seems like a pretty natural fit on a thing that could easily fit in the pocket of a tailored pair of business pants.

JoystiqMobile version of EVE Online demoed for smartphones and tablets originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccp-gameseve-onlinemacmmomobilepcsmartphonetablettegra-2Tue, 29 Mar 2011 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Sony 'S1' tablet is PlayStation certified, features Qriocity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/16/report-sony-s1-tablet-is-playstation-certified-features-qrio/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/16/report-sony-s1-tablet-is-playstation-certified-features-qrio/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/16/report-sony-s1-tablet-is-playstation-certified-features-qrio/#commentsEngadget reports on a new Sony tablet that might just be the one Kaz Hirai called "currently in development" at CES, integrating PlayStation branding and content. The device, code-named "S1" will reportedly run a custom version of the Android Honeycomb OS (even though Honeycomb will already have a nice UI courtesy of Matias Duarte) and is said to integrate the Qriocity media platform, currently available on PS3 for music (in Europe) and video streaming.

Like the Xperia Play, according to Engadget's sources, this tablet is "PlayStation Certified" and will come preloaded with PlayStation games. The Tegra 2-equipped tablet will supposedly have an odd design (as seen in Engadget's mock-up above), meant to recall a folded-up paperback, which will allow the tablet to be set down at an angle for easy typing. The device is tentatively scheduled to ship in September, according to the report.

If the S1's buildup is anything like the Xperia Play's, we'll hear a lot more about this thing even before Sony decides to say a word.

JoystiqReport: Sony 'S1' tablet is PlayStation certified, features Qriocity originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mobileplaystationplaystation-certifiedplaystation-suiteqriositys1tabletWed, 16 Feb 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Vector Unit announces Riptide GP for Tegra 2-based Android devices]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/vector-unit-announces-riptide-gp-for-tegra-2-based-android-devic/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/vector-unit-announces-riptide-gp-for-tegra-2-based-android-devic/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/vector-unit-announces-riptide-gp-for-tegra-2-based-android-devic/#comments Vector Unit, the developer behind the downloadable Hydro Thunder Hurricane, has announced at the Mobile World Congress that it's bringing a new game called Riptide GP to Android devices, specifically those with Nvidia Tegra 2 chipsets. As you can see above, it's a futuristic watercraft racing title, and Vector Unit says that it's been able to do some impressive things effects-wise with the Tegra 2 architecture. Riders will be able to jump from wave to wave and race around "waterpark racetracks," all using console-style visuals on a mobile device.

Riptide GP is playable at MWC this week and will arrive sometime this summer. Check the gallery below for a few more screenshots of it in action.

Gallery: Riptide GP

JoystiqVector Unit announces Riptide GP for Tegra 2-based Android devices originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidmobilenvidia-tegra-2riptide-gptablettegra-2vector-unitTue, 15 Feb 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Razer announces Switchblade 7-inch PC gaming tablet concept]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/razer-announces-switchblade-7-inch-pc-gaming-tablet-concept/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/razer-announces-switchblade-7-inch-pc-gaming-tablet-concept/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/razer-announces-switchblade-7-inch-pc-gaming-tablet-concept/#comments CES 2011 is proving to be a veritable cornucopia of radical, tantalizing concepts that aren't real products just yet. For instance, PC hardware manufacturer Razer turned our heads with the Switchblade -- a 7-inch gaming tablet with a multi-touch screen and keys that change based on the game that's being played. Trust us, it's much more impressive on video -- check out the demonstration posted after the jump to see this shape-shifting magic act in motion.

Sadly, Razer hasn't announced any plans to actually take the Switchblade to market, nor most of the device's technical specs. We'll try to get some answers when we stop by Razer's booth on the CES show floor. If that doesn't work, we'll try to totally steal whatever demo model they've got. Oh, wait. We probably shouldn't have said that part on the internet. You didn't hear that, capiche?

Gallery: Razer Switchblade concept art (1/6/11)

Continue reading Razer announces Switchblade 7-inch PC gaming tablet concept

JoystiqRazer announces Switchblade 7-inch PC gaming tablet concept originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2011pcrazerrazer-switchbladeswitchbladetablettouchscreenThu, 06 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[iPad international launch pushed back until the end of May]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/14/ipad-international-launch-pushed-back-until-the-end-of-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/14/ipad-international-launch-pushed-back-until-the-end-of-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/14/ipad-international-launch-pushed-back-until-the-end-of-may/#comments Listen, foreigners: We're sorry, okay? America's avarice for sleek, ultra-hip gadgets has overwhelmed Apple, who sold over half a million iPads during its first week in the market. In response to this "unexpected" sales surge, and in anticipation of even higher demand for the tablet, Apple has delayed the international launch of the device from late April to the end of May.

Overseas readers will have to wait until May 10 before finding out exactly when the iPad will be available for purchase, and the price point at which it will be sold. Heck, by that time, the U.S. will have already moved on to the next big thing in mobile technology: The Tamagotchi. That's right. We're bringing it back.

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqiPad international launch pushed back until the end of May originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appledelaygadgethardwareipadiPodrelease-datetabletWed, 14 Apr 2010 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[WSJ: Sony planning PlayStation-compatible smartphone and tablet for this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/wsj-sony-planning-playstation-compatible-smartphone-and-tablet/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/wsj-sony-planning-playstation-compatible-smartphone-and-tablet/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/wsj-sony-planning-playstation-compatible-smartphone-and-tablet/#comments In what it says is a reaction to Apple's growing footprint in portable gaming, the Wall Street Journal reports that Sony is prepping a 2010 launch of a smartphone and an iPad competitor -- said to be "a portable device that blurs distinctions among a netbook, an e-reader and a PlayStation Portable" -- both capable of running PS1 games. The paper cites "people familiar with the matter" as its sources, which have also told it that the devices will work with Sony's iTunes Store challenger, the Sony Online Service, that launches this month.

The WSJ also reports that the phone is being developed in conjunction with Sony Ericsson, with Sony proper being much more involved in the design of the device over past projects, due to the company's growing focus on smartphones and other mobile platforms. Development is said to be under the direction of Senior Vice President Kunimasa Suzuki, who acts as a deputy to PlayStation boss Kaz Hirai in Sony's gaming and Network Products & Services divisions.

Of course, this isn't the first time we've heard talk of a fabled "PlayStation Phone," and likely won't be the last -- hopefully the next time there's news, it will come in the form of an official product announcement by Sony.

[Via VG247]

JoystiqWSJ: Sony planning PlayStation-compatible smartphone and tablet for this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstation-phoneps1psp-phonesmartphonesonysony-ericssonsony-online-servicetabletThu, 04 Mar 2010 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Flight Control to be 're-imagined' for iPad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/flight-control-to-be-re-imagined-for-ipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/flight-control-to-be-re-imagined-for-ipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/flight-control-to-be-re-imagined-for-ipad/#commentsDeveloper Firemint is one of the first iPhone devs (though not the first!) to announce an upgraded version of an iPhone game for Apple's new iPad tablet thingy -- specifically, its two-million-selling action/strategy/air traffic control game, Flight Control. The developer announced that it will release an "optimised and re-imagined version of Flight Control" for the iPad. A DSiWare version is also expected to release at some unspecified time, though this announcement didn't mention it.

Though no concrete information about what the re-imaginings would be for iPad -- beyond imagining it on a bigger screen -- it sounds like Firemint anticipated porting the game up. "We are already building our next generation of games for higher definition, more powerful devices than are available today," Firemint said in its press release. "We like to imagine what the devices of tomorrow will be capable of, and invest in bringing our games to the next generation of hardware."

[Via Mobile-Ent]

JoystiqFlight Control to be 're-imagined' for iPad originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Appleapple-ipadfiremintflight-controlflight-control-hdipadiPodporttabletThu, 28 Jan 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Apple iPad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/apple-ipad-hands-on-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/apple-ipad-hands-on-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/apple-ipad-hands-on-preview/#comments
Click for gallery
Hey, so you know all about the iPhone, right? In the brief time we spent with Apple's new iPad, from a gaming perspective, there's not much more to add. It's a big iPod Touch -- both are missing the iPhone's camera -- but iPad's got a flexible data plan option; no contract required. While Apple showed off some iPad-optimized games during today's keynote, neither Gameloft's new version of N.O.V.A. nor Electronic Arts' new version of Need for Speed: Shift were available for demo. Instead, we took some plain ol' apps for a spin, including Scrabble and Need for Speed: Shift (the current iPhone version; not the upcoming iPad one).

The "2X" button indeed fills the screen with a simple tap, turning your low-res iPhone apps into full-screen experiences; however, the increase comes with a graphical cost. The games are scaled up and look like it. That doesn't mean they're not entirely playable -- Need for Speed actually controlled better with the larger screen; tilting the iPad had less of an effect on the screen than doing the same on the iPhone's comparatively tiny display, meaning we were able to focus on the action while moving the screen around (something many iPhone games simply don't do as well). Similarly, the larger surface means your big fat thumbs won't obscure as much of the screen as they do on the iPhone -- that means more room for on-screen pads, as shown in the iPad-optimized port of N.O.V.A.

The Apple representative guarding the preview device told us that the iPad-optimized games will be featured in their own part of the App Store. These aren't "combo" apps that work one way on iPhone or iPod Touch and another way on iPad -- they are separate apps. While the higher-resolution graphics and iPad-specific optimizations will surely result in better gaming experiences on the iPad, we're not sure if existing owners of iPhone games will be interested in the perceived "iPad tax" for an optimized version -- your regular iPhone games will work on both devices, after all.

Perhaps enhanced iPad games will have "downscaled" versions for iPhone, or perhaps some developers will discover a way to bundle both together? It's not clear, but we're reaching out to Apple to clarify some of the App Store functionality and will talk with developers to get their take on the new device. The new SDK is available today, so many iPhone developers will be busy exploring what's new for iPad.

Gallery: Hands-on: Apple iPad

JoystiqHands-on: Apple iPad originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple-ipadapple-tabletipadiPodtabletWed, 27 Jan 2010 15:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple iPad unveiled, like, for real f'real]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/apple-ipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/apple-ipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/apple-ipad/#comments It's finally over ... and it's just beginning! Apple has introduced the iPad to the world, ending a long-drawn-out development phase fraught with rumor and speculation. Today -- like, just now -- the iPad made its stage debut at Apple's "Latest Creation" event in San Francisco.

Quite the production, er, introduction, eh? Here's what we know right off the bat, courtesy of Steve Jobs:
  • "It's very thin -- you can change the homescreen to whatever you want"
  • "You can browse the web with it"
  • "Phenomenal for mail"
  • "Album, photos ... you can look at all of them, flick through them, it's a wonderful way to share. Calendar ... months ..."
  • "We have the iTunes store built right in. YouTube and YouTube in HD"
  • "And it's awesome to watch movies and TV"
  • "Even bigger than the DSi XL" (okay, so Steve didn't say that -- we did!)
Cool, but does it play games? Update: Yep, it does -- your old iPhone games! We even played a few in our hands-on preview.

Some additional specs: 0.5-inches thin; 1.5 pounds; 9.7-inch IPS display; multi-touch; powered by 1GHz Apple A4 chip; available in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB models; Bluetooth 2.1 plus EDR and 802.11n WiFi; speakers, mic and 30-pin connector; syncs over USB; and up to 10-hour battery life. First-party accessories include a standard dock (think: picture-frame mode), a keyboard dock and a case.

As for pricing, the 16GB model is $499 (or $629 with 3G compatibility); or 32GB for $599 ($729 with 3G); or 64GB for $699 ($829 with 3G). 3G-compatible models have an option between two data plans through AT&T: 250MB of data per month for $14.99 or unlimted data per month for $29.99. The data plans are prepaid and activated directly on the iPad -- there's no contract (so you can cancel anytime). WiFi models ship in 60 days (late March); 3G units in 90 (late April).

Gallery: Apple iPad

JoystiqApple iPad unveiled, like, for real f'real originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3gaccessoriesappleapple-ipadapple-tabletbattery-lifedockipadislateitabletkeyboardlatest-creationpricingspecstabletwifiWed, 27 Jan 2010 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[EA, Namco Networks gauge 'Apple Tablet' gaming possibilities]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/26/ea-namco-networks-gauge-apple-tablet-gaming-possibilities/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/26/ea-namco-networks-gauge-apple-tablet-gaming-possibilities/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/26/ea-namco-networks-gauge-apple-tablet-gaming-possibilities/#comments "If it's got a great screen, some buttons, you can turn it on and it connects to the Internet, it's got the ability to be a games machine." That's what EA Sports president Peter Moore shared on Apple's heavily rumored tablet device, predicted to be unveiled during a media event this Wednesday. Moore recently told Bloomberg that his knowledge on the project was derived from media reports -- in which case he must know about the connection drawn between EA and the unannounced device's game offerings.

In the same report, Jon Kromrey, general manager of Apple games at Namco Networks America (which recently trumpeted 23 million downloads on iPhone and iPod Touch), expresses a notable amount of optimism regarding the platform's gaming possibilities. "I'm having fun thinking about all the wonderful things we can do with the device when it's announced," he said. You know people have had enough speculation the moment they start saying "when."

If you've had trouble keeping track of the nigh-mythical tablet's history, head over to Engadget for a comprehensive summary. Joystiq will be attending Apple's media event tomorrow (psst, we cover games!) so expect to hear more then -- even if it's just a really powerful paintball gun.

JoystiqEA, Namco Networks gauge 'Apple Tablet' gaming possibilities originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple-tableteaea-sportsElectronic-ArtsipadiPodislateitabletjon-kromreynamco-bandainamco-networkspeter-moorerumortabletTue, 26 Jan 2010 21:40:00 EST<![CDATA[First Apple tablet game announced ... kind of]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/26/first-apple-tablet-game-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/26/first-apple-tablet-game-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/26/first-apple-tablet-game-announced/#commentsUnwilling to wait until the rumored Apple tablet thing becomes a reality (probably tomorrow!), iPhone app developer Stand Alone Inc. announced that it's working on a version of its Crosswords iPhone game for the theoretical device's possible 10-inch screen. "We have been anticipating the Apple tablet as the greatest piece of hardware for App developers since iPhone itself," Stand Alone president Bob Gottlieb said in the announcement, "and Crosswords will be even better on the new device."

The existence of a game for the tablet shouldn't be taken as confirmation of the tablet itself; though we've had plenty of that. Brian Akaka, of Stand Alone's PR firm Appular, told Joystiq that the game design is speculative.

"Stand Alone hasn't received any hardware or specs from Apple," Akaka said. "However, based on the general consensus available publicly, the tablet device is almost guaranteed in our opinion. Thus, the developer has prudently begun work on a new design for the game, in order to take advantage of the expected increase of real estate. The game is being designed to fit a 10-inch screen."

So, in the absence of advance info from Apple, Stand Alone has given itself a head start on tablet development -- it hopes.

[Via Mac|Life; Kotaku]

JoystiqFirst Apple tablet game announced ... kind of originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple-tabletappularbob-gottliebbrian-akakacrosswordsipadiPodislateitabletstand-alone-inctabletTue, 26 Jan 2010 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Can Apple save gaming magazines?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/26/can-apple-save-gaming-magazines/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/26/can-apple-save-gaming-magazines/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/26/can-apple-save-gaming-magazines/#comments
[SI.com; tablet concept]
What do these publications have in common: EGM, Games for Windows, Official PlayStation Magazine, Computer Games Magazine, Tips and Tricks, GMR, Xbox Nation, and Massive? Video games, sure, but all have also perished in the last five years. With the looming announcement of Apple's long-rumored tablet device, there's a chance that gaming magazines may finally be able to stop the bleeding.

It's no secret that just about every video game magazine out there is hurting right now -- save for the absurdly colossal Game Informer (its unique arrangement with GameStop provides the publication with a seemingly infinite subscriber base eager to save on used-game purchases and get extra trade-in credit). The magazine world in general has been hit hard by the evaporation of advertising dollars, and gaming publications have been subjected to some of the worst of that storm due to the movement of their traditionally tech-savvy audience away from print and to digital media.

However, Apple is rumored to be launching a device that could make magazines cool again and help the gaming print media crawl off its deathbed. The Wall Street Journal reported several days ago on information from anonymous sources that Apple has been in talks with several print media corporations, including Conde Nast, one of the largest magazine publishers in the world, to bring its publications to Apple's long-rumored tablet PC -- expected to be announced tomorrow, January 27, at a press event in San Francisco. The article speculated that Apple has plans to use this new device to redefine print media in much the same way that iTunes and the iPod revolutionized the monetization of music.

Continue reading Can Apple save gaming magazines?

JoystiqCan Apple save gaming magazines? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple-tabletdigitaldigital-magazinee-magazineezinegamingipadiPodislateitabletmagazinepublishingtablettablet-magazineTue, 26 Jan 2010 17:00:00 EST